Unlocking management method and unlocking management system

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for unlocking a shared entrance door for a visitor to an apartment house.SOLUTION: This unlocking management system comprises: a retrofitted unlocking device that can unlock a shared entrance door of an apartment house; and a control system that communicates with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment house and a second terminal device of an interest party of the apartment house. The control system receives a use request containing identification information from the first terminal device that has acquired the identification information of the apartment house through reading of an identification image installed near the shared entrance door, and starts communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the use request. The unlocking device unlocks the shared entrance door in accordance with an instruction from the interest party to the second terminal device after the start of the communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for managing the unlocking and locking of unlocking devices installed in, for example, apartment buildings. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, technologies have been proposed for unlocking the front door of a residence using a terminal device such as a smartphone. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that residents of an apartment building can remotely unlock the common entrance door by accessing an intercom system installed at the common entrance of the apartment building from their smartphone. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Aiphone Corporation, Smartphone and tablet connectivity, [online], [Searched February 1, 2024], Internet,<https: / / www.aiphone.co.jp / products / complex / system / vixusadvance / feature / mobile.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the technology in Non-Patent Document 1, a resident can remotely unlock the common entrance door after talking to a visitor through communication between the apartment complex's intercom system and the resident's smartphone. Therefore, for example, a delivery person can enter the apartment complex through the common entrance door unlocked by the resident and deliver a package to the private entrance of the dwelling unit (i.e., leave it at the door).

[0005] However, the technology of Non-Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a dedicated intercom system at the common entrance of the apartment building. Therefore, introducing it into an existing apartment building requires large-scale construction work to replace the existing intercom system, resulting in high installation costs. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to realize a mechanism for unlocking the common entrance door to visitors to the apartment building with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an unlocking management method that is realized by an aftermarket unlocking device that can unlock a shared entrance door in an apartment building, and a control system that communicates with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment building and a second terminal device of a person related to the apartment building, wherein the control system receives a usage request including the identification information from the first terminal device that has obtained the identification information of the apartment building by reading an identification image installed near the shared entrance door, initiates communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the usage request, and after the communication has started, the unlocking device unlocks the shared entrance door in response to instructions from the person related to the second terminal device.

[0007] An unlocking management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an aftermarket unlocking device capable of unlocking a shared entrance door in an apartment building, and a control system that communicates with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment building and a second terminal device of a person related to the apartment building, wherein the control system receives a usage request including the identification information of the apartment building from the first terminal device, which has obtained the identification information by reading an identification image installed near the shared entrance door, and initiates communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the usage request, and the unlocking device unlocks the shared entrance door in response to instructions from the person related to the second terminal device after the communication has begun. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an unlocking management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a management table. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unlocking management system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unlocking management system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unlocking management system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an operation screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an operation screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an operation screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the unlocking management system in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of a control system according to a modified example. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of a control system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A: First embodiment 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an unlocking management system 100 in a first embodiment. The unlocking management system 100 is an information system for managing the locking and unlocking of a common entrance door 11 in a multi-family dwelling 10 such as an apartment or condominium. The common entrance door 11 is a door shared by residents Ub of each unit in the multi-family dwelling 10, and is installed at the common entrance for entering the multi-family dwelling 10. The unlocking management system 100 includes a terminal device 20a, a terminal device 20b, an unlocking device 30, and a control system 40.

[0010] A visitor Ua arrives at the apartment complex 10. The visitor Ua is a delivery person from a courier company who delivers a delivery item 15 addressed to a resident Ub. By unlocking the common entrance door 11 using the unlocking management system 100, the visitor Ua can enter the apartment complex 10 and visit the resident Ub's apartment. The visitor Ua may hand over the delivery item 15 directly to the resident Ub at the resident Ub's apartment, or may have the delivery item 15 delivered (i.e., left at) near the private entrance of the resident Ub's apartment. The resident Ub may be located within the apartment complex 10 or may be out anywhere other than the apartment complex 10.

[0011] Terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b are portable information devices such as smartphones or tablet terminals. Terminal device 20a is used by visitor Ua. Terminal device 20b is used by resident Ub. Terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b can communicate with control system 40 via communication network 50. Communication network 50 is a computer network including a wide area network such as the Internet and a local area network (LAN) established in apartment building 10. Terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b may be understood as external elements of unlocking management system 100. Terminal device 20a is an example of a "first terminal device," and terminal device 20b is an example of a "second terminal device."

[0012] A printed matter 60 with an identification image Q printed on it is placed near the common entrance door 11. The printed matter 60 is an element (presentation unit) that presents the identification image Q to the visitor Ua, and is configured separately from the unlocking device 30. That is, the unlocking device 30 and the printed matter 60 are installed at a distance from each other. That is, the unlocking device 30 and the printed matter 60 are configured separately. For example, the printed matter 60 is configured separately from the existing common entrance door 11, and is later attached to the common entrance door 11 or near it. The printed matter 60 is also configured separately from the existing door lock system that controls the opening and closing of the common entrance door 11.

