Electronic lock control method, electronic lock control system, and program recording medium

Abstract

An electronic lock control method includes the steps of: a first determination step of determining whether or not a person is present in a prescribed area around an electronic lock (100) based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination step of determining whether or not a first person is a person permitted to release the electronic lock (100) based on second information related to movement of the first person, in the case where it is determined by the first determination step that the first person is present in the prescribed area; and a control step of controlling a locked or unlocked state of the electronic lock (100) based on a result of the determination by the second determination step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electronic lock control methods, etc. Background Technology

[0002] A technique for controlling electronic locks is known in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] (Existing technical literature)

[0004] (Patent Documents)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-63961

[0006] It is necessary to prevent unauthorized individuals from unlocking the electronic lock using illegal methods. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electronic lock control method, etc., that can prevent unauthorized persons from illegally unlocking the electronic lock.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electronic lock control method comprising the following steps: a first determination step, determining whether a person exists in a designated area surrounding the electronic lock based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination step, determining whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person if the first determination step determines that a first person exists in the designated area; and a control step, controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the result of the second determination step.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electronic lock control system comprising: a first determination unit that determines whether a person exists in a designated area surrounding the electronic lock based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination unit that, if the first determination unit determines that a first person exists in the designated area, determines whether the first person is a person authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person; and a control unit that controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result of the second determination unit.

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a program recording medium containing a program for causing a computer to perform electronic lock control processing, the electronic lock control processing including the following steps: a first determination step, determining whether a person exists in a designated area around the electronic lock based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination step, if the first determination step determines that a first person exists in the designated area, determining whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person; and a control step, controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the result of the second determination step.

[0011] The electronic lock control method disclosed herein can prevent unauthorized persons from illegally unlocking the electronic lock. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a building where a portion of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 1 is installed.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the second determination unit of Embodiment 1 determining, based on acceleration information and magnetic information, whether a person present within a specified range of the electronic lock is a person who is permitted to unlock the electronic lock.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the second determination unit of Embodiment 1 determining, based on acceleration information, whether a person present within a specified range of the electronic lock is a person who is permitted to unlock the electronic lock.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display unit of Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display and the image displayed by the operation receiving unit in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display and the image displayed by the operation receiving unit in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display and the image displayed by the operation receiving unit in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display unit of Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display unit of Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a typical action performed by the electronic lock control system in Implementation 1, which executes the first electronic lock control process.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the first electronic lock control process.

[0025] Figure 14 This is the flowchart for the first judgment and processing.

[0026] Figure 15 This is the flowchart for the second judgment process.

[0027] Figure 16 This is the flowchart for the first control process.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a modified electronic lock control system.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a modified electronic lock control system.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a typical action performed by an electronic lock control system in a variant that executes the second electronic lock control process.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of the second electronic lock control process.

[0032] Figure 21 This is the flowchart for the second control process.

[0033] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system according to Embodiment 2.

[0034] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a building where a portion of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 2 is installed.

[0035] Figure 24This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 25 This is a flowchart of the third electronic lock control process.

[0037] Figure 26 This is the flowchart for the third judgment process.

[0038] Figure 27 This is the flowchart for the fourth judgment process.

[0039] Figure 28 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system according to Embodiment 3.

[0040] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a building where a portion of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 3 is installed.

[0041] Figure 30 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 3.

[0042] Figure 31 This is a flowchart of the fourth electronic lock control process.

[0043] Figure 32 This is the flowchart for the fifth judgment process.

[0044] Figure 33 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 4.

[0045] Figure 34 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 4.

[0046] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of what an electronic lock control system of Embodiment 4 would look like with multiple machine learning models.

[0047] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of what an electronic lock control system of Embodiment 4 would look like if it had a machine learning model.

[0048] Figure 37 This is a flowchart of the fifth electronic lock control process.

[0049] Figure 38 This is the flowchart for the sixth judgment process. Detailed Implementation

[0050] (One way in which this disclosure was obtained)

[0051] In recent years, various electronic devices within buildings have been connected to gateways or routers (hereinafter referred to as "gateways") installed within the building. When a user uses an electronic device connected to a gateway, the user can perform that action through the gateway. Therefore, the convenience for users when using electronic devices connected to a gateway is improved compared to when the electronic device was not connected to a gateway.

[0052] However, situations may arise where, for example, a third party steals the gateway, and the electronic devices connected to that gateway are illegally controlled by that third party.

[0053] In particular, if the electronic device connected to the gateway is an electronic lock installed on the door that serves as the entrance to the building, it could potentially allow a third party to illegally enter the building.

[0054] Therefore, the inventors conducted in-depth discussions and repeated experiments on how to prevent unauthorized individuals from unlocking the electronic lock using illegal methods.

[0055] As a result, the inventors gained the following insight: when a person near the electronic lock is not authorized to unlock it, the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock can be controlled in a way that inhibits the unlocking of the electronic lock, thereby preventing unauthorized persons from illegally unlocking the electronic lock.

[0056] Furthermore, based on this insight, the inventors, through repeated discussions and experiments, conceived of the electronic lock control method, electronic lock control system, and program recording medium disclosed herein.

[0057] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electronic lock control method comprising the following steps: a first determination step, determining whether a person exists in a designated area surrounding the electronic lock based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination step, determining whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person if the first determination step determines that a first person exists in the designated area; and a control step, controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the result of the second determination step.

[0058] Using the above-described electronic lock control method, if it is determined that the person near the electronic lock is not authorized to unlock it, the lock / unlock status of the electronic lock can be controlled in a way that prevents the person from unlocking it.

[0059] Therefore, the above-mentioned electronic lock control method can prevent unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock by illegal means.

[0060] Alternatively, the electronic device may be an information terminal carried by the first person, where the first information is location information indicating the location of the information terminal, and the second information is acceleration information or step count information. The acceleration information indicates the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the information terminal, and the step count information is the number of steps taken by the first person as measured by the information terminal.

[0061] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on information related to the information terminal.

[0062] Alternatively, the electronic device may be a camera device, where the first information is an image captured by the camera device, and the second information is gait information related to the gait of the first person calculated based on the image captured by the camera device.

[0063] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on information related to the image captured by the camera device.

[0064] Alternatively, the electronic lock may be installed on the door of the building's entrance, the electronic device may be a charger or a power distribution panel that provides power to the charger, the charger may be a charger for charging an electric vehicle and may be configured in the building or within a specified range from the building, the first information may be connection information indicating that the electric vehicle has been connected to the charger, and the second information may be acceleration information indicating the acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor of the information terminal carried by the first person.

[0065] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on information related to the charger.

[0066] Alternatively, in the second determination step, a machine learning model can be used to determine whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock. The machine learning model is a pre-trained model that outputs a score indicating the certainty that the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock when the second information is input.

[0067] Therefore, machine learning models can be used to determine whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock.

[0068] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electronic lock control system comprising: a first determination unit that determines whether a person exists in a designated area surrounding the electronic lock based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination unit that, if the first determination unit determines that a first person exists in the designated area, determines whether the first person is a person authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person; and a control unit that controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result of the second determination unit.

[0069] The electronic lock control system described above can control the locking and unlocking status of the electronic lock in a way that prevents the person near the electronic lock from unlocking it, if it is determined that the person near the electronic lock is not authorized to unlock the electronic lock.

[0070] Therefore, the above-mentioned electronic lock control method can prevent unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock by illegal means.

[0071] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a program recording medium containing a program for causing a computer to perform electronic lock control processing, the electronic lock control processing including the following steps: a first determination step, determining whether a person exists in a designated area around the electronic lock based on first information generated by an electronic device; a second determination step, if the first determination step determines that a first person exists in the designated area, determining whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person; and a control step, controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the result of the second determination step.

[0072] By using the aforementioned recording medium, if it is determined that the person near the electronic lock is not authorized to unlock the electronic lock, the locking and unlocking status of the electronic lock can be controlled in a way that prevents the electronic lock from being unlocked.

[0073] Therefore, by using the aforementioned recording medium, it is possible to prevent unauthorized individuals from unlocking the electronic lock using illegal methods.

[0074] The following description focuses on a specific example of an electronic lock control system according to one aspect of this disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown herein are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the values, shapes, constituent elements, the arrangement and connection of constituent elements, and the steps (processes) and their sequence shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, the figures are schematic diagrams and not rigorous illustrations. In the figures, substantially identical components are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions have been omitted or simplified.

[0075] (Implementation Method 1)

[0076] The following describes the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 1. This electronic lock control system determines whether someone is present near the electronic lock and whether that person is not authorized to unlock the electronic lock, and controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result.

[0077] <Composition>

[0078] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1 installed in building 200.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1 includes an electronic lock 100, a home gateway 110, a server device 120, an information terminal 130, an Internet 140, and a building network 150.

[0081] The electronic lock 100 is connected to the building network 150, receives control signals sent from the home gateway 110 through the building network 150, and switches between locked and unlocked states according to the received control signals.

