Electronic doorplate system

Abstract

To provide an electronic doorplate system which, with respect to each object, can easily confirm a state where the object is placed.SOLUTION: An electronic doorplate system 1 includes: a cluster type network CN constructed by a plurality of electronic doorplate devices 4 arranged in office desks D respectively; and a control device 5 communicably connected to the cluster-type network CN. The control device 5 transmits display information QT about an office desk D to the electronic doorplate device 4 corresponding to the office desk D via the cluster type network CN. Each electronic doorplate device 4 has a display 44 for displaying the display information QT transmitted from the control device 5 and an input unit 42 for receiving input from a user and transmits input information inputted from the input unit 42 to the control device 5 via the cluster type network CN.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic name tag system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for accepting reservations for work desks in a free-address office.

[0003] In the system described in Patent Document 1, a computer for accepting reservations is arranged near the entrance and exit of the free-address office. Then, when an employee wishes to use a work desk, the employee inputs usage application information indicating an application to use the work desk to the computer. When the computer receives the input of the usage application information, it selects one work desk from the available work desks and notifies the selected work desk to the employee. Then, the employee performs work using the notified work desk. When the work is completed, the employee inputs end application information indicating the end of the use of the work desk to the computer and leaves the seat.

[0004] Note that the computer refers to the past usage status of the employee and randomly selects a work desk so that the employee does not use the same work desk every day as much as possible. Thereby, even though it is a free-address office, it suppresses the situation where the same employee sits at the same work desk every day due to long-term operation, and the merit of the free-address system is lost.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, each employee cannot confirm who is using a work desk other than their assigned work desk and from when to when.

[0007] In view of this point, the present invention has been made. By arranging an electronic nameplate device capable of displaying the reservation usage status of each work desk for each work desk, it is possible to easily confirm who is using a work desk and from when to when for each work desk. More broadly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic nameplate system capable of easily confirming the state in which an object is placed for each object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Such an object is achieved by the following (1) of the present invention.

[0009] (1) A network constructed by a plurality of electronic nameplate devices arranged for each object, a control device communicably connected to the network, and including: the control device transmits information regarding the object to the electronic nameplate device corresponding to the object via the network, each of the electronic nameplate devices has a display for displaying the information transmitted from the control device and an input unit for receiving an input from a user, and is characterized in that input information input from the input unit is transmitted to the control device via the network.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] In the electronic nameplate system of the present invention, a plurality of electronic nameplate devices are arranged for each object, and information on the corresponding object is displayed on each electronic nameplate device. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm the state in which the object is placed for each object. In addition, information can also be input from the electronic nameplate device side. As a result, an electronic nameplate system with excellent convenience is obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the electronic nameplate system of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration diagram of an electronic nameplate system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which the electronic nameplate system shown in FIG. 1 is applied to a hoteling system. FIG. 3 is an external view showing an electronic nameplate device included in the electronic nameplate system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electronic nameplate device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control device having the electronic nameplate system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of reservation registration information generated by the control device. FIGS. 7 to 11 are each an example of a template image displayed on the electronic nameplate device. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of display information generated by the control device. FIGS. 13 and 14 are each an example of an image displayed on the electronic nameplate device.

[0014] The electronic nameplate system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cluster-type network CN including a plurality of electronic nameplate devices 4, a control device 5 that controls the cluster-type network CN, and a communication terminal 6 that can communicate with the control device 5. Further, the control device 5 includes an electronic nameplate control unit 51 that controls each electronic nameplate device 4, and an application control unit 52 that is connected to the electronic nameplate control unit 51 and can communicate with the communication terminal 6.

[0015] In this embodiment, such an electronic nameplate system 1 is applied as an office hot-desking system, that is, a hoteling system for workstations D. In the free-address office O, a plurality of workstations D (work spots) as targets are arranged. An employee (hereinafter also referred to as a "user") can work using any available workstation D without having their own fixed seat. In the free-address office O, it is sufficient to prepare a number of workstations D that is less than the number of employees, and it is possible to reduce the floor area and office furniture by improving the space utilization efficiency. In addition, there are many secondary benefits such as the activation of communication between employees due to the non-fixed workstations D, collaboration across departments and teams according to the work content, and the refreshing effect on employees.

[0016] In the electronic nameplate system 1, one electronic nameplate device 4 is arranged for each workstation D. The electronic nameplate device 4 is arranged on the top plate of the workstation D so as to be easily noticeable to the user. However, the arrangement location of the electronic nameplate device 4 is not particularly limited.

[0017] In the electronic nameplate system 1, each user can reserve a desired workstation D in advance using a reservation service application (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "reservation app") provided by the control device 5 on the web. Specifically, the user can use the reservation app by accessing the reservation app on the web via a smartphone 60 as a communication terminal 6 owned by the user. However, the communication terminal 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can access the reservation app on the web, and may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a wearable device, or the like. Then, the control device 5 displays the reservation usage status of the corresponding workstation D on each electronic nameplate device 4.

[0018] According to such an electronic nameplate system 1, the user can easily check the reservation usage status for each workstation D by checking the reservation usage status displayed on the electronic nameplate device 4.

[0019] Hereinafter, the configuration of the electronic nameplate system 1 will be described in detail.

