Server device, management terminal, management system and computer program

Abstract

To provide a server device and a management system that can easily and accurately manage the location of a mold.SOLUTION: A server device used in a management system for managing the locations of multiple molds includes: a storage device which stores a database that stores mold information for each mold, including information on a storing person, identification information for uniquely identifying each mold and the location of each mold; a communication circuit which receives information including identification information of a prescribed mold and information on the current location of the prescribed mold transmitted from a terminal; and a collation unit which collates information on the location of the prescribed mold stored in the database with the received information on the current location of the prescribed mold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Generally, industrial products are manufactured by assembling various parts. Manufacturers not only manufacture these parts themselves, but also lend a wide variety of molds to various business partners and ask them to manufacture parts. Furthermore, business partners who have received requests from manufacturers may lend the molds to yet other business partners and ask them to manufacture parts.

[0003] The molds loaned as described above are part of the assets held by the manufacturer. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the molds by knowing whether or not molds loaned to business partners exist, who currently holds them, and where the molds are located. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an asset management system that can properly manage and effectively utilize mold assets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-27312 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Manufacturers need to obtain accurate information for asset management. However, the information reported by the business partners who lend them molds sometimes differed from the actual state of the molds. For example, the location reported as the mold storage location sometimes differed from the actual storage location. Furthermore, when molds are loaned via multiple business partners, manufacturers must visit each of the lending parties to check the mold's condition, which makes reporting from the lending parties and confirmation by the manufacturer cumbersome. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server device and a management system that can easily and accurately manage the location of molds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device used in the management system for managing the locations of multiple molds disclosed herein is characterized by having a memory device that stores a database containing mold information for each mold, including information on the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and the location of each mold, a communication circuit that receives information sent from a terminal that includes identification information for a specific mold and information on the current location of the specific mold, and a comparison unit that compares the information on the location of the specific mold stored in the database with the received information on the current location of the specific mold. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A flowchart showing a process for managing molds by a server of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing a process for transmitting mold information by a mobile terminal of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing a process for verifying mold information by a server of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing a confirmation operation by a mold owner in a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an identification label of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data transmission program input unit of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a damage estimation program using a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Various modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., even if they are not within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0010] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 includes a server 10, a management terminal 20, and a mobile terminal 30. According to the management system 1 according to the present disclosure, the server 10 can obtain the current location of a mold by receiving information about the mold from the mobile terminal 30 of the person who actually stores the mold. Upon obtaining the current location of the mold, the server 10 can compare the current location information with location information previously held about the mold. Therefore, by using the management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location of the mold can be easily and accurately managed. The server 10 is a server device including an arithmetic circuit 11, a communication circuit 12, and a storage device 13.

[0011] The arithmetic circuit 11 includes a collating unit 14. The arithmetic circuit 11 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes a program to achieve a predetermined function. The arithmetic circuit 11 calls and executes an arithmetic program stored in the storage device 13, thereby performing various processes in the server 10, such as the collation process performed by the collating unit 14. The arithmetic circuit 11 is not limited to a configuration in which hardware and software cooperate to achieve a predetermined function, but may also be a hardware circuit designed specifically to achieve a predetermined function. In other words, the arithmetic circuit 11 can be implemented by various processors, such as a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, an FPGA, a DSP, an ASIC, etc. Such an arithmetic circuit 11 can be configured, for example, by a signal processing circuit that is a semiconductor integrated circuit. The hardware configurations of the collating unit 14 and the arithmetic circuits 21 and 31, which will be described later, are similar to those of the arithmetic circuit 11.

[0012] The collation unit 14 is a device that can compare information stored in the storage device 13 with other information (for example, information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 described later) and make a judgment to verify the information. The collation unit 14 can be realized by various processors, etc., similar to the arithmetic circuit 11, as described above. The collation unit 14 may be configured by the same processor, etc. as the arithmetic circuit 11.

[0013] The communication circuit 12 is an interface device for connecting to other devices via a wired or wireless communication line. The interface device can perform communication in accordance with a wired communication standard such as USB (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark). Alternatively, the interface device can perform communication in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a mobile phone line.

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

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

[0016] As described above, the arithmetic circuit 21 can be realized by various processors, etc., similar to the arithmetic circuit 11. Furthermore, the arithmetic circuit 21 realizes various processes by calling and executing arithmetic programs, etc., stored in the storage device 25, for example.

[0017] The input unit 22 is a typical computer input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and can input data, specify a position, etc. The display device 24 may be a touch panel.

[0018] The communication circuit 23 is an interface device that can be connected to other devices via a communication line, either wired or wirelessly. The interface device can perform communication in accordance with wired communication standards such as USB (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark). The interface device can also perform communication in accordance with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and mobile phone lines.