[0082] In the description of Embodiment 1, the electronic lock 100 is as follows: Figure 2 The lock shown is installed on door 210 as a lock for locking and unlocking the door 210, which is the entrance and exit of building 200.

[0083] For example, building 200 can be a residence, and door 210 can be the entrance hall of building 200 as a residence.

[0084] Furthermore, the electronic lock 100 described here is a lock used to lock and unlock door 210, but it is not necessarily limited to this purpose. For example, the electronic lock 100 can also be used to lock and unlock doors of passenger vehicles or safes.

[0085] Home gateway 110 is installed in building 200 and connected to the building network 150 and the Internet 140 built in building 200. It relays communication between devices connected to the building network 150 and between devices connected to the building network 150 and devices connected to the Internet 140.

[0086] The home gateway 110 has a communication interface, a touch screen, a processor, and a memory. The processor executes programs stored in the memory to achieve various functions.

[0087] Information terminal 130 is a portable terminal connected to Internet 140.

[0088] In the description of Embodiment 1, the information terminal 130 is a smartphone equipped with an accelerometer and a magnetometer and has GPS functionality, and is carried by the person 220.

[0089] In addition, in the description of Embodiment 1, the information terminal 130 is a smartphone carried by the person 220. However, as long as the information terminal 130 is a terminal that can communicate with the server device 120 and the home gateway 110 and is carried by the person 220, it is not necessary to limit it to a smartphone. The information terminal 130 can also be, for example, a wearable device or a pedometer.

[0090] The information terminal 130 also has a communication interface, a touch screen, a processor, and a memory. The processor executes programs stored in the memory to achieve various functions.

[0091] The information terminal 130 calculates its position using GPS function, detects acceleration using an accelerometer, and detects magnetism using a magnetic sensor during each specified period T1 (e.g., 1 second).

[0092] Server device 120 is a so-called computer device, connected to the Internet 140.

[0093] The server device 120 has a communication interface, an input interface, a display, a processor, and a memory. The processor executes programs stored in the memory to perform various functions.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic lock control system 1.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1 includes an operation receiving unit 31, a sensing information storage unit 32, a transmitting unit 33, a receiving unit 34, a display unit 35, a receiving unit 21, a first judgment unit 22, a second judgment unit 23, a transmitting unit 24, a display unit 25, a receiving unit 11, a control unit 12, a display and operation receiving unit 13, a transmitting unit 14, a receiving unit 101, and a locking / unlocking unit 102.

[0096] The operation receiving unit 31, the sensing information storage unit 32, the transmitting unit 33, the receiving unit 34, and the display unit 35 are implemented through the information terminal 130. The receiving unit 21, the first judgment unit 22, the second judgment unit 23, the transmitting unit 24, and the display unit 25 are implemented through the server device 120. The receiving unit 11, the control unit 12, the display and operation receiving unit 13, and the transmitting unit 14 are implemented through the home gateway 110. The receiving unit 101 and the locking / unlocking unit 102 are implemented through the electronic lock 100.

[0097] In addition, in Embodiment 1, the first determination unit 22 and the second determination unit 23 are implemented by the server device 120, and the control unit 12 is implemented by the home gateway 110. However, the first determination unit 22, the second determination unit 23, and the control unit 12 can each be implemented by one of the information terminal 130, the server device 120, and the home gateway 110.

[0098] The sensing information storage unit 32 stores the location of the information terminal 130 calculated using the GPS function, the acceleration detected by the accelerometer, and the magnetism detected by the magnetometer.

[0099] The operation receiving unit 31 receives operations performed on the information terminal 130 by the user using the information terminal 130.

[0100] When the operation receiving unit 31 receives a request from the user using the information terminal 130 to unlock the electronic lock 100, the sending unit 33 (1) sends the unlocking request signal for unlocking the electronic lock 100 to the home gateway 110, and (2) refers to the data stored in the sensing information storage unit 32 and sends the location information showing the location of the information terminal 130 at the time the operation was received, the acceleration information showing the acceleration detected by the accelerometer during a specified period T2 (e.g., 1 hour) from the time the operation was received, and the magnetic information showing the magnetism detected by the magnetic sensor during the specified period T2 from the time the operation was received to the server device 120.

[0101] The receiving unit 21 receives position information, acceleration information, and magnetic information sent from the information terminal 130.

[0102] When the receiving unit 21 receives location information from the information terminal 130, the first judgment unit 22 determines, based on the location information received by the receiving unit 21, whether there is a person 220 carrying the information terminal 130 within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100 (for example, within two meters from the electronic lock 100).

[0103] The first judgment unit 22 calculates, for example, the distance between the location of the information terminal 130 shown by the location information and the pre-stored location of the electronic lock 100. If the calculated distance is below a predetermined threshold, it makes an affirmative judgment that a person 220 carrying the information terminal 130 exists within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100. If the calculated distance is greater than the predetermined threshold, it makes a negative judgment that a person 220 carrying the information terminal 130 exists within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100.

[0104] When the first judgment unit 22 determines that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100, the second judgment unit 23 determines whether the person 220 is a person A who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 based on the acceleration information and magnetic information received by the receiving unit 21.

[0105] For example, if building 200 is a residential building, the person A who is authorized to unlock the electronic lock 100 is the resident of that residential building. Similarly, if building 200 is an office building, the person A who is authorized to unlock the electronic lock 100 is a company employee working in that office building.

[0106] In the following description, the second determination unit 23 determines whether the person 220 is person A based on magnetic information in addition to acceleration information. However, it is acceptable for the second determination unit 23 to determine whether the person 220 is person A based at least on acceleration information. It is not necessary to limit it to determining whether the person 220 is person A based on both acceleration information and magnetic information.

[0107] The second judgment unit 23 estimates, for example, the movement path of person 220 during a specified period T2 from the moment of receiving the request to unlock the electronic lock 100 based on acceleration information and magnetic information. It calculates the difference between the estimated movement path and the typical movement path of person A stored in the pre-stored database. If the calculated difference is below a specified threshold, it can be determined that person 220 is person A. If the calculated difference is greater than the specified threshold, it can be determined that person 220 is not person A.

[0108] The difference between the estimated movement path and the typical movement path can also be, for example, the sum of the differences between the distances between the positions in the estimated movement path and the positions in the typical movement path every minute.

[0109] A typical movement path for Person A could also be, for example, the route from Person A's workplace to Person A's residence, i.e., building 200, after get off work.

[0110] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the second judgment unit 23 determines whether the person 220 resembles person A based on acceleration information and magnetic information.

[0111] like Figure 4 As shown, the second judgment unit 23 first maps the pre-stored typical movement path A of character A, the pre-stored typical movement path B of character A, the pre-stored typical movement path C of character A, and the estimated movement path onto the map around the building 200.

[0112] Next, the second judgment unit 23 selects the movement path that is most similar to the estimated movement path from movement path A, movement path B, and movement path C.

[0113] Then, the difference between the selected movement path and the estimated movement path is calculated. If the calculated difference is below a specified threshold, it is determined that person 220 is person A. If the difference is greater than the specified threshold, it is determined that person 220 is not person A.

[0114] Alternatively, if the second determination unit 23 is configured to determine whether character 220 is character A based on acceleration information, for example, if the difference between the absolute value of the acceleration shown in the acceleration information (e.g., the square root of the sum of squares of the accelerations in the three-dimensional directions) and the absolute value of the acceleration in a pre-stored typical movement path of character A is below a predetermined threshold, the second determination unit 23 determines that character 220 is character A; if the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold, it determines that character 220 is not character A.

[0115] The difference between the absolute value of acceleration in this typical movement path and the absolute value of acceleration shown in the acceleration information can also be, for example, the cumulative value of the difference between the absolute value of acceleration in the typical movement path and the absolute value of acceleration shown in the acceleration information every minute.

[0116] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the second judgment unit 23 determines whether the person 220 resembles person A based on acceleration information.

[0117] like Figure 5As shown, the second judgment unit 23 first maps the absolute value of acceleration in the typical movement path of character A, which is stored in advance, and the absolute value of acceleration shown in the acceleration information onto the time axis.

[0118] Then, the difference between the absolute value of acceleration in a typical movement path and the absolute value of acceleration shown in the acceleration information is calculated. If the calculated difference is below a specified threshold, it is determined that person 220 is person A. If it is above the specified threshold, it is determined that person 220 is not person A.

[0119] In a typical movement path, when Person A boards the tram and the tram departs, there is a sharp increase in acceleration and characteristic acceleration due to tram vibration. Furthermore, when the tram stops, Person A disembarks and begins walking, there is a sharp increase in acceleration and characteristic acceleration due to walking.

[0120] Return to Figure 3 Continuing with the description of the electronic lock control system 1.

[0121] The display unit 25 displays an image based on the result of the judgment made by the second judgment unit 23.

[0122] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display unit 25.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, for example, if the second determination unit 23 determines that person 220 is not person A, the display unit 25 displays a warning image overlaid on a map around building 200, indicating that an anomaly has been detected in building 200.

