Use controller, method for controlling use, and program

Abstract

To control use of an electric apparatus properly according to various different types of use contracts, while securing the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: The use controller includes: connection means connected to an electric apparatus; reading means for reading the effective period regarding use of the electric apparatus from a recording medium in a reading position in which the effective period is recorded; calculation means for calculating the use termination date regarding use of the electric apparatus from the current date and the effective period; writing means for writing data indicating the use termination date into the recording medium; and control means for allowing use of the electric apparatus when the current date is before the use termination date.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for controlling the use of electrical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for controlling the use of electrical devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for a prepaid card timer device that sets an expiration date for a card, in which issue date information is recorded on the card and the timer device calculates the expiration date of the card based on the issue date information.

[0003] Patent Document 2 does not relate to controlling the use of electrical equipment, but it does disclose technology for a card-type admission processing device that processes cards with expiration dates or processes equivalent to tickets when processing admission to exhibitions, theme parks, amusement facilities, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6638929 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3044925 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention of Patent Document 1 was limited to processing cards with expiration dates, and the invention of Patent Document 2 was designed so that a multi-use card could not be used for re-entry to a facility, limiting opportunities for use and making it inconvenient for users.

[0006] In view of the above background, the present invention provides a technique for controlling the use of electrical devices appropriately in accordance with various usage contracts while ensuring user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a usage control device having a connection means for connecting to an electrical appliance, a reading means for reading the validity period for usage of the electrical appliance from a recording medium located at a reading position on which the validity period for usage of the electrical appliance is recorded, a calculation means for calculating an end date for usage of the electrical appliance from a current date and time and the validity period, a writing means for writing data indicating the end date of usage to the recording medium, and a control means for enabling use of the electrical appliance when the current date and time is within the end date of usage.

[0008] The recording medium may store data indicating a type of usage contract for the electrical equipment, and the reading means may read the validity period from the recording medium when the type read from the recording medium at the reading position is a first type.

[0009] The recording medium stores data indicating the number of valid days and the last usage date for the use of the electrical device, and when the type read from the recording medium at the reading position is a second type, the reading means reads the number of valid days and the last usage date from the recording medium, the calculation means calculates a new number of valid days by subtracting 1 from the number of valid days, the writing means writes data into the recording medium with the current date and time as the last usage date, and when the last usage date read from the recording medium corresponds to the current date and time, the control means enables the use of the electrical device.

[0010] The connection means may be connected to a plurality of different electrical appliances, the recording medium may store data identifying an electrical appliance among the plurality of electrical appliances that is subject to the usage contract, the reading means may read data identifying the target electrical appliance from the recording medium located at the reading position, and the control means may make the target electrical appliance among the plurality of electrical appliances available for use.

[0011] The electrical device may have a storage means for storing information indicating whether or not a predetermined function among the functions of the electrical device can be used, and the control means may control the use of the predetermined function in the electrical device based on the information indicating the use or non-use stored in the storage means.

[0012] The control means may compare the current date and time with the end date of use of the recording medium when the current date and time has passed the date change time, and if the current date and time is within the end date of use, enable use of the electrical device.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a usage control method including the steps of: a computer connected to an electrical device reading a validity period for usage of the electrical device from a recording medium located at a reading position on which the validity period is recorded; calculating an end date for usage of the electrical device from a current date and time and the validity period; writing data indicating the end date of usage to the recording medium; and enabling use of the electrical device when the current date and time is within the end date of usage.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a computer connected to an electrical device to execute the steps of reading a validity period for use of the electrical device from a recording medium located at a reading position, on which the validity period for use of the electrical device is recorded, calculating an end date for use of the electrical device from a current date and time and the validity period, writing data indicating the end date of use to the recording medium, and enabling use of the electrical device when the current date and time is within the end date of use. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the use of electrical devices in accordance with various usage contracts while ensuring user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a usage control system 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the usage control system 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the usage control device 10. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is an external view (front side) illustrating the hardware of the usage control device 10. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is an external view (rear side) illustrating the hardware of the usage control device 10. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal memory of a type A recording medium. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an internal memory of a type B recording medium. [Figure 7] 4 is a sequence chart illustrating a method for starting use of an electrical device. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a type A recording medium. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating rewriting of an internal memory in a type A recording medium. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a type B recording medium. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating rewriting of an internal memory in a type B recording medium. [Figure 12] 4 is a sequence chart illustrating a method for ending the use of an electrical appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 1. Configuration 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of a usage control system 1. In this example, the usage control system 1 (or simply the system) is a system for controlling the usage of various electrical devices based on a usage contract at a facility such as a hospital, so that a user (e.g., an inpatient) can use the electrical devices (or simply the devices) installed in his or her own hospital room. In this example, the usage control system 1 includes a usage control device 10, a recording medium 100, and an electrical device 20. In this example, a user U1 is an example of a user who uses the electrical devices.

[0018] In this example, the usage control device 10 is a control device / information processing device that controls the electrical device 20 in response to use by a user U1. In this example, the usage control device 10 can control the use of the electrical device 20 via a recording medium 100 owned by the user U1. The usage control device 10 also has an internal clock. In this example, the usage control device 10 records the current "year, month, date" and "time" as the current date and time (or referred to as "current date") in advance by an administrator or the like. This allows the usage control device 10 to always hold the real-time date and time.

[0019] In this example, the recording medium 100 (an example of a recording medium) is a card equipped with a non-volatile internal memory that stores various data. For example, the recording medium 100 includes a magnetic card (here, "internal memory" includes the storage area of ​​a magnetic recording medium). In this example, the recording medium 100 (or simply "card") records the validity period for the use of the electrical device 20. In this example, the recording medium 100 stores data indicating the type of usage contract for the electrical device 20. In this example, the usage contract refers to the contract type for the recording medium 100 that is classified according to the frequency with which the user uses the electrical device 20. In this case, the contract type is divided into the following two types A and B.

