Attendance management system

Abstract

To provide an attendance management system that can easily manage the attendance status.SOLUTION: An attendance management system includes: a management device that manages a user's attendance; and one earphone capable of wirelessly communicating with the management device. The earphone can detect whether it is worn by the user and transmit a detection result to the management device. The management device determines that the user is in business when detecting that the use status of the earphone is a predetermined state where the earphone is communicatively connected to the management device and worn by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an attendance management system. [Background technology]

[0002] When managing attendance status in a so-called telework environment where work is performed from home, technology is used that transmits attendance status such as the start and end of work via e-mail, or reads dedicated two-dimensional codes, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-293834 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above method, it takes more time and effort to manage attendance status than if employees were to come to the office to perform their duties. For this reason, there is a demand for a method that makes it easier to manage attendance status.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide an attendance management system that can easily manage attendance status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The attendance management system of the present invention comprises a management device that manages the attendance of users, and an earphone capable of wireless communication with the management device, wherein the earphone is capable of detecting whether or not it is worn by the user and transmitting the detection result to the management device, and when the management device detects that the usage state of the earphone is a predetermined state in which it is communicatively connected to the management device and worn by the user, it determines that the user is at work. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, attendance status can be easily managed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time attendance management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the attendance management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode of the attendance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode of the attendance management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode of the attendance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the attendance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the attendance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attendance management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the attendance management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode of the attendance management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations of the attendance management system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the attendance management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attendance management system 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the attendance management system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the attendance management system 100 includes earphones 10 and a management device 20.

[0011] The earphone 10 is, for example, a left and right separated type wireless earphone, and has a left earphone and a right earphone. The left earphone and the right earphone can communicate with each other wirelessly. The earphone 10 may be used in such a manner that both the left earphone and the right earphone are worn, or in such a manner that only one of them is worn and used. In this embodiment, the earphone 10 includes a configuration including both the left earphone and the right earphone, and a configuration including one of the left earphone and the right earphone. In this embodiment, some configurations and operations, such as the individual configurations of the left earphone and the right earphone, and the specific communication operation between the left earphone and the right earphone, are omitted. At least one of the left earphone and the right earphone may have the configuration of the earphone 10 described below.

[0012] The earphones 10 include a speaker 11, a microphone 12, an operation unit 13, a wearing / removal detection unit 14, a biological information detection unit 15, a communication unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a control unit 18. The earphones 10 include a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to each of the above units.

[0013] The speaker 11 outputs the audio information received from the management device 20. The speaker 11 is provided in each of the left and right earphones.

[0014] The microphone 12 receives ambient sound and generates audio information. The microphone 12 is provided in at least one of the left earphone and the right earphone.

[0015] The operation unit 13 allows the user to input an operation signal to the earphone 10. The operation unit 13 has, for example, a touch sensor that detects the touch of the user. The operation unit 13 can input predetermined operations such as turning the power on and off, playing and stopping audio, etc.

[0016] The attachment / detachment detection unit 14 detects whether the earphones 10 are attached or detached by the user. The attachment / detachment detection unit 14 can automatically detect a worn state in which the earphones 10 are worn by the user, and a non-worn state (or removed state) in which the earphones 10 are not worn by the user. The attachment / detachment detection unit 14 transmits the detection result to the control unit 18. The attachment / detachment detection unit 14 performs the above detection and transmits the detection result at predetermined time intervals, for example.

[0017] The biological information detection unit 15 acquires biological information of the user when the earphones 10 are worn. Examples of the biological information include heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, brain waves, sweat rate, the subject's body movements, and oxygen saturation of arterial blood. The biological information detection unit 15 may be, for example, a heart rate meter, a blood pressure meter, a thermometer, or a pulse oximeter, or a combination of these.

[0018] The communication unit 16 receives audio information transmitted from the management device 20. The communication unit 16 transmits audio information generated by the microphone 12 to the management device 20. The communication unit 16 transmits and receives authentication information required for authentication between the management device 20. The communication unit 16 transmits to the management device 20 various information such as biometric information of the user detected by the biometric information detection unit 15 and a usage state of the earphones 10 described later.

[0019] The storage unit 17 stores various information. The storage unit 17 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). Note that an external storage medium such as a removable medium may be used as the storage unit 17. The storage unit 17 stores, for example, the above authentication information.

[0020] The control unit 18 has a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 18 includes an authentication processing unit 31 and a communication control unit 32.

