Key management system

Abstract

To provide a key management system that allows for the secure storage and management of keys, and ensures that keys are reliably usable in emergencies. [Solution] The system includes a key storage box 20 equipped with an electronic lock that can be locked and unlocked remotely for storing key K, a control unit 10 that remotely controls the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20, and a communication unit 5 that can receive emergency alerts. The control unit 10 has a determination function 11 that, upon receiving an emergency alert, determines whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box 20 based on the information contained in the emergency alert, and a communication function 15 that, when the determination function 11 determines that it is necessary to unlock the key storage box 20, sends a signal to instruct the key storage box 20 to unlock the electronic lock 23.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a key management system. More specifically, it relates to a key management system for managing keys used in emergencies.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods have occurred frequently. When these disasters occur, residents may evacuate to evacuation shelters, and relief materials and emergency supplies stored in emergency supply depots, etc. are taken out from the emergency supply depots for use. On the other hand, in normal times, evacuation shelters and emergency supply depots (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "evacuation shelters, etc.") are locked to prevent unauthorized use. Also, the keys to evacuation shelters, etc. are usually managed by local governments. Therefore, when a disaster occurs, it is necessary for local government staff, etc. to go to evacuation shelters, etc. with the keys to unlock them.

[0003] However, when an earthquake or the like occurs, the roads from the facilities of the local government that manage the keys to evacuation shelters, etc. may become impassable. In that case, it is not possible to unlock evacuation shelters, etc. Then, the disaster victims may not be able to evacuate to evacuation shelters, etc. or use relief materials and emergency supplies, so the relief of the disaster victims may not be properly carried out.

[0004] In recent years, a system has been developed that allows for the remote locking and unlocking of a key storage box for evacuation shelters, etc., from a municipal facility, etc., by installing the box near the shelter or other location (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Using this system, even if the key storage box is locked during normal times, it can be unlocked remotely from a municipal facility, etc., in the event of a disaster, allowing affected residents to use the keys stored in the box. This means that municipal staff and others do not have to go to the evacuation shelters in the disaster area, and the shelters can be made usable by affected residents, etc., in a short time after the disaster. Furthermore, once the disaster has subsided and the victims have returned home from the shelters, etc., the shelters can be locked, the keys can be returned to the key storage box, etc., and then the key storage box can be locked, allowing the keys to be managed in the same way as before the disaster. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-60978 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, even when unlocking the key storage boxes remotely, the remote control system still needs to be operated by local government officials. In this case, local government officials would need to be aware of disaster information and operate the system, which could mean that it takes time from the time a disaster occurs until the system is operated and the key storage boxes are unlocked, potentially hindering a rapid response. Furthermore, operating the system requires constantly monitoring disaster information, which places a significant burden and effort on local government officials. Moreover, if local government officials are affected by the disaster, they may not be able to operate the system and therefore be unable to unlock the key storage boxes.

[0007] Furthermore, while mobile networks such as 5G and LTE are used for communication to perform remote operations, during a disaster, mobile networks are likely to become disrupted due to the concentration of communications shortly after the disaster occurs, potentially causing significant communication delays and other disruptions. It is also possible that the internet and cloud servers necessary for remote operations may be disrupted, leading to operational failures. Therefore, even if local government officials attempt to unlock the system remotely, a delay in execution could prevent the system from working and unlocking the system.

[0008] On the other hand, if an earthquake detection sensor is installed on the key storage box itself, the key storage box will automatically unlock when an earthquake of a certain magnitude or greater occurs, which could potentially resolve the problems with the aforementioned remote control system. However, since the earthquake detection sensor detects vibrations to determine the occurrence and magnitude of an earthquake, it is possible that the unlocking operation may occur even if the key storage box is subjected to vibrations caused by factors other than earthquakes. In that case, even if vibrations caused by construction or other activities occur at the location where the key storage box is installed, it may be mistakenly identified as an earthquake and the key storage box may be unlocked.

[0009] Furthermore, whether unlocking is carried out using a remote control system or whether earthquake detection sensors are installed on the key storage box itself, after unlocking, it is necessary to check the storage status and presence of the keys and to promptly lock the box to prevent misuse or loss of the keys. This process also places a significant burden and effort on local government officials and others.