[0013] The identification image Q represents specific information using an optically readable image. Specifically, the identification image Q is an image representing the connection information X and the identification information D. The connection information X is information representing the location of the control system 40. Specifically, the connection information X is a uniform resource locator (URL) for accessing the control system 40. The identification information D is a code string for identifying the apartment building 10. The visitor Ua can read the identification image Q using the terminal device 20a. That is, the printed matter 60 is placed in a position where the visitor Ua, who is located outside the shared entrance door 11, can read it using the terminal device 20a. The printed matter 60 is an example of a "presentation unit."

[0014] The unlocking device 30 is an information device capable of unlocking and locking the common entrance door 11 in the apartment building 10. Specifically, the unlocking device 30 includes a communication device 31 and an unlocking mechanism 32. The communication device 31 communicates with an external device (e.g., terminal device 20b) via a communication network 50. For example, the unlocking device 30 communicates with the communication network 50 via a wired or wireless connection. The unlocking mechanism 32 is a mechanism that unlocks the common entrance door 11. In response to an instruction (e.g., an unlocking instruction M6 described below) received by the communication device 31 via the communication network 50, the unlocking mechanism 32 unlocks the common entrance door 11. By unlocking the common entrance door 11, the door is opened, allowing the visitor Ua to enter the apartment building 10.

[0015] The unlocking device 30 of the first embodiment is a retrofit (external) device that is additionally installed on the existing common entrance door 11. In other words, the unlocking device 30 is configured separately from the existing common entrance door 11 and is retrofitted to the common entrance door 11 or in its vicinity. The unlocking device 30 is also configured separately from the existing door lock system that controls the opening and closing of the common entrance door 11.

[0016] As explained above, in the first embodiment, the management of unlocking of the shared entrance door 11 of the apartment building 10 is realized by the simple task of installing the printed matter 60 separate from the unlocking device 30. In addition, for example, it is possible to replace the printed matter 60 independently of the unlocking device 30.

[0017] The control system 40 is a computer system for controlling the unlocking of the shared entrance door 11 and the operation of the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b. The control system 40 communicates with each of the terminal device 20a of the visitor Ua and the terminal device 20b of the resident Ub.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b, both will be collectively referred to as "terminal device 20."

[0019] The terminal device 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, an operation device 24, a display device 25, an imaging device 26, a sound collection device 27, and a sound emission device 28. The terminal device 20 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0020] The control device 21 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 20. For example, the control device 21 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SPU (Sound Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0021] The storage device 22 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. The storage device 22 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 22 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage media. Furthermore, a portable storage medium that is detachable from the terminal device 20, or a storage medium to which the control device 21 can write or read via the communication network 50 (for example, cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 22.

[0022] The communication device 23 communicates with an external device (for example, the control system 40) under the control of the control device 21. Note that the communication between the communication device 23 and the communication network 50 may be either wired communication or wireless communication.

[0023] The operation device 24 is an input device that receives instructions from a user (visitor Ua or resident Ub). The operation device 24 is, for example, an operator operated by the user, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user. The display device 25 displays images under the control of the control device 21. The display device 25 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0024] The imaging device 26 is a camera that captures images of surrounding subjects. Specifically, the imaging device 26 includes, for example, an optical system such as a photographing lens and an imaging element that receives incident light from the optical system. The imaging device 26 of the first embodiment captures an identification image Q printed on the printed matter 60. That is, the imaging device 26 is used to read the identification image Q. The imaging device 26 is also used to capture an image of a visitor Ua or a resident Ub during a video call.

[0025] The sound collection device 27 and the sound emission device 28 are used for video calls using the terminal device 20. The sound collection device 27 is a microphone that collects ambient sounds. The sound collection device 27 generates audio data by collecting, for example, the sound uttered by the user. The sound emission device 28 emits sound waves under the control of the control device 21. For example, the sound emission device 28 is a speaker or headphones.

[0026] 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control system 40. The control system 40 includes a control device 41, a storage device 42, and a communication device 43. The control system 40 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0027] The control device 41 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the control system 40. For example, the control device 41 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a CPU, an SPU, a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC. The communication device 43 communicates with the terminal device 20 under the control of the control device 41.

[0028] The storage device 42 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 41 and various data used by the control device 41. The storage device 42 is configured with a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium. The storage device 42 may be configured with a combination of multiple types of storage media. Furthermore, a portable storage medium that is detachable from the control system 40, or a storage medium to which the control device 41 can write or read via the communication network 50 (for example, cloud storage) may be used as the storage device 42.

[0029] 4 for each apartment building 10 to be managed. That is, a plurality of management tables T corresponding to different connection information X are stored in the storage device .

[0030] The management table T of each apartment building 10 is a data table in which dwelling unit numbers N (N1, N2, N3, ...) and connection information Y (Y1, Y2, Y3, ...) are associated with each other for each of the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building 10. The dwelling unit numbers N are numbers (room numbers) for identifying each dwelling unit in the apartment building 10. The connection information Y of each dwelling unit is identification information for accessing the terminal device 20b used by the resident Ub of that dwelling unit. Examples of the connection information Y include a URL for accessing the terminal device 20b and the device identifier (IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the terminal device 20b.

