Item management device

Abstract

To provide an article management device whose user-friendliness can be improved.SOLUTION: An article management device includes a keeping section 62 that stores an article in an accessible manner and a control section 65 that performs a take-out process to store related information in the storage unit 66 when the article is taken out of the keeping section 62 and a return process to store related information in the storage unit 66 when the item is returned to the keeping section 62, in which the control unit 65 performs at least one of sublease processes, including a deemed return process that stores relevant information in storage unit 66 by deeming that the return of an article has been made without the return of the article taken-out from the keeping section 62 and a deemed take-out process in which related information is stored in the storage unit 66 as if an article has already been taken out from the keeping section 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a key management device that manages keys as items, a key lending diagram has been created based on pre-entered reservation information, and a key management means that manages the removal and return of keys is controlled according to the created key lending diagram, thereby lending out keys according to a schedule (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this key management device, user information is identified by a user identification means such as a card reader, and lending of a key from the key management means is permitted only during the lending time period associated with the identified user information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-47018 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for improved usability in item management devices such as key management devices.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an item management device that can improve usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores an item so that it can be removed and returned, and a control unit that performs a removal process in which related information is stored in a memory unit when an item is removed from the storage unit, and a return process in which related information is stored in the memory unit when an item is returned to the storage unit, wherein the control unit performs at least one of a deemed return process in which the return of an item removed from the storage unit is deemed to have been performed without the return of the item and related information is stored in the memory unit, and a deemed removal process in which the removal of an item is deemed to have been performed in a state where the item has already been removed from the storage unit and related information is stored in the memory unit. stomach , The present invention is characterized in that the sublease processing is selected and inputted to an input unit, the control unit performs the sublease processing when the sublease processing is selected and inputted to the input unit, and the input unit is provided on a terminal connected to a network. . A second aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores an item so that it can be removed and returned, and a control unit that performs a removal process in which related information is stored in a storage unit when an item is removed from the storage unit, and a return process in which related information is stored in the storage unit when an item is returned to the storage unit, wherein the control unit performs at least one of a deemed return process in which the return of the item removed from the storage unit is deemed to have been performed without the return of the item and related information is stored in the storage unit, and a deemed removal process in which the removal of the item is deemed to have been performed in a state in which the item has already been removed from the storage unit and related information is stored in the storage unit, and the control unit further includes an authentication means for identifying a user, and the control unit determines whether the user identified by the authentication means is able to perform the subleasing process. The present invention relates to 3 The embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores an item so that it can be taken out and returned, and a control unit that performs a return process in which related information is stored in a storage unit when the item is returned to the storage unit, and the control unit is capable of performing a deemed return process in which the item taken out from the storage unit is deemed to have been returned without being returned, and related information is stored in the storage unit. The system further comprises an authentication means for identifying a user, and the control unit determines whether the user identified by the authentication means is capable of executing the deemed return process. The present invention relates to 4 The embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores an item so that it can be taken out and returned, and a control unit that performs a take-out process that stores related information in a storage unit when an item is taken out of the storage unit, and the control unit is capable of performing a deemed take-out process that, when an item has already been taken out of the storage unit, assumes that the item has been taken out and stores related information in the storage unit. The system further comprises an authentication means for identifying a user, and the control unit determines whether the user identified by the authentication means is capable of executing the assumed take-out process. . Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item management device that can improve usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]1 is a front view showing an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention with a front cover open; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a key and storage unit of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 1 is a front view showing an example of printing on paper of an item management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] 10 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of a modification 1-1 of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of a modification 1-2 of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is a front view showing a display example of an operation display unit of a modification 1-2 of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front" means the front side in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., the front side as seen from a user, "rear" means the rear side in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., the rear side as seen from a user, "left" means the left side as seen from a user, and "right" means the right side as seen from a user.

[0011] An article management device 11 of this embodiment is used in, for example, a branch of a financial institution such as a bank, and as shown in Fig. 1, is made up of a main unit 12 and a subunit 13. The subunit 13 is disposed on the right side of the main unit 12 and is fixed to the main unit 12. The main unit 12 has a unit body 21 and a front cover 22 that opens and closes the front side of the unit body 21.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the left side of the unit body 21 from the center is an opening / closing section 31 that is opened and closed by the front cover 22. The upper part of the unit body 21 above the opening / closing section 31 is an upper front surface component part 32 that is always exposed without being opened or closed by the front cover 22, and the right side of the opening / closing section 31 is a right front surface component part 33 that is always exposed without being opened or closed by the front cover 22. One end of the front cover 22 is rotatably connected to the unit body 21 via a hinge 34 provided on the left edge of the unit body 21, and opens and closes the front of the opening / closing section 31. The item management device 11 is provided with a handle 35 for carrying on the upper surface of the unit body 21, making it portable. The item management device 11 has a built-in battery (not shown) and can be driven by the built-in battery.

[0013] The unit body 21 is provided with an IC card reader 41 on the left side of the upper front surface component 32, which reads data from an IC chip of an IC card. The unit body 21 is provided with an operation display unit 42 (input unit) on the right side of the upper front surface component 32, which receives operation input by the user and displays information to the user. The operation display unit 42 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and displays date and time, operation status, alarm information, guidance, etc. The unit body 21 is provided with an audio output unit 43 on the right side of the operation display unit 42 on the upper front surface component 32, which outputs audio to the outside. The unit body 21 is provided with a magnetic card reader 45 on the right front surface component 33, which reads data from a magnetic card.

[0014] The subunit 13 is provided at its upper part with a fingerprint reader 51 for reading the fingerprint information of the user. The subunit 13 is provided at its vertical middle part with a printer section 56 for printing necessary information on the surface of paper and discharging the paper from a paper outlet 55. The IC card and magnetic card are individually prepared for each person authorized to use the item management device 11 and store individual user identification information for distinguishing the person from others. The fingerprint information read by the fingerprint reader 51 is also individual user identification information for distinguishing the person from others. The user identification information includes, for example, an ID number and a name.

[0015] The opening / closing section 31, which is opened and closed by the front cover 22 of the unit body 21, is provided at its front position with a plurality of storage sections 62 for storing keys 61 shown in Fig. 3, which are items to be managed, so that they can be removed and returned. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage sections 62 are arranged in a plurality of positions in the left-right direction, specifically ten positions, aligned vertically, and the ten storage sections 62 thus arranged are arranged vertically, i.e., in a plurality of tiers in the height direction, specifically three tiers.

[0016] The unit main body 21 is provided with a control unit 65 shown in FIG. 4 which controls the IC card reader 41, the operation display unit 42, the audio output unit 43, the magnetic card reader 45, the fingerprint reader 51, the printer unit 56 and multiple storage units 62, and a memory unit 66 which stores various information.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the key 61 has a key body 71 that is inserted into an object to be unlocked or locked to perform unlocking or locking, and a key holder 72 that holds the corresponding key body 71. The key holder 72 is composed of a detachable member 75 and a connecting member 76 that connects the key body 71 to the detachable member 75. The detachable member 75 has an IC tag 78 shown in FIG. 4 that stores individual holder identification information for distinguishing the key holder 72 from other key holders 72. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 62 detachably supports the key holders 72 that correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis. The storage unit 62 holds the detachable member 75 of the corresponding key holder 72 in a locked state so that it cannot be removed.

[0018] Here, the uses of key body 71 are for opening and closing the door of a conference room, for opening and closing the door of a safe installed in a financial institution, for opening and closing the door of a cash processing machine, for opening and closing the door of a cash storage box inside the door of a cash processing machine, for opening and closing the door of a collection box inside the door of a cash processing machine, for switching on and off the main power supply of the cash processing machine, etc. Storage unit 62 holds key holders 72, i.e., keys 61, as storage target items (in other words, managed items) which are the target items for storage.