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a key management system that can safely store and manage keys and ensure that keys can be reliably used in emergencies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The key management system of the first invention comprises a key storage box equipped with an electronic lock that can be locked and unlocked remotely for storing keys, a control unit that remotely controls the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock on the key storage box, and a communication unit that can receive emergency alerts, wherein the control unit, upon receiving an emergency alert, has a determination function that determines whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box based on the information contained in the emergency alert, and a transmission function that, when the determination function determines that it is necessary to unlock the key storage box, transmits a signal to instruct the key storage box to unlock the electronic lock. The key management system of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the control unit has a second judgment function that, upon receiving earthquake information issued after an earthquake early warning, determines whether to lock or unlock the key storage box based on the information contained in the earthquake information, and the second judgment function has the function of determining whether to lock the key storage box that has been unlocked by the judgment of the judgment function based on the earthquake early warning, and whether to unlock the key storage box that has not been unlocked by the judgment of the judgment function based on the earthquake early warning. The key management system of the third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, it is equipped with an earthquake sensing device installed at a location separated from the key storage box, the judgment function and / or second judgment function of the control unit have a function to determine whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box based on information from the earthquake sensing device, and when the judgment function and / or second judgment function of the control unit receive the earthquake early warning and / or earthquake information and information from the earthquake sensing device, it has a function to determine whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box by prioritizing the information from the earthquake sensing device. The key management system of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it is equipped with an earthquake sensing device installed at a location separated from the key storage box, and the decision function of the control unit has the function of determining whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box based on information from the earthquake sensing device. The key management system of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, RFID tags are attached to the keys managed in the key storage box, the key storage box is provided with an RFID reader that reads the information of the RFID tags and transmits the information of the RFID tags, and the control unit has a key management function that receives the information transmitted by the RFID reader and determines whether or not a key is present in the key storage box. The key management system of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, the control unit has a function that disables the locking of the electronic lock when the key management function determines that there is no key in the key storage box. The key management system of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, a user RFID tag is provided which stores information of the user who uses the key managed in the key storage box, and when the RFID reader recognizes that the key has been taken out of the key storage box, it transmits information that associates the information stored in the RFID tag of the taken key with the information stored in the user RFID tag acquired when the key was recognized as having been taken out. The key management system of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, the key storage box is provided with a key holding part for holding keys, and the key holding part has a tag holding part for holding the RFID tag attached to the key in a predetermined position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the first invention, the control unit's judgment function can determine which key storage box should be unlocked based on emergency alerts such as earthquake early warnings distributed by the Japan Meteorological Agency, seismic intensity reports and epicenter / seismic intensity information issued after the earthquake early warning, tsunami warnings, and disaster / evacuation information distributed by the national and local governments. Then, based on the judgment of the judgment function, the transmission function transmits a signal to automatically unlock the key storage box, so that the key storage box can be unlocked appropriately and quickly. In addition, since the key storage box is automatically unlocked based on emergency alerts, the burden on the administrator who manages the key storage box can be reduced. According to the second invention, even if the information issued by the earthquake early warning system determines that the earthquake magnitude is small and the key storage box is not unlocked, if the actual earthquake magnitude is large, the second judgment function will unlock the key storage box based on the earthquake information, thus enabling the key storage box to be unlocked in accordance with the actual situation. On the other hand, if the information issued by the earthquake early warning system determines that the earthquake magnitude is large and the key storage box is unlocked, but the actual earthquake magnitude is small, the second judgment function will lock the key storage box that was unlocked based on the information issued by the earthquake early warning system, so the keys can be managed safely. According to the third and fourth inventions, the control unit's judgment function and second judgment function determine which key storage box should be unlocked based on information from an earthquake sensing device located at a distance from the key storage box. Therefore, even if an earthquake early warning or earthquake information is not issued, or if an earthquake early warning or earthquake information is mistakenly issued, the key storage box can be unlocked appropriately and quickly. According to the fifth and sixth inventions, it is possible to prevent the key storage box from being locked without a key after the key inside has been used. This prevents a situation where the key inside the key storage box is lost and unusable in the event of an earthquake or other disaster. According to the seventh invention, the user of the key can be identified, thus preventing the loss of the key. According to the eighth invention, by having the key held in the key holder, errors in obtaining information stored in the RFID tag by the RFID reader can be prevented, thus ensuring reliable key management. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of the key management system 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows examples of images displayed on the display unit 3. (A) is an example of a screen showing the status of the key storage box 20. (B) is an example of a screen showing the operation of the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20. (C) is an example of a screen showing the operation history of the key storage box 20. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart for responding to emergency alerts. [Figure 4]This is a schematic block diagram of the key management system 1 of the present embodiment provided with the second determination function 12. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart for responding to earthquake information. [Figure 6] This is a schematic explanatory diagram of the key storage box 20. (A) is a schematic external view of the key storage box 20, and (B) is a perspective view of the key storage box 20. [Figure 7] (A) is a schematic front view of the RFID tag 31 attached to the key K, (B) is a schematic side view of the RFID tag 31 attached to the key K, (C) is a schematic front view of the key holding part 27, and (D) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the key holding part 27.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The key management system of the present embodiment is a system for managing keys of facilities used during earthquakes, floods, and other disasters, and is characterized by managing keys so that they can be quickly used when an emergency report is issued.

[0015] <The key management system 1 of the present embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, the key management system 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of key storage boxes 20 for storing the keys K to be managed, and a control unit 10 for controlling the unlocking and locking of the plurality of key storage boxes 20. Further, the key management system 1 of the present embodiment includes a communication unit 5 capable of receiving emergency reports related to disasters. Here, the emergency report refers to earthquake information such as the emergency earthquake warning distributed by the Japan Meteorological Agency, the seismic intensity report, hypocenter / seismic intensity information, etc. issued after the emergency earthquake warning, tsunami warnings, etc., emergency reports such as disaster / evacuation information distributed by the national and local public bodies, weather information, etc., and means information provided via communication lines such as the Internet line and dedicated lines for receiving emergency reports. Hereinafter, these information are collectively referred to as emergency reports. The communication unit 5 has a function of receiving the emergency reports transmitted through the communication lines as described above and transmitting the information included in the emergency reports to the control unit 10.

[0016] <Key storage box 20> As shown in Figure 6, the key storage box 20 comprises a main body 21 having a hollow space 20h inside and an opening 20a that connects the space 20h to the outside, and a door 22 that opens and closes the opening 20a of the main body 21. The main body 21 is capable of storing keys K within the space 20h. Therefore, by closing the door 22, the space 20h of the main body 21 can be isolated from the outside and keys K can be stored within the space 20h, and by opening the door 22, keys K can be retrieved from the space 20h through the opening 20a.

[0017] The key storage box 20 is equipped with an electronic lock 23, which allows the door 22 to be locked and unlocked. The electronic lock 23 can communicate with the control unit 10 via a storage box management unit 25 equipped with a communication function, which is located in the key storage box 20. The locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 23 can be controlled remotely by commands from the control unit 10. Specifically, when the storage box management unit 25 receives an unlocking signal (hereinafter referred to as an unlocking signal) transmitted by the communication function 15 of the control unit 10, which will be described later, the storage box management unit 25 unlocks the electronic lock 23. When the storage box management unit 25 receives a locking signal (hereinafter referred to as a locking signal) transmitted by the communication function 15 of the control unit 10, the storage box management unit 25 locks the electronic lock 23. Furthermore, the storage box management unit 25 also has the function of transmitting information regarding the status of the electronic lock 23, that is, whether the electronic lock 23 is locked or unlocked, to the control unit 10 upon request or as appropriate. In other words, the control unit 10 can check the status of the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20.

