Reception management apparatus, reception management method and computer program product

In a reception management apparatus, when a print button is operated after scheduled visitor information is selected, a badge ID representing print number is assigned to the selected scheduled visitor information and thereby print data of an entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information is created and output to a printer. At the same time, the badge ID is assigned to and displayed in the scheduled visitor information in the appointment list display window. Further, when a shared button is operated after the scheduled visitor information is selected, the badge ID representing print number is assigned to the selected scheduled visitor information and thereby print data of the entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information is created and output to the printer. At the same time, the personal information corresponding to the scheduled visitor information is stored in the entry-permitted list as entry-permitted visitor information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-333966, filed on Dec. 26, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a reception management apparatus, a reception management method and a computer program product for managing a visitor's entry into a facility at a reception of the facility.

BACKGROUND

There is a device for issuing a personal identification card that is installed at a reception of a building. Such a device is configured to write a visitor's personal information onto a magnetic recording portion of a paper card and the like, based on pre-entered information or information entered at the reception. Then, the device prints necessary visible information on the surface of such a card and issues as a personal identification card.

SUMMARY

The disclosure has been made to provide a reception management apparatus, a reception management method and a computer program product for assuredly preventing printing of an entry pass at a reception if the entry pass has been already printed.

To achieve the purpose of the disclosure, there is provided a reception management apparatus comprising: a print data output unit that outputs, to a printer, print data of an entry pass which permits entry to a facility; a personal information input device through which personal information for identifying a scheduled visitor to the facility is inputted; an entry appointment storage unit that stores, in an appointment list, the personal information inputted through the personal information input device as scheduled visitor information with respect to the scheduled visitor to the facility; a window display device that displays, in a display screen, an input window which is used in inputting the personal information and an appointment list display window which shows by list the scheduled visitor information stored in the appointment list; a scheduled visitor information select device that is used in selecting one scheduled visitor information from among the scheduled visitor information shown in the appointment list display window; a button arrangement unit that arranges, in the display screen, a print button which is used in inputting a print instruction and a shared button which is used in simultaneously inputting the print instruction and a storage instruction to an entry-permitted list; an input device that is used in carrying out an input operation; a badge ID display control unit that, in a case where the print button is operated using the input device after the scheduled visitor information is selected using the scheduled visitor information select device, assigns a badge ID representing print number to the scheduled visitor information selected using the scheduled visitor information select device to thereby create the print data of the entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information and output to the printer, and simultaneously displays the badge ID assigned in the scheduled visitor information displayed in the appointment list display window; and a shared button control unit that, in a case where the shared button is operated using the input device after the scheduled visitor information is selected using the scheduled visitor information select device, assigns the badge ID representing print number to the scheduled visitor information selected using the scheduled visitor information select device to thereby create the print data of the entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information and output to the printer, and simultaneously stores, in the entry-permitted list, the personal information corresponding to the scheduled visitor information as entry-permitted visitor information with respect to an entry-permitted visitor to the facility.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a reception management method comprising: a personal information input step of inputting personal information for identifying a scheduled visitor to a facility; an entry appointment storage step of storing, in an appointment list, the personal information inputted in the personal information input step as scheduled visitor information with respect to the scheduled visitor to the facility; a window display step of displaying, in a display screen, an appointment list display window which shows by list the scheduled visitor information stored in the appointment list; a scheduled visitor information select step of selecting one scheduled visitor information from among the scheduled visitor information shown in the appointment list display window in the window display step; a button arrangement step of arranging, in the display screen, a print button which is used in inputting a print instruction and a shared button which is used in simultaneously inputting the print instruction and a storage instruction to an entry-permitted list; a badge ID display control step of, in a case where the print button is operated using an input device that is used in carrying out an input operation after the scheduled visitor information is selected in the scheduled visitor information select step, assigning a badge ID representing print number to the scheduled visitor information selected in the scheduled visitor information select step to thereby create print data of an entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information and output to the printer, and simultaneously displays the badge ID assigned in the scheduled visitor information displayed in the appointment list display window; and a shared button control step of, in a case where the shared button is operated using the input device after the scheduled visitor information is selected in the scheduled visitor information select step, assigning the badge ID representing print number to the scheduled visitor information selected in the scheduled visitor information select step to thereby create the print data of the entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information and output to the printer, and simultaneously storing, in the entry-permitted list, the personal information corresponding to the scheduled visitor information as entry-permitted visitor information with respect to an entry-permitted visitor to the facility.

