Information processing system, management device, device management method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing system, a management device, a device management method, and a program that select devices available for loan based on their usage status. [Solution] An information processing system comprising a storage facility capable of storing multiple devices and a management system for managing the lending of multiple devices, wherein the management system includes a storage unit that stores first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices based on information transmitted from the storage facility, a selection unit that selects a device available for lending from among the multiple devices stored in the storage facility based on the first information stored in the storage unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit to the storage facility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a management device, a device management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, devices are used in all kinds of scenes, and are also used in many workplaces. Although the operation of devices varies depending on the work form or business content, devices that are used only under specific circumstances are often provided in sufficient numbers for the number of simultaneous users (workers), and are shared and used among multiple users. As a means for this, a physical locker equipped with a user authentication function (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "smart locker") is used, and products having functions of safely storing devices and lending and returning devices are already known. In addition, there are already known products having a function of monitoring the state of a device and preventing the lending of a device with a state defect such as software / hardware failure, out-of-charge, and insufficient charge in response to a lending request from a user to a smart locker.

[0003] As a system for managing such devices, a management system for lending and returning devices such as a shared notebook computer is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not consider the usage situation of devices, there is a problem that, for example, due to the concentration of usage on a specific device, it may cause deterioration or failure of the specific device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an information processing system, a management device, a device management method, and a program that select devices available for loan considering the usage status of the devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides an information processing system comprising a storage facility capable of accommodating a plurality of devices and a management system for managing the lending of the plurality of devices, wherein the management system comprises a storage unit that stores first information indicating the usage status of each of the plurality of devices based on information transmitted from the storage facility, a selection unit that selects a device available for lending from among the plurality of devices stored in the storage facility based on the first information stored in the storage unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit to the storage facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to select devices that can be lent out, taking into account the usage status of the devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the general operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the amount of time a user spends using IT devices during work hours. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of how long a user spends using an IT device in a month. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a locker device management system, etc., according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an IT device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of device usage information. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of battery discharge rate information. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of error occurrence history information. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of device deployment information. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the screen transitions for setting priorities in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the data collection operation flow of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the device lending operation flow of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates the screen transitions in the locker system during the device lending operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail embodiments of the information processing system, management device, device management method, and program according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, those substantially identical, and those within the scope of equivalents. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0010] (Overall configuration and operation overview of the information processing system) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the working hours during which a user uses an IT device. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the monthly usage time of an IT device by a user. The overall configuration and overview of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0011] The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system for managing the lending of IT devices from lockers and for reducing the costs of maintaining and managing IT devices. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a locker device management system 10, a device management system 20, a locker management system 30, locker systems 40_1 and 40_2, a first administrator terminal 50, and a second administrator terminal 60.

[0012] The locker device management system 10 is a system (management device) that collects information about IT devices via the device management system 20 and information about the usage status of IT devices via the locker management system 30, analyzes this information, and presents IT devices to be lent to users.

[0013] The device management system 20 is a system that collects discharge rate information and error information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as device information) from IT devices stored in locker systems 40_1 and 40_2, and transmits this information to the locker device management system 10. In other words, the device information is information indicating the state of the IT device 42, and corresponds to the "second information" of the present invention. The device management system 20 collects device information not only from IT devices stored in locker systems 40_1 and 40_2, but also from IT devices that are actually leased from locker systems 40_1 and 40_2. Furthermore, the device information collected by the device management system 20 is not limited to discharge rate information and error information.

[0014] The locker management system 30 manages locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 that store or lend out IT devices, collects information such as the introduction information and usage status of the IT devices managed by the locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as locker information), and transmits this information to the locker device management system 10. That is, the locker information is information indicating the usage status of the IT device 42 and corresponds to the "first information" of the present invention. Note that the locker information collected by the locker management system 30 is not limited to the introduction information and usage status information of the IT devices.

[0015] The locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 are storage facilities that include boxes referred to as a plurality of compartments, etc., store IT devices in the boxes, and control and manage the lending out of these IT devices according to the requests of users. The locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having an arithmetic function for controlling the unlocking and locking of each box, a memory, various actuators for unlocking and locking each box, and a touch panel for input operations and display. The locker system 40_1 includes a box 41_1a in which the IT device 42_1a is stored, a box 41_1b in which the IT device 42_1b is stored, and a box 41_1c in which the IT device 42_1c is stored. The locker system 40_2 includes a box 41_2a in which the IT device 42_2a is stored, a box 41_2b in which the IT device 42_2b is stored, and a box 41_2c in which the IT device 42_2c is stored. The locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 transmit, as locker information, information such as the introduction information when a new IT device is introduced or an IT device is removed, and the usage status information of the IT that has been lent out or returned from each box, to the locker management system 30.

[0016] Note that the locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and the number of locker systems is not limited to two. When indicating any locker system or referring to them generically, they shall simply be referred to as "locker system 40". Also, the number of boxes included in the locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1. Further, the number of IT devices managed by the locker systems 40_1 and 40_2 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1. Although FIG. 1 shows a state where all IT devices are stored in the boxes of the locker system 40, when an IT device is lent out, the corresponding box will be empty. Also, for the boxes (boxes 41_1a to 41_1c, 41_2a to 41_2c in the example shown in FIG. 1) included in the locker system 40, when indicating any box or referring to them generically, they shall simply be referred to as "box 41". Also, for the IT devices (IT devices 42_1a to 42_1c, 42_2a to 42_2c in the example shown in FIG. 1) stored or lent out in each box 41 of the locker system 40, when indicating any IT device or referring to them generically, they shall simply be referred to as "IT device 42".

[0017] Box 41 is a box that can store the IT device 42 inside, and its unlocking and locking are controlled by the locker system 40. The boxes 41 are arranged and installed, for example, vertically, horizontally, etc. Inside the box 41, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a charging stand, etc. is installed. Therefore, when the IT device 42 is stored in the box 41, charging (and communication) is performed by connecting to the USB cable or installing on the charging stand.

[0018] The IT device 42 is an IT device with wireless communication capabilities that is stored and managed by the locker system 40. The IT device 42 is, for example, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a tablet device, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. The IT device 42 transmits predetermined device information to the device management system 20 via wireless communication.

[0019] The first administrator terminal 50 is an information processing device (external terminal) used by administrators, etc., who manage the locker device management system 10. The first administrator terminal 50 sets the priority of conditions for selecting IT devices 42 to be loaned out in the locker system 40, for example, according to the UI screen provided by the locker device management system 10.

[0020] The second administrator terminal 60 is an information processing device for registering IT devices 42 that are newly introduced as managed by the locker system 40.

[0021] Next, with reference to Figure 2, an overview of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0022] As described above, the administrator uses the first administrator terminal 50 to set priorities for the conditions for selecting IT devices 42 to be loaned out in the locker system 40 (see "(1) Priority Setting" in Figure 2).

[0023] IT devices 42 stored or leased in the locker system 40 periodically, or upon request from the device management system 20 or the locker device management system 10, transmit device information such as discharge rate and error information to the device management system 20. The device management system 20 then transmits the device information received from the IT devices 42 to the locker device management system 10. In this way, the locker device management system 10 collects and stores device information from the IT devices 42 (Figure 2, "(2) Device Information Collection").