[0019] The display device 24 is a display configured of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display device 24 can display any information, such as data input by the input unit 22, data and images stored in the storage device 13 connected via the communication circuit 23, the data transmission program 16, the data confirmation program 17 described below, the damage estimation program 80, etc.

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

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

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

[0023] The imaging unit 32 is, for example, a camera equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS, and as will be described later, is capable of photographing the mold and reading the identification label 50. The captured image and information acquired by reading the identification label 50 are stored in the storage device 37.

[0024] The communication circuit 33 is an interface device capable of performing communication in accordance with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and mobile phone lines. The communication circuit 33 may further include an interface device capable of performing communication in accordance with wired communication standards such as USB (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. The mobile terminal 30 can access the server 10 using the communication circuit 33, download the data transmission program 16 to the storage device 37, and transmit images of the mold and the like to the server 10. The communication circuit 33 may have a function for communicating with an IC tag such as an RFID tag described below, and may be able to acquire information stored in the tag.

[0025] The location information acquisition unit 34 is, for example, a location acquisition device that uses a GPS (Global Positioning System) and can measure the location of the mobile terminal 30. Instead of or together with the GPS, other positioning systems such as other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) such as GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS (BeiDou Satellite Positioning System), and QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) may be used. The location information acquisition unit 34 can, for example, acquire location information of the mobile terminal 30 when the above-mentioned imaging unit 32 captures an image. The location information may be added to the image.

[0026] The input unit 35 is, for example, a touch panel provided integrally with the display device 36, and is used when operating the mobile terminal 30, using the data transmission program 16, etc. The input unit 35 can also be used to input information into the data transmission program 16, etc. This information includes, for example, the company name and the name of the person who inputs the information. Naturally, the input unit 35 may be configured so that input can be performed using physical buttons instead of a touch panel.

[0027] The display device 36 is a display configured of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display device 36 can display the image captured by the imaging unit 32, the identification label 50, information acquired by reading the identification label 50, etc.

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

[0029] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process of mold management by the server 10 of the management system according to this embodiment. Specifically, mold management by the server 10 involves receiving mold information from the mobile terminal 30 (S1), comparing the information transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 with information held by the owner by the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 (S2), and receiving a confirmation result from the owner regarding the comparison result (S3). In this specification, the "owner" refers to a person, company, etc. that owns the mold. The "custodian" refers to the first lender, which is a person, company, etc., that has entrusted the mold to the owner. The "custodian" refers to the final lender, which is a person, company, etc., that has entrusted the mold to the custodian, and refers to the person, company, etc. that actually stores the mold. The custodian may entrust the mold to the custodian via multiple persons, companies, etc. (i.e., secondary lenders, tertiary lenders, etc.). The custodian may also be the custodian. The owner can entrust the mold to one or more custodians. Similarly, the custodian can entrust the mold to one or more custodians. The processing of steps S1 to S3 will be described in detail below.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the mold information transmission process by the mobile terminal 30 in the management system 1 according to this embodiment. As a result of the process according to this flowchart, the mold information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 10, and as a result, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 executes the process of step S1 in Fig. 2. Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 3, a specific description will be given of the report of the storage of the mold by the keeper as a result of the mobile terminal 30 transmitting the mold information.

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

[0032] In order for the owner to check the mold, the custodian may be requested by the owner to report the storage status. Specifically, for example, when an inventory of molds, which are assets owned by the owner, is conducted, the owner needs to know where the molds are actually located and check the storage status with the custodian. In such a case, the custodian reports to the owner that the molds being entrusted to him / her are being stored using a data transmission program 16 on the mobile terminal 30, as shown below. Note that, as will be described in detail later, each mold has an information carrier 51 capable of carrying any information. The arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 can read the information carried on the information carrier 51 using any device, such as the imaging unit 32 or the communication circuit 33. In this embodiment, the information carrier 51 is a QR code (registered trademark) 51 that can be read by the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30. The QR code (registered trademark) 51 is printed on an identification label 50 attached to the mold. The QR code (registered trademark) 51 contains at least identification information capable of uniquely identifying the mold and information indicating the destination of the mold. The identification information is, for example, the management number of the mold provided with the identification label 50. The information indicating the destination of the mold information is, for example, an access code such as a URL for accessing the server 10.

[0033] First, the arithmetic circuit 31 reads the information carrier 51, i.e., the QR code (registered trademark) 51, using the imaging unit 32 (S10). After reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51, the arithmetic circuit 31 acquires at least the access code from the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) 51 (S11).

