Article management system, article management device, and exhalation device

Abstract

To make it possible for a simple configuration to check user authentication and physical condition.SOLUTION: An exhalation device detects biological components that vary from individual to individual and alcohol components contained in the breath of a user. A control device unlocks at least one of multiple holding units when the biological components detected by the exhalation device determine that the user is a registered user and the physical condition of the user specified from the alcohol components is normal. On the other hand, the control device does not unlock the multiple holding units when the biological components determine that the user is not a registered user or the physical condition of the user specified from the alcohol components is not normal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management system, an article management device, and an exhalation device.

Background Art

[0002] Articles such as keys need to be managed so that only limited persons can use them to prevent abuse. Also, it is required to prevent such articles from being used in inappropriate states such as a drinking state. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that performs driver verification and alcohol check to manage keys for vehicles such as buses and trucks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The system described in Patent Document 1 reads the driver's authentication information from a portable storage medium such as an IC card, and further measures the alcohol concentration by exhalation to determine whether the key can be used. On the other hand, in order to reduce costs and size, simplification of the configuration of such an article management system is required. An object of the present invention is to provide an article management system, an article management device, and an exhalation device that can perform user authentication and inspection of the physical state with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an article management system includes an article management machine having a plurality of holding units for storing articles to be managed in a lockable manner, a breath device for detecting a first component that varies from individual to individual and a second component that varies depending on the physical state, which are included in the breath of a user, and control means for unlocking at least one of the plurality of holding units when it is determined from the first component detected by the breath device that the user is a registered user and the physical state of the user specified from the second component is normal, and for not unlocking the plurality of holding units when it is determined from the first component that the user is not a registered user or the physical state of the user specified from the second component is not normal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the above aspect, since the article management system performs both user authentication and physical state inspection based on breath, user authentication and physical state inspection can be performed with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] 〈First Embodiment〉 《Configuration of Article Management System 1》 Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The article management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an article management machine 100, an exhalation device 200, and a control device 300. The article management system 1 is a system for holding management target articles such as a key 50 and allowing use only by appropriate persons. The article management system 1 according to the first embodiment manages keys for operating commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, and trucks, and company cars. The article management machine 100, the exhalation device 200, and the control device 300 are all provided in the same room.

[0009] The key 50, which is a management target article according to the first embodiment, includes a key body 51 and a holder 52. The key body 51 has a blade for insertion into an operation target such as a vehicle. Also, the key 50 may be a card key without a blade and having an IC chip built therein. The holder 52 is a component connected to the key body 51 and has a shape that can be held by the article management machine 100. Note that in other embodiments, when the key body 51 has a shape that can be held by the article management machine 100, the key 50 may not include the holder 52.

[0010] Configuration of the Article Management Machine 100 The article management machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a housing 110 and a front door 120 that opens and closes the front side of the housing 110.

[0011] One end of the front door 120 is rotatably connected to the housing 110 via a hinge provided at an edge portion of the housing 110, and opens and closes the front surface of the housing 110. The housing 110 has an electromagnetic drive type cover lock mechanism 111 that locks the front door 120 when the front door 120 is in a closed state. Further, the housing 110 has a fully closed detection sensor 112 that detects whether the front door 120 is in a fully closed state. The cover lock mechanism 111 locks the front door 120 on the condition that the fully closed detection sensor 112 detects that the front door 120 has been closed.

[0012] A plurality of holding portions 130 for holding the key 50, which is an article to be managed, are provided at the front surface position of the housing 110. An insertion hole 131 is provided in the holding portion 130. The insertion hole 131 receives the insertion of the holder 52 of the key 50. Inside the insertion hole 131, an electromagnetic drive type key lock mechanism 132 for locking and unlocking the inserted holder 52 is provided.

[0013] Further, each of the plurality of holding portions 130 has an operation button 134 integrated with a display lamp 133. The operation button 134 is vertically close to the insertion hole 131 that constitutes the same holding portion 130 with the left - right positions aligned. The operation button 134 is an operation button that is pressed when unlocking the lock by the key lock mechanism 132, and the display lamp 133 guides the operation by turning off, lighting, and blinking.

