Server apparatus and door unlocking system

Abstract

To restrain an unauthorized person from pretending to be a business operator to unlock a door.SOLUTION: A door control apparatus 10 controls locking and unlocking of a door 11 installed at an entrance of a housing complex M, and a server apparatus 12 can communicate with a courier service server 14. A door unlocking system includes reception means 60 that accepts, from the door control apparatus 10, an unlocking request including an apparatus ID of the door control apparatus 10 and a service number set by a courier service, authentication request means 64 that transmits an authentication request including information included in the unlocking request to the courier service server 14, and unlocking means 66 that transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control apparatus 10 indicated by the apparatus ID included in the unlocking request when a courier service terminal 16 linked to the service number is identified by the courier service server 14 that receives the authentication request and an authentication succeeds as a result of the authentication based on information acquired from the identified courier service terminal 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device and a door unlocking system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a server device capable of communicating with a door control device that controls locking and unlocking of a door installed at an entrance of an apartment building is known.

[0003] As an example of such a server device, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a server device that receives an unlocking request from a door control device, which request includes the device ID of the door control device and a service number set by a company, performs authentication based on the information included in the unlocking request and stored information, and transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device if the authentication is successful. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-88919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the service number can be known not only by a business that has the legitimate right to perform the delivery service linked to the service number, but also by an unauthorized person who does not have the right. Therefore, in the server device disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, even if an unauthorized person who has obtained the service number impersonates a business and inputs the service number into the door control device, there is a risk that the door will be unlocked if authentication based on the service number is successful.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and has an object to provide a server device and a door unlocking system that can prevent unauthorized persons from unlocking a door by masquerading as a contractor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The server device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of a door installed at the entrance of an apartment building and a contractor server, and comprises: a receiving means for receiving an unlocking request from the door control device, the unlocking request including identification information of the door control device and a service number set by the contractor; a requesting means for sending a request including information included in the unlocking request to the contractor server; and an unlocking means for identifying a contractor terminal of the contractor linked to the service number by the contractor server that receives the request, and for transmitting an unlocking instruction to the door control device identified by the identification information included in the unlocking request if the authentication is successful as a result of authentication based on information obtained from the identified contractor terminal.

[0008] In the server device relating to the second aspect of the present invention, the information obtained from the dealer terminal is information indicating whether or not a specified input operation has been performed on the dealer terminal, and the unlocking means sends the unlocking instruction when the input operation has been performed.

[0009] In the server device relating to the third aspect of the present invention, the information obtained from the contractor terminal is information indicating the location of the contractor terminal, and the unlocking means sends the unlocking instruction when the location of the contractor terminal is within a specified range of the location indicated by the delivery destination address linked to the service number.

[0010] In the server device relating to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the information obtained from the contractor terminal is authentication information output to the contractor terminal, the reception means further receives the authentication information from the door control device, and the unlocking means transmits the unlocking instruction when the authentication based on the authentication information received by the reception means and pre-stored information is successful.

[0011] In the server device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the unlocking means further includes a registration means for receiving an authentication result including a delivery address linked to the service number when the authentication is successful, identifying a room number linked to the service number based on the delivery address included in the authentication result, and registering the identified room number by linking it to the service number.

[0012] A door unlocking system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a door unlocking system including a first server capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building, and a second server capable of communicating with the first server and a contractor terminal of a contractor, wherein the first server comprises a receiving means for receiving an unlocking request from the door control device, the unlocking request including identification information of the door control device and a service number set by the contractor, a requesting means for sending a request including the information included in the unlocking request to the second server, and an unlocking means for sending an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request if the authentication is successful as a result of authentication based on information obtained from the contractor terminal identified by the second server that received the request, and the second server comprises a memory means for storing information regarding home delivery including the service number for each contractor terminal, and an identification means for identifying the contractor terminal linked to the service number based on the service number included in the request. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized person from unlocking a door by posing as a contractor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a door unlocking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the door control device in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of a door unlocking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a user management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a home delivery management table. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow executed in the door unlocking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, a door unlocking system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a door unlocking system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0017] 1, the door unlocking system 1 includes one or more door control devices 10, one or more server devices 12 (first servers), one or more delivery company servers 14 (second servers), one or more delivery company terminals 16, and one or more user terminals 18. These devices are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet or a telephone line.

[0018] The door control device 10 is installed near the entrance of a collective housing M such as an apartment, condominium, or dormitory. The door control device 10 controls the locking and unlocking of an auto-locking door 11 installed at the entrance of the collective housing M. For example, the door control device 10 is composed of a pair of intercoms, one of which is installed near the entrance of the collective housing M, and the other intercom is installed in each room of the collective housing M. A delivery company can use one intercom to talk to a resident on the other intercom, and the resident can remotely unlock the door 11 to enter the collective housing M. The door control device 10 also has a door control function by authentication in addition to the function of this intercom. This allows the delivery company to unlock the door 11 and