[0019] The unit body 21 is provided with an electromagnetically driven cover lock mechanism 81 shown in FIG. 2 on the right end side of the opening / closing section 31, which locks an engagement portion (not shown) provided on the front cover 22 when the front cover 22 is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 1. The cover lock mechanism 81 is controlled by the control section 65 shown in FIG. 4. The unit body 21 is provided with a full-closure detection sensor 82 shown in FIG. 4 that detects whether the front cover 22 is in the fully closed state by detecting a detection portion (not shown) of the front cover 22 when the front cover 22 is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 1. When the full-closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 is closed, the control section 65 sets the cover lock mechanism 81 to a locked state. This causes the cover lock mechanism 81 to lock the engagement portion of the front cover 22, and as a result, the front cover 22 is locked to the unit body 21 in the closed state as shown in FIG. 1. When the control section 65 releases the lock state of the cover lock mechanism 81, the lock of the engagement portion of the front cover 22 by the cover lock mechanism 81 is released. Then, the front cover 22 can be opened relative to the unit body 21 as shown in FIG.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, each of the storage units 62 has an individual insertion hole 85 into which the detachable member 75 of the key holder 72 connected to the key main body 71 is inserted and removed. The detachable member 75 is detachable from the storage unit 62 and is locked in the attached state. Each of the storage units 62 has an electromagnetically driven key lock mechanism 86 shown in Fig. 4 that locks and supports the detachable member 75 when it is inserted into the insertion hole 85 and can be unlocked.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the storage units 62 has an operation button with lamp 91 with an integrated indicator lamp. The operation button with lamp 91 is vertically adjacent to the insertion hole 85 constituting the same storage unit 62 and aligned with the left-right position. The operation button with lamp 91 is an operation button that is pressed when releasing the lock by the key lock mechanism 86 shown in FIG. 2 constituting each of the same storage units 62, and the operation button with lamp 91 guides the operation by turning off, on, and blinking. For example, when the operation button with lamp 91 is pressed while the operation button with lamp 91 is on in the storage unit 62, the control unit 65 releases the lock of the key lock mechanism 86 of the storage unit 62 to which the operation button with lamp 91 is provided, and allows the key holder 72 to be removed from the storage unit 62. 3, each of the storage units 62 has a display plate 95 that displays individual storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62. The display plate 95 is provided between the lamp-equipped operation button 91 and the insertion hole 85, aligned in the left-right direction with the insertion hole 85 that constitutes the same storage unit 62.

[0022] Each of the storage units 62 has an IC tag reader 101 capable of communicating with an IC tag 78 (shown in Fig. 4) of the attached detachable member 75, detecting the removal of the key holder 72, i.e., the key 61, by switching from a communication state to a non-communication state, and detecting the return of the key 61 by switching from a non-communication state to a communication state. The item management device 11 manages the removal and return of the key 61 as an item to be managed based on the detection of the IC tag reader 101. That is, in one storage unit 62, when the IC tag reader 101 goes from a state capable of communicating with the IC tag 78 corresponding to this storage unit 62 one-to-one to a state in which it cannot communicate with this IC tag 78, it detects that the key 61 to be stored corresponding to this storage unit 62 one-to-one has been removed from the item management device 11. Furthermore, in this storage unit 62, when the IC tag reader 101 becomes able to communicate with the IC tag 78 that has a one-to-one correspondence with this storage unit 62 from this state, it detects that the key 61 to be stored that has a one-to-one correspondence with this storage unit 62 has been returned to the item management device 11.

[0023] The control unit 65 controls the removal of the key 61 as an item from the storage unit 62 and the return of the key 61 to the storage unit 62. The control unit 65 also performs a removal process for storing related information in the memory unit 66 when the key 61 is removed from the storage unit 62, and a return process for storing related information in the memory unit 66 when the key 61 is returned to the storage unit 62.

[0024] The control unit 65 also performs subleasing processing, including a deemed return process in which the key 61 taken out of the storage unit 62 is deemed to have been returned without being returned, and related information is stored in the memory unit 66, and a deemed retrieval process in which the key 61 is deemed to have been retrieved from the storage unit 62, and related information is stored in the memory unit 66, when the key 61 has already been retrieved from the storage unit 62.

[0025] Next, the main operation of the item management device 11 will be described.

[0026] When the article management device 11 is in a standby state, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display a selection screen as a standby screen for selecting whether to perform user authentication processing by IC card, magnetic card, biometric information, or number input. Here, the authentication processing when authentication by IC card is selected will be described as an example.

[0027] When authentication processing using an IC card is selected on this standby screen, the control unit 65 starts the authentication processing and causes the operation display unit 42 to display a guide screen that prompts the user to bring the IC card close to the IC card reader 41. In this state, when the IC card is brought close to the IC card reader 41, the IC card reader 41 reads individual user identification information that is stored in advance in the IC chip of the IC card and is used to distinguish the user from other users. The control unit 65 checks the user identification information thus read from the IC card against a list of users who can use the article management device 11 that is stored in advance in the storage unit 66. If the user identification information in the list of users who can use the article management device 11 is not the same as the user identification information read from the IC card, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display that the article management device 11 cannot be used and causes the audio output unit 43 to generate an alarm sound for a predetermined time, thereby terminating the authentication processing and returning the article management device 11 to the standby state.

[0028] If the user identification information in the user list is identical to the user identification information read from the IC card, the control unit 65 authenticates the user identification information as proper and enters an authenticated state. The control unit 65 then reads out the operable items permitted for the user identification information authenticated as proper from among the operable items individually set for each user identification information in the storage unit 66, displays a menu screen on the operation display unit 42 for allowing the user to select one of the operable items, and ends the authentication process. The control unit 65 then waits for the selection input of the operable item. Note that among the operable items, there are some that are selectable when one user identification information is authenticated as proper (so-called single authentication), and some that are selectable when two different user identification information are authenticated as proper (so-called double authentication).

[0029] When the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process is user identification information capable of the storage unit use process, the control unit 65 includes in this menu screen a "Holder removal process / return" button that is selected when performing any of the storage unit use processes, retrieval process, return process, and subleasing process of the key 61 to the storage unit 62. When the "Holder removal process / return" button is selected by touch operation on this menu screen, the control unit 65 starts the storage unit use process. Note that even among user identification information capable of the storage unit use process, there is user identification information that is capable of retrieval process and return process of the key 61 to the storage unit 62 but not subleasing process, and user identification information that is capable of all of the retrieval process, return process, and subleasing process. Here, an example will be described in which the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process is user identification information that is capable of all of the retrieval process, return process, and subleasing process.

[0030] In the storage unit use process, the control unit 65 unlocks the cover lock mechanism 81 to enable the front cover 22 to be opened, and reads from the storage unit 66 the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used in the storage unit use process for the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the storage unit use process. At the same time, the control unit 65 displays a display screen 111 on the operation display unit 42, which prompts the user to input whether to perform the process of removing the key 61 from the storage unit 62, the process of returning the key 61 to the storage unit 62, or the process of subleasing the key 61, as shown in FIG. 5, and waits for the selection input. This display screen 111 includes a "remove" button 112 that is touched when the removal process is selected, a "return" button 113 that is touched when the return process is selected, and a "sublending" button 114 that is touched when the subleasing process is selected. Here, this display screen 111 includes a "return" button 115. When the "Back" button 115 is selected by touch operation on the display screen 111, the control unit 65 displays the above-mentioned menu screen, which is the previous screen, on the operation display unit 42 and enters a state of waiting for input to the menu screen. Also, when the home button 116 is touched on the operation display unit 42 in a state in which the display screen 111 is displayed, the control unit 65 cancels the authentication state at that point and returns the item management device 11 to a standby state. Note that if the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process is user identification information that is not eligible for subleasing processing, the "Subleasing" button 114 is not displayed on the display screen 111 and subleasing processing cannot be selected.

[0031] [Removal process] The removal operation is an operation that the user performs on the item management device 11 when a removal process is to be performed. On the display screen 111, the "take out" button 112 is selected by a touch operation. Then, the control unit 65 performs the take out process. In the take out process, when the full closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 is opened, the control unit 65 blinks the lamped operation button 91 of the storage unit 62 having the storage unit identification information that is permitted to be used by the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the take out process among all the storage units 62. Then, when the lamped operation button 91 of the storage unit 62 with the key 61 is pressed among the blinking lamped operation buttons 91 of the storage units 62 that are permitted to be used, the control unit 65 drives the key lock mechanism 86 of the storage unit 62 to unlock it. Of course, even if the lamped operation button 91 that is turned off is pressed, the control unit 65 does not unlock the key lock mechanism 86 of the storage unit 62 to which the lamped operation button 91 is provided.

[0032] In the removal process, even if the "Remove" button 112 on the display screen 111 is not touched, when the front cover 22 is opened and the flashing lamp-equipped operation button 91 of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used and that has a key 61 is pressed, the control unit 65 drives the key lock mechanism 86 of this storage unit 62 to release the lock.

