Access control device, access control method and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses an access control device, an access control method and a storage medium, which can achieve the effect of suppressing crime with a simpler structure. The device comprises: a first receiving unit for receiving first biometric information of a customer entering a store obtained by a first access control device arranged around the entrance of the store; a storage unit for storing the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit; a first control unit for opening the entrance of the store on the condition that the first biometric information is stored; a second receiving unit for receiving second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by a second access control device arranged around the exit of the store; and a second control unit for opening the exit of the store on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any one of the first biometric information stored by the storage unit.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2020-155168, filed on September 16, 2020, and cites the contents of the above application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an access control device, an access control method and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] In the past, there were convenience stores that were open 24 hours a day or late at night. In such stores, a small number of employees were on duty during the late night hours when there were fewer customers. In recent years, due to the decrease in the working population, there are also cases where stores are operated without employees or with a minimum number of employees. However, since the fewer the number of employees, the weaker the surveillance in the store, and therefore, malicious people may commit crimes such as theft and robbery.

[0004] For example, a technology has been proposed to restrict users who enter a building by comparing the biometric information obtained from the user with the biometric information of the user with the identification ID stored in advance, and then allowing the user to pass through if the user is authenticated. By using this technology, it is possible to restrict customers who enter a store, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing crimes such as theft.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the membership system is imposed on customers, it is necessary to collect and store the customers' biometric information in advance, which is inconvenient for customers. In addition, the store side also has to manage a large amount of biometric information and personal information, which becomes a burden in terms of security and cost, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an access control device, an access control method and a storage medium, which can achieve the effect of suppressing crime with a simpler structure.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problem, one embodiment of the present invention provides an access control device, comprising: a first receiving unit, a storage unit, a first control unit, a second receiving unit and a second control unit. The first receiving unit receives the first biometric information of a customer entering the store obtained by the first access control device from a first access control device arranged around the entrance of the store. The storage unit stores the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit. The first control unit opens the entrance of the store on the condition that the first biometric information is stored. The second receiving unit receives the second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by the second access control device from a second access control device arranged around the exit of the store. The second control unit opens the exit of the store on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any of the first biometric information stored by the storage unit.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned access control device, it is possible to provide an access control device that can achieve the effect of suppressing crime with a simple structure.

[0009] In the above-mentioned access control device, the first biometric information or the second biometric information contains multiple different element information, and the second control unit opens the exit of the store on the condition that all or part of the element information contained in the second biometric information is consistent with all or part of the element information contained in the first biometric information.

[0010] According to the above-mentioned access control device, the first biometric information and the second biometric information can be made to match with each other with a high probability by using a plurality of element information.

[0011] The access control device may further include a deleting unit configured to delete, at a predetermined timing, the first biometric information that matches the second biometric information among the first biometric information stored in the storage unit.

[0012] According to the access control device described above, leakage of biometric information can be prevented.

[0013] In the above-mentioned access control device, when the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is inconsistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, the second control unit opens the exit of the store after storing the second biometric information as the first biometric information in the storage unit.

[0014] According to the access control device described above, it is possible to secure the customer's biometric information without preventing the customer from leaving the store.

[0015] The access control device mentioned above is also provided with: a calculation unit, which calculates the number of customers based on the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, wherein the first control unit sends a store waiting indication to the first access control device to indicate waiting to enter the store when the number of customers exceeds a threshold.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned access control device, the number of customers entering a store can be limited.

[0017] In the above-mentioned access control device, the second access control device has a coupon issuing unit, wherein the second control unit sends an instruction for issuing the coupon to the second access control device on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned access control device, it is possible to provide services to customers who have registered their biometric information without adopting a membership system or the like.

[0019] In the above-mentioned access control device, the storage unit also stores the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit, the first access control device has a issuing unit for issuing coupons, and the first control unit also sends an instruction for issuing coupons to the first access control device on the condition that the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit is consistent with any of the second biometric information stored in the storage unit. The second access control device has a issuing unit for issuing coupons, and the second control unit also sends an instruction for issuing the coupons to the second access control device on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit. When the second biometric information is inconsistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, after the storage unit saves the second biometric information, the exit of the store is opened.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned access control device, since a customer who is not used to registering biometric information can be guided to the access control device, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the alarm system.

[0021] In the above-mentioned access control device, the first control unit also deletes the consistent second biometric information on the condition that the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit is consistent with any one of the second biometric information stored in the storage unit, and the second control unit also deletes the consistent first biometric information on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any one of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned access control device, by limiting the issuance of coupons, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required to instruct the issuance of coupons.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is a door access control method, which is executed by a door access control device, and includes the following steps: receiving first biometric information of a customer entering a store obtained by a first door access device disposed around the entrance of the store; saving the received first biometric information; keeping the entrance of the store in an open state on the condition that the first biometric information is saved; receiving second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by a second door access device disposed around the exit of the store; and when the received second biometric information is consistent with any of the saved first biometric information, keeping the exit of the store in an open state.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned access control method, it is possible to provide an access control method that can achieve the effect of suppressing crime with a simple structure.

[0025] In addition, a storage medium according to another aspect of the present invention stores a program, which enables a computer of a door access control device to function as the following parts: a first receiving part, which receives first biometric information of a customer entering a store obtained by a first door access control device installed around the entrance of the store; a storing part, which stores the first biometric information received by the first receiving part; a first control part, which opens the entrance of the store on the condition that the first biometric information is stored; a second receiving part, which receives second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by a second door access control device installed around the exit of the store; and a second control part, which opens the exit of the store on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving part is consistent with any one of the first biometric information stored by the storing part.

[0026] According to the above-mentioned storage medium, it is possible to provide a computer of the access control device with a function that can achieve the effect of suppressing crime with a simple configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a door access control system according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance structure of the first access control device involved in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the access control device involved in the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the access control device involved in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the store entry management table involved in the embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the access control device and the access control device involved in the embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the access control system according to the embodiment; and

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the opening and closing control unit of Modification 4.

[0035] Description of Reference Numerals

[0036] 1 access control system 10 first access control device 20 first opening and closing control device 30 second access control device 40 second opening and closing control device 50 access control device 60 access control device 511 guidance processing unit 512 acquisition processing unit 513 communication processing unit 611 communication processing unit 612 storage control unit 613 verification unit 614 opening and closing control unit 615 deletion processing unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the access control device, access control method, and storage medium involved in the present invention are described in detail. In the embodiments shown below, an example of applying the present invention to a store such as a convenience store is described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It should be noted that the business form of the store is not particularly limited, and it can be a manned store with a clerk on duty or an unmanned store.