[0031] Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts of the operation of the unlocking management system 100. The operation illustrated in Figures 5 to 7 is an example of an "unlocking management method."

[0032] A visitor Ua who has visited the apartment building 10 points the imaging device 26 of the terminal device 20a at the printed matter 60 and operates the operation device 24 to instruct the capture of an identification image Q. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20a acquires connection information X and identification information D by reading the identification image Q captured by the imaging device 26 (Sa1). The control device 21 of the terminal device 20a transmits a usage request M1 from the communication device 23 to the control system 40 indicated by the connection information X (Sa2). The usage request M1 is a message requesting the use of unlocking management by the control system 40, and includes the identification information D acquired by reading the identification image Q.

[0033] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the usage request M1 transmitted from the terminal device 20a via the communication device 43 (Sb1). That is, the control system 40 receives the usage request M1 including the identification information D from the terminal device 20a, which has acquired the identification information D of the apartment building 10 by reading the identification image Q installed near the shared entrance door 11. As described above, the terminal device 20a of the first embodiment can acquire the connection information X indicating the location of the control system 40 in addition to the identification information D of the apartment building 10 by reading the identification image Q. Therefore, the terminal device 20a can transmit the usage request M1 to the control system 40 without acquiring information about the apartment building 10 or the control system 40 in advance.

[0034] The control device 41 causes the terminal device 20a to display an operation screen Ga for selecting a dwelling unit in the apartment building 10 (Sb2). Specifically, the control device 41 transmits image data M2 representing the operation screen Ga to the requesting terminal device 20a from the communication device 43. The control device 21 of the terminal device 20a receives the image data M2 transmitted from the control system 40 via the communication device 23 (Sa3), and displays the operation screen Ga represented by the image data M2 on the display device 25 (Sa4).

[0035] 8 is a schematic diagram of the operation screen Ga. The operation screen Ga is a screen that allows the visitor Ua to select one of the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building 10 indicated by the identification information D included in the usage request M1. Specifically, the operation screen Ga is a list of the multiple dwelling unit numbers N (N1, N2, N3, ...) registered in the management table T corresponding to the identification information D.

[0036] The visitor Ua operates the operation device 24 to select the dwelling unit number N of the dwelling unit designated as the destination of the delivery piece 15 from among the multiple dwelling unit numbers N on the operation screen Ga. In other words, the visitor Ua selects one of the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building 10 in which the visitor Ua resides. When the control device 21 of the terminal device 20a receives the selection of the dwelling unit number N from the visitor Ua (Sa5), it transmits a designation notification M3 from the communication device 23 to the control system 40 (Sa6). The designation notification M3 is a message notifying the designation of a dwelling unit in the apartment building 10, and includes the dwelling unit number N selected by the visitor Ua.

[0037] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the designation notification M3 transmitted from the terminal device 20a via the communication device 43 (Sb3). That is, the control device 41 accepts the designation of one of the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building 10 from the terminal device 20a.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control device 41 transmits a communication inquiry M4 from the communication device 43 to the terminal device 20b of the resident Ub (Sb4). The communication inquiry M4 is a message inquiring of the resident Ub about whether or not communication with the visitor Ua is permitted. Specifically, the communication inquiry M4 is transmitted to the terminal device 20b of the resident Ub in the dwelling unit corresponding to the dwelling unit number N included in the designation notice M3. Specifically, the control device 41 obtains the connection information Y corresponding to the dwelling unit number N in the designation notice M3 from the management table T of the apartment building 10, and transmits the communication inquiry M4 from the communication device 43 to the terminal device 20b indicated by the connection information Y. As described above, when the control system 40 receives the usage request M1 from the terminal device 20a, it inquires of the terminal device 20b about whether or not communication with the terminal device 20a is permitted.

[0039] The control device 21 of the terminal device 20b receives the communication inquiry M4 transmitted from the control system 40 via the communication device 23 (Sc1), and displays the operation screen Gb on the display device 25 (Sc2). The communication inquiry M4 can also be expressed as a message for displaying the operation screen Gb on the display device 25 of the terminal device 20b.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the operation screen Gb. The operation screen Gb is a screen for the resident Ub to select whether to allow or deny communication with the visitor Ua. Specifically, the operation screen Gb includes an operation button Gb1 indicating permission for communication and an operation button Gb2 indicating denial of communication. The resident Ub selects whether to allow or deny communication with the visitor Ua by operating either the operation button Gb1 or the operation button Gb2 using the operation device 24 of the terminal device 20b. The control device 21 of the terminal device 20b accepts the selection made by the resident Ub (Sc3).

[0041] The control device 21 of the terminal device 20b transmits the query result M5 from the communication device 23 to the control system 40 (Sc4). The query result M5 is a message indicating whether or not communication with the visitor Ua is permitted. That is, if a selection of communication permission is received from the resident Ub, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20b transmits the query result M5 indicating communication permission to the control system 40. On the other hand, if a selection of communication denial is received from the resident Ub, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20b transmits the query result M5 indicating communication denial to the control system 40.

