Server equipment, management terminal, management system, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a server device and management system that can easily and accurately manage the location of molds. [Solution] A server device used in a management system for managing the location of multiple molds includes a storage device that stores a database containing mold information for each mold, including the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and location information for each mold; a communication circuit that receives information transmitted from a terminal, including identification information for a predetermined mold and information on the current location of the predetermined mold; and a matching unit that compares the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database with the received information on the current location of the predetermined mold.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a management terminal, a management system, and a computer program used in a management system for managing molds.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, industrial products are manufactured by assembling various parts. Manufacturers not only manufacture the parts themselves but may also lend various types of molds to various business partners and request the manufacture of the parts. In addition, a business partner requested by the manufacturer may further lend the mold to another business partner and request the manufacture of the parts.

[0003] The molds lent as described above are part of the assets owned by the manufacturer. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the molds by grasping the existence, current custodian, and location of the molds lent to business partners. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an asset management system capable of appropriately managing and effectively utilizing mold assets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Manufacturers need to obtain accurate information for asset management. However, there were discrepancies between the information reported by the suppliers to whom the molds were leased and the actual condition of the molds. For example, the location reported as the storage location of the molds sometimes differed from the actual storage location. Furthermore, when molds were leased through multiple suppliers, manufacturers had to visit each supplier to check the condition of the molds, resulting in a cumbersome reporting process from the suppliers or verification by the manufacturer. This disclosure aims to provide a server device and management system that can easily and accurately manage the location of molds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device used in the management system for managing the location of multiple molds according to this disclosure is characterized by having a storage device that stores a database containing mold information for each mold, including the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and location information for each mold; a communication circuit that receives information transmitted from a terminal, including identification information for a predetermined mold and information on the current location of the predetermined mold; and a matching unit that compares the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database with the received information on the current location of the predetermined mold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the server device and management system of this disclosure, the location of molds can be easily and accurately managed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Flowchart showing the process of mold management by a server in a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the process of transmitting mold information by a mobile terminal in a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the process of matching mold information by a server in a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the verification process by the mold owner in a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a recognition label for a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a data transmission program input means for a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a disaster estimation program using a management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described below are merely examples of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Various modifications are possible in addition to these embodiments, as long as they do not depart from the technical concept relating to this disclosure, depending on the design, etc.

[0010] (Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the configuration of a management system 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the management system 1 comprises a server 10, a management terminal 20, and a mobile terminal 30. According to the management system 1 of this disclosure, the server 10 can obtain the current location of a mold by receiving information about the mold from the mobile terminal 30 of the custodian who is actually storing the mold. Once the current location of the mold is obtained, the server 10 can compare the location information it has in advance regarding the mold with the current location information. Therefore, by using the management system 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the location of molds can be managed easily and accurately. The server 10 is a server device comprising an arithmetic circuit 11, a communication circuit 12, and a storage device 13.

[0011] The arithmetic circuit 11 includes a matching unit 14. The arithmetic circuit 11 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that performs predetermined functions by executing a program. The arithmetic circuit 11 performs various processes in the server 10, such as matching processing by the matching unit 14, by calling and executing, for example, an arithmetic program stored in the memory device 13. The arithmetic circuit 11 is not limited to a configuration in which hardware and software cooperate to perform predetermined functions, but may also be a hardware circuit specifically designed to perform predetermined functions. In other words, the arithmetic circuit 11 can be implemented with various processors other than CPUs and MPUs, such as GPUs, FPGAs, DSPs, and ASICs. Such an arithmetic circuit 11 may be composed of, for example, a signal processing circuit which is a semiconductor integrated circuit. The hardware configuration of the matching unit 14, the arithmetic circuit 21 (described later), and the arithmetic circuit 31 is the same as that of the arithmetic circuit 11.

[0012] The matching unit 14 is a device that can perform matching by comparing information stored in the storage device 13 with other information (for example, information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30, which will be described later) and making a determination. As described above, the matching unit 14 can be implemented with various processors, etc., similar to the arithmetic circuit 11. The matching unit 14 may also be configured with the same processor, etc., as the arithmetic circuit 11.

[0013] The communication circuit 12 is an interface device for connecting to other devices via a communication line, either by wire or wireless means. This interface device can perform communication compliant with wired communication standards such as USB® or Ethernet®. Alternatively, the interface device can perform communication compliant with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or cellular networks.

[0014] The storage device 13 is a recording medium that can record various information. The storage device 13 can store the information received by the communication circuit 12 and output the stored information to the communication circuit 12. The storage device 13 is realized, for example, by appropriately combining memories such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, HDD, SSD, and other storage devices. The storage device 13 stores a database 15 that stores information about the mold (details will be described later). Further, the storage device 13 stores a data transmission program 16 that can be accessed by the mobile terminal 30 using a code described later. The data transmission program 16 can be an application that can be operated by the arithmetic circuit 21 of the management terminal 20 and the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30, and / or a web page described in a language such as HTML or JavaScript. The same applies to the data confirmation program 17 described later. The data transmission program 16 is downloaded to the mobile terminal 30 and used when the mobile terminal 30 transmits an image of the mold to the server 10. Further, the storage device 13 stores a data confirmation program 17 that can confirm and update the data stored in the database 15. The data confirmation program 17 is downloaded to the management terminal 20 via the communication circuit 12 and a communication circuit 23 described later and is started on the management terminal 20. The data confirmation program 17 may be stored in the storage device 25 of the management terminal 20 described later.

[0015] The management terminal 20 is, for example, a computer. The management terminal 20 includes an arithmetic circuit 21, an input unit 22, a communication circuit 23, a display device 24, and a storage device 25.

[0016] The arithmetic circuit 21 can be realized by various processors and the like, similarly to the arithmetic circuit 11 as described above. Further, the arithmetic circuit 21 realizes various processes by, for example, calling and executing an arithmetic program or the like stored in the storage device 25.

[0017] The input unit 22 is a general input device of a computer such as a mouse or a keyboard, and can input data and indicate a position. Also, the display device 24 may be a touch panel.

[0018] The communication circuit 23 is an interface device that can be connected to other devices via a communication line, either wired or wirelessly. The interface device can perform communication conforming to a wired communication standard such as USB (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark), for example. Also, the interface device can perform communication conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a mobile phone line, for example.

[0019] The display device 24 is a display constituted by, for example, liquid crystal or organic EL. The display device 24 can display arbitrary information such as data input by the input unit 22, data and images stored in the storage device 13 connected via the communication circuit 23, the data transmission program 16, the data confirmation program 17 described later, the disaster estimation program 80, and the like.

[0020] The storage device 25 is a recording medium that can record various information. The storage device 25 can store the information received by the communication circuit 23 and output the stored information to the communication circuit 23. The storage device 25 is realized by, for example, a memory such as DRAM, SRAM, or flash memory, HDD, SSD, other storage devices, or an appropriate combination thereof.