[0014] The article management machine 100 includes a control unit 150. The control unit 150 is communicably connected to a control device 300. The control unit 150 controls the lock state of the cover lock mechanism 111 and the lock state of each holding portion 130 according to an instruction from the control device 300.

[0015] Configuration of the Exhalation Device 200 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the exhalation device 200 according to the first embodiment. The exhalation device 200 includes a device body 210 and a mouthpiece 280. When the mouthpiece 280 is an accessory, the mouthpiece 280 may not be included in the exhalation device 200. The mouthpiece 280 is a hollow cylindrical member. The first end of the mouthpiece is configured to be insertable into the device body 210. The second end of the mouthpiece 280 is held by the user and guides exhaled air into the device body 210.

[0016] The device body 210 includes a housing 211, an authentication sensor array 220, an alcohol sensor 230, a filter 240, a ventilation door 250, a suction pump 260, and a control unit 270.

[0017] The housing 211 forms the outer shell of the device body 210. An exhaled air flow path is formed inside the housing 211. Specifically, the housing 211 is provided with an inlet 212, a holding chamber 213, a first flow path 214, a second flow path 215, a third flow path 216, and an exhaust flow path 217. The inlet 212 is a hole into which the mouthpiece 280 is inserted and receives the inflow of exhaled air. The holding chamber 213 is an internal space communicated with the inlet 212. The exhaust flow path 217 is a flow path for discharging exhaled air outside the housing 211. The holding chamber 213 and the exhaust flow path 217 are communicated by the first flow path 214, the second flow path 215, and the third flow path 216.

[0018] The authentication sensor array 220 detects the amounts of a plurality of biological components (a molecular group constituting biological gas) contained in exhaled air. The authentication sensor array 220 may be, for example, an olfactory sensor. The authentication sensor array 220 is provided on the first flow path 214. That is, the authentication sensor array 220 detects biological components (first components) contained in exhaled air passing through the first flow path 214 from the holding chamber 213.

[0019] The alcohol sensor 230 detects the amount of alcohol components contained in the exhaled breath. The alcohol sensor 230 may be, for example, a fuel cell type sensor or a semiconductor type sensor. The alcohol sensor 230 is provided on the second flow path 215. That is, the alcohol sensor 230 detects the alcohol components contained in the exhaled breath passing through the second flow path 215 from the holding chamber 213. Note that the alcohol component is an example of a component (second component) that changes depending on the physical condition of the user.

[0020] The filter 240 captures the liquid and solid contained in the exhaled breath to prevent the failure of the sensors and prevents the liquid and solid from entering the holding chamber 213. The filter 240 is provided between the inlet 212 and the holding chamber 213.

[0021] The ventilation door 250 is provided in the third flow path 216 so as to be openable and closable. When the ventilation door 250 is closed, the exhaled breath flows through the first flow path 214 and the second flow path 215 to the exhaust flow path 217. When the ventilation door 250 is open, most of the exhaled breath in the holding chamber 213 flows through the third flow path 216 to the exhaust flow path 217. The ventilation door 250 is provided with a pressure sensor 251 for measuring the pressure in the holding chamber 213.

[0022] The suction pump 260 is provided in the exhaust flow path 217. The suction pump 260 pumps the gas in the exhaust flow path 217 out of the housing 211.

[0023] The control unit 270 acquires the measurement signals of the authentication sensor array 220, the alcohol sensor 230, and the pressure sensor 251. The control unit 270 controls the opening and closing of the ventilation door 250 and the driving of the suction pump 260. The control unit 270 generates measurement data from the measurement signals and transmits it to the control device 300.