[0124] Thus, the electronic lock control system 1 can notify the user using the server device 120 that an anomaly has been detected in the building 200.

[0125] Return to Figure 3 Continuing with the description of the electronic lock control system 1.

[0126] The sending unit 24 sends the judgment result information, which shows the judgment result of the second judgment unit 23, to the home gateway 110.

[0127] The receiving unit 11 receives the unlocking request signal sent from the information terminal 130 and the judgment result information sent from the server device 120.

[0128] The control unit 12 controls the locking and unlocking status of the electronic lock 100 based on the result of the judgment by the second judgment unit 23.

[0129] More specifically, when the receiving unit 11 receives an unlock request signal from the information terminal 130, and when the receiving unit 11 receives judgment result information from the server device 120, if the received judgment result information indicates that person 220 is judged to be person A, the control unit 12 outputs a first unlock signal, which indicates that the electronic lock 100 is set to the unlocked state. If the received judgment result information indicates that person 220 is judged not to be person A, the control unit 12 does not output the first unlock signal, but instead outputs a warning signal, which indicates that an unlock request signal was sent from the information terminal 130 carried by a person who is not person A, thereby controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock 100.

[0130] The display and operation receiving unit 13 displays an image showing the locked and unlocked states of the electronic lock 100 controlled by the control unit 12.

[0131] In addition, the display and operation receiving unit 13 accepts operations related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 100 performed by users using the home gateway 110.

[0132] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the operation receiving unit 13.

[0133] Here, in Figure 7 The image shown is an example of what the electronic lock 100 displays when it is in the locked state.

[0134] Return to Figure 3 Continuing with the description of the electronic lock control system 1.

[0135] In addition, the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays an image showing the security level related to locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 100.

[0136] In addition, the display and operation receiving unit 13 accepts operations performed by users using the home gateway 110 to change the security level related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 100.

[0137] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the operation receiving unit 13.

[0138] Here, Figure 8The image shown is an example of an image displayed when the security levels related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 100 have two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is a security level where, in the event of a warning signal being output from the control unit 12, the display and operation receiving unit 13 and the display unit 35 show an image indicating that a warning signal has been output, but the electronic lock 100 is unlocked. Level 2 is a security level where, in the event of a warning signal being output from the control unit 12, the display and operation receiving unit 13 and the display unit 35 show an image indicating that a warning signal has been output, but the electronic lock 100 is not unlocked.

[0139] Return to Figure 3 Continuing with the description of the electronic lock control system 1.

[0140] In addition, the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays the locking and unlocking logs of the electronic lock 100.

[0141] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the operation receiving unit 13.

[0142] Return to Figure 3 Continuing with the description of the electronic lock control system 1.

[0143] Furthermore, when the security level related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 100 is Level 1, and a warning signal is output by the control unit 12, the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays an image showing the output warning signal. Then, the display and operation receiving unit 13 outputs a second unlock signal, indicating that the electronic lock 100 is in the unlocked state.

[0144] Furthermore, when the security level related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 100 is Level 2, and a warning signal is output by the control unit 12, the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays an image showing the output warning signal. Then, the display and operation receiving unit 13 does not output a second unlock signal.

[0145] At this time, the display and operation receiving unit 13 can display either permission or disallowment of unlocking the electronic lock 100 by prompting the user of the home gateway 110. If the user of the home gateway 110 accepts permission to unlock the electronic lock 100, a second unlocking signal is output. If the user accepts disallowment of unlocking the electronic lock 100, no second unlocking signal is output.

[0146] When the control unit 12 outputs a warning signal, the transmitting unit 14 sends the warning signal output by the control unit 12 to the information terminal 130.

[0147] Furthermore, when the control unit 12 outputs a first unlocking signal, the transmitting unit 14 sends the first unlocking signal output from the control unit 12 to the electronic lock 100; when the display and operation receiving unit 13 outputs a second unlocking signal, the transmitting unit 14 sends the second unlocking signal output from the display and operation receiving unit 13 to the electronic lock 100.

[0148] The receiving unit 34 receives the warning signal sent from the home gateway 110.

[0149] The display unit 35 displays an image that prompts the user of the information terminal 130 to request the unlocking of the electronic lock 100.

[0150] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 34 receives a warning signal, the display unit 35 displays an image showing the output warning signal.

[0151] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit 35 for prompting a request to unlock the electronic lock 100.

[0152] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on display unit 35 that shows an output warning signal.

[0153] Return to Figure 3 Continuing with the description of the electronic lock control system 1.

[0154] The receiving unit 101 receives the first unlock signal and the second unlock signal sent from the transmitting unit 14.

[0155] When the receiving unit 101 receives a first unlock signal and a second unlock signal, the locking / unlocking unit 102 sets the electronic lock 100 to the unlocked state.

[0156] <Action>

[0157] The following describes the operation of the electronic lock control system 1 with the above configuration.

[0158] The electronic lock control system 1 performs a first electronic lock control process, which controls the locking and unlocking states of the electronic lock 100. This first electronic lock control process may be initiated, for example, by a person 220 initiating the first electronic lock control process via their personal information terminal 130. Initiating the first electronic lock control process may also be, for example, by activating a specified application installed on the information terminal 130.

[0159] Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a typical action performed by an electronic lock control system 1 that executes the first electronic lock control process.

[0160] like Figure 12 As shown, when person 220 requests to unlock electronic lock 100 via information terminal 130 (step S10), information terminal 130 sends an unlock request signal to home gateway 110 (step S20) and sends location information, acceleration information and magnetic information to server device 120 (step S30).

[0161] When the server device 120 receives location information, acceleration information, and magnetic information, it determines whether there is a person near the electronic lock and whether this person is person A (step S40), and sends the determination result to the home gateway 110 (step S50).

[0162] After receiving the unlock request, the home gateway 110 (1) when it receives a positive judgment that someone is present near the electronic lock and confirms that the person is person A, sends an unlock signal (first unlock signal or second unlock signal) to the electronic lock 100 (step S60). Then the electronic lock 100 sets itself to the unlocked state (step S70).

[0163] After receiving the unlocking request, the home gateway 110 (2) sends a warning signal to the information terminal 130 when it receives a negative judgment result that someone is person A near the electronic lock (step S80). Then the information terminal 130 displays an image showing the output warning signal (step S90).

[0164] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the first electronic lock control process.

[0165] like Figure 13 As shown, after the first electronic lock control process begins, when the person 220 requests to unlock the electronic lock 100 via the information terminal 130 they are carrying, the transmitting unit 33 sends an unlock request signal to the home gateway 110 (step S100) and sends location information, acceleration information and magnetic information to the server device 120 (step S110).

[0166] When the receiving unit 21 receives the position information, acceleration information and magnetic information sent from the transmitting unit 33, the electronic lock control system 1 performs the first judgment process (step S120).

[0167] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the first judgment process. The first judgment process is to determine, based on location information, whether a person 220 with an information terminal 130 exists within the specified range of the electronic lock 100.

[0168] Regarding the first judgment process, the receiving unit 21 receives the position information, acceleration information, and magnetic information sent from the transmitting unit 33, thereby initiating the first judgment process.

[0169] like Figure 14 As shown, at the start of the first judgment process, the first judgment unit 22 calculates the distance between the location of the information terminal 130 shown in the location information and the location of the pre-stored electronic lock 100 (step S200), and judges whether the calculated distance is below a specified threshold (step S210).

[0170] In the process of step S210, when the calculated distance is below a predetermined threshold ("yes" in step S210), the first determination unit 22 makes an affirmative determination that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100 (step S220).

[0171] In the process of step S210, if the calculated distance is not below the specified threshold (No in step S210), the first judgment unit 22 makes a negative judgment. This negative judgment is a negative judgment that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 within the specified range around the electronic lock 100 (step S230).

[0172] If the processing in step S220 ends or the processing in step S230 ends, the electronic lock control system 1 terminates the first judgment process.

[0173] Return to Figure 13 Next, we will explain the control process of the first electronic lock.

[0174] When the first judgment process in step S120 ends, the second judgment unit 23 investigates whether the judgment in the first judgment process is a positive judgment. The positive judgment is a positive judgment that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (step S130).

[0175] In the process of step S130, if the judgment in the first judgment process is positive, the positive judgment is that there is a person 220 carrying the information terminal 130 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (yes in step S130), then the electronic lock control system 1 executes the second judgment process (step S140).

[0176] Figure 15This is a flowchart of the second judgment process. The second judgment process is to determine, based on acceleration information and magnetic information, whether a person 220 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 is a person A who is permitted to unlock the electronic lock 100.

[0177] Regarding the second judgment process, the second judgment process begins if the judgment in the first judgment process is affirmative. This affirmative judgment is an affirmative determination that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100.

[0178] like Figure 15 As shown, at the start of the second judgment process, the second judgment unit 23 estimates the movement path of the character 220 based on acceleration information and magnetic information (step S300), calculates the difference between the estimated movement path and the pre-stored typical movement path of the character A (step S310), and calculates whether the calculated difference is below a predetermined threshold (step S320).