[0033] When the IC tag reader 101 detects that the key holder 72, i.e., the key 61, has been removed from the storage unit 62 by no longer detecting the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72, the control unit 65 associates the operation name information indicating that a removal operation has been input, the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the removal process, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, and the date and time information at that time, i.e., when the removal process was performed, as removal history information, which is information related to the current removal process, in the memory unit 66. Here, when keys 61 have been removed from multiple storage units 62 in one removal process, the control unit 65 stores the removal history information for each of the multiple storage units 62 in the memory unit 66.

[0034] After storing the removal history information in the memory unit 66, when the full closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 is closed, the control unit 65 cancels the authentication state, turns off the blinking lamp-equipped operation button 91, and drives the cover lock mechanism 81 to lock the front cover 22 in the closed state, terminating the removal process, and returning the article management device 11 to the standby state. Even during the removal process, if the home button 116 on the display screen 111 is touched, the control unit 65 cancels the authentication state at that point, turns off the blinking lamp-equipped operation button 91, and terminates the removal process. Thereafter, when the full closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 is closed, the control unit 65 drives the cover lock mechanism 81 to lock the front cover 22 in the closed state, and returns the article management device 11 to the standby state.

[0035] [Return Processing] The return operation is an operation that the user performs on the item management device 11 when the return process is performed. On the display screen 111, the "return" button 113 is selected by touch operation. Then, the control unit 65 performs the return process. In the return process, when the full closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 has been opened, the control unit 65 causes the lamped operation button 91 of the storage unit 62 having the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used by the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process at the start of the return process to flash. Then, when the control unit 65 detects that the key holder 72 of the key 61 has been inserted into a storage unit 62 that does not have a key 61 among the storage units 62 that are permitted to be used and whose lamped operation button 91 is flashing, by the IC tag reader 101 being able to communicate with the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72, the control unit 65 causes the IC tag reader 101 to read the key identification information of the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72, and judges whether or not the key identification information is proper (that should be stored in the storage unit 62) corresponding to the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62. If the key identification information of the inserted key holder 72 corresponds to the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 , the control unit 65 drives the key lock mechanism 86 of the storage unit 62 to lock the key holder 72 .

[0036] In addition, even if the "return" button 112 on the display screen 111 is not touched, when the front cover 22 is opened and the IC tag reader 101 of a storage unit 62 without a key 61 among the storage units 62 that are permitted to be used and have the lamp-equipped operation button 91 flashing becomes capable of communicating with the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72, the control unit 65 causes the IC tag reader 101 to read the key identification information of the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72 and judges whether or not the key identification information corresponds to the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62. In this case, the control unit 65 makes the judgment without the user pressing the lamp-equipped operation button 91. Also in this case, if the key identification information of the inserted key holder 72 corresponds to the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, the control unit 65 drives the key lock mechanism 86 of the storage unit 62 to lock the key holder 72.

[0037] When the IC tag reader 101 detects that the correct key holder 72, i.e., the key 61, has been inserted into the storage unit 62 by detecting the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72, the control unit 65 associates the operation name information indicating that a return operation has been input, the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the return process, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, and the date and time information at that time, i.e., the date and time information at the time of the return process, and stores them in the memory unit 66 as return history information, which is related information of the current return process, together with the removal history information of a series of removal processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as the return process. Here, when the key 61 has been returned to each of the multiple storage units 62 in one return process, the control unit 65 stores the return history information for each of the multiple storage units 62 in the memory unit 66.

[0038] If the key identification information of the inserted key holder 72 does not correspond to the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, the control unit 65 does not lock the key holder 72 in this storage unit 62, but displays the storage unit identification information of this storage unit 62 and a warning screen of return abnormality on the operation display unit 42, and generates an alarm sound for a predetermined time on the audio output unit 43. Also, among storage units 62 that are not permitted to be used and have the lamp-equipped operation button 91 turned off, when the IC tag reader 101 of a storage unit 62 without a key 61 becomes capable of communicating with the IC tag 78 of the key holder 72, the control unit 65 does not lock the key holder 72 in this storage unit 62, but displays the storage unit identification information of this storage unit 62 and a warning screen of return abnormality on the operation display unit 42, and generates an alarm sound for a predetermined time on the audio output unit 43.

[0039] After storing the return history information in the memory unit 66, when the full closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 is closed, the control unit 65 cancels the authentication state, turns off the blinking lamp-attached operation button 91, and drives the cover lock mechanism 81 to lock the front cover 22 in the closed state, terminating the return process and returning the article management device 11 to the standby state. Even during the return process, if the home button 116 on the display screen 111 is touched, the control unit 65 cancels the authentication state at that point, turns off the blinking lamp-attached operation button 91, and terminates the return process. Thereafter, when the full closure detection sensor 82 detects that the front cover 22 is closed, the control unit 65 drives the cover lock mechanism 81 to lock the front cover 22 in the closed state, and returns the article management device 11 to the standby state.

[0040] [Sublease Processing] The above-mentioned retrieval process is a process for storing retrieval history information, which is related information, in the storage unit 66 when the key 61 is actually retrieved from the storage unit 62. The above-mentioned return process is a process for storing return history information, which is related information, in the storage unit 66 when the key 61 is actually returned to the storage unit 62. In contrast to these, the subleasing process includes a deemed return process for storing deemed return history information, which is related information, in the storage unit 66, assuming that the return of the key 61 has been performed without the return of the key 61 retrieved from the storage unit 62, and a deemed retrieval process for storing deemed retrieval history information, which is related information, in the storage unit 66, assuming that the retrieval of the key 61 has been performed when the key 61 has already been retrieved from the storage unit 62.

[0041] The deemed return process is a process in which, even if the key 61 is not present, it is assumed that the key 61 has been returned to the corresponding appropriate storage unit 62, and related information such as the history of the sub-leasing user is stored in the storage unit 66. The deemed take-out process is a process in which, even if the key 61 is not present, it is assumed that the key 61 has been taken out from the corresponding appropriate storage unit 62, and related information is stored in the storage unit 66. For example, when the place where the key 61 is used is limited to a specific place, the deemed take-out process makes it possible to record the related information in the storage unit 66 as if the key 61 has been taken out even if the item management device 11 does not have the key 61, and a subsequent take-out person can move to the specific place where the key 61 is used and receive the key 61 from the previous take-out person at the specific place.

[0042] The printer unit 56 prints out on paper the deemed return history information stored in the memory unit 66 during the deemed return processing of the sublease processing, and the deemed take-out history information stored in the memory unit 66 during the deemed take-out processing of the sublease processing, etc.

[0043] [Deemed return processing] The deemed return operation (sublease operation) is an operation that the user performs on the item management device 11 when a deemed return process of the sublease process is performed.

[0044] The deemed return process is a process performed, for example, by a user who actually retrieves the key 61 from the storage unit 62 of the item management device 11 during the retrieval process, in order to sublease the key 61 to another person and then store this sublease in the memory unit 66 of the item management device 11.

[0045] Here, the premise is that at the place where the key 61 is to be used, the pre-subleasing user (the person who legitimately retrieved the key 61 from the item management device 11) verbally orally or otherwise confirms with the post-subleasing user (the person receiving the key 61) who wishes to subleasing that he or she has the authority to use the key 61, and then subleasing the key 61 to the post-subleasing user. The verbal confirmation is performed by at least one of the pre-subleasing user and the post-subleasing user to confirm whether the conditions for subleasing are met.

[0046] As an example, there is a case where the previous subleasing user understands that there is time before the end of the use of the key 61, for example, the previous subleasing user has reserved the key 61 (the facility where the key 61 is used) until 15:00, but the reservation ends at 14:30, and the remaining 30 minutes are available for use. Or, there is a case where the post-subleasing user reserves the key 61 for use immediately after the previous subleasing user's use, waits for the previous subleasing user at the place where the key 61 is used, and tries to receive the subleasing of the key 61 from the previous subleasing user on the spot. In this case, the post-subleasing user uses the key 61 (the facility where the key 61 is used) without going to the item management device 11. In this case, only the previous subleasing user goes to the item management device 11 and performs the deemed return operation (the return operation without the key 61).

[0047] When the "Sublease" button 114 is selected by touch operation on the display screen 111, the control unit 65 performs the sublease process. In other words, when the sublease process is selected and input to the operation display unit 42 with the display screen 111 displayed, the control unit 65 performs the sublease process. Note that if the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the sublease process is not in the list of user identification information permitted for the sublease process, the "Sublease" button 114 is not displayed on the display screen 111, and therefore cannot be selected. If it is considered that sublease processes are fundamentally undesirable, double authentication can be required to perform the sublease process, or it is also possible to have only the administrator perform single authentication.