[0024] Here, the behavior of the exhalation device 200 will be described. Before the user blows air, the ventilation door 250 is in a closed state and the suction pump 260 is in a non-operating state. When the user blows air from the mouthpiece 280 into the device main body 210, the exhaled air flows from the inlet 212 through the filter 240 into the holding chamber 213. As the exhaled air passes through the filter 240, foreign substances contained in the exhaled air are removed. When the exhaled air flows into the holding chamber 213, the internal pressure of the holding chamber 213 rises. As a result, the pressure value indicated by the measurement signal of the pressure sensor 251 rises. When the control unit 270 determines that the pressure value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it determines that exhaled air has been blown in and operates the suction pump 260. Thereby, the exhaled air in the holding chamber 213 flows through the first flow path 214 and the second flow path 215 to the exhaust flow path 217. As a result, the exhaled air flows over the surfaces (sensor surfaces) of the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230. The control unit 270 acquires measurement signals from the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230, respectively. The control unit 270 generates measurement data from the measurement signals acquired from the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230 and transmits the measurement data to the control device 300. After a certain period of time has elapsed since the exhaled air was blown in, the control unit 270 opens the ventilation door 250. Thereby, the exhaled air remaining in the holding chamber 213 is discharged from the third flow path 216 to the outside of the housing 110.

[0025] 《Configuration of Control Device 300》 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the software configuration of the control device 300 according to the first embodiment. The control device 300 includes a database 310, an acquisition unit 320, an authentication unit 330, a permission unit 340, an instruction unit 350, and a display control unit 360.

[0026] The database 310 has a user master table 311 and a history table 312.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user master table 311 according to the first embodiment. The user master table 311 stores, in association with each other, a user ID, a user name, a key number of the usable key 50, and data related to a plurality of biological components contained in the exhaled air of the user, for each user registered in advance (registered user). The user ID is a number for managing information of registered users. The user ID may be, for example, a four-digit number. A plurality of key numbers of the usable key 50 may be set for one user. In other embodiments, the user master table 311 may separately store a key number that cannot be unlocked unless the measurement result of the alcohol concentration is below a predetermined value and a key number that can be unlocked regardless of the alcohol concentration. Examples of the key number that cannot be unlocked unless the measurement result of the alcohol concentration is below a predetermined value include the key of a vehicle. Examples of the key number that can be unlocked regardless of the alcohol concentration include the key of a facility such as a conference room. The data related to the biological component may be the amount (ppm) for each component, or a feature amount extracted from the amounts of a plurality of biological components by machine learning or the like, or a learned model learned so as to be able to identify whether the user is the user from the amounts of a plurality of biological components.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the history table 312 according to the first embodiment. The history table 312 accumulates information of the user every time the control device 300 authenticates the user. The history table 312 stores the user ID, user name, measurement date and time by the breath device 200, alcohol detection result, key number of the acquired key 50, and acquisition time or return time of the key 50 of the authenticated user. The alcohol detection result indicates whether the alcohol concentration in the user's breath is below the specified value. The value of the alcohol detection result is "normal" when it is below the specified value and "abnormal" when it is above the specified value. The key number is the key number of the key 50 taken out or returned by the user from the article management machine 100.

[0029] The acquisition unit 320 acquires measurement data of the biological component and the alcohol component from the breath device 200.

[0030] The authentication unit 330 determines whether the user who blew the breath is a registered user by comparing the biological component acquired by the acquisition unit 320 with the data related to the biological component stored in the user master table 311.

[0031] The permission unit 340 determines whether to permit the user to use the key 50 based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 330 and the measurement data of the alcohol component.

[0032] When the use of the key 50 is permitted by the permission unit 340, the instruction unit 350 outputs an unlocking instruction including the key number of the usable key 50 to the article management machine 100.

[0033] The display control unit 360 causes the display to display the determination results of the authentication unit 330 and the permission unit 340.

[0034] When an unlocking instruction is input, the control unit 150 of the article management machine 100 unlocks the cover lock mechanism 111 and turns on the display lamp 133 corresponding to the key number of the usable key 50. When the operation button 134 corresponding to the key number of the usable key 50 is pressed, the control unit 150 unlocks the key lock mechanism 132 corresponding to the operation button 134. Thereafter, when the front door 120 is closed and the fully-closed detection sensor 112 detects the full closure of the front door 120, the control unit 150 locks the cover lock mechanism 111.