[0042] The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the inquiry result M5 transmitted from the terminal device 20b via the communication device 43 (Sb5). If the inquiry result M5 indicates permission for communication, the control device 41 starts communication between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b (hereinafter referred to as "unlocking confirmation communication") (Sb6). That is, the control system 40 starts the unlocking confirmation communication when the resident Ub allows communication with the terminal device 20a.

[0043] As explained above, the control system 40 initiates unlocking confirmation communication between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b in response to the usage request M1. That is, the control system 40 initiates unlocking confirmation communication between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b that is registered for the dwelling unit specified by the terminal device 20a among the multiple dwelling units of the apartment building 10.

[0044] On the other hand, if the inquiry result M5 indicates a refusal of communication, the control device 41 of the control system 40 does not start the unlocking confirmation communication. Specifically, the control device 41 notifies the terminal device 20a of the refusal of communication by the resident Ub, and the control device 21 of the terminal device 20a displays the refusal of communication on the display device 25. The visitor Ua recognizes that the resident Ub has refused communication by visually checking the display device 25.

[0045] As described above, in the first embodiment, the unlocking confirmation communication between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b is initiated on the condition that permission is given by the resident Ub. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which communication between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b is initiated against the intention of the resident Ub.

[0046] The unlocking confirmation communication in the first embodiment is a video call between the visitor Ua and the resident Ub. The control system 40 relays video data representing video and audio data representing audio between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b.

[0047] For example, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20a transmits video data representing the video of the visitor Ua captured by the imaging device 26 and audio data representing the voice of the visitor Ua captured by the sound collection device 27 from the communication device 23 to the control system 40. The control system 40 transfers the video data and audio data received from the terminal device 20a to the terminal device 20b. The control device 21 of the terminal device 20b receives the video data and audio data via the communication device 23. The control device 21 displays the video of the visitor Ua represented by the video data on the display device 25 and emits the voice of the visitor Ua represented by the audio data from the sound emission device 28.

[0048] On the other hand, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20b transmits video data representing the video of the resident Ub captured by the imaging device 26 and audio data representing the audio of the resident Ub captured by the sound collection device 27 from the communication device 23 to the control system 40. The control system 40 transfers the video data and audio data received from the terminal device 20b to the terminal device 20a. The control device 21 of the terminal device 20a receives the video data and audio data via the communication device 23. The control device 21 displays the video of the resident Ub represented by the video data on the display device 25 and emits the audio of the resident Ub represented by the audio data from the sound emission device 28.

[0049] Through the unlocking confirmation communication described above, the visitor Ua requests the resident Ub to unlock the common entrance door 11, and the resident Ub can check the visitor Ua's appearance (e.g., facial expression or clothing) and voice. The resident Ub checks the visitor Ua's video and voice, and if the resident Ub allows the unlocking of the common entrance door 11, he / she notifies the visitor Ua to that effect through the unlocking confirmation communication. On the other hand, if the resident Ub denies the unlocking of the common entrance door 11, he / she notifies the visitor Ua to that effect through the unlocking confirmation communication.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the unlocking confirmation communication is initiated, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20b displays the operation screen Gc on the display device 25 (Sc5). FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the operation screen Gc. The operation screen Gc is a screen on which the resident Ub instructs the unlocking of the common entrance door 11. Specifically, the operation screen Gc includes an operation button Gc1 indicating permission for unlocking and an operation button Gc2 indicating denial of unlocking. The resident Ub selects whether to permit or deny the unlocking of the common entrance door 11 by operating either the operation button Gc1 or the operation button Gc2 using the operation device 24 of the terminal device 20b. The control device 21 of the terminal device 20b accepts the selection made by the resident Ub (Sc6).

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when a selection of unlocking permission is received from the resident Ub, the control device 21 of the terminal device 20b transmits an unlocking instruction M6 from the communication device 23 to the unlocking device 30 (Sc7). The unlocking instruction M6 is a message instructing the unlocking of the shared entrance door 11. For example, the storage device 22 of the terminal device 20b stores connection information Z indicating the location of the unlocking device 30. The connection information Z is, for example, a URL for accessing the unlocking device 30. The terminal device 20b transmits the unlocking instruction M6 to the unlocking device 30 indicated by the connection information Z.

[0052] As described above, the terminal device 20b can communicate with the unlocking device 30. On the other hand, the terminal device 20a cannot use the connection information Z. Therefore, the terminal device 20a cannot communicate with the unlocking device 30.

[0053] The communication device 31 of the unlocking device 30 receives the unlock command M6 transmitted from the terminal device 20b (Sd1). The unlocking mechanism 32 unlocks the common entrance door 11 upon receiving the unlock command M6 (Sd2). The unlocking mechanism 32 also locks the common entrance door 11 when a predetermined time has passed since unlocking (Sd3). As explained above, the unlocking device 30 unlocks the common entrance door 11 in response to a command from the resident Ub to the terminal device 20b after the start of unlock confirmation communication.