[0048] In the subleasing process, the control unit 65 judges whether or not there is retrieval history information of a retrieval process after the retrieval process and before the return process for the same storage unit identification information in the related information including the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the subleasing process. If such retrieval history information is found, the control unit 65 performs a deemed return process in the subleasing process. In the deemed return process, the control unit 65 reads out the retrieval history information of this retrieval process and displays it on the operation display unit 42. Generally, there is only one retrieval history information, but if there are multiple retrieval history information of retrieval processes after the retrieval process and before the return process for the same storage unit identification information in the subleasing process, the control unit 65 displays them in a list format on the operation display unit 42 and allows the user to select one.

[0049] In the deemed return process, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display a display screen 121 as shown in Fig. 6 including, for example, the storage unit identification information from this removal history information, i.e., the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 after the removal process and before the return process of the same storage unit identification information. The storage unit identification information includes storage unit number information of the storage unit 62, key number information of the key 61 stored in this storage unit 62, and unlocking target information of this key 61. The display screen 121 also includes the same "back" button 115 as above and the same home button 116 as above.

[0050] In the example of Fig. 6, there is one piece of removal history information, and the storage unit identification information contained therein includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 07" and the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Conference Room 1". In the display screen 121 of this example, the control unit 65 displays "Key 07: Conference Room 1" contained in the storage unit identification information in the display area 122, and also displays a "Select" button 123 to the right of it. The storage unit number information of the storage unit 62 storing the key 61 with the key number information "Key 07" is "Holder 07".

[0051] When the "Select" button 123 is selected by a touch operation on the display screen 121, the control unit 65 reads out the user identification information permitted to be used for the selected storage unit identification information from the storage unit 66, and causes the operation display unit 42 to display a display screen 131 as shown in Fig. 7 as the user identification information of the sublease candidate. That is, the user identification information permitted to use the storage unit 62 with storage unit number information "HOLDER07", which stores the key 61 with key number information "KEY07", is read out from the storage unit 66, and is set as the user identification information of the sublease candidate. The display screen 131 also includes the same "Back" button 115 as above, and the same home button 116 as above.

[0052] Display screen 131 displays a list when there are multiple user identification information of sublease candidates. User identification information includes the user's ID number and user's name. Display screen 131 displays "ID number: name" as the user identification information of sublease candidates. In other words, display screen 131 shows a case where the user identification information of sublease candidates is "ID=1300:○△ Jiro," "ID=2256:□× Kuro," "ID=3398:▽□ Yoshiko," and "ID=5510:△○ Momoe."

[0053] The display screen 131 displays "ID=1300:○△ Jiro" in a display area 132, and displays a "Select" button 133 corresponding to this display area 132 to the right of it. The display screen 131 also displays "ID=2256:□× Kuro" in a display area 134, and displays a "Select" button 135 corresponding to this display area 134 to the right of it. The display screen 131 also displays "ID=3398:▽□ Yoshiko" in a display area 136, and displays a "Select" button 137 corresponding to this display area 136 to the right of it. The display screen 131 also displays "ID=5510:△○ Momoe" in a display area 138, and displays a "Select" button 139 corresponding to this display area 138 to the right of it. The display order may be in the order of the ID numbers of the user identification information as described above, in the order of frequency of performing deemed return processing, or in alphabetical order of names.

[0054] The display screen 131 includes a down button 140 and an up button 141. When the user identification information of the sublease candidate cannot be displayed in the display areas 132, 134, 136, and 138, when the down button 140 is touched, the control unit 65 scrolls the user identification information of the sublease candidate down and displays it in the display areas 132, 134, 136, and 138. When the up button 141 is touched, the control unit 65 scrolls the user identification information of the sublease candidate up and displays it in the display areas 132, 134, 136, and 138.

[0055] When any one of the "Select" buttons 133, 135, 137, 139 is selected by touch operation on the display screen 131, the control unit 65 displays a confirmation screen asking whether or not to confirm on the operation display unit 42. When the "Yes" button indicating that it is OK to confirm is selected by touch operation on this confirmation screen, the control unit 65 associates the operation name information of the deemed return operation performed in this deemed return process, the user identification information entered in this deemed return process and authenticated as correct, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the user identification information corresponding to the one selected by touch operation among the "Select" buttons 133, 135, 137, 139 in this deemed return process, i.e., the sub-leaseee's user identification information, and the date and time information of the time, i.e., the time of execution of this deemed return process, with the removal history information of a series of removal processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as this deemed return process, and stores them in the storage unit 66 as the deemed return history information, which is related information of this deemed return process. At the same time, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print such deemed return history information on paper. The deemed return history information is printed each time a deemed return process is performed. When the "No" button is selected by touch operation on the above confirmation screen to not confirm, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display the previous screen, display screen 131, and enters a state of waiting for input to the display screen 131.

[0056] Here, a specific example of the deemed return history information printed on paper P by printer unit 56 is as shown in Fig. 8. This specific example is a case where "Select" button 137 corresponding to display area 136 of "ID=3398:▽□ Yoshiko" is selected by touch operation on display screen 131.

[0057] This specific example includes date information 151 of <September 17, 20XX>, which indicates the date and time information that is usually the same day among the date and time information when a series of retrieval processes and deemed return processes were performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information including "Key 07: First Conference Room"), storage unit number information 152 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 common to this series of retrieval processes and deemed return processes, and unlocking target information 153 of "Name: First Conference Room", which is the name of the target to be unlocked.

[0058] This specific example also includes sublessor user number and name information 155 of ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of this deemed return process, "IC card" authentication identification information 156 indicating the authentication method, operation name information 157 of the "removal operation" of the removal process performed in series with this deemed return process using the user identification information including the sublessor user number and name information 155, and user number and name information 158 of ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko", which is the sublessee user identification information selected on display screen 131 in this deemed return process.

[0059] This specific example also includes date and time information included in the removal history information including the storage unit identification information selected on the display screen 121 in this deemed return process, i.e., removal time information 160 of "10:00" indicating the time in the date and time information when a series of removal processes were performed for the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as this deemed return process, and deemed return time information 161 of "10:50" indicating the time in the date and time information at the time when this deemed return history information is stored in the memory unit 66, i.e., the time when the deemed return process was executed.

[0060] In other words, a specific example of this deemed return history information shows that on <September 17, 20XX>, key 61 for storage unit 62 of "Holder 07" and "Name: Conference Room 1" was "removed" from storage unit 62 at "10:00" by person with ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro", authenticated by "IC card", and then deemed returned at "10:50" by the sub-lessor's ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro", and that the registered user of the sub-lessee specified at that time was ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko".

[0061] Thereafter, the sub-leaseee user returns the key 61 having the key identification number stored in the storage unit 62 to the storage unit 62 through a return operation similar to the above-mentioned return process.

[0062] After the return process, the control unit 65 associates the operation name information of the return operation performed in the return process, the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the return process, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 where the return process was performed, and the date and time information of the execution of the return process, and stores them in the storage unit 66 as return history information after deemed return, which is related information of the return process, together with the removal history information of a series of removal processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as the return process. At the same time, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print such return history information after deemed return on paper. The printing of the return history information after deemed return is performed each time a return process is performed after deemed return.

[0063] Here, a specific example of the post-deemed-return return history information printed on paper P by printer unit 56 is as shown in FIG. This specific example includes date information 171 of <September 17, 20XX>, which indicates the date information that is normally the same day among the date and time information for each of the series of retrieval processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, storage unit number information 172 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the common storage unit 62 that is the subject of the series of retrieval processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, and unlocking target information 173 of "Name: First Conference Room," which is the name of the target to be unlocked.

[0064] This specific example also includes user number and name information 175 of the sub-lessee, whose ID number is "3398" and whose name is "▽□ Yoshiko", which is included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of the return process out of the series of retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, authentication identification information 176 of "IC card" indicating the authentication method, and operation name information 177 of "return operation" indicating the operation of the return process.

[0065] This specific example also includes deemed return time information 178 of "10:50", which is the time among the date and time information included in the deemed return history information of the deemed return process of the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes and return processes, and which indicates the time when the deemed return process was executed (the registration time due to sublease), and return time information 179 of "12:00", which is the time among the date and time information when the return history information after deemed return is stored by the return process of the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes and return processes, i.e., the time when the return process after the deemed return process was executed.