[0021] The authentication processing unit 31 performs authentication processing such as pairing between the earphones 10 and the management device 20. The authentication processing unit 31 stores in the storage unit 17 information about the management device 20 that is the subject of authentication.

[0022] The communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit and receive information. When an operation to turn on the power is input by the operation unit 13, the communication control unit 32 ensures that communication is connected with the management device 20. The communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14, that is, information on whether the earphones 10 are in an attached state or an detached state (removed state), to the management device 20. Each time a detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 is output, the communication control unit 32 causes the detection result to be transmitted to the management device 20. In addition, the communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 15 to the management device 20. Each time biometric information is detected, the communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the biometric information to the management device 20.

[0023] The management device 20 manages the attendance of users. Examples of the management device 20 include various information terminals such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook personal computer, a desktop personal computer, etc. The management device 20 has an input unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0024] The input unit 21 is capable of performing a predetermined input operation for inputting information. The input unit 21 outputs an instruction signal to the control unit 25 in response to the input operation. As the input unit 21, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a touch panel is used. Note that as the input unit 21, in addition to or instead of these, a button, a lever, a dial, a switch, or other input device may be used. The input unit 21 outputs an instruction signal in response to the predetermined input operation.

[0025] The display unit 22 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information including characters and images.

[0026] The communication unit 23 communicates information with the communication unit 16 of the earphone 10, for example, by short-range wireless communication.

[0027] The memory unit 24 stores various information. The memory unit 24 has storage such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. An external storage medium such as a removable disk may be used as the memory unit 24. The memory unit 24 stores an operating system of the management device 20, and various programs and data for controlling the operations of the input unit 21, the display unit 22, and the communication unit 23. The memory unit 24 stores an attendance management program for managing the attendance of users.

[0028] The control unit 25 controls each of the input unit 21, the display unit 22, and the communication unit 23. The control unit 25 has a processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 25 has an authentication processing unit 51, a state detection unit 52, a determination unit 53, a display control unit 54, and a biometric information management unit 55.

[0029] The authentication processing unit 51 performs authentication processing such as pairing between the earphones 10 and the management device 20. The authentication processing unit 51 stores in the storage unit 24 information about the earphones 10 that have been authenticated.

[0030] The state detection unit 52 detects the use state of the earphones 10 based on the information transmitted from the earphones 10. The use state of the earphones 10 includes a predetermined state and a non-predetermined state. The predetermined state is a connected state in which the earphones 10 are connected to the management device 20 so as to be able to communicate with each other, and a worn state in which the earphones 10 are worn by a user. On the other hand, the non-predetermined state is a state different from the predetermined state. Examples of the non-predetermined state include a non-worn state in which the earphones 10 are not worn or have been removed, and a non-connected state in which communication between the earphones 10 and the management device 20 is cut off.

[0031] The state detection unit 52 detects the communication state (connected state or non-connected state) between the communication unit 16 and the management device 20. The state detection unit 52 also detects the attached / detached state (worn state or non-worn state) of the earphones 10 based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 received by the communication unit 23. When the state detection unit 52 detects that the communication state is the connected state and the attached / detached state is the worn state, it detects that the earphones 10 are in a predetermined state. On the other hand, when the state detection unit 52 detects that the communication state is the non-connected state or the attached / detached state is the non-worn state, it detects that the earphones 10 are in a non-predetermined state. The state detection unit performs the above detection at regular intervals, for example.

[0032] The determination unit 53 determines that the user of the earphones 10 is at work when the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 are in a predetermined state. The state detection unit 52 performs this determination, for example, every time the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 are in use.

[0033] When the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphone 10 in a predetermined state has entered a non-predetermined state, the determination unit 53 performs the following process.

[0034] First, if the time when the status detection unit 52 detects that the non-specified state has occurred is after the scheduled end of work time, that is, if it detects that the non-specified state has occurred after the scheduled end of work time, the judgment unit 53 determines that the user has finished work, taking the time when the non-specified state has occurred as the end of work time.