[0018] The key storage box 20 is equipped with a power supply 24 that supplies power to the electronic lock 23 and the storage box management unit 25. This power supply 24 is connected to the commercial power supply, but it also has a power outage compensation battery. In other words, the electronic lock 23 and the storage box management unit 25 of the key storage box 20 are normally powered by the commercial power supply 24, but power is also supplied from the power outage compensation battery of the power supply 24 so that operation is not affected in the event of a power outage. Alternatively, the key storage box 20 may not receive power from the commercial power supply at all, and may only receive power from the power outage compensation battery of the power supply 24.

[0019] <Control Unit 10> As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 10 has a judgment function 11, a communication function 15, and an information storage function 16.

[0020] First, the communication function 15 has a transmission function 15a that transmits signals to operate the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20, i.e., unlock signals and lock signals, to a communication line NT such as the internet, mobile lines (5G, LTE, LTE-M, etc.), or a dedicated line for receiving and transmitting emergency alerts, based on instructions from the judgment function 11. This communication function 15 has not only a transmission function 15a, but also a receiving function 15b that receives signals transmitted from the outside via a communication line NT such as the internet, mobile lines (5G, LTE, LTE-M, etc.), or a dedicated line for receiving and transmitting emergency alerts.

[0021] The information storage function 16 is a function that stores information (key storage box information) about the multiple key storage boxes 20 managed by the key management system 1 of this embodiment. The key storage box information includes, for example, information about the location where each key storage box 20 is installed and information about the key K stored in each key storage box 20. The information about the key K also includes information about the facilities that can be locked or unlocked by the key K. For example, if the key K is the key to the entrance of an evacuation shelter, the information about the location of the evacuation shelter is included in the information about the key K, and if the key K is the key to the door of a storage warehouse where evacuation equipment is stored, the information about the key K includes information about the location of the storage warehouse and the evacuation equipment stored in the storage warehouse.

[0022] In addition to the aforementioned information regarding each key K, the key storage box information also includes information that identifies each key K. For example, the information on the RFID tags 31 attached to each key K (described later) and the information on the user's RFID tag are included in the key storage box information.

[0023] Furthermore, the information storage function 16 also has the function of storing information regarding responses to emergency alerts transmitted from the unlocking judgment function 11c of the judgment function 11, which will be described later, as a response history.

[0024] <Judgment function 11> The judgment function 11 has the function of selecting a key storage box 20 to be unlocked based on the information contained in the emergency alert when the communication unit 5 receives an emergency alert, and the function of determining whether or not to unlock the selected key storage box 20.

[0025] Specifically, emergency alerts include information about the disaster (disaster information) and information about areas where a disaster is likely to occur (disaster area information), and the judgment function 11 has an information extraction function 11a that extracts disaster information and disaster area information from the emergency alert.

[0026] The judgment function 11 has a key storage box selection function 11b that selects a key storage box 20 to be considered for unlocking based on the disaster area information from the information extracted by the information extraction function 11a. The key storage box selection function 11b has the function of determining whether the area where residents, etc. who use the key K stored in the key storage box 20 managed by the key management system 1 of this embodiment reside are located is included in the disaster area, based on the disaster area information included in the disaster area information. In other words, it has the function of determining whether the area of ​​the disaster area includes the residences of residents, etc. who evacuate to shelters that are unlocked by the key K managed by the key management system 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "evacuation target area"), and whether the area of ​​the disaster area includes the residences of residents, etc. who use storage warehouses for evacuation equipment, etc. that are unlocked by the key K (hereinafter referred to as the "equipment usage target area"). Furthermore, if the key storage box selection function 11b determines that the disaster area includes both the evacuation area and the equipment use area (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "target area"), it selects a key storage box 20 associated with the area within the target area that is included in the disaster area (selected area) as the selected key storage box 20, and transmits information about the selected key storage box 20 and information about the selected area (hereinafter referred to as "selected key storage box information") to the unlocking determination function 11c. If the disaster area does not include the target area, the key storage box selection function 11b also has the function of not selecting a selected key storage box 20 and transmitting a signal indicating "not applicable" to the unlocking determination function 11c.

[0027] The decision function 11 has an unlocking decision function 11c that determines whether or not to unlock the selected key storage box 20 selected by the key storage box selection function 11b based on the disaster information extracted by the information extraction function 11a. The unlocking decision function 11c has the function of determining whether or not to unlock the selected key storage box 20 based on the disaster information and the information of the selected area when it receives the selected key storage box information and the disaster information. If the unlocking decision function 11c determines that the selected key storage box 20 should be unlocked, it has the function of sending a signal to the transmission instruction function 11d, which will be described later, instructing the selected key storage box 20 to send an unlocking signal. The unlocking decision function 11c also has the function of sending emergency alerts, the selected area, information on the selected key storage box 20, the date and time of transmission of the unlocking signal, etc. to the information storage function 16 and storing this information as a correspondence history. Furthermore, if the unlocking judgment function 11c determines that the selected key storage box 20 should not be unlocked, it has the function of sending an emergency alert, information on the selected area and the selected key storage box 20, the decision not to unlock it, and the date and time of this decision to the information storage function 16, and storing this information in the information storage function 16 as a correspondence history. Furthermore, the unlocking determination function 11c has the function of sending an emergency alert, information indicating that no match was found, and the date and time to the information storage function 16 when the key storage box selection function 11b sends a signal indicating "no match found," and storing this information in the information storage function 16 as a correspondence history. In other words, the unlocking determination function 11c has the function of storing the processing history of the determination function 11 in response to an emergency alert in the information storage function 16 when the determination function 11 receives an emergency alert.