[0035] 《Operation of the Article Management System 1》 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the exhalation device 200 according to the first embodiment. When exhaled air is blown into the exhalation device 200, the internal pressure of the exhalation device 200 rises due to the pressure sensor 251 of the exhalation device 200. The control unit 270 acquires a measurement signal of the internal pressure from the pressure sensor 251 (step S1). The control unit 270 determines whether or not the internal pressure indicated by the measurement signal exceeds a predetermined value (step S2). If the internal pressure does not exceed the predetermined value (step S2), the control unit 270 continues to monitor the internal pressure. When the measured value of the pressure sensor 251 exceeds the predetermined value (step S2: YES), the control unit 270 operates the suction pump 260 (step S3). At this time, since the ventilation door 250 is closed, the exhaled air flows through the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230. After a certain period of time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed since the control unit 270 operates the suction pump 260, the control unit 270 acquires measurement signals from the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230 (step S4). The control unit 270 generates measurement data from the measurement signals and transmits it to the control device 300 (step S5). Note that the measurement ends in a few seconds, and an error occurs if the measurement result is unclear. After the measurement is completed, the control unit 270 opens the ventilation door 250 to discharge the exhaled air remaining in the exhalation device 200 (step S6). After a certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 270 stops the operation of the suction pump 260 and closes the ventilation door 250 (step S7).

[0036] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 300 according to the first embodiment. The acquisition unit 320 of the control device 300 acquires the measurement data transmitted by the exhalation device 200 in step S5 (step S21). The authentication unit 330 determines whether the user is a registered user based on the measurement data of the biological component and the data related to the biological component stored in the user master table 311 of the database 310 (step S22). When the authentication unit 330 determines that the user is not a registered user (step S22: NO), the display control unit 360 causes an error to be displayed on the display (step S23), and the process ends. The error display may be, for example, "Exhalation authentication failed. Please measure again." "The exhalation information did not match. If you are not registered, please perform the registration operation from here." and the like.

[0037] When the authentication unit 330 determines that the user is a registered user (step S22: YES), the user ID, user name, and measurement date and time of the identified user are stored in the history table 312 of the database 310 (step S24). Next, the permission unit 340 determines whether the amount of the alcohol component indicated by the measurement data of the alcohol component acquired in step S21 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and records the determination result in the history table 312 (step S25). When the amount of the alcohol component is higher than the threshold value (step S25: NO), the display control unit 360 causes an error to be displayed on the display (step S23), and the process ends. The error display may be, for example, "Since the alcohol concentration in the exhaled breath exceeds the specified value, please measure again after some time." and the like.

[0038] When the amount of the alcohol component is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S25: YES), the instruction unit 350 transmits an unlocking instruction including the key number available for the article management machine 100 to the article management machine 100 (step S26). Thereafter, the acquisition unit 320 acquires the operation result data from the article management machine 100 (step S27). The operation result data includes the key number of the key 50 acquired or returned by the user and the acquisition date and time or return date and time. The acquisition unit 320 records the operation result data in the history table 312 (step S28).

[0039] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article management machine 100 according to the first embodiment. When the control unit 150 of the article management machine 100 receives the unlocking instruction transmitted by the control device 300 in step S26 (step S41), it unlocks the cover lock mechanism 111 and the key lock mechanism 132 related to the key number indicated by the unlocking instruction, and turns on the display lamp 133 corresponding to the key number (step S42). The control unit 150 determines whether the key 50 has been obtained or returned within a certain time (step S43). Detection of the acquisition and return of the key 50 may be made based on a change in the measurement signal of a sensor (not shown) provided in the insertion hole 131, for example. When the key 50 has been obtained or returned (step S43: YES), the control unit 150 transmits the key number of the obtained or returned key 50 and operation result data including the acquisition date and time or the return date and time to the control device 300 (step S44).

[0040] Thereafter, the control unit 150 determines whether the front door 120 has been closed within a certain time based on the measurement signal of the fully closed detection sensor 112 (step S45). When the front door 120 has not been closed (step S45: NO), an error signal is transmitted to the control device 300 (step S46). When the control device 300 receives the error signal, the display control unit 360 displays an error on the display. The error display content may be, for example, "The door of the key management machine remains open."

[0041] On the other hand, when the front door 120 has been closed (step S45: YES), the control device 300 locks the cover lock mechanism 111 and the key lock mechanism 132 (step S47).