[0179] In the processing of step S320, if the calculated difference is below a predetermined threshold ("Yes" in step S320), the second determination unit 23 makes an affirmative determination that the person 220 within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100 is a person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100 (step S330).

[0180] In the process of step S320, if the calculated difference is not below the specified threshold (No in step S320), the second judgment unit 23 makes a negative judgment. This negative judgment is a negative judgment that the person 220 within the specified range around the electronic lock 100 is a person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100 (step S340).

[0181] If the processing in step S330 ends and the processing in step S340 ends, the electronic lock control system 1 terminates the second judgment process.

[0182] Return to Figure 13 Next, we will explain the control process of the first electronic lock.

[0183] When the second judgment process in step S140 ends, the electronic lock control system 1 executes the first control process (step S150).

[0184] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the first control process. The first control process controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock 100 based on the judgment result of the second judgment process.

[0185] The first control process begins after the second judgment process has ended.

[0186] like Figure 16 As shown, at the start of the first control process, the control unit 12 determines whether the receiving unit 11 has received an unlock request signal sent from the information terminal 130 (step S400).

[0187] In the process of step S400, when the receiving unit 11 receives an unlock request signal ("Yes" in step S400), the control unit 12 investigates whether the result of the second judgment process is a positive judgment. The positive judgment is a positive judgment that the person 220 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 is a person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100 (step S405).

[0188] In the process of step S405, when the judgment is positive ("Yes" in step S405), the control unit 12 outputs a first unlock signal (step S410). The positive judgment is a positive judgment that the person 220 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 is a person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100.

[0189] When the control unit 12 outputs the first unlock signal, the transmitting unit 14 sends the first unlock signal output from the control unit 12 to the electronic lock 100. Then, the receiving unit 101 receives the first unlock signal sent from the transmitting unit 14. Then, the locking / unlocking unit 102 sets the electronic lock 100 to the unlocked state (step S415).

[0190] In the process of step S405, if the judgment is not affirmative ("No" in step S405), the control unit 12 outputs a warning signal (step S420). The affirmative judgment is that the person 220 within the specified range around the electronic lock 100 is a person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100.

[0191] When a warning signal is output from the control unit 12, the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays an image showing the output warning signal (step S425), and the sending unit 14 sends the warning signal output from the control unit 12 to the information terminal 130.

[0192] When the receiving unit 34 receives the warning signal sent from the transmitting unit 14, the display unit 35 displays an image showing the output warning signal.

[0193] When the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays an image showing an output warning signal during the processing of step S425, it investigates whether the security level related to locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 100 is level 1 (step S430).

[0194] In the process of step S430, if the security level is not level 1 ("No" in step S430), that is, if the security level is level 2, the display and operation receiving unit 13 displays a message urging the user of the home gateway 110 to perform an operation that allows or disallows unlocking any of the electronic locks 100.

[0195] The display and operation receiving unit 13 responds to a user's request to allow or disallow unlocking the electronic lock 100. If the user using the home gateway 110 receives permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 ("Yes" in step S435) and if the security level is level 1 in the processing of step S430 ("Yes" in step S430), the display and operation receiving unit 13 outputs a second unlock signal (step S440).

[0196] When the second unlock signal is output from the display and operation receiving unit 13, the transmitting unit 14 sends the second unlock signal output from the display and operation receiving unit 13 to the electronic lock 100. Then, the receiving unit 101 receives the second unlock signal sent from the transmitting unit 14. Then, the locking and unlocking unit 102 sets the electronic lock 100 to the unlocked state (step S445).

[0197] If the display and operation receiving unit 13 does not receive a permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 from the user using the home gateway 110 ("No" in step S435), the display and operation receiving unit 13 does not output a second unlock signal (step S450). Therefore, the lock / unlock unit 102 does not set the electronic lock 100 to the unlocked state (step S455).

[0198] If the processing in step S415 ends, if the processing in step S445 ends, if the processing in step S455 ends, or if the receiving unit 11 does not receive an unlocking request signal during the processing in step S400 ("No" in step S400), the electronic lock control system 1 ends the first control processing.

[0199] Return to Figure 13 Next, we will explain the control process of the first electronic lock.

[0200] In the process of step S130, when the judgment in the first judgment process is not a positive judgment ("no" in step S130) and when the first control process of step S150 ends, the electronic lock control system 1 ends the first electronic lock control process. The positive judgment is a positive judgment that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100.

[0201] <Inspection>

[0202] As described above, the electronic lock control system 1 with the above configuration can determine whether the person 220 is person A based on the difference between the estimated movement path of person 220 and the typical movement path of person A stored in advance.

[0203] Accordingly, the electronic lock control system 1 determines whether a person 220 is present near the electronic lock 100 and whether this person 220 is authorized to unlock the electronic lock 100, and controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result.

[0204] Therefore, the electronic lock control system 1 can prevent unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock 100 by illegal means.

[0205] In addition, in Embodiment 1, it was described that the information terminal 130 sends acceleration information to the server device 120, and the second determination unit 23 determines whether the person 220 is person A who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 based on the acceleration information. Alternatively, another configuration could be as follows: the information terminal 130 calculates step count information showing the number of steps moved per unit time for person 220 based on the acceleration detected by the accelerometer, sends the calculated step count information to the server device 120, and the second determination unit 23 determines whether person 220 is person A who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 based on the step count information. In this case, the second determination unit 23 could, for example, calculate the similarity between the number of steps moved per unit time for person 220 shown in the step count information and the typical number of steps moved per unit time for person A stored in the pre-stored data. If the calculated similarity is above a predetermined threshold, person 220 is determined to be person A; if it is below the predetermined threshold, person 220 is determined not to be person A.

[0206] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the information terminal 130 may also be equipped with an angular velocity sensor instead of a magnetic sensor. In this case, the information terminal 130 will send angular velocity information showing the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity sensor instead of sending magnetic information. Then, the second determination unit 23 calculates the movement path of the person 220 carrying the information terminal 130 based on the acceleration information and the angular velocity information.

[0207] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the electronic lock control system 1 is illustrated as an example. Figure 1 The configuration is illustrated in the example. However, the electronic lock control system 1 can be any configuration that can achieve the same function, and it is not necessary to limit it to a specific configuration. Figure 1 The configuration illustrated in the example is as follows. For instance, the electronic lock control system 1 can be configured to have a first building network and a second building network instead of a building network 150, and further include a router. In this case, for example, the router can be connected to the Internet 140 and the first building network, the home gateway 110 can be connected to the first building network and the second building network, the electronic lock 100 can be connected to the second building network, and the information terminal 130 can be connected to the first building network.

[0208] (Modified Example)

[0209] The following describes a modified electronic lock control system, which is constructed by changing some of the configurations of the electronic lock control system 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0210] The electronic lock control system 1 is an example of a system in which an active operation is required to request the information terminal 130 to unlock the electronic lock 100 when the electronic lock 100 is unlocked.

[0211] In this regard, the electronic lock control system in the modified example is an example of a system in which an active operation of requesting the information terminal 130 to unlock the electronic lock 100 is not required when unlocking the electronic lock 100.

[0212] In this modified example of the electronic lock control system, the same constituent elements as those in electronic lock control system 1 are given the same reference numerals as those already described, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The description will focus on the differences from electronic lock control system 1.

[0213] <Composition>

[0214] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a modified electronic lock control system 1A.

[0215] like Figure 17 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1A is configured as follows, obtained by changing the home gateway 110 to home gateway 110A and the information terminal 130 to information terminal 130A from the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0216] Although the hardware configuration of home gateway 110A is the same as that of home gateway 110, part of the software it executes is modified from that of home gateway 110. Therefore, part of the functions implemented by home gateway 110A are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by home gateway 110.

[0217] Although the hardware configuration of information terminal 130A is the same as that of information terminal 130, part of the software it executes is modified from that of information terminal 130. Therefore, part of the functions implemented by information terminal 130A are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by information terminal 130.

[0218] Information terminal 130A and information terminal 130 are both information terminals carried by person 220.

[0219] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic lock control system 1A.

[0220] like Figure 18 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1A is configured as follows: the operation receiving unit 31 is deleted from the electronic lock control system 1, the sending unit 33 is replaced by the sending unit 33A, the receiving unit 11 is replaced by the receiving unit 11A, and the control unit 12 is replaced by the control unit 12A.

[0221] The transmitting unit 33A transmits to the server device 120 every specified period T3 (e.g., 1 minute) location information showing the current position of the information terminal 130A, acceleration information showing the acceleration detected by the accelerometer during the specified period T2 from the current time, and magnetic information showing the magnetism detected by the magnetic sensor during the specified period T2 from the current time.

[0222] The receiving unit 11A receives the judgment result information sent from the server device 120.

[0223] The control unit 12A controls the locking and unlocking status of the electronic lock 100 based on the judgment result of the second judgment unit 23.

