Management system, program, and method for controlling management system

Abstract

To provide a management system that can prevent the occurrence of inequality in the period of use of an apparatus to be used in common.SOLUTION: A management system 1 comprises: a generation unit 12 that generates schedule information in which a plurality of usable periods of an apparatus are set, and a plurality of use frames are set to the usable periods; a priority setting unit 14 that sets priority for users who select the use frames for each of the usable periods; a selection unit 15 that receives input of selection information of the use frames; and a determination unit 16 that assigns the use frames to the users on the basis of the selection information and the priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system, a program, and a method for controlling a management system for managing the use of equipment shared by multiple users. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems and methods for managing the use of equipment shared by multiple users have been proposed. Patent Document 1 proposes a system and method for implementing an agricultural machinery share lease in which agricultural machinery is rotated among multiple farmers who have signed lease contracts and a lease fee is charged to each farmer. Patent Document 1 aims to provide a system and method for agricultural machinery share lease that enables efficient shared use of agricultural machinery even between remote locations.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a rental support system that supports the lending and borrowing of products between customers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218809 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-46578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when users try to use shared equipment, inequalities may arise in terms of the period of use, etc.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and provides a management system that can prevent inequality in the usage periods of shared equipment, etc. Also provided are a program executed by the management system and a control method for the management system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a management system that manages the use of equipment shared by multiple users, and is equipped with a generation unit that generates schedule information in which multiple usage periods for the equipment are set and multiple usage slots are set for each usage period, and a priority setting unit that sets the priority of users who select usage slots.

[0008] The present invention also provides a program executed by a control unit of a management system that manages the use of equipment shared by multiple users, and causes the control unit to execute the steps of generating schedule information in which multiple available periods for the equipment are set and multiple usage slots are set for each available period, and setting priorities for users who select usage slots.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is a control method for a management system that manages the use of equipment shared by multiple users, which executes a step of generating schedule information in which multiple available periods for the equipment are set and multiple usage limits are set for the available periods, and a step of setting priorities for users who select usage limits. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the present invention, by setting users who can preferentially select usage limits for each available period, it is possible to prevent inequality from occurring in the usage periods of shared devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of schedule information generated by the management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a date input screen. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a period setting screen. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a management method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user confirmation screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a shipping instruction information screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an email delivered to a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a management system and a program executed by the management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, an embodiment of a control method for the management system according to the present invention will be described.

[0013] <Configuration Examples of Image Forming Apparatus, Information Processing Apparatus, and Image Forming System According to the Present Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a management system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of schedule information generated by the management system according to the present embodiment.

[0014] The management system 1 manages the available periods for devices shared by multiple users, and also manages the allocation of the available periods to users. The management system 1 includes a display unit 2, an input unit 3, a communication unit 4, a control unit 10, and a storage unit 20.

[0015] The display unit 2 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display. Instead of a liquid crystal display, the display unit 2 may be an organic light emitting diode (EL) display, a plasma display, or the like.

[0016] The input unit 3 is composed of hardware keys as a physical mechanism, software keys such as a touch panel, and a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0017] The communication unit 4 is connected to an information processing device 201 of the equipment lender, an information processing device 202 of the equipment user, and the like via a wired or wireless communication line 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] The control unit 10 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The storage unit 20 is configured with a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 20 may also include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

[0019] The control unit 10 includes, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 11, a generation unit 12, a display control unit 13, a priority setting unit 14, a selection unit 15, and a determination unit 16.

[0020] The acquisition unit 11 acquires available period setting information D1 and usage limit setting information D2. The available period setting information D1 is information such as date and period used to set the available period T1(i). The usage limit setting information D2 is information such as date and period used to set the usage limit T2(j).

[0021] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the available period setting information D1 and the usage limit setting information D2 from the information processing device 201 of the equipment lender. The acquisition unit 11 can also acquire the available period setting information D1 and the usage limit setting information D2 from the input unit 3. If the available period T1(i) is set in advance, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the previously set available period T1(i). If the usage limit T2(j) is set in advance, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the previously set usage limit T2(j).