[0035] Furthermore, if the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphone 10 has returned to the specified state before a certain time has elapsed since it was detected that the earphone 10 was in the non-specified state, the determination unit 53 determines that the user was at work during the non-specified period during which the earphone 10 was in the non-specified state. Regarding this determination, if a short interruption in work is detected, such as the user temporarily leaving his / her seat, the user is treated as being at work. Note that cases in which the user leaves his / her seat include cases in which the user removes the earphone 10 and then leaves the seat, and cases in which the user leaves the seat while still wearing the earphone 10. When the earphone 10 is removed, the earphone is in a non-wearing state. When the user leaves the seat while still wearing the earphone 10, the short-distance wireless connection between the earphone 10 and the management device 20 is disconnected, and the state becomes non-connected.

[0036] On the other hand, when the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 have returned to the specified state after a certain time has elapsed since it was detected that the earphones 10 entered a non-specified state, the determination unit 53 determines that the user was not working during the non-specified period, that is, was not working. Regarding this determination, when a long interruption in work, such as leaving the desk to eat during a lunch break, is detected, the user is treated as not working.

[0037] The display control unit 54 controls the display operation of the display unit 22. The display control unit 54 can cause the display unit 22 to display, for example, a guide screen or the like for allowing the user to confirm the detection result of the state detection unit 52.

[0038] The biological information management unit 55 manages the biological information transmitted from the earphones 10. For example, the biological information management unit 55 associates the detection time detected by the biological information detection unit 15 with the biological information of the user, which is the detection result, and stores them in the storage unit 24. For example, the biological information management unit 55 detects whether or not the biological information includes an abnormality, and if an abnormality is detected, can transmit that information to an external device, etc.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of a usage mode of the attendance management system 100 configured as described above. Note that an authenticated state is established between the earphones 10 and the management device 20. Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 are diagrams showing an example of a usage mode of the attendance management system 100.

[0040] When a user inputs an operation to turn on the power to the operation unit 13, the communication control unit 32 establishes a connection state for short-range wireless communication with the management device 20. Furthermore, when the user puts on the earphones 10, the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 detects that the earphones 10 are in a worn state. When the earphones 10 are in a worn state, the biometric information detection unit 15 detects the biometric information of the user. The communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 and the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 15 to the management device 20.

[0041] In the management device 20, the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 are connected. The communication unit 16 receives the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 and the biological information. The state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 are in an attached state based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14. In this case, the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 are in a connected state and attached state, that is, a predetermined state. The determination unit 53 determines that the user is working based on the detection result of the state detection unit 52.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the display control unit 54 can display a guide screen 22c on the display unit 22 to allow the user to confirm the detection result of the state detection unit 52. The display control unit 54 displays, for example, that the earphone 10 has entered a predetermined state and that work will be started or resumed on the guide screen 22c. The user can confirm the display content by operating the input unit 21 so as to press the confirmation button 22d. When the guide screen 22c is displayed, the determination unit 53 may determine that the user is working, triggered by the user inputting information indicating that the display content has been confirmed. The guide screen 22c may not be displayed. The trigger for the determination unit 53 to make a decision is not limited to confirmation by displaying the guide screen 22c and operating the confirmation button 22d. For example, the user may input a voice such as "I will start work" into the microphone 12 of the earphone 10, transmit the input content to the management device 20, and have the management device 20 detect the input content.

[0043] 4, for example, when the user removes the earphones 10, the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 detects that the earphones 10 are in a removed state, that is, a non-worn state. The communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 to the management device 20.

[0044] In the management device 20, the communication unit 16 receives the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14. The state detection unit 52 detects that the earphones 10 have entered an unworn state, that is, that the earphones 10 have entered a non-predetermined state, based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14. The state detection unit 52 stores in the storage unit 24 the time when the earphones 10 entered the non-predetermined state.

[0045] The determination unit 53 determines whether the time when the non-predetermined state occurred is past the scheduled end of work for the user. If it is determined that the scheduled end of work is past, the determination unit 53 determines that the user has finished work, taking the time stored in the memory unit 24 as the end of work time.

[0046] If it is determined that the time when the earphone 10 entered the non-specified state was not after the user's scheduled end of work time, and the state detection unit 52 detects that the earphone 10 returned to the specified state before a certain period of time has elapsed since the time when it was detected that the earphone 10 entered the non-specified state, the determination unit 53 determines that the user was at work during the non-specified period of the earphone 10.

[0047] On the other hand, if the state detection unit 52 does not detect that the earphone 10 has returned to the specified state even after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was detected that the earphone 10 had entered a non-specified state, the determination unit 53 determines that the user was not working during the non-specified period of the earphone 10.

[0048] The display control unit 54 can display, on the display unit 22, a guide screen for allowing the user to confirm the determination result of the state detection unit 52, as shown in FIGS.