[0020] Type A is a contract type that permits the use of the electrical device 20 any number of times during a predetermined valid period. In this example, the "valid period" represents a continuous period from a specific start date (e.g., the date the card was first used) until a predetermined number of days (e.g., 15 days) have passed. In other words, after the user first uses the card (activates the card), the date calculated by adding the "valid period" to the date the card was first used is determined as the expiration date of the card (hereinafter referred to as the "end date of use").

[0021] Type B is a contract type in which the electric device 20 can be used according to a predetermined number of valid days until the number of days is used up. In this example, the "number of valid days" is preset to, for example, "10 days." Furthermore, the day the card is used is counted as "1 day," and the process of subtracting this from the original number of valid days is repeated every time the user uses the card on a different day. Finally, when the number of valid days becomes less than "0 days," the card becomes unusable.

[0022] In this example, the electrical appliances 20 are a collective term for various electrical appliances connected to the usage control device 10 and used by the user U1. In this example, the electrical appliances 20 include, for example, a television 21 and a refrigerator 22 installed in the hospital room. In addition, the electrical appliances 20 include, for example, an (optional) third appliance and a laundry outside the hospital room.

[0023] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the usage control system 1. In this embodiment, the usage control device 10 has a reading means 11, a calculating means 12, a writing means 13, a connecting means 14, a storage means 18, and a control means 19. In this example, the storage means 18 stores various data including, for example, a database. In this example, the control means 19 performs various controls.

[0024] In this example, the reading means 11 reads the "validity period" regarding the use of the electrical device 20 from the recording medium 100 at the reading position, on which the "validity period" is recorded. In this example, if the type read from the recording medium 100 at the reading position is type A (an example of a first type), the reading means 11 reads the "validity period" from the recording medium 100. Also, if the type read from the recording medium 100 at the reading position is type B (an example of a second type), the reading means 11 reads the "validity days" and "last used date" from the recording medium 100.

[0025] In this example, the calculation means 12 calculates the usage end date for the usage of the electrical device 20 from the current date and time and the "validity period". In this example, the current date and time can be obtained by the calculation means 12 from the internal clock of the usage control device 10. Furthermore, when the type of the recording medium 100 is type B, the calculation means 12 calculates a new "validity period" by subtracting 1 (1 day) from the "validity period".

[0026] In this example, the writing means 13 writes data indicating the end date of use onto the recording medium 100. Furthermore, if the type of the recording medium 100 is type B, the writing means 13 writes the current date and time onto the recording medium 100 as the “last usage date” indicating the date on which the user last used the card.

[0027] In this example, the connection means 14 is connected to an electric device 20. Also, in this example, the connection means 14 is connected to a plurality of different electric devices 20.

[0028] In this example, the control means 19 enables the use of the electrical device 20 when the current date and time is within the usage end date. In addition, when the type of the recording medium 100 is type B, the control means 19 enables the use of the electrical device 20 when the "last usage date" read from the recording medium 100 corresponds to the current date and time.

[0029] 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the usage control device 10. In this example, the usage control device 10 is a control device / information processing device having an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, a communication IF 104, a card reader / writer 105, a clock 106, a display device 107, an input device 108, a power supply unit 1101, and a power supply unit 1102. The MPU 101 is a processor that performs various calculations according to a program. The memory 102 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the MPU 101 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 103 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data and programs, and includes, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The communication IF 104 is a device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0030] Moreover, the card reader / writer 105 is a device for reading / rewriting data recorded in the memory of a card (an example of the recording medium 100) inserted into the insertion port of the usage control device 10. The clock 106 represents an internal clock of the usage control device 10. In this example, the clock 106 can hold and output the current date and time, for example, the current "year / month / date" and "time". The display device 107 is a device for displaying information, and includes, for example, a 7-segment display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. In this example, the display device 107 can display various data so that the user can visually confirm them. The input device 108 is a device for removing a card inserted into the usage control device 10 and switching the display of the display device 107, and includes, for example, a physical switch or a physical button.

[0031] Furthermore, the power supply unit 1101 supplies power from an external electrical facility or the like to the usage control device 10 via, for example, a power plug. In this example, the power supply unit 1101 supplies the received power to a control board such as the MPU 101, various hardware components, and the power supply unit 1102. The power supply unit 1102 supplies power to an electrical device 20, which is an external device, via, for example, a power plug. In this example, the power supply unit 1102 can supply power to, for example, a plurality of electrical devices 20.

[0032] In this example, the programs stored in the storage 103 include a program (hereinafter referred to as a "client program") for making the computer function as a client in the usage control system 1. In a state in which the MPU 101 is executing the client program, the MPU 101, the memory 102, the storage 103, the communication IF 104, the card reader / writer 105, the clock 106, the display device 107, the input device 108, the power supply unit 1101, and the power supply unit 1102 are examples of functions for operating the usage control device 10. The MPU 101 is an example of a calculation means 12 and a control means 19. At least one of the memory 102 and the storage 103 is an example of a storage means 18. The card reader / writer 105 is an example of a reading means 11 and a writing means 13. The power supply unit 1102 is an example of a connection means 14.

[0033] Figures 4A and 4B are both external views illustrating the hardware of the usage control device 10. In this example, Figure 4A mainly shows one side (hereinafter referred to as the "front side") of the external appearance of the usage control device 10. In this example, Figure 4B mainly shows the other side (hereinafter referred to as the "back side") different from the "front side" of the external appearance of the usage control device 10. Note that these external views are merely examples and do not limit the design of the hardware of the usage control device 10. Here, each hardware configuration will be explained.