According to yet another object of the disclosure, there is provided a computer program product used and executed by a reception management apparatus comprising: a computer readable recording medium; and a computer program stored in the computer readable recording medium, wherein the computer program includes: a personal information input step of inputting personal information for identifying a scheduled visitor to a facility; an entry appointment storage step of storing, in an appointment list, the personal information inputted in the personal information input step as scheduled visitor information with respect to the scheduled visitor to the facility; a window display step of displaying, in a display screen, an input window which is used in inputting the personal information and an appointment list display window which shows by list the scheduled visitor information stored in the appointment list; a scheduled visitor information select step of selecting one scheduled visitor information from among the scheduled visitor information shown in the appointment list display window in the window display step; a button arrangement step of arranging, in the display screen, a print button which is used in inputting a print instruction and a shared button which is used in simultaneously inputting the print instruction and a storage instruction to an entry-permitted list; a badge ID display control step of, in a case where the print button is operated using an input device that is used in carrying out an input operation after the scheduled visitor information is selected in the scheduled visitor information select step, assigning a badge ID representing print number to the scheduled visitor information selected in the scheduled visitor information select step to thereby create print data of an entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information and output to the printer, and simultaneously displays the badge ID assigned in the scheduled visitor information displayed in the appointment list display window; and a shared button control step of, in a case where the shared button is operated using the input device after the scheduled visitor information is selected in the scheduled visitor information select step, assigning the badge ID representing print number to the scheduled visitor information selected in the scheduled visitor information select step to thereby create the print data of the entry pass associated with the scheduled visitor information and output to the printer, and simultaneously storing, in the entry-permitted list, the personal information corresponding to the scheduled visitor information as entry-permitted visitor information with respect to an entry-permitted visitor to the facility

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of a badge printing system embodying the disclosure will now be given referring to the accompanying drawings. The badge printing system is installed at a reception of a facility, such as a factory and a building, and creates a badge to be used as an entry pass for a visitor to the facility.

First, a schematic configuration of a badge printing system1according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 1, a badge printing system1according to the present embodiment includes a computer2given as one example of a reception management apparatus such as a note-book type personal computer, and a tape printer3to be connected to the computer2through a signal cable K1.

The computer2has a CCD camera4, a display5such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display, a keyboard6, a Floppy (trademark) disk drive (FDD)8and a CD-R/W9in an integrated manner, and a hard disk drive (HDD)49(seeFIG. 4) built therein. Further, a mouse7is connected to the computer2. It is to be noted that the mouse7may be replaced with a joystick, a track ball and the like. The CD-R/W9may also be replaced with an MO drive, a DVD drive and the like.

Next, a schematic configuration of a tape printer3will be described based onFIG. 2andFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, a tape printer3includes a main body11made of resin, a rolled sheet holder12, a rolled sheet holder housing part13and a top cover14. The rolled sheet holder housing part13houses the rolled sheet holder12having rolled sheet12A of a predetermined width wound thereon. The top cover14is made of a transparent resin and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape in side view, being fixed to a rear upper edge part of the tape printer3. The top cover14is configured to be freely opened and closed so as to cover the upper side of the rolled sheet holder housing part13.

Further, below the rolled sheet holder housing part13, there is provided, through a partition wall39, a control board40on which a control circuit and the like is formed to control driving of mechanisms such as a thermal head32in response to commands from the computer2.

Next, the circuit configuration of the computer2which constitutes the badge printing system1will be explained while referring toFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 4, the computer2has a CPU41, a ROM42, a RAM43, an input/output interface (I/F)44, a communication interface (I/F)45, a Floppy (trademark) disk controller (FDC)46, a Floppy (trademark) disk drive (FDD)8, a hard disk controller (HDC)48, a hard disk drive (HDD)49, a display controller50, a display5, a keyboard6, a CCD camera4, a modem51and the like.

The CPU41, the ROM42, the RAM43, the input/output interface (I/F)44, the communication interface (I/F)45and the modem51are interconnected through a bus line52, whereby data is exchanged. To the input/output I/F44, the FDD8is connected through the FDC46that controls driving of the FDD8, and the HDD49is connected through the HDC48that controls driving of the HDD49. The display5is also connected to the input/output I/F44through the display controller50that controls driving of the display5. A telephone line53is connected to the modem51.

Additionally, the CCD camera4, the keyboard6, the mouse7and the CD-R/W drive9are connected to the input/output I/F44. The CCD camera4is used for taking a picture of a visitor. The keyboard6is used for entering characters and symbols. The mouse7is used for entering the coordinates on the display screen of the display5. The CD-R/W drive9is used for writing and reading into/from a CD-ROM56various kinds of application software such as reception management software which performs creating of data for printing a badge or management of visitor to a facility by displaying an input window for inputting personal information and the like of a visitor or an appointment list display window for displaying the list of scheduled visitors (visitors scheduled to enter a facility), as will be described later.