[0049] 4, the display control unit 54 displays, for example, a guide screen 22e indicating that the earphones 10 have entered a non-predetermined state, and that if the earphones 10 do not return to a predetermined state even after a certain time has elapsed since entering the non-predetermined state, the earphones 10 will be treated as not in operation. The user can confirm the determination result by operating the input unit 21 to press the confirmation button 22f.

[0050] 5, the display control unit 54 displays a guide screen 22g indicating that the earphones 10 are not in operation because a certain time has passed since the earphones 10 entered a non-predetermined state. The user can confirm the determination result by operating the input unit 21 to press the confirmation button 22h.

[0051] In addition, when the guidance screens 22e and 22g are displayed, the determination unit 53 may determine whether the user is working or not working, triggered by the input of information indicating that the user has confirmed the displayed content by the user. The guidance screens 22e and 22g may not be displayed. The trigger for the determination unit 53 to make a determination is not limited to confirmation by displaying the guidance screens 22e and 22g and operating the confirmation buttons 22f and 22h. For example, the user may input a voice such as "I will interrupt my work" into the microphone 12 of the earphone 10, transmit the input content to the management device 20, and the management device 20 may detect the input content.

[0052] Furthermore, the biological information management unit 55 associates the biological information received from the earphones 10 with the detection time of the biological information and stores the biological information in the storage unit 24. For example, the biological information management unit 55 detects whether or not the biological information includes an abnormality, and when an abnormality is detected, causes the communication unit 23 to transmit the abnormality to an external device, etc.

[0053] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation flow of the attendance management system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, when a user inputs an operation to turn on the earphones 10 to the operation unit 13 (step S101), the communication control unit 32 ensures a connection state with the management device 20 (step S102).

[0054] The state detection unit 52 detects whether the earphones 10 are in a predetermined state (step S103). If it is detected that the earphones 10 are in a predetermined state (Yes in step S103), the determination unit 53 determines that the user is at work (step S104). On the other hand, if it is detected that the earphones 10 are not being worn (No in step S103), the process of step S103 is repeated.

[0055] 7, the determination unit 53 determines whether or not it has detected that the earphones 10 have entered a non-predetermined state (step S201). If it has not detected that the earphones 10 have entered a non-predetermined state (No in step S201), the process of step S201 is repeated. On the other hand, if it has detected that the earphones 10 have entered a non-predetermined state (Yes in step S201), the determination unit 53 stores the time of detection in the storage unit 24 (step S202).

[0056] The determination unit 53 determines whether the time when the non-predetermined state occurred is past the scheduled end of work for the user (step S203). If it is determined that the scheduled end of work has passed (Yes in step S203), the determination unit 53 determines that the user has finished work, taking the time stored in the memory unit 24 as the end of work time (step S204), and ends the process.

[0057] On the other hand, when it is determined that the scheduled end of work time has not passed (No in step S203), the determination unit 53 determines whether or not it has been detected that the earphone 10 has returned to the predetermined state (step S205). When it is not detected that the earphone 10 has returned to the predetermined state (No in step S205), the process from step S203 onwards is repeated. When it is detected that the earphone 10 has returned to the predetermined state (Yes in step S205), the determination unit 53 determines whether or not the time from when the earphone 10 becomes a non-predetermined state until it becomes a predetermined state again is less than a certain time (step S206). When it is determined that the time is not less than the certain time (No in step S206), the determination unit 53 determines that the user was not working during the non-predetermined period from when the earphone 10 becomes a non-predetermined state until it becomes a predetermined state again (step S207).

[0058] On the other hand, when it is determined that the non-wearing time is less than the certain time (Yes in step S206), the determination unit 53 determines that the user was working (away from the desk) during the non-predetermined period from when the non-predetermined state was entered until when the predetermined state was entered again (step S208). After steps S207 and S208, the control unit 25 erases the time when the non-predetermined state was entered from the storage unit 24 (step S211), and completes the process.

[0059] As described above, the attendance management system 100 according to this embodiment includes a management device 20 that manages the attendance of users, and an earphone 10 capable of wireless communication with the management device 20. The earphone 10 is capable of detecting whether or not the earphone 10 is being worn by a user and transmitting the detection result to the management device 20. When the management device 20 detects that the earphone 10 is being used in a predetermined state in which it is connected to the management device 20 and capable of communicating with the management device 20 and worn by the user, it determines that the user is working.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the attendance status of the user can be determined based on the usage state of the earphones 10, so that the attendance status of the user can be easily managed.