[0034] In FIG. 4A, the insertion slot 1051 of the usage control device 10 is a physical port for inserting the recording medium 100 into the main body of the usage control device 10. When a user uses an electric device 20, the user needs to insert the recording medium 100 held by the user into the insertion slot 1051 and have the usage control device 10 read the memory in the recording medium 100. For this reason, the insertion slot 1051 is functionally connected to the card reader / writer 105. In this example, a state in which a card is inserted into the insertion slot 1051 is a state in which the card is in a reading position. In this example, the display devices 1071 and 1072 are 7-segment displays (so-called "7-segment displays") that display various data. In this example, the display device 1071 displays, for example, the control state of the electric device 20 connected to the usage control device 10. In this example, the control state includes, for example, whether the electric device 20 can be used. That is, the display device 1071 can display, for example, "ON / OFF" or the like that indicates whether both the television 21 and the refrigerator 22 can be used. Furthermore, in this example, the display device 1072 displays, for example, the control state of the electrical device 20 as well as the count of "remaining days" such as the "validity period / validity days" recorded in the recording medium 100. Note that in this example, the display devices 1071 and 1072 can display the control state or count by, for example, a four-digit seven-segment display. Note that these display devices 1071 and 1072 can be set to display / hide in various ways by operating the lighting / extinguishing of the seven-segment display.

[0035] In this example, input device 1081 and input device 1082 are examples of input device 108. Input device 1081 is a physical button that allows the user to remove recording medium 100 inserted into insertion slot 1051. Input device 1082 is a physical button that turns on, or displays, the count of "remaining days" when the display itself of display device 1072 is turned off, or not displayed. The user operates input device 1082 to check the display contents of display device 1072.

[0036] In this example, the plug P10 directly receives electricity from a predetermined electrical equipment (outlet) to the usage control device 10. In this example, the plug P10 is an example of a power supply unit 1101. In this example, the television 21 and the refrigerator 22 (both are examples of the electrical equipment 20) are electrically connected to the usage control device 10 via the plugs P21 and P22, respectively. In this example, the usage control device 10 can supply power to the television 21 and the refrigerator 22 in response to various controls (not shown). In addition, in this example, the communication line L21 connects the television 21 and the usage control device 10. In this example, the usage control device 10 can control at least a part of the functions of the television 21 via the communication line L21. The television 21 is designed for use in facilities where users change, such as hospitals or hotels, and when a user tries to change the channel, it transmits an inquiry to the usage control device 10 as to whether or not the channel can be changed. This inquiry includes channel identification information. The channel identification information may be information for identifying an individual channel, or may be information for identifying a channel group (e.g., whether a pay channel or a free channel is selected). With respect to the television 21, the usage control device 10 stores information (an example of information indicating whether a function is available) for a channel or a channel group indicating whether the channel or the channel group can be viewed. If information indicating that the channel is permitted to be viewed is stored, the usage control device 10 outputs a response permitting a channel change to the television receiver. If information indicating that the channel is not permitted to be viewed is stored, the usage control device 10 outputs a response not permitting a channel change to the television receiver. With this function, for example, a channel group that can be viewed can be set in advance for each facility or room. Note that the video signal supplied to the television 21 is supplied, for example, from a receiving antenna provided in the facility or from a video signal output terminal provided on the wall of the room in the facility. The usage control device 10 may rewrite the information indicating whether the channel group can be viewed based on the contract type or other information stored in the card.

[0037] In Fig. 4B, the power supply unit 1101 of the usage control device 10 includes a plug P10. In this example, the power supply unit 1101 supplies power to the usage control device 10 in the manner described above. In this example, the power supply unit 1102 has an outlet CC21 and an outlet CC22 for electrically connecting to the television 21 and the refrigerator 22. In this example, the power supply unit 1102 supplies power to the electric device 20 in the manner described above.

[0038] 5 and 6 are both diagrams illustrating the internal memory of the recording medium 100. In this example, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal memory of a type A recording medium. In this example, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the internal memory of a type B recording medium. In this example, the usage control device 10 can read and add / rewrite data recorded in the internal memory of the recording medium 100 by the card reader / writer 105. Here, the data recorded in the internal memory will be described.

[0039] 5, memory 1001 represents the internal memory of a type A recording medium. In this example, data recorded in memory 1001 represents data in the internal memory of recording medium 100 in an unused state. Memory 1001 can record attribute information (items) for a unique card ID. In this example, the attribute information includes items such as card type, validity period / validity days, end date of use / last date of use, facility code, and device used.

[0040] In this example, the data "Commuter Pass (A)" representing type A is pre-recorded in the "Card Type" field. The usage control device 10 can determine and identify the card type by reading the data in this field.

[0041] In this example, the "validity period / validity days" item is an item determined according to the "card type". In the case of a type A card, this item indicates the "validity period". In this example, the "validity period" item pre-records data (numerical values) indicating how many days after the date of first use of the card the card can be used. In this example, a case where the validity period is, for example, "15" days will be described. In this example, assume that the user first used the card on "May 1, 2023 (or written as "2023 / 05 / 01")". In this case, the usage control device 10 that reads the card determines that the card can be used for "15" days including the current day. In other words, the usage control device 10 can determine that the card can be used until the date of "2023 / 05 / 15".

[0042] In this example, the "End of Use Date / Last Use Date" field is determined according to the "Card Type". In the case of a card of type A, this field represents the "End of Use Date". In this example, the "End of Use Date" field records a date as a six-digit number. Of these six digits, the first two digits represent the last two digits of the year (for example, "23" for "2023"), the middle two digits represent the month of the calendar (for example, "05" for "May"), and the last two digits represent the day of the calendar (for example, "01" for "1st"). In other words, if the card has been used even once, a six-digit number (for example, "230515") representing the date calculated by the above-mentioned method is recorded in the "End of Use Date" field. In an unused state, a constant value indicating unused is recorded in advance in the "End of Use Date" field. This constant value is a number that cannot be a date value, for example, "000000". In this example, the six-digit number is, for example, a number for specifying a calendar "year, month, and day."