[0022] The generation unit 12 generates an available period T1(i) for the device based on the available period setting information D1. The generation unit 12 also generates a usage limit T2(j) within each available period T1(i) based on the usage limit setting information D2. The generation unit 12 then generates schedule information D based on the available period T1(i) and the usage limit T2(j).

[0023] The display control unit 13 displays the schedule information D and the like on the display unit 2.

[0024] The priority setting unit 14 sets a selection priority D3 of a user who can preferentially select the usage quota T2(j), for example, for each available use period T1(i). The selection priority D3 is a priority for determining the user to whom the usage quota T2(j) is assigned when the same usage quota is selected by multiple users. The selectable number D3a of usage quotas may be set according to the selection priority D3. For example, a larger selectable number D3a of usage quotas is set for a user with a lower selection priority than for a user with a higher selection priority. The priority setting unit 14 sets different selection priorities D3 for consecutive available use periods T1(i). However, the same selection priority D3 may be set for consecutive available use periods T1(i) as long as it is possible to prevent inequality in the usage periods of shared devices, etc.

[0025] The selection unit 15 receives selection information D4 of the usage limit. The selection unit 15 receives selection information D4 from the information processing device 202 of the device user. The selection unit 15 can also receive selection information D4 from the input unit 3.

[0026] The determination unit 16 allocates the usage quota T2(j) to the user based on the selection information D4 and the selection priority D3.

[0027] When the acquisition unit 11, the generation unit 12, the display control unit 13, the priority setting unit 14, the selection unit 15, and the determination unit 16 are realized by programs, the storage unit 20 stores these programs. The programs realizing the acquisition unit 11, the generation unit 12, the display control unit 13, the priority setting unit 14, the selection unit 15, and the determination unit 16 are not limited to those pre-stored in the storage unit 20. For example, a storage medium storing these programs may be prepared, and the programs stored in this storage medium may be stored in the storage unit 20. The storage medium storing these programs may be an external storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Furthermore, these programs may be stored in a server connected to the management system 1 via a wired or wireless network. These programs are sent from the server to the management system 1 via the network and stored in the storage unit 20.

[0028] The control unit 10 reads and executes these programs from the storage unit 20. As a result, an acquisition unit 11, a generation unit 12, a display control unit 13, a priority setting unit 14, a selection unit 15, and a determination unit 16 are realized.

[0029] However, these functional blocks may be realized by processing by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) instead of processing by a CPU. Some of these functional blocks may be realized by processing by a DSP, or all of them may be realized by processing by a DSP. Furthermore, these functional blocks may be realized by processing by a DSP in addition to processing by a CPU. Similarly, some or all of each functional block may be realized by processing by a dedicated hardware circuit instead of or in addition to software processing.

[0030] Next, the available period T1(i), the available limit T2(j), the selection priority D3, and the schedule information D will be described.

[0031] The available period T1(i) is information that sets the available period for the device in units of days, months, years, etc. A plurality of available periods T1(i) are set.

[0032] The usage limit T2(j) is information that sets the usage limit of the device for each available period T1(i). A plurality of usage limits T2(j) are set for one available period T1(i).

[0033] A plurality of device availability periods T1(i) are set in the schedule information D. In the schedule information D shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of device availability periods T1(i) are set in units of, for example, two months.

[0034] Furthermore, multiple usage limits T2(j) are set for one available period T1(i) in the schedule information D. In the schedule information D shown in Fig. 2, four usage limits T2(j) are set for each available period T1(i).

[0035] The management system 1 has a function for checking when periods overlap. That is, the schedule information D sets multiple device availability periods T1(i) so that the periods do not overlap. Furthermore, the schedule information D sets multiple usage limits T2(j) corresponding to the availability periods T1(i) so that the periods do not overlap. Each usage limit T2(j) may be the same number of days or may be a different number of days. Furthermore, days without usage limits are set between each usage limit T2(j) taking into consideration the number of days required for equipment maintenance, holidays of the company that manages the equipment, etc.