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a door access control system according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the access control system 1 comprises a first access control device 10, a first opening and closing control device 20, a second access control device 30, a second opening and closing control device 40 and an access control device 60. The first access control device 10, the first opening and closing control device 20, the second access control device 30 and the second opening and closing control device 40 are communicatively connected to the access control device 60 via a wired or wireless network N.

[0039] The first access control device 10 is an example of an access control device, and is installed near an entrance outside a store, for example. The first access control device 10 includes an acquisition unit that acquires biometric information from a customer, and transmits the acquired biometric information to the access control device 60 as first biometric information.

[0040] The second access control device 30 is an example of an access control device similar to the first access control device 10 and is installed near an exit of a store, for example. The second access control device 30 includes an acquisition unit that acquires biometric information from a customer and transmits the acquired biometric information to the access control device 60 as second biometric information.

[0041] Here, the device configurations of the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 may be the same or different. However, at least a portion of the categories of the biometric information obtained by the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 are the same category. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 are described as having the same device configuration. Hereinafter, the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 are collectively labeled as "access control device 50".

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance structure of the first access control device 10. Figure 2 In the figure, the store's outer periphery at the store's entrance IN (entrance door DIN) is shown. Figure 2 The first access control device 10 is set on the left side of the Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , an example of a structure in which a store exit OUT (exit door DOUT) is provided on the right side of an entrance IN, and a periphery of the inner side of the store at the exit OUT (in FIG. Figure 2 In the example of the right side of the figure, a second access control device 30 is provided. That is, Figure 2 The front and back sides of access control device 50 are shown.

[0043] The first access control device 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 51, which is vertically installed with its long sides facing the height direction. The housing 51 includes an imaging unit 52, a reading unit 53, a display unit 54, etc. on the front side facing the customer.

[0044] The camera unit 52 is an image pickup device having an image pickup element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The reader unit 53 is a sensor device for reading fingerprints or palm prints (hereinafter collectively referred to as fingerprint information) from the hand of the customer in contact. The sensing method of the reader unit 53 is not particularly limited, and a known technology can be used. It should be noted that the camera unit 52 and the reader unit 53 are an example of an acquisition unit that acquires biometric information from a customer.

[0045] The display unit 54 is a display device composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a touch panel, etc. The display unit 54 is displayed in the guidance processing unit 511 (see Figure 6 ) under the control of the display screen, etc., which guides the method of entering the store (or leaving the store). For example, the display unit 54 displays a message screen including urging the user to place (touch) the reading unit 53 with his hand.

[0046] In the first access control device 10, the facial image of the customer who wishes to enter the store is obtained by the camera unit 52, and the fingerprint information of the customer is obtained by the reader unit 53. Then, in the first access control device 10, the facial image and fingerprint information obtained from the customer are sent as the first biometric information to the access control device 60. It should be noted that the facial image and fingerprint information are examples of element information constituting the first biometric information.

[0047] In addition, in the second access control device 30, the facial image of the customer who wishes to leave the store is obtained by the camera unit 52, and the fingerprint information of the customer is obtained by the reader unit 53. Then, in the second access control device 30, the facial image and fingerprint information obtained from the customer are sent as the second biometric information to the access control device 60. It should be noted that the facial image and fingerprint information are examples of element information constituting the second biometric information.

[0048] It should be noted that the access control device 50 is not limited to Figure 1 For example, the access control device 50 may be installed by embedding the above-mentioned camera unit 52, reader unit 53, and display unit 54 in the wall of the store. In addition, the camera unit 52 and reader unit 53 may be installed separately, for example, the camera unit 52 may be a surveillance camera installed inside or outside the store.

[0049] In addition, the guidance provided by the access control device 50 to customers is not limited to guidance via the screen of the display unit 54. For example, the access control device 50 may also provide guidance by sound by additionally providing a sound output device such as a speaker. In addition, the access control device 50 may also be a method of starting guidance when a customer approaching the access control device 50 is detected by the camera unit 52, a human sensor, etc.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the access control device 50 may also be a method of projecting an image V for guiding entry into the store (or exiting the store) onto the ground, etc. In this case, the access control device 50 may also be provided with a projector for image projection, etc., and the projection of the image V may be started, for example, based on the timing when the customer's biometric information has been obtained or an instruction from the access control device 60.

[0051] Back to Figure 1The first opening and closing control device 20 is a device that controls the opening and closing of the entrance door DIN provided at the entrance IN of the store. For example, when the entrance door DIN is an automatic door, the first opening and closing control device 20 controls the opening and closing of the entrance door DIN by cooperating with a driving unit that opens and closes the entrance door DIN. In addition, for example, when the entrance door DIN is a manual door that is manually opened and closed, the first opening and closing control device 20 controls the opening and closing of the entrance door DIN, that is, unlocking and locking, by cooperating with an automatic locking unit provided at the entrance door DIN.

[0052] It should be noted that the first opening and closing control device 20 may also be provided integrally with the entrance door DIN. In addition, the first opening and closing control device 20 may also be provided integrally with the first access control device 10.

[0053] The second opening and closing control device 40 is a device that controls the opening and closing of the exit door DOUT provided at the exit OUT of the store. For example, when the exit door DOUT is an automatic door, the second opening and closing control device 40 controls the opening and closing of the exit door DOUT by cooperating with a driving unit that opens and closes the exit door DOUT. In addition, for example, when the exit door DOUT is a manual door that is manually opened and closed, the second opening and closing control device 40 controls the opening and closing, that is, unlocking and locking, of the exit door DOUT by cooperating with an automatic locking unit provided at the exit door DOUT.

[0054] It should be noted that the second opening and closing control device 40 may be integrally formed with the exit door DOUT. In addition, the second opening and closing control device 40 may be integrally formed with the second door device 30.

[0055] The access control device 60 controls the entry and exit of customers to the store based on the biometric information obtained by the access control device 50. Specifically, when the first biometric information of a customer who wishes to enter the store is obtained through the first access control device 10, the access control device 60 allows the customer to enter the store by sending an opening instruction to the first opening and closing control device 20 to open the entrance door DIN. In addition, when the second biometric information of a customer who wishes to leave the store is obtained through the second access control device 30, the access control device 60 checks it with the first biometric information obtained first through the first access control device 10. Then, when the verification is successful (consistent), the access control device 60 sends an opening instruction to the second opening and closing control device 40 to open the exit door DOUT, thereby allowing the customer to leave the store.

[0056] The access control device 60 can be realized by, for example, an information processing device such as a server device installed inside or outside the store.

[0057] Next, the structure of the above-mentioned access control device 50 and access control device 60 will be described. Figure 3 , the hardware structure of the access control device 50 is described.