[0043] In this example, the "facility code" and "device to be used" fields have corresponding data pre-recorded therein regardless of the type of card. In this example, the "facility code" field records identification information specific to the facility to be used as data. In this example, the "device to be used" field records data on the electrical devices 20 that can be used with each card. Alternatively, data including whether the electrical devices 20 can be used, such as "television (allowed)", "refrigerator (allowed)", "third device (allowed)", and "laundry (not allowed)", is recorded.

[0044] 6, memory 1002 represents the internal memory of a recording medium of type B. In this example, data recorded in memory 1002 represents data in the internal memory of recording medium 100 in an unused state, similar to the case of type A. In this example, attribute information for type B is the same as that for type A, and includes items such as card type, validity period / validity days, end date of use / last date of use, facility code, and device used. The attribute information will be explained in the same manner as for type A.

[0045] In this example, the "card type" field contains data "number of times (B)" representing type B. In this example, the "validity period / validity days" field is determined according to the "card type". For type B cards, this field contains "validity days". In this example, the "validity days" field contains data (numerical values) representing how many days (how many times) the card can be used from the unused state. In this example, the validity days are, for example, "10" days. In this example, assume that the user used the card for the first time on "2023 / 05 / 01" as in the previous example. In this case, the usage control device 10 that reads the card counts the time from that point until the date changes as "1" day, and can calculate the new validity days as "9" days, which is obtained by subtracting "1" day from "10" day. A more detailed calculation method will be described later (Section 2-2B).

[0046] In this example, the "End of Use Date / Last Use Date" field is determined according to the "Card Type." In the case of a Type B card, this field indicates the "Last Use Date." In this example, as in the case of Type A, the usage control device 10 that reads the data has pre-recorded a constant value of "000000," indicating unused, in the "Last Use Date" field. Meanwhile, each time the usage control device 10 reads a card, it records the date at that time (constant value), for example, "230501," in the "Last Use Date" field.

[0047] In this example, the corresponding data is pre-recorded in the items "facility code" and "device to be used" as in the case of type A. Up to this point, the internal memory of the type B recording medium has been described.

[0048] In this example, the same recording medium 100 (card) can be used as either type A or type B. Therefore, the items in the internal memory of the recording medium 100 are common to both types, as described above. In this example, when reading data from the recording medium 100, the usage control device 10 first reads the "card type" to determine whether the type of the recording medium 100 is type A or type B. Next, when reading the items "validity period / valid days" and "end date of use / last date of use", the usage control device 10 can determine which data each item represents, depending on the "card type" that was read first. In the following descriptions, when the item "validity period / valid days" is described as "validity period" or "valid days", and the item "end date of use / last date of use" is described as "end date of use" or "last date of use", they are considered to represent descriptions according to the type of the recording medium 100.

[0049] The above is a description of the configuration of the usage control system 1. Next, the operation of the usage control system 1 will be described.

[0050] 2. Operation 2-1. How to start using it FIG. 7 is a sequence chart illustrating a method for starting use of an electric device in the usage control system 1. In this example, a user can use a desired electric device 20 by using a card (an example of the recording medium 100) owned by the user. The subjects of each operation include the user U1, the usage control device 10, and the electric device 20. In step S101, the user U1 acquires a card for using the electric device 20 from an electric device rental business in the facility (e.g., a hospital, etc.). In this example, the user U1 can select a card of type A or type B according to the frequency of use of the desired electric device 20. Alternatively, the business may sell only one of cards of type A and type B. Here, steps executed regardless of the type of card acquired by the user U1 will be described.

[0051] In step S102, the user U1 inserts the acquired card into the insertion slot of the usage control device 10. In this example, the electrical device 20 desired by the user U1 includes a state in which it is connected to the usage control device 10 in advance.

[0052] In step S103, the usage control device 10 reads the inserted card. In this example, the usage control device 10 reads the card and at the same time reads the data recorded in the "card type" item in the memory to determine whether the card type is type A or type B. This allows the usage control device 10 to perform appropriate processing according to the card type. Detailed operations will be described in Sections 2-2A and 2-2B.

[0053] In this example, the usage control device 10 reads the card and acquires various data recorded in the internal memory of the card. Based on the acquired data, the usage control device 10 can control the connected electrical device 20 to be in a usable state. When acquiring the data recorded in the internal memory of the card, the usage control device 10 may perform authentication to check, for example, whether the data of the "facility code" matches the facility code of the facility in which the usage control device 10 is installed. Regarding the following steps, a case will be described in which the usage control device 10 determines that the electrical device 20 is usable based on the acquired data.

[0054] In step S104, the usage control device 10 activates the electric device 20. In this example, the control means 19 supplies power to the connected electric device 20 via the connection means 14. Also, in this example, if there are multiple connected electric devices 20, the reading means 11 reads data identifying the target electric device 20 from the recording medium 100. Also, the control means 19 supplies power to the target electric device 20 among the multiple electric devices 20, making it available for use.

[0055] In step S105, the user U1 uses the activated electrical appliance 20. In this example, the user U1 can use the electrical appliance 20 using a predetermined method. In this example, if the activated electrical appliance 20 is a television 21, the user U1 can turn it on by operating a dedicated remote control that is provided in advance in the hospital room. Alternatively, if the activated electrical appliance 20 is a refrigerator 22, the user U1 can wait for the refrigerator to cool sufficiently before putting any food or the like in it. In this way, the user U1 can use the desired electrical appliance 20. Up to this point, the method for starting use of electrical appliances in the usage control system 1 has been described. Next, detailed operations will be described for the cases where the card acquired by the user U1 is a type A or type B card.