[0028] The judgment function 11 has a transmission instruction function 11d that, when the unlocking judgment function 11c determines that unlocking is necessary, causes the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15 to send a signal to the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 to instruct it to unlock.

[0029] The judgment function 11 also has a display function 11e that displays information such as images for administrators to check the status of each of the aforementioned processes, the location of the key storage boxes 20 being managed, and the status of the electronic locks 23 on the key storage boxes 20. For example, it also has a display function 11e that displays an image like the one shown in Figure 2 on a display unit 3 such as a publicly known display. Having such a display function 11e makes it easier for administrators to grasp the status of the key storage boxes 20 being managed. The display function 11e may also have a function that transmits and displays an image like the one shown in Figure 2 on the display of a portable device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal using the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15.

[0030] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the judgment function 11 has the function of automatically selecting the key storage box 20 and unlocking the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 when an emergency alert is issued, but it also has an operation function 11s that allows the administrator to operate the unlocking and locking of the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20. The operation function 11s has a selection function that allows the administrator to select the key storage box 20 to which the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 23 will be instructed. The operation function 11s also has a transmission instruction function that, when the administrator inputs an input to send an unlocking signal, causes the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15 to send an unlocking signal to the electronic lock 23 of the selected key storage box 20. The operation function 11s also has a transmission instruction function that, when the administrator inputs an input to send a locking signal, causes the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15 to send a locking signal to the electronic lock 23 of the selected key storage box 20. If such an operation function 11s is provided, the administrator can remotely unlock and lock the electronic lock 23 of the key selection box 20 by operating the operation function 11s. For example, if the control unit 10 has a display function 11e that displays an image as shown in Figure 2(B), the operation function 11s can remotely unlock and lock the electronic lock 23 of the key selection box 20 by using an input device such as a mouse or keyboard to select buttons on the image or perform necessary inputs.

[0031] Furthermore, if the display function 11e has the function of transmitting and displaying images on the display of a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, as described above, the operation function 11s may also have the function of unlocking the electronic lock 23 of the selection key storage box 20 or locking the unlocked electronic lock 23 based on input from the mobile device.

[0032] <Regarding the operation of the key management system 1 in this embodiment> The operation of the key management system 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 3. First, a key storage box 20 is installed in an evacuation center or storage warehouse, and a control unit 10 is located at a distance from the key storage box 20. The control unit 10 and the key storage box 20 are connected via a communication line NT (see Figure 1).

[0033] Under normal circumstances, the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 is locked, and key K is stored inside the key storage box 20.

[0034] When an emergency alert is issued due to a disaster or other event and the communication unit 5 receives the emergency alert, the communication unit 5 transmits the emergency alert to the decision function 11 of the control unit 10. The decision function 11 then extracts disaster information and disaster area information using the information extraction function 11a, and the information extraction function 11a transmits the disaster area information from the extracted information to the key storage box selection function 11b. The information extraction function 11a also transmits the disaster information from the extracted information to the unlock decision function 11c.

[0035] When disaster area information is transmitted, the key storage box selection function 11b determines whether the target area is included in the disaster area information, determines the selected area, and selects the key storage box 20 associated with the selected area as the selected key storage box 20. Then, it transmits the selected key storage box information to the unlocking determination function 11c. If the target area is not included in the disaster area, the key storage box selection function 11b does not select a selected key storage box 20 and transmits the information "Not applicable" along with the emergency alert and the selected area to the unlocking determination function 11c. The unlocking determination function 11c stores this information as a correspondence history in the information storage function 16 and terminates the current process.

[0036] When the selected key storage box information and disaster information are transmitted to the unlocking decision function 11c, the unlocking decision function 11c determines whether or not to unlock the selected key storage box 20 based on the disaster information and the selected area information. If it determines that the selected key storage box 20 should be unlocked, it sends a signal to the transmission instruction function 11d instructing the selected key storage box 20 to send an unlocking signal. For example, if the disaster information is for an earthquake and the emergency alert is an earthquake early warning, and the seismic intensity in the selected area is above a predetermined seismic intensity, the unlocking decision function 11c will decide to unlock the selected key storage box 20 and send a signal to the transmission instruction function 11d instructing the selected key storage box 20 to send an unlocking signal. The unlocking decision function 11c also transmits the earthquake early warning, selected area, and selected key storage box information to the information storage function 16, which stores this information as a correspondence history.

[0037] On the other hand, if it is determined that the key storage box 20 should not be unlocked, the unlocking decision function 11c sends the emergency alert, the selected region, the key storage box information, and the fact that it was not selected to the information storage function 16, which stores this information as a correspondence history and terminates the current process. For example, if the disaster information is for an earthquake and the emergency alert is an earthquake early warning, the unlocking decision function 11c will decide not to unlock the key storage box 20 if the seismic intensity in the selected region is less than a predetermined seismic intensity. The unlocking decision function 11c then sends the emergency alert, the selected region, the key storage box 20 information, the decision not to unlock it, and the date and time of this decision to the information storage function 16, which stores this information as a correspondence history.

[0038] When a signal instructing the key selection box 20 to send an unlock signal is sent from the unlock determination function 11c to the transmission instruction function 11d, the transmission instruction function 11d instructs the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15 to send an unlock signal to the key selection box 20, and the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15 transmits the unlock signal.