[0036] A selection priority D3 is set for each available period T1(i). In the schedule information D shown in FIG. 2, for available period T1(1), the order of selection priority is users A, B, C, D. For available period T1(2), the order of selection priority is users B, C, D, A. For available period T1(3), the order of selection priority is users C, D, A, B. For available period T1(4), the order of selection priority is users D, A, B, C. For available period T1(5), the order of selection priority returns to users A, B, C, D. If available period T1(i) continues further, the above pattern is repeated.

[0037] FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a date input screen, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a period setting screen.

[0038] The date input screen 101 allows the input of dates and the like required to set the available period T1(i) as the available period setting information D1. The date input screen 101 also allows the input of dates and the like required to set the available period T2(j) as the available period setting information D2. For example, the date input screen 101 displays a calendar. The date input screen 101 allows the input of dates by moving a pointer 101a on the calendar with a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown).

[0039] The period setting screen 102 allows the user to input the number of days, period, etc. required to set the available period T1(i) as available period setting information D1. The period setting screen 102 also allows the user to input the number of days, period, etc. required to set the available period T2(j) as usage limit setting information D2. The period setting screen 102 allows the user to input the rental period D11, number of holidays D12, number of transportation days for the outbound and return journeys D13, number of inspection days D14, number of days between usage limits D15, etc.

[0040] Next, functions for setting and checking the available period T1(i), the available quota T2(j), the selection priority D3, the selectable number of available quotas D3a, the selection information D4, and the schedule information D will be described.

[0041] The management system 1 displays schedule information D on the display unit 2. The management system 1 also displays a date input screen 101. The management system 1 allows the input of dates on the date input screen 101. The management system 1 also displays a period setting screen 102. The management system 1 allows the input of rental period D11, number of holidays D12, number of transportation days for the outbound and return journeys D13, number of inspection days D14, interval period for usage limit D15, etc. on the period setting screen 102.

[0042] The information processing device 201 of the equipment lender stores a predetermined program that enables connection to the management system 1. The information processing device 201 is connected to the management system 1 by executing the predetermined program. By connecting the information processing device 201 to the management system 1, schedule information D is displayed on the information processing device 201. Furthermore, a date input screen 101 is displayed on the information processing device 201. The information processing device 201 allows the input of dates on the date input screen 101. Furthermore, the information processing device 201 displays a period setting screen 102. The information processing device 201 allows the input of a rental period D11, etc. on the period setting screen 102.

[0043] The information processing device 202 of the device user stores a predetermined program that enables connection to the management system 1. The information processing device 202 is connected to the management system 1 by executing the predetermined program. The information processing device 202 displays schedule information D by connecting to the management system 1. In addition, the information processing device 202 displays a date input screen 101. The information processing device 202 allows the date to be input on the date input screen 101.

[0044] <Example of management system operation> 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a management method according to this embodiment. Next, an example of the operation of the management system 1 executed by a program as the management method will be described.

[0045] The control unit 10 reads out from the storage unit 20 and executes a program that implements the acquisition unit 11, the generation unit 12, the display control unit 13, the priority setting unit 14, the selection unit 15, and the determination unit 16.

[0046] In step SA1 of FIG. 4, the acquisition unit 11 acquires a plurality of available periods T1(i) and a plurality of usage limits T2(j) within each available period T1(i).

[0047] In the following example, an example will be described in which the available period T1(i) is set in advance, the usage limit setting information D2 is acquired, and the usage limit T2(j) is generated based on the usage limit setting information D2.

[0048] The equipment lender displays a date input screen 101 on the information processing device 201. The equipment lender inputs unavailable days and the like on the date input screen 101. The equipment lender also displays a period setting screen 102 on the information processing device 201. The equipment lender inputs the rental period D1, number of holidays D12, number of transportation days for the outbound and inbound journeys D13, number of inspection days D14, interval period for usage limit D15, and the like on the period setting screen 102.