[0224] More specifically, when the receiving unit 11A receives the judgment result information from the server device 120, the control unit 12A outputs a first unlock signal when the received judgment result information indicates that person 220 is judged to be person A. The first unlock signal indicates that the electronic lock 100 is set to the unlocked state. When the received judgment result information indicates that person 220 is judged not to be person A, the control unit 12A does not output the first unlock signal but outputs a warning signal instead, thereby controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock 100.

[0225] <Action>

[0226] The following describes the operation of the electronic lock control system 1A with the above configuration.

[0227] The electronic lock control system 1A performs a second electronic lock control process, which is obtained by modifying a part of the first electronic lock control process in Embodiment 1.

[0228] The first electronic lock control process concerns unlocking the electronic lock 100, requiring an active operation to request the information terminal 130A to unlock the electronic lock 100. The second electronic lock control process, also concerning unlocking the electronic lock 100, does not require an active operation to request the information terminal 130A to unlock the electronic lock 100.

[0229] Figure 19 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a typical action performed by an electronic lock control system 1A that executes the second electronic lock control process.

[0230] like Figure 19 As shown, the information terminal 130A carried by the person 220 sends location information, acceleration information and magnetic information to the server device 120 at every specified period T3 (step S30A).

[0231] When the server device 120 receives the location information, acceleration information, and magnetic information, it determines whether there is a person near the electronic lock and whether this person is person A (step S40A), and sends the determination result to the home gateway 110A (step S50A).

[0232] Home gateway 110A, (1) when it receives a positive judgment that someone is present near the electronic lock and that this person is person A, sends an unlock signal (first unlock signal or second unlock signal) to electronic lock 100 (step S60A). Then, electronic lock 100 sets electronic lock 100 to the unlocked state (step S70A).

[0233] Home gateway 110A, (2) when it receives a negative judgment result that there is someone near the electronic lock and that the person is person A, does not send an unlock signal (first unlock signal or second unlock signal) to information terminal 130A (step S80A). Therefore, electronic lock 100 does not set electronic lock 100 to the unlock state.

[0234] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of the second electronic lock control process.

[0235] like Figure 20As shown, the second electronic lock control process is as follows: the first electronic lock control process of Embodiment 1 has the following steps removed: step S100 is deleted; the first control process of step S150 is changed to the second control process of step S550; step S560 is added; a loop path from "No" in step S130 to step S110 is added; and a loop path from "Yes" in step S560 to step S110 is added.

[0236] like Figure 20 As shown, when the second electronic lock control process begins, the transmitting unit 33A sends position information, acceleration information, and magnetic information to the server device 120 (step S110).

[0237] When the receiving unit 21 receives the position information, acceleration information and magnetic information sent from the transmitting unit 33A, the electronic lock control system 1A performs the first judgment process (step S120).

[0238] When the first judgment process in step S120 ends, the second electronic lock control process proceeds to step S130.

[0239] In the process of step S130, if the judgment in the first judgment process is positive, the positive judgment is that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130A within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (yes in step S130), then the second electronic lock control process enters the second judgment process (step S140).

[0240] When the second judgment process in step S140 ends, the second electronic lock control process enters the second control process (step S550).

[0241] Figure 21 This is the flowchart for the second control process.

[0242] like Figure 21 As shown, the second control process is obtained by deleting step S400 from the first control process of Embodiment 1. Since the second control process has already been described, its description is omitted here.

[0243] Return to Figure 20 Next, we will explain the control process of the second electronic lock.

[0244] When the second control process in step S550 ends, the transmitting unit 33A investigates whether a predetermined period T3 has elapsed since the position information, acceleration information and magnetic information were transmitted from the previous execution of step S110 (step S560).

[0245] If the specified period T3 has not elapsed during the processing in step S560 (No in step S560), the transmitting unit 33A will standby until the specified period T3 has elapsed (repeated No in step S560).

[0246] If the specified period T3 has elapsed during the processing of step S560 (repeatedly "yes" after "no" in step S560) and if the judgment in the first judgment process in step S130 is not a positive judgment ("no" in step S130), the second electronic lock control process proceeds to the processing of step S110. The aforementioned positive judgment is a positive judgment that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130A exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100.

[0247] <Inspection>

[0248] As described above, the electronic lock control system 1A with the above configuration can, even without actively requesting to unlock the electronic lock 100, determine whether a person 220 is present near the electronic lock 100 and whether this person 220 is the person who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock 100, just like the electronic lock control system 1 in Embodiment 1, and control the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result.

[0249] In this way, the electronic lock control system 1A, like the electronic lock control system 1 in Embodiment 1, can suppress unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock 100 by illegal means.

[0250] (Implementation Method 2)

[0251] The following describes an electronic lock control system of embodiment 2, which is constructed by changing some of the configuration of the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0252] The electronic lock control system 1 is an example of a system that determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on position information, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on acceleration information.

[0253] In this regard, the electronic lock control system in Embodiment 2 is an example of a system that determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on images captured by a camera device, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on gait information related to the gait of the person 220 calculated from images captured by the camera device.

[0254] In this description of the electronic lock control system of Embodiment 2, the same components as those of the electronic lock control system 1 are given the same reference numerals as those already described, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The description will focus on the differences between the electronic lock control system 1 and the electronic lock control system 1.

[0255] <Composition>

[0256] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1B according to Embodiment 2.

[0257] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1B being installed in building 200.

[0258] like Figure 22 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1B is configured as follows: the server device 120 is changed to server device 120B, the information terminal 130 is changed to information terminal 130B, and a camera device 160 is added to the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0259] Although the hardware configuration of server device 120B is the same as that of server device 120, a portion of the software it executes is modified from that of server device 120. Therefore, a portion of the functions implemented by server device 120B are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by server device 120.

[0260] Although the hardware configuration of information terminal 130B is the same as that of information terminal 130, a portion of the software it executes is modified from that of information terminal 130. Therefore, some of the functions implemented by information terminal 130B are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by information terminal 130.

[0261] Information terminal 130B, like information terminal 130, is carried by person 220.

[0262] like Figure 23 As shown, a camera device 160 is installed in building 200 to capture images of a defined area surrounding the electronic lock 100. The camera device 160 is connected to the building's network 150 and sends the captured images to the home gateway 110.

[0263] The camera device 160 may be, for example, a surveillance camera or a camera built into an intercom doorbell with a camera attached and located near the door 210.

[0264] Figure 24 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic lock control system 1B.

[0265] like Figure 24 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1B is configured as follows: the sensing information storage unit 32 is removed from the electronic lock control system 1, the transmitting unit 33 is replaced by the transmitting unit 33B, the receiving unit 21 is replaced by the receiving unit 21B, the first judgment unit 22 is replaced by the first judgment unit 22B, the second judgment unit 23 is replaced by the second judgment unit 23B, and the receiving unit 41, the image storage unit 42, and the transmitting unit 43 are added.

[0266] The receiving unit 41, the image storage unit 42, and the transmitting unit 43 are implemented by the camera device 160.

[0267] When the operation receiving unit 31 receives a request from the user using the information terminal 130B to unlock the electronic lock 100, the sending unit 33B sends an unlocking request signal to the camera device 160 and the home gateway 110.

[0268] The receiving unit 41 receives the unlock request signal sent from the information terminal 130B.

[0269] The image storage unit 42 stores the images captured by the camera device 160. The camera device 160 may also capture images at a rate of 0.1 seconds, for example, and the image storage unit 42 may also store images captured during a period of 24 hours from the current time.

[0270] When the receiving unit 41 receives an unlock request signal from the information terminal 130B, the sending unit 43 refers to the image stored in the image storage unit 42 and sends the image taken during a specified period T4 (e.g., 1 minute) from the current time to the server device 120B.

[0271] The receiving unit 21B receives images sent from the camera device 160.

[0272] When the receiving unit 21B receives an image from the camera device 160, the first judgment unit 22B determines, based on the received image, whether a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (for example, within two meters from the electronic lock 100).

[0273] The first judgment unit 22B may, for example, make a positive judgment if a person appears in the latest image received by the receiving unit 21B. This positive judgment confirms that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B exists within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100. If no person appears in the image, a negative judgment is made. This negative judgment confirms that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B exists within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100.

[0274] If the first judgment unit 22B determines that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100, the second judgment unit 23B determines whether the person 220 is a person A who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 based on the image received by the receiving unit 21B.

[0275] The second judgment unit 23B may, for example, calculate the gait characteristics of person 220 based on the image received by the receiving unit 21B, calculate the difference between the calculated gait characteristics and the pre-stored typical gait characteristics of person A, and determine that person 220 is person A when the calculated difference is below a predetermined threshold, and determine that person 220 is not person A when the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0276] <Action>

[0277] The following describes the operation of the electronic lock control system 1B with the above configuration.

[0278] The electronic lock control system 1B performs a third electronic lock control process, which is obtained by modifying a part of the first electronic lock control process in Embodiment 1.

[0279] The first electronic lock unlocking process determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on location information, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on acceleration information. The third electronic lock control process determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on images captured by the camera device 160, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on gait information calculated from the images captured by the camera device 160 related to the person 220's gait.