Also, the display5is connected to the input/output I/F44through the display controller50. The display5displays the input window91(seeFIG. 7) for inputting personal information and the like of a visitor as will be described later, the appointment list display window93(seeFIG. 7) for displaying the list of scheduled visitors (visitors scheduled to enter a facility) stored in the appointment list, and the like.

Further, the communication I/F45is constituted by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and the tape printer3is connected thereto through a USB connector not shown and the signal cable K1.

The CPU41controls the entire badge printing system1, and manages all data concerning the operation of the badge printing system1. The ROM42stores a startup program for booting the computer2to start up the CPU41upon being powered on, similarly to general note-book type personal computers.

The RAM43temporarily stores different types of data when the CPU41performs various kinds of control. The RAM43has a template storage area43A and a label data storage area43B. The template storage area43A stores a template used for layout of print data on a badge, i.e., a print area of the rolled sheet12A. The print data includes a badge ID as an issuance number which represents a print number, a visitor's name, company name, visit date, a photograph of the visitor, the department to visit, the name of contact person and the like. The label data storage area43B stores label template data to be transmitted to the tape printer3, and label print data including name and the like of a visitor entered with the keyboard6.

The HDD49also has a management list storage area49A for storing an appointment list92(seeFIG. 7), an entry-permitted list (signed-in list)105(seeFIG. 10) and an exit-permitted list (signed-out list) not shown. The appointment list92manages visitors who have visiting appointments. The entry-permitted list (signed-in list)105manages the information on visitors who are permitted to enter the facility. The exit-permitted list (signed-out list) manages the record of the visitors who exited from the facility.

Further, various kinds of print data are stored in the Floppy (trademark) disk (FD)55which is to be freely inserted in or removed from the FDD8.

Next, the circuit configuration of the tape printer3which constitutes the badge printing system1will be explained while referring toFIG. 5.

As shown inFIG. 5, a control circuit70formed on the control board40of the tape printer3has a CPU71, a CG (character generator) ROM72, a ROM73, a flash memory (EEPROM)74, a RAM75, an input/output interface (I/F)76, a communication interface (I/F)77and the like. The CPU71, CGROM72, ROM73, flash memory74, RAM75, input/output interface (I/F)76and the communication interface (I/F)77are interconnected through a bus line78, whereby data is exchanged.

The CGROM72stores dot pattern data corresponding to individual characters. The dot pattern data is read out from the CGROM72and a dot pattern is printed on the thermal sheet of the rolled sheet12A based on that dot pattern data.

The ROM73stores various types of programs, such as a label creating process program of the non-fixed length rolled sheet12A, required to control the tape printer3. The ROM73stores the types of rolled sheet12A and the material of the thermal sheet of the rolled sheet12A, corresponding to the respective 6-bit codes that were inputted from the sheet discrimination sensors P1through P6. Further, the ROM73stores the dimensions of the die cut label for each die cut.

The CPU71serves to execute various operations in accordance with the various programs stored in the ROM73. The ROM73stores outline data related to individual large numbers of characters, such as letters, for defining outlines of the characters. The characters of the outline data are classified into units of a typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, or the like) and stored in correlation to code data. The dot pattern data is extracted to a print buffer75A in accordance with the outline data.

The flash memory74serves to store dot pattern data such as extended character data received from an external computer2etc. and dot pattern data such as various types of drawing pattern data, which have been allocated registration numbers. The flash memory74retains the stored contents even when the power of the tape printer3is OFF.

The RAM75temporarily stores results of various operations performed by the CPU71. In the RAM75are provided various types of memories such as a print buffer75A and a work area75B or the like. The print buffer75A stores print dot patterns such as a plurality of characters and symbols and the number of applied pulses representing the energy amount for creating the dots, as dot pattern data. The thermal head32(seeFIG. 3) carries out dot printing in accordance with dot pattern data stored in the print buffer75A.

The input/output I/F76is connected to the sheet discrimination sensors P1through P6, a drive circuit81, a drive circuit83, a drive circuit85, etc. The drive circuit81is used for driving the thermal head32. The drive circuit83is used for driving the sheet feed motor82which causes a platen roller35(seeFIG. 3) to rotate. The drive circuit85is used for driving a cutting motor84(seeFIG. 3) that operates the vertical movement of a movable blade17B (seeFIG. 3).

The communication I/F77is connected to the USB connector, and to an external computer2through a signal cable K1, allowing interactive data communications therewith. Accordingly, the CPU71creates a badge (entry pass) on which the name of visitor, the name of department to visit and the like are printed, based on a print instruction command and print data transmitted from the CPU41of the computer2.