[0054] By unlocking the shared entrance door 11, the visitor Ua can enter the apartment building 10. After entering the apartment building 10, the visitor Ua visits the resident Ub's apartment and delivers the delivery item 15. Specifically, the visitor Ua meets the resident Ub directly and hands over the delivery item 15, or leaves the delivery item 15 near the private entrance of the resident Ub's apartment (drop-off delivery).

[0055] As described above, in the first embodiment, when identification information D is acquired by reading identification image Q installed near the common entrance door 11, a usage request M1 is transmitted from terminal device 20a. This usage request M1 triggers unlock confirmation communication between terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b, and the common entrance door 11 is unlocked in response to an instruction from resident Ub to terminal device 20b. Therefore, even if resident Ub is not present in the apartment building 10, visitor Ua can enter the apartment building 10 by unlocking the common entrance door 11 in response to an instruction from resident Ub. According to the first embodiment, the above procedure can be easily and inexpensively achieved by installing an unlocking device 30 and a printed matter 60 near the common entrance door 11 in an existing apartment building 10. Furthermore, this reduces the possibility of delivery failure due to resident Ub's absence, thereby reducing the frequency of redelivery attempts.

[0056] In the first embodiment, in particular, the terminal device 20a accepts the designation of a dwelling unit within the apartment building 10 from the visitor Ua. Therefore, the visitor Ua can request the resident Ub of a desired dwelling unit among the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building 10 to unlock the shared entrance door 11.

[0057] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the terminal device 20b can communicate with the unlocking device 30, while the terminal device 20a cannot communicate with the unlocking device 30. Therefore, the above-described operation in which the unlocking device 30 unlocks the shared entrance door 11 in response to an instruction from the resident Ub to the terminal device 20b is particularly effective.

[0058] B: Second embodiment A second embodiment will be described. Note that, for elements in the following exemplary aspects that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the common entrance door 11 is unlocked each time the terminal device 20a transmits a usage request M1, on the conditions that the resident Ub grants permission to communicate to confirm unlocking, that the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b communicate to confirm unlocking, and that the resident Ub issues an instruction to unlock. In the second embodiment, if the common entrance door 11 is unlocked in response to the usage request M1 from the terminal device 20a, the common entrance door 11 will be unlocked by communication between the control system 40 and the unlocking device 30 the next time a visitor Ua visits the apartment building 10.

[0060] 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the unlocking management system 100 in the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the usage request M1 transmitted from the terminal device 20a via the communication device 43 (Sb1). The usage request M1 in the second embodiment includes the identification information A of the terminal device 20a in addition to the identification information D of the apartment building 10.

[0061] The control device 41 determines whether or not usage registration has been performed for the terminal device 20a that sent the usage request M1 (Sb10). If usage registration has not been performed (Sb10: NO), the control device 41 executes the following steps, similar to the first embodiment: instructs the terminal device 20a to display the operation screen Ga (Sb2), accepts the dwelling unit designation by the visitor Ua (Sb3), sends a communication inquiry M4 to the terminal device 20b (Sb4), receives the inquiry result M5 (Sb5), and starts an unlocking confirmation communication (Sb6).

[0062] When the control device 21 of the terminal device 20b sends an unlock instruction M6 to the unlocking device 30 (Sc7), it sends an unlock notification M7 from the communication device 23 to the control system 40 (Sc8). The unlock notification M7 is a message indicating that the resident Ub has permitted the unlocking of the common entrance door 11 in response to a request from the visitor Ua. The unlock notification M7 includes connection information Z of the unlocking device 30. The control device 41 of the control system 40 receives the unlock notification M7 sent from the terminal device 20b via the communication device 43 (Sb11). Note that the unlock notification M7 may be sent from the terminal device 20b to the control system 40 on the condition that the unlocking device 30 has actually unlocked the common entrance door 11.

[0063] When the unlocking notification M7 is received, the control device 41 of the control system 40 executes usage registration of the terminal device 20a (Sb12). Specifically, the control device 41 stores the identification information A of the terminal device 20a included in the usage request M1 and the connection information Z of the unlocking device 30 included in the unlocking notification M7 in the storage device 42 in a mutually associated manner. That is, the identification information A and the connection information Z are stored for each registered terminal device 20a.

[0064] There is a case where the visitor Ua visits the apartment complex 10 again after the use registration exemplified above has been performed (for example, at a later date). When a use request M1 is received from a registered terminal device 20a (Sb1), the control device 41 of the control system 40 determines that use registration has been performed for the terminal device 20a that has sent the current use request M1 (Sb10: YES). If the terminal device 20a has been registered, the control device 41 sends an unlocking instruction M8 from the communication device 43 to the unlocking device 30 (Sb13). The unlocking device 30 to which the unlocking instruction M8 is to be sent is identified by the connection information Z stored in the storage device 42 for the identification information A included in the current use request M1.