[0058] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the access control device 50. Figure 3 As shown, the access control device 50 includes the above-mentioned camera unit 52, reading unit 53, display unit 54, etc., and also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 55, ROM (Read Only Memory) 56, RAM (Random Access Memory) 57, storage unit 58 and communication unit 59. Here, the CPU 55 is connected to each unit constituting the access control device 50 via a bus or the like. It should be noted that a printing unit may also be provided.

[0059] The CPU 55 is an example of a processor, and comprehensively controls each part of the access control device 50. The ROM 56 stores various programs. The RAM 57 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. The CPU 55, the ROM 56, and the RAM 57 realize the computer structure of the access control device 50, and have a function as a control unit of the access control device 50.

[0060] The storage unit 58 is a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 58 stores programs executed by the CPU 55 and setting information related to the execution of the programs.

[0061] The communication unit 59 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The communication unit 59 is connected to the network N to transmit and receive various information to and from an external device such as the access control device 60 connected to the network N.

[0062] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the access control device 60. Figure 4 As shown, the access control device 60 includes a CPU 61 , a ROM 62 , a RAM 63 , a storage unit 64 , and a communication unit 65 .

[0063] The CPU 61 is an example of a processor, and comprehensively controls each part of the access control device 60. The ROM 62 stores various programs. The RAM 63 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. The CPU 61, the ROM 62, and the RAM 63 realize the computer structure of the access control device 60, and have a function as a control unit of the access control device 60.

[0064] The storage unit 64 is a storage device such as a HDD or a flash memory. The storage unit 64 stores programs executed by the CPU 61 and setting information related to the execution of the programs. In addition, the storage unit 64 stores a store entry management table 641 for storing the first biometric information obtained by the first access control device 10. In addition, information related to services provided to customers may also be stored, for example, information related to coupons for 10% off may be stored.

[0065] Figure 5 641 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the store entry management table 641 as the biometric information storage unit. Figure 5 As shown, the store entry management table 641 has data items such as the store entry date and time, the first biometric information, and the store departure date and time. The data item of the store entry date and time stores the date and time information indicating the date and time when the customer enters the store. The data item of the first biometric information stores the first biometric information (face image, fingerprint information) of the customer obtained by the first access control device 10. The data item of the store departure date and time stores the date and time information indicating the date and time when the customer leaves the store. Here, as described later, the data item of the store departure date and time also has the function of serving as an identifier for identifying the first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information.

[0066] It should be noted that the data structure of the store entry management table 641 is not limited to Figure 5 For example, the store entry management table 641 may also be a structure that also stores the second biometric information of the customer corresponding to the first biometric information. In addition, the store entry management table 641 may also be a structure that stores flag information indicating whether the customer has left the store instead of the date and time of leaving the store. In addition, the store entry management table 641 may also be a structure that stores the first biometric information without storing the date and time of entering the store and the date and time of leaving the store.

[0067] Back to Figure 4 The communication unit 65 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The communication unit 65 is connected to the network N to send and receive various information between external devices such as the first access control device 10, the first opening and closing control device 20, the second access control device 30, and the second opening and closing control device 40 connected to the network N.

[0068] Next, the functional configurations of the access control device 50 and the access control device 60 will be described. Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the gate device 50 and the gate control device 60 .

[0069] like Figure 6As shown, in the access control device 50, as functional units, there are a guidance processing unit 511, an acquisition processing unit 512, and a communication processing unit 513. Part or all of the functional units of the access control device 50 may also be software structures realized by the cooperation between the processor (e.g., CPU 55) of the access control device 50 and the program stored in the memory (e.g., ROM 56, storage unit 58). In addition, part or all of the functional units of the access control device 50 may also be hardware structures realized by a dedicated circuit mounted on the access control device 50.

[0070] The guidance processing unit 511 performs processing for guiding customers using the store to enter and exit the store, etc. For example, the guidance processing unit 511 causes the display unit 54 to display a screen including a message urging the customer to place (touch) the reading unit 53 with their hand, etc. In addition, the guidance processing unit 511 causes the display unit 54 to display various screens according to instructions from the access control device 60.

[0071] It should be noted that, when the access control device 50 includes other output devices such as the above-mentioned sound output device and projector in addition to the display unit 54, the guidance processing unit 511 can also use these output devices to guide people in and out of the store.

[0072] The acquisition processing unit 512 performs processing for acquiring biometric information from the customer by cooperating with the imaging unit 52 and the reading unit 53. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 512 acquires the customer's facial image through the imaging unit 52. In addition, the acquisition processing unit 512 acquires the customer's fingerprint information through the reading unit 53.

[0073] Here, the acquisition processing unit 512 may acquire an image of the customer's face as a facial image by analyzing the image captured by the camera unit 52, or may acquire the image captured by the camera unit 52 directly as a facial image. In the former case, the acquisition processing unit 512 detects facial organs such as eyes, nose, and mouth from the image captured by the camera unit 52, and acquires an image containing the facial organs as a facial image. In this case, the acquisition processing unit 512 may also extract the feature amount of the facial organs contained in the image by using a known technique, and use the extracted feature amount as a facial image.

[0074] In addition, the acquisition processing unit 512 may control the timing of the operation of the imaging unit 52 and the reading unit 53. For example, the acquisition processing unit 512 starts the imaging of the imaging unit 52 and acquires the face image when the reading unit 53 reads the fingerprint information. By performing such control, the acquisition processing unit 512 can efficiently acquire the face image and fingerprint information from the same customer.

[0075] The communication processing unit 513 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (mainly the access control device 60) by cooperating with the communication unit 59. Specifically, the communication processing unit 513 transmits the facial image and fingerprint information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 512 to the access control device 60 as the customer's biometric information.

[0076] In more detail, the communication processing unit 513 of the first access control device 10 sends the facial image and fingerprint information obtained by the acquisition processing unit 512 as the first biometric information to the access control device 60. In addition, the communication processing unit 513 of the second access control device 30 sends the facial image and fingerprint information obtained by the acquisition processing unit 512 as the second biometric information to the access control device 60. It should be noted that the first biometric information and the second biometric information include an identifier (such as an IP address, device ID, etc.) that can identify which of the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 the access control device 50 of the sending source is.

[0077] It should be noted that a coupon issuance processing unit may be provided. When receiving a coupon issuance instruction and information related to the coupon from the access control device 60, the content of the coupon is printed by the printing unit and issued.