[0061] In the attendance management system 100 according to this embodiment, when the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10 in a specified state have entered a non-specified state, which is a usage state different from the specified state, if the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10 have returned to the specified state before a certain amount of time has passed since the time when the non-specified state was detected, it determines that the user is at work, and if the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10 have returned to the specified state after the certain amount of time has passed, it determines that the user is not at work. With this configuration, by treating a non-specified state for less than a certain amount of time as being at work, it is possible to manage the attendance status of the user in accordance with the actual situation.

[0062] In the attendance management system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10 in a predetermined state have become in a non-predetermined state after the scheduled end of work time, the management device 20 determines that the user has finished work. With this configuration, it is possible to easily manage that the user has finished work.

[0063] In the attendance management system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10 have entered a predetermined state or a non-predetermined state, and when the user inputs information certifying that the earphones 10 have entered a predetermined state or a non-predetermined state, the management device 20 performs a judgment on the user's attendance. With this configuration, the user can be reliably made aware of the judgment result of the management device 20.

[0064] In the attendance management system 100 according to this embodiment, the earphones 10 acquire biometric information of the user while worn by the user, and transmit the acquired biometric information to the management device 20, which manages the user's physical condition based on the user's biometric information. With this configuration, the management device 20 can manage the user's physical condition in addition to managing the user's attendance.

[0065] [Second embodiment] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of the attendance management system 200 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the attendance management system 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, in the second embodiment, the attendance management system 200 includes a management device 20 and a plurality of earphones 10A, 10B capable of wireless communication with the management device 20. By including a plurality of earphones 10A, 10B, for example, when the remaining battery level of one earphone becomes zero, the other earphone can be used.

[0066] The multiple earphones 10A, 10B have the same configuration as the earphone 10 described in the first embodiment. When describing the configuration of the earphones 10A, 10B, the same reference numerals as those of the earphone 10 described in the first embodiment are used. Note that in the present embodiment, an example in which two earphones 10A, 10B are provided is described, but this is not limiting, and a similar description is also possible in the case in which three or more earphones are provided. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the multiple earphones 10A, 10B, they will be referred to as the first earphone 10A and the second earphone 10B.

[0067] Next, a usage mode of the attendance management system 200 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a usage mode of the attendance management system 200. The first earphone 10A and the second earphone 10B are authenticated by the management device 20 in advance. When the user inputs an operation to turn on the power to the operation unit 13 of the first earphone 10A, for example, the communication control unit 32 ensures a connection state of short-range wireless communication with the management device 20. When the user puts on the first earphone 10A, the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 detects that the first earphone 10A has been put on. When the first earphone 10A has been put on, the biological information detection unit 15 detects the biological information of the user. The communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 and the biological information detected by the biological information detection unit 15 to the management device 20.

[0068] In the management device 20, the state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A is in a connected state. The communication unit 16 receives the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 and the biological information. The state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A is in an attached state based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14. In this case, the state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A is in a connected state and an attached state, that is, in a predetermined state. The determination unit 53 determines that the user is working based on the detection result of the state detection unit 52. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the user may be made to acknowledge the detection result of the state detection unit 52, and information indicating that the user has acknowledged the result may be used as a trigger to make a determination in the determination unit 53.

[0069] 10, when the user removes the first earphone 10A, the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 detects that the first earphone 10A has been removed, that is, has been removed from the earphone 10A. The communication control unit 32 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14 to the management device 20.

[0070] In the management device 20, the communication unit 16 receives the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14. The state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A has gone into an unworn state, that is, that the first earphone 10A has gone into a non-predetermined state, based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit 14. Note that, for example, if the remaining battery power of the first earphone 10A becomes zero, the connection with the management device 20 is cut off. In this case, the state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A has gone into an unconnected state, that is, that the first earphone 10A has gone into a non-predetermined state. The state detection unit 52 stores the time when the first earphone 10A went into the non-predetermined state in the storage unit 24.

[0071] The determination unit 53 determines whether the time when the non-predetermined state occurred is past the scheduled end of work for the user. If it is determined that the scheduled end of work is past, the determination unit 53 determines that the user has finished work, taking the time stored in the memory unit 24 as the end of work time.