[0066] In other words, this specific example of return history information after deemed return indicates that on <September 17, 20XX>, the key 61 to the storage unit 62 of "Holder 07" and "Name: Conference Room 1", which was sub-registered by deemed return processing at "10:50", was actually "returned" to the appropriate storage unit 62 at "12:00" by the ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko", authenticated by "IC card".

[0067] In addition, when summary printing of detailed inspection for history confirmation is selected on the above-mentioned menu screen, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print on paper a series of removal processes, removal history information for the deemed return processes and return processes, deemed return history information, and return history information after deemed return, all of which are performed for the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information).

[0068] Here, a specific example of the combined printing on the paper P for the return process after the deemed return process is as shown in FIG. This specific example is date information 191 of <September 17, 20XX> indicating information on a date that is usually the same among the date and time information of the execution of a series of retrieval processes, deemed return processes, and return processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information), storage unit number information 192 of "holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information common to the retrieval processes and deemed return processes of the series of retrieval processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, and ID number "1234" and name "XX" included in the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process at the start of the retrieval process, which is included in the retrieval history information of the retrieval process of the series of retrieval processes, deemed return processes, and return processes. The information includes user number and name information 195 of "Taro" (user number and name), operation name information 196 of the "removal operation" of this removal process, sublessor user number and name information 197 of ID number "1234" and name "Taro XX" included in the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process at the start of this deemed return process, which is included in the deemed return history information of the deemed return process out of the series of removal processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, and operation name information 198 of the "subleasing operation" of this deemed return process. Here, the "subleasing operation" is an operation in which the subleasing user with ID number "1234" and name "Taro XX" subleases the key 61 to a subleasing user.

[0069] This specific example also includes storage unit number identification information 200 of "holder 07" included in storage unit identification information common to the deemed return process and the return process among the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes. This specific example also includes user number and name information 201 of ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" included in the user identification information of the sub-leasing destination, in other words, the sub-leasing origin, included in the deemed return history information of the deemed return process among the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, operation name information 202 of the "sub-leasing operation" of this deemed return process, user number and name information 203 of ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" included in the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process at the start of this return process, included in the deemed return history information of the return process among the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, and operation name information 204 of the "return operation" of this return process. Here, the "subleasing operation" is an operation in which key 61 is subleasing from the subleasing party's ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" to the subleasing party's ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko."

[0070] In addition, this specific example includes take-out time information 206 of "10:00" indicating the time among the date and time information included in the take-out history information of the take-out process among the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, i.e., the date and time information when the take-out process was executed, and deemed return time information 207 of "10:50" indicating the time among the date and time information included in the deemed return history information of the deemed return process among the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, i.e., the time when the deemed return process was executed, i.e., the time of the deemed return in the subleasing operation, and The deemed return time information 208 of "10:50" is a time included in the date and time information included in the deemed return history information of the deemed return process of the deemed return process, which is one of the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, and indicates the time when the deemed return process was executed, i.e., the time of deemed take-out in the sub-rental operation, and the return time information 209 of "12:00" is a time included in the date and time information included in the post-deemed return return history information of the return process of the series of take-out processes, deemed return processes, and return processes, and indicates the time when the return process was executed, i.e., the time of actual return.

[0071] In other words, this specific example of printing indicates that on <September 17th, 20XX>, key 61 of storage unit 62 of "Holder 07" was "removed" from storage unit 62 by ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" at "10:00", and then a "subleasing operation", which is a deemed return operation, was performed by ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" at "10:50", and that key 61 of storage unit 62 of "Holder 07" was "subleasing operation", which is a deemed removal operation, by ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" at "10:50", and then a "return operation" was performed by ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" at "12:00".

[0072] As described above, when the "Sublease" button 114 is selected by touch operation on the display screen 111 shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 65 performs the sublease process, and at that time, the control unit 65 determines whether or not there is retrieval history information of a retrieval process after the retrieval process and before the return process of the same storage unit identification information among the related information that is not related to the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the sublease process. If such retrieval history information is found, the control unit 65 performs the deemed retrieval process of the sublease process.

[0073] [Deemed take-out processing] The assumed removal operation is an operation that the user performs on the item management device 11 when the assumed removal process is performed. The assumed removal process is a process that is performed, for example, when a user attempts to remove a desired key 61 from the storage section 62 of the item management device 11, but realizes that the desired key 61 is still being removed by another user. In the assumed removal process, if there is removal history information of a removal process after the removal process of the same storage unit identification information and before the return process among the related information not related to the user identification information authenticated as proper as described above, the control unit 65 reads out from the storage unit 66 the removal history information including the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used by this user identification information from such removal history information, and displays it on the operation display unit 42. There is one or more pieces of removal history information, but in the assumed removal process, if there is more than one piece of removal history information of a removal process after the removal process of the same storage unit identification information and before the return process, they are displayed in a list format and a selection is made. In addition to the removal history information of the removal process after the removal process of the same storage unit identification information and before the return process, the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 before the removal process (the key 61 has not been removed) among the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used by this user identification information may be displayed on the operation display unit 42 to be selectable.

[0074] 11 on the operation display unit 42. The control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display a display screen 221 as shown in Fig. 11 including, for example, storage unit identification information among one or more pieces of removal history information, i.e., the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 after the removal process and before the return process of the same storage unit identification information. The display screen 221 shows a case where there is a plurality of pieces of removal history information of removal processes after the removal process and before the return process of the same storage unit identification information, and each storage unit identification information is displayed.

[0075] In the specific example of FIG. 11, there are three pieces of target removal history information, and one of the storage unit identification information includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 07" and the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "First Meeting Room." The storage unit number information of the storage unit 62 storing the key 61 with the key number information "Key 07" is "Holder 07." The other storage unit identification information includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 08" and the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Second Meeting Room." The storage unit number information of the storage unit 62 storing the key 61 with the key number information "Key 08" is "Holder 08." Another storage unit identification information includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 09" and the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Third Conference Room." The storage unit number information of the storage unit 62 that stores the key 61 with the key number information "Key 09" is "Holder 09."

[0076] In this specific example, "Key 07: Meeting Room 1" included in the storage unit identification information is displayed in the display area 222, and a "Select" button 223 corresponding to this display area 222 is displayed to the right of it. Also, "Key 08: Meeting Room 2" included in the storage unit identification information is displayed in the display area 224, and a "Select" button 225 corresponding to this display area 224 is displayed to the right of it. Also, "Key 09: Meeting Room 3" included in the storage unit identification information is displayed in the display area 226, and a "Select" button 227 corresponding to this display area 226 is displayed to the right of it. This display screen 221 includes the "Back" button 115 and home button 116 similar to those described above.

[0077] When any one of the "Select" buttons 223, 225, 227 is selected by touch operation on the display screen 221, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display a confirmation screen asking whether or not it is OK to confirm. When the "Yes" button indicating that it is OK to confirm is selected by touch operation on this confirmation screen, the control unit 65 assumes that the unreturned key 61 in the selected storage unit 62 has been taken out, and stores this in the memory unit 66. That is, the control unit 65 associates the operation name information of the deemed removal operation performed in this deemed removal process, the user identification information (subtenant user identification information) entered during this deemed removal process and authenticated as correct, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the storage unit identification information corresponding to the "Select" button 223, 225, 227 selected by touch operation in this deemed removal process, and the date and time information at that time, i.e., when this deemed removal process is performed, with the removal history information of a series of removal processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as this deemed removal process, and stores it in the storage unit 66 as the deemed removal history information, which is related information of this deemed removal process. At the same time, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print such deemed removal history information on paper. The deemed removal history information is printed each time a deemed removal process is performed. In addition, when the “No” button is selected by touch operation on the above confirmation screen to indicate that the selection is not to be confirmed, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display the previous screen, display screen 221, and enters a state in which it waits for input to be made to the display screen 221.

[0078] Here, a specific example of printing of the deemed removal history information on paper P by printer unit 56 is as shown in Fig. 12. This specific example is a case where "Select" button 223 corresponding to display area 222 of "Key 07: First Meeting Room" is selected by touch operation on display screen 221.

[0079] This specific example includes date information 241 of <September 17, 20XX>, which indicates the date information that is normally the same day among the date and time information for the execution of a series of retrieval processes and assumed retrieval processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information), storage unit number information 242 of "Holder 07" of the storage unit 62 of the storage unit identification information selected on the display screen 221 in this assumed retrieval process, and unlocking target information 243 of "Name: 1st Conference Room", which is the name of the target to be unlocked.