[0021] The mobile terminal 30 includes an arithmetic circuit 31, an imaging unit 32, a communication circuit 33, a position information acquisition unit 34, an input unit 35, a display device 36, and a storage device 37.

[0022] The arithmetic circuit 31 can be realized by various processors and the like, similar to the arithmetic circuits 11 and 21 described above. The arithmetic circuit 31 realizes various processes in the mobile terminal 30 by, for example, calling and executing an arithmetic program stored in the storage device 37.

[0023] The imaging unit 32 is, for example, a camera equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and can take pictures of molds and read recognition labels 50, as will be described later. The captured images and information obtained by reading the recognition labels 50 are stored in the storage device 37.

[0024] The communication circuit 33 is an interface device capable of performing communication compliant with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and mobile phone lines. The communication circuit 33 may further include an interface device capable of performing communication compliant with wired communication standards such as USB® and Ethernet®. The mobile terminal 30 can access the server 10 using the communication circuit 33, download the data transmission program 16 to the storage device 37, and transmit images of molds, etc., to the server 10. The communication circuit 33 may also have the function to communicate with IC tags such as RFID, which will be described later, and may be able to obtain information stored in such tags.

[0025] The location information acquisition unit 34 is, for example, a location acquisition device using GPS (Global Positioning System), and can measure the location of the mobile terminal 30. Alternatively, other positioning systems such as GLONASS, Galileo, BDS (Beidou Positioning System), other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), or QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) may be used instead of GPS, or in conjunction with GPS. The location information acquisition unit 34 can, for example, acquire the location information of the mobile terminal 30 when the imaging unit 32 captures an image. This location information may also be added to the image.

[0026] The input unit 35 is, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display device 36, and is used when operating the mobile terminal 30, when using the data transmission program 16, etc. The input unit 35 can also input information into the data transmission program 16, etc. This information includes, for example, the company name and the name of the person inputting the information. Of course, the input unit 35 may be configured to allow input using physical buttons instead of a touch panel.

[0027] The display device 36 is a display made of, for example, liquid crystal or organic EL. The display device 36 can display images captured by the imaging unit 32, recognition labels 50, information acquired by reading the recognition labels 50, and so on.

[0028] The storage device 37 is implemented using, for example, memory such as DRAM, SRAM, or flash memory, an HDD, an SSD, or other storage devices, or a combination thereof as appropriate. The storage device 37 uses a data transmission program 16, as will be described in detail later, to store at least the image captured by the imaging unit 32 and the location information of the mobile terminal 30 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 34 when the image was captured. The location information may consist of, for example, latitude and longitude.

[0029] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process of mold management by the server 10 of the management system according to this embodiment. Specifically, the mold management by the server 10 is performed by receiving mold information from the mobile terminal 30 (S1), comparing the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 with the information held by the owner using the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 (S2), and receiving the owner's confirmation result regarding the result of the comparison (S3). In this specification, "owner" means a person or company that owns the mold. "Custodian" means the primary lessee, which is a person or company that has the mold on their behalf from the owner. "Custodian" means the final lessee, which is a person or company that has the mold on their behalf from the custodian, and means the person or company that actually stores the mold. The custodian may receive the mold from the custodian through multiple persons or companies (i.e., secondary lessees, tertiary lessees, etc.). Alternatively, the custodian may also be the custodian. An owner may entrust their mold to one or more custodians. Similarly, a custodian may entrust their mold to one or more custodians. The following describes the details of the processes involved in steps S1 to S3.

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process of transmitting mold information by the mobile terminal 30 in the management system 1 according to this embodiment. As a result of the processing according to this flowchart, mold information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 10, and as a result, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 executes the process of step S1 in Figure 2. Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 3, the reporting of mold storage by the custodian when the mobile terminal 30 transmits mold information will be specifically explained.

[0031] As will be described in detail later, the database 15 stored in the storage device 13 of the server 10 contains information about the molds. The server 10 of the management system 1 according to this embodiment manages the molds by comparing and verifying the information previously stored in the database 15 with newly acquired information.

[0032] The custodian may be asked by the owner to report on the storage status of the molds so that the owner can verify their ownership. Specifically, for example, when an owner takes inventory of molds that are assets they own, the owner needs to know the actual location of the molds and will check the storage status with the custodian. In such cases, the custodian reports to the owner that they are storing the molds entrusted to them using a data transmission program 16 via a mobile terminal 30, as shown below. As will be described in detail later, each mold has an information carrier 51 that can carry arbitrary information. The calculation circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 can read the information carried on the information carrier 51 using any device such as an imaging unit 32 or a communication circuit 33. In this embodiment, the information carrier 51 is a QR code (registered trademark) 51 that can be read by the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30. The QR code (registered trademark) 51 is written on an identification label 50 that is attached to the mold. The QR code (registered trademark) 51 has at least identification information that can uniquely identify the mold and information indicating the destination of the mold. Identification information includes, for example, the management number of the mold to which the recognition label 50 is attached. Information indicating the destination of the mold information is, for example, an access code such as a URL for accessing the server 10.

[0033] First, the arithmetic circuit 31 reads the information carrier 51, i.e., the QR code (registered trademark) 51, from the imaging unit 32 (S10). When the arithmetic circuit 31 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51, it obtains at least the access code from the information contained in the QR code (registered trademark) 51 (S11).

[0034] When the arithmetic circuit 31 obtains an access code, it accesses the server 10 via the communication circuit 33 and downloads the data transmission program 16 from the server 10 to the storage device 37 (S12). After downloading the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 starts the program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 may be configured to store the data transmission program 16 in the storage device 37 in advance and start the data transmission program 16 as needed, rather than downloading it. In this case, the data transmission program 16 may include an access code for the server 10. After starting the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 with the imaging unit 32 and obtains the identification information of the mold (S13). The arithmetic circuit 31 may also obtain the identification information when reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51 to obtain the access code. Next, the arithmetic circuit 31 images the mold with the imaging unit 32 (S14). After capturing the image, the arithmetic circuit 31 stores the image in a temporary storage area temporarily provided in the storage device 37 by the data transmission program 16 (S15). Furthermore, the calculation circuit 31 acquires position information from the position information acquisition unit 34 as the current location of the mold when it is imaged, and stores this position information together with the image and in association with identification information. If the calculation circuit 31 cannot acquire position information at the time of imaging, it may use the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 34 after imaging instead of the position information at the time of imaging.