[0065] The communication device 31 of the unlocking device 30 receives the unlock command M8 sent from the control system 40 (Sd10). The unlocking mechanism 32 unlocks the common entrance door 11 upon receiving the unlock command M8 (Sd11), and locks the common entrance door 11 after a predetermined time has passed (Sd12). With the common entrance door 11 unlocked, the visitor Ua can enter the apartment building 10.

[0066] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, once the common entrance door 11 is unlocked in response to a usage request M1 from the terminal device 20a, the common entrance door 11 is unlocked through communication between the control system 40 and the unlocking device 30 when the visitor Ua subsequently visits, without the need for processing by the terminal device 20b. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which processing by the terminal device 20b is required every time the visitor Ua visits the apartment building 10, the processing or communication load on the terminal device 20b (and further the effort required for the resident Ub to respond) can be reduced.

[0067] C: Modified Example Specific modified embodiments that can be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above are exemplified below. Each embodiment exemplified below applies to both the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0068] (1) The control system 40 may confirm that the visitor Ua is actually located in the apartment building 10. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 12, upon receiving a usage request M1 from the terminal device 20a (Sb1), the control device 41 of the control system 40 determines whether the terminal device 20a is located inside the apartment building 10 (Sb20).

[0069] For example, the usage request M1 includes location information of the terminal device 20a. The location information is generated by the terminal device 20a using, for example, a global positioning system (GPS). The control device 41 of the control system 40 determines whether the terminal device 20a is located within the apartment building 10 depending on whether the position indicated by the location information of the terminal device 20a is within a reference range. The reference range is a predetermined range that includes the apartment building 10.

[0070] If the terminal device 20a is located inside the apartment building 10 (Sb20: YES), the control device 41 of the control system 40 executes the same processes (Sb2 to Sb6) as in the above-described embodiments. On the other hand, if the terminal device 20a is not located inside the apartment building 10 (Sb20: NO), the control device 41 notifies the terminal device 20a of an error (Sb21). In other words, the control device 41 does not execute the process for unlocking the common entrance door 11. With the above configuration, it is possible to unlock the common entrance door 11 only when the visitor Ua is actually present in the apartment building 10.

[0071] Note that, in the above description, location information of the terminal device 20a is used, but the configuration and method for determining whether the terminal device 20a is located within the apartment building 10 are not limited to the above example. For example, if the terminal device 20a can receive a signal that can be received only in a limited manner within the apartment building 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "reference signal"), the control device 41 of the control system 40 may determine that the terminal device 20a is located within the apartment building 10. The reference signal is transmitted into the apartment building 10 by short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, the reference signal may be transmitted into the apartment building 10 by acoustic communication using sound waves as a transmission medium.

[0072] (2) The common entrance door 11 may be permitted to be unlocked in response to a request from a visitor Ua only during a time period designated in advance by the resident Ub (hereinafter referred to as the "designated time period"). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 13, when a usage request M1 is received from the terminal device 20a (Sb1), the control device 41 of the control system 40 determines whether the current time is within the designated time period (Sb30).

[0073] The designated time period can be set in advance by, for example, the resident Ub using the terminal device 20b. If the current time is within the designated time period (Sb30: YES), the control device 41 of the control system 40 executes the same processes (Sb2 to Sb6) as in the above-mentioned embodiments. On the other hand, if the current time is not within the designated time period (Sb30: NO), the control device 41 notifies the terminal device 20a of an error (Sb31). In other words, the control device 41 does not execute the process for unlocking the common entrance door 11. With the above configuration, it is possible to unlock the common entrance door 11 only during the designated time period set by the resident Ub.

[0074] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the printed matter 60 is installed near the common entrance door 11. However, the configuration and method for presenting the identification image Q to the visitor Ua are not limited to these examples. For example, the identification image Q may be displayed on a display device installed near the common entrance door 11. The printed matter 60 and the display device are specific examples of a presentation unit that presents the identification image Q to the visitor Ua. The presentation unit is any means capable of presenting the identification image Q to the visitor Ua of the apartment building 10. Note that the presentation unit is basically installed on the outside of the common entrance door 11. However, if the common entrance door 11 is made of a light-transmitting material, for example, the presentation unit may be installed on the inside of the common entrance door 11 so that the visitor Ua outside the common entrance door 11 can read the information using the terminal device 20a. As described above, the presentation unit is an element that only has the function of providing the identification image Q (connection information X and identification information D) to the terminal device 20a of the visitor Ua.

[0075] (4) The identification information D can also be expressed as information for permitting the terminal device 20a of the visitor Ua to communicate with the terminal device 20b of the resident Ub. Specifically, the identification information D is information for causing the terminal device 20a to start communication with the terminal device 20b. The communication started by the identification information D is communication unrelated to communication with the unlocking device 30. In other words, communication is not established between the unlocking device 30 and the terminal device 20a.