[0024] The locker system 40 periodically, or in response to requests from the locker management system 30 or the locker device management system 10, transmits locker information, such as information on the introduction and usage status of the IT device 42, to the locker management system 30. The locker management system 30 then transmits the locker information received from the locker system 40 to the locker device management system 10. In this way, the locker device management system 10 collects and stores the locker information from the locker system 40 (Figure 2, "(3) Locker Information Collection").

[0025] Next, we will explain the general operation when a user borrows an IT device 42 from the locker system 40. The user performs user authentication with the locker system 40 and then performs the operation to borrow the IT device 42 from the locker system 40 (Figure 2, "(4) Borrowing Operation"). The locker system 40 then sends the borrowing request to the locker device management system 10 via the locker management system 30 (Figure 2, "(5) Borrowing Request").

[0026] Upon receiving a loan request, the locker device management system 10 obtains or calculates various indicators from the device information and locker information that it has stored in advance (Figure 2, "(6) Indicator Acquisition / Calculation"). Here, indicators are values ​​used as criteria for deciding whether to lend an IT device 42 to a user. Details of the indicators will be described later. Next, the locker device management system 10 selects the IT device 42 to be lent to the user based on the priority set conditions related to the obtained or calculated indicators (Figure 2, "(7) Device Selection"). Then, the locker device management system 10 transmits the selection result of the IT device 42 to be lent to the locker system 40 via the locker management system 30 (Figure 2, "(8) Transmission of Selection Result").

[0027] The locker system 40 displays the received selection result (a list of IT devices 42 available for loan to the user) on an attached touch panel or monitor (Figure 2, "(9) Display of Loanable Devices"). The user selects an IT device 42 from the list of loanable IT devices 42 displayed on the touch panel or monitor. The locker system 40 then unlocks the door of the box 41 containing the IT device 42 selected by the user. The user then opens the door of the box 41 and receives (retrieves) the IT device 42 (Figure 2, "(10) Loan (Retrieval)").

[0028] By managing and controlling the lending of IT devices 42 using this information processing system 1, it is possible to select available devices for lending, taking into account the usage status of the IT devices. Furthermore, the frequency of battery replacement for IT devices 42 can be reduced, thereby lowering the cost of consumables, and the maintenance interval for IT devices 42 can be extended, thereby lowering maintenance costs, and thus reducing the cost of maintaining and managing IT devices 42. In addition, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment can also maximize the utilization efficiency of IT devices 42 from the perspective of the usage status of IT devices 42 by users, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the weekly working hours spent using IT devices 42 by four users (Users A-D). In this case, since four devices are used simultaneously, it is necessary to introduce four or more IT devices 42 to accommodate the maximum number of users, but there is room to consider how many devices are actually appropriate to introduce. Figure 4 shows a time chart of the monthly usage time of IT devices 42 (devices a-h) by four users (Users A-D). The white boxes in this time chart indicate days and hours when the devices are not being used and are waiting in box 41, which can be said to be time when IT devices 42 are not being effectively utilized. Therefore, there is room to optimize or preferentialize the number of IT devices 42 to introduce into the locker system 40, as well as which IT devices 42 to lend out from the perspective of maximizing the utilization rate and efficiency of IT devices 42.

[0030] Therefore, by adopting the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment as described above, it is possible to correlate the number of IT devices 42 on standby and their supply and demand with the day, day of the week, time of day, and location. This allows for the optimization of the number of IT devices 42 to be introduced, further reducing the number of IT devices 42 on standby, and reducing the waiting time for users when no IT devices 42 are available for loan. This maximizes and smooths the utilization rate of IT devices 42. In this way, the utilization efficiency of IT devices 42 can be maximized. The specific configuration and operation of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0031] (Hardware configuration of locker device management system, etc.) Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a locker device management system according to this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the locker device management system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Here, the locker device management system 10 will be used as an example.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the locker device management system 10 includes a CPU 701, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 702, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 703, an auxiliary storage device 705, a media drive 707, a display 708, a network interface 709, a keyboard 711, a mouse 712, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive 714.

[0033] The CPU 701 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire rocker device management system 10. The ROM 702 is a non-volatile memory device that stores the program for the rocker device management system 10. The RAM 703 is a volatile memory device used as the work area for the CPU 701.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 705 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various data and programs. The media drive 707 is a device that controls the reading and writing of data to a recording medium 706 such as flash memory, according to the control of the CPU 701.

[0035] The display 708 is a display device composed of liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or the like, which displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images.

[0036] The Network I / F 709 is an interface for communicating data with external devices such as the device management system 20, the locker management system 30, and the first administrator terminal 50 using a network. The Network I / F 709 is, for example, a Network Interface Card (NIC) that supports Ethernet® and is capable of communication compliant with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol), etc.

[0037] The keyboard 711 is an input device for selecting characters, numbers, various instructions, and moving the cursor. The mouse 712 is an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting the object to be processed, and moving the cursor.

[0038] The DVD drive 714 is a device that controls the reading and writing of data to DVDs 713, such as DVD-ROMs or DVD-Rs (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), which are examples of removable storage media.

[0039] The aforementioned CPU 701, ROM 702, RAM 703, auxiliary storage device 705, media drive 707, display 708, network interface 709, keyboard 711, mouse 712, and DVD drive 714 are connected to each other via a bus 710, including an address bus and a data bus.

[0040] Note that the hardware configuration of the locker device management system 10 shown in Figure 5 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all the components shown in Figure 5, or other components may be included. Also, the hardware configurations of the device management system 20, locker management system 30, first administrator terminal 50, and second administrator terminal 60 are similar to the configuration shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the locker device management system 10, device management system 20, and locker management system 30 are not limited to being implemented by a single information processing device as shown in Figure 5, but may be composed of multiple information processing devices or devices.

[0041] (Hardware configuration of IT devices) Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an IT device according to this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the IT device 42 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. In Figure 6, the IT device 42 is assumed to be a smartphone.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the IT device 42 includes a CPU 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 804, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) 805, an image sensor I / F 806, an acceleration / direction sensor 807, a media I / F 809, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 811.

[0043] The CPU 801 is a processing unit that controls the operation of the entire IT device 42. The ROM 802 is a non-volatile memory device that stores programs used to drive the CPU 801, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 803 is a volatile memory device used as the work area of ​​the CPU 801.

[0044] The EEPROM 804 is an auxiliary storage device that reads or writes various data, such as programs for the IT device 42, according to the control of the CPU 801.

[0045] The CMOS805 is an internal image sensor that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) and obtains image data according to the control of the CPU801. Note that the CMOS805 may be an image sensor other than a CMOS sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. The image sensor I / F806 is an interface circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 805.

[0046] The 807 acceleration / direction sensor is a combination of various sensors, including an electronic magnetic compass for detecting the Earth's magnetic field, a gyrocompass, and an acceleration sensor.

[0047] The media interface 809 is an interface circuit that controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to or from the media 808, such as flash memory.