[0034] Upon acquiring the access code, the arithmetic circuit 31 accesses the server 10 via the communication circuit 33 and downloads the data transmission program 16 from the server 10 to the storage device 37 (S12). After downloading the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 starts the program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 may be configured to store the data transmission program 16 in advance in the storage device 37 rather than downloading it, and start the data transmission program 16 as needed. In this case, the data transmission program 16 may include an access code to the server 10. Upon starting the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 reads a QR code (registered trademark) 51 using the imaging unit 32 and acquires identification information for the mold (S13). The arithmetic circuit 31 may also acquire the identification information when reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51 to acquire the access code. Next, the arithmetic circuit 31 captures an image of the mold using the imaging unit 32 (S14). After capturing the image, the arithmetic circuit 31 stores the image in a temporary storage area temporarily provided by the data transmission program 16 in the storage device 37 (S15). Furthermore, the arithmetic circuit 31 acquires the position information at the time of image capture as the current location of the mold from the position information acquisition unit 34, and stores the position information together with the image in association with the identification information. If the arithmetic circuit 31 is unable to acquire the position information at the time of image capture, it may use the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 34 after image capture in place of the position information at the time of image capture described above.

[0035] When reporting that other molds are also stored (S16), the arithmetic circuit 31 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 of the other mold using the imaging unit 32 and acquires the identification information of the other mold. Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 images the other mold using the imaging unit 32, associates the image of the other mold with position information at the time of image capture and identification information, and stores the image in a temporary storage area provided by the data transmission program 16. When image capture, etc., for all molds to be reported has been completed, the arithmetic circuit 31 transmits data (mold information) including the mold identification information, image, and position information stored in the temporary storage area by the data transmission program 16 to the server 10 (S17). The arithmetic circuit 31 may transmit data to the server 10 each time it stores information on one surface of a mold. When transmitting to the server 10 by the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 may acquire position information of the mobile terminal 30 using the position information acquisition unit 34, and transmit the position information to the server 10. After transmitting the data to the server 10, the arithmetic circuit 31 deletes the data stored in the temporary storage area (S18). Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 deletes the data transmission program 16 from the mobile terminal 30 (S19). As described above, if the data transmission program 16 is stored in the storage device 37 in advance, the arithmetic circuit 31 may terminate the operation of the program 16 instead of deleting it.

[0036] As described above, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 can use the data transmission program 16 to transmit information about the mold stored by the keeper to the server 10. Note that step S13 is not essential and may be omitted. Also, if the storage device 37 of the mobile terminal 30 is equipped with the data transmission program 16 in advance, steps S10 and S11 may be omitted.

[0037] Next, the verification process in step S2 of Fig. 2 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the verification process by the server 10.

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

[0039] Next, the arithmetic circuit 11, in the comparison unit 14, compares the location information of the location where the mold is stored, which is stored in advance in the database 15, with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of image capture, which is included in the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 and added to the database 15. For example, this comparison is performed as described below. First, the arithmetic circuit 11 calculates the straight-line distance between the position represented by the latitude and longitude acquired as the location information stored in advance in the database 15 and the position represented by the latitude and longitude acquired as the location information at the time of image capture (S32). This straight-line distance can be obtained, for example, by calculating the square root of the sum of the square of the difference in distance in the latitudinal direction and the square of the difference in distance in the longitudinal direction between the respective positions.

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

[0041] When the determination is made, the arithmetic circuit 11 notifies the owner (for example, the owner's management terminal 20) of the match via the communication circuit 12 (S34). The arithmetic circuit 11 may notify only when it is determined that the location information stored in the database 15 differs from the reported location information, or may notify the result of the match. The arithmetic circuit 11 may also create image data for displaying each piece of location information on map data.

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

[0043] Next, the owner checks the contents reported by the custodian. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the checking work performed by the owner. As a result of performing the work described in this flowchart, the server 10 receives the result of checking the matching result by the owner, and as a result, the arithmetic circuit 11 executes the process of step S3 in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the procedure of the checking work performed by the owner based on the above-mentioned matching result will be specifically described.

[0044] First, the owner receives a notification from the server 10. If the notification indicates that the custodian has made a report on all molds in his / her possession, the owner accesses the data confirmation program 17 using the management terminal 20 (S50). The owner then checks whether there are any discrepancies in the comparison by the server 10 (S51). When the management terminal 20 accesses the data confirmation program 17, it displays the comparison results by the server 10. The management terminal 20 may also display image data for displaying each piece of location information created by the server 10 on a map. If there is a discrepancy, the owner checks whether the reason for the discrepancy is valid (S52). If there is a discrepancy, the management terminal 20 may issue a visual warning, such as by flashing at least a portion of the image data (e.g., the location indicated by each piece of location information). Alternatively, the management terminal 20 may be equipped with a speaker and issue audible warnings, such as by emitting a sound from the speaker. By operating the management terminal 20 in this manner, if there is a discrepancy in the comparison, the management terminal 20 can issue a warning to the owner.