[0020] ≪Cluster-type network CN≫ Returning to FIG. 1, the cluster-type network CN includes one electronic nameplate device 4 belonging to the primary layer which is the topmost layer (hereinafter also referred to as "primary electronic nameplate device 4a"), and two electronic nameplate devices 4 belonging to the secondary layer which is one layer below the primary layer and connected so as to hang below the primary electronic nameplate device 4a (hereinafter also referred to as "secondary electronic nameplate devices 4b"), and four electronic nameplate devices 4 belonging to the tertiary layer which is one layer below the secondary layer and connected so as to hang below the secondary electronic nameplate devices 4b (hereinafter also referred to as "tertiary electronic nameplate devices 4c"). In the cluster-type network CN, a plurality of electronic nameplate devices 4 belonging to the same layer are not directly connected to each other.

[0021] In such a cluster-type network CN, communication between layers is enabled by relaying the electronic nameplate devices 4 belonging to a higher layer or a lower layer than itself. As described above, in the present specification, a network topology having a multi-layer structure is referred to as a "cluster-type network".

[0022] In this embodiment, as described above, two secondary electronic tag devices 4b belong to the secondary layer. However, the number of secondary electronic tag devices 4b is not particularly limited. Also, two secondary electronic tag devices 4b are connected to one primary electronic tag device 4a. However, the number of secondary electronic tag devices 4b connected to one primary electronic tag device 4a is not particularly limited. However, the upper limit number that can be connected is determined by the memory capacity and the like of each device. Also, four tertiary electronic tag devices 4c belong to the tertiary layer. However, the number of tertiary electronic tag devices 4c is not particularly limited. Also, two tertiary electronic tag devices 4c are connected to one secondary electronic tag device 4b. However, the number of tertiary electronic tag devices 4c connected to one secondary electronic tag device 4b is not particularly limited. Also, the cluster-type network CN may have a structure including at least one electronic tag device 4 belonging to a fourth layer which is one layer below the tertiary layer, at least one electronic tag device 4 belonging to a fifth layer which is one layer below the fourth layer, and the like, and further including electronic tag devices 4 belonging to deeper layers. The number of layers, the number of electronic tag devices 4 belonging to each layer, and the number of electronic tag devices 4 connected in a hanging manner to one electronic tag device are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to, for example, the number of necessary electronic tag devices 4, the maximum connection number of each electronic tag device 4, and the like. According to such a cluster-type network CN, the construction, expansion, management, etc. of the electronic tag system 1 become easy.

[0023] Also, in the cluster-type network CN, the connection between the electronic tag devices 4 is a pairing connection according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard. The pairing connection enables two-way communication using wireless communication between a pair of paired devices. In the pairing connection, two devices transmit advertisement signals (advertisement packets) to each other, register each other's pairing information, and then establish a connection (pairing connection) between the two devices. A pair of devices connected to each other by such a pairing connection can communicate with each other.

[0024] Such a cluster-type network CN is used to comprehensively control all the electronic tag devices 4 included in the cluster-type network CN with a single control device 5.

[0025] For example, when the control device 5 transmits a signal targeted at a predetermined third-level electronic tag device 4c belonging to the lowest third level to a first-level electronic tag device 4a belonging to the highest first level of the cluster-type network CN, the electronic tag devices 4 belonging to each level of the cluster-type network CN relay the signal transmitted from the control device 5 to an appropriate electronic tag device 4 belonging to a level lower than itself and transmit it to the predetermined third-level electronic tag device 4c. Thereby, the predetermined third-level electronic tag device 4c can receive the signal targeted at itself.

[0026] Conversely, when the third-level electronic tag device 4c transmits a signal targeted at the control device 5 to a second-level electronic tag device 4b belonging to the second level one level above, the electronic tag devices 4 belonging to each level of the cluster-type network CN relay the signal transmitted from the third-level electronic tag device 4c to an appropriate electronic tag device 4 belonging to a level higher than itself and transmit it to the control device 5. Thereby, the control device 5 can receive the signal targeted at itself.

[0027] Thus, in the cluster-type network CN, in order to enable two-way communication using wireless communication between a pair of electronically ticket devices 4 connected by pairing, not only can signals be transmitted from an electronically ticket device 4 belonging to a higher layer to an electronically ticket device 4 belonging to a lower layer, but also signals can be transmitted from an electronically ticket device 4 belonging to a lower layer to an electronically ticket device 4 belonging to a higher layer. For example, an electronically ticket device 4 that has received a signal targeted at itself from the control device 5 can transmit a response signal reporting that it has received the signal to the control device 5 via the cluster-type network CN. Therefore, in the electronically ticket system 1, the reliability of communication between the control device 5 and each electronically ticket device 4 is high. Also, for example, an electronically ticket device 4 that has received an input can also transmit the input information to the control device 5 via the cluster-type network CN.

[0028] Also, in the electronically ticket system 1, a cluster-type network CN that enables two-way communication is constructed by connecting electronically ticket devices 4 of the same type (same hardware) to each other by pairing according to the BLE standard, and a plurality of electronically ticket devices 4 are collectively controlled via the cluster-type network CN. Therefore, in order to control each electronically ticket device 4, there is no need to construct a dedicated network using multiple types of dedicated devices such as a dedicated gateway or a dedicated server. Thus, the installation work of dedicated devices is not required, and the introduction cost of the electronically ticket system 1 can be significantly reduced. Also, since the cluster-type network CN is constructed only with electronically ticket devices 4 of the same type, the construction, expansion, management, etc. of the electronically ticket system 1 are easier compared to the case of constructing a network using multiple types of dedicated devices.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each electronic nameplate device 4 includes one or more processors 41 for executing control of the electronic nameplate device 4, an input unit 42 for executing input to the electronic nameplate device 4, a BLE communication unit 43 for executing wireless communication according to the BLE standard, a display 44 capable of displaying reservation usage status, a sensor 45, a light emitting unit 46, one or more memories 47 storing data and modules used for executing processing of the electronic nameplate system 1, and a power supply 48 for supplying driving power.