[0056] 2-2A. Method of use on recording media of type A FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a recording medium of type A. Here, an example will be described in which the usage control device 10 enables the use of the electrical device 20 based on a card of type A (an example of the recording medium 100). Here, this flow is started when the usage control device 10 reads the inserted card in step S103 of the usage start method described in section 2-1. In this example, the reading means 11 of the usage control device 10 reads various data from the card inserted into the insertion slot 1051 (i.e., at the reading position). In this example, the usage control device 10 can determine whether the card is type A or type B from either the data of "commuter pass (an example of type A)" or "number of times (an example of type B)" written in the read "card type". Here, a case will be described in which the card inserted by the user is a card representing type A (i.e., "commuter pass"). In step S201, the usage control device 10 determines the type of the card to be type A by the above-mentioned method.

[0057] In step S202, the usage control device 10 judges whether the value (date) of the "usage end date" of the type A card that has been read is a constant value indicating an unused state, for example, "000000". If the value of the "usage end date" of the card is "000000" (step S202: YES), the usage control device 10 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the value of the "usage end date" of the card is other than "000000" (step S202: NO), the usage control device 10 proceeds to step S204.

[0058] In step S203, if the value of the "usage end date" of the card is "000000" (step S202: YES), the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be an "unused card." Here, an example of a case where the read card is an "unused card" will be described.

[0059] In step S204, the usage control device 10 calculates a date by adding the number of days of the "validity period" written in the card to the current date of the internal clock. In this example, a calculation method will be described when the current date of the internal clock in the usage control device 10 is "2023 / 05 / 01" and the number of days of the "validity period" is "15". The usage control device 10 calculates (adds) including the day of use as "1" of the "15" days, and finally calculates the date "2023 / 05 / 15". The usage control device 10 also records this calculated date as the "usage end date" of the card. In this example, the usage control device 10 rewrites the data in the internal memory of the card. Here, rewriting the data in the internal memory will be described below.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the rewriting of the internal memory in a recording medium of type A. In this example, the rewriting of the internal memory in the recording medium is performed on the data (value) of each item representing the attribute information of the card. In FIG. 9, memory 2001 represents the internal memory of an unused card of type A that has never been used. In this example, a value of "15" is pre-recorded in the "validity period" of memory 2001. In addition, in this example, a constant value of "000000" is pre-written in the "use end date". In this example, memory 2002 represents the internal memory of a card in use immediately after memory 2001 has been used at least once. Using the above-mentioned example, in this example, a numerical value (date) of "230515" calculated and recorded by the use control device 10 is written in the "use end date" of memory 2002. In this example, even if the user continues to use this card from the second time onwards, the data written in memory 2002 is retained. Therefore, the usage control device 10 can control the usage of the electric device 20 by the user based on the data written in the memory 2002.

[0061] Returning to Fig. 8, in step S207, the usage control device 10 enables control of the electrical devices registered in the card. In this example, the usage control device 10 reads the information of the available electrical devices 20 written in the "electrical devices" field of the card, and supplies power to the corresponding electrical devices 20 (for example, the television 21 and the refrigerator 22). At this point, the usage control device 10 ends the processing in Fig. 8.

[0062] In step S205, if the value of the "usage end date" of the card is other than "000000" (step S202: NO), the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be a "card in use." Next, an example in which the read card is a "card in use" will be described.

[0063] In step S206, the usage control device 10 judges whether the current date of the internal clock is within the "usage end date" of the read card. In this example, the usage control device 10 can judge whether it is within the "usage end date" by comparing the current date of the internal clock (e.g., year, month, and day) with the "usage end date (e.g., year, month, and day)" of the card. In this example, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 is within the "usage end date" of the read card (step S206: YES), the usage control device 10 advances the process to step S207. On the other hand, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 indicates a date and time (date) that exceeds the "usage end date" of the read card (step S206: NO), the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be an "expired card" and ends the process. In this example, if the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be an "expired card", it returns the card to the user through the insertion slot.

[0064] In step S207, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 is within the "usage end date" of the read card (step S206: YES), the usage control device 10 enables control of the electrical device registered in the card using the method described above. At this point, the usage control device 10 ends the process of FIG. 8.

[0065] As described above, when the read card is type A, the usage control device 10 can enable the use of the electric device 20 by the above-mentioned method. In this example, the usage control device 10 returns to step S206 as appropriate while holding the card, and repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 8. In this example, the usage control device 10 returns to step S206 when the current date and time passes the date change time "00:00" (or when a fixed time arrives every day), and judges whether the current date of the internal clock is within the "use end date" of the card. Alternatively, the usage control device 10 may return to any step, for example, step S201 or step S202, and check the status of the card at any time. In this way, the usage control device 10 can check the status of the held card while holding the card, and judge whether the electric device 20 can be used. Next, the operation when the card is type B will be described.

[0066] 2-2B. Method of use on recording media of type B 10 is a flow chart illustrating a usage method for type B recording media. Here, an example is described in which the usage control device 10 enables the usage of the electrical device 20 based on a type B card (an example of the recording medium 100). Here, the trigger for this flow and the method of determining the "card type" are the same as those for the usage method for type A recording media described in section 2-2A. In step S301, the usage control device 10 determines the type of the card to be type B (i.e., "number of times") using the method described above.

[0067] In step S302, the usage control device 10 judges whether the value (date) of the "last used date" of the type B card that has been read is a constant value indicating an unused state, for example, "000000". If the value of the "last used date" of the card is "000000" (step S302: YES), the usage control device 10 proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the value of the "last used date" of the card is other than "000000" (step S302: NO), the usage control device 10 proceeds to step S305.

[0068] In step S303, if the value of the "last used date" of the card is "000000" (step S302: YES), the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be an "unused card." Here, an example of a case where the read card is an "unused card" will be described.