[0039] When the storage box management unit 25 of the key storage box 20 receives the unlocking signal transmitted from the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15, the storage box management unit 25 unlocks the electronic lock 23. This allows the door 22 of the key storage box 20 to be opened, enabling residents to take out the key K stored in the key storage box 20 and use the evacuation center as an evacuation site or to use evacuation equipment stored in the storage warehouse, etc.

[0040] In other words, if the key management system 1 of this embodiment is used to manage the keys K of facilities such as evacuation centers and storage warehouses, residents will be able to use the facilities and equipment without local government officials having to go to the location of the key storage box 20 when an emergency alert is issued. Therefore, a rapid response can be made to disasters for which emergency alerts are issued. In addition, the burden on local government officials during disasters can be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, the key management system 1 of this embodiment also includes an operation function 11s, allowing the administrator to remotely select a key storage box 20 and unlock the electronic lock 23. This means that even in disasters where emergency alerts are not issued or in areas not included in the selection zone, the administrator can select a key storage box 20 and unlock the electronic lock 23 if they deem it necessary, enabling a flexible response to disasters.

[0042] Furthermore, in the key management system 1 of this embodiment, the operation function 11s also has a function to lock the key storage box 20. Therefore, when disaster recovery is complete and there is no longer a need to use the facilities or equipment, the person who used the key K can return the key K to the key storage box 20 and then remotely lock the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20. This allows the key K to be stored in the key storage box 20 in the same condition as before the disaster occurred. In this case as well, the administrator does not need to go to the location of the key storage box 20, thus reducing the administrator's workload.

[0043] Furthermore, by using the key management system 1 of this embodiment to manage keys K for facilities such as evacuation centers and storage warehouses, residents can use the facilities without having to go to the location of the key selection box 20, thus enabling a rapid response to disasters. In addition, the burden on local government officials during disasters can be reduced.

[0044] <Second judgment function 12> In this embodiment, the key management system 1 controls the unlocking of the key storage box 20 based on an emergency alert. However, if the disaster is an earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency first issues an earthquake early warning after the earthquake occurs, followed by earthquake information such as seismic intensity reports, epicenter information, and epicenter / seismic intensity information. Because the earthquake early warning prioritizes speed, the magnitude of the earthquake included in the earthquake early warning may be overestimated or underestimated compared to the actual magnitude of the earthquake. Therefore, the key management system 1 of this embodiment may be provided with a second judgment function 12 that modifies the judgment function 11's decision on locking or unlocking the key storage box 20 based on earthquake information that includes more accurate information on seismic intensity issued after an earthquake early warning (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0045] The second judgment function 12 has essentially the same functions as the judgment function 11, except that the information it processes has been changed from emergency alerts to earthquake information. In other words, when the communication unit 5 receives earthquake information, the second judgment function 12 has the function of selecting a key storage box 20 to be considered for unlocking based on the information contained in this earthquake information, and the function of determining whether or not to unlock the selected key storage box 20.

[0046] Specifically, earthquake information includes information on seismic intensity in various locations, and the second judgment function 12 has a regional extraction function 12a that extracts areas (disaster-prone areas) with a predetermined seismic intensity or higher from the earthquake information.

[0047] Furthermore, the second judgment function 12 has a key storage box selection function 12b that selects a key storage box 20 to be considered for unlocking based on the information of the disaster-prone area extracted by the regional extraction function 12a.

[0048] The key storage box selection function 12b has the function of determining whether the area where residents who use the key K stored in the key storage box 20 managed by the key management system 1 of this embodiment reside is included in the disaster-prone area. In other words, if it is determined that the target area is included in the disaster-prone area, the key storage box selection function 12b has the function of selecting the key storage box 20 associated with the area included in the disaster-prone area (selected area) within the target area as the second-choice key storage box 20, and transmitting information about the second-choice key storage box 20 (second-choice key storage box information) to the unlock / lock determination function 12c. Furthermore, the key storage box selection function 12b has the function of selecting the key storage box 20 associated with the area other than the selected area (non-selected area) within the target area as the third-choice key storage box 20, and transmitting information about the third-choice key storage box 20 (third-choice key storage box information) to the unlock / lock determination function 12c.

[0049] The unlock / lock determination function 12c, upon receiving information about the second-selection key storage box, determines whether the electronic lock 23 of the second-selection key storage box 20 is unlocked or not. If the electronic lock 23 of the second-selection key storage box 20 is not unlocked, it has the function of sending an unlock signal to the second-selection key storage box 20. In other words, the unlock / lock determination function 12c has the function of sending an unlock signal to the transmission instruction function 12d instructing the determination function 11 to unlock the second-selection key storage box 20 that has not been unlocked, and the transmission instruction function 12d then sends an unlock signal to the second-selection key storage box 20 from the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15. If multiple second-selection key storage boxes 20 are selected, if even one second-selection key storage box 20 is not unlocked, the unlock signal may be sent to all second-selection key storage boxes 20, or the unlock signal may be sent only to the second-selection key storage boxes 20 that have not been unlocked.

[0050] On the other hand, when the unlock / lock determination function 12c receives information on the third selected key storage box, it determines whether the electronic lock 23 of the third selected key storage box 20 is locked or not. If the electronic lock 23 of the third selected key storage box 20 is not locked, it has the function of sending a lock signal to the third selected key storage box 20. In other words, the unlock / lock determination function 12c has the function of sending a lock signal to the transmission instruction function 12d so that the selected key storage box 20 that corresponds to the third selected key storage box 20 among the selected key storage boxes 20 that have been unlocked by the determination function 11 is locked, and the transmission instruction function 12d has the function of sending a lock signal to the third selected key storage box 20 from the transmission function 15a of the communication function 15. If multiple third selected key storage boxes 20 are selected, if even one third selected key storage box 20 is unlocked, the lock signal may be sent to all third selected key storage boxes 20, or the lock signal may be sent only to the unlocked third selected key storage boxes 20.