[0030] Thus, since the electronic nameplate device 4 is provided with the power supply 48, the electronic nameplate device 4 can be used without being connected to a commercial power supply via an outlet or the like. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the electronic nameplate device 4 is increased, and the construction of the electronic nameplate system 1 becomes easy. Note that the power supply 48 is not particularly limited, and for example, a rechargeable battery, a replaceable battery, or the like can be used.

[0031] The one or more processors 41 are arithmetic units that execute arithmetic processing such as signal operations based on computer-readable instructions such as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), memory control units (MCUs), arithmetic processing units for image processing (GPUs), state machines, logic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or combinations thereof. In particular, the processor 41 is configured to fetch computer-readable instructions (for example, data, programs, modules, etc.) stored in the memory 47 and execute arithmetic operations, signal operations, and control.

[0032] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 42 has a plurality of input buttons and enables input to the electronic nameplate device 4. In particular, in the present embodiment, the plurality of input buttons include a check-in button B1 for performing check-in to start using the duty seat D and a check-out button B2 for performing check-out to end using the duty seat D.

[0033] However, the number and functions of the input buttons are not particularly limited. For example, the check-in button B1 and the check-out button B2 may be constituted by a single button, and a configuration may be adopted in which pressing the button once results in check-in and pressing it one more time results in check-out. Further, in addition, it may include a display switching button for switching the display of the display 44, a specific duty seat D, a call button for calling an administrator, etc. Further, the input unit 42 may be configured other than buttons such as a switch and a touch panel display, for example.

[0034] Further, the BLE communication unit 43 is a unit used to execute wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. The BLE communication unit 43 includes components necessary for executing wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard, such as an antenna, a transmission / reception circuit, and a modulation / demodulation circuit, and executes wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard with the control device 5 and other electronic nameplate devices 4 in accordance with the control from the processor 41.

[0035] By using the BLE communication unit 43, the electronic nameplate device 4 can transmit and receive signals with the control device 5 and other electronic nameplate devices 4. Commands, arbitrary data, and information can be incorporated into the signals.

[0036] Further, the display 44 is a display unit that displays arbitrary information in accordance with the control from the processor 41. As the display 44, a liquid crystal display, an electronic paper (electrophoretic display device), etc. can be used. In particular, in this embodiment, electronic paper is used. Since electronic paper has the characteristic of consuming no power during display and consuming power only during rewriting, the power consumption is very low. Therefore, the battery drive time of the electronic nameplate device 4 can be made longer.

[0037] In addition, the sensor 45 is used to acquire sensing data regarding the surrounding environment of the work seat D and the user who uses the work seat D. The sensor 45 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an image sensor, a voice sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a human presence sensor, a proximity sensor, a weight sensor, a touch sensor, and the like. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a human presence sensor 450 that senses surrounding people is provided as the sensor 45. Then, the presence or absence of a person sitting on the work seat D can be detected by the human presence sensor 450.

[0038] In addition, the light emitting unit 46 is, for example, an LED, and transmits necessary information to the user by changing the light emitting state (turning off / turning on / flashing) or changing the light emitting color (red / green). In the present embodiment, one light emitting unit 46 is provided, but the number of light emitting units 46 is not particularly limited, and two or more may be provided.

[0039] The memory 47 is a computer-readable medium including a volatile storage medium (for example, RAM, SRAM, DRAM), a non-volatile storage medium (for example, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk), or a combination thereof. The memory 47 is communicably connected to the processor 41 and stores data necessary for the electronic nameplate device 4 to execute processing, modules executable by the processor 41, and the like. The memory 47 also has a function of temporarily storing data received, processed, and generated by the modules and data necessary for executing the processing by the modules.

[0040] The data has, for example, identification information for identifying itself and other electronic nameplate devices 4.

[0041] A module is computer-readable instructions executable by a processor 41, such as a routine, an application, a program, an algorithm, a library, an object, a component, a data structure, or a combination thereof. Such modules include, for example, an information transmission module for transmitting signals to other electronic nameplate devices 4 or control devices 5, a network construction module for establishing a pairing connection for constructing a cluster-type network CN, a behavior discrimination module for discriminating a user's seating state based on sensing data acquired by a human presence sensor 450, and any number of other modules for supplementing the functions provided by the electronic nameplate device 4.

[0042] ≪Control Device 5≫ The control device 5 includes an electronic nameplate control unit 51 that controls each electronic nameplate device 4, and an application control unit 52 that is connected to the electronic nameplate control unit 51 and can communicate with a communication terminal 6.

[0043] Such a control device 5 is a server on the cloud. The control device 5 has, for example, one or more processors and a memory communicably connected to the processors. The memory stores data, applications, modules, etc. used to execute the processing of the electronic nameplate system 1, and the processor can read and execute the modules and the like stored in the memory. Note that the configurations of the processor and the memory can be the same as those of the aforementioned electronic nameplate device 4. Note that the control device 5 is not limited to a server on the cloud, and can be any information terminal such as a server connected without going through the cloud, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a workstation, or a tablet computer.