Next, a reception management process for carrying out an entry/exit management process for managing entry/exit of a visitor to/from a facility and a print control of a scheduled visitor's badge, which is executed by the CPU41of the computer2in the badge printing system1having the above configuration will be described, based onFIG. 6throughFIG. 16.

The program shown as S11through S16in the flowchart ofFIG. 6is stored in the HDD49or the ROM42at the time of factory shipment, and thereby installed in the computer2. Otherwise, a CD-ROM56which records such program is read by the CD-R/W9, and the read program is loaded onto the HDD49and installed in the computer2. The CPU41executes the reception management process when the reception management software is started through the keyboard6or the mouse7.

As shown inFIG. 6, at step (hereinafter referred to as “S”)11, the CPU41of the computer2displays a reception screen95on the display screen of the display5. The reception screen95displays an input window91(seeFIG. 7) for inputting personal information of a visitor such as a title (for instance, job title), full name, company name, contact person of a department to visit and the like, and an appointment list display window93(seeFIG. 7) which shows an appointment list (seeFIG. 7) of scheduled visitors (visitors scheduled to enter a facility).

Here, one example of the reception screen95will be described based onFIG. 7.

As shown inFIG. 7, the CPU41displays, at the substantial right half portion of the display screen of the display5, the input window91for inputting personal information such as full name, company name and the like of a visitor, purpose of visit, department to visit, name of a contact person and the like. At the substantial left half portion of the display screen of the display5, the CPU41displays the appointment list display window93to show the appointment list92of scheduled visitors (visitors scheduled to enter a facility), which is stored in the management list storage area49A of the HDD49.

The input window91also displays a personal information input area91A and whereunder a host information input area91B. The personal information input area91A is used for inputting a photograph of visitor taken by the CCD camera4, title (such as job title), full name, company name, identification card number of a visitor, estimated arrival time, estimated departure date, purpose of visit, destination, and message. The host information input area91B is used for inputting a contact person, the contact person's department and contact phone number.

Additionally, below the host information input area91B, there are displayed a preview button97, a print-badge button98, and a print-vehicle-pass button99, which are each rectangular and long sideways and are aligned in a horizontal direction. Further, a shared button101of rectangular and long sideways is displayed below these three buttons97,98and99, extending throughout the entire width of the three buttons97,98and99in a horizontal direction. Above the personal information input area91A, an appointment button102is displayed which is used for instructing to store the inputted information into the appointment list92.

The appointment list92stores scheduled visitor information (information on visitor scheduled to enter a facility) associated with each scheduled visitor. The scheduled visitor information includes badge ID representing issuance number of badge (print number), estimated arrival time, visitor's name, company name, contact person, contact person's department, contact phone number, department to visit, purpose of visit, estimated departure date, message and identification card number. This appointment list92is shown in the appointment list display window93. The data of scheduled visitors of the appointment list92are sorted by estimated arrival time.

In the appointment list display window93, there is arranged a display switch field103for instructing to display, instead of the appointment list92, an entry-permitted list105(seeFIG. 10) or an exit-permitted list which are stored in the management list storage area49A of the HDD49.

Accordingly, by clicking the display switch field103with the mouse7to select the text “entry-permitted (signed-in)”, a user can switch the display to an entry-permitted list display window106(seeFIG. 10) which shows the entry-permitted list105. Also, the user can switch the display to a not-shown exit-permitted list display window which shows a not-shown exit-permitted list by clicking the display switch field103with the mouse7to select the text “exit-permitted (signed-out)”.

Then, as shown inFIG. 6, at S12, the CPU41displays the text “sign in and print badge” on the shared button101. Accordingly, the CPU41notifies the user that the user can click the shared button101with the mouse7as will be described later to thereby instruct to create a badge (entry pass) related to the scheduled visitor information (information on visitor scheduled to enter a facility) selected from the appointment list92with the mouse7, and at the same time to store this scheduled visitor information in an entry-permitted list105. The entry-permitted list105holds the scheduled visitor information as entry-permitted visitor information and is stored in the management list storage area49A.

Next, at S13, the CPU41carries out sub-processes of a “button change process” (seeFIG. 8) for changing the display of the shared button101, as will be described later, and the function allocated thereto.

Thereafter, at S14, the CPU41carries out sub-processes of an “entry/exit management process” to be described later (seeFIG. 12).

Then, at S15, the CPU41carries out a judgment process for judging whether or not the text of the shared button101is “sign in and print badge”. If the text of the shared button101is “sign in and print badge” (S15: YES), the CPU41carries out the processes following S13once again.

On the other hand, if the text of the shared button101is not “sign in and print badge” (S15: NO), the CPU41changes the text of the shared button101to “sign in and print badge” and then carries out the processes following S13once again.