[0078] On the other hand, the access control device 60 includes a communication processing unit 611, a storage control unit 612, a verification unit 613, an opening and closing control unit 614, and a deletion processing unit 615 as functional units. Part or all of the functional units of the access control device 60 may also be software components implemented by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 61) and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 62, storage unit 64) of the access control device 60. In addition, part or all of the functional units of the access control device 60 may also be hardware components implemented by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the access control device 60.

[0079] The communication processing unit 611 is an example of the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit. The communication processing unit 611 transmits and receives various data to and from the external device by cooperating with the communication unit 65. Specifically, the communication processing unit 611 receives the first biometric information transmitted from the first access control device 10. In addition, the communication processing unit 611 receives the second biometric information transmitted from the second access control device 30.

[0080] The storage control unit 612 is an example of a storage unit. The storage control unit 612 stores (registers) the first biometric information for the store entry management table 641 and manages the store entry management table 641. Specifically, when the communication processing unit 611 receives the first biometric information (face image, fingerprint information), the storage control unit 612 associates the first biometric information with the date and time of reception (date and time of entry) and registers it in the store entry management table 641, thereby saving the first biometric information. In addition, when the storage control unit 612 registers the first biometric information in the store entry management table 641, it notifies the opening and closing control unit 614 of the registration completion notification.

[0081] It should be noted that, when the image captured by the camera unit 52 of the first access control device 10 is directly sent as a facial image, the storage control unit 612 may extract an image containing facial organs from the sent image and register the image as a facial image in the store entry management table 641. In addition, the storage control unit 612 may extract feature quantities of facial organs contained in the image and register the extracted feature quantities as a facial image in the store entry management table 641.

[0082] Furthermore, the storage control unit 612 performs processing such as registration and deletion on the store entry management table 641 by cooperating with the opening and closing control unit 614 and the deletion processing unit 615 .

[0083] When the communication processing unit 611 receives the second biometric information, the checking unit 613 checks the second biometric information with each biometric information of the first biometric information stored in the store entry management table 641. Specifically, the checking unit 613 retrieves the first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information from the store entry management table 641. Here, the checking unit 613 can be a method of retrieving the first biometric information that is consistent with both the face image and the fingerprint information (that is, all the element information) included in the second biometric information, or a method of retrieving the first biometric information that is consistent with either the face image or the fingerprint information (that is, a part of the element information). Then, the checking unit 613 notifies the opening and closing control unit 614 of the verification result (retrieval result) of the second biometric information.

[0084] It should be noted that the checking unit 613 checks the first biometric information whose check-out date and time are not registered among the first biometric information stored in the store entry management table 641 with the second biometric information.

[0085] In addition, when the image captured by the camera unit 52 of the second access control device 30 is directly sent as a facial image, the checking unit 613 may also extract an image containing facial organs from the sent image, use the extracted image as a facial image, and check it with the facial image of the first biometric information. In addition, the checking unit 613 may also extract the feature value of the facial organs contained in the image, use the extracted feature value as a facial image, and check it with the facial image of the first biometric information.

[0086] The opening and closing control unit 614 is an example of the first control unit and the second control unit. The opening and closing control unit 614 controls the opening and closing of the entrance door DIN and the exit door DOUT according to the notification from the storage control unit 612 and the checking unit 613. Specifically, when the opening and closing control unit 614 receives the registration completion notification from the storage control unit 612, it sends an opening instruction to the first opening and closing control device 20, thereby opening the entrance door DIN.

[0087] In this way, customers whose biometric information is collected by the first access control device 10 can enter the store. That is, in the access control system 1, customers are allowed to enter the store by providing the first biometric information. It should be noted that the first opening and closing control device 20 cooperates with the human sensor of the entrance door DIN, and after the customer enters the store, the entrance door DIN is transitioned to a closed state.

[0088] Furthermore, when the opening and closing control unit 614 confirms that the first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information has been registered in the store entry management table 641 based on the verification result of the verification unit 613, it sends an opening instruction to the second opening and closing control device 40 to open the exit door DOUT. Then, the opening and closing control unit 614 cooperates with the storage control unit 612 to store the current date and time as the departure date and time in association with the first biometric information in the store entry management table 641 that is consistent with the second biometric information.

[0089] In this way, customers whose biometric information is collected by the second access control device 30 can leave the store. That is, in the access control system 1, customers who provide the first biometric information are allowed to leave the store. Customers who do not provide the first biometric information are not allowed to leave the store. It should be noted that the second opening and closing control device 40 cooperates with the human sensor of the exit door DOUT, etc., and transitions the exit door DOUT to a closed state after the customer walks out of the store.

[0090] It should be noted that the opening and closing control unit 614 can also instruct the second access control device 30 to issue a coupon when sending an opening instruction to the second opening and closing control unit 40. Existing stores that adopt a membership system, etc., can give discounts to customers instead of forcing customers to pre-register biometric information. However, stores that do not adopt a membership system may provide insufficient service to customers. The issuance of coupons is sufficient service to customers whose biometric information has been collected. The instruction to issue a coupon is an instruction to send a command to the second access control device 30 to indicate the issuance of a coupon and information indicating the content of the coupon.

[0091] It should be noted that, in the absence of the first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information, it is more likely that the customer entered the store without providing the first biometric information when the entrance door DIN was in an open state. In this case, the opening and closing control unit 614 retains the customer by keeping the exit door DOUT in a closed state, thereby urging the clerk or the manager who manages the store to confirm the customer. For example, the opening and closing control unit 614 notifies the in-store terminal operated by the clerk, the terminal device of the management company that manages the store, etc. that the customer whose first biometric information is not registered intends to leave the store together with the second biometric information, and activates the notification system.

[0092] However, the correspondence in the case where there is no first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information is not limited to the above-mentioned method. For example, it can also be the following configuration: as described in the later-described modification example (modification example 4), after the opening and closing control unit 614 stores the second biometric information in the store entry management table 641, it sends an opening instruction to the second opening and closing control device 40.

[0093] The deletion processing unit 615 is an example of a deletion unit. The deletion processing unit 615 cooperates with the storage control unit 612 to delete the first biometric information registered in the store entry management table 641 that is consistent with the second biometric information at a specified time. For example, the deletion processing unit 615 deletes the entry of the first biometric information that has passed the specified period from the store entry management table 641 based on the date and time information registered in the data item of the departure date and time. Here, the specified period can be set to any period, such as one day, one week, one month, etc. It should be noted that the first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information can also be deleted, and an opening instruction can be sent to the second opening and closing control device 40. In this way, the possibility of biometric information leakage can be reduced.