[0048] The GPS receiver 811 is a receiving device that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the IT device 42 includes a long-range communication circuit 812, an antenna 812a, a CMOS sensor 813, an image sensor interface 814, a microphone 815, a speaker 816, an audio input / output interface 817, a display 818, an external device connection interface 819, a short-range communication circuit 820, an antenna 820a, and a touch panel 821.

[0050] The long-distance communication circuit 812 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via wireless communication using the antenna 812a.

[0051] The CMOS sensor 813 is a built-in image sensor that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data according to the control of the CPU 801. Note that the CMOS 813 may be an image sensor other than a CMOS sensor, such as a CCD sensor. The image sensor I / F 814 is an interface circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 813.

[0052] Microphone 815 is a built-in sound collector that converts sound into electrical signals. Speaker 816 is a built-in acoustic device that converts electrical signals into physical vibrations to produce sound such as music or speech. Sound input / output interface 817 is an interface circuit that processes the input and output of sound signals between microphone 815 and speaker 816 according to the control of CPU 801.

[0053] The display 818 is a liquid crystal or organic EL display device that displays images of the subject or various icons, etc.

[0054] The external device connection interface I / F819 is an interface circuit compliant with USB (Universal Serial Bus) and other standards for connecting various external devices.

[0055] The short-range communication circuit 820 is a communication circuit that performs short-range communication via antenna 812a using NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0056] The touch panel 821 is an input device that allows the user to operate the IT device 42 by pressing the display 818.

[0057] Furthermore, the IT device 42 is equipped with a bus 810. The bus 810 is an address bus and a data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component, such as the CPU 801 shown in Figure 6.

[0058] Note that the hardware configuration of the IT device 42 shown in Figure 6 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all of the components shown in Figure 6, or other components may be included.

[0059] (Configuration and operation of functional blocks in an information processing system) Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a functional block in the information processing system according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of device usage information. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of battery discharge rate information. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of error occurrence history information. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of device introduction information. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the screen transitions for priority setting in the information processing system according to the embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the locker device management system 10 includes a registration unit 101, a locker information acquisition unit 102, a device information acquisition unit 103, an information management unit 104, a calculation unit 105, a selection unit 106, a transmission unit 107, a setting unit 108, a display control unit 109, and a storage unit 110.

[0061] The registration unit 101 is a functional unit that, in response to an operation on the second administrator terminal 60, registers the introduction information (an example of locker information) of newly introduced IT devices 42 managed by the locker system 40 into the device introduction information deployed in the storage unit 110. Here, the device introduction information is association information for managing information on newly introduced IT devices 42 to be managed by the locker system 40, as shown in Figure 11, for example. As shown in Figure 11, the device introduction information manages the following in association with each other: device identification information to identify the introduced IT device 42, introduction date and time indicating the date of introduction, locker installation location indicating which locker system 40 it is stored in, and box number indicating which box 41 of the locker system 40 it is stored in. The device introduction information is configured, for example, as information in a table format.

[0062] Furthermore, the information included in the device introduction information is not limited to the information shown in Figure 11, but may also include, for example, the specifications of the newly introduced IT device 42.

[0063] The locker information acquisition unit 102 is a functional unit that acquires locker information from the locker management system 30 via the network interface 709, including information indicating the usage status of IT devices 42 in the locker system 40 transmitted from the locker system 40, and information regarding the introduction of newly introduced IT devices 42 operated on the second administrator terminal 60 as described above. The locker information acquisition unit 102 then sends the introduction information from the acquired locker information to the registration unit 101.

[0064] The device information acquisition unit 103 is a functional unit that acquires device information, such as discharge rate information and error information transmitted from the IT device 42, from the device management system 20 via the network interface 709. The error information transmitted from the IT device 42 may include not only information automatically transmitted from the IT device 42, but also, for example, error information manually entered by a user via the IT device 42.

[0065] The information management unit 104 is a functional unit that reflects and manages locker information acquired by the locker information acquisition unit 102 and device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 103 in the storage unit 110.

[0066] Specifically, the information management unit 104 reflects the information indicating the usage status from the locker information acquisition unit 102 into the device usage information deployed in the storage unit 110. Here, the device usage information is association information for managing the usage status of IT devices 42 managed by the locker system 40, as shown in Figure 8, for example. As shown in Figure 8, the device usage information manages the following by associating them with each other: device identification information for identifying the IT device 42, the date and time of use of the IT device 42, and user identification information for identifying the user. Here, the date and time of use consists of, for example, a start date and time of use and an end date and time of use. If only the start date and time of use are set and the end date and time of use are not set (as shown in "N / A" in Figure 8), it can be recognized that the IT device 42 identified by the corresponding device identification information is currently on loan. The device usage information is configured as, for example, table-formatted information.

[0067] Furthermore, the information included in the device usage information is not limited to the information shown in Figure 8, but may also include, for example, status information indicating the state of the IT device 42 (e.g., standby, malfunctioning, under maintenance, on loan, etc.).

[0068] Furthermore, the information management unit 104 reflects the battery discharge rate information from the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 103 into the battery discharge rate information deployed in the storage unit 110. Here, the battery discharge rate information is association information for managing the discharge rate of the battery equipped in the IT device 42, as shown in Figure 9, for example. As shown in Figure 9, the battery discharge rate information is managed by associating device identification information for identifying the IT device 42, a discharge rate collection period indicating the period during which information on the discharge rate of the battery of the IT device 42 was collected, and the discharge rate itself.

[0069] Furthermore, the battery discharge rate information is not limited to being structured as table-formatted information as shown in Figure 9, but may also be structured as time-series data of time and discharge rate for each device identification information.

[0070] Furthermore, the information management unit 104 reflects the error information from the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 103 into the error occurrence history information deployed in the storage unit 110. Here, the error occurrence history information is association information for managing error information that occurred in the IT device 42, as shown in Figure 10, for example. As shown in Figure 10, the error occurrence history information manages the device identification information for identifying the IT device 42, the time of the error, the type of error, and the error details which show the details of the error, by associating them with each other. The error occurrence history information is configured, for example, as information in a table format.

[0071] Note that the information included in the error occurrence history information is not limited to the information shown in Figure 10.

[0072] The calculation unit 105 is a functional unit that acquires or calculates predetermined indicators related to the IT device 42 from device usage information, battery discharge rate information, error occurrence history information, and device introduction information stored in the storage unit 110. Here, predetermined indicators include, for example, the number of warning detections, the number of failure reports, the battery charge rate, the total number of uses, the total usage time (total operating time), the operating rate, the usage rate (utilization rate), the user waiting time, the history of the number of IT device 42 in standby, the degree of battery degradation, the manufacturing date, the introduction date, the firmware / OS information, and the terminal type.

[0073] The warning detection count indicates the number of warnings that occurred on IT device 42 that were not classified as fatal errors. The warning detection count is calculated, for example, from device usage information and error occurrence history information. The reason for referring to device usage information is to calculate the warning detection count as the number of warnings that occurred while IT device 42 was on loan.

[0074] The failure report count indicates the number of IT device failures reported by users. The failure report count may also be calculated by category or severity. For example, the failure report count may be calculated from device usage information and error history information.