Next, sub-processes of the “button change process” carried out by the CPU41at above-described S13will be described, with reference toFIG. 8throughFIG. 10.

First, at S111as shown inFIG. 8, the CPU41judges whether or not any personal information has been selected from the appointment list92, entry-permitted list105or exit-permitted list displayed in the reception screen95by clicking with the mouse7.

Then, if any personal information in the appointment list92, entry-permitted list105or exit-permitted list displayed in the reception screen95is not clicked with the mouse7, i.e., not selected (S111: NO), the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow to process S14of the main flowchart.

On the other hand, if any personal information has been selected from the appointment list92, entry-permitted list105or exit-permitted list displayed in the reception screen95by clicking with the mouse7(S111: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S112. At S112, the CPU41judges whether or not the personal information has been selected from the appointment list92displayed in the reception screen95by clicking with the mouse7.

If the personal information has been selected from the appointment list92displayed in the reception screen95by clicking with the mouse7(S112: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S113. At S113, the CPU41reads out scheduled visitor information of the visitor scheduled to enter the facility (scheduled visitor), which has been selected from the appointment list92by clicking with the mouse7, and displays the information in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the input window91. Then, the CPU41judges whether or not a “badge ID” representing the issuance number of the badge (print number), specifically, if the “badge ID” displayed in the appointment list92is “0”.

If the “badge ID” of the read out scheduled visitor information, which represents the issuance number of the badge (print number), is “0” (S113: NO), the CPU41judges that a badge ID has not been assigned to the scheduled visitor, i.e., the badge (entry pass) of the scheduled visitor has not been printed. Then, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow to the process S14of the main flowchart.

At this time, accordingly, the text of the shared button101still shows “sign in and print badge” (seeFIG. 7).

On the other hand, if the “badge ID” of the read out scheduled visitor information, which represents the issuance number of the badge (print number) is not “0” (S113: YES), the CPU41judged that a badge ID has been assigned to the scheduled visitor, i.e., the badge (entry pass) of the scheduled visitor has been already printed. Then, the CPU41shifts the flow to process S114.

At S114, the CPU41changes the text of the shared button101from “sign in and print badge” to “sign in” which means instructing to store the scheduled visitor information of the scheduled visitor into the entry-permitted list105. Then, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow to the process S14of the main flowchart.

In accordance with the change of the text of the shared button101to “sign in”, the shared button101functions as a “permit-entry button” for instructing to store scheduled visitor information in the entry-permitted list105.

Here, with reference toFIG. 9, an example will be described in which the text of the shared button101is changed from “sign in and print badge” to “sign in”.

As shown inFIG. 9, when a pointer115is moved over scheduled visitor information in the appointment list92and clicked with the mouse7, the CPU41reads out the scheduled visitor information selected by clicking with the mouse7and displays the information in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the input window91. In this example, the “badge ID” representing the issuance number of the badge (print number) in the appointment list92is “001”. Thus, it is judged that the badge (entry pass) of the scheduled visitor has been already printed first.

Then, the CPU41changes the text of the shared button101to “sign in”, which means instructing to store the scheduled visitor information of the scheduled visitor into the entry-permitted list105. Accordingly, by clicking the shared button101with the mouse7, a user can add the scheduled visitor information to the entry-permitted list105as entry-permitted visitor information, without printing a badge.

On the other hand, at S112as shown inFIG. 8, if personal information has not been selected from the appointment list92which is displayed in the reception screen95(S112: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S115. At S115, the CPU41judges whether or not personal information in the entry-permitted list (hereinafter referred to as “signed-in list”)105displayed in the reception screen95has been selected by clicking with the mouse7.

If personal information has not been selected from the signed-in list105displayed in the reception screen95(S115: NO), the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S14of the main flowchart.

Thus, the text of the shared button101still shows “sign in and print badge” (seeFIG. 7).

On the other hand, if personal information has been selected from the signed-in list105displayed in the reception screen95(S115: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S116. At S116, the CPU41changes the text of the shared button101from “sign in and print badge” to “sign out”, which means instructing to store the selected personal information into the exit-permitted list. Then, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S14of the main flowchart.

Here, with reference toFIG. 10, an example will be explained in which the text of the shared button101is changed from “sign in and print badge” to “sign out”.

The signed-in list105is displayed when a user selects “entry-permitted (signed-in)” by clicking the display switch field103with the mouse7. Then, as shown inFIG. 10, when the user moves the pointer115over the entry-permitted visitor information and click the mouse7, the CPU41reads out the visitor information selected by clicking with the mouse7and displays the information in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the input window91.