[0072] If it is determined that the time when the non-specified state was entered is not after the user's scheduled end of work time, and if state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A has returned to the specified state or that the second earphone 10B has entered the specified state before a certain period of time has elapsed from the time when it was detected that the first earphone 10A entered the non-specified state, determination unit 53 determines that the user is at work.

[0073] 10, if the user puts on the second earphone 10B before a certain period of time has elapsed since it was detected that the first earphone 10A had entered a non-predetermined state, the putting-on / taking-off detection unit 14 detects the putting-on state. The putting-on / taking-off detection unit 14 sends the detection result to the management device 20, and the state detection unit 52 detects that the second earphone 10B has entered a putting-on state, that is, that the second earphone 10B has entered a predetermined state. In this case, the determination unit 53 determines that the user is working.

[0074] On the other hand, if the state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A has returned to the specified state and that the second earphone 10B has entered the specified state after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was detected that the first earphone 10A entered the non-specified state, the determination unit 53 determines that the user was not working during the non-specified period of the first earphone 10A. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the user may be made to acknowledge the detection result of the state detection unit 52, and information indicating that the user has acknowledged the result may be used as a trigger to make a determination in the determination unit 53.

[0075] Furthermore, the biological information management unit 55 associates the biological information received from the first earphone 10A and the second earphone 10B with the detection time of the biological information, and stores them in the storage unit 24. For example, the biological information management unit 55 detects whether the biological information includes an abnormality or the like, and if an abnormality or the like is detected, causes the communication unit 23 to transmit that fact to an external device or the like.

[0076] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations of the attendance management system 200 according to this embodiment. Note that, prior to the operations of this flowchart, the first earphone 10A and the second earphone 10B are authenticated by the management device 20 in advance.

[0077] When the user turns on the power of the first earphone 10A, the communication control unit 32 connects the first earphone 10A to the management device 20. When the user puts the first earphone 10A on, the first earphone 10A is put in a worn state. In the management device 20, the state detection unit 52 detects that the first earphone 10A is connected and worn, that is, in a predetermined state, and the determination unit 53 determines that the user is working (step S300).

[0078] After that, the determination unit 53 determines whether or not it has detected that the first earphone 10A has entered a non-predetermined state (step S301). If it has not detected that the first earphone 10A has entered a non-predetermined state (No in step S301), the process of step S301 is repeated. On the other hand, if it has detected that the first earphone 10A has entered a non-predetermined state (Yes in step S301), the determination unit 53 stores the time of detection in the storage unit 24 (step S302).

[0079] The determination unit 53 determines whether the time when the non-predetermined state occurred is past the scheduled end of work for the user (step S303). If it is determined that the scheduled end of work has passed (Yes in step S303), the determination unit 53 determines that the user has finished work, taking the time stored in the memory unit 24 as the end of work time (step S304), and ends the process.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that the scheduled end of work time has not passed (No in step S303), the determination unit 53 determines whether or not it has detected that the first earphone 10A has returned to the predetermined state or that the second earphone 10B has entered the predetermined state (step S305). If it is not detected that the first earphone 10A has returned to the predetermined state or that the second earphone 10B has entered the predetermined state (No in step S305), the process from step S303 onwards is repeated. Furthermore, if it is detected that the first earphone 10A has returned to the predetermined state or that the second earphone 10B has entered the predetermined state (Yes in step S305), the determination unit 53 determines whether or not the non-predetermined period of the first earphone 10A from when the first earphone 10A entered the non-predetermined state until the first earphone 10A returns to the predetermined state or the second earphone 10B enters the predetermined state is less than a certain time (step S306). When it is determined that the non-predetermined period is not less than the certain time (No in step S306), the determination unit 53 determines that the user was not engaged in work during the non-predetermined period (step S307).

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined that the non-predetermined period is less than the fixed time (Yes in step S306), the determination unit 53 determines that the user was at work during the non-predetermined period (step S308). After steps S307 and S308, the control unit 25 erases the time when the non-predetermined state occurred from the storage unit 24 (step S309), and completes the process.

[0082] As described above, the attendance management system 200 according to this embodiment includes a management device 20 that manages the attendance of users, and multiple earphones 10A, 10B capable of wireless communication with the management device 20. Each of the multiple earphones 10A, 10B can detect whether or not it is being worn by a user and transmit the detection result to the management device 20. When the management device 20 detects that the first earphone 10A, which is one of the multiple earphones 10A, 10B, is communicatively connected to the management device 20 and is in a predetermined state where it is worn by a user, it determines that the user is working.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the attendance status of the user can be determined based on the usage status of one of the multiple earphones 10A, 10B, so the attendance status of the user can be easily managed. Even if the battery level of one of the earphones 10A, 10B runs out, the same attendance management can be performed using the other earphone.