[0069] In step S304, the usage control device 10 records the current date of the internal clock. At this time, the usage control device 10 records the recorded current date as the "last usage date" of the read card. In addition, in this example, the usage control device 10 records the current date of the internal clock and, for example, calculates a value obtained by subtracting "1" day from "10" days representing the "validity days" of the read card, that is, "9" days, as the new "validity days". Here, the usage control device 10 records the current date representing the "last usage date" and "9 (the subtracted value)" representing the "validity days" by linking them to the read card. In this example, the usage control device 10 rewrites the data in the internal memory of the card. Here, rewriting the data in the internal memory will be described below.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the rewriting of the internal memory in a recording medium of type B. In FIG. 11, memory 3001 represents the internal memory of an unused card of type B that has never been used. In this example, a value of "10" is pre-recorded in the "valid days" of memory 3001. In this example, a constant value of "000000" is pre-written in the "last used date". In this example, memory 3002 represents the internal memory of a card in use immediately after memory 3001 has been used once. Using the above-mentioned example, data of "9" obtained by subtracting "1" from "10" in memory 3001 is written in the "valid days" of memory 3002. In addition, data of "230501", for example, a date recorded as the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10, is written in the "last used date" of memory 3002. In this example, if the user continues to use the card from the second time onwards, the "validity period" and / or "last use date" fields are rewritten each time depending on the process. If the date the card was used and the "last use date" are the same, no subtraction process is performed (the card is not rewritten). In other words, the user can use the card as many times as he / she likes on that day.

[0071] Returning to Fig. 10, in step S308, the usage control device 10 enables control of the electrical device registered in the card using the method described above. At this point, the usage control device 10 ends the process of Fig. 10.

[0072] In step S305, if the value of the "last used date" of the card is other than "000000" (step S302: NO), the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be a "card in use." Next, an example of a case where the read card is a "card in use" will be described.

[0073] In step S306, the usage control device 10 judges whether the current date of the internal clock is the same as the "last used date" of the read card. In this example, the usage control device 10 can judge whether the "last used date" is the same by comparing the current date of the internal clock with the "last used date" of the card. In this example, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 is the same as the "last used date" of the read card (step S306: YES), the usage control device 10 advances the process to step S309. On the other hand, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 is different from the "last used date" of the read card (step S306: NO), the usage control device 10 advances the process to step S307.

[0074] In step S309, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 is the same as the "last use date" of the read card (step S306: YES), the usage control device 10 uses the method described above to enable control of the electrical device registered in the card. As described above, if the date the card was used and the "last use date" are the same, no subtraction process is performed, and the user can use the electrical device any number of times within that day. At this point, the usage control device 10 ends the process of FIG. 10.

[0075] In step S307, if the current date of the internal clock of the usage control device 10 is different from the "last use date" of the read card (step S306: NO), the usage control device 10 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the "valid days" of the read card, and records it as a new valid day. In this example, if the "valid days" of the card is, for example, "9", the usage control device 10 performs a process of subtracting "1" from "9" and can record it as "8". In this example, the usage control device 10 can determine that the remaining "valid days" are "8". Similarly, if the remaining "valid days" of the card is "1" day, the usage control device 10 performs a process of subtracting "1" from "1" and can calculate it as "0". This means that the card can be used only on that day (described later).

[0076] In step S308, the usage control device 10 judges whether the new value of "valid days" after subtraction processing in step S307 is equal to or greater than the reference value. In this example, the usage control device 10 can set the reference value to "0" in advance, for example. At this time, the usage control device 10 can judge whether the value of "valid days" is equal to or greater than the reference value ("0" or greater) by comparing the new value of "valid days" after subtraction (for example, "8") with the reference value "0". In this example, if the value of "valid days" is equal to or greater than the reference value (step S308: YES), the usage control device 10 advances the process to step S309. On the other hand, if the value of "valid days" is less than the reference value (step S308: NO), the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be an "expired card" and ends the process. In this example, if the usage control device 10 judges the read card to be an "expired card", it returns the card to the user through the insertion slot.

[0077] In step S309, if the value of the "validity period" of the read card is equal to or greater than the reference value (step S308: YES), the usage control device 10 activates the control of the electrical device registered in the card using the method described above. At this point, the usage control device 10 ends the process of FIG. 10.

[0078] As described above, when the read card is type B, the usage control device 10 can enable the use of the electric device 20 by the above-mentioned method. In this example, the usage control device 10 returns to step S306 as appropriate while holding the card, and repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 10. In this example, the usage control device 10 returns to step S306 when the current date and time has passed the date change time, for example, and determines whether the current date of the internal clock is the same as the "last used date" of the card. Alternatively, the usage control device 10 may return to any step, for example, step S301, step S302, or step S308, and check the status of the card at any time. In this way, the usage control device 10 can check the status of the held card while holding the card, and determine whether the electric device 20 can be used.

[0079] So far, we have explained the operation when the card is type A or type B. As a result, even when different contract types (usage contracts) are mixed, the usage control device 10 can distinguish between them and execute appropriate processing.

[0080] 2-3. How to terminate use 12 is a sequence chart illustrating a method for ending the use of the electric device 20 in the usage control system 1. Here, an operation when the user ends the use of the electric device 20 will be described. The subjects of each operation include the user U1, the usage control device 10, and the electric device 20. In step S401, the user U1 inputs an eject button (for example, the input device 1081) of the usage control device 10. In this example, the user U1 can collect his / her own card by performing a physical input.

[0081] In step S402, the usage control device 10 performs various data processing. In this example, the data processing includes processing for suspending the use of the electrical device 20. Alternatively, the data processing includes processing for ejecting the card. In this example, the usage control device 10 proceeds to the next step if there is no abnormality in the data processing.

[0082] In step S403, the usage control device 10 stops the use of the electric devices 20. In this example, the control means 19 stops the supply of power to the connected electric devices 20 via the connection means 14. This allows the usage control device 10 to disable all electric devices 20 before ejecting the card.

[0083] In step S404, the usage control device 10 ejects the card. In this example, the card is returned to the user U1 through the insertion slot. As described above, the usage control device 10 can end the use of the electric device 20 and eject the card.