[0044] The electronic nameplate control unit 51 manages the cluster-type network CN, and further stores applications and data for providing various functions using the cluster-type network CN. In addition, the electronic nameplate control unit 51 can wirelessly communicate with each electronic nameplate device 4 constituting the cluster-type network CN via a pairing connection based on the BLE standard. Specifically, the electronic nameplate control unit 51 is paired with a primary electronic nameplate device 4a belonging to the primary layer, which is the topmost layer of the cluster-type network CN. Such an electronic nameplate control unit 51 can read the data stored in the application control unit 52 and transmit it to a predetermined electronic nameplate device 4, or conversely, write the signal transmitted from a predetermined electronic nameplate device 4 into the application control unit 52.

[0045] The application control unit 52 has a function of accepting a reservation for the duty seat D from the smartphone 60. In addition, the application control unit 52 stores applications and data for providing various functions using the cluster-type network CN.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control device 5 is constituted by one server including the electronic nameplate control unit 51 and the application control unit 52, but it is not limited to this. For example, the electronic nameplate control unit 51 and the application control unit 52 may be constituted by separate hardware and connected to be communicable with each other.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 5 having such a configuration includes a reservation application providing unit 500 that provides a reservation application, a reservation accepting unit 501 that accepts a reservation for the duty seat D via the reservation application, a reservation registration information generating unit 502 that generates reservation registration information Dr based on the reservation content accepted by the reservation accepting unit 501, an information generating unit 503 that generates information to be displayed on each electronic nameplate device 4 based on the reservation registration information Dr generated by the reservation registration information generating unit 502, an input accepting unit 504 that accepts an input to each electronic nameplate device 4, and a state detecting unit 505 that detects the state of the duty seat D.

[0048] Among these parts, the reservation application providing unit 500 and the reservation receiving unit 501 are respectively realized by the application control unit 52, and the remaining reservation registration information generating unit 502, information generating unit 503, input receiving unit 504, and state detection unit 505 are respectively realized by the electronic nameplate control unit 51. However, which of these parts 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 are realized by the electronic nameplate control unit 51 and the application control unit 52 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the configuration of the control device 5.

[0049] The reservation application providing unit 500 provides a reservation application, which is a web application, that is, an application that can be used on the Internet. The user can make a reservation for the work desk D by accessing the reservation application on the web from the smartphone 60. In this reservation, for example, the work desk D and the usage date and time can be specified. Note that the reservation application may be a native application installed on the user's smartphone 60 instead of a web application.

[0050] The reservation receiving unit 501 receives the reservation for the work desk D via the reservation application and saves the received content. In addition, the reservation receiving unit 501 notifies the user of the fact that the reservation has been received and the reservation content. The notification method is not particularly limited. For example, it may be notified via the reservation application, or it may be notified by sending an email to the email address registered at the time of reservation. In addition, the reservation receiving unit 501 sends the received reservation content to the reservation registration information generating unit 502. The timing of sending the reservation content to the reservation registration information generating unit 502 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be sent each time a new reservation is received, or all the reservation content received until a predetermined time may be sent in a batch.

[0051] The reservation registration information generation unit 502 generates reservation registration information Dr based on the reservation details transmitted from the reservation reception unit 501. The reservation registration information Dr is information that associates the use date and time information with the user information for each work desk D, as shown in FIG. 6, for example. However, the reservation registration information Dr is not particularly limited as long as the reservation details can be confirmed.

[0052] The information generation unit 503 generates information to be displayed on the display 44 of each electronic nameplate device 4 based on the reservation registration information Dr generated by the reservation registration information generation unit 502. In this embodiment, template images shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 are pre-stored in each electronic nameplate device 4. Then, the information generation unit 503 generates information to be inserted into these template images.

[0053] Specifically, among these template images, the template image shown in FIG. 7 is an unreserved seat image for display on an unreserved work desk D. Also, the template image shown in FIG. 8 is a reserved image for display on a work desk D that has been reserved but not checked in. Also, the template image shown in FIG. 9 is a check-in reception image for display when check-in is received for a reserved work desk D. Also, the template image shown in FIG. 10 is an in-use image for display on a work desk D that has been checked in. Also, the template image shown in FIG. 11 is a check-out reception image for display when check-out is received for a work desk D that has been checked in. Note that the content and number of the template images can be appropriately set according to the purpose of the electronic nameplate system 1.

[0054] Then, the information generation unit 503 generates information Q to be inserted into the reserved image and the in-use image, that is, user information regarding the user's name and department and usage date and time information regarding the usage time, based on the reservation registration information Dr. For example, if it is the work seat D of No. 1, the information generation unit 503 generates information Q with the user's name as "A", the user's department as "Sales Department", and the usage time as "9:00 - 13:00". Also, if it is the work seat D of No. 3, the information generation unit 503 generates information Q with the user's name as "B", the user's department as "Development Department", and the usage time as "9:00 - 17:00". Note that the information Q to be generated is, for example, text data, image data, etc.