[0042] 《Effect》 As described above, the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an article management machine 100, an exhalation device 200, and a control device 300. The article management machine 100 has a plurality of holding parts 130 that can store the key 50, which is an article to be managed, in a lockable manner. The exhalation device 200 detects biological components that vary from individual to individual and alcohol components contained in the exhaled breath of the user. The control device 300 unlocks at least one of the plurality of holding parts when it is determined from the biological components detected by the exhalation device 200 that the user is a registered user and the physical condition of the user identified from the alcohol components is normal. On the other hand, the control device 300 does not unlock the plurality of holding parts when it is determined from the biological components that the user is not a registered user or the physical condition of the user identified from the alcohol components is not normal. Thus, since both user authentication and physical condition inspection can be performed by a single exhalation device 200, the article management system 1 can perform user authentication and physical condition inspection with a simple configuration.

[0043] Further, in the exhalation device 200 according to the first embodiment, the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230 are provided so as to face the same holding chamber 213. Thereby, the authentication sensor array 220 and the alcohol sensor 230 detect components from the exhaled breath stored in the same holding chamber 213. Therefore, according to the article management system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent others from performing personal authentication and alcohol check.

[0044] <Second Embodiment> <Configuration of Article Management System 1> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the article management system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the article management system 1 according to the second embodiment, the article management machine 100 is provided separately from the breath device 200 and the control device 300. For example, the breath device 200 and the control device 300 are provided on the first floor of a building, and the article management machine 100 is provided on the second floor of the building. In this case, when a registered user authenticates on the first floor of the building, there is a possibility that another person may illegally obtain the key 50 on the second floor of the building. Therefore, the article management system 1 according to the second embodiment prevents the illegal acquisition of the article to be managed even when the breath device 200 and the article management machine 100 are provided separately.

[0045] The article management machine 100 according to the second embodiment further includes an input unit 113 and a display unit 114 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The input unit 113 is a numeric keypad for inputting a user ID. The display unit 114 is a display for presenting information to the user. The display unit 114 displays, for example, the authentication result or an error. Note that the input unit 113 according to other embodiments may be a sensor for acquiring biometric information such as a face image, iris information, fingerprint information, and vein information, or a reader for acquiring information for possession authentication such as an IC card, a magnetic card, a removable medium, a two-dimensional code, and a barcode.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user master data according to the second embodiment. The control unit 150 of the article management machine 100 stores the user master data. The user master data is data associating a user ID, a user name, and a key number of the key 50 that can be used by the user. The user master data may be, for example, periodically transmitted from the control device 300 and stored. The user master data matches the combination of the user ID, the user name, and the key number of the key 50 that can be used by the user stored in the user master table 311.

[0047] The operations of the breath device 200 and the control device 300 are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, the instruction unit 350 of the control device 300 transmits an unlocking instruction including the user ID to the article management machine 100 instead of the key number of the available key 50.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the article management device 100 according to the second embodiment. When the control unit 150 of the article management device 100 receives the unlocking instruction transmitted by the control device 300 (step S141), it starts accepting the input of the user ID by the input unit 113. The input unit 113 determines whether the user ID has been input within a certain period of time after receiving the unlocking instruction (step S142). If the user ID is not input within a certain period of time after receiving the unlocking instruction (step S142: NO), the process ends without unlocking the cover lock mechanism 111.

[0049] On the other hand, if the user ID is input within a certain period of time after receiving the unlocking instruction (step S142: YES), the control unit 150 determines whether the user ID included in the unlocking instruction matches the input user ID (step S143). If the user ID included in the unlocking instruction does not match the input user ID (step S143: NO), the process ends without unlocking the cover lock mechanism 111. In other embodiments, the input of the user ID may be accepted a predetermined number of times.

[0050] If the user ID included in the unlocking instruction matches the input user ID (step S143: YES), the control unit 150 reads out the available key number associated with the user ID input in step S142 from the user master data. Next, the control unit 150 unlocks the key lock mechanism 132 and turns on the display lamp 133 corresponding to the key number specified in step S143 (step S144). The control unit 150 determines whether the key 50 has been acquired or returned within a certain period of time (step S145). If the key 50 has been acquired or returned (step S145: YES), the control unit 150 transmits the key number of the acquired or returned key 50 and the operation result data including the acquisition date and time or the return date and time to the control device 300 (step S146).