[0280] Figure 25 This is a flowchart of the third electronic lock control process.

[0281] like Figure 25 As shown, the third electronic lock control process is as follows: the process obtained by changing the process of step S100 to step S600, the process of step S110 to step S610, the process of step S120 to step S620, the process of step S130 to step S630, and the process of step S140 to step S640 from the first electronic lock control process of embodiment 1.

[0282] like Figure 25As shown, after the third electronic lock control process begins, when the person 220 requests the electronic lock 100 to be unlocked by the information terminal 130B, the transmitting unit 33B sends an unlocking request signal to the home gateway 110 and the camera device 160 (step S600).

[0283] When the receiving unit 41 receives the unlock request signal sent from the information terminal 130B, the sending unit 43 sends the image captured during the specified period T4 from the current time to the server device 120B (step S610).

[0284] When the receiving unit 21B receives the image sent from the camera device 160, the electronic lock control system 1B performs the third judgment process (step S620).

[0285] Figure 26 This is the flowchart for the third judgment process.

[0286] like Figure 26 As shown, the third determination process is obtained by deleting step S200 from the first determination process of Embodiment 1 and changing step S210 to step S710.

[0287] Regarding the third judgment process, it is initiated by receiving the image sent from the camera device 160 through the receiving unit 21B.

[0288] like Figure 26 As shown, when the third judgment process begins, the first judgment unit 22B determines whether a person is reflected in the latest image of the image received by the receiving unit 21B (step S710).

[0289] In the process of step S710, if a person appears in the latest image of the image received by the receiving unit 21B ("Yes" in step S710), the third determination process proceeds to the process of step S220.

[0290] In the process of step S710, if no person is shown in the latest image of the image received by the receiving unit 21B (No in step S710), the third determination process proceeds to the process of step S230.

[0291] If the processing in step S220 ends or the processing in step S230 ends, the electronic lock control system 1B ends the third judgment process.

[0292] Return to Figure 25 Next, we will explain the third electronic lock control process.

[0293] When the third judgment process in step S620 ends, the second judgment unit 23B investigates whether the judgment in the third judgment process is an affirmative judgment. The affirmative judgment is that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (step S630).

[0294] In the process of step S630, if the judgment in the third judgment process is positive, the positive judgment is that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (yes in step S630), then the electronic lock control system 1B executes the fourth judgment process (step S640).

[0295] Figure 27 This is the flowchart for the fourth judgment process.

[0296] like Figure 27 As shown, the fourth determination process is obtained by changing the process of step S300 to step S800 and the process of step S310 to step S810 from the second determination process of embodiment 1.

[0297] like Figure 27 As shown, at the start of the fourth determination process, the second determination unit 23B calculates the gait characteristics of the person 220 based on the image received by the receiving unit 21B (step S800), and calculates the difference between the calculated gait characteristics and the pre-stored typical gait characteristics of the person A (step S810). Then, the fourth determination process proceeds to the process of step S320.

[0298] If the processing in step S330 ends and the processing in step S340 ends, the electronic lock control system 1B ends the fourth judgment process.

[0299] Return to Figure 25 Next, we will explain the third electronic lock control process.

[0300] When the fourth judgment process in step S640 ends, the third electronic lock control process enters the first control process (step S150).

[0301] In the process of step S630, if the judgment in the third judgment process is not a positive judgment ("No" in step S630) and if the first control process in step S150 ends, the electronic lock control system 1B ends the third electronic lock control process. The aforementioned positive judgment is a positive judgment that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130B within a specified range around the electronic lock 100.

[0302] <Inspection>

[0303] As described above, the electronic lock control system 1B determines whether person 220 is person A based on the difference between the calculated gait characteristics of person 220 and the pre-stored typical gait characteristics of person A.

[0304] Accordingly, the electronic lock control system 1B is similar to the electronic lock control system 1 in Embodiment 1, in that it determines whether there is a person 220 near the electronic lock 100 and whether this person 220 is a person who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100, and controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result.

[0305] Thus, the electronic lock control system 1B, similar to the electronic lock control system 1 in Embodiment 1, can suppress unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock 100 by illegal means.

[0306] (Implementation Method 3)

[0307] The following describes the electronic lock control system of embodiment 3, which is constructed by changing some of the configuration of the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0308] The electronic lock control system 1 is an example of a system that determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on position information, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on acceleration information.

[0309] In this regard, the electronic lock control system in Embodiment 3 is an example of a system that determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on connection information, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on acceleration information. The connection information indicates that the electric vehicle used by the person has been connected to the charger.

[0310] In this description of the electronic lock control system of embodiment 3, the same components as those of electronic lock control system 1 are given the same reference numerals as those already described, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The description will focus on the differences from electronic lock control system 1.

[0311] <Composition>

[0312] Figure 28 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1C according to Embodiment 3.

[0313] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1C being installed in building 200.

[0314] like Figure 28As shown, the electronic lock control system 1C is configured as follows: the server device 120 is changed to server device 120C, the information terminal 130 is changed to information terminal 130C, and a charger 170 is added to the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0315] Although the hardware configuration of server device 120C is the same as that of server device 120, a portion of the software it executes is modified from that of server device 120. Therefore, some of the functions implemented by server device 120C are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by server device 120.

[0316] Although the hardware configuration of information terminal 130C is the same as that of information terminal 130, part of the software it executes is modified from that of information terminal 130. Therefore, part of the functions implemented by information terminal 130C are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by information terminal 130.

[0317] Information terminal 130C, like information terminal 130, is carried by person 220.

[0318] like Figure 29 As shown, charger 170 is configured in building 200 for charging the drive battery mounted on electric vehicle 300 used by person 220. Charger 170 may also be located, for example, near building 200 (e.g., in a parking lot within a defined area of ​​building 200).

[0319] Charger 170 is connected to the building network 150 to detect that electric vehicle 300 has been connected.

[0320] Here, electric vehicle 300 can be, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0321] Charger 170, for example, from Figure 29 The distribution panel 180 shown is powered. The distribution panel 180 may also be connected, for example, to a building network 150.

[0322] Figure 30 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic lock control system 1C.

[0323] like Figure 30 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1C is configured as follows: the electronic lock control system 1 is modified by changing the transmitting unit 33 to the transmitting unit 33C, the receiving unit 21 to the receiving unit 21C, the first judgment unit 22 to the first judgment unit 22C, the second judgment unit 23 to the second judgment unit 23C, and by adding the receiving unit 51 and the connection detection unit 52 and the transmitting unit 53.

[0324] The receiving unit 51, the connection detection unit 52, and the transmitting unit 53 are implemented via the charger 170.

[0325] When the operation receiving unit 31 receives a request from the user using the information terminal 130C to unlock the electronic lock 100, the transmitting unit 33C (1) sends an unlock request signal to the charger 170 and the home gateway 110, and (2) sends acceleration information and magnetic information to the server device 120C.

[0326] The receiving unit 51 receives the unlock request signal sent from the information terminal 130C.

[0327] The connection detection unit 52 detects that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170.

[0328] For example, if the charger 170 is a charger corresponding to ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), the connection detection unit 52 can detect that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170 by utilizing the vehicle connection confirmation attribute.

[0329] When the receiving unit 51 receives an unlock request signal from the information terminal 130C, the sending unit 53 traces back a specified period T5 (e.g., 3 minutes) from the moment of receipt. When the connection detection unit 52 detects that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170, it sends connection information indicating that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170 to the server device 120C.

[0330] The receiving unit 21C receives acceleration information and magnetic information sent from the information terminal 130C, as well as connection information sent from the charger 170.

[0331] When the receiving unit 21C receives the connection information sent from the charger 170, the first judgment unit 22C determines, based on the received connection information, whether there is a person 220 carrying the information terminal 130C within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (for example, within two meters from the electronic lock 100).

[0332] More specifically, when the receiving unit 21C receives connection information from the charger 170, the first determination unit 22C determines that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130C exists within a predetermined range around the electronic lock 100.

[0333] If the first judgment unit 22C determines that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130C exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100, the second judgment unit 23C determines whether the person 220 is a person A who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock 100 based on the acceleration information and magnetic information received by the receiving unit 21C.

[0334] In the following description, the second determination unit 23C determines whether the person 220 is person A based on both acceleration information and magnetic information. However, the second determination unit 23C only needs to determine whether the person 220 is person A based on at least acceleration information. It is not necessary to limit it to determining whether the person 220 is person A based on both acceleration information and magnetic information.

[0335] The second judgment unit 23C may also estimate the movement characteristics of person 220 based on acceleration information and magnetic information, for example, calculate the difference between the estimated movement characteristics and the typical movement characteristics of the electric car 300 ridden by person A stored in advance, and determine that person 220 is person A if the calculated difference is below a specified threshold, and determine that person 220 is person A if the difference is greater than the specified threshold.

[0336] <Action>

[0337] The following describes the operation of the electronic lock control system 1C with the above configuration.

[0338] The electronic lock control system 1C performs a fourth electronic lock control process, which is obtained by modifying a part of the first electronic lock control process in Embodiment 1.