[0055] In this way, by generating and storing in advance as a template image the parts not related to the reservation registration information Dr, the information generation load on the information generation unit 503 is reduced. Furthermore, by storing the template image in each electronic nameplate device 4, only the information Q needs to be transmitted from the electronic nameplate control unit 51 to each electronic nameplate device 4, so the amount of information to be transmitted can be kept small. Therefore, the communication load can be reduced. However, the information generated by the information generation unit 503 is not particularly limited. For example, the template image is stored in the electronic nameplate control unit 51, and the information generation unit 503 may transmit to each electronic nameplate device 4 the information in which the information Q is inserted into the template image.

[0056] Next, the information generation unit 503 determines the display timing T of each image shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. For example, for the work seat D of No. 1, the information generation unit 503 determines the display timing T of each image as shown in FIG. 12 and below.

[0057] Unreserved seat image: Displayed after checkout Reserved image: Displayed from 8:30 Check-in reception image: Displayed for 5 seconds when check-in is received In-use image: Displayed after check-in Checkout reception image: Displayed for 5 seconds when checkout is received

[0058] Then, the information generation unit 503 transmits display information QT, which is information associating the generated information Q and the display timing T, to each electronic nameplate device 4. Each electronic nameplate device 4 controls the image to be displayed on the display 44 based on the display information QT transmitted from the information generation unit 503.

[0059] Input information input to the input unit 42 of each electronic nameplate device 4 is transmitted to the input reception unit 504. Then, the input reception unit 504 determines whether to accept the input information or not. For example, when the input information detecting the pressing of the check-in button B1 is transmitted from the electronic nameplate device 4 arranged at the reserved duty seat D, if the time when the check-in button B1 is pressed is within the check-in reception time (for example, 15 minutes before the start of the usage time to 30 minutes before the end), the check-in to the duty seat D is accepted, and if it is outside the check-in reception time, the check-in is not accepted. Also, when the input information detecting the pressing of the check-out button B2 is transmitted from the electronic nameplate device 4, if the check-in has been completed, the check-out is accepted, and if the check-in has not been completed, the check-out is not accepted. Then, the input reception unit 504 returns the reception result of the input information to the electronic nameplate device 4 that is the transmission source.

[0060] The electronic nameplate device 4 that has been returned the acceptance of check-in from the input reception unit 504 displays an image of accepted check-in on the display 44 for a predetermined time based on the display information QT, and then displays an image during use. Also, the electronic nameplate device 4 that has been returned the acceptance of check-out from the input reception unit 504 displays an image of accepted check-out on the display 44 for a predetermined time based on the display information QT, and then displays an image of not reserved.

[0061] On the other hand, the electronic nameplate device 4 that has been sent a message indicating that it has not received a check-in from the input reception unit 504 continues to display the currently displayed image, that is, the reserved screen, as it is. If there is separately a check-in rejection image for notifying that a check-in has not been received as a template image, the check-in rejection image may be displayed for a predetermined time and then the reserved image may be displayed again. Also, the electronic nameplate device 4 that has been sent a message indicating that it has not received a check-out from the input reception unit 504 continues to display the currently displayed image as it is. If there is separately a check-out rejection image for notifying that a check-out has not been received as a template image, the check-out rejection image may be displayed for a predetermined time.

[0062] The state detection unit 505 detects the state of each work seat D based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 450 mounted on each electronic nameplate device 4. For example, during the period from check-in to check-out, the state detection unit 505 periodically detects whether the user of the work seat D is seated or has left the work seat D based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 450. Thereby, the actual state of the work seat D can be grasped.

[0063] The configuration of the electronic nameplate system 1 has been described above.

[0064] ≪Usage method of the electronic nameplate system 1≫ Next, the usage method of the electronic nameplate system 1 will be described. However, the usage method described below is an example, and the usage method of the electronic nameplate system 1 is not limited thereto. Also, for convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the work seat D No. 1 shown in FIG. 6 will be described as a representative, and the work seat D will also be referred to as the work seat Dx, and the electronic nameplate device 4 arranged on the work seat Dx will also be referred to as the electronic nameplate device 4x.

[0065] -Pre-reservation step- Next, user A accesses the reservation app via the smartphone 60 in advance to make a reservation for work desk Dx. At this time, user A makes a reservation with the content of the work desk to be used: work desk Dx, and the usage date and time: 9:00 - 13:00 on October 1st. When the reservation reception unit 501 of the application control unit 52 receives the reservation for work desk D by user A, it sends a reservation completion notice to inform user A that the reservation has been received and its reservation content. As described above, the reservation completion notice may be sent on the reservation app or by email to the email address registered at the time of reservation. Thereby, user A can confirm that the reservation for work desk Dx has been completed and its reservation content. Also, the reservation reception unit 501 sends the received reservation content to the reservation registration information generation unit 502.

[0066] - Reservation registration information generation step - Next, the reservation registration information generation unit 502 generates and saves reservation registration information Dr based on the reservation content regarding work desk Dx sent from the reservation reception unit 501. Next, the information generation unit 503 generates information Q and display timing T based on the reservation information regarding work desk Dx registered in the reservation registration information Dr, and puts the display information QT, which is the information linked to these, into a signal and sends it to the electronic nameplate device 4x.