[0076] (5) As can be understood from the above-described embodiments, the unlocking device 30 is a device equipped with only the function of communicating with the terminal device 20 (specifically, the terminal device 20b of the resident Ub) and the function (mechanism) of unlocking the common entrance door 11 in response to an instruction (e.g., an unlocking instruction M6) received from the terminal device 20b. Furthermore, the communication software installed in each terminal device 20 to execute communication (specifically, unlocking confirmation communication) between the terminal device 20a and the terminal device 20b, and the communication software installed in the terminal device 20b to communicate with the unlocking device 30 are provided as separate software programs independent of each other.

[0077] (6) "Retrofit" with respect to the unlocking device 30 or the printed matter 60 means that it is separate from other elements that have already been installed (for example, the common entrance door 11). Therefore, a "retrofit" element (hereinafter referred to as a "retrofit element") can be additionally installed on an existing device at any time. A typical example of a retrofit element is a small device equipped with only a single function. Therefore, a retrofit element is easy to install, for example, and can be installed by an individual without the need to hire a professional. In other words, the cost required to acquire and install a retrofit element is low.

[0078] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the unlocking device 30 and the printed matter 60 are installed separately, but the unlocking device 30 may present the identification image Q. For example, the printed matter 60 on which the identification image Q is printed may be installed on the unlocking device 30. Furthermore, a display device mounted on the unlocking device 30 may display the identification image Q.

[0079] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the terminal device 20b is used by a resident Ub of the apartment building 10, but the user of the terminal device 20b is not limited to the resident Ub. For example, the manager of the management company that manages the apartment building 10, the resident Ub, or an authorized person who has been granted unlocking authority by the manager may use the terminal device 20b in the same manner as the resident Ub in each of the above-described embodiments. As can be understood from the above explanation, the user of the terminal device 20b is collectively referred to as a related person of the apartment building 10. A related person is a user who has the authority to unlock the shared entrance door 11. The resident Ub, the manager, and the authorized person are specific examples of a related person.

[0080] (9) In the above-described embodiments, a video call using video data and audio data was exemplified as the unlocking confirmation communication, but the use of video data in the unlocking confirmation communication may be omitted. That is, the unlocking confirmation communication may be an audio call in which audio data is exchanged between terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b. The unlocking confirmation communication may also be an exchange of text data between terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b. In the above-described embodiments, communication between terminal device 20a and terminal device 20b via control system 40 was exemplified as the unlocking confirmation communication, but relaying of the communication by control system 40 may be omitted.

[0081] (10) The functions of the control system 40 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 41 and a program stored in the storage device 42. The above-described program can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network 50, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0082] D: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0083] An unlocking management system according to one aspect (aspect 1) of the present disclosure is an unlocking management method realized by an aftermarket unlocking device capable of unlocking the common entrance door of an apartment building, and a control system that communicates with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment building and a second terminal device of a person related to the apartment building, wherein the control system receives a usage request including the identification information of the apartment building from the first terminal device, which has obtained the identification information by reading an identification image installed near the common entrance door, initiates communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the usage request, and after the communication has started, the unlocking device unlocks the common entrance door in response to instructions from the person related to the second terminal device.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, when identification information is acquired by reading an identification image installed near the common entrance door, a usage request is transmitted from the first terminal device. The usage request triggers communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the common entrance door is unlocked in response to instructions from the person concerned sent to the second terminal device. Therefore, even if the person concerned is not present at the apartment complex, a visitor can enter the apartment complex by unlocking the common entrance door in response to instructions from the person concerned. According to the present disclosure, the above procedure can be easily and inexpensively achieved, for example, by installing an identification image and an unlocking device near the common entrance door of an existing apartment complex. This reduces the possibility of delivery failure due to the absence of the person concerned, and ultimately reduces the frequency of redelivery.

[0085] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the control system further receives from the first terminal device a designation of one of the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building, and at the start of the communication, initiates communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device registered for the designated dwelling unit among the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building indicated by the identification information. In the above aspect, because the designation of a dwelling unit in the apartment building is received from the first terminal device, a visitor can request an associated person of a desired dwelling unit among the multiple dwelling units in the apartment building to unlock the shared entrance door.

[0086] In a specific example (Aspect 3) of Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, the first terminal device reads the identification image to obtain connection information indicating the location of the control system and identification information for the apartment complex, and transmits the usage request including the identification information to the control system indicated by the connection information. In the above aspects, the first terminal device can obtain connection information indicating the location of the control system in addition to the identification information for the apartment complex by reading the identification image. Therefore, the first terminal device can transmit the usage request to the control system without obtaining information about the apartment complex or the control system in advance.

[0087] In a specific example (Aspect 4) of any of Aspects 1 to 3, when the control system receives the use request from the first terminal device, it inquires of the second terminal device about permission for communication with the first terminal device, and starts the communication if the related party permits the communication with the first terminal device. In the above aspects, communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device starts on the condition that permission is given by the related party. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device starts against the intention of the related party.