[0084] In the attendance management system 200 according to the present embodiment, when the management device 20 detects that the first earphone 10A, which is in a predetermined state, has entered a non-predetermined state different from the predetermined state, if the management device 20 detects that the first earphone 10A has returned to the predetermined state before a certain time has elapsed since the time when the management device 20 detected the non-predetermined state, or detects that the second earphone 10B has entered the predetermined state before the certain time has elapsed, the management device 20 determines that the user was working during the non-predetermined period of the first earphone 10A, and if the management device 20 detects that the first earphone 10A has returned to the predetermined state after the certain time has elapsed, or detects that the second earphone 10B has entered the predetermined state after the certain time has elapsed, the management device 20 determines that the user was not working during the non-predetermined period of the first earphone 10A. With this configuration, by treating a non-predetermined state that lasts less than a certain time as being at work, the attendance status of the user can be managed in accordance with the actual situation.

[0085] In the attendance management system 200 according to this embodiment, when the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10A, 10B in a predetermined state have become in a non-predetermined state after the scheduled end of work time, the management device 20 determines that the user has finished work. With this configuration, it is possible to easily manage that the user has finished work.

[0086] In the attendance management system 200 according to the present embodiment, when the management device 20 detects that the earphones 10A, 10B are in a predetermined state or a non-predetermined state, and when the user inputs information that acknowledges that the earphones 10A, 10B are in a predetermined state or a non-predetermined state, the management device 20 performs a judgment on the user's attendance. With this configuration, the user can be sure to recognize the judgment result of the management device 20.

[0087] In the attendance management system 200 according to this embodiment, at least one earphone (10A, 10B) acquires biometric information of the user while worn by the user, and transmits the acquired biometric information to the management device 20, which manages the user's physical condition based on the user's biometric information. With this configuration, the management device 20 can manage the user's physical condition in addition to managing the user's attendance.

[0088] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10, 10A, 10B...earphones (10A...first earphone, 10B...second earphone), 11...speaker, 12...microphone, 13...operation unit, 14...attachment / detachment detection unit, 15...biometric information detection unit, 16, 23...communication unit, 17, 24...storage unit, 18, 25...control unit, 20...management device, 21...input unit, 22...display unit, 22c, 22e, 22g...guidance screen, 22d, 22f, 22h...confirmation button, 31, 51...authentication processing unit, 32...communication control unit, 52...status detection unit, 53...determination unit, 54...display control unit, 55...biometric information management unit, 100, 200...attendance management system

Claims

1. A management device for managing the attendance of users and a single earphone capable of wireless communication with the management device, the earphones are capable of detecting whether they are being worn by the user and transmitting the detection result to the management device; When the management device detects that the earphones are in a predetermined state in which they are connected to the management device so as to be capable of communicating and are worn by the user, it determines that the user is at work, and when the management device detects that the earphones are not in a predetermined state in which they are not connected to the management device so as to be capable of communicating for a certain period of time or more, it determines that the user is not at work. Attendance management system.

2. When the management device detects that the earphone in the specified state has entered a non-specified state, which is a usage state different from the specified state, and detects that the earphone has returned to the specified state before a certain period of time has elapsed since the time when the management device detected that the earphone entered the non-specified state, it determines that the user was at work during the non-specified period in which the earphone was in the non-specified state, and when it detects that the earphone has returned to the specified state after the certain period of time has elapsed, it determines that the user was not at work during the non-specified period. The attendance management system according to claim 1.

3. When the management device detects that the earphone in the predetermined state has become the non-predetermined state after a scheduled end of work time, the management device determines that the user has finished work. The attendance management system according to claim 2.

4. When the management device detects that the earphones have entered the predetermined state or the non-predetermined state, and when the user inputs information indicating that the earphones have entered the predetermined state or the non-predetermined state, the management device performs a judgment on the user's attendance. The attendance management system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the earphone acquires biometric information of the user while the earphone is worn by the user, and transmits the acquired biometric information to the management device; The management device manages the physical condition of the user based on the biological information of the user. The attendance management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images