[0067] - Display step - The electronic nameplate device 4x saves the display information QT sent from the information generation unit 503 and sends a response signal reporting that it has received the display information QT to the electronic nameplate control unit 51. Also, the electronic nameplate device 4x inserts the information Q included in the display information QT into the template images of the reserved image and the in - use image, and generates the reserved image and the in - use image to be actually displayed. Then, the electronic nameplate device 4x controls the image to be displayed on the display 44 according to the display timing T included in the display information QT. That is, when it becomes 8:30 on the reservation day, the electronic nameplate device 4x displays the reserved image as shown in FIG. 13 on the display 44.

[0068] - Check - in step - When the electronic nameplate device 4x detects the pressing of the check-in button B1, it converts the input information indicating this into a signal and transmits it to the electronic nameplate control unit 51. Based on the input information transmitted from the electronic nameplate device 4x, the input reception unit 504 of the electronic nameplate control unit 51 determines whether to accept or not accept the check-in to the work desk Dx.

[0069] Specifically, the input reception unit 504 first checks whether the work desk Dx is a reserved seat. Next, if the work desk Dx is reserved, the input reception unit 504 determines whether the time when the pressing of the check-in button B1 is detected is within the check-in acceptance time of the work desk Dx. Then, if the time when the pressing of the check-in button B1 is detected is within the check-in acceptance time, the input reception unit 504 accepts the check-in to the work desk Dx, and if it is outside the check-in acceptance time, it does not accept the check-in. And the input reception unit 504 converts the check-in determination result indicating whether the check-in is accepted or not into a signal and transmits it to the electronic nameplate device 4x.

[0070] - Display switching step - The electronic nameplate device 4x controls the image to be displayed on the display 44 based on the check-in determination result transmitted from the input reception unit 504. Specifically, when the input reception unit 504 accepts check-in, the electronic nameplate device 4x switches the image to be displayed on the display 44 to a check-in accepted image based on the display information QT, and further switches to an in-use image as shown in FIG. 14 after displaying the check-in accepted image for 5 seconds. Thereby, it is possible to notify user A that the check-in has been completed and the device is available for use. At this time, together with the above-described image switching, the light emitting unit 46 may be lit or blinked in a predetermined color (for example, green) to notify user A that the check-in has been completed. On the other hand, when the input reception unit 504 does not accept check-in, the electronic nameplate device 4x continues to display the reserved screen as it is. At this time, the light emitting unit 46 may be lit or blinked in a predetermined color (for example, red) to notify user A that the check-in has not been accepted. Thereby, it is possible to notify user A that the check-in has not been accepted.

[0071] -Check-out step- When the electronic nameplate device 4x detects the pressing of the check-out button B2, it inserts input information indicating that fact into a signal and transmits it to the electronic nameplate control unit 51. The input reception unit 504 of the electronic nameplate control unit 51 determines whether to accept or not accept the check-out from the work desk Dx based on the input information transmitted from the electronic nameplate device 4x.

[0072] Specifically, the input reception unit 504 first checks whether the work desk Dx is in a checked-in state. If the work desk Dx is in a checked-in state, the input reception unit 504 accepts the check-out from the work desk Dx, and if the work desk Dx is not in a checked-in state, the input reception unit 504 does not accept the check-out from the work desk Dx. Then, the input reception unit 504 inserts a check-out determination result indicating whether the check-out has been accepted or not into a signal and transmits it to the electronic nameplate device 4x.

[0073] -Switching step- The electronic nameplate device 4x controls the image to be displayed on the display 44 based on the checkout determination result transmitted from the input reception unit 504. Specifically, when the input reception unit 504 receives a checkout, the electronic nameplate device 4x switches the image to be displayed on the display 44 to a checkout reception image based on the display information QT, and further switches the checkout reception image to an unreserved image after displaying it for 5 seconds. Thereby, it is possible to notify user A that the checkout has been completed and the user can leave. At this time, together with the above-mentioned image switching, the light emitting unit 46 may be lit or blinked in a predetermined color (for example, green) to notify user A that the checkout has been completed. On the other hand, when the input reception unit 504 does not receive a checkout, the electronic nameplate device 4x continues to display the current screen as it is. At this time, the light emitting unit 46 may be lit or blinked in a predetermined color (for example, red) to notify user A that the checkout has not been received. Thereby, it is possible to notify user A that the checkout has not been received.

[0074] -Status detection step- After the input reception unit 504 receives the check-in to the work desk Dx in the check-in step until it receives the checkout from the work desk Dx in the checkout step, the status detection unit 505 periodically detects whether user A is seated or left the work desk Dx based on the detection result of the human sensor 450 transmitted from the electronic nameplate device 4x. Thereby, the actual usage status of the work desk Dx of user A can be detected. In this way, by detecting the actual usage status of each work desk D by taking advantage of the two-way communication enabled by the cluster type network CN, more information can be utilized.

[0075] -Immediate reservation step- After User A leaves the work desk Dx, another user who has not reserved the work desk Dx may know from the unreserved screen displayed on the electronic nameplate device 4x that the work desk Dx is unreserved and may wish to use the work desk Dx on the spot. In such a case, the user may reserve the work desk Dx via the reservation application on the spot.

[0076] As described above, an example of how to use the electronic nameplate system 1 has been explained. According to such an electronic nameplate system 1, information about the work desk D is displayed on the electronic nameplate device 4 arranged for each work desk D. Therefore, for each work desk D, the reservation usage status of the work desk D can be easily confirmed. As a result, the electronic nameplate system 1 is excellent in convenience.