[0080] This specific example also includes the subtenant's user number and name information 245 with the ID number "3398" and the name "▽□ Yoshiko" included in the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of this deemed retrieval process, the authentication identification information 246 of "finger authentication" indicating the authentication method, and the operation name information 247 of "sublease operation" indicating the deemed retrieval operation performed by the subtenant's user identification information including the subtenant's user number and name information 245. In this specific example, this deemed retrieval history information also includes deemed retrieval time information 251 of "10:50" indicating the time of day and time information at the time when this deemed retrieval history information is stored, i.e., the time when the deemed retrieval process was performed, i.e., the registration information of the sublease.

[0081] In other words, this specific example of deemed retrieval history information shows that on <September 17, 20XX>, key 61 for storage unit 62 with "Holder 07" and "Name: Conference Room 1" was "sublet" from storage unit 62 at "10:50" by ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko," who was authenticated by "fingerprint authentication," i.e., deemed retrieval was performed.

[0082] After that, the subleasing user hands over the key 61, whose key number information is "Key 07" and whose unlocking target information is "Name: Conference Room 1," to the subleasing party, i.e., the subleasing user. After that, the subleasing user performs the deemed return operation similar to that in the deemed return process described above.

[0083] In the deemed return process after the deemed take-out process, the control unit 65 associates the user identification information input during the deemed return process and authenticated as correct, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is the target of the deemed return process, and the date and time information when the deemed return process was performed, and stores the association information, together with the take-out history information of a series of take-out processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as the deemed return process, and the deemed take-out history information of the deemed take-out process in the storage unit 66 as the deemed return history information after the deemed take-out process, which is related information of the deemed return process. At the same time, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print the deemed return history information after the deemed take-out process on paper. The printing of the deemed return history information after the deemed take-out process is performed every time a deemed return process is performed after a deemed take-out process.

[0084] Here, a specific example of the assumed take-out and assumed return history information printed on the paper P by the printer unit 56 is as shown in FIG. This specific example includes date information 261 of <September 17, 20XX>, which indicates the date and time information that is normally the same day among the date and time information for the execution of a series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, and deemed return processes, all of which were performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information), storage unit number information 262 of "Holder 07", which is the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is the target of this series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, and deemed return processes, and unlocking target information 263 of "Name: 1st Conference Room", which is the name of the target to be unlocked.

[0085] This specific example also includes sub-lessor user number and name information 265 of ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" included in user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of the deemed return process among the series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes and deemed return processes, authentication identification information 266 of "IC card" indicating the authentication method, operation name information 267 of "subleasing operation" which is the operation of the deemed return process after deemed retrieval performed by user identification information including the sub-lessor user number and name information 265, and user number and name information 268 of ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" which is the user identification information selected as the sub-lessee in the deemed return process after deemed retrieval.

[0086] In this specific example, the deemed return history information after deemed take-out includes take-out time information 271 of "10:00" indicating the time of day and time included in the take-out history information of the take-out process among the series of take-out processes, deemed take-out processes, and deemed return processes, i.e., the time of execution of the take-out process, and deemed return time information 272 of "11:00" after deemed take-out indicating the time of day and time at the time when the deemed return history information after deemed take-out is stored, i.e., the time of execution of the deemed return process after deemed take-out, i.e., the information on the registration time of the subleasing. If there is no registration of subleasing, the deemed return time information 272 after deemed take-out indicates the registration time of the subleasing.

[0087] In other words, a specific example of this deemed removal and deemed return history information shows that on <September 17, 20XX>, key 61 for storage unit 62 of "Holder 07" and "Name: Conference Room 1" was removed from storage unit 62 at "10:00" by person with ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro", authenticated by "IC card", and then a deemed return operation, a "sublease operation", was performed by the subleasing party with ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" at "11:00", and the subleasing party was person with ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko".

[0088] Thereafter, the key 61 having the key number information stored in the storage unit 62 that is the subject of the series of removal processes, deemed removal processes and deemed return processes is returned by the sub-leasing user through a return operation similar to that of the return process described above.

[0089] In the return process after the deemed return process after the deemed take-out, the control unit 65 associates the operation name information indicating that the return operation was input, the user identification information authenticated as correct in the authentication process at the start of the return process, the authentication identification information indicating the authentication method, the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, and the date and time information of the execution of the return process after the deemed take-out and deemed return process, and stores them in the storage unit 66 as the return history information after the deemed take-out and deemed return, which is the related information of the current return process, together with the take-out history information of the series of take-out processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information) as the return process, the deemed take-out history information of the deemed take-out process, and the deemed return history information after the deemed take-out and deemed return process. At the same time, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print the return history information after the deemed take-out and deemed return on paper. The return history information after deemed take-out and deemed return is printed each time a return process is performed after a deemed take-out process and a deemed return process.

[0090] Here, a specific example of the assumed take-out and assumed return history information printed on the paper P by the printer unit 56 is as shown in FIG. This specific example includes date information 281 of <September 17, 20XX>, which indicates the date information that is normally the same day among the date and time information of a series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes all performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information), storage unit number information 282 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, which is the common target of the series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, and unlocking target information 283 of "Name: First Conference Room", which is the name of the target to be unlocked.

[0091] This specific example also includes user number and name information 285 of the sub-lessee, whose ID number is "3398" and whose name is "▽□ Yoshiko", which is included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of the return process among the series of take-out processes, deemed take-out processes, deemed return processes and return processes, authentication identification information 286 of "finger authentication" indicating the authentication method, and operation name information 287 of the "return operation" performed by the user identification information including the sub-lessee's user number and name information 285.

[0092] In addition, this specific example includes the retrieval history information of the retrieval process among this series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, the deemed retrieval history information of the deemed retrieval process among this series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, and the deemed return history information after deemed retrieval of the deemed return process among this series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, which includes the ID number "1234" and the user number and name information 288 of the sub-lessor with the name "○○ Taro".

[0093] Furthermore, this specific example includes deemed return time information 291 of "10:50" after deemed removal, which is the time included in the date and time information included in the deemed return history information after deemed removal, which includes the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 to which the key 61 was returned, and which indicates the time when the deemed return process after deemed removal was executed, i.e., the registration time of the sublease, and return time information 292 of "12:00", which is the time included in the date and time information at the time when this return history information after deemed removal and deemed return is stored, i.e., the time when the return process after deemed removal and deemed return was executed.

[0094] In other words, a specific example of this deemed removal and return history information shows that on <September 17, 20XX>, the key 61 to storage unit 62 for "Holder 07" and "Name: Conference Room 1", which was subleased at "10:50" from the sublessor with ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro", was actually "returned" to the appropriate storage unit 62 at "12:00" by the "fingerprint authenticated" ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko".

[0095] In addition, when summary printing of detailed inspection for history confirmation is selected on the above-mentioned menu screen, the control unit 65 causes the printer unit 56 to print information such as that shown in Figure 10 on paper P based on the removal history information, deemed removal history information, deemed return history information after deemed removal, and return history information after deemed removal and deemed return, for a series of removal processes, deemed removal processes, deemed return processes, and return processes performed for the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information).

[0096] Here, a specific example of the summary printout regarding the return process after the deemed take-out and the deemed return process may be as shown in FIG. This specific example includes date information 301 of <September 17, 20XX>, which indicates the date information that is normally the same day among the date and time information of the execution of a series of removal processes, deemed removal processes, deemed return processes, and return processes performed on the same storage unit 62 (storage unit identification information).

[0097] This specific example also includes storage unit number information 302 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the retrieval history information of the retrieval process among the series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, user number and name information 303 of ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of this retrieval process, all of which are included in this retrieval history information, and operation name information 304 of the "removal operation" performed in this retrieval process and time information 305 of "10:00" when it was performed.

[0098] This specific example also includes storage unit number information 308 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the deemed retrieval history information of the deemed retrieval process among the series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, subtenant user number and name information 309 of the ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of this deemed retrieval process, all of which are included in this deemed retrieval history information, and operation name information 310 of the "sublease operation" performed in this deemed retrieval process and time information 311 of "10:50", which is the time it was performed.

[0099] This specific example also includes storage unit number information 314 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the deemed return history information after deemed removal of the deemed return process among the series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, sub-lessor user number and name information 315 of ID number "1234" and name "○○ Taro" included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of the deemed return process among the series of retrieval processes, deemed retrieval processes, deemed return processes and return processes, all of which are included in this deemed return history information after deemed removal, operation name information 316 of the "subleasing operation" performed in this deemed return process, time information 317 of "10:00", which is the time when the retrieval process was executed, and deemed return time information 318 of "11:00", which is the time among the date and time information and indicates the time information when the deemed return process was executed after deemed removal.