[0035] If it is reported that other molds are also stored (S16), the calculation circuit 31 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 of the other mold using the imaging unit 32 and obtains the identification information of the other mold. The calculation circuit 31 then uses the imaging unit 32 to image the other mold, associates the image of the other mold with the location information at the time of imaging and the identification information, and stores it in a temporary storage area provided by the data transmission program 16. When imaging and other operations for all molds to be reported are completed, the calculation circuit 31 uses the data transmission program 16 to transmit data (mold information) including the identification information, image, and location information of the mold stored in the temporary storage area to the server 10 (S17). The calculation circuit 31 may also transmit data to the server 10 each time information for one side of a mold is stored. When transmitting to the server 10 by the data transmission program 16, the calculation circuit 31 may also obtain the location information of the mobile terminal 30 using the location information acquisition unit 34 and transmit this location information to the server 10 as well. When the arithmetic circuit 31 sends data to the server 10, it deletes the data stored in the temporary storage area (S18). Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 deletes the data transmission program 16 from the mobile terminal 30 (S19). As described above, if the data transmission program 16 is already stored in the storage device 37, the arithmetic circuit 31 may terminate the operation of the program 16 instead of deleting it.

[0036] As a result, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 can use the data transmission program 16 to transmit information about the molds stored by the custodian to the server 10. Step S13 is not mandatory and may be omitted. Also, if the storage device 37 of the mobile terminal 30 is already equipped with the data transmission program 16, steps S10 and S11 may be omitted.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the matching process in step S2 of Figure 2 will be explained in detail. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the matching process performed by server 10.

[0038] The arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 receives mold information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 by the data transmission program 16 via the communication circuit 12 (S30), and identifies the transmitted mold from the identification information contained in the information. Then, the arithmetic circuit 11 updates the database 15, which stores information about molds, by adding the received data for the identified mold (S31). The arithmetic circuit 11 adds information contained in the received mold information to the database 15, such as the image of the mold, the location information of the mobile terminal 30 that took the image, the date and time the image was taken, the date and time the data was transmitted, and the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time the data was transmitted.

[0039] Next, the calculation circuit 11 compares the location information of the location where the mold is stored, which is pre-stored in the database 15, with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of imaging, which is included in the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 and has been added to the database 15. For example, this comparison is performed as described below. First, the calculation circuit 11 calculates the straight-line distance between the position represented by the latitude and longitude acquired as location information pre-stored in the database 15 and the position represented by the latitude and longitude acquired as location information at the time of imaging (S32). This straight-line distance is obtained, for example, by calculating the square root of the sum of the square of the difference in distance in the latitudinal direction and the square of the difference in distance in the longitudinal direction between each position.

[0040] Next, the calculation circuit 11 determines from the calculated result whether the storage location of the mold, which is pre-stored in the database 15, and the current location of the mold, which has been added to the database 15 and obtained from the report, are the same (S33). If the matching is performed by calculating the straight-line distance as described above, this determination may be made by setting a predetermined threshold and determining whether the straight-line distance exceeds the threshold. The threshold can be set to any value. The threshold may be changed depending on the size of the site of the factory or other facility where the mold is stored. For example, if the site of the facility is large, the threshold may be set to several kilometers, and if the site of the facility is small, the threshold may be set to tens of meters or hundreds of meters. By configuring the system so that the threshold can be changed in this way, even if the mold is moved within the site, if the distance difference is within the threshold, the calculation circuit 11 can determine that they are in the same location as a result of the matching. In this way, the calculation circuit 11 can match the location information pre-stored in the database 15 with the location information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30.

[0041] Once a determination is made, the arithmetic circuit 11 notifies the owner (e.g., the owner's management terminal 20) via the communication circuit 12 that the matching has been confirmed (S34). The arithmetic circuit 11 may only notify if it determines that the location information stored in the database 15 is different from the reported location information, or it may notify the result of the matching. The arithmetic circuit 11 may also create image data for displaying each location on the map data.

[0042] In this manner, in the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 compares the information regarding the storage of the mold received from the mobile terminal 30 with the information pre-stored in the database 15. The arithmetic circuit 11 then notifies the owner that the information has been compared, or the result of the comparison.

[0043] Next, the owner verifies the information reported by the custodian. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the steps of the verification process performed by the owner. As a result of performing the steps described in this flowchart, the server 10 receives the verification result from the owner, and the arithmetic circuit 11 then executes the process of step S3 in Figure 2. The following describes in detail the steps of the owner's verification process based on the verification result described above, with reference to Figure 5.

[0044] First, the owner receives a notification from the server 10, and if a report has been made regarding all molds held by the storage manager related to the notification, the owner accesses the data verification program 17 using the management terminal 20 (S50). The owner then checks whether there are any discrepancies in the verification by the server 10 (S51). When the management terminal 20 accesses the data verification program 17, it displays the verification results from the server 10. The management terminal 20 may also display image data for displaying each location information created by the server 10 on a map. If there are discrepancies, the owner checks whether the reason for the discrepancies is valid (S52). If there are discrepancies, the management terminal 20 may present a warning by visual means, such as flashing at least a part of the image data (for example, the location indicated by each location information). Alternatively, the management terminal 20 may be equipped with a speaker and present a warning by auditory means, such as emitting sound from the speaker. By operating the management terminal 20 in this way, if there are discrepancies in the verification results, the management terminal 20 can warn the owner.

[0045] One reason for a discrepancy might be that the distance difference between the location information pre-stored in database 15 and the reported location information exceeds a set threshold. In this case, for example, the owner may contact the custodian of the mold for which the matching result is inconsistent through the person responsible for storage to confirm the actual storage location of the mold. The owner may also visit the site to confirm the accurate information.

[0046] If the reason for the discrepancy is valid, the owner inputs into the data verification program 17 that the information transmitted from the data transmission program 16 is correct, and the calculation circuit 11 of the server 10 updates the information stored in the database 15 (S53). A valid reason for the discrepancy is, for example, when the mold is located at the location indicated by the reported location information, rather than the location indicated by the location information stored in the database 15. As will be described later, the calculation circuit 11 of the server 10 may also update the information stored in the database 15 by reporting that the custodian has changed the storage location of the mold. Once the database is updated, the calculation circuit 11 of the server 10 performs a comparison with the updated information. The owner returns to step S51 and checks again whether there is a discrepancy in the comparison for the mold in question.

[0047] If the reason for the discrepancy is not legitimate, the owner contacts the custodian through the person responsible for storage, and the custodian reports again (S54). An example of a case where the reason for the discrepancy is not legitimate is when the mold is located at the location indicated by the location information stored in database 15. Once the custodian reports, the calculation circuit 11 of server 10 performs a comparison with the newly reported information. The owner returns to step S51 and checks again whether there is a discrepancy in the comparison for the mold in question.

[0048] If there are no discrepancies in the verification results, the owner confirms whether reporting has been completed for all molds managed by the storage manager (S55). If reporting has not been completed for all molds, the owner returns to step S51 and checks whether there are any discrepancies in the verification for other molds held by the storage manager in that verification. If reporting has been completed for all molds held by the storage manager in that verification, the owner uses the input unit 22 of the management terminal 20 to input into the data verification program 17 that verification has been completed for all molds (S56), and the owner ends the verification. Once it is input that verification has been completed for all molds held by the storage manager, the calculation circuit 11 of the server 10 notifies the storage manager of this fact via the communication circuit 12. The storage manager then submits a storage confirmation form to the owner stating that verification has been completed for all molds held, and reports that all of the target molds are being held.

[0049] As described above, the owner can manage the mold using Management System 1. According to Management System 1 in this disclosure, the current location of the mold as reported by the custodian can be obtained. Therefore, even if the custodian moves the mold and the mold owner is unaware of the move, the owner can obtain accurate information by using Management System 1.

[0050] The data transmission program 16 described above has multiple modes. These modes include a custodian reporting mode, an owner verification mode, and a storage / receiving mode. The custodian reporting mode is the mode that performs the operations described above, and is the mode in which the custodian reports the storage status of the molds they are holding to the owner. This mode is activated by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51 provided on each mold with any mobile terminal 30 to obtain an access code to the server 10 and connecting to the server 10.

[0051] The owner verification mode is a mode in which the owner verifies the mold and records information on the server based on the verification result. In owner verification mode, the owner may use an information carrier other than the QR code (registered trademark) 51 written on the recognition label 50 provided on the mold (for example, a different QR code (registered trademark)). In this case, the owner can use any mobile terminal 30, similar to the custodian reporting mode described above. The arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 obtains an access code to the server 10 by reading the information carrier. The arithmetic circuit 31 can then download and start the data transmission program 16 by connecting to the server 10. The operation of the data transmission program 16 in owner verification mode is the same as in custodian reporting mode. When data is sent from the data transmission program 16 via owner verification mode, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 updates the location information, which is pre-stored in the database 15 as the storage location of the mold, with the received data without performing the verification described above. Furthermore, the arithmetic circuit 11 may be configured not to update the database 15 immediately upon receiving data, but rather to update the database 15 after the owner has verified the data using the data verification program 17 with the management terminal 20.

[0052] The inbound / outbound mode is used when the owner holds or leases molds. For example, the inbound / outbound mode can be used to record the movement of molds when a custodian returns molds to the owner, or when the owner leases molds to the custodian. The inbound / outbound mode can also be used when the owner stores newly manufactured molds or when the owner disposes of molds they have stored. The owner's storage location for molds may be on the premises of their factory or other facility, or it may be a contract warehouse contracted by the owner.

[0053] The data transmission program 16 in the inbound / outbound mode may be activated by using an information carrier (e.g., QR code) other than the QR code (registered trademark) 51 written on the recognition label 50 provided on the mold, similar to the owner verification mode. The owner can use any mobile terminal 30, similar to the owner verification mode described above. The arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 obtains an access code to the server 10 by reading the information carrier. The arithmetic circuit 31 can then download and activate the data transmission program 16 by connecting to the server 10. The method of using the data transmission program 16 when the owner takes possession of a mold that was previously stored by the custodian will now be explained. When the owner receives the mold, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 first reads the information carrier and activates the data transmission program 16 in inbound / outbound mode. The arithmetic circuit 31 then reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 provided on the mold by the imaging unit 32 and obtains identification information. Subsequently, the calculation circuit 31 uses the imaging unit 32 to image the mold, associates the image of the mold with identification information, and stores it in a temporary storage area provided in the storage device 37 of the mobile terminal 30 by the data transmission program 16. As with other modes, the location information of the mobile terminal 30 that captured the image may also be associated.

[0054] If there are other molds to be received, the calculation circuit 31 uses the imaging unit 32 to read the QR code (registered trademark) 51 of the mold to obtain the identification information of the mold, and then takes an image of the mold. The calculation circuit 31 associates the image of the mold with the identification information and stores it in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage device 37 provided by the data transmission program 16. When the above storage is completed for all molds to be received, the calculation circuit 31 uses the data transmission program 16 to send the identification information and image of the mold stored in the temporary storage area to the server. The calculation circuit 31 may also send data to the server 10 each time information for one side of the mold is stored. After sending to the server, the calculation circuit 31 deletes the data stored in the temporary storage area. Then, the calculation circuit 31 deletes the data transmission program 16 from the mobile terminal 30.

[0055] The same process can be used when an owner lends a mold they have stored to a custodian, when they dispose of a mold, or when an owner stores a newly manufactured mold. By using this inventory mode, it is possible to record when an owner stores a mold or when they entrust a stored mold to a custodian, enabling proper mold management.

[0056] As described above, the management system 1 manages molds by comparing pre-stored information with newly reported information. Therefore, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 needs to create a database 15 that stores information on each mold in order to use the management system 1 according to this embodiment. An example of how to construct the database 15 is described below.

[0057] When the owner creates a new mold, they place an order for the mold. The calculation circuit 11 registers information about the mold in the database 15 based on the order information. The supplier of the mold may be the storage manager or custodian, or another person or company. Information that may be registered in the database 15 at this time includes, for example, the mold's identification information, the type of mold (e.g., resin molding, forging, pressing, etc.), and the parts manufactured by the mold. Details of examples of information that may be registered in the database will be described later. Once the identification information is determined, the owner creates an identification label 50 on which a QR code (registered trademark) 51 for the mold is written. When the custodian creates a mold or receives a mold from the mold manufacturer, they inform the storage manager of the mold's storage location. When the storage manager receives the storage location from the custodian, they inform the owner of this information. When the owner receives the storage location from the custodian, the calculation circuit 21 of the management terminal 20 uses the data verification program 17 to register the location information of the storage location in the database 15.

[0058] The owner sends the created identification label 50 to the custodian. Upon receiving the identification label 50, the custodian attaches it to the newly manufactured mold. The arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 using the imaging unit 32. After reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51, the arithmetic circuit 31 obtains an access code to the server 10, uses the access code to access the server 10, downloads the data transmission program 16 from the server 10, and starts the data transmission program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 uses the imaging unit 32 to image the mold and saves the captured image to the data transmission program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 uses the data transmission program 16 to associate the saved image with the mold's identification information and the position information at the time of imaging, and transmits it to the server 10.

[0059] When the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 receives information about a newly manufactured mold from the data transmission program 16, it stores this information in the database 15. The arithmetic circuit 11 then uses the matching unit 14 to compare the data previously stored in the database 15 with the newly stored data and notifies the owner of the matching result. The owner uses the management terminal 20 to check the results of the comparison performed by the server 10 using the data verification program 17 and confirms whether there are any discrepancies. If there are discrepancies, the owner confirms the reason for the discrepancy with the person responsible for storage, as described above, and resolves the reason for the discrepancy. If there are no discrepancies, the management system 1 confirms that the storage person has received the newly manufactured mold, and this is input into the data verification program 17 using the input unit 22 of the management terminal 20. Upon receiving this input, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 contacts the person responsible for storage of the mold via the communication circuit 12. In this manner, the information of the newly manufactured mold is registered in the database 15. By repeating this process, a database 15 containing information on molds created by the owner can be constructed. The above registration can be used not only for newly manufactured molds, but also when registering molds that are not yet registered in database 15 to database 15.

[0060] In addition to registering newly manufactured molds in database 15, the database 15 also needs to be updated when the custodian changes the storage location of the molds. Below is an example of how to update database 15 when changing the storage location of molds.

[0061] When a custodian changes the storage location of a mold, the custodian first notifies the storage manager of the change and the new storage location. The storage manager then notifies the owner of the change in the mold's storage location and the new storage location. Upon receiving notification from the owner of the change in the mold's storage location, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 updates the location information of the mold's storage location stored in the database 15. After making the above notification, the custodian moves the mold. Once the custodian moves the mold, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the mold's QR code (registered trademark) 51 at the new storage location using the imaging unit 32. As a result, the arithmetic circuit 31 obtains an access code to the server 10. Upon obtaining the access code, the arithmetic circuit 31 uses the access code to access the server 10, downloads the data transmission program 16 from the server 10's storage device 13, and starts the data transmission program 16. When the data transmission program 16 is started, the calculation circuit 31 uses the imaging unit 32 to image the mold and saves the captured image to the data transmission program 16. The calculation circuit 31 associates the saved image with the mold identification information and the position information at the time of imaging, and sends it to the server 10.

[0062] When the server 10's calculation circuit 11 receives mold information from the data transmission program 16, it adds that information to the database 15. The calculation circuit 11 then uses the matching unit 14 to compare the information already stored in the database 15 with the information contained in the data received from the data transmission program 16 that has been added to the database 15. For example, as described above, the calculation circuit 11 compares whether the location information of the mold after the storage location has been changed, which is stored in the database 15, matches the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of mold imaging, which was reported by the custodian using the data transmission program 16. Once the calculation circuit 11 has made a determination based on the comparison, it notifies the owner of the comparison result.

[0063] The owner uses the data verification program 17 on the management terminal 20 to check whether there are any discrepancies in the verification results. If there are discrepancies, the owner, together with the person responsible for storage, confirms the reason for the discrepancy and resolves it, as described above. If there are no discrepancies, the owner inputs into the data verification program 17 using the input unit 22 on the management terminal 20 that they have confirmed the change in the storage location of the mold using the management system 1. Upon receiving this input, the calculation circuit 11 of the server 10 contacts the person responsible for storage via the communication circuit 12. In this way, the database 15 can be updated when the storage location of the mold is changed.

[0064] Database 15 may store information such as mold identification information, mold creation date, mold start date, owner, person responsible for storage, custodian, custodian's address, location of the mold storage location, latitude and longitude of said location information. Database 15 may also store information such as the latitude, longitude and date and time when the mold was imaged, the latitude, longitude and date and time when the data was transmitted, the distance difference between the location information in the database and the reported location information, and the distance difference threshold allowed by the management system 1. Furthermore, database 15 may also store information such as the company name, sender name and comments entered when reporting by the data transmission program 16, the type of mold (e.g., resin molding, forging, pressing, etc.), the parts manufactured by the mold, and the products in which those parts are used.

[0065] In the management system 1 described above, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 compares the location information of the mold, which is pre-stored in the database 15, with the location information of the mold that has been reported by the custodian and newly stored in the database 15, in the comparison unit 14. However, the comparison is not limited to location information. For example, the arithmetic circuit 11 may also compare an image of the mold, which is pre-stored in the database 15, with an image of the mold taken by the custodian when reporting. By comparing images of the mold in this way, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 can confirm whether or not the same mold has been reported.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, an example of a method for reporting mold location information, etc., by a custodian using the data transmission program 16, that is, a method for transmitting mold location information, etc., using a mobile terminal 30, will be described. Figure 6 is an example of a recognition label 50 provided on a mold.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the recognition label 50 has a QR code (registered trademark) 51, which is an information carrier that can be read by the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30. It does not have to be a QR code (registered trademark) 51; other means such as other two-dimensional codes or one-dimensional codes such as barcodes may be used. The recognition label 50 may contain information such as the owner of the mold, the identification information of the mold, and the date the recognition label 50 was acquired. Of course, the recognition label 50 may also contain other information, such as information about the parts manufactured by the mold. The recognition label 50 may be a label such as a sticker that is attached to the mold, or a plate such as a nameplate that is attached to the mold.

[0068] When the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 using the imaging unit 32, it can obtain a URL, which is an access code to the server 10, as information regarding the destination of the mold information. When the arithmetic circuit 31 accesses the server 10 using the access code, it downloads the data transmission program 16 from the server 10. After downloading the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 displays the data transmission program input means 60 on the display device 36. Figure 7 shows an example of the data transmission program input means 60 displayed on the display device 36 of the mobile terminal 30.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the data transmission program input means 60 in this embodiment includes a code reading unit 61, a mold imaging unit 62, a plurality of input units 63 to 67, a mold image display unit 68, a temporary storage unit 69, and a transmission confirmation unit 70. The plurality of input units include a custodian name input unit 63, a sender name input unit 64, an identification information input unit 65, a previous transmission date and time input unit 66, and a comment input unit 67.

[0070] When the code reading unit 61 is selected, the calculation circuit 31 activates the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 via the data transmission program 16, and the imaging unit 32 can be used to read the QR code (registered trademark) 51. When the calculation circuit 31 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51, the data transmission program 16 stores the information recorded in the QR code (registered trademark) 51 in a temporary storage area temporarily provided in the storage device 37 of the mobile terminal 30, and displays it on the display device 36. This information is, for example, mold identification information. This information may be acquired when reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51 in order to activate the data transmission program 16.

[0071] The custodian enters the custodian's company name into the custodian name input unit 63 using the input unit 35, and enters the name of the person operating the data transmission program 16 into the sender name input unit 64. This allows the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10, which receives data from the mobile terminal 30 via the data transmission program 16, to properly record the person who reported on the mold.

[0072] As described above, the identification information input unit 65 may be configured to automatically input information by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51. The previous transmission date and time input unit 66 receives the date and time of data transmission when the custodian last reported. The previous transmission date and time input unit 66 may be configured such that, for example, when the identification information is obtained by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51, the calculation circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 accesses the database 15 and obtains the previous transmission date and time for the identification information from the database 15. Alternatively, the custodian may input information into the identification information input unit 65 and the previous transmission date and time input unit 66 using the input unit 35. As shown in Figure 7, the data transmission program input means 60 may be provided with a comment input unit 67 or other input units where the custodian can input arbitrary comments.

[0073] When the mold imaging unit 62 is selected, the calculation circuit 31 activates the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 via the data transmission program 16, and the mold can be imaged using the imaging unit 32. When the calculation circuit 31 images the mold, it stores the acquired image in the storage area described above and displays it on the mold image display unit 68. Preferably, the image of the mold is captured so as to display at least the overall shape of the mold and the recognition label 50. The mold image display unit 68 shown in Figure 7 displays an example of an image of the captured mold. In this way, the data transmission program 16 acquires data to be reported from the custodian to the owner.

[0074] When the custodian reports on a different mold, they select the temporary storage unit 69. When the temporary storage unit 69 is selected in the data transmission program 16, the calculation circuit 31 stores the acquired data in the memory area as a group of data for the molds that were previously entered, and displays the data transmission program input means 60 on the display device 36 again. At this time, the custodian name input unit 63 and the sender name input unit 64 may be configured to retain the contents that have already been entered. The calculation circuit 31 then acquires the data for the other mold again using the method described above.

[0075] When the custodian sends the acquired data to the server 10, they select the transmission confirmation unit 70. When the transmission confirmation unit 70 is selected in the data transmission program 16, the calculation circuit 31 sends the data related to each mold, which was temporarily stored in the memory area, to the server 10. Before sending the data to the server 10, the calculation circuit 31 may display the temporarily stored data on the display device 36. This allows the custodian to confirm the data to be sent before sending it. After sending the data to the server 10 via the data transmission program 16, the calculation circuit 31 deletes the data stored in the memory area and deletes the data transmission program 16 from the mobile terminal 30.

[0076] The above describes the method for transmitting mold information using the mobile terminal 30 with the data transmission program 16. As described above, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 compares the data for each mold transmitted by the data transmission program 16 with the information stored in the database 15. According to the management system of this embodiment, even if the mold is stored overseas, its storage location at the time of reporting can be accurately determined.

[0077] In the embodiment described above, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 compares the location information pre-stored in the database 15 with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of mold imaging using the matching unit 14. However, it is conceivable that the location information acquisition unit 34 may not be able to acquire location information when imaging the mold. Therefore, the arithmetic circuit 11 may also compare the location information pre-stored in the database 15 with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of data transmission from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 10. With this configuration, even if the mold is stored in a location where location information cannot be acquired, the storage location of the mold can be confirmed by using the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of data transmission to the server 10.

[0078] In such cases, the calculation circuit 11 may be configured to use the matching unit 14 to compare the date and time of the mold image with the date and time of transmission of the data including the image, and to consider the matching result as inconsistent if there is a difference of a predetermined period or longer. This predetermined period could be, for example, one day or several days.

[0079] The calculation circuit 11 may use the matching unit 14 to compare the position information pre-stored in the database 15 with the position information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of mold imaging and data transmission. By using multiple pieces of position information in this way, the calculation circuit 11 can more accurately match the stored position.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 obtains an access code to the server 10 by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51 written on the recognition label 50 using the imaging unit 32, but is not limited to this. For example, the recognition label 50 may not be a code that can be read by an optical method such as a QR code (registered trademark), but rather a tag made of a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be read by wireless communication such as RFID, as the information carrier. Alternatively, the information carrier may be directly attached to a mold instead of being on the recognition label 50. Such a tag is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 via a communication circuit 33. Furthermore, for example, the mobile terminal 30 may be configured to record an access code for accessing the server 10 in a storage device 37, and the arithmetic circuit 31 may retrieve the access code as needed to access the server 10.

[0081] Furthermore, the data transmission program 16 is downloaded to the mobile terminal 30 and started by accessing the server 10, but is not limited to this. For example, the data transmission program 16 may be stored in the storage device 37 of the mobile terminal 30, and the arithmetic circuit 31 may be configured to start the data transmission program 16 as needed. In this case, for example, instead of writing a code on the recognition label 50, an imprint may be provided on the mold itself as an information carrier that can be read by the imaging unit 32, and the arithmetic circuit 31 may be configured to obtain identification information, etc., by reading the imprint.

[0082] In the embodiment described above, the arithmetic circuit 31 starts the data transmission program 16 and transmits data from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 10 via the data transmission program 16, but the system is not limited to this. For example, the management system 1 may be configured so that, when a custodian reports, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 does not transmit the data to the server 10, but rather the arithmetic circuit of any terminal such as a computer transmits the data to the server 10. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 31 acquires data such as an image of the mold using the data transmission program 16 and then moves the data to the terminal. Subsequently, the arithmetic circuit of the terminal downloads the data transmission program 16 and transmits the data to the server 10 via the program 16. The data may include location information at the time of data transmission, i.e., the location information of the terminal.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, the database 15 that stores various mold information is stored in the storage device 13 of the server 10, but is not limited to this. For example, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 may acquire the above mold information via a network using the communication circuit 12, and update the mold information by transmitting it via the network. In such a case, the above database 15 is stored in a storage device such as a computer that can be accessed via a network, such as a cloud server. By configuring it in this way, the server 10 does not need to have a database 15, and a simpler configuration can be achieved.

[0084] The management system 1 described above allows the owner to know the location of the molds they own. Information on the location of molds can be used for purposes other than asset management. For example, the owner can use the management system 1 according to this embodiment to quickly identify parts that may be affected in the event of a disaster, based on disaster risk area information described later. This allows for proactive measures, such as formulating and providing alternative plans to ensure that parts can be supplied smoothly to suppliers whose supply may be disrupted, thereby reducing the impact on manufacturing. The following describes how the management system 1 can be used in the event of a disaster, using Figure 8.

[0085] Figure 8 shows an example of the disaster estimation program 80. The disaster estimation program 80, like the data transmission program 16, is an application that can be operated by the arithmetic circuit 21 of the management terminal 20 and the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30. The disaster estimation program 80 is stored, for example, in the storage device 13 of the server 10. The owner can then operate the disaster estimation program 80 via the communication circuit 23 and the communication circuit 12 by operating the management terminal 20. The disaster estimation program 80 may also be stored in the storage device 25. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 21 of the management terminal 20 can acquire data from the database 15 in the storage device 13 via the communication circuit 23, etc., and display it on the disaster estimation program 80. The disaster estimation program 80 includes a map display unit 81, a disaster information selection unit 82, and a mold storage facility display unit 83.

[0086] The map display unit 81 can display map data in a way that allows it to be enlarged and reduced. Any map data may be used. The map display unit 81 can use the location information of the mold storage locations stored in the database 15 of the management system 1 to display the location of the facility where the molds are stored on the map data. The map display unit 81 may also display facilities other than those where the molds are stored. For example, the map display unit 81 may display warehouses where manufactured parts are stored or factories where manufactured parts are assembled. In this case, the map display unit 81 may change the colors displayed depending on the category of the facility.