[0077] As described above, the electronic nameplate system 1 of the present embodiment has been described. Such an electronic nameplate system 1 includes, as described above, a cluster-type network CN as a network constructed by a plurality of electronic nameplate devices 4 arranged for each target work desk D, and a control device 5 communicably connected to the cluster-type network CN. The control device 5 transmits display information QT, which is information about the work desk D, to the electronic nameplate device 4 corresponding to the work desk D via the cluster-type network CN. Each electronic nameplate device 4 has a display 44 that displays the display information QT transmitted from the control device 5, and an input unit 42 that receives an input from the user, and transmits the input information input from the input unit 42 to the control device 5 via the cluster-type network CN. According to such an electronic nameplate system 1, information about the work desk D is displayed on the electronic nameplate device 4 arranged for each work desk D. Therefore, for each work desk D, the state in which the work desk D is placed can be easily confirmed. As a result, the electronic nameplate system 1 is excellent in convenience. Further, since each electronic nameplate device 4 has an input unit 42, input to the electronic nameplate device 4 is possible, and for example, the display on the display 44 can be switched based on the input to the input unit 42.

[0078] Also, as described above, the network is the cluster-type network CN. With such a configuration, a plurality of electronic nameplate devices 4 can be comprehensively controlled via the cluster-type network CN. Therefore, in order to control each electronic nameplate device 4, it is not necessary to construct a dedicated network using a plurality of types of dedicated devices such as a dedicated gateway and a dedicated server. Thus, the introduction cost of the electronic nameplate system 1 can be significantly reduced, such as eliminating the need for installation work of dedicated devices. In addition, the construction, expansion, management, etc. of the electronic nameplate system 1 become easy. The construction, expansion, management, etc. of the electronic nameplate system 1 become easy.

[0079] Also, as described above, the target is the work desk D as a work spot. Further, the control device 5 includes a reservation reception unit 501 that receives a reservation for the work desk D, a reservation registration information generation unit 502 that generates reservation registration information Dr based on the reservation details received by the reservation reception unit 501, an information generation unit 503 that generates display information QT as information including the reservation details based on the reservation registration information Dr generated by the reservation registration information generation unit 502, and an input reception unit 504 that receives input information transmitted from the electronic nameplate device 4. With such a configuration, the electronic nameplate system 1 can be used as a hoteling system and can exhibit excellent convenience and versatility.

[0080] Also, as described above, the display information QT includes information of the person who made the reservation. With such a configuration, the information of the person who made the reservation can be displayed on the electronic nameplate device 4. Therefore, the status of the corresponding work desk D can be displayed in more detail.

[0081] Also, as described above, the display information QT includes information on the reservation time. With such a configuration, the information on the reservation time can be displayed on the electronic nameplate device 4. Therefore, the status of the corresponding work desk D can be displayed in more detail.

[0082] Also, as described above, each electronic name tag device 4 receives check-in to the work desk D via the input unit 42. With such a configuration, check-in can be easily performed.

[0083] Also, as described above, each electronic name tag device 4 receives check-out from the work desk D via the input unit 42. With such a configuration, check-out can be easily performed.

[0084] Also, as described above, each electronic name tag device 4 has a sensor 45, and transmits the sensing data of the sensor 45 to the control device 5 via the cluster type network CN. And the control device 5 has a state detection unit 505 that detects the state of the work desk D based on the sensing data. According to such a configuration, by taking advantage of the two-way communication enabled by the cluster type network CN, the state of each work desk D can be detected. Therefore, more information can be utilized. In particular, in the present embodiment, a human sensor 450 is used as the sensor 45, and the usage state of the work desk D can be detected based on the detection result of the human sensor 450.

[0085] Also, as described above, the cluster type network CN connects a plurality of electronic name tag devices 4 according to the BLE standard. According to such a configuration, a pair of devices connected to each other can communicate with each other. Therefore, two-way communication between the control device 5 and each electronic name tag device 4 becomes possible.

[0086] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 15 is an external view of an electronic name tag device according to the second embodiment.

[0087] The electronic name tag system 1 of this embodiment is the same as the electronic name tag system 1 of the first embodiment described above, except that the configuration of the electronic name tag device 4, particularly the configuration of the input unit 42, is different. Therefore, in the following description, regarding this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly explained, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Also, in each figure of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiments. Since each electronic name tag device 4 has the same configuration as each other, in the following, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the electronic name tag device 4x arranged at the work desk Dx will be described as a representative, and the description of the other electronic name tag devices 4 will be omitted.

[0088] Each electronic name tag device 4x of this embodiment has, as an input unit 42, a short-range wireless communication unit 423 that performs short-range wireless communication with a smartphone 60 owned by a user. The short-range wireless communication unit 423 has an NFC reader 423a and performs short-range wireless communication based on the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. By adopting the NFC standard, excellent versatility can be exhibited. However, the wireless communication standard is not limited to NFC.

[0089] In such a configuration, it is assumed that the smartphone 60 supports near-field wireless communication according to the NFC standard. When user A reserves the work desk Dx via the smartphone 60, the reservation reception unit 501 issues an individual identification number to the smartphone 60, transmits the identification number to the smartphone 60, and registers it. Then, when checking in to the work desk Dx, if the smartphone 60 is held up to the NFC reader 423a, the smartphone 60 and the electronic name tag device 4 perform near-field wireless communication in accordance with the NFC standard. When the wireless connection is established, the smartphone 60 transmits the identification number received at the time of reservation to the electronic name tag device 4. The electronic name tag device 4 transmits the identification number transmitted from the smartphone 60 to the electronic name tag control unit 51, and the input reception unit 504 of the electronic name tag control unit 51 collates the received identification number with the registered identification number. Then, the input reception unit 504 accepts check-in only when the received identification number matches the registered identification number. In this way, by collating the identification numbers, check-ins by users other than user A can be effectively prevented.