[0075] The battery charge level indicates the expected charge level at which the device can be used for a predetermined period, such as a shift time. The battery charge level is calculated, for example, from device usage information and battery discharge rate information. For example, if a 50% charge level is sufficient for one shift time, then an IT device 42 charged to 50% or higher can be deemed available for loan.

[0076] The total number of uses represents the total number of times the IT device 42 was borrowed from the locker system 40. The total number of uses is calculated, for example, from device usage information.

[0077] Total usage time (total operating time) represents the total time from when the IT device 42 is taken out (lent out) from box 41 of the locker system 40 until it is returned. Total usage time is calculated, for example, from device usage information.

[0078] The availability rate represents the ratio of the time the IT device 42 is available outside of box 41 (i.e., the time it is loaned out and being used normally) to the total time the device is available inside box 41, available outside of box 41, unavailable inside box 41, and unavailable outside of box 41. The availability rate is calculated, for example, from device usage information, battery discharge rate information, and error history information.

[0079] The utilization rate represents the percentage of time the IT device 42 is available for use, regardless of whether it is inside or outside the box 41, relative to the total time spent in the box 41 and available for use, outside the box 41 and available for use, inside the box 41 and unavailable for use, and outside the box 41 and unavailable for use. The utilization rate is calculated, for example, from device usage information, battery discharge rate information, and error occurrence history information.

[0080] The user's waiting time represents the waiting time from the moment the user attempts to borrow an IT device 42 from the locker system 40, due to the absence of any available IT devices 42 in the locker system 40. The user's waiting time is calculated, for example, from device usage information.

[0081] The standby count history of IT devices 42 indicates the history of the number of IT devices 42 that are available in the locker system 40 but are stored in the box 41. The standby count history is calculated, for example, from device usage information.

[0082] Battery degradation information indicates whether the battery of IT device 42 is experiencing abnormal discharge, whether it does not last until the end of the user's shift even after being fully charged, or whether the number of battery charge cycles has exceeded the appropriate range. Battery malfunctions are calculated, for example, from device usage information and battery discharge rate information.

[0083] The manufacturing date indicates the date and time when the IT device 42 was manufactured. The manufacturing date is calculated, for example, from the device deployment information.

[0084] The installation date indicates the date and time when the IT device 42 was installed (registered) in the locker system 40. The installation date is calculated, for example, from the device installation information.

[0085] Firmware / OS information indicates the firmware and OS information installed on the IT device 42. This information is calculated, for example, from device deployment information.

[0086] The terminal type indicates the specifications of the IT device 42. The terminal type is calculated, for example, from device deployment information.

[0087] The indicators described above, which are acquired or calculated by the calculation unit 105, are merely examples. It is also possible to acquire or calculate only some of these indicators, or to acquire or calculate indicators other than those described above (for example, failure rate).

[0088] The selection unit 106 is a functional unit that selects the IT device 42 to be lent to the user based on the conditions for the indicator calculated by the calculation unit 105. Here, the conditions for the indicator are given priority by the setting unit 108, as will be described later.

[0089] The transmission unit 107 is a functional unit that transmits the selection result from the selection unit 106 to the locker management system 30 via the network interface 709. Furthermore, the selection result is transmitted from the locker management system 30 to the locker system 40.

[0090] The setting unit 108 is a functional unit that sets the priority of the conditions for selecting IT devices 42 to be loaned out in the locker system 40, according to the operation on the first administrator terminal 50. Here, priority indicates the degree to which each indicator-based condition for selecting IT devices 42 is given priority. The specific procedure for setting the priority will be shown below with reference to Figure 12.

[0091] The screen information for the priority setting screen 1000, the priority detail setting screen 1100, and the utilization rate setting screen 1200 shown in Figure 12 is provided, for example, by the display control unit 109, which will be described later. First, the administrator displays the priority setting screen 1000 on the display 708 of the first administrator terminal 50 by operating the first administrator terminal 50.

[0092] The priority setting screen 1000 is a screen for selecting priority settings for a specific type of IT device 42 at a specific location. In the example of the priority setting screen 1000 shown in Figure 12, it is possible to select two priority settings, "Priority Setting 1" and "Priority Setting 2". As shown in Figure 12, the priority setting screen 1000 includes priority setting registration areas 1001 and 1002, delete buttons 1011 and 1012, and an add button 1020.

[0093] Priority setting registration area 1001 is for selecting "Priority Setting 1". Priority setting registration area 1002 is for selecting "Priority Setting 2".

[0094] Delete button 1011 is used to delete "Priority Setting 1". Delete button 1012 is used to delete "Priority Setting 2".

[0095] Button 1020 is used to add a new priority setting. Therefore, by pressing button 1020, a new priority setting different from "Priority Setting 1" and "Priority Setting 2" can be added.

[0096] Next, the administrator presses (selects) the priority setting registration area 1001 on the priority setting screen 1000 displayed on the first administrator terminal 50. Then, the priority detailed setting screen 1100 is displayed on the display 708 of the first administrator terminal 50.

[0097] The priority details setting screen 1100 is a screen for setting the specific priority for "Priority Setting 1". As shown in Figure 12, the priority details setting screen 1100 includes a device type setting area 1101, a location setting area 1102, a first condition setting area 1103, a second condition setting area 1104, a third condition setting area 1105, a fourth condition setting area 1106, delete buttons 1113-1116, detail buttons 1123-1126, an add button 1130, and an apply button 1131.

[0098] The device type setting area 1101 is the area where the device type is selected and configured. For example, an administrator can select the desired device type from a list of device types that appears in a pull-down menu by pressing the device type setting area 1101.

[0099] The location setting area 1102 is the area where a location is selected and configured. For example, an administrator can select the desired location from a list of locations that appears in a pull-down menu by clicking on the location setting area 1102.

[0100] The first condition setting area 1103 is an area for selecting and setting indicators corresponding to the highest priority condition (first condition). For example, an administrator selects a desired indicator from a list of indicators displayed in a pull-down menu by pressing the first condition setting area 1103. In the example shown in Figure 12, failure rate is selected as the indicator. In this case, the selection unit 106 selects the IT devices 42 to be lent to users in order of lowest failure rate, according to the condition (first condition) of selecting in order of lowest failure rate.

[0101] The second condition setting area 1104 is an area for selecting and setting an indicator corresponding to the second highest priority condition (second condition). For example, an administrator can select a desired indicator from a list of indicators displayed in a pull-down menu by pressing the second condition setting area 1104. In the example shown in Figure 12, utilization rate is selected as the indicator. In this case, the selection unit 106 selects the IT devices 42 to be lent to users in order of lowest utilization rate, according to the condition (second condition) of selecting in order of lowest utilization rate.

[0102] The third condition setting area 1105 is an area for selecting and setting an indicator corresponding to the third highest priority condition (third condition). For example, an administrator can select a desired indicator from a list of indicators displayed in a pull-down menu by pressing the third condition setting area 1105. In the example shown in Figure 12, battery degradation is selected as the indicator. In this case, the selection unit 106 selects the IT devices 42 to be lent to users in order of increasing battery degradation, according to the condition (third condition) of selecting in order of decreasing battery degradation.