[0045] A discrepancy may occur, for example, if the difference in distance between the location information previously stored in database 15 and the reported location information exceeds a set threshold. In this case, for example, the owner may contact the keeper of the mold for which the discrepancy in the matching results has occurred through the keeper to confirm the actual storage location of the mold. The owner may also visit the site to confirm accurate information.

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

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

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

[0049] As described above, the owner can manage the mold using the management system 1. The management system 1 according to the present disclosure can obtain the current location of the mold when reported by the custodian. Therefore, even if the custodian moves the mold and the owner of the mold is unaware of the move, the owner can use the management system 1 to collect accurate information.

[0050] The data transmission program 16 described above has a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a custodian reporting mode, an owner confirmation mode, and a storage / retrieval mode. The custodian reporting mode is a mode in which the above-described operation is performed, and in which the custodian reports the storage status of the molds in their care to the owner. This mode is activated by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51 provided on each mold with any mobile terminal 30 to obtain an access code to the server 10 and connecting to the server 10.

[0051] The owner verification mode is a mode in which the owner verifies the mold and records information on the server based on the verification results. To start the data transmission program 16 in the owner verification mode, the owner may use, for example, an information carrier (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) other than the QR code (registered trademark) 51 printed on the identification label 50 attached to the mold. In this case, the owner can use any mobile terminal 30, as in the above-described custodian report mode. The arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the information carrier to obtain an access code to the server 10. The arithmetic circuit 31 then connects to the server 10 to download and start the data transmission program 16. The operation of the data transmission program 16 in the owner verification mode is the same as in the custodian report mode. When data is sent from the data transmission program 16 in the owner verification mode, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 updates the location information previously stored in the database 15 as the storage location of the mold with the received data, without performing the above-described verification. In addition, the arithmetic circuit 11 may be configured to update the database 15 after the owner has confirmed the data using the data confirmation program 17 on the management terminal 20, rather than updating the database 15 immediately upon receiving the data.

[0052] The storage / retrieval mode is a mode used when the owner holds or lends out a mold. The storage / retrieval mode can be used, for example, when the keeper returns a mold stored by the owner to the owner, or when the owner lends out a mold stored by the owner to the keeper, to keep a record of the movement of the mold. The storage / retrieval mode can also be used when the owner stores a newly made mold or when disposing of a mold stored by the owner. The owner may store the mold on the premises of a factory or the like owned by the owner, or it may be in a contract warehouse contracted by the owner.

[0053] The data transmission program 16 in the storing / retrieving mode may be activated, for example, by using an information carrier (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) other than the QR code (registered trademark) 51 printed on the identification label 50 attached to the mold, as in the owner identification mode. As in the above-described owner identification mode, the owner can use any mobile terminal 30. The arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the information carrier to obtain an access code to the server 10. The arithmetic circuit 31 then connects to the server 10 to download and activate the data transmission program 16. A method for using the data transmission program 16 when the owner stores a mold that has been stored by the keeper will be described. When the owner receives the mold, first, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the information carrier and activates the data transmission program 16 in the storing / retrieving mode. Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 attached to the mold using the imaging unit 32 to obtain identification information. Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit 31 captures an image of the mold using the imaging unit 32, associates the image of the mold with the identification information, and stores the image in a temporary storage area provided in the storage device 37 of the mobile terminal 30 by the data transmission program 16. As in the other modes, the image may also be associated with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 that captured the image.

[0054] If there is another mold to be received, the arithmetic circuit 31 uses the imaging unit 32 to read the QR code (registered trademark) 51 of the mold to obtain the identification information of the mold, and then captures an image of the mold. The arithmetic circuit 3116 associates the image of the mold with the identification information and stores them in a temporary storage area in the storage device 37 provided by the data transmission program 16. When the above storage has been completed for all molds to be received, the arithmetic circuit 31 transmits the identification information and image of the mold stored in the temporary storage area by the data transmission program 16 to the server. The arithmetic circuit 31 may transmit data to the server 10 each time it stores information for one mold surface. After transmitting the data to the server, the arithmetic circuit 31 deletes the data stored in the temporary storage area. Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 deletes the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 30.

[0055] The same can be done when the owner lends the mold stored by the owner to the custodian, when it is discarded, when the owner stores a newly made mold, etc. By using the storage / retrieval mode in this way, it is possible to record that the owner has stored the mold, or that the stored mold has been handed over to the custodian, and it is possible to manage the mold appropriately.