[0094] Thus, the deletion processing unit 615 can reduce the load of the storage unit 64 involved in the storage and management of the biometric information by regularly deleting the first biometric information registered in the store entry management table 641. In addition, the deletion processing unit 615 can reduce the possibility of biometric information leakage by regularly deleting the first biometric information registered in the store entry management table 641.

[0095] Hereinafter, an operation example of the above-mentioned access control system 1 will be described. Figure 7 It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the access control system 1 .

[0096] First, in the first access control device 10, the customer who wants to enter the store performs an action such as touching the reading unit 53 with his hand based on the screen displayed by the guidance processing unit 511. Then, the acquisition processing unit 512 of the first access control device 10 acquires the first biometric information (face image, fingerprint information) from the customer via the camera unit 52 and the reading unit 53 (step S11). Next, the communication processing unit 513 of the first access control device 10 sends the first biometric information acquired in step S11 to the access control device 60 (step S12).

[0097] In the access control device 60, when the first biometric information is received through the communication processing unit 611, the storage control unit 612 associates the received first biometric information with the receiving date and time (entry date and time) and stores (registers) it in the store entry management table 641 (step S13). When the registration of the first biometric information is completed, the opening and closing control unit 614 sends an opening instruction to the first opening and closing control device 20 (step S14).

[0098] Then, when the first opening and closing control device 20 receives an opening instruction from the door control device 60, the entrance door DIN is opened by placing the entrance door DIN in the open state (step S15).

[0099] Through the processing of steps S11 to S15, a customer who wishes to enter the store can enter the store by providing his or her biometric information through the first access control device 10. In addition, on the store side, as evidence that the customer has used the store, biometric information that can identify the customer is obtained and can be stored at least during the period when the customer stays in the store.

[0100] On the other hand, when a customer in the store leaves the store, the access control system 1 can execute the processes of steps S21 to S25 .

[0101] First, in the second access control device 30, the customer who wishes to leave the store performs an action such as touching the reading unit 53 with his hand based on the screen displayed by the guidance processing unit 511. Then, the acquisition processing unit 512 of the second access control device 30 acquires the second biometric information (face image, fingerprint information) from the customer via the camera unit 52 and the reading unit 53 (step S21). Next, the communication processing unit 513 of the second access control device 30 sends the second biometric information acquired in step S21 to the access control device 60 (step S22).

[0102] In the door control device 60, when the second biometric information is received through the communication processing unit 611, the checking unit 613 checks each of the second biometric information and the first biometric information stored in the store entry management table 641 (step S23). Here, if there is first biometric information that is consistent with either or both of the face image and fingerprint information included in the second biometric information, the opening and closing control unit 614 sends an opening instruction to the second opening and closing control device 40 (step S24).

[0103] Then, when receiving the opening instruction from the door control device 60, the second opening and closing control device 40 opens the exit door DOUT by placing the exit door DOUT in the open state (step S25).

[0104] It should be noted that in order to provide services to customers, coupons can also be issued in step S24. A printing unit (issuing unit) for issuing coupons is provided in the second access control device 30. When there is first biometric information that is consistent with either or both of the facial image and fingerprint information included in the second biometric information, the opening and closing control unit 614 sends an instruction for issuing coupons to the second access control device 30. The second access control device 30 that receives the instruction to issue the coupon prints the coupon in the printing unit and issues it. In this way, coupons can be provided to customers who have provided biometric information. Customers can be guided to the access control device. Other variations of issuing coupons will be described later.

[0105] Through the processing of steps S21 to S25, the customer who wishes to leave the store can leave the store by providing his / her biometric information through the second access control device 30. In addition, on the store side, since the customer whose first biometric information can be obtained through the first access control device 10 can leave the store, the customer who enters the store without providing the first biometric information can be kept in the store.

[0106] As described above, the access control device 60 of this embodiment receives the first biometric information of the customer who is about to enter the store obtained by the first access control device 10 from the first access control device 10 installed around the entrance of the store, and opens the entrance door DIN on the condition that the first biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641. In addition, the access control device 60 receives the second biometric information of the customer who is about to leave the store obtained by the second access control device 30 from the second access control device 30 installed around the exit of the store, and opens the exit door DOUT on the condition that the second biometric information is consistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the store entry management table 641.

[0107] In this way, in the access control device 60, since customers who use the store can provide the first biometric information that can identify themselves to the store side, it is possible to deter customers from committing crimes. In addition, since the access control device 60 can control the entry and exit of the store without requiring customers to register as members or show their membership cards, it is possible to suppress the burden on customers and improve convenience. In addition, the access control device 60 controls the customer's exit based on the verification result of the biometric information when entering and exiting the store. Therefore, compared with the structure of performing user authentication to identify the customer's individual, it is possible to suppress the cost load involved in the storage and management of personal information including biometric information, and the security load such as information leakage. Therefore, in the access control device 60, a store that improves the crime suppression effect can be realized with a simple structure.

[0108] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments can also be appropriately modified and implemented by changing a part of the composition or function of each of the above-mentioned devices. Therefore, several modified examples involved in the above-mentioned embodiments are described as other embodiments below. It should be noted that the following mainly describes the points different from the above-mentioned embodiments, and the detailed description of the points common to the already described contents is omitted. In addition, the modified examples described below can be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0109] (Variant 1)

[0110] In the above embodiment, a shop with an entrance IN and an exit OUT respectively provided is used as an example for explanation, but it is not limited to this. The entrance IN and the exit OUT can also be realized through a common entrance and exit. In this case, by configuring the first access control device 10 outside the shop around the entrance and exit, and configuring the second access control device 30 inside the shop, the same effect as the above embodiment can be achieved. It should be noted that in this case, the first opening and closing control device 20 and the second opening and closing control device 40 can be used as a common opening and closing control device.

[0111] (Variant 2)

[0112] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 are configured as the same device, but the present invention is not limited thereto and they may also be configured as different devices.

[0113] For example, the second access control device 30 may include either the imaging unit 52 or the reading unit 53. Furthermore, the imaging unit 52 of the first access control device 10 or the first opening and closing control device 20 may be configured by using surveillance cameras installed inside and outside the store.

[0114] In addition, the resolution and sensing accuracy of the camera unit 52 and the reader unit 53 may be different in the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30. For example, the resolution and sensing accuracy of the camera unit 52 and the reader unit 53 of the second access control device 30 may be lower than the resolution and sensing accuracy of the camera unit 52 and the reader unit 53 of the first access control device 10.

[0115] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the face image and fingerprint information are obtained as biometric information, other types of biometric information can be used as long as it can be obtained from the human body. For example, the reading unit 53 can be used as a sensor for reading the veins of the palm, or as a sensor for reading the iris pattern of the pupil. In addition, the number of biometric information obtained by each device of the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 is not particularly limited, and can be one or more than three.