Then, the CPU41changes the text of the shared button101from “sign in and print badge” to “sign out”, which means instructing to store the selected personal information into the exit-permitted list. Accordingly, by clicking the shared button101with the mouse7, the user can add the entry-permitted visitor information to the exit-permitted list as exit-permitted visitor information.

Next, sub-processes of the “entry/exit management process” carried out by CPU41at the above-described S14will be described, with reference toFIG. 11throughFIG. 15.

First, at S211as shown inFIG. 11, after the pointer115is moved over an appointment button102displayed in the reception screen95, the CPU41judges whether or not the mouse7has been clicked, i.e., the appointment button102has been selected.

If the appointment button102has been selected (S211: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S212.

At S212, the CPU41stores information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the input window91in the appointment list92so as to retain as scheduled visitor information. Then, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process of S15of the main flowchart. It is to be noted that, since a badge (entry pass) is not printed, a badge ID representing the issuance number of the badge (print number) is set to “0” with respect to the scheduled visitor information, which means that a badge ID is not assigned.

Here, an example will be described in which the appointment button102has been selected, with reference toFIG. 13.

As shown inFIG. 13, a user first inputs, in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the input window91, visitor's title (such as job title), full name, company name, identification card number, estimated arrival time, estimated departure date, purpose of visit, destination, message, contact person, contact person's department and telephone number of the department. Then, the user moves the pointer115over the appointment button102and clicks the mouse7.

Thereafter, the CPU41retains the information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the input window91as scheduled visitor information, by storing the information into the appointment list92in the management list storage area49A. Then, the CPU41reads out this appointment list92from the management list storage area49A and displays in the appointment list display window93. It is to be noted, since a badge (entry pass) has not been printed, the CPU41displays the letter “-” in the badge ID of the scheduled visitor information in the appointment list92to be displayed in the appointment list display window93. The letter “-” represents that the badge ID has not been assigned to the scheduled visitor information.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 11, if the appointment button102has not been selected (S211: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S213. At5213, after the pointer115has been moved over the print-badge button98displayed in the reception screen95, the CPU41judges whether or not the mouse7has been clicked, i.e., the print-badge button98has been selected or not.

If the print-badge button98has been selected (S213: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S214. At S214, the CPU41carries out sub-processes of the “badge printing process” (seeFIG. 12) and then shifts the flow to process S215.

Here, the sub-processes of the “badge printing process” will be described with reference toFIG. 12.

First, at311as shown inFIG. 12, the CPU41reads out a “badge ID” from the RAM43which is used as a count value for counting the number of issued badges (entry passes).

Next, at S312, the CPU41reads out time information from a not-shown timer and judges whether or not the date has been changed. It is to be noted that the computer2has a built-in timer for keeping time, which is not shown.

If the date has not been changed (S312: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S314to be described later.

On the other hand, if the date has been changed (S312: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S313. At S313, the CPU41assigns “0” to the “badge ID” read from the RAM43and stores in the RAM43.

Next, at S314, the CPU41reads out the “badge ID” from the RAM43, adding “1” to this “badge ID” to store in the RAM43once again.

Subsequently, at S315, the CPU41reads out the “badge ID” from the RAM43, and thereafter judges whether this badge ID matches any of “badge ID” of the scheduled visitor information in the appointment list92stored in the management list storage area49A. In other words, the CPU41judges whether the “badge ID” read out from the RAM43exists in the appointment list92.

Then, if the “badge ID” read out from the RAM43exists in the appointment list92(S315: YES), the CPU41carries out the processes following the process S314once again.

If the “badge ID” read out from the RAM43does not exist in the appointment list92(S315: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S316.

At S316, if the personal information in the appointment list92shown in the appointment list display window93has not been selected with the mouse7, the CPU41assigns thus-obtained “badge ID” to the information entered in the personal information input area91A and host information input area91B of the input window91, thereby creating label print data for scheduled visitor information and storing into the RAM43. On the other hand, if the personal information in the appointment list92shown in the appointment list display window93has been selected with the mouse7, the CPU41assigns thus-obtained “badge ID” to the selected personal information in the appointment list92, thereby creating label print data for the scheduled visitor information and storing into the RAM43.

More specifically, the CPU41reads out, from the template storage area43A, the template selected by the user in advance. According to this template, the CPU41arranges, in a print area, the respective personal information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the reception screen95or the selected personal information in the appointment list92, and the “badge ID” read out from the RAM43. In this manner, the CPU41creates label print data and stores into label data storage area43B.

Next, at S317, the CPU41reads out the label print data from the label data storage area43B and then transmits this information, together with a print instruction command, to the tape printer3via the communication I/F45. The information and the print instruction command transmitted are used as badge print data. Thereafter, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the sub-process of “entry/exit management process”. Accordingly, it is possible to create a badge having a “badge ID” representing an issuance number (print order) printed thereon.