[0088] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of any of Aspects 1 to 4, if the common front door is unlocked in response to the use request from the first terminal device, the unlocking device unlocks the common front door through communication between the control system and the unlocking device when the visitor subsequently visits. In the above aspects, once the common front door is unlocked in response to a use request from the first terminal device, the common front door is unlocked in response to communication between the control system and the unlocking device when the visitor subsequently visits, without the need for processing by the second terminal device. Therefore, compared to an aspect in which the above procedure is required every time a visitor visits the apartment building, the processing or communication load on the second terminal device (and also the effort required for those involved to respond) can be reduced.

[0089] In a specific example (Aspect 6) of any of Aspects 1 to 5, the identification image is displayed by a display unit separate from the unlocking device. According to the above aspects, the management of unlocking of the common entrance door of an apartment building can be achieved by the simple operation of installing a display unit separate from the unlocking device. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to replace the display unit independently of the unlocking device.

[0090] Note that "separate" with respect to the unlocking device and the indicator means that the unlocking device and the indicator can be installed independently of each other. For example, a state in which the unlocking device and the indicator are installed apart from each other is an example of "separate." In other words, "separate" with respect to multiple elements means that they are in an independent relationship with each other in terms of device or configuration. Therefore, multiple elements in a "separate" relationship are provided (e.g., sold) or acquired (e.g., purchased) independently of each other.

[0091] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of any of Aspects 1 to 6, the second terminal device can communicate with the unlocking device, but the first terminal device cannot communicate with the unlocking device. In the above aspects, the first terminal device cannot communicate with the unlocking device. Therefore, the above-mentioned operation in which the unlocking device unlocks the shared entrance door in response to an instruction from a related person to the second terminal device is particularly effective.

[0092] The "unable to communicate" between the unlocking device and the first terminal device means that the first terminal device is not permitted to communicate with the unlocking device. In other words, for example, the various information required to communicate with the unlocking device is not set in the first terminal device, resulting in the "unable to communicate" state between the unlocking device and the second terminal device.

[0093] An unlocking management system according to one embodiment (embodiment 8) of the present disclosure comprises an aftermarket unlocking device capable of unlocking a shared entrance door in an apartment building, and a control system that communicates with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment building and a second terminal device of a person related to the apartment building, wherein the control system receives a usage request including the identification information of the apartment building from the first terminal device, which has obtained the identification information by reading an identification image installed near the shared entrance door, and initiates communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the usage request, and the unlocking device unlocks the shared entrance door in response to instructions from the person related to the second terminal device after the communication has begun. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100...unlocking management system, 10...apartment building, 11...shared front door, 15...delivery, 20, 20a, 20b...terminal device, 21...control device, 22...storage device, 23...communication device, 24...operation device, 25...display device, 26...imaging device, 27...sound collection device, 28...sound emission device, 30...unlocking device, 31...communication device, 32...unlocking mechanism, 40...control system, 41...control device, 42...storage device, 43...communication device, 50...communication network, 60...printed matter.

Claims

1. A retrofit unlocking device that can unlock the common entrance door in an apartment building, a control system communicating with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment complex and a second terminal device of an associate of the apartment complex; An unlocking management method realized by The control system includes: receiving a usage request including identification information from the first terminal device that has acquired identification information of the apartment building by reading an identification image installed near the shared entrance door; Initiating communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the usage request; The unlocking device is After the communication is started, the shared entrance door is unlocked in response to an instruction from the person concerned to the second terminal device. Unlocking management method.

2. The control system further comprises: Accepting a designation of one of a plurality of dwelling units in the apartment building from the first terminal device; At the start of the communication, the communication is started between the second terminal device registered for the specified dwelling unit among the plurality of dwelling units of the apartment complex indicated by the identification information and the first terminal device. The unlocking management method according to claim 1.

3. The first terminal device By reading the identification image, connection information indicating the location of the control system and identification information of the apartment building are obtained; The use request including the identification information is transmitted to the control system indicated by the connection information. The unlocking management method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control system includes: When the use request is received from the first terminal device, the second terminal device inquires whether or not communication with the first terminal device is permitted, and starts the communication if the related party permits the communication with the first terminal device. The unlocking management method according to claim 1.

5. When the common entrance door is unlocked in response to the use request from the first terminal device, the unlocking device unlocks the common entrance door through communication between the control system and the unlocking device when the visitor subsequently visits. The unlocking management method according to claim 1.

6. The identification image is presented by a presentation unit separate from the unlocking device. The unlocking management method according to claim 1.

7. The second terminal device is capable of communicating with the unlocking device, The first terminal device cannot communicate with the unlocking device. The unlocking management method according to claim 1.

8. A retrofit unlocking device that can unlock the common entrance door in an apartment building, a control system communicating with each of a first terminal device of a visitor to the apartment complex and a second terminal device of a related person of the apartment complex; The control system includes: receiving a usage request including identification information from the first terminal device that has acquired identification information of the apartment building by reading an identification image installed near the shared entrance door; Initiating communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device corresponding to the identification information in response to the usage request; The unlocking device is After the communication is started, the shared entrance door is unlocked in response to an instruction from the person concerned to the second terminal device. Unlocking management system.

Images