[0116] (Variant 3)

[0117] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the first biometric information consistent with the second biometric information does not exist in the store entry management table 641, the exit door DOUT is kept closed and the in-store terminal operated by the clerk is notified, but the corresponding method is not limited to this.

[0118] For example, when the first biometric information consistent with the second biometric information does not exist in the store entry management table 641, the opening and closing control unit 614 may cooperate with the storage control unit 612 to register the second biometric information as the first biometric information in the store entry management table 641 and then send an opening instruction to the second opening and closing control device 40.

[0119] The above-mentioned correspondence can ensure the customer's biometric information that cannot be obtained by the first access control device 10 without blocking the customer from leaving the store. Therefore, while seeking customer convenience, it is possible to seek efficiency in store operations.

[0120] It should be noted that when the second biometric information is registered as the first biometric information in the store entry management table 641, the check-out date and time are registered at the same time. In addition, the same date and time as the check-out date and time may be registered as the store entry date and time.

[0121] (Variant 4)

[0122] In the above embodiment, although the method of opening the entrance door DIN under the condition that the first biometric information is registered in the store entry management table 641 is described, it is not limited to this, and further conditions may be set. Here, the further conditions may be set arbitrarily, but for example, the method of opening the entrance door DIN may be set when the number of customers in the store is below a threshold.

[0123] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the opening and closing control unit 614 of this modification. Figure 7 An example of the processing performed after step S13 described in .

[0124] First, when the first biometric information is registered in the store entry management table 641, the opening and closing control unit 614 calculates the number of first biometric information with blank columns for the store departure date and time registered in the store entry management table 641, that is, the number of customers in the store (step S31). (Customer number calculation unit that calculates the number of customers based on the first biometric information)

[0125] Next, the opening and closing control unit 614 determines whether the number of customers in the store is below a threshold value (step S32). Here, the threshold value can be set arbitrarily, but is preferably set based on the size of the store, etc. For example, the threshold value is set to 30 people.

[0126] When the number of customers in the store is equal to or less than the threshold value (Yes in step S32), the opening and closing control unit 614 sends an opening instruction to the first opening and closing control device 20 (step S33), and the process ends.

[0127] On the other hand, when the number of customers in the store exceeds the threshold (No in step S32), the opening and closing control unit 614 sends a store entry waiting instruction for instructing the first access control device 10 to wait for entry (step S34), and the process ends.

[0128] Here, the store waiting instruction includes, for example, a message indicating the intention to wait for entering the store, and information that can compare the number of customers in the store with the number of customers specified by the threshold. The guidance processing unit 511 of the first access control device 10 prompts customers who want to enter the store to wait by causing the display unit 54 to display a screen based on the store waiting instruction.

[0129] It should be noted that, whenever the exit door DOUT is in the open state, the opening and closing control unit 614 registers the departure date and time in the store entry management table 641 in the corresponding first biometric information, and at the same time, calculates the number of customers in the store. That is, the number of first biometric information with a blank column for the departure date and time is calculated. (Customer number calculation unit that calculates the number of customers based on the first biometric information)

[0130] In addition, when the number of customers in the store becomes below the threshold due to customers leaving the store, the opening and closing control unit 614 sends an opening instruction to the first opening and closing control device 20, and at the same time, the remaining number of people after subtracting the number corresponding to the number of customers in the store from the threshold is notified to the first access control device 10 as the number of people allowed to enter the store.

[0131] Moreover, the guidance processing unit 511 of the first access control device 10 urges the number of customers corresponding to the number of customers who can enter the store to enter the store by displaying the number of people who can enter the store notified by the access control device 60 to the display unit 54. It should be noted that the method for calculating the number of customers may also be other methods. For example, as long as the first biometric information that is consistent with the second biometric information is deleted and an opening instruction is sent to the second opening and closing control device 40, the number of customers can be calculated by counting the first biometric information being stored (a customer number calculation unit that calculates the number of customers based on the first biometric information).

[0132] In the access control device 60 according to the present modification, the number of customers present in the store can be restricted so as not to exceed a threshold value.

[0133] In this embodiment, a first access control device 10 is arranged near the entrance of the store, and a second access control device 30 is arranged near the exit of the store. However, it is assumed that a customer who does not know the existence of the first access control device 10 enters the store without registering biometric information when the entrance door is opened. After shopping, such a harmless customer may be dissatisfied with the situation that the second access control device 30 at the exit is blocked. In addition, a customer who comes to the store for the purpose of buying a commodity may be dissatisfied with the situation that time is consumed by registering biometric information in the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30. The effect of suppressing crime can be improved by registering biometric information with the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30. On the other hand, if biometric information is not registered when shopping, there may be a shopping customer who is dissatisfied with the situation that he cannot enter or leave the store. In order to deal with such a thing, it is desired to have an access control system that can seek the effect of suppressing crime and is easy to use for customers. Therefore, a modified example of the access control device that solves the above-mentioned technical problems is described.

[0134] Here, the access control system to be described is a system that issues coupons to customers who have registered their biometric information. In this way, customers who have registered their biometric information can purchase goods at a lower price than customers who have not registered their biometric information, and the use of the access control device 50 can be promoted.

[0135] The first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 are provided with a printing unit for printing coupons and a coupon issuing processing unit, respectively. The first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 are access control devices for issuing coupons. The opening and closing control unit 614 of the access control device 60 instructs the access control device 50 to issue coupons according to predetermined conditions. The access control device 50 that receives the instruction prints the coupon in the printing unit and issues it. For example, the coupon is a discount coupon or the like that can be used in a store.

[0136] An area for storing the second biometric information is also provided in the store entry management table 641. The store entry management table 641 as a storage unit contains store entry date and time, first biometric information, second biometric information, store exit date and time, and the like.

[0137] The switch control unit 614 performs the following processing in cooperation with the communication processing unit 611, the storage control unit 612, the checking unit 613, and the deletion processing unit 615. Here, the switch control unit 614 is taken as an example to describe the functions of controlling each unit.

[0138] When the communication processing unit 611 receives the first biometric information, the opening and closing control unit 614 as the first control unit confirms whether the second biometric information corresponding to the received first biometric information has been saved in the store entry management table 641. The second biometric information corresponding to the first biometric information means the second biometric information consistent with the first biometric information, and the same is true below. In the case where the second biometric information is not saved, the first access control device 10 is not instructed to issue a coupon, but the first biometric information is saved in the store entry management table 641, and an opening instruction is sent to the first opening and closing control device 20. In this way, the entrance of the store is opened.