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

[0057] When an owner orders a new mold, the owner places an order for the mold. The arithmetic circuit 11 registers information about the mold in the database 15 based on the order information. The mold may be ordered from the storage manager, the storer, or another person or company. Information that may be registered in the database 15 at this time includes, for example, the mold's identification information, the type of mold (e.g., resin molding, forging, press, etc.), and the parts manufactured by the mold. Examples of information that may be registered in the database will be described in detail below. Once the identification information and other information have been determined, the owner creates an identification label 50 bearing a QR code (registered trademark) 51 for the mold. Once the storer creates the mold or receives the mold from the mold manufacturer, the storer notifies the storage manager of the mold's storage location. Upon receiving the storage location information from the storer, the storage manager communicates the information to the owner. Once the owner receives the storage location information from the storer, the arithmetic circuit 21 of the management terminal 20 uses the data confirmation program 17 to register the location information of the storage location in the database 15.

[0058] The owner sends the created identification label 50 to the keeper. Upon receiving the identification label 50, the keeper attaches the identification label 50 to a newly produced mold. Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 using the imaging unit 32. Upon reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51, the arithmetic circuit 31 obtains an access code to the server 10, accesses the server 10 using the access code, downloads the data transmission program 16 from the server 10, and starts the data transmission program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 captures an image of the mold using the imaging unit 32 and saves the captured image in the data transmission program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 associates the saved image with the mold's identification information and location information at the time of image capture using the data transmission program 16, and transmits the associated image to the server 10.

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

[0060] In addition to registering newly manufactured molds in the database 15, when the storer changes the storage location of the molds, it is necessary to update the database 15. Below is an example of how to update the database 15 when the storage location of the molds is changed.

[0061] When the keeper changes the storage location of a mold, the keeper first notifies the keeper of the change in storage location of the mold and of the new storage location. The keeper then notifies the owner of the change in storage location of the mold and the new storage location. When the owner is notified of the change in storage location of the mold, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 updates the location information of the storage location of the mold stored in the database 15. After notifying the owner, the keeper moves the mold. When the keeper moves the mold, the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 reads the QR code (registered trademark) 51 of the mold at the new storage location of the mold using the imaging unit 32. This allows the arithmetic circuit 31 to obtain an access code to the server 10. After obtaining the access code, the arithmetic circuit 31 accesses the server 10 using the access code, downloads the data transmission program 16 from the storage device 13 of the server 10, and starts the data transmission program 16. When the data transmission program 16 is started, the arithmetic circuit 31 captures an image of the mold using the imaging unit 32 and saves the captured image in the data transmission program 16. The arithmetic circuit 31 associates the saved image with the mold identification information and the location information at the time of image capture using the data transmission program 16, and transmits them to the server 10.

[0062] When the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 receives the mold information from the data transmission program 16, it adds the information to the database 15. Then, the arithmetic circuit 11 causes the collating unit 14 to compare information previously stored in the database 15 with information included in the data received from the data transmission program 16 and added to the database 15. For example, as described above, the arithmetic circuit 11 collates whether or not the location information of the mold after the storage location has been changed, which is stored in the database 15, matches the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time the mold was imaged, which is reported by the keeper using the data transmission program 16. When the arithmetic circuit 11 determines to make a judgment based on the comparison, it notifies the owner of the result of the comparison.

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

[0064] The database 15 may store information such as mold identification information, mold creation date, mold use start date, owner, storage manager, storer, storer's location, location indicated by location information of the mold storage location, and latitude and longitude of the location information. The database 15 may store information such as the latitude, longitude, and date and time when the mold was imaged, the latitude, longitude, and date and time when data was transmitted, the distance difference between the location information in the database and the reported location information, and a threshold distance difference allowed by the management system 1. The database 15 may also store information such as the company name, sender name, and comments entered when reporting by the data transmission program 16, the type of mold (e.g., resin molding, forging, press, etc.), the part manufactured by the mold, and the product in which the part is used.

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

[0066] 6 and 7, an example of a method for a keeper to report mold location information and the like using the data transmission program 16, i.e., a method for transmitting mold location information and the like using the mobile terminal 30, will be described. Fig. 6 shows an example of an identification label 50 provided on a mold.

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

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

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

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

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

[0072] As described above, the identification information input unit 65 may be configured to automatically input information by reading the QR code (registered trademark) 51. The previous transmission date and time input unit 66 receives the date and time of data transmission the custodian last reported. The previous transmission date and time input unit 66 may be configured, for example, to read the QR code (registered trademark) 51 to obtain identification information, so that the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 accesses the database 15 and obtains the date and time of the previous transmission for the identification information from the database 15. Alternatively, the custodian may input information to the identification information input unit 65 and the previous transmission date and time input unit 66 using the input unit 35. As shown in FIG. 7, the data transmission program input means 60 may be provided with a comment input unit 67 in which the custodian can input any comment, or other input unit.