[0051] Thereafter, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the front door 120 has been closed within a certain period of time based on the measurement signal of the fully closed detection sensor 112 (step S147). If the front door 120 has not been closed (step S147: NO), an error signal is sent to the control device 300 (step S148). When the control device 300 receives the error signal, the display unit and the display control unit 360 of the article management machine 100 display an error on the display.

[0052] On the other hand, when the front door 120 is closed (step S147: YES), the control device 300 locks the cover lock mechanism 111 and the key lock mechanism 132 (step S149).

[0053] The article management system 1 according to the second embodiment enables the acquisition of the key 50 when the user is authenticated by the breath device 200 and then authenticated by the user ID input to the article management machine 100 within a certain period of time. Thereby, the article management system 1 can prevent unauthorized acquisition of the article to be managed even when the breath device 200 and the article management machine 100 are provided separately. In the second embodiment, when the user ID is input to the article management machine 100 without the user being authenticated by the breath device 200, it is also possible to unlock only the keys that can be unlocked regardless of the alcohol concentration, such as the keys to facilities such as conference rooms.

[0054] <Third Embodiment> <<Configuration of the Article Management Machine 100>> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the article management machine 100 according to the third embodiment. The article management machine 100 according to the third embodiment combines each element constituting the article management system 1 into one device. That is, the control unit 150 according to the third embodiment functions as the control device 300 according to the first embodiment and the control unit 270 of the breath device 200.

[0055] The article management device 100 according to the third embodiment includes a display unit 114 and an exhalation measurement unit 115 in addition to the configuration of the article management device 100 according to the first embodiment. The exhalation measurement unit 115 has the same configuration as the exhalation device 200 according to the first embodiment. The exhalation measurement unit 115 is connected to the housing 110 of the article management device 100. In the third embodiment, when a user ID is input to the article management device 100 in a state where the user has not been authenticated by the exhalation measurement unit 115, only a key that can be unlocked regardless of the alcohol concentration, such as a key to a facility such as a meeting room, can be unlocked.

[0056] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings above, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be appropriately changed. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel. The control device 300 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured by a single computer, or the configuration of the control device 300 may be divided and arranged among a plurality of computers, and the plurality of computers may function as the control device 300 by cooperating with each other. At this time, some of the computers constituting the control device 300 may be mounted inside the article management device 100 or the exhalation device 200. Also, the control device 300 may be realized by a cloud computing system.

[0057] The article management system 1 according to the above-described embodiment does not unlock the article management device 100 when the amount of the alcohol component of the user exceeds the threshold, but is not limited to this. For example, the article management system 1 according to another embodiment may allow the return of the key 50 while not allowing the acquisition of the key 50 when the amount of the alcohol component of the user exceeds the threshold. In this case, when the control device 300 determines that the user is a registered user and the alcohol component exceeds the threshold (step S25: NO), the control device 300 may transmit an unlocking instruction that permits unlocking only of the acquired key number.

[0058] In addition, the article management system 1 according to the above-described embodiment detects the alcohol component contained in the user's breath, but is not limited thereto. For example, the article management system 1 according to other embodiments may estimate the user's physical condition from the ammonia component or the like contained in the breath, or may detect a drug component. The ammonia component and the drug component are examples of components whose amounts change depending on the user's physical condition.

[0059] <Computer Configuration> FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a storage 93, and an interface 94. The control unit 150 of the above-described article management machine 100, the control unit 150 of the breath device 200, and the control device 300 are implemented in the computer 90. The operations of the above-described respective processing units are stored in the storage 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from the storage 93 and expands it in the main memory 92, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the processor 91 secures a storage area corresponding to each of the above-described storage units in the main memory 92 according to the program. Examples of the processor 91 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0060] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be exerted by the computer 90. For example, the program may exert functions by combination with other programs already stored in the storage or combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, the computer 90 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions realized by the processor 91 may be realized by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included as an example of a processor. In other embodiments, the computer 90 may be virtualized on one or more computers.