[0084] When the user U1 uses the electric appliance 20 again, the process returns to section 2-1 described above. The usage control system 1 enables the electric appliance 20 to be used by repeating the same procedure as the method described above. In this example, the user U1 can use the electric appliance 20 with his / her own card even if the user U1 moves to a different room in the same hospital, as long as the use is within the validity period. The user U1 can use not only the TV and refrigerator in the room, but also, for example, a laundry (one example of the electric appliance 20) in another room in the same hospital, with his / her own card. As described above, according to the present invention, the use of the electric appliance can be appropriately controlled according to various usage contracts while ensuring the convenience of the user.

[0085] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications will be described below. Two or more of the following items may be combined and applied.

[0086] (1) Usage Control System 1 The hardware configuration, network configuration, and functional configuration of the usage control system 1 are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The usage control system 1 may have any hardware configuration, network configuration, and functional configuration as long as the required functions can be realized. For example, a plurality of devices may physically cooperate to function as the usage control system 1. Note that the subjects, configuration, and system structure shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples and merely show an overview of the system. Therefore, for example, the usage control device 10 and / or the electrical device 20 may be connected to a computer network such as the Internet.

[0087] (2) Usage control device 10 The form of the functional configuration in the usage control device 10 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. The usage control device 10 may have any form of functional configuration as long as the required functions can be realized. Furthermore, the correspondence between the functional elements and the hardware is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, at least a part of the functions described as being implemented in the usage control device 10 may be implemented in another device or system, and conversely, at least a part of the functions described as being implemented in another device or system may be implemented in the usage control device 10. In this example, the usage control device 10 may have at least a part of the functions of the electric device 20. In this example, the usage control device 10 may have a function of controlling at least a part of the functions of the electric device 20.

[0088] The usage control device 10 may also acquire and record data on the use history of the electric appliance 20. The usage control device 10 may also perform a process of rewriting data in the internal memory of the recording medium 100, for example, data on the "facility code". The display device 107 of the usage control device 10 may also display any information. In this example, the control state of the electric appliance 20 displayed by the display device 1071 may include, for example, a start-up state or a function restriction, in addition to whether or not the electric appliance 20 can be used. In this example, the display device 1071 may also display, for example, a single / multiple control states for one electric appliance 20. The display device 1072 may also display, in addition to the "validity period / validity days" recorded in the recording medium 100, "use end date / last use date", and the like, and may display any data. The input device 108 of the usage control device 10 may also receive any operation from the user. In this example, the input device 1082 may function as a physical button for switching the display content displayed by the display device 1072 (or the display device 1071). This allows the user to visually recognize information on a plurality of cards even when there is only one display device 1072.

[0089] The usage control device 10 may also have a display means for displaying the data recorded in the internal memory of the recording medium 100 to the user U1. Alternatively, the data may be displayed to the user U1 via the recording medium 100. In this example, the usage control device 10 may have, for example, a printing means for printing the data recorded in the internal memory on the exterior of the recording medium 100.

[0090] (3) Recording medium 100 The recording medium 100 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, the recording medium 100 may have any configuration as long as the usage control device 10 can read / write / rewrite data. The recording medium 100 does not have to be a magnetic card. In this example, the recording medium 100 may be a disk or flash memory having an internal memory. Furthermore, the recording form of the recording medium 100 is not limited to magnetic recording. For example, it may be an IC chip or the like.

[0091] In this example, the recording medium 100 may display the data recorded in the internal memory on the exterior of the recording medium 100. In this example, the recording medium 100 may have a rewritable print section, which may be printed by a dedicated machine, for example, the usage control device 10. Any method may be adopted as the printing method, for example, the leuco method may be adopted. In this example, the leuco method includes a method of erasing information by applying low temperature to the surface of a card coated with a special leuco dye, and then printing new information by applying high temperature. This allows the user U1 to visually check the data recorded in the internal memory of the recording medium 100, for example, the end date of use of the card.

[0092] (4) Electrical Equipment 20 The electric appliance 20 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, at least a part of the functions of the electric appliance 20 may be restricted by the usage control device 10. Alternatively, at least a part of the functions of the electric appliance 20 may be available at all times without being controlled by the usage control device 10.

[0093] (5) Section 2-1: How to start using 7 is merely an example of the operations, and is not limited to this example of the operations of the usage control system 1. Some of the operations shown in the figure may be omitted, the order may be changed, or new operations may be added.

[0094] (6) Section 2-2A: Use on Type A Recording Media The flowchart shown in Fig. 8 merely shows one example of the operation, and the operation of the usage control device 10 is not limited to this. Some of the operations shown in the figure may be omitted, the order may be changed, or new operations may be added. In this example, when the usage control device 10 calculates and records a date obtained by adding the number of days of the validity period to the current date and time of the internal clock (i.e., the "usage end date") in step S204, a process of recording in the database of the usage control device 10 and / or the internal memory of the recording medium 100 may be performed. Alternatively, only one of them may be performed.

[0095] (7) Section 2-2B: Use on recording media of type B The flowchart shown in Fig. 10 merely shows one example of the operation, and the operation of the usage control device 10 is not limited to this. Some of the operations shown in the figure may be omitted, the order may be changed, or new operations may be added. In this example, when the usage control device 10 records the current date and time of the internal clock as the "last usage date" in step S304, a process of recording it in the database of the usage control device 10 and / or the internal memory of the recording medium 100 may be performed. Or, only one of them may be performed.

[0096] Also, in this example, in step S307, the usage control device 10 may perform a process of recording the new value of the "valid days" after the subtraction process in the database of the usage control device 10 and / or the internal memory of the recording medium 100. Or, only one of them may be performed. Also, the above-mentioned process may be executed only when the new value of the "valid days" after the subtraction process is equal to or greater than "0".