Here, an example of a badge (entry pass) having a visitor's name, the name of department to visit and the like printed thereon will be explained with reference toFIG. 14.

As shown inFIG. 14, a badge (entry pass)117has, at the left upper corner thereof, a badge ID118of “No. 017” printed thereon which represents an issuance number (print number). Also, the badge (entry pass)117has, at its center, the visitor's name “Tom Smith” and the company name “AAA Corporation” printed thereon.

At the lower portion of the badge (entry pass)117, there are printed the name of contact person “Walter Freeman” and the name of the contact person's department “(Sales Div.)” which means the contact person belongs to sales department. Further, at the lower portion thereof, there is printed the scheduled visit time “Nov. 4, 2008 10:19 AM”.

It is to be noted that the CPU41may obtain an actual visit time from the timer and create badge print data which include the visit time, instead of estimated arrival date and then transmit this badge print data together with print instruction command to the tape printer3via the communication I/F45. This makes it possible to print the actual visit time on the badge (entry pass)117.

As shown inFIG. 11, at S215, the CPU41reads out the “badge ID” from the RAM43. This “badge ID” serves to represent the print number of the badge (entry pass). The CPU41then assigns this “badge ID” to the personal information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B of the reception screen95so as to create scheduled visitor information and store into the RAM43.

Next, at S216, the CPU41displays an entry-permission confirmation window121(seeFIG. 15) and thereafter judges whether or not an entry to a facility is permitted regarding a scheduled visitor which corresponds to the scheduled visitor information.

For instance, the CPU41displays the entry-permission confirmation window121as shown inFIG. 15substantially at the center of the display screen of the display5. In this example, the entry-permission confirmation window121shows the message “Will you permit entry?”, and a YES button122and a NO button123at the downside of the message. After the pointer115is moved over the YES button122of the entry-permission confirmation window121, the CPU41judges whether or not the mouse7has been clicked.

If it is judged that an entry to the facility is not permitted regarding the scheduled visitor which corresponds to the scheduled visitor information (S216: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S212.

For instance, the CPU41shifts the flow to the process S212if the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the NO button123in the entry-permission confirmation window121as shown inFIG. 15.

At S212, the CPU41stores the scheduled visitor information having the badge ID assigned thereto in the appointment list92. Thereafter, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S15of the main flowchart. As a result, the badge ID printed on the badge (entry pass) is shown in the scheduled visitor information in the appointment list92being displayed in the appointment list display window93.

On the other hand, if it is judged that an entry to the facility is permitted regarding the scheduled visitor which corresponds to the scheduled visitor information, that is, if it is judged that the printed badge (entry pass) has been given to the scheduled visitor (S216: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S217.

For instance, the CPU41shifts the flow to the process S217if the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the YES button122in the entry-permission confirmation window121as shown inFIG. 15.

At S217, the CPU41stores the scheduled visitor information having the badge ID assigned thereto in the signed-in list105. Thereafter, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S15of the main flowchart.

As a result, the badge ID printed on the badge (entry pass) is shown in the scheduled visitor information in the entry-permitted list105being displayed in the entry-permitted list display window106(seeFIG. 10).

On the other hand, at5213as described above, if the print-badge button98has not been selected (S213: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S218. At S218, after the pointer115is moved over the shared button101of which button text is “sign in and print badge”, the CPU41judges whether or not the mouse7has been clicked. In other words, the CPU41judges if the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” has been selected.

For instance, the CPU41judges if the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the shared button101of which button text is “sign in and print badge”, while the reception screen95as shown inFIG. 13is displayed on the display5. In other words, the CPU41judges if the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” has been selected.

Then, if it is judged that the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” has been selected (S218: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S219and carries out the process S214as described above. Thereafter, at S220, the CPU41carries out the process S215as described above. Then, the CPU41judges that an entry to the facility has been permitted regarding the visitor corresponding to the scheduled visitor information. In other words, the CPU41judges that the printed badge (entry pass) has been given to the scheduled visitor and carries out the process S217as described above. Thereafter, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S15of the main flowchart.

As a result, the badge ID printed on the badge (entry pass) is shown in the scheduled visitor information in the entry-permitted list105displayed in the entry-permitted list display window106(seeFIG. 10). This means that the printed badge (entry pass) has been already given to the scheduled visitor.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” has not been selected (S218: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S221. At S221, the CPU41judges whether or not the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the shared button101showing “sign in”. In other words, the CPU41judges whether or not the shared button101showing “sign in” has been selected.