[0073] When the mold imaging unit 62 is selected, the arithmetic circuit 31 activates the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 via the data transmission program 16, and the imaging unit 32 can be used to capture an image of the mold. When the arithmetic circuit 31 captures an image of the mold, it stores the acquired image in the memory area described above and displays it on the mold image display unit 68. It is preferable that the image of the mold is captured so as to display at least the entire mold and the identification label 50. The mold image display unit 68 shown in FIG. 7 displays an example of the captured mold image. In this way, the data transmission program 16 acquires data to be reported from the custodian to the owner.

[0074] When the custodian wishes to report on another mold, he / she selects the temporary storage unit 69. When the temporary storage unit 69 is selected in the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 stores the acquired data in a memory area as a group of mold data that had been input up until that point, and displays the data transmission program input means 60 again on the display device 36. At this time, the custodian name input unit 63 and the sender name input unit 64 may be configured to retain the content that has already been input. Then, the arithmetic circuit 31 acquires the data on the other mold again using the method described above.

[0075] When the custodian transmits the acquired data to the server 10, he / she selects the transmission confirmation section 70. When the transmission confirmation section 70 is selected in the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 transmits the data related to each mold that has been temporarily stored in the storage area to the server 10. Before transmitting the data to the server 10, the arithmetic circuit 31 may display the temporarily stored data on the display device 36. This allows the custodian to confirm the data to be transmitted before transmission. After transmitting the data to the server 10 via the data transmission program 16, the arithmetic circuit 31 deletes the data that has been stored in the storage area and deletes the data transmission program 16 from the mobile terminal 30.

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

[0077] In the embodiment described above, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 uses the collating unit 14 to compare the location information stored in advance in the database 15 with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time the mold is imaged. However, it is also possible that the location information acquiring unit 34 is unable to acquire the location information when the mold is imaged. Therefore, the arithmetic circuit 11 may compare the location information stored in advance in the database 15 with the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of transmitting data from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 10. With this configuration, even if the mold is stored in a location where location information cannot be acquired, the storage location of the mold can be confirmed by using the location information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of transmitting data to the server 10.

[0078] In such a case, the arithmetic circuit 11 may be configured to compare the image capture date and time of the mold with the transmission date and time of the data including the image, etc., using the comparison unit 14, and to determine that the comparison result is a mismatch if there is a difference of more than a predetermined period. The predetermined period is expected to be, for example, one day or several days.

[0079] The arithmetic circuit 11 may use the collating unit 14 to compare the position information stored in advance in the database 15 with the position information of the mobile terminal 30 at the time of capturing the mold image and transmitting the data. By comparing using multiple pieces of position information in this way, the arithmetic circuit 11 can more accurately compare the storage position.

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

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

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the arithmetic circuit 31 activates the data transmission program 16, and data is transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 10 via the data transmission program 16; however, this is not limiting. For example, the management system 1 may be configured so that, when the custodian makes a report, the arithmetic circuit of an arbitrary terminal, such as a computer, can transmit data to the server 10, rather than the arithmetic circuit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 transmitting the data to the server 10. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 31 acquires data, such as an image of a mold, using the data transmission program 16, and then transfers the data to the terminal. Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit of the terminal downloads the data transmission program 16 and transmits the data to the server 10 via the program 16. The data may include location information at the time of data transmission, i.e., location information of the terminal.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the database 15 that stores various pieces of mold information is stored in the storage device 13 of the server 10, but is not limited to this. For example, the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 may obtain the above-described mold information via a network using the communication circuit 12, and transmit the mold information via the network to update the mold information. In such a case, the above-described database 15 is stored in a storage device of a computer or the like that can be accessed via a network, such as a cloud server. By configuring the server 10 in this manner, it is not necessary for the server 10 to have the database 15, and the configuration can be made simpler.