[0100] This specific example also includes storage unit number information 321 of "Holder 07" included in the storage unit identification information of the return history information after deemed removal and after deemed return of the return process among the series of removal processes, deemed removal processes, deemed return processes and return processes; user number and name information 322 of ID number "3398" and name "▽□ Yoshiko" included in the user identification information authenticated as appropriate in the authentication process at the start of this return process, which is all included in the return history information after deemed removal and after deemed return; operation name information 323 of the "return operation" performed in this return process, time information 325 of "12:00" which is the time when it was performed, and time information 326 of "10:50" which is the time when the "sublease operation" of the deemed removal process performed in series with this before this return process.

[0101] The control unit 65 may determine that a deemed return process has been performed when a deemed removal process has been performed.

[0102] Furthermore, after performing a deemed removal process on the key 61, it may become impossible to sublease the key 61 at the specific location where the key 61 is used. In other words, if the location of the item management device 11 is far from the specific location where the key 61 is used, a misunderstanding may occur between the user before the removal process and the user after the deemed removal process, where they do not meet each other.

[0103] In the case of such a misunderstanding, the key 61 is actually returned to the item management device 11 by the previous user who performed the removal process. For this reason, the control unit 65 of the item management device 11 records this fact in the memory unit 66. Accordingly, the control unit 65 can erase from the memory unit 66 (no history is left) information related to the deemed removal process of the subsequent user, which was recorded as having been performed by the deemed removal process without the key 61 being held. Alternatively, instead of erasing the information, the control unit 65 can record the cancellation of the record of the deemed removal process (a history is left). In this state, if a subsequent user approaches the article management device 11, he or she can simply carry out a normal removal operation.

[0104] The item management device 11 of the embodiment described above includes a storage unit 62 that stores the key 61, which is an item, so that it can be removed and returned, and a control unit 65 that controls the removal of the key 61 from the storage unit 62 and the return of the key 61 to the storage unit 62. The control unit 65 performs a removal process that stores related information in the storage unit 66 when the key 61 is actually removed from the storage unit 62, and a return process that stores related information in the storage unit 66 when the key 61 is actually returned to the storage unit 62. In addition, the control unit 65 performs a subleasing process including a deemed return process that stores related information in the storage unit 66 assuming that the key 61 removed from the storage unit 62 has been returned without the return of the key 61, and a deemed removal process that stores related information in the storage unit 66 assuming that the key 61 has been removed from the storage unit 62 when the key 61 has already been removed from the storage unit 62. Thus, since the key 61 can be subleasing, it is possible to improve the usability of the item management device 11. For example, by performing the deemed return process, the sub-user can legitimately use the key 61 without going to the article management device 11.

[0105] Moreover, the item management device 11 can ensure security because the control unit 65 stores information related to the deemed return process in the storage unit 66 and also stores information related to the deemed take-out process in the storage unit 66. The control unit 65 may perform subleasing of at least one of the deemed return process and the deemed take-out process.

[0106] In addition, the item management device 11 further includes a printer unit 56 capable of outputting information related to the sublease process stored in the memory unit 66, so that, for example, a manager can easily confirm the contents of the sublease process by looking at the output results.

[0107] In addition, the item management device 11 includes an operation display unit 42 where sublease processing is selected and input, and the control unit 65 performs the sublease processing when the sublease processing is selected and input to the operation display unit 42, so that, for example, when a user desires a sublease processing, the user can easily select the sublease processing. Also, it becomes possible to easily control whether or not the sublease processing can be performed, thereby ensuring security.

[0108] <Variation 1> <Variation 1-1> In the above description, a case has been shown in which, when retrieving a key 61 to be retrieved, the user notices that the key 61 to be retrieved is being retrieved from the item management device 11, touches and selects the "Sublease" button 114 on the display screen 111 shown in Fig. 5, and then performs a deemed retrieval operation on the display screen 221 shown in Fig. 11. However, there are cases in which the user performs the retrieval operation without realizing that the key 61 to be retrieved is being retrieved from the item management device 11. In other words, there are cases in which the user touches and selects the "Remove" button 112 on the display screen 111 shown in Fig. 5, without realizing that the key 61 to be retrieved is being retrieved from the item management device 11.

[0109] For this reason, when the "Remove" button 112 is selected by a touch operation, the control unit 65 reads out from the memory unit 66 the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used in the storage unit usage process for the user identification information that was authenticated as appropriate in the previous series of authentication processes, and displays it. Also, for a storage unit 62 from which the key 61 is being removed, it makes it possible to select a deemed removal process (sub-lease process), and for a storage unit 62 from which the key 61 is not being removed, it makes it possible to select a removal process. That is, when the "remove" button 112 is selected by a touch operation, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display a display screen 331 as shown in FIG.

[0110] In the case of a specific example of the display screen 331 shown in Fig. 16, one of the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 that is permitted to be used by the user identification information authenticated as proper includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 07", the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Conference Room 1", and the key 61 is being removed and can be "sub-let". Another storage unit identification information includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 08", the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Conference Room 2", and the key 61 is being removed and can be "sub-let". Still another storage unit identification information includes information that the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 09", the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Conference Room 3", and the key 61 is not being removed and can be "selected" for removal.

[0111] In this specific example, the display screen 331 displays "Key 07: Conference Room 1" included in the storage unit identification information in a display area 332, and displays a "Sublease" button 333 corresponding to the display area 332 to the right of the display area 332. Also, the display area 334 displays "Key 08: Conference Room 2" included in the storage unit identification information, and displays a "Sublease" button 335 corresponding to the display area 334 to the right of the display area 334. Also, the display area 336 displays "Key 09: Conference Room 3" included in the storage unit identification information, and displays a "Select" button 337 corresponding to the display area 336 to the right of the display area 336. Furthermore, the display screen 331 displays "Other removable keys" in a display area 338 for switching the display to other storage unit identification information. This display screen 331 includes the "Back" button 115 and the home button 116 similar to those described above.

[0112] Then, for example, when the "Sublease" button 333 is selected by a touch operation, the control unit 65 performs the same process as the above-mentioned deemed removal process for the storage unit 62 having the storage unit identification information including "Key 07" and "Conference Room 1". That is, the control is performed in the same manner as when the "Select" button 123 on the display screen 121 of the deemed removal process shown in FIG. 6 is selected by a touch operation.

[0113] 16 is selected by touch operation, the control unit 65 performs the same process as the above-mentioned removal process for the storage unit 62 having storage unit identification information including "Key 09" and "Third Meeting Room." At that time, when the lamp-equipped operation button 91 of the storage unit 62 having this storage unit identification information is pressed, the control unit 65 drives the key lock mechanism 86 of this storage unit 62 to release the lock.

[0114] <Variation 1-2> In the modified example 1-1, as shown in Fig. 17, instead of the display screen 111, it is also possible to provide a display screen 111A without the "Sublease" button 114 of the display screen 111. In this case, when the "Remove" button 112 is selected by a touch operation on the display screen 111A, the control unit 65 causes the operation display unit 42 to display a display screen 331 as shown in Fig. 16.

[0115] In the case of the deemed return operation, when the display screen 111A is configured as above, the "return" button 113 is selected by a touch operation on the display screen 111A. Then, the control unit 65 displays a display screen 351 as shown in Fig. 18. That is, the control unit 65 reads out from the storage unit 66 the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62 for which the key 61 is being removed, among the storage units 62 permitted to be used by the user identification information authenticated as proper in the authentication process at the start of the deemed return process, and displays it, and among these storage unit identification information, the storage unit 62 for which the deemed removal process has been performed but the deemed return process has not been performed is made selectable for the deemed return process, and the other storage units 62 are made selectable for the return process.

[0116] 18, one of the storage unit identification information of the storage units 62 that is permitted to be used by the user identification information authenticated as proper is the storage unit identification information of the storage unit 62, the key number information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Key 07", the unlocking target information of the key 61 stored in the storage unit 62 is "Conference Room 1", the key 61 is being removed, a deemed removal process has been performed, and a deemed return process has not been performed, so that the key can be deemed returned, i.e., "sub-let". Also, the key 61 of the storage units 62 that is permitted to be used is being removed, and the key 61 other than the above is permitted to be "selected" for return process.