[0139] On the other hand, there is a case where the second biometric information equivalent to the received first biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641, which is a case where the customer did not register the biometric information in the first access control device 10 during the previous shopping, but registered the biometric information in the second access control device 30 at the exit. In the case where the second biometric information has been stored in the store entry management table 641, it means that the customer has registered the biometric information in both the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30. Therefore, a coupon is provided to the customer. Specifically, the opening and closing control unit 614 instructs the first access control device 10 to issue a coupon when the second biometric information equivalent to the received first biometric information has been stored in the store entry management table 641. Then, the first biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641, and an opening instruction is sent to the first opening and closing control device 20. In this way, the first access control device 10 issues a coupon. The first opening and closing control device 20 puts the entrance of the store in an open state. It should be noted that when the second biometric information continues to be stored in the store entry management table 641, the second biometric information can be confirmed when entering the store next time and thereafter. Coupons can be issued every time. In order to limit the frequency of coupon issuance, the second biometric information may be deleted when the coupon is issued. By doing so, if the biometric information is not re-registered in the second access control device 30, the coupon will not be issued. In this way, customers can be guided to the second access control device 30, the frequency of the access control device 60 instructing the first access control device 10 to issue coupons can be reduced, and the processing load of the access control device 60 can be reduced. In addition, by reducing the operating frequency of the printing unit that prints coupons, the power consumption and paper of the first access control device 10 can also be reduced.

[0140] Furthermore, when the first biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641 , the store entry date and time are stored in the store entry management table 641 .

[0141] Next, a case where the communication processing unit 611 receives the second biological information will be described.

[0142] When the communication processing unit 611 receives the second biometric information, the opening and closing control unit 614 as the second control unit confirms whether the first biometric information corresponding to the received second biometric information has been saved in the store entry management table 641. In the case where the first biometric information is not saved, the second access control device 30 is not instructed to issue the coupon, but the second biometric information is saved in the store entry management table 641 through the storage control unit 612, and an opening instruction is sent to the second opening and closing control device 40. In this way, the exit of the store is opened. This means that the customer entered the store without registering the biometric information in the first access control device 10. By saving the second biometric information in the store entry management table 641, the next time the customer comes to the store, if the biometric information is registered in the first access control device 10, a coupon can be issued. The customer is informed that "you can get a coupon as long as you register the biometric information at the entrance when you come to the store next time", so that the customer who comes to the store next time can be guided to the first access control device 10.

[0143] On the other hand, when the first biometric information corresponding to the received second biometric information has been stored in the store entry management table 641, since the customer has registered the biometric information in the first access control device 10, a coupon is issued. Specifically, when the first biometric information corresponding to the received second biometric information has been stored in the store entry management table 641, the opening and closing control unit 614 instructs the second access control device 30 to issue a coupon. Then, the second biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641, and an opening instruction is sent to the second opening and closing control device 40. In this way, the second access control device 30 issues a coupon, and the second opening and closing control device 40 opens the exit of the store. It should be noted that when the first biometric information continues to be stored in the store entry management table 641, the first biometric information can be confirmed when leaving the store next time. Coupons can be issued every time. In order to limit the frequency of issuing coupons, the first biometric information can also be deleted when the coupon is issued. By doing so, if the biometric information is not registered again in the first access control device 10, the coupon is not issued. In this way, customers can be guided to the first access control device 10. In addition, the frequency of the gate control device 60 instructing the second gate control device 30 to issue a coupon can be reduced. The processing load of the gate control device 60 can be reduced. In addition, by reducing the operating frequency of the printing unit that prints coupons, the power consumption and paper of the second gate control device 30 can also be reduced.

[0144] Furthermore, when the second biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641 , the check-out date and time are stored in the store entry management table 641 .

[0145] It should be noted that, when the second access control device 30 is instructed to issue a coupon, the second biometric information may not be stored in the store entry management table 641, and the first biometric information may be deleted. In this way, the customer will use both the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30 for the next shopping.

[0146] As described above, by registering biometric information, it is possible to provide customers with a deterrent against crime. Moreover, it is possible to provide services to customers who register biometric information. In addition, it is possible to avoid disputes with harmless customers who enter the store without registering biometric information. Since the notification system such as calling the store clerk at the exit is not operated, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0147] Furthermore, since coupons can be issued through both the first access control device 10 and the second access control device 30, it is easy for customers to register biometric information.

[0148] In addition, when a customer who is not used to the access control device 50 logs in the biometric information in either the access control device 50 at the entrance or the exit, as long as the biometric information is registered in the access control device 50 of the other party the next time he comes to the store, he can receive the coupon. Coupons can be provided not limited to entering and leaving the store for one shopping trip. At present, the registration of biometric information when leaving the store and the registration of biometric information when coming to the store next time are not linked. In addition, the present embodiment does not issue coupons in conjunction with the information of the settlement of the goods. It is also a feature point that coupons can be provided to customers regardless of the settlement of the goods. In this way, children brought by the person who is shopping, or companions who accompany the person who is shopping can also receive coupons by registering biometric information in the access control device 50. By having most people register their biometric information in the access control device 50, an environment where there is no resistance to registering biometric information can be constructed. Then, it can be expected that the number of customers who are not used to registering biometric information will gradually decrease.

[0149] Coupons can also be issued under the following conditions.

[0150] When the second biometric information corresponding to the first biometric information received from the first access control device 10 has been saved in the store entry management table 641, the check-out date and time are confirmed. In the case where the interval between the check-out date and time of the previous shopping and the date and time of this visit exceeds a certain number of days, the coupon may not be issued. The certain number of days is, for example, two weeks. By doing so, while guiding customers to the store, they can be guided to the first access control device 10. When the second biometric information corresponding to the first biometric information has been saved in the store entry management table 641, and when the interval between the visit date and time and the check-out date and time exceeds the specified interval, the first access control device 10 is not instructed to issue a coupon, but the first biometric information is saved in the store entry management table 641, and an opening instruction is sent to the first opening and closing control device 20.

[0151] When the first biometric information corresponding to the second biometric information received from the second access control device 30 has been stored in the store entry management table 641, the store entry date and time are confirmed. In the case where the time from the store entry date and time to the store departure date and time exceeds a certain time, the coupon may not be issued. Customers who stay in the store for a certain time beyond the time required for shopping may spend a certain time for purposes other than shopping. For example, it can be assumed that a certain time is spent in the store to escape the heat. It is assumed that such customers will not be issued coupons in the case of exceeding the time required for shopping. When the first biometric information corresponding to the second biometric information has been stored in the store entry management table 641, and when the store entry date and time and the store departure date and time exceed the specified interval, the second access control device 30 is not instructed to issue a coupon. Then, the first biometric information of the store entry management table 641 is deleted, and the second biometric information is not stored in the store entry management table 641. In addition, an opening instruction is sent to the second opening and closing control device 20. In this way, the coupon can be prevented from being issued in the first access control device 10 when the customer comes to the store next time.