[0084] The management system 1 described above allows an owner to know the location of the molds he or she owns. Information on the location of molds can also be used for purposes other than asset management. For example, when a disaster or other event occurs, the owner can use the management system 1 according to this embodiment to quickly check which parts may be affected based on disaster risk area information, which will be described later. This allows the owner to take preventative measures, such as formulating and providing alternative plans to suppliers who may be subject to a parts supply disruption so that they can receive parts supply without disruption, thereby reducing the impact on production. Hereinafter, a method for utilizing the management system 1 when a disaster occurs will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

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

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

[0087] The disaster information selection unit 82 includes a disaster display content selection unit 84. The disaster display content selection unit 84 can select disaster information to acquire and display. Examples of disaster information include information on disaster-prone areas, such as earthquakes, landslides, river flooding, floods, tsunamis, power outages, and traffic disruptions, which may be announced or provided by the national or local government. For example, the disaster information displayed in FIG. 8 is the earthquake that occurred on December 21, 2020, with its epicenter off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture. This disaster information can be acquired via the communication circuit 12 and displayed as data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The disaster display content selection unit 84 may be configured to select one of the above-mentioned disaster information items, such as earthquakes and river flooding, or a combination of multiple disaster information items. As shown in FIG. 8, the damage estimation program 80 can display information on areas included in the provided disaster information on the map display unit 81. Furthermore, the damage estimation program 80 can display, for example, roads or railway lines that are closed, or locations that are closed due to traffic disruptions, on the map display unit 81. When the disaster display content selection unit 84 selects information related to an earthquake, the disaster information selection unit 82 may further include a display range selection unit 85. The display range selection unit 85 can, for example, display areas where a seismic intensity of a predetermined magnitude or greater has occurred on the map display unit 81. In FIG. 8, the display range selection unit 85 has selected areas where a seismic intensity of 4 or greater has occurred to be displayed on the map displayed on the map display unit 81.

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

[0089] The maximum seismic intensity of the earthquake displayed in the damage estimation program 80 shown in FIG. 8 is a seismic intensity of 5-lower. The display range selection unit 85 is set to display seismic intensity 4 or higher. Therefore, the map display unit 81 displays areas on the displayed map where seismic intensity 4 and seismic intensity 5-lower were observed. The map display unit 81 also displays mold storage facilities, etc. Therefore, the damage estimation program 80 can visually and easily display what facilities may have been affected by the disaster. The damage estimation program 80 may be configured to display molds owned by potentially affected facilities, parts supplied by those molds, and products manufactured using those parts. This configuration allows the owner to quickly identify molds, parts, products, etc. that may be affected by the disaster, which can be useful in considering disaster responses, such as developing alternative plans for supplying those parts.

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

[0091] The management system 1 according to this embodiment may further include a calculation unit in the arithmetic circuit 11 of the server 10 that calculates the amount of fixed asset tax to be paid to the local government where the mold is stored. The calculation unit may be implemented, for example, by various processors, similar to the arithmetic circuit 11. The calculation unit may also be configured by the same processor as the arithmetic circuit 11. The management system 1 according to this embodiment uses location information captured by the imaging unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 when the mold is captured by the custodian, thereby accurately identifying the local government where the mold is stored. Therefore, the arithmetic circuit 11 can accurately identify the local government to which the fixed asset tax for the mold is to be paid by referencing the database 15 via the calculation unit. Furthermore, the owner can use the management system 1 to accurately identify the local government to which the fixed asset tax for the mold is to be paid.

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

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

[0094] (Mode 1) A server device used in a management system for managing the locations of multiple molds has a memory device that stores a database containing mold information for each mold, including information on the custodian, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and the location of each mold, a communication circuit that receives information sent from a terminal that includes identification information for a specific mold and information on the current location of the specific mold, and a comparison unit that compares the information on the location of the specific mold stored in the database with the received information on the current location of the specific mold.

[0095] This allows the server device to compare information about a specific mold transmitted from a terminal with information about the specific mold previously stored in the database, thereby making it possible to reliably confirm whether the information registered in the database about the specific mold matches the newly transmitted information.

[0096] (Mode 2) In the server device of Mode 1, the communication circuit further receives information on an image of the specified mold from the terminal, and the information on the current location of the specified mold may be location information of the terminal that captured the image of the specified mold.

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

[0098] (Mode 3) In the server device of Mode 2, the information stored in the database may include images of each of the molds, and the comparison unit may compare the stored image of the specified mold with the captured image of the specified mold.

[0099] This allows the server device to check not only the location information but also whether the mold associated with the recognition information, which is pre-stored in the database, is the same mold as the mold related to the transmitted information.

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

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

[0102] (Aspect 5) In the server device of any one of aspects 1 to 4, the comparison unit may generate image data for displaying on a map the location represented by the location information of the specified mold stored in the database and the location represented by the received current location information of the specified mold.

[0103] This allows the server device to create data to easily confirm whether the current location of a specified mold sent from a terminal matches the location of the specified mold stored in the database.

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

[0105] This allows the server device to calculate the distance difference between the current location of a specified mold sent from a terminal and the location of the specified mold stored in the database, and can easily determine whether the current location and the location match based on the distance difference.