For instance, the CPU41judges if the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the shared button101of which button text is “sign in”, while the reception screen95as shown inFIG. 9is displayed on the display5. In other words, the CPU41judges if the shared button101showing “sign in” has been selected.

Then, if it is judged that the shared button101showing “sign in” has been selected (S221: YES), the CPU41judges that an entry to the facility has been permitted regarding the visitor. In other words, the CPU41judges that the printed badge (entry pass) has been given to the scheduled visitor and carries out the process S217as described above. Thereafter, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the process back to the process S15of the main flowchart.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the shared button101showing “sign in” has not been selected (S221: NO), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S222. At S222, the CPU41judges whether or not the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the shared button101of which button text is “sign out”. In other words, the CPU41judges whether or not the shared button101showing “sign out” has been selected.

For instance, the CPU41judges if the mouse7has been clicked after the pointer115is moved over the shared button101of which button text is “sign out”, while the reception screen95as shown inFIG. 10is displayed on the display5. In other words, the CPU41judges if the shared button101showing “sign out” has been selected.

Then, if it is judged that the shared button101showing “sign out” has been selected (S222: YES), the CPU41shifts the flow to process S223. At S223, the CPU41deletes, from the signed-in list105, the entry-permitted visitor information selected from the signed-in list105shown in the entry-permitted list display window106and stores this entry-permitted visitor information as exit-permitted visitor information in exit-permitted list (signed-out list). Thereafter, the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S15of the main flowchart.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the shared button101showing “sign out” has not been selected (S222: NO), the CPU41ends the sub-process and shifts the flow back to the process S15of the main flowchart.

As described above in detail, in the badge printing system1according to the present embodiment, when the appointment button102is selected with the mouse7, the CPU41of the computer2makes up scheduled visitor information from the respective information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B displayed in the input window91, and stores the information in the appointment list92.

When the print-badge button98has been selected with the mouse7, the CPU41assigns a “badge ID” to the information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B in the input window91, or to the personal information selected from the appointment list92, whereby the CPU41creates label print data of scheduled visitor information and transmit it together with print instruction command to the tape printer3. When it is judged that an entry to the facility has not been permitted regarding the scheduled visitor of which badge had been printed through the entry-permission confirmation window121, the CPU41stores the scheduled visitor information having the badge ID assigned thereto in the appointment list92.

Owing to this, a reception management staff selects a scheduled visitor from the appointment list92displayed in the appointment list display window93and thereafter selecting the print-badge button98with the mouse7, to thereby print a badge (entry pass) having thereon a badge ID representing the issuance number (print number) in advance. Also, since the badge ID is printed on the badge (entry pass), the reception management staff can promptly find the badge (entry pass) and give it to the visitor by seeing the badge ID printed on the badge (entry pass).

Further, when the scheduled visitor information having a badge ID assigned thereto has been selected with the mouse7from the appointment list92, which is displayed in the appointment list display window93, the CPU41changes the text of the shared button101from “sign in and print badge” to “sign in” which means instructing to store the scheduled visitor information in the signed-in list105.

Accordingly, the reception management staff can easily judge whether a badge (entry pass) has been already printed for the visitor, by checking if the badge ID is assigned to the scheduled visitor information selected from the appointment list92displayed in the appointment list display window93. Further, if the badge (entry pass) of the visitor has been already printed, the reception management staff can promptly give the already-printed badge (entry pass) to the scheduled visitor by clicking the shared button101showing “sign in” with the mouse7so as to add the information to the signed-in list105. At the same time, it is possible to assuredly prevent printing of the same badge (entry pass) redundantly.

Further, in a case where the pointer115is moved over the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” and thereafter the mouse7is clicked, the CPU41creates label print data with respect to the scheduled visitor information by assigning the “badge ID” to the information entered in the personal information input area91A and the host information input area91B or to the personal information selected from the appointment list92displayed in the reception screen95. Then, the CPU41reads this label print data and transmits it together with a print instruction command as badge print data to the tape printer3via the communication I/F45. Further, the CPU41stores the scheduled visitor information having the badge ID assigned thereto in the signed-in list105.

In this manner, the reception management staff selects the scheduled visitor information from the appointment list92displayed in the appointment list display window93and operates the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” with the mouse7. Accordingly, the reception management staff can print a badge (entry pass) having a badge ID printed thereon and add the personal information of the scheduled visitor to the signed-in list105, which is to be used as entry-permitted visitor information. Consequently, by operating the shared button101showing “sign in and print badge” with the mouse7, the reception management staff can conduct printing of a badge (entry pass) for a scheduled visitor and entry of the personal information of the scheduled visitor in the signed-in list105simultaneously.

While the presently exemplary embodiment has been shown and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is for the purpose of illustration and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.