[0103] The fourth condition setting area 1106 is an area for selecting and setting indicators corresponding to the fourth highest priority condition (fourth condition). For example, an administrator selects a desired indicator from a list of indicators displayed in a pull-down menu by pressing the fourth condition setting area 1104. In the example shown in Figure 12, the installation date is selected as the indicator. In this case, the selection unit 106 selects the IT devices 42 to be lent to users in order of newest installation date, according to the condition (fourth condition) of selecting in order of newest installation date.

[0104] As shown in the example in Figure 12, when the first to fourth conditions, to which priority is assigned, are set, the selection operation by the selection unit 106 is performed as follows, for example. Here, let's assume that the final number of IT devices 42 to be loaned to users by the selection unit 106 is 10. In this case, the selection unit 106 first selects the IT devices 42 to be loaned to users based on the highest priority condition (first condition), which is to select in order of lowest failure rate. As a result, if there is one IT device 42 with the lowest failure rate, one IT device 42 with the second lowest failure rate, and 15 IT devices 42 with the third lowest failure rate, the selection unit 106 cannot narrow down the 10 IT devices 42 based on the first condition. Therefore, the selection unit 106 selects the IT devices 42 to be loaned to users based on the next highest priority condition (second condition), which is to select 8 IT devices from the 15 IT devices 42 with the third lowest failure rate, in order of lowest availability, based on the first condition. As a result, if there is one IT device 42 with the lowest utilization rate, one with the second lowest utilization rate, and thirteen IT devices 42 with the third lowest utilization rate, the selection unit 106 will not be able to narrow down the selection to eight IT devices 42 using the second condition. In this way, the selection unit 106 will further use the third and fourth conditions in order until it can narrow down the selection to the final number of 10 devices. Therefore, the conditions with the highest priority are used in selecting the IT devices 42, and it is also possible that not all of these conditions are used. By selecting the IT devices 42 to be loaned based on these priority-set conditions, it is possible to maximize and smooth the utilization rate of the IT devices 42.

[0105] Let's continue the explanation of the priority details setting screen 1100. The delete buttons 1113 to 1116 are used to delete the first to fourth conditions, respectively. In the example shown in Figure 12, if the first condition is deleted by pressing the delete button 1113, the priority of the second to fourth conditions will increase by one, becoming the new first to third conditions. The priority will be adjusted similarly if the delete buttons 1114 to 1116 are pressed.

[0106] The detail buttons 1123 to 1126 are used to set the details for the first to fourth conditions, respectively.

[0107] The add button 1130 is used to add a new condition. The apply button 1131 is used to confirm the priority settings made on the priority details setting screen 1100. When the apply button 1131 is pressed, the setting unit 108 stores the priority settings made on the priority details setting screen 1100 and the operating rate setting screen 1200 (described later) as setting information in the storage unit 110. After that, the priority setting screen 1000 is displayed on the display 708 of the first administrator terminal 50.

[0108] Next, the administrator presses (selects) the details button 1124 corresponding to the second condition regarding the utilization rate on the priority details setting screen 1100 displayed on the first administrator terminal 50. Then, the utilization rate setting screen 1200 is displayed on the display 708 of the first administrator terminal 50.

[0109] The utilization rate setting screen 1200 is a screen for making detailed settings regarding the handling of the utilization rate, which is an indicator. As shown in Figure 12, the utilization rate setting screen 1200 includes a judgment period setting area 1201, a same utilization rate setting area 1202, and an apply button 1210.

[0110] The judgment period setting area 1201 is for selecting and setting the period for which the utilization rate will be handled. In the example shown in Figure 12, "average of the most recent week" is selected. The same utilization rate setting area 1202 is for setting the range to be treated as the same utilization rate. In the example shown in Figure 12, it is set to treat a range of up and down 5% as the same utilization rate.

[0111] In other words, when the selection unit 106 selects an IT device 42 based on the second condition regarding availability, it uses the average value of the most recent week as the availability rate, and treats the availability rates as the same if they fall within a range of ±5%. Note that the details of how availability rates are handled are shown in the availability rate setting screen 1200 in Figure 12, which is just one example, and other configurations are possible. Furthermore, other indicators corresponding to the conditions set in the priority detail setting screen 1100 can be configured in detail based on the same settings as the availability rate setting screen 1200. For example, detailed settings for the charge rate as an indicator can be configured to select from IT devices 42 with a predetermined charge rate (e.g., 80%) or higher, or detailed settings for the number of failure reports as an indicator can be configured to select from IT devices 42 with a predetermined number of failure reports (e.g., 1) or less.

[0112] The Apply button 1210 is used to confirm the detailed settings for the utilization rate set on the utilization rate setting screen 1200.

[0113] The settings in the priority setting screen 1000, the priority detail setting screen 1100, and the utilization rate setting screen 1200 described above allow for specific priority settings.

[0114] Let's continue the explanation of the functional blocks in Figure 7. The display control unit 109 is a functional unit that controls the display operation of the display 708 of the first administrator terminal 50 by providing various screen information (for example, the priority setting screen 1000, the priority detail setting screen 1100, and the utilization rate setting screen 1200) in response to operations on the first administrator terminal 50.

[0115] The memory unit 110 is a functional unit that stores various information shown in Figures 8 to 11, various screen information, and setting information set by the setting unit 108. The memory unit 110 is implemented by at least one of the RAM 703 or auxiliary storage device 705 shown in Figure 5.

[0116] It should be noted that the storage unit 110 of the locker device management system 10 stores device usage information, battery discharge rate information, error occurrence history information, and device installation information, but is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the device usage information and device installation information may be stored and managed by the locker management system 30, and the locker device management system 10 may refer to the locker management system 30. Alternatively, at least one of the battery discharge rate information and error occurrence history information may be stored and managed by the device management system 20, and the locker device management system 10 may refer to the device management system 20.

[0117] The registration unit 101, locker information acquisition unit 102, device information acquisition unit 103, information management unit 104, calculation unit 105, selection unit 106, transmission unit 107, setting unit 108, and display control unit 109 described above are implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 701 shown in Figure 5. The registration unit 101, locker information acquisition unit 102, device information acquisition unit 103, information management unit 104, calculation unit 105, selection unit 106, transmission unit 107, setting unit 108, and display control unit 109 may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0118] It should be noted that the functional units of the locker device management system 10 shown in Figure 7 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the locker device management system 10 shown in Figure 7 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the locker device management system 10 shown in Figure 7 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the locker device management system 10 does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 7; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the locker device management system 10.

[0119] As shown in Figure 7, the device management system 20 includes a device information acquisition unit 201 and a transmission unit 202.

[0120] The device information acquisition unit 201 is a functional unit that acquires device information such as discharge rate information and error information transmitted from the IT device 42 via the network interface 709.

[0121] The transmission unit 202 is a functional unit that transmits device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 201 to the locker device management system 10 via the network interface 709.

[0122] The device information acquisition unit 201 and transmission unit 202 described above are implemented, for example, by the execution of a program by the CPU 701 shown in Figure 5. The device information acquisition unit 201 and transmission unit 202 may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0123] It should be noted that the functional units of the device management system 20 shown in Figure 7 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the device management system 20 shown in Figure 7 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the device management system 20 shown in Figure 7 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the device management system 20 does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 7; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the device management system 20.