[0051] Furthermore, the unlock / lock determination function 12c has the function of transmitting earthquake information, selected region, second-select key storage box information, and third-select key storage box information to the information storage function 16 along with the date and time once it has completed sending lock and unlock signals to the second-select key storage box 20 and the third-select key storage box 20, and storing this information in the information storage function 16 as a correspondence history.

[0052] Since the second judgment function 12 has the functions described above, the key management system 1 of this embodiment can maintain a situation in which equipment can be used quickly, while preventing a situation in which equipment that should not be used becomes available by mistake.

[0053] For example, in the event of an earthquake, while there may be no disruption to communication lines immediately after the earthquake, such disruptions may occur a few minutes later. In this case, if the decision to unlock the key storage box 20 is based on earthquake information, the disruption to communication lines may prevent the key storage box 20 that should have been unlocked from being unlocked. However, if the decision function 11 unlocks the key storage box 20 based on an earthquake early warning, the selected key storage box 20 can be unlocked before the disruption to communication lines occurs, thus avoiding a situation where equipment becomes unusable. On the other hand, because earthquake early warnings prioritize speed, their accuracy is lower than that of earthquake information, and the decision function 11 based on an earthquake early warning may unlock a key storage box 20 that should not have been unlocked. However, if a second decision function 12 is provided, and communication lines are maintained, the key storage box 20 that should have remained locked can be locked, thus preventing the equipment from being used incorrectly. Conversely, it becomes possible to unlock the key storage box 20, which should have been unlocked but was not, thus making it possible for residents who were affected by the disaster and needed to use the facilities to do so.

[0054] Furthermore, the unlocking / locking determination function 12c can determine the status of the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 by using the correspondence history recorded in the information storage function 16 or by using the information regarding the status of the electronic lock 23 transmitted from the storage box management unit 25 of the key storage box 20.

[0055] <Earthquake sensing device 40> Furthermore, as mentioned above, the key management system 1 of this embodiment can control the unlocking of the key storage box 20 based on earthquake early warnings and earthquake information when an earthquake occurs. However, the information regarding seismic intensity included in earthquake early warnings and earthquake information may differ from the actual earthquake conditions (such as shaking) at the location. For example, even if earthquake early warnings and earthquake information determine that the seismic intensity in the area where the key storage box 20 is located is small, the actual shaking in that area may be large and a disaster may occur. In such cases, if there is an error in the judgment regarding seismic intensity based on earthquake early warnings and earthquake information, it may result in a situation where affected residents are unable to use the facility. Therefore, to address such situations, the key management system 1 of this embodiment may be equipped with an earthquake sensing device 40 that detects earthquake shaking.

[0056] The earthquake detection device 40 has the function of transmitting an earthquake detection signal containing information about the magnitude of the shaking when it detects an earthquake. For example, commercially available earthquake sensors or earthquake detectors can be used as the earthquake detection device 40. This earthquake detection device 40 is installed in a location away from where the key storage box 20 associated with the earthquake detection device 40 is installed. For example, it is installed in a building or facility away from the key storage box 20 in an area where residents live, etc., who use facilities, etc., whose keys are managed by the key storage box 20. Furthermore, it is desirable that the earthquake detection device 40 be installed in a building that is less susceptible to the effects of vibrations that occur on a daily basis. For example, a new earthquake detection device 40 may be installed in a city hall or fire station, or an existing earthquake detection device 40 installed in a city hall or fire station may be used. Furthermore, the control unit 10's judgment function 11 has a function (seismometer judgment function 11q) that, upon receiving an earthquake detection signal transmitted by the earthquake sensing device 40, analyzes the information regarding earthquake shaking contained in the earthquake detection signal and determines whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box 20 associated with the earthquake sensing device 40 (associated key storage box 20). If this seismometer judgment function 11q determines that the associated key storage box 20 should be unlocked, it also has a function to transmit a signal to the transmission instruction function 11d instructing the associated key storage box 20 to transmit an unlock signal.

[0057] As mentioned above, by providing the earthquake sensing device 40 and the seismometer judgment function 11q of the judgment function 11 of the control unit 10, the related key storage box 20 can be unlocked in areas where the actual shaking is strong, even if the information from the earthquake early warning or earthquake information did not indicate that it should be unlocked. This allows the related key storage box 20 to be unlocked according to the actual damage situation, enabling disaster victims to use the equipment appropriately.

[0058] Furthermore, if multiple key storage boxes 20 managed by the key management system 1 of this embodiment are provided, multiple earthquake detection devices 40 may be provided in different locations. In this case, the correspondence between each earthquake detection device 40 and the key storage box 20 is stored in the information storage function 16. In other words, each earthquake detection device 40 and the key storage box 20 that manages the keys K for facilities used by residents, etc., in the area where each earthquake detection device 40 is installed are associated and stored in the information storage function 16. In this way, even in adjacent areas, if the shaking and other conditions differ and the extent of damage differs, the key storage box 20 will not be unlocked in areas that are not considered to have been affected, so facilities, etc., can be kept locked. However, in areas that are highly likely to have been affected, the key storage box 20 will be unlocked, so facilities, etc., can be used by affected residents, etc. In other words, the use of facilities, etc., can be appropriately managed according to the actual extent of damage.