[0339] The first electronic lock unlocking process determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on location information, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on acceleration information. Similarly, the fourth electronic lock control process determines whether a person 220 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 based on connection information, and determines whether the person 220 is person A based on acceleration information.

[0340] Figure 31 This is a flowchart of the fourth electronic lock control process.

[0341] like Figure 31As shown, the fourth electronic lock control process is as follows: the process obtained by changing step S100 to step S900, step S110 to step S910, step S140 to step S940, deleting step S120 and step S130, and adding step S920, step S921, and step S922 to the first electronic lock control process of embodiment 1.

[0342] like Figure 31 As shown, after the fourth electronic lock control process begins, when the person 220 unlocks the electronic lock 100 on the information terminal 130C, the transmitting unit 33C sends an unlock request signal to the charger 170 and the home gateway 110 (step S900), and sends acceleration information and magnetic information to the server device 120C (step S910).

[0343] When the receiving unit 51 receives an unlock request signal sent from the information terminal 130C, the sending unit 53 investigates whether the connection detection unit 52 has detected that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170 within a specified period T5 from the time of receipt (step S920).

[0344] In the process of step S920, if it is detected that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170 ("Yes" in step S920), the sending unit 53 sends the connection information to the server device 120C (step S921).

[0345] When the receiving unit 21C receives the connection information sent from the charger 170, the first determination unit 22C makes an affirmative determination that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130C exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 (step S922).

[0346] When the process in step S922 ends, the electronic lock control system 1C executes the fifth judgment process (step S940).

[0347] Figure 32 This is the flowchart for the fifth judgment process.

[0348] like Figure 32 As shown, the fifth determination process is as follows: the process obtained by changing the process of step S300 to the process of step S1000 and the process of step S310 to the process of step S1010 in the second determination process of embodiment 1.

[0349] like Figure 32As shown, at the start of the fifth determination process, the second determination unit 23C estimates the movement characteristics of the person 220 based on acceleration and magnetic information (step S1000), and calculates the difference between the estimated movement characteristics and the typical movement characteristics of the electric car 300 ridden by person A (step S1010). Then, the fifth determination process proceeds to step S320.

[0350] If the processing in step S330 ends and the processing in step S340 ends, the electronic lock control system 1C ends the fifth judgment process.

[0351] Return to Figure 31 Next, we will explain the fourth electronic lock control process.

[0352] When the fifth judgment process in step S940 ends, the fourth electronic lock control process enters the first control process (step S150).

[0353] If the electric vehicle 300 is not detected to be connected to the charger 170 in step S920 (No in step S920) and the first control process in step S150 ends, the electronic lock control system 1C ends the fourth electronic lock control process.

[0354] <Inspection>

[0355] As described above, the electronic lock control system 1C with the above-described configuration can determine whether person 220 is person A based on the difference between the estimated movement characteristics of person 220 and the pre-stored typical movement characteristics of the electric vehicle 300 ridden by person A.

[0356] Accordingly, the electronic lock control system 1C is similar to the electronic lock control system 1 of Embodiment 1, in that it determines whether there is a person 220 near the electronic lock 100 and whether this person 220 is a person who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100, and controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result.

[0357] In this way, the electronic lock control system 1C, like the electronic lock control system 1 of Embodiment 1, can suppress unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock 100 by illegal means.

[0358] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, it was described that the charger 170 detects that the electric vehicle 300 has been connected to the charger 170, and the charger 170 sends connection information to the server device 120C. Alternatively, another configuration could be implemented where the distribution panel 180, which supplies power to the charger 170, detects the connection of the electric vehicle 300 based, for example, on changes in the current flowing to the charger 170, and the distribution panel 180 sends connection information to the server device 120C.

[0359] (Implementation Method 4)

[0360] The following describes the electronic lock control system of embodiment 4, which is constructed by changing some of the configuration of the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0361] The electronic lock control system 1 is an example of a system that estimates the movement path of character 220 based on acceleration information, calculates the difference between the estimated movement path and the pre-stored typical movement path of character A, and determines whether character 220 is character A based on the calculated difference.

[0362] In this regard, the electronic lock control system of Implementation 4 is an example of a system that uses a machine learning model to determine whether person 220 is person A. The machine learning model is a pre-trained model that outputs a score indicating the certainty that person 220 is person A when acceleration information is input.

[0363] In this description of the electronic lock control system of embodiment 4, the same components as those of electronic lock control system 1 are given the same reference numerals as those already described, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The description will focus on the differences from electronic lock control system 1.

[0364] <Composition>

[0365] Figure 33 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic lock control system 1D according to Embodiment 4.

[0366] like Figure 33 As shown, the configuration of the electronic lock control system 1D is obtained by changing the server device 120 to the server device 120D in the electronic lock control system 1 of embodiment 1.

[0367] Although the hardware configuration of server device 120D is the same as that of server device 120, a portion of the software executed is modified from that of server device 120. Therefore, some of the functions implemented by server device 120D are obtained by modifying the functions implemented by server device 120.

[0368] Figure 34 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an electronic lock control system 1D.

[0369] like Figure 34 As shown, the electronic lock control system 1D is configured by changing the second judgment unit 23 to the second judgment unit 23D and adding the machine learning model 26 to the electronic lock control system 1.

[0370] The machine learning model 26 is a pre-trained model that outputs a score showing the certainty that the person carrying the information terminal 130 is person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100 when acceleration information is input.

[0371] Machine learning model 26 is, for example, a learning model that utilizes a neural network. Machine learning model 26 can also be implemented, for example, by executing a program stored in the memory of server device 120D through a processor of server device 120D.

[0372] The machine learning model 26 is described below as a model that has been pre-trained in order to output a score indicating the certainty that the person carrying the information terminal 130 is person A when magnetic information is input in addition to acceleration information. However, as long as the machine learning model 26 is a model that has been pre-trained in order to output a score indicating the certainty that the person carrying the information terminal 130 is person A when at least acceleration information is input, it is acceptable. It is not necessary to limit it to a model that has been pre-trained in order to output a score indicating the certainty that the person carrying the information terminal 130 is person A when both acceleration information and magnetic information are input.

[0373] The machine learning model 26 can, for example, be pre-trained with the following information as correct answer data: this information refers to more than one acceleration and magnetic information sent from the information terminal 130 when person A moves more than one typical movement path while person A is carrying the information terminal 130.

[0374] The machine learning model 26 can be pre-trained, for example, by the server device 120D or by a device other than the server device 120D.

[0375] If there are multiple persons A who are permitted to unlock the electronic lock 100, the electronic lock control system 1D can have multiple machine learning models 26 that correspond one-to-one with each of the multiple persons A.

[0376] Figure 35This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic lock control system 1D having multiple machine learning models 26 corresponding one-to-one with multiple characters A.

[0377] Furthermore, if there are multiple persons A who are permitted to unlock the electronic lock 100, the electronic lock control system 1D can have a machine learning model 26 that outputs multiple scores, each of which corresponds to a different person A.

[0378] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic lock control system 1D having a machine learning model 26 that outputs multiple scores corresponding one-to-one with multiple characters A.

[0379] Return to Figure 34 Continuing with the explanation of the electronic lock control system 1D.

[0380] If the first judgment unit 22 determines that a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 exists within a specified range around the electronic lock 100, the second judgment unit 23D uses a machine learning model to determine whether the person 220 is person A.

[0381] More specifically, the second judgment unit 23D obtains the score output from the machine learning model 26 by inputting acceleration information and magnetic information received by the receiving unit 21 into the machine learning model 26. When the obtained score indicating the certainty that person 220 is person A is above a predetermined threshold, it is judged that person 220 is person A. When it is below the predetermined threshold, it is judged that person 220 is not person A.

[0382] Furthermore, in the case where the machine learning model 26 is a machine learning model that has been pre-trained in a way that outputs a score indicating the certainty that the person carrying the information terminal 130 is person A when acceleration information is input, the second determination unit 23D obtains the score output by the machine learning model 26 by inputting acceleration information received by the receiving unit 21 into the machine learning model 26. If the obtained score indicating the certainty that person 220 is person A is above a predetermined threshold, it determines that person 220 is person A; if it is below the predetermined threshold, it determines that person 220 is not person A.

[0383] <Action>

[0384] The following describes the operation of the electronic lock control system 1D with the above configuration.

[0385] The electronic lock control system 1D performs a fifth electronic lock control process, which is obtained by modifying a part of the first electronic lock control process in Embodiment 1.

[0386] The first electronic lock unlocking process estimates the movement path of person 220 based on acceleration information, calculates the difference between the estimated movement path and the pre-stored typical movement path of person A, and determines whether person 220 is person A based on the calculated difference. The fifth electronic lock control process, however, uses a machine learning model to determine whether person 220 is person A. This machine learning model is pre-trained and outputs a score indicating the certainty that person 220 is person A when acceleration information is input.

[0387] Figure 37 This is a flowchart of the fifth electronic lock control process.