[0152] The prescribed interval can be any time required for shopping, for example, two hours. In addition, for example, the time required for shopping can be calculated by summarizing the store entry date and time and the store exit date and time of multiple customers. For example, the average is calculated to be two hours. In this case, three hours, which is longer than the average, can also be set as the prescribed interval. By doing so, coupons can be provided to customers who come to shop. By not issuing coupons to customers who do not shop, the power consumption involved in issuing coupons can be reduced.

[0153] It should be noted that the store entry management table 641 is described in a manner of storing the first biometric information and the second biometric information respectively. Since the first biometric information and the second biometric information are the same information, any of the first biometric information or the second biometric information may also be stored. Then, when any of the first biometric information or the second biometric information is stored in the store entry management table 641, storing an identifier that can distinguish the received other biometric information (for example, the store entry date and time or the store departure date and time) is also equivalent to storing the first biometric information or the second biometric information.

[0154] The above is summarized as follows:

[0155] A door access control device comprises: a first receiving unit for receiving first biometric information of a customer entering the store obtained by a first door access control device for issuing coupons, which is arranged around the entrance of the store;

[0156] A second receiving unit receives second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by a second access control device disposed around an exit of the store for issuing coupons;

[0157] a first control unit, which, when the first receiving unit receives the first biometric information, causes the first access control device to issue a coupon and to open the entrance of the store; and

[0158] the second control unit, when the second receiving unit receives the second biometric information, causes the second access control device to issue a coupon and to open the exit of the store;

[0159] Wherein, when the second biometric information corresponding to the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit has been stored in the biometric information storage unit, the first control unit instructs the first access control device to issue a coupon, saves the first biometric information in the biometric information storage unit, and keeps the entrance of the store in an open state; when the second biometric information corresponding to the first biometric information has not been stored in the biometric information storage unit, the first control unit does not instruct the first access control device to issue a coupon, saves the first biometric information in the biometric information storage unit, and keeps the entrance of the store in an open state,

[0160] When the first biometric information corresponding to the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit has been stored in the biometric information storage unit, the second control unit instructs the second access control device to issue a coupon and keeps the exit of the store in an open state; when the first biometric information corresponding to the second biometric information has not been stored in the biometric information storage unit, the second control unit does not instruct the second access control device to issue a coupon, but saves the second biometric information in the biometric information storage unit and keeps the exit of the store in an open state.

[0161] Furthermore, in the access control device, the first control unit deletes the second biometric information when the second biometric information corresponding to the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit has been stored in the biometric information storage unit.

[0162] The second control unit deletes the first biometric information when the first biometric information corresponding to the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is already stored in the biometric information storage unit.

[0163] As described above, in the access control device 60 according to the present modification, the effects of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0164] The programs executed in the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments are provided by being pre-built into a ROM, etc. The programs executed in the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments can also be provided by recording them in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable or executable form.

[0165] Furthermore, the programs executed in the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. In addition, the programs executed in the devices of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided or configured via a network such as the Internet.

[0166] Although the embodiments (variations) of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A door access control device, characterized in that: have: A first receiving unit receives first biometric information of a customer entering the store obtained by a first access control device installed around an entrance of the store; a storage unit, configured to store the first biological information received by the first receiving unit; a first control unit, which, on condition that the first biometric information is stored, keeps the entrance of the store in an open state; a second receiving unit receiving second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by a second access control device installed around an exit of the store; as well as The second control unit opens the exit of the store on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any one of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, Wherein, the second access control device has a coupon issuing unit, The second control unit sends an instruction for issuing the coupon to the second access control device on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any one of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit.

2. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein: The first biometric information or the second biometric information includes a plurality of different element information, and the second control unit opens the exit of the store on the condition that all or part of the element information included in the second biometric information is consistent with all or part of the element information included in the first biometric information.

3. The access control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also available: The deleting unit deletes the first biometric information that matches the second biometric information among the first biometric information stored in the storage unit at a predetermined timing.

4. The access control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is inconsistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, the second control unit opens the exit of the store after storing the second biometric information as the first biometric information in the storage unit.

5. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: The calculation unit calculates the number of customers based on the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, wherein the first control unit sends a store entry waiting indication to the first access control device to indicate waiting to enter the store when the number of customers exceeds a threshold.

6. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage unit further stores the second biological information received by the second receiving unit. The first access control device has a coupon issuing unit. The first control unit further sends an instruction for issuing the coupon to the first access control device on the condition that the first biometric information received by the first receiving unit is consistent with any one of the second biometric information stored by the storage unit, Furthermore, when the second biometric information does not match any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, the second control unit opens the exit of the store after causing the storage unit to store the second biometric information.

7. The access control device according to claim 6, wherein: The first control unit further deletes the second biological information that matches, if the first biological information received by the first receiving unit matches any one of the second biological information stored in the storage unit. The second control unit further deletes the matching first biometric information if the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit matches any one of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit.

8. A door access control method, executed by a door access control device, characterized in that: The access control method comprises the following steps: receiving, from a first access control device disposed around an entrance of a store, first biometric information of a customer entering the store acquired by the first access control device; saving the received first biometric information; On condition that the first biometric information is stored, keeping the entrance of the store open; receiving, from a second access control device disposed around an exit of the store, second biometric information of a customer leaving the store acquired by the second access control device; and When the received second biometric information matches any of the stored first biometric information, the exit of the store is opened. Wherein, the access control method comprises the following steps: On the condition that the received second biometric information is consistent with any one of the stored first biometric information, an instruction for issuing a coupon is sent to a second access control device having an issuing unit for issuing a coupon.

9. A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that: The program enables the computer of the access control device to have the functions of: A first receiving unit receives first biometric information of a customer entering the store obtained by a first access control device installed around an entrance of the store; a storage unit, configured to store the first biological information received by the first receiving unit; a first control unit, which, on condition that the first biometric information is stored, keeps the entrance of the store in an open state; a second receiving unit receiving second biometric information of a customer leaving the store obtained by a second access control device installed around an exit of the store; as well as The second control unit opens the exit of the store on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any one of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit, The second control unit sends an instruction for issuing a coupon to the second access control device having an issuing unit for issuing a coupon, on the condition that the second biometric information received by the second receiving unit is consistent with any of the first biometric information stored in the storage unit.

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