[0124] As shown in Figure 7, the locker management system 30 includes a locker information acquisition unit 301, a selection result acquisition unit 302, a locker information transmission unit 303, and a selection result transmission unit 304.

[0125] The locker information acquisition unit 301 is a functional unit that acquires information indicating the usage status of IT devices 42 in the locker system 40, transmitted from the locker system 40, and information regarding the introduction of newly introduced IT devices 42, operated on the second administrator terminal 60 as described above, as locker information via the network interface 709.

[0126] The selection result acquisition unit 302 is a functional unit that acquires the selection result of the IT device 42 to be rented, transmitted from the locker device management system 10, via the network interface 709.

[0127] The locker information transmission unit 303 is a functional unit that transmits the locker information acquired by the locker information acquisition unit 301 to the locker device management system 10 via the network interface 709.

[0128] The selection result transmission unit 304 is a functional unit that transmits the selection result acquired by the selection result acquisition unit 302 to the locker system 40 via the network interface 709.

[0129] The aforementioned locker information acquisition unit 301, selection result acquisition unit 302, locker information transmission unit 303, and selection result transmission unit 304 are implemented, for example, by the execution of a program by the CPU 701 shown in Figure 5. The locker information acquisition unit 301, selection result acquisition unit 302, locker information transmission unit 303, and selection result transmission unit 304 may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0130] It should be noted that the functional units of the locker management system 30 shown in Figure 7 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the locker management system 30 shown in Figure 7 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the locker management system 30 shown in Figure 7 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the locker management system 30 does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 7; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the locker management system 30.

[0131] As shown in Figure 7, the locker system 40 includes an input unit 401, a display control unit 402, and a locker control unit 403.

[0132] The input unit 401 is a functional unit for users to perform user authentication and input operations to borrow an IT device 42. The input unit 401 is implemented, for example, by the input function of a touch panel provided in the locker system 40.

[0133] The display control unit 402 is a functional unit that displays various operation screens on a touch panel provided in the locker system 40 for users to borrow IT devices 42.

[0134] The locker control unit 403 is a functional unit that controls the unlocking and locking of the box 41 in response to the user's lending operation to the input unit 401. The locker control unit 403 also transmits information indicating the usage status of the IT device 42 that has been borrowed or returned from the box 41 of the locker system 40 (for example, the identification information of the IT device 42, and the date and time of borrowing or return, etc.) as locker information to the locker management system 30.

[0135] As shown in Figure 7, the IT device 42 has a transmitting unit 421 and an input unit 422.

[0136] The transmitting unit 421 is a functional unit that periodically transmits device information, such as discharge rate and error information, to the device management system 20 via the long-distance communication circuit 812, either in response to requests from the device management system 20 or the locker device management system 10. The transmitting unit 421 may also transmit error information manually entered by the user through operation input to the input unit 422 as device information to the device management system 20. The transmitting unit 421 is implemented, for example, by the execution of a program (such as an application) by the CPU 801 shown in Figure 6.

[0137] The input unit 422 is a functional unit that receives operation input from users who have borrowed the IT device 42. The input unit 422 is implemented by the touch panel 821 shown in Figure 6.

[0138] The transmitting unit 421 may be implemented using hardware such as an integrated circuit, or it may be implemented using a combination of software and hardware.

[0139] It should be noted that the functional units of the IT device 42 shown in Figure 7 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the IT device 42 in Figure 7 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the IT device 42 shown in Figure 7 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the IT device 42 does not need to be clearly configured as a software module as a block as shown in Figure 7; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed on the IT device 42.

[0140] (Data collection process flow of an information processing system) Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the data collection operation flow of the information processing system according to this embodiment. The data collection operation flow of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0141] <Step S11> The transmission unit 421 of the IT device 42 periodically, or in response to a request from the device management system 20 or the locker device management system 10, transmits device information such as discharge rate and error information to the device management system 20 via the long-distance communication circuit 812. The transmission unit 421 may also transmit error information manually entered by the user through operation input to the input unit 422 as device information to the device management system 20. The device information acquisition unit 201 of the device management system 20 then acquires the device information such as discharge rate information and error information transmitted from the IT device 42 via the network interface 709.

[0142] <Step S12> The transmitting unit 202 of the device management system 20 transmits the device information acquired by the device information acquisition unit 201 to the locker device management system 10 via the network interface 709. The device information acquisition unit 103 of the locker device management system 10 then acquires device information such as discharge rate information and error information transmitted from the device management system 20 via the network interface 709.

[0143] <Step S13> The information management unit 104 of the locker device management system 10 stores battery discharge rate information from the device information acquisition unit 103, and reflects it in the battery discharge rate information that is deployed in the storage unit 110. In addition, the information management unit 104 stores error information from the device information acquisition unit 103, and reflects it in the error occurrence history information that is deployed in the storage unit 110.

[0144] <Step S14> The locker control unit 403 of the locker system 40 transmits information indicating the usage status of IT devices 42 borrowed or returned from the box 41 of the locker system 40 (for example, identification information of the IT device 42, and the date and time of borrowing or return, etc.) as locker information to the locker management system 30. The locker information acquisition unit 301 of the locker management system 30 then acquires the information indicating the usage status of IT devices 42 in the locker system 40 transmitted from the locker system 40 as locker information via the network I / F 709.

[0145] <Step S15> The locker information transmission unit 303 of the locker management system 30 transmits the locker information acquired by the locker information acquisition unit 301 to the locker device management system 10 via the network interface 709. The locker information acquisition unit 102 of the locker device management system 10 then acquires the locker information transmitted from the locker management system 30 via the network interface 709.

[0146] <Step S16> The information management unit 104 stores information indicating the usage status of lockers, obtained by the locker information acquisition unit 102, in the device usage information deployed in the storage unit 110.

[0147] In addition to the operations shown in Figure 13, the locker information acquisition unit 102 acquires the introduction information of the newly introduced IT device 42, which is operated on the second administrator terminal 60 as described above, from the locker management system 30 via the network interface 709 as locker information. The registration unit 101 of the locker device management system 10 then registers the locker information (in this case, introduction information) acquired by the locker information acquisition unit 102 into the device introduction information deployed in the storage unit 110.

[0148] (Flowchart of the device lending process for information processing systems) Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the device lending operation flow of the information processing system according to the embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the screen transitions in the locker system during the device lending operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. The device lending operation flow of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0149] <Step S31> The user performs a rental operation on the input unit 401 of the locker system 40. Specifically, the user first performs a login operation on the login screen 2000 displayed on the touch panel of the locker system 40.

[0150] The login screen 2000 is the screen on which users enter their ID (employee ID) and password to log in and receive authentication. As shown in Figure 15, the login screen 2000 includes an ID input area 2001, a password input area 2002, and a login button 2003.

[0151] The ID input area 2001 is for entering your ID. The password input area 2002 is for entering your password. The login button 2003 is a button used to perform login authentication using the entered ID and password.

[0152] When a user enters their ID and password on the login screen 2000 and presses the login button 2003, the locker control unit 403 performs authentication using the ID and password. The ID and password may also be entered by reading an ID card using a card reader or similar device provided in the locker system 40. If the authentication process by the locker control unit 403 is successful, the display control unit 402 displays a device type selection screen 2100 on the touch panel, as shown in Figure 15.