[0117] In this specific example, on display screen 351, "Key 07: Conference Room 1" included in the storage unit identification information is displayed in display area 352, and a "Sublease" button 353 corresponding to this display area 352 is displayed to the right of this. Also, "Return other keys" is displayed in display area 354, and a "Select" button 355 corresponding to this display area 354 is displayed to the right of this.

[0118] Then, for example, when the "Sublease" button 353 is selected by a touch operation, the control unit 65 performs processing similar to the deemed return processing after the deemed removal processing described above, for the storage unit 62 having storage unit identification information including "Key 07" and "Conference Room 1". Also, for example, when the "Select" button 355 is selected by a touch operation, the control unit 65 performs the same process as the return process after the deemed return process after the deemed take-out described above.

[0119] <Variation 2> It may be possible to select in advance whether or not to permit subleasing. In other words, even with the same item management device 11, a user who permits subleasing processing sets the item management device 11 to enable the above-mentioned subleasing processing, while a user who considers subleasing processing undesirable and therefore not to permit it sets the item management device 11 to disable subleasing processing. In addition, as for the setting to enable subleasing processing, it may be possible to select between a setting that makes subleasing processing positively selectable as shown in FIG. 5 and a setting that does not make subleasing processing positively selectable as shown in FIG. 17.

[0120] <Modification 3> Furthermore, if there is a schedule function including the time of use, or if it is possible to link with other facility reservation systems, control can be performed that incorporates advance reservation information. <Modification 3-1> For example, if a user who has removed key 61 through a removal operation subleases key 61 to the next person who made a reservation at the location where key 61 is to be used, and the control unit 65 performs a deemed return process (sublease registration) through a deemed return operation by the first user who removed the key, when registering the subleasee in Figure 7, this advance reservation information is used to display a list in which the user who has registered to use the target key 61 in the next time slot is displayed first, and the next row and below are other users who are registered as participants and have the authority to use the key, and are displayed in order of ID, for example, making it easy to select and register a subleasee.

[0121] <Modification 3-2> When the user attempts to perform a take-out operation and realizes that the key 61 is still being taken out (Fig. 11), or when the user does not realize that the key 61 is still being taken out (Fig. 16), if the user has made an advance reservation, there will be a key 61 (generally one) associated with a user who was last authenticated as valid and whose scheduled take-out time is approaching. For Fig. 11 or Fig. 16, by displaying a display screen 121 similar to Fig. 6 to prompt the user to select the key 61, the key 61 reserved by the user who was last authenticated as valid is displayed as available for deemed take-out processing, i.e., available for sub-rental, with priority given to the user, and the user touches this. In this case, the user has been authenticated as an authorized user, and so there is a key 61 reserved for retrieval by that user, but it is in an unreturned state at the time of authentication. By displaying that key 61 in the list as a key 61 to be deemed retrieval, it is possible to prevent the deemed retrieval of an incorrect key 61, i.e., to prevent sub-rental registration.

[0122] <Modification 4> The article management device 11 is network-connected to other terminals such as a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a personal computer. <Modification 4-1> In addition, the deemed return operation performed on the operation display unit 42 can be performed on an input unit provided on another terminal. In other words, the input unit for performing the deemed return operation performed on the operation display unit 42 is provided on the network-connected terminal side. This allows the previous (sub-leasing) user who removed the key 61 to perform the deemed return operation on another terminal connected to the network during the deemed return process, eliminating the need to go to the item management device 11. In the deemed removal process, the deemed removal operation in the item management device 11 can be omitted, and the deemed removal operation can be performed in another terminal, so that the previous (subleasing) user can immediately subleasing the key 61 to the subsequent (subleasing recipient) user by going to the facility where the key 61 is to be used and performing the deemed removal operation at the facility. Therefore, it is possible to further improve usability.

[0123] <Modification 4-2> After the subleasing process, when the key 61 that is the subject of the subleasing process is actually returned to the storage unit 62, the control unit 65 transmits a notification to that effect to a terminal connected to the network. This allows, for example, the previous (subleasing) user to check the return process of the key 61 after the subleasing process on another terminal such as his / her own terminal, which increases the sense of security.

[0124] <Modification 4-3> In the case where the subleasing process is a deemed return process, when a subleasing user is designated during the deemed return process, the control unit 65 transmits a confirmation notification to a terminal connected to the network. As a result, for example, when a previous (subleasing) user designates a subsequent (subleasing) user during the deemed return process, a confirmation notification can be transmitted to the subsequent user's terminal, such as a smartphone or personal computer. In this way, if a confirmation request can be notified to the subsequent user's terminal, for example, when a confirmation completion operation is input on the subsequent user's terminal, the subsequent user of the deemed return process can be confirmed. This can prevent information input errors and fictitious subleasing by subsequent users during the deemed return process, increasing peace of mind.

[0125] These configurations and controls of the fourth modification make it easy to re-sublease after sub-leasing, making it even more convenient. In such a case, with regard to the fourth modification, when a subsequent user sub-leases the key 61 to a subsequent user, a "re-sublease notice" may be sent to the terminal of the previous user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 11...item management device, 42...operation display unit (input unit), 56...printer unit (output unit), 61...key (item), 62...storage unit, 65...control unit, 66...memory unit.

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing the items so that the items can be removed and returned; a control unit that performs a take-out process for storing related information in a storage unit when an item is taken out of the storage unit, and a return process for storing related information in the storage unit when an item is returned to the storage unit; Equipped with The control unit is performing at least one of a deemed return process in which the return of the item taken out of the storage unit is deemed to have been performed without the return of the item and related information is stored in a storage unit, and a deemed take-out process in which the take-out of the item is deemed to have been performed in a state in which the item has already been taken out of the storage unit and related information is stored in a storage unit; An input unit for selectively inputting a sublease process, The control unit performs a sublease process when a sublease process is selected and input to the input unit, The item management device is characterized in that the input unit is provided on a terminal connected to a network.

2. 2. The article management device according to claim 1, wherein when the article that is the subject of the sublease process is returned to the storage unit after the sublease process, the control unit transmits a notification to that effect to a terminal connected to a network.

3. The sublease process is a deemed return process.

3. The article management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a confirmation notification to a terminal connected to the network when a sub-renter is designated during the deemed return process.

4. a storage unit for storing the items so that the items can be removed and returned; a control unit that performs a take-out process for storing related information in a storage unit when an item is taken out of the storage unit, and a return process for storing related information in the storage unit when an item is returned to the storage unit; Equipped with The control unit is performing at least one of a deemed return process in which the return of the item taken out of the storage unit is deemed to have been performed without the return of the item and related information is stored in a storage unit, and a deemed take-out process in which the take-out of the item is deemed to have been performed in a state in which the item has already been taken out of the storage unit and related information is stored in a storage unit; Further, the device includes an authentication means for identifying a user, An item management device, characterized in that the control unit determines whether the user identified by the authentication means is able to execute the subleasing process.

5. Further, a setting means for setting an authority for a user is provided, 5. The article management device according to claim 4, wherein the setting means allows a user to set the sub-lending process to be valid or invalid.

6. a storage unit for storing the items so that the items can be removed and returned; A control unit that performs a return process for storing related information in a storage unit when an item is returned to the storage unit; Equipped with The control unit is It is possible to perform a deemed return process in which the item taken out from the storage unit is deemed to have been returned without the return of the item, and related information is stored in the storage unit, Further, the device includes an authentication means for identifying a user, An article management device, characterized in that the control unit judges whether the user identified by the authentication means is capable of executing the deemed return process.

7. Further, a setting means for setting an authority for a user is provided, 7. The article management device according to claim 6, wherein the setting means allows a user to set the deemed return process to be valid or invalid.

8. a storage unit for storing the items so that the items can be removed and returned; a control unit that performs a take-out process for storing related information in a storage unit when an item is taken out of the storage unit; Equipped with The control unit is When an item has already been removed from the storage unit, a deemed removal process can be performed in which the item is deemed to have been removed and related information is stored in the storage unit; Further, the device includes an authentication means for identifying a user, An article management device, characterized in that the control unit judges whether the user identified by the authentication means is capable of executing the assumed removal process.

9. Further, a setting means for setting an authority for a user is provided, 9. The article management device according to claim 8, wherein said setting means allows a user to set said assumed removal process to be valid or invalid.

10. The article management device according to claim 1 , further comprising an output unit capable of outputting information related to the sublease process stored in the memory unit.

Images