[0061] Examples of the storage 93 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 90 via the interface 94 or a communication line. Also, when this program is distributed to the computer 90 via a communication line, the computer 90 that has received the distribution may expand the program in the main memory 92 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the storage 93 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0062] Also, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 93.

Explanation of Signs

[0063] 1…Article management system 100…Article management machine 110…Housing 111…Cover lock mechanism 112…Fully closed detection sensor 113…Input unit 114…Display unit 115…Exhalation measurement unit 120…Front door 130…Holding unit 131…Insertion hole 132…Key lock mechanism 133…Display lamp 134…Operation button 150…Control unit 200…Exhalation device 210…Device main body 211…Housing 212…Inlet 213…Holding chamber 214…First flow path 215…Second flow path 216…Third flow path 217…Exhaust flow path 220…Authentication sensor array 230…Alcohol sensor 240…Filter 250…Ventilation door 251…Pressure sensor 260…Suction pump 270…Control unit 280…Mouthpiece 300…Control device 310…Database 311…User master table 312…History table 320…Acquisition unit 330…Authentication unit 340…Permission unit 350…Instruction unit 360…Display control unit 50…Key 51…Key body 52…Holder 90…Computer 91…Processor 92…Main memory 93…Storage 94…Interface

Claims

1. An article management machine having a plurality of holding parts for storing articles to be locked in a lockable manner, An exhalation device that detects a first component that varies from individual to individual and a second component that varies depending on the physical condition, which are included in the exhalation of the user, When it is determined from the first component detected by the exhalation device that the user is a registered user and the physical condition of the user specified from the second component is normal, at least one of the plurality of holding parts is unlocked, and when it is determined from the first component that the user is not a registered user, or when the physical condition of the user specified from the second component is not normal, control means for not unlocking the plurality of holding parts, An article management system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The exhalation device is A housing that forms an inlet for receiving exhalation and an internal space communicating with the inlet, A first sensor provided in the internal space for detecting the first component, A second sensor provided in the internal space for detecting the second component The article management system according to claim 1, comprising the above.

3. The control means determines whether the user is a registered user based on the value of the first component detected by the exhalation device and the value of the first component stored in association with each registered user in the storage means in advance. The article management system according to claim 1.

4. An article management machine having a plurality of holding parts for storing articles to be locked in a lockable manner and an input part for inputting personal identification information of the user, An exhalation device that detects a first component that varies from individual to individual and a second component that varies depending on the physical condition, which are included in the exhalation of the user, When it is determined from the first component detected by the exhalation device that the user is a registered user, the physical condition of the user specified from the second component is normal, and the user indicated by the input personal identification information matches the user specified from the first component, a predetermined holding part of the holding parts of the article management machine is unlocked, and when it is determined from the first component that the user is not a registered user, the physical condition of the user specified from the second component is not normal, or the user indicated by the input personal identification information does not match the user specified from the first component, control means for not unlocking the plurality of holding parts, An article management system characterized by comprising the above.

5. A plurality of holding parts for storing articles to be locked in a lockable manner, A detection unit that detects a first component that varies from individual to individual and a second component that varies depending on the physical condition, both contained in the user's breath; A first determination unit that determines whether the user is a registered user based on the first component detected by the detection unit; A second determination unit that determines whether the physical condition of the user is normal based on the second component detected by the detection unit; A control unit that unlocks at least one of the plurality of holding units when it is determined that the user is a registered user and the physical condition is normal, and does not unlock the plurality of holding units when it is determined that the user is not a registered user or the physical condition is not normal; An article management device, characterized by comprising the above.

6. A housing that forms an inlet for receiving the user's breath and an internal space communicating with the inlet; A first sensor provided in the internal space for detecting a first component that varies from individual to individual and is contained in the breath; A second sensor provided in the internal space for detecting a second component that varies depending on the physical condition of the user and is contained in the breath; A determination unit that determines whether the user is a registered user based on the first component detected by the first sensor; An estimation unit that estimates the physical condition of the user based on the second component detected by the second sensor; A breath device comprising the above.

Images