[0059] Alternatively, the earthquake detection device 40 may directly transmit an earthquake detection signal to the storage box management unit 25 of the key storage box 20. In this case, when the storage box management unit 25 of the key storage box 20 receives the earthquake detection signal, it may be provided with a function to analyze the information regarding earthquake shaking contained in the earthquake detection signal and determine whether or not to unlock the electronic lock 23. In this way, even if the earthquake detection signal cannot be transmitted from the earthquake detection device 40 to the control unit 10 due to a communication line malfunction, or if the earthquake detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 10 but the unlocking signal transmitted by the control unit 10 does not reach the key storage box 20 due to a subsequent communication line malfunction, the key storage box 20 will be unlocked, allowing residents affected by the disaster to use the facility. In this case, even if the storage box management unit 25 receives an earthquake detection signal from the earthquake detection device 40, it may wait for the control unit 10 to transmit an unlocking signal, and if the control unit 10 does not transmit an unlocking signal within a certain period of time, it may determine whether or not to unlock the electronic lock 23.

[0060] In the configuration described above, there may be cases where the judgment function 11 and second judgment function 12 of the control unit 10 differ from the judgment of the storage box management unit 25 based on the earthquake detection signal from the earthquake sensing device 40. In such cases, the judgment of the storage box management unit 25 can be prioritized to determine whether or not to unlock the electronic lock 23.

[0061] On the other hand, if the judgment of the storage box management unit 25 is prioritized, an earthquake detection signal may be transmitted due to a malfunction in the earthquake sensing device 40, potentially unlocking the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 even if no earthquake has occurred. In that case, the control unit 10 is notified that the electronic lock 23 has been unlocked, and the control unit 10 determines whether the unlocking is appropriate. If it determines that the unlocking is inappropriate, it issues an alarm to notify the administrator that the key storage box 20 has been unlocked. Then, the administrator can determine whether the unlocking of the electronic lock 23 is appropriate based on the alarm, and if it determines that it is inappropriate, they can remotely lock the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 in question, thereby preventing the key K from being mistakenly used due to a mis-lock.

[0062] <Key management function 11k> As described above, in the key management system 1 of this embodiment, the key K is stored in the key storage box 20, and the control unit 10 can lock and unlock the key storage box 20 by operating the opening and closing of the electronic lock 23. Then, in the event of a disaster, the key storage box 20 is unlocked and the key K is made available for use. After use at the evacuation center or other location is finished, the key K is returned to the key storage box 20 and the key storage box 20 is locked, so that the key K can be stored in the key storage box 20 in preparation for the next disaster.

[0063] However, if key K is not properly returned to the key storage box 20, key K cannot be used even if the key storage box 20 is unlocked during the next disaster. In other words, disaster victims will not be able to use facilities that are locked or unlocked by key K. For example, if key K is not returned and the key storage box 20 is locked, or if key K is returned but a different key K than the one originally stored in the key storage box 20 is returned and the box is locked, then even if the key storage box 20 is unlocked and key K can be retrieved during the next disaster, disaster victims will not be able to use the facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to know whether key K is properly stored in the key storage box 20. Accordingly, the key management system 1 of this embodiment may be provided with a key management function 11k that manages the status of key K in the key storage box 20.

[0064] This key management function 11k has the function of determining whether or not key K is held in the key storage box 20 based on information transmitted from the storage box management unit 25, and if key K is stored, whether or not the stored key K is the appropriate key K. Specifically, the key management function 11k makes the above determination as follows.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an RFID tag 31 is attached to the key K managed by the key storage box 20. The key storage box 20 is also equipped with a key holding unit 27 that holds the key K, and an RFID reader 26 that reads the information of the RFID tag 31 attached to the key K held by the key holding unit 27. The RFID reader 26 has the function of reading the information about the key K (key information) stored in the RFID tag 31 and transmitting information (storage key information) including the key information and information about the key storage box 20 in which the RFID reader 26 is installed to the storage box management unit 25. The RFID reader 26 also has the function of transmitting key loss information to the storage box management unit 25 indicating that the key K is missing when the key information of the RFID tag 31 cannot be obtained, that is, when the RFID tag 31 is not held by the key holding unit 27.

[0066] When the storage box management unit 25 receives storage key information or key loss information, it transmits a signal containing this information to the control unit 10. When the control unit 10 receives this information, the key management function 11k determines the status of key K in the key storage box 20. When the key management function 11k receives storage key information, it determines whether or not key K is stored in the key storage box 20 based on the storage key information. If the appropriate key K is stored in the key storage box 20, it has a function to display this information on the display unit 3 using the display function 11e. Furthermore, if the key management function 11k determines from the storage key information that key K stored in the key storage box 20 is not appropriate, it has a function to display this information on the display unit 3 using the display function 11e. In addition, when the key management function 11k receives key loss information, it has a function to display information on the display unit 3 indicating that key K is not stored (see Figure 2(B)).

[0067] With the above functions, the administrator can remotely monitor the status of the keys K stored in the key storage box 20, and when the administrator uses the operation function 11s to lock the key storage box 20, it is possible to prevent the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 from being locked if there are no keys K in the key storage box 20 or if the wrong key K is being held in the key holding unit 27.

[0068] Furthermore, the key management function 11k may have a function to disable the locking of the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 if there is no key K in the key storage box 20 or if the wrong key K is held in the key holding unit 27. In other words, if there is no key K in the key storage box 20 or if the wrong key K is held in the key holding unit 27, the operation function 11k may be instructed to send a lock disable signal so that the administrator cannot lock the key storage box 20. Also, if there is no key K in the key storage box 20, the storage box management unit 25, which has received key loss information from the RFID reader 26, may not lock the electronic lock 23 regardless of the signal sent from the control unit 10.