[0106] (Aspect 7) In the server device of aspect 6, the comparison unit may notify the owner of the specified mold when it compares the location represented by the location information of the specified mold stored in the database with the location represented by the received current location information of the specified mold.

[0107] This allows the server device to notify the owner of a specified mold that it has checked whether the current location of the specified mold sent from a terminal matches the current location of the specified mold stored in the database, and the owner can check the check result.

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

[0109] This allows the server device to easily determine, based on a threshold, whether the location of a specific mold transmitted from a terminal matches the current location of the specific mold stored in the database, and also allows the owner to easily know if there is a mismatch in the comparison results.

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

[0111] This allows the management terminal to display on its display device image data created by the server device, which shows the current location of a specific mold sent from a certain terminal and the location of the specific mold stored in the database, thereby allowing the owner of the specific mold using the management terminal to easily confirm the positional relationship between the current location and the location.

[0112] (Embodiment 10) The management terminal has a display device that displays the result of the collation performed by the collation unit of any one of embodiments 6 to 8.

[0113] This allows the management terminal to display on the display device the result of the server device matching the current location of a specific mold transmitted from a certain terminal with the location of the specific mold stored in the database, thereby allowing the owner of the specific mold using the management terminal to easily check the result of matching the current location with the location.

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

[0115] This allows the management terminal to issue a visually or audibly recognizable warning when the server device finds a mismatch in the comparison result, so that the owner of the specified mold using the management terminal can easily confirm that the comparison result between the current location and the location does not match.

[0116] (Mode 12) The management system includes a server device of any one of modes 1 to 8 and an optional terminal, and the mold has an information carrier that holds information indicating the destination of the mold information and can be read by the terminal, and the terminal reads the information carrier, obtains the information indicating the destination, and transmits the mold information to the server device.

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

[0118] (Mode 13) In the server device of any one of modes 1 to 8, the communication circuit may receive disaster occurrence information regarding an occurring disaster, and extract from the database the molds that are located within a predetermined range of the disaster area indicated by the disaster occurrence information.

[0119] This allows the server device to properly identify facilities storing molds that may have been affected in the event of a disaster, thereby identifying parts that may be affected in production due to the disaster and allowing appropriate consideration of countermeasures.

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

[0121] This allows us to narrow down the target to facilities that may have been affected by the disaster, allowing us to consider more appropriate measures.

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

[0123] This makes it possible to accurately and easily calculate the local government to which fixed asset tax should be paid and the amount of tax to be paid to that local government.

[0124] (Mode 16) A server device used in a management system for managing the locations of multiple molds has a communication circuit connectable to a network, and the communication circuit acquires mold information for each mold via the network, including the keeper, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and information about the location of each mold, and receives information sent from a terminal, including identification information for a specific mold and information about the current location of the specific mold, and the server device further has a comparison unit that compares the information about the location of the specific mold acquired via the network with the received information about the current location of the specific mold.

[0125] This allows the server device to compare information about a specific mold transmitted from a terminal with information about the specific mold that can be obtained via the network, thereby making it possible to reliably confirm whether the information about the specific mold obtained via the network matches the newly transmitted information.

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

[0127] The management system described in the present disclosure is realized by the cooperation of hardware resources, such as a processor and memory, and software resources (computer programs). [Industrial Applicability]

[0128] According to the management system of the present disclosure, mold assets can be managed easily and accurately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1 Management System 10 Servers 12 Communication Circuits 13 Storage device 14. Matching Unit 15 Databases 16 Data transmission program 17 Data verification program 20 Management terminal 30 Mobile Devices 32 Imaging unit 33 Communication Circuit 34 Location information acquisition unit 37 Storage device 50 Recognition Labels 51 QR Code (registered trademark)

Claims

1. A server device used in a management system that manages the locations of multiple molds, a storage device that stores a database storing mold information including, for each mold, a first custodian that manages the plurality of molds, one or more second custodians that store at least a portion of the plurality of molds, identification information that uniquely identifies each mold, and information on the location of each mold; a communication circuit for receiving information transmitted from a terminal, the information including information on the second keeper, identification information of a specific mold among the plurality of molds stored by the second keeper, and information on the current location of the specific mold; and a calculation circuit having a collating unit that collates the information on the second custodian and the information on the location of the specified mold stored in the database with the received information on the second custodian and the information on the current location of the specified mold, The arithmetic circuit notifies the first custodian of information regarding the matching result, The arithmetic circuit receives disaster occurrence information regarding a disaster that has occurred via the communication circuit, and extracts from the database the molds that are present within a predetermined range from the disaster area indicated by the disaster occurrence information.

2. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein when the disaster is an earthquake, the predetermined range is determined by the magnitude of the earthquake that has occurred.

Images