[0049] The information processing device 201 transmits to the management system 1 the unavailable work days, rental period D11, number of holidays D12, number of days for outbound and return transportation D13, number of inspection days D14, and interval period D15 of the usage limit.

[0050] Alternatively, the administrator of the management system 1 may input information obtained from the equipment lender. That is, the administrator displays a date input screen 101 on the display unit 2 of the management system 1. The administrator inputs unavailable work days and the like on the date input screen 101. The administrator also displays a period setting screen 102 on the display unit 2. The administrator inputs the rental period D11, number of holidays D12, number of transportation days for the outbound and return journeys D13, number of inspection days D14, interval period for usage quota D15, and the like on the period setting screen 102.

[0051] As a result, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the unavailable work days, rental period D11, number of holidays D12, number of transportation days for outbound and return journeys D13, number of inspection days D14, interval period D15 of the usage quota, etc. The unavailable work days, rental period D11, number of holidays D12, number of transportation days for outbound and return journeys D13, number of inspection days D14, interval period D15 of the usage quota, etc. configures the usage quota setting information D2.

[0052] 3, the generation unit 12 generates schedule information D based on the available period T1(i) and the usage limit T2(j). The generation unit 12 also generates the usage limit T2(j) based on the usage limit setting information D2. The generation unit 12 generates schedule information D in which a plurality of available periods T1(i) are set and a plurality of usage limits T2(j) are set for one available period T1(i).

[0053] The display control unit 13 displays the schedule information D and the like on the display unit 2 in step SA3 of FIG.

[0054] 4, the priority setting unit 14 sets a selection priority D3 for each available period T1(i) and changes the users who can preferentially select the usage quota T2(j). As an example of a process for changing the users who can preferentially select the usage quota T2(j), the priority setting unit 14 rearranges the order of the selection priority D3 for each available period T1(i).

[0055] For example, in the first available period T1(1), the priority setting unit 14 sets the order of selection priority to users A, B, C, and D. In the next available period T1(2), the priority setting unit 14 raises the order of users B, C, and D and lowers the order of user A. As a result, in the next available period T1(2), the priority setting unit 14 sets the order of selection priority to users B, C, D, and A.

[0056] Similarly, the priority setting unit 14 sets the order of selection priority to users C, D, A, and B in the next available period T1(3). The priority setting unit 14 sets the order of selection priority to users D, A, B, and C in the next available period T1(4). The priority setting unit 14 sets the order of selection priority to users A, B, C, and D in the next available period T1(5). If the available period T1(i) continues further, the order of selection priority is changed in the pattern described above.

[0057] Furthermore, in the process of changing the users who can preferentially select the usage quota T2(j), ranking may be performed so that each user is given equal rights, taking into account past usage records, etc.

[0058] The selection unit 15 selects an available period T1(i) based on the selection information D4 in step SA5 of Fig. 4. The selection unit 15 also selects a usage limit T2(j) from the available period T1(i) based on the selection information D4.

[0059] The device user refers to the schedule information D and operates the information processing device 202 to select an available period T1(i). The device user also selects a usage limit T2(j) corresponding to the selected available period T1(i).

[0060] When the management system 1 receives the selection information D4 for the available period T1(i), it notifies the user identified by the user ID of the selection priority D3 and the selectable number D3a of the usage quota.

[0061] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user confirmation screen. The user of the device displays the user confirmation screen 103 on the information processing device 202. The information processing device 202 displays the selection priority D3 and the selectable number D3a of usage quotas notified by the management system 1 on the user confirmation screen 103. The user of the device can select a usage quota T2(j) based on the selection priority D3 and the selectable number D3a of usage quotas.

[0062] The selection unit 15 receives selection information D4 from the information processing device 202 of the user of the device, in which the available period T1(i) and the usage limit T2(j) are selected. The selection unit 15 selects the available period T1(i) based on the selection information D4 from the available period T1(i). m ). The selection unit 15 also selects the available period T1(i m ) based on the selection information D4. n ).