[0090] The same applies to check-out. When checking out from the work desk Dx, if the smartphone 60 is held up to the NFC reader 423a, the smartphone 60 and the electronic name tag device 4 perform near-field wireless communication in accordance with the NFC standard. When the wireless connection is established, the smartphone 60 transmits the identification number received at the time of reservation to the electronic name tag device 4. The electronic name tag device 4 transmits the identification number transmitted from the smartphone 60 to the electronic name tag control unit 51, and the input reception unit 504 of the electronic name tag control unit 51 collates the received identification number with the registered identification number. Then, the input reception unit 504 accepts check-out only when the received identification number matches the registered identification number. In this way, by collating the identification numbers, check-outs by users other than user A can be effectively prevented.

[0091] Also, according to the second embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be exhibited.

[0092] As described above, the electronic name tag system of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiments. However, the electronic name tag system of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration or any step having the same function. Also, any other arbitrary component or any arbitrary step may be added to the present invention.

[0093] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the electronic name tag system 1 is applied to the free address office O, but the application of the electronic name tag system 1 is not particularly limited. For example, it can also be applied to the reservation of rental conference rooms. In the case of reserving a rental conference room, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the electronic name tag devices 4 are arranged beside the entrance and at each seat. Then, the host, the meeting name, etc. are displayed on the electronic name tag device 4 arranged beside the entrance, and the name of the participant designated for the seat is displayed on the electronic name tag device 4 arranged at each seat. According to such a configuration, the participants can easily confirm the room where the meeting is held and the designated seat. In addition, it can be applied as a hoteling system for various facilities such as reservation of study spaces in study rooms and reservation of reading spaces in libraries.

[0094] Also, the electronic name tag system 1 is not limited to application to a hoteling system, and can also be applied to, for example, hospitals, schools, etc. For example, when applying to a hospital, the electronic name tag devices 4 are arranged for each bed. Then, information of the patient in the bed where the electronic name tag device 4 is arranged is displayed on each electronic name tag device 4. In the patient information, for example, in addition to the name and age, the treatment time and medication details to be performed next are displayed. And by inputting from the input unit 42 that the treatment has been completed, it switches to an image showing the treatment time and medication details to be performed next. Also, when the treatment time has passed, it may switch to an image prompting attention. According to such a configuration, human errors such as forgetting treatment and wasting time can be reduced.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 1…Electronic nameplate system 4…Electronic nameplate device 4a…Primary electronic nameplate device 4b…Secondary electronic nameplate device 4c…Tertiary electronic nameplate device 4x…Electronic nameplate device 41…Processor 42…Input unit 423…Short-range wireless communication unit 423a…NFC reader 43…BLE communication unit 44…Display 45…Sensor 450…Presence sensor 46…Light-emitting unit 47…Memory 48…Power supply 5…Control device 500…Reservation app provision unit 501…Reservation reception unit 502…Reservation registration information generation unit 503…Information generation unit 504…Input reception unit 505…Status detection unit 51…Electronic nameplate control unit 52…Application control unit 6…Communication terminal 60…Smartphone B1…Check-in button B2…Check-out button CN…Cluster-type network D…Workstation Dr…Reservation registration information Dx…Workstation O…Freelance address office Q…Information QT…Display information T…Display timing

Claims

1. A network constructed by a plurality of electronic name tag devices arranged for each target, and a control device communicably connected to the network, wherein the control device transmits information regarding the target to the electronic name tag device corresponding to the target via the network, each of the electronic name tag devices has a display for displaying the information transmitted from the control device and an input unit for receiving an input from a user, and is characterized in that input information input from the input unit is transmitted to the control device via the network. An electronic name tag system.

2. The electronic name tag system according to claim 1, wherein the network is a cluster type network.

3. The target is a workspace, the control device has a reservation reception unit for receiving a reservation for the workspace, a reservation registration information generation unit for generating reservation registration information based on the reservation details received by the reservation reception unit, an information generation unit for generating the information including the reservation details based on the reservation registration information generated by the reservation registration information generation unit, and an input reception unit for receiving the input information transmitted from the electronic name tag device. The electronic name tag system according to claim 1.

4. The electronic name tag system according to claim 3, wherein the information includes information of a person making the reservation.

5. The electronic name tag system according to claim 3, wherein the information includes information of the reservation time.

6. The electronic name tag system according to claim 3, wherein each of the electronic name tag devices receives a check-in to the workspace via the input unit.

7. The electronic name tag system according to claim 3, wherein each of the electronic name tag devices receives a check-out from the workspace via the input unit.

8. Each of the electronic name tag devices has a sensor, and transmits sensing data of the sensor to the control device via the network, and the control device has a state detection unit for detecting the state of the target based on the sensing data. The electronic name tag system according to claim 3.

9. The electronic name tag system according to claim 1, wherein the network connects the plurality of electronic name tag devices according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard.

Images