[0069] Furthermore, if the electronic lock 23 of the key storage box 20 is unlocked, anyone will be able to use key K, making it impossible to determine the usage status of key K or whether key K is being used appropriately. Therefore, if a user who manages key K (primarily retrieves it from the key storage box 20) is designated in advance, that user may be given a user RFID tag (not shown) on which their information is stored, and the user may be instructed to bring the user RFID tag close to the RFID reader 26 when retrieving or returning key K. In this case, the RFID reader 26 is equipped with a function that, upon recognizing that key K has been removed from the key storage box 20, transmits information (removal information) to the storage box management unit 25 that associates the information stored in the RFID tag 31 of the removed key K with the information stored in the user RFID tag acquired when the removal of key K was recognized. When the control unit 10 receives the removal information transmitted by the storage box management unit 25, the control unit 10 transmits the removal information to the information storage function 16, causing the information storage function 16 to store this information. Furthermore, the RFID reader 26 is equipped with a function that, upon recognizing that key K has been returned to the key storage box 20, transmits information (return information) to the storage box management unit 25, which associates the information stored in the RFID tag 31 of the returned key K with the information stored in the user RFID tag acquired when the return of key K was recognized. When the control unit 10 receives the return information transmitted by the storage box management unit 25, the control unit 10 transmits the return information to the information storage function 16, causing the information storage function 16 to store this information. By following these steps, it becomes possible to accurately understand the usage status of key K, and it also becomes easier to investigate if key K is lost.

[0070] <Tag holder section> Even if the key K is held in the key holding unit 27, if the RFID tag 31 is not positioned appropriately, the RFID reader 26 may not be able to properly acquire information from the RFID tag 31. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the key holding unit 27 with a tag holding unit that positions the tag appropriately so that the RFID reader 26 can acquire information from the RFID tag 31 when the key K is held in the key holding unit 27. This tag holding unit is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figure 7(D), if a plate-shaped plate 27p is provided in the key holding unit 27 and the key K is held on the front surface of the plate-shaped plate 27p, a recess 27h is provided in the plate-shaped plate 27p and the RFID reader 26 is installed in this recess 27h. Alternatively, a recess 27g in the shape of the RFID tag 31 is provided in the plate-shaped plate 27p, and a part of this recess 27g is provided so as to be common with the recess 27h. A magnet M is then installed in the recess 27g, and a component that is attracted to the magnet, such as a metal tape t, is provided on the RFID tag 31 (see Figure 7(A)). Then, when the RFID tag 31 is placed in the recess 27g, the metal tape t of the RFID tag 31 is attracted to the magnet M, and the RFID tag 31 is fixed to the plate-shaped plate 27p in a predetermined position. Therefore, the RFID tag 31 can be easily and reliably placed in an appropriate position where the RFID reader 26 can acquire information from the RFID tag 31, that is, in the tag holding section.

[0071] <Regarding Key Storage Box 20> As described above, the key management system 1 of this embodiment can manage multiple key storage boxes 20, but the method of management is not particularly limited. For example, multiple key storage boxes 20 may be managed individually, or a group of multiple key storage boxes 20 may be formed and the key storage boxes 20 may be managed on a group basis. In other words, the key storage boxes 20 belonging to the group may be unlocked or locked all at once. Alternatively, the key management system 1 of this embodiment may manage only one key storage box 20. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] The key management system of the present invention is suitable as a system for managing keys to facilities, warehouses, and other structures used in emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, and other disasters. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Key Management System 10 Control Unit 11 Judgment function 12 Second judgment function 15. Communication Functions 20 Key storage box 26 RFID Readers 31 RFID tags 40 Earthquake detection device K key

Claims

1. A key storage box equipped with an electronic lock that can be locked and unlocked remotely, and A control unit that remotely controls the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock on the key storage box, It is equipped with a communications unit capable of receiving emergency alerts, The control unit, Upon receiving an emergency alert, the system has a judgment function that determines whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box based on the information contained in the emergency alert. The system includes a communication function that, when the determination function determines that the key storage box needs to be unlocked, sends a signal to the key storage box that has been determined to need unlocking to instruct the electronic lock to be unlocked. A key management system characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, Upon receiving earthquake information issued after an earthquake early warning, the system has a second decision-making function that determines whether to lock or unlock the key storage box based on the information contained in the earthquake information. The second judgment function is, The system has a function to determine whether or not to lock the key storage box that has been unlocked based on the judgment of the judgment function based on the earthquake early warning, and whether or not to unlock the key storage box that has not been unlocked based on the judgment of the judgment function based on the earthquake early warning. The key management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a key management system.

3. It is equipped with an earthquake sensing device located at a distance from the aforementioned key storage box, The decision function and / or second decision function of the control unit are: It has a function to determine whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box based on information from the earthquake sensing device. The decision function and / or second decision function of the control unit are: When the aforementioned earthquake early warning and / or earthquake information and information from the earthquake detection device are received, the system has a function to determine whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box by prioritizing the information from the earthquake detection device. A key management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is as described above.

4. It is equipped with an earthquake sensing device located at a distance from the aforementioned key storage box, The control unit's decision function is as follows: It has a function to determine whether or not it is necessary to unlock the key storage box based on information from the earthquake detection device. The key management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a key management system.

5. The keys managed in the aforementioned key storage box are fitted with RFID tags. The aforementioned key storage box is equipped with an RFID reader that reads the information on the RFID tag and transmits the information on the RFID tag. The control unit, The RFID reader has a key management function that receives information transmitted from it and determines whether or not a key is present in the key storage box. The key management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a key management system.

6. The control unit, The key management function has a feature that disables the locking of the electronic lock if it determines that no key is present in the key storage box. The key management system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a key management system.

7. The key storage box is equipped with a user RFID tag that stores information about the user who uses the key managed by that user. The RFID reader described above is When it is detected that a key has been removed from the key storage box, the system transmits information that associates the information stored in the RFID tag of the removed key with the information stored in the user's RFID tag, which was acquired when the removal of the key was detected. The key management system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a key management system.

8. The aforementioned key storage box contains: A key holder is provided to hold the key. The key holding part is, It has a tag holder that holds the RFID tag attached to the key in a predetermined position. The key management system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a key management system.

Images