[0388] like Figure 37 As shown, the fifth electronic lock control process is obtained by changing the process of step S140 to the process of step S1140 in the first electronic lock control process of embodiment 1.

[0389] like Figure 37 In the process shown in step S130, if the judgment in the first judgment process is a positive judgment, the positive judgment is a positive judgment that there is a person 220 carrying the information terminal 130 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 ("Yes" in step S130), and the electronic lock control system 1 executes the sixth judgment process (step S1140).

[0390] Figure 38 This is the flowchart for the sixth judgment process.

[0391] like Figure 38 As shown, the sixth determination process is obtained by changing the process of step S300 to the process of step S1200, the process of step S310 to the process of step S1210, and the process of step S320 to the process of step S1220 from the second determination process of embodiment 1.

[0392] like Figure 38 As shown, at the start of the sixth judgment process, the second judgment unit 23D inputs the acceleration information and magnetic information received by the receiving unit 21 into the machine learning model 26 (step S1200). Then, the machine learning model 26 outputs a score that shows the certainty that person 220 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100 is person A who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100.

[0393] When a score is output from the machine learning model 26, the second determination unit 23D obtains the score output from the machine learning model 26 (step S1210) and determines whether the obtained score indicating the certainty that person 220 is person A is above a predetermined threshold (step S1220).

[0394] In the process of step S1220, when the score indicating that person 220 is person A is above the specified threshold ("Yes" in step S1220), the sixth judgment process proceeds to the process of step S330.

[0395] In the process of step S1220, if the score indicating that person 220 is person A is not above the specified threshold ("No" in step S1220), the sixth judgment process proceeds to the process of step S340.

[0396] If the processing in step S330 ends and the processing in step S340 ends, the electronic lock control system 1D ends the sixth judgment process.

[0397] Return to Figure 37 Next, we will explain the fifth electronic lock control process.

[0398] When the sixth judgment process in step S1140 ends, the fifth electronic lock control process enters the first control process (step S150).

[0399] In the process of step S130, if the judgment in the first judgment process is not a positive judgment ("No" in step S130) and if the first control process in step S150 ends, the electronic lock control system 1D ends the fifth electronic lock control process. The aforementioned positive judgment is a positive judgment that there is a person 220 carrying an information terminal 130 within a specified range around the electronic lock 100.

[0400] <Inspection>

[0401] As described above, the electronic lock control system 1D with the above configuration is able to use a pre-trained machine learning model 26 to determine whether person 220 is person A.

[0402] Accordingly, the electronic lock control system 1D is similar to the electronic lock control system 1 of Embodiment 1, in that it determines whether there is a person 220 near the electronic lock 100 and whether this person 220 is a person who is allowed to unlock the electronic lock 100, and controls the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the determination result.

[0403] Therefore, the electronic lock control system 1D, like the electronic lock control system 1 of Embodiment 1, can suppress unauthorized persons from unlocking the electronic lock 100 by illegal means.

[0404] (Replenish)

[0405] As described above, embodiments 1 to 4 and their variations have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments 1 to 4 and their variations. Various modifications conceivable to those skilled in the art, implemented in this embodiment or its variations, or combinations of constituent elements from different embodiments or variations, may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0406] One aspect of this disclosure is not only an electronic lock control system 1, but also an electronic lock control method that uses the characteristic components included in the electronic lock control system 1 as steps. Furthermore, another aspect of this disclosure is a computer program that causes a computer to execute the characteristic steps included in the electronic lock control method. Additionally, another aspect of this disclosure is a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer that records the aforementioned computer program.

[0407] This disclosure can be widely used in systems for controlling electronic locks, etc.

[0408] Symbol Explanation

[0409] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Electronic Lock Control System

[0410] Receiving Units 11, 11A, 21, 21B, 21C, 34, 41, 51, 101

[0411] 12, 12A Control Unit

[0412] 13 Display and Operation Reception Unit

[0413] 14, 24, 33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 43, 53 Sending Department

[0414] 22, 22B, 22C First Judgment Section

[0415] 23, 23B, 23C, 23D Second Judgment Section

[0416] 25, 35 Display Section

[0417] 26 Machine Learning Models

[0418] 31 Operation Receiving Unit

[0419] 32 Sensing Information Storage Unit

[0420] 42 Image Storage Unit

[0421] 52 Connection Detection Unit

[0422] 100 electronic locks

[0423] 102 Locking and unlocking mechanism

[0424] 110, 110A Home Gateway

[0425] 120, 120B, 120C, 120D server devices

[0426] 130, 130A, 130B, 130C Information Terminals

[0427] 140 Internet

[0428] 150 Building In-Building Network

[0429] 160 camera device

[0430] 170 charger

[0431] 180 distribution panel

[0432] 200 buildings

[0433] 210 doors

[0434] 220 people

[0435] 300 electric car

Claims

1. An electronic lock control method, The electronic lock control method includes the following steps: The first judgment step is to determine whether there is anyone in the designated area around the electronic lock based on the first information generated by the electronic device. The second determination step involves determining, in the case that a first person is present in the designated area based on the first determination step, whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person. as well as The control step involves controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the result of the second judgment step. The electronic lock allows setting a first security level and a second security level. In the control step, If, in the second determination step, it is determined that the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. If, in the second determination step, it is not determined that the first person is the one authorized to unlock the electronic lock, a warning signal is output, and an image indicating that a warning signal has been output is displayed. When the security level of the electronic lock is preset to the first security level, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. When the security level of the electronic lock is preset to the second security level, input is accepted to indicate whether to allow unlocking the electronic lock. Upon receiving input authorizing the unlocking of the electronic lock, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. If an input indicating that the electronic lock is not allowed to be unlocked is received, the electronic lock will not be set to the unlocked state.

2. The electronic lock control method as described in claim 1, The electronic device is an information terminal carried by the first person. The first information is location information indicating the location of the information terminal. The second information is acceleration information or step count information. The acceleration information shows the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the information terminal, and the step count information is the number of steps taken by the first person as measured by the information terminal.

3. The electronic lock control method as described in claim 1, The electronic device is a camera device. The first information is an image captured by the camera device. The second information is gait information related to the gait of the first person, calculated based on the images captured by the camera device.

4. The electronic lock control method as described in claim 1, The electronic lock is installed on the door at the building's entrance. The electronic device is a charger or a power distribution panel that supplies power to the charger, the charger being a charger for charging an electric vehicle, and is configured in or within a defined area extending from the building. The first piece of information is connection information, which indicates that the electric vehicle has been connected to the charger. The second information is acceleration information, which shows the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the information terminal carried by the first person.

5. The electronic lock control method as described in claim 1, In the second determination step, a machine learning model is used to determine whether the first person is the person who has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock. The machine learning model is a model that has been pre-trained in such a way that when the second information is input, it outputs a score indicating the certainty that the first person has been granted permission to unlock the electronic lock.

6. The electronic lock control method as described in claim 1, The electronic device is an information terminal carried by the first person. The first information is location information indicating the location of the information terminal. The warning signal is an image displayed on a map showing the area around the location of the information terminal, as indicated by the location information.

7. An electronic lock control system, The electronic lock control system includes: The first judgment unit determines whether there is a person in the designated area around the electronic lock based on the first information generated by the electronic device. The second determination unit, when the first determination unit determines that a first person exists in the designated area, determines whether the first person is a person who is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person. as well as The control unit controls the locking and unlocking status of the electronic lock based on the judgment result of the second judgment unit. The electronic lock allows setting a first security level and a second security level. The control unit, If the second determination unit determines that the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. If the second determination unit does not determine that the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock, a warning signal is output, and an image indicating that a warning signal has been output is displayed. When the security level of the electronic lock is preset to the first security level, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. When the security level of the electronic lock is preset to the second security level, input is accepted to indicate whether to allow unlocking the electronic lock. Upon receiving input authorizing the unlocking of the electronic lock, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. If an input indicating that the electronic lock is not allowed to be unlocked is received, the electronic lock will not be set to the unlocked state.

8. A program recording medium containing a program for causing a computer to perform electronic lock control processing. The electronic lock control process includes the following steps: The first judgment step is to determine whether there is anyone in the designated area around the electronic lock based on the first information generated by the electronic device. The second determination step involves determining, in the case that a first person is present in the designated area based on the first determination step, whether the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock based on second information related to the movement of the first person. as well as The control step involves controlling the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock based on the result of the second judgment step. The electronic lock allows setting a first security level and a second security level. In the control step, If, in the second determination step, it is determined that the first person is authorized to unlock the electronic lock, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. If, in the second determination step, it is not determined that the first person is the one authorized to unlock the electronic lock, a warning signal is output, and an image indicating that a warning signal has been output is displayed. When the security level of the electronic lock is preset to the first security level, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. When the security level of the electronic lock is preset to the second security level, input is accepted to indicate whether to allow unlocking the electronic lock. Upon receiving input authorizing the unlocking of the electronic lock, the electronic lock is set to the unlocked state. If an input indicating that the electronic lock is not allowed to be unlocked is received, the electronic lock will not be set to the unlocked state.

Images