[0097] (8) Section 2-3: How to Terminate Use The sequence chart shown in Fig. 12 merely shows one example of the operation, and the operation of the usage control system 1 is not limited to this. Some of the operations shown in the figure may be omitted, the order may be changed, or new operations may be added. In this example, in step S402, a process may be performed to rewrite data in the database of the usage control device 10 and / or the internal memory of the recording medium 100 as necessary. In this example, the usage control device 10 may rewrite data in the database of the usage control device 10 and / or the internal memory of the recording medium 100 depending on whether the card type is type A / type B, or whether the card is unused / in use.

[0098] In the operations described so far (sections 2-1 to 2-3), the usage control device 10 may be a device compatible with only one of cards of type A or type B. In this case, the type does not need to be recorded on the card.

[0099] (9) Other operations Regarding the operation of the usage control system 1, for example, the process when the current date and time passes the date change time while the user U1 is using the electric device 20 will be described below. In this example, when the card type of the recording medium 100 is type A, the control means 19 of the usage control device 10 performs a process of checking the current date and time against the "use end date" indicating the end date of use of the recording medium 100 when the current date and time passes the date change time, that is, "00:00". In this example, when checking, the reading means 11 may read the "use end date" from the recording medium 100. Alternatively, data recorded in the database of the usage control device 10 may be obtained. When the current date and time is within the "use end date", the control means 19 allows the electric device 20 to continue to be used. When the current date and time exceeds the "use end date", the control means 19 stops the use of the electric device 20.

[0100] Furthermore, in this example, when the card type of the recording medium 100 is type B, the control means 19 may perform the same process as step S306 described in section 2-2B when the current date and time passes the date change time. That is, when the current date and time passes the date change time, the usage control device 10 can determine that the current date and time of the internal clock and the "last used date" of the recording medium 100 are different (step S306: NO). After that, the process may proceed according to the flowchart of Fig. 10. As described above, the usage control device 10 can determine whether to continue using the electric device 20 even when the current date and time passes the date change time.

[0101] (10) Memory The internal memory of the recording medium 100 shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, any data may be recorded in the internal memory. For example, data that restricts the use of the electrical device 20 belonging to a specific area in the facility may be recorded among the attribute information. In addition, the internal memory may not record identification information (ID information) that uniquely identifies the card. Furthermore, in this example, the format and form of the data recorded in the internal memory may be any format. In this example, the constant value (numeric value) recorded in the "End of Use Date / Last Use Date" item may be, for example, a total of eight digits including all digits, not just the last two digits of the year (e.g., 2023), and may be any number of digits.

[0102] (11) Type The types are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. In this example, the type of the service contract may be either type A only or type B only. Alternatively, a single / multiple types may coexist. In this example, instead of a service contract with a "validity period" and a "validity number of days", for example, type C (an example of a third type) representing a service contract in units of time may be further adopted.

[0103] (12)Other The various programs executed by the MPU 101 etc. may be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a DVD-ROM. Each processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) instead of an MPU. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...usage control system, 10...usage control device, 100...recording medium, U1...user, 20...electrical equipment, 21...television, 22...refrigerator, 11...reading means, 12...calculating means, 13...writing means, 14...connecting means, 18...storage means (DB), 19...control means, 101...MPU, 102...memory, 103...storage, 104...communication IF, 105...card reader / writer, 106...clock, 107 / 1071 / 1072...display device, 108 / 1081 / 1082...input device, 1101...power supply unit, 1102...power supply unit, 1051...insertion port, P...plug, L...communication line, CC...outlet, 1001 / 1002 / 2001 / 2002 / 3001 / 3002...memory

Claims

1. A connection means for connecting to an electrical device; a reading means for reading the validity period from a recording medium in which the validity period for use of the electrical device is recorded and which is located at a reading position; A calculation means for calculating an end date of use of the electrical device from a current date and time and the validity period; a write means for writing data indicating the end date of use onto the recording medium; a control means for enabling the use of the electrical device when the current date and time is within the end date of use; A usage control device having the above configuration.

2. the recording medium stores data indicating a type of a usage contract for the electrical device; When the type read from the recording medium at the reading position is a first type, the reading means reads the validity period from the recording medium. The usage control device according to claim 1 .

3. the recording medium stores data indicating the number of valid days and the last date of use of the electrical device; when the type read from the recording medium at the reading position is a second type, the reading means reads the number of valid days and the last use date from the recording medium; The calculation means calculates a new number of valid days by subtracting 1 from the number of valid days, the writing means writes data indicating the current date and time as the last use date onto the recording medium; When the last use date read from the recording medium corresponds to the current date and time, the control means enables the use of the electrical device. The usage control device according to claim 2 .

4. The connection means is connected to a plurality of different electrical devices, the recording medium stores data for identifying an electrical device that is the subject of the usage contract among the plurality of electrical devices; The reading means reads data for identifying the target electrical device from a recording medium located at the reading position, and the control means enables the target electrical device among the plurality of electrical devices to be used. The usage control device according to claim 2 .

5. a storage unit for storing information indicating whether a predetermined function among functions of the electrical device is available or not; The control means controls use of the predetermined function in the electrical device based on the information indicating the availability stored in the storage means. The usage control device according to claim 1 .

6. The control means, when the current date and time has passed the date change time, compares the current date and time with the usage end date of the recording medium, and when the current date and time is within the usage end date, enables the use of the electrical device. The usage control device according to claim 1 .

7. A computer connected to electrical equipment, a step of reading a validity period relating to the use of the electrical device from a recording medium at a reading position; calculating an end date of use of the electrical device from a current date and time and the validity period; writing data indicating the end date of use onto the recording medium; When the current date and time is within the end date of use, enabling the use of the electrical device. The usage control method includes the steps of:

8. For computers connected to electrical equipment, a step of reading a validity period relating to the use of the electrical device from a recording medium at a reading position; calculating an end date of use of the electrical device from a current date and time and the validity period; writing data indicating the end date of use onto the recording medium; When the current date and time is within the end date of use, enabling the use of the electrical device. A program for executing the above.

Images