[0063] In step SA6 of Fig. 4, the determination unit 16 allocates the usage quota T2(j) to each user based on the selection information D4 and the selection priority D3. When the same usage quota T2(j) is selected by multiple users, the determination unit 16 allocates the usage quota T2(j) to the user with the highest selection priority D3.

[0064] For example, assume that user A, who has the highest selection priority D3, selects usage quota T2(3) during usage period T1(5). In this case, the determination unit 16 allocates usage quota T2(3) to user A.

[0065] Also, assume that user B, who has second-place selection priority D3, selects usage quotas T2(3) and T2(1) during available period T1(5). In this case, the determination unit 16 allocates usage quota T2(1) to user B based on selection priority D3. The same applies to user C, who has third-place selection priority D3, and user D, who has fourth-place selection priority D3.

[0066] A user with a lower ranking in selection priority D3 may find that the quota T2(j) he or she has selected has already been selected by a higher-ranked user, so the selectable number D3a for the quota T2(j) is set to be larger for the user with a lower ranking in selection priority D3 than for the user with a higher ranking.

[0067] As described above, each user is allowed to select the usage quota T2(j) for which they wish to use the equipment via the management system 1. Furthermore, each user is assigned a selection priority D3 for each usage period T1(i), and this selection priority D3 is rotated. This allows the usage quota T2(j) to be allocated in accordance with each user's wishes, based on the selection information D4 entered by each user with reference to the selection priority D3.

[0068] Therefore, by changing the users who can preferentially select the usage quota T2(j) for each usage period T1(i), it is possible to prevent inequality from occurring in the period of shared use, etc.

[0069] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a shipping instruction information screen, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an email sent to a user. Shipping work instructions are sent from the management system 1 to the shipper based on the shipping work instruction screen 104. In addition, schedule information 105 is automatically sent by email to all users. This allows for accurate and immediate information sharing, significantly improving work efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Management system, 2. Display unit, 3. Input unit, 4. Communication unit, 10. Control unit, 11. Acquisition unit, 12. Generation unit, 13. Display control unit, 14. Priority setting unit, 15. Selection unit, 16. Decision unit, 20. Storage unit

Claims

1. A management system for managing the use of equipment shared by multiple users, a generation unit that generates schedule information in which a plurality of available periods for the device are set and a plurality of usage limits are set for the available periods; a priority setting unit that sets a priority order for users who select the usage quota; A management system with

2. The priority setting unit sets the priority for each available period. The management system according to claim 1 .

3. an acquisition unit that acquires usage limit setting information that sets the usage limit; The generation unit sets the usage limit based on the usage limit setting information. The management system according to claim 1 .

4. the acquisition unit acquires available use period setting information that sets the available use period, The generation unit sets the available period based on the available period setting information. The management system according to claim 3 .

5. the acquisition unit acquires a preset available period; The generation unit sets the usage limit for each available period based on the usage limit setting information. The management system according to claim 3 .

6. a communication unit connected to an information processing device, The acquisition unit acquires the usage limit setting information from the information processing device connected via the communication unit. The management system according to claim 3 .

7. a selection unit into which selection information for a usage limit is input; a determination unit that allocates a usage quota to a user based on the selection information and the priority order; Equipped with The management system according to claim 1 .

8. When the same usage quota is selected by a plurality of users, the determination unit allocates the usage quota to the user with the highest priority. The management system according to claim 7.

9. A program executed by a control unit of a management system that manages the use of a device shared by multiple users, generating schedule information in which a plurality of available periods for the device are set and a plurality of usage limits are set for the available periods; setting a priority order for users to select the usage quota; causing the control unit to execute program.

10. A control method for a management system that manages the use of a device shared by multiple users, comprising: generating schedule information in which a plurality of available periods for the device are set and a plurality of usage limits are set for the available periods; setting a priority order for users to select the usage quota; A method of controlling the management system that runs the system.

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