[0087] The disaster information selection unit 82 has a disaster display content selection unit 84. The disaster display content selection unit 84 can select disaster information to acquire and display. Disaster information can include, for example, disaster risk area information that may be announced and provided by the national government, local governments, etc., such as earthquakes, landslides, river flooding, floods, tsunamis, power outages, and traffic disruptions. For example, the disaster information displayed in Figure 8 is an earthquake that occurred off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture on December 21, 2020. Such disaster information can be acquired, for example, from data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency via the communication circuit 12, and the data can be displayed. The disaster display content selection unit 84 may be configured to select any of the above-mentioned disaster information, such as earthquakes and river flooding, or a combination of multiple disaster information. As shown in Figure 8, the damage estimation program 80 can display information about the area included in the provided disaster information on the map display unit 81. The damage estimation program 80 can also display, for example, roads or railway lines that are closed, or locations that are closed, on the map display unit 81 in the case of traffic disruptions. The disaster information selection unit 82 may also have a display range selection unit 85 if the disaster display content selection unit 84 has selected information related to earthquakes. The display range selection unit 85 can, for example, display on the map display unit 81 the area where an earthquake intensity of a predetermined magnitude or higher occurred. In Figure 8, the display range selection unit 85 has selected the area where an earthquake intensity of 4 or higher occurred, as shown on the map displayed on the map display unit 81.

[0088] The mold storage facility display unit 83 displays the mold storage facilities shown on the map display unit 81. The disaster estimation program 80 may also be configured to narrow down the mold storage facilities or asset information that may be affected by the disaster when the disaster information selection unit 82 displays an area based on disaster information or an area where a disaster has occurred on the map display unit 81, and then display this information on the mold storage facility display unit 83. Similar to the map display unit 81, the mold storage facility display unit 83 may also display facilities other than mold storage facilities.

[0089] In the damage estimation program 80 shown in Figure 8, the maximum seismic intensity displayed is seismic intensity 5-minus. The display range selection unit 85 is selected to display seismic intensity 4 or higher. Therefore, the map display unit 81 displays the areas where seismic intensity 4 and seismic intensity 5-minus were observed on the displayed map. The map display unit 81 also displays mold storage facilities, etc. Thus, the damage estimation program 80 can visually display in an easy-to-understand manner which facilities may be damaged by the disaster that has occurred. The damage estimation program 80 may also be configured to display molds owned by facilities that may have been damaged, parts supplied by those molds, and products manufactured using those parts. By configuring it in this way, owners can quickly identify molds, parts, and products that may be affected by the disaster, and use this information to consider responses in the event of a disaster, such as formulating alternative plans for supplying such parts.

[0090] In this embodiment, the damage estimation program 80 displays facilities that may have been damaged based on the magnitude of the seismic intensity, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of using the magnitude of the seismic intensity, the damage estimation program 80 may display facilities that may have been damaged based on their location within a predetermined distance from the epicenter (for example, within a radius of 100 km from the epicenter).

[0091] The management system 1 according to this embodiment may further include a calculation unit in the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 for calculating the amount of fixed asset tax payable to the municipality where the mold is stored. The calculation unit can be implemented using various processors, etc., similar to the arithmetic circuit 11. The calculation unit may be configured using the same processor, etc., as the arithmetic circuit 11. The management system 1 according to this embodiment uses the location information when the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 images the mold when a report is received from the custodian, so it can accurately identify the municipality where the mold is stored. Therefore, the arithmetic circuit 11 can accurately identify the municipality to which the fixed asset tax of the mold is paid by referring to the database 15 via the calculation unit. In addition, the owner can accurately identify the municipality to which the fixed asset tax of the mold is paid using the management system 1.

[0092] Furthermore, the database 15 provided in the server 10 of the management system 1 according to this embodiment may have an item for registering data indicating the assessed value of the mold. This data may include, for example, the useful life of the mold, the start date of depreciation of the mold, the depreciation rate according to the useful life, the acquisition cost of the mold, the assessed value of the mold in the previous year, etc. By registering data indicating the assessed value of the mold in the database 15, the calculation circuit 11 can use the management system 1 to calculate the amount of fixed asset tax payable for the mold in question using the calculation unit. Therefore, the calculation circuit 11 can identify all molds stored in any municipality, refer to the data indicating the assessed value of each mold, and calculate the total amount of fixed asset tax payable to the municipality where the molds are stored.

[0093] (Summary of the embodiments) The management system according to this embodiment, as described above, may be configured as follows.

[0094] (Aspect 1) A server device used in a management system for managing the location of multiple molds has a storage device that stores a database containing mold information for each mold, including the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and location information for each mold; a communication circuit that receives information transmitted from a terminal, including identification information for a predetermined mold and information on the current location of the predetermined mold; and a matching unit that compares the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database with the received information on the current location of the predetermined mold.

[0095] This allows the server device to compare information about a specific mold transmitted from a terminal with information about the same mold already stored in the database. Therefore, it can reliably verify whether the information registered in the database regarding the specific mold matches the newly transmitted information.

[0096] (Aspect 2) In the server device of Aspect 1, the communication circuit further receives information of the image of the predetermined mold from the terminal, and the information of the current location of the predetermined mold may be the location information of the terminal that took the image of the predetermined mold.

[0097] This allows the server device to compare the location information of the terminal that photographed the predetermined mold, which is included in the information about the predetermined mold transmitted from a terminal, with the location information of the location where the predetermined mold is stored, which is pre-stored in the database. Therefore, it is possible to reliably confirm whether the location information registered in the database for the predetermined mold matches the current location information of the transmitted predetermined mold.

[0098] (Aspect 3) In the server device of Aspect 2, the information stored in the database includes images of each mold, and the matching unit may compare the stored images of the predetermined mold with the captured images of the predetermined mold.

[0099] This allows the server device to verify whether the mold associated with the transmitted information is the same mold as the mold associated with the recognition information already stored in the database, in addition to the location information.

[0100] (Aspect 4) In the server device of Aspect 1, the communication circuit further receives information of the image of the predetermined mold from the terminal, and the current location information of the predetermined mold may be the location information of the terminal that transmitted the current location information.

[0101] This allows the server device to compare the location information of a terminal that transmitted the information about a predetermined mold, which is included in the information about the predetermined mold transmitted from that terminal, with the location information of the location where the predetermined mold is stored, which is pre-stored in the database. Therefore, it is possible to reliably confirm whether the location information registered in the database for the predetermined mold matches the current location information of the transmitted predetermined mold.

[0102] (Aspect 5) In any one of the server devices from Aspects 1 to 4, the matching unit may generate image data for displaying on a map the position represented by the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database and the position represented by the current location information of the received predetermined mold.

[0103] This allows the server device to easily create data to verify whether the current location of a given mold transmitted from a terminal matches the location of that given mold stored in the database.

[0104] (Aspect 6) In any one of the server devices from Aspect 1 to Aspect 5, the matching unit may calculate the distance between the position represented by the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database and the position represented by the current location information of the received predetermined mold, and perform matching based on the distance.

[0105] This allows the server device to calculate the distance difference between the current location of a predetermined mold transmitted from a terminal and the location of the same predetermined mold stored in the database, and to easily determine whether the current location and the location mentioned above match based on this distance difference.

[0106] (Aspect 7) In the server device of Aspect 6, the matching unit may notify the owner of the predetermined mold after matching the location represented by the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database with the location represented by the current location information of the predetermined mold that has been received.

[0107] This allows the server device to notify the owner of a given mold if it has verified whether the current location of the given mold, transmitted from a terminal, matches the current location of the given mold stored in the database, and the owner can then confirm the verification result.

[0108] (Aspect 8) In the server device of aspect 6, a threshold value is stored in the database, and when the distance exceeds the threshold value, the matching unit may determine the matching result to be a mismatch and notify the owner of the predetermined mold.

[0109] This allows the server device to easily determine, based on a threshold, whether the location of a predetermined mold transmitted from a terminal matches the current location of that mold stored in the database. Furthermore, the owner can easily become aware of any discrepancies in the matching results.

[0110] (Aspect 9) The management terminal has a display device that displays image data generated by the matching unit of the server device of Aspect 5.

[0111] As a result, the management terminal can display image data on its display device that shows the current location of a predetermined mold transmitted from a terminal, created by the server device, and the location of that predetermined mold stored in the database. This allows the owner of the predetermined mold using the management terminal to easily confirm the positional relationship between the current location and the location mentioned above.

[0112] (Aspect 10) The management terminal has a display device that displays the result of verification performed by any one of the verification units from Aspect 6 to Aspect 8.

[0113] This allows the management terminal to display on its display device the result of matching the current location of a predetermined mold transmitted from a terminal by the server device with the location of that predetermined mold stored in the database. This allows the owner of the predetermined mold using the management terminal to easily verify the results of the matching between the current location and the location.

[0114] (Aspect 11) In the management terminal of Aspect 10, if the results are inconsistent, a visually or audibly recognizable warning may be issued.

[0115] This allows the management terminal to issue a warning by visual or auditory means if the matching results from the server device do not match. Therefore, the owner of the specified mold using the management terminal can easily confirm that the matching results between the current location and the location do not match.

[0116] (Aspect 12) The management system includes one server device from any of aspects 1 to 8 and any terminal, wherein the mold has an information carrier that holds information indicating the destination of the mold information which can be read by the terminal, the terminal reads the information carrier to obtain the information indicating the destination and transmits the mold information to the server device.

[0117] This allows the management system to transmit mold information from any device, without requiring a specific terminal. Therefore, the custodian does not need to prepare a specific terminal and can easily use the management system.

[0118] (Aspect 13) In any one of the server devices from Aspect 1 to Aspect 8, the communication circuit may receive disaster occurrence information relating to the disaster that has occurred, and extract the molds located within a predetermined range from the disaster area indicated by the disaster occurrence information from the database.

[0119] This allows the server device to appropriately identify facilities where molds are stored that may have been damaged in the event of a disaster. Therefore, it is possible to identify parts that may be affected by the disaster and to consider appropriate countermeasures.

[0120] (Aspect 14) In the server device of Aspect 13, when the disaster is an earthquake, the predetermined range may be determined by the magnitude of the seismic intensity that occurred.

[0121] This allows us to narrow down the list of facilities that may have been damaged by the disaster, enabling us to consider more appropriate countermeasures.

[0122] (Aspect 15) A server device in any one of aspects 1 to 8 may further include a calculation unit that, based on the location of the mold stored in the database, identifies the municipality to which fixed asset tax for the mold should be paid for each mold, and calculates the total fixed asset tax for each mold for each municipality by referring to data showing the assessed value of the mold stored in the database.

[0123] This makes it possible to accurately and easily calculate which municipalities are liable for property tax and the amount of tax payable to those municipalities.

[0124] (Aspect 16) A server device used in a management system for managing the location of multiple molds has a communication circuit that can connect to a network, and the communication circuit acquires mold information for each mold via the network, including the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and location information for each mold, and receives information transmitted from a terminal that includes identification information for a predetermined mold and information on the current location of the predetermined mold, and the server device further has a matching unit that compares the location information of the predetermined mold acquired via the network with the received information on the current location of the predetermined mold.

[0125] This allows the server device to compare information about a predetermined mold transmitted from a terminal with information about the same predetermined mold that can be obtained via the network. Therefore, it can reliably verify whether the information obtained via the network regarding the predetermined mold matches the newly transmitted information.

[0126] (Aspect 17) A computer program used in a server device for a management system that manages the location of multiple molds causes the server device to perform the following steps: storing mold information for multiple molds, including the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and location information for each mold; receiving information transmitted from a terminal, including identification information for a predetermined mold and information about the current location of the predetermined mold; and comparing the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the storage step with the received information about the current location of the predetermined mold.

[0127] The management systems described in this disclosure are implemented through the cooperation of hardware resources, such as processors and memory, and software resources (computer programs). [Industrial applicability]

[0128] According to the management system described in this disclosure, mold asset management can be performed easily and accurately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1 Management System 10 servers 12 Communication Circuits 13 Storage device 14. Verification section 15 Databases 16. Data transmission program 17. Data Verification Program 20 Management terminals 30 Mobile devices 32 Imaging Unit 33 Communication Circuit 34 Location information acquisition unit 37 Storage device 50 Recognition Labels 51 QR Code (Registered Trademark)

Claims

[Claim 1] A server device used in a management system for managing the location of multiple molds, For each mold, a first custodian who manages the plurality of molds, one or more second custodians who store at least a portion of the plurality of molds, a storage device that stores a database containing mold information including identification information that uniquely identifies each mold and information on the location of each mold, and data indicating the appraised value of each mold, A communication circuit that receives information transmitted from a terminal, including information of the second custodian, identification information of a predetermined mold among the plurality of molds to be stored by the second custodian, and information of the current location of the predetermined mold, and The calculation circuit includes: a matching unit that compares the information of the second custodian and the location information of the predetermined mold stored in the database with the received information of the second custodian and the current location information of the predetermined mold; and a calculation unit that, based on the location of the mold stored in the database, identifies the municipality to which fixed asset tax should be paid for each mold, and calculates the total fixed asset tax for each mold for each municipality by referring to data showing the assessed value of the mold stored in the database. The calculation circuit notifies the first custodian of information regarding the matching result. Server device.

Images