[0153] The device type selection screen 2100 is a screen for the user to select the device type of the IT device 42 they desire. As shown in Figure 15, the device type selection screen 2100 includes device type buttons 2101 to 2106.

[0154] The device type buttons 2101 to 2106 are buttons for selecting one of the device types from "Device-Type-A" to "Device-Type-F," respectively. Note that the example device type selection screen 2100 shown in Figure 15 includes buttons for selecting six different device types, but it is also possible to include buttons for selecting a different number of device types.

[0155] Then, on the device type selection screen 2100 displayed on the touch panel, the user presses the button corresponding to the desired device type from among the device type buttons 2101 to 2106.

[0156] <Step S32> The locker control unit 403 of the locker system 40 then sends a loan request to the locker management system 30, which includes information about the device type selected by the user and the location of the locker system 40. The network interface 709 of the locker management system 30 then receives the loan request.

[0157] <Step S33> The network interface 709 of the locker management system 30 transmits the received loan request to the locker device management system 10. The network interface 709 of the locker device management system 10 then receives the loan request.

[0158] <Step S34> When a loan request is received via the network I / F 709 of the locker device management system 10, the calculation unit 105 of the locker device management system 10 obtains or calculates predetermined indicators for the IT device 42 from device usage information, battery discharge rate information, error occurrence history information, and device introduction information stored in the storage unit 110. Specifically, the calculation unit 105 refers to the setting information regarding priority that has been previously stored in the storage unit 110 by the setting operation of the setting unit 108, and reads the setting information corresponding to the device type and location included in the loan request. Then, the calculation unit 105 obtains or calculates indicators corresponding to each condition for which priority has been set in the read setting information from the device usage information, battery discharge rate information, error occurrence history information, and device introduction information.

[0159] <Step S35> The selection unit 106 of the locker device management system 10 then selects an IT device 42 to be loaned out from among the IT devices 42 waiting in the locker system 40 that correspond to the device type and location included in the loan request, based on the conditions for the indicator calculated by the calculation unit 105 (the conditions for which the above priority has been set). Whether or not an IT device is waiting in the locker system 40 can be determined, for example, by the status of the IT device 42 in the device usage information. The selection operation by the selection unit 106 in this case is as described above.

[0160] <Step S36> The transmission unit 107 of the locker device management system 10 transmits the selection result of the IT device 42 to be rented by the selection unit 106 to the locker management system 30 via the network interface 709. The selection result acquisition unit 302 of the locker management system 30 then acquires the selection result of the IT device 42 to be rented transmitted from the locker device management system 10 via the network interface 709.

[0161] <Step S37> The selection result transmission unit 304 of the locker management system 30 transmits the selection result acquired by the selection result acquisition unit 302 to the locker system 40 via the network interface 709. The locker control unit 403 of the locker system 40 then receives the selection result transmitted from the locker management system 30.

[0162] <Step S38> The display control unit 402 of the locker system 40 displays the selection result received by the locker control unit 403 on the touch panel. Specifically, the display control unit 402 displays the selection result on the box selection screen 2200 shown in Figure 15, which is displayed on the touch panel.

[0163] The box selection screen 2200 displays the selection results of the IT devices 42 available for loan in the locker device management system 10, and allows the user to select the desired IT device 42 from among the IT devices 42. In the example of the box selection screen 2200 shown in Figure 12, the above selection results are displayed as an array of buttons for selecting the box in which each IT device 42 selected by the locker device management system 10 is stored, and the selection results show that four IT devices 42 have been selected. The box selection screen 2200 includes box selection buttons 2201 to 2204, as shown in Figure 15.

[0164] The box selection buttons 2201 to 2204 are buttons that display the box names "BOX-101", "BOX-102", "BOX-501", and "BOX-502", respectively, which are the box names of the boxes 41 containing the IT devices 42 selected as available for loan by the locker device management system 10.

[0165] <Step S39> The user selects the desired IT device 42 from the box selection screen 2200 displayed on the touch panel of the locker system 40. Specifically, the user presses the button corresponding to the box 41 in which the desired IT device 42 is stored, from the box selection buttons 2201 to 2204 on the box selection screen 2200.

[0166] <Step S40> The locker control unit 403 then unlocks the door of the box 41 corresponding to the button selected by the user. The display control unit 402 then displays the unlock notification screen 2300 shown in Figure 15 on the touch panel to notify the user that the door of the box 41 selected by the user has been unlocked and to prompt the user to retrieve the IT device 42.

[0167] <Step S41> The user retrieves the IT device 42 from the unlocked box 41. This makes the IT device 42 available to the user.

[0168] <Step S42> After the user takes out the IT device 42, they close the door of the box 41. The locker control unit 403 then locks the door of the box 41.

[0169] <Step S43> The locker control unit 403 then transmits to the locker management system 30 a notification of completion of lending, which includes the date and time the IT device 42 was lent to the user, the device identification information of the IT device 42, and the user identification information of the user. The selection result transmission unit 304 of the locker management system 30 then receives the notification of completion of lending via the network I / F 709.

[0170] <Step S44> The selection result transmission unit 304 transmits the received loan completion information to the locker device management system 10 via the network interface 709. The locker information acquisition unit 102 of the locker device management system 10 then acquires the loan completion information via the network interface 709.

[0171] <Step S45> The information management unit 104 of the locker device management system 10 reflects the completion of rentals, acquired by the locker information acquisition unit 102, in the device usage information. Specifically, the information management unit 104 adds the device identification information, usage date and time (usage start date and time), and user identification information included in the rental completion acquired by the locker information acquisition unit 102 as a new record in the device usage information.

[0172] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a locker system 40 capable of accommodating multiple IT devices 42, and a locker device management system 10 for managing the lending of multiple IT devices 42. In the locker device management system 10, the storage unit 110 stores locker information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple IT devices 42 based on information transmitted from the locker system 40, the selection unit 106 selects available IT devices 42 from among the multiple devices stored in the locker system 40 based on the locker information stored in the storage unit 110, and the transmission unit 107 transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit 106 to the locker system 40. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of maintaining and managing IT devices.

[0173] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 110 stores device information indicating the status of the IT device 42 transmitted from the IT device 42, and the selection unit 106 selects an IT device 42 that is available for loan from among the multiple IT devices 42 stored in the locker system 40 based on the locker information and device information. This makes it possible to maximize the utilization efficiency of the IT device 42.

[0174] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the calculation unit 105 calculates multiple indicators using locker information and device information, and the selection unit 106 selects available IT devices 42 from among the multiple IT devices 42 stored in the locker system 40 according to the priority set in advance for each condition related to the multiple indicators calculated by the calculation unit 105. This makes it possible to maximize and smooth the utilization rate of the IT devices 42 and maximize the utilization efficiency of the IT devices 42.

[0175] In the above-described embodiment, if at least one of the functions of the locker device management system 10, device management system 20, locker management system 30, and IT device 42 is realized by program execution, the program is provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed by the locker device management system 10, device management system 20, locker management system 30, and IT device 42 may be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Also, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed by the locker device management system 10, device management system 20, locker management system 30, and IT device 42 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network. Finally, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed by the locker device management system 10, device management system 20, locker management system 30, and IT device 42 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed by the locker device management system 10, the device management system 20, the locker device management system 30, and the IT device 42 are configured as modules that include at least one of the above-described functional units. In actual hardware, the CPU reads and executes the program from the above-described storage device, thereby loading and generating the above-described functional units onto the main memory.

[0176] The embodiments of the present invention are as follows. <1> An information processing system including a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, and a management system for managing the lending of the multiple devices, The aforementioned management system is A storage unit that stores first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices based on information transmitted from the storage equipment, A selection unit that selects a device available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility based on the first information stored in the storage unit, A transmission unit that transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit to the storage equipment, It is an information processing system equipped with [a specific feature / ability]. <2> The storage unit stores second information indicating the state of the device, which is transmitted from the device. The selection unit, based on the first and second information, selects a device that is available for loan from among the multiple devices stored in the storage facility. <1> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <3> The system further includes a calculation unit that uses the first and second pieces of information to calculate an index that serves as a criterion for determining whether to lend the device to a user, Based on the conditions for the index calculated by the calculation unit, the unit selects a device that is available for loan from among the multiple devices stored in the storage facility. <2> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <4> The second information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the discharge rate of the device and information on errors that occurred in the device. <2> or <3> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <5> The first information includes information regarding the introduction of a new device. <1> ~ <4> It is an information processing system described in any one of the items. <6> The calculation unit calculates a plurality of indicators using the first information and the second information. The selection unit selects a device that is available for loan from among the multiple devices stored in the storage facility, according to the priority of each condition for the multiple indicators calculated by the calculation unit. <3> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <7> The setting unit further comprises a setting unit that sets the priority in response to operations on an external terminal. <6> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <8> The selection unit, based on the first and second information, selects from among the devices waiting in the storage facility. <6> or <7> This is the information processing system described in [the relevant document]. <9> A storage unit that stores first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices based on information transmitted from a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, A selection unit that selects a device available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility based on the first information stored in the storage unit, A transmission unit that transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit to the storage equipment, It is a management device equipped with these features. <10> A storage step in which, based on information transmitted from a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices is stored in a storage unit, A selection step in which, based on the first information stored in the storage unit, a device available for loan is selected from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility, A transmission step which transmits the selection result selected in the above selection step to the storage equipment, This is a device management method that has [a certain feature]. <11> On the computer, A storage step in which, based on information transmitted from a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices is stored in a storage unit, A selection step in which, based on the first information stored in the storage unit, a device available for loan is selected from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility, A transmission step which transmits the selection result selected in the above selection step to the storage equipment, This is a program to execute [the command / action]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1. Information Processing System 10 Locker Device Management System 20 Device Management Systems 30 Locker Management System 40, 40_1, 40_2 Locker System Boxes 41, 41_1a~41_1c, 41_2a~41_2c 42, 42_1a~42_1c, 42_2a~42_2c IT devices 50. First Administrator Terminal 60 Second Administrator Terminal 101 Registration Department 102 Locker Information Acquisition Unit 103 Device Information Acquisition Unit 104 Information Management Department 105 Calculation Unit 106 Selection Section 107 Transmitter 108 Settings Section 109 Display Control Unit 110 Storage section 201 Device Information Acquisition Unit 202 Transmitter 301 Locker Information Acquisition Department 302 Selection Result Acquisition Unit 303 Locker Information Transmission Unit 304 Selection Result Transmission Unit 401 Input section 402 Display Control Unit 403 Locker Control Unit 421 Transmitter 422 Input section 701 CPU 702 ROM 703 RAM 705 Auxiliary storage 706 Recording media 707 Media Drive 708 displays 709 Network Interface 710 Bus 711 keyboard 712 Mouse 713 DVD 714 DVD drive 801 CPU 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 EEPROM 805 CMOS 806 Image Sensor I / F 807 Acceleration and compass sensor 808 Media 809 Media I / F 810 Bus 811 GPS receiver 812 Telecommunications circuit 812a antenna 813 CMOS 814 Image Sensor I / F 815 Mike 816 Speaker 817 Audio Input / Output II / F 818 displays 819 External device connection interface 820 Near field communication circuit 820a antenna 821 Touch Panel 1000 Priority setting screen 1001, 1002 Priority setting registration area 1011, 1012 Delete button 1020 Add button 1100 Priority Details Settings Screen 1101 Device Type Setting Area 1102 Location setting area 1103 1st condition setting area 1104 Second condition setting area 1105 Third condition setting area 1106 4th condition setting area 1113~1116 Delete button 1123~1126 Details button 1130 Add button 1131 Apply button 1200 Operating Rate Setting Screen 1201 Judgment period setting area 1202 Same operating rate setting area 1210 Apply button 2000 Login Screen 2001 ID Input Area 2002 Password input area 2003 Login button 2100 Device Type Selection Screen 2101~2106 Device Type Buttons 2200 Box Selection Screen 2201~2204 Box selection button 2300 Unlock notification screen [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0178] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-037275

Claims

1. An information processing system including a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, and a management system for managing the lending of the multiple devices, The aforementioned management system is A storage unit that stores first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices based on information transmitted from the storage equipment, A selection unit that selects a device available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility based on the first information stored in the storage unit, A transmission unit that transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit to the storage equipment, An information processing system equipped with [the following features].

2. The storage unit stores second information indicating the state of the device, which is transmitted from the device. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a device that is available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility, based on the first information and the second information.

3. The system further includes a calculation unit that uses the first and second pieces of information to calculate an index that serves as a criterion for determining whether to lend the device to a user, The information processing system according to claim 2, which selects a device available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility based on the conditions for the index calculated by the calculation unit.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second information includes at least one of information indicating the discharge rate of the device and information on errors that occurred in the device.

5. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first information includes information relating to the introduction of a new device.

6. The calculation unit calculates a plurality of indicators using the first information and the second information. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects a device available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility, according to the priority of each condition relating to the plurality of indicators calculated by the calculation unit.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, further comprising a setting unit for setting the priority in response to operations on an external terminal.

8. The information processing system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the selection unit selects from among the devices waiting in the storage facility based on the first information and the second information.

9. A storage unit that stores first information indicating the usage status of each of the multiple devices based on information transmitted from a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, A selection unit that selects a device available for loan from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility based on the first information stored in the storage unit, A transmission unit that transmits the selection result selected by the selection unit to the storage equipment, A management device equipped with this device.

10. A storage step of storing first information in a storage unit that indicates the usage status of each of the multiple devices, based on information transmitted from a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, A selection step in which, based on the first information stored in the storage unit, a device available for loan is selected from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility, A transmission step which transmits the selection result selected in the above selection step to the storage equipment, A device management method having the following characteristics.

11. On the computer, A storage step of storing first information in a storage unit that indicates the usage status of each of the multiple devices, based on information transmitted from a storage facility capable of accommodating multiple devices, A selection step in which, based on the first information stored in the storage unit, a device available for loan is selected from among a plurality of devices stored in the storage facility, A transmission step which transmits the selection result selected in the above selection step to the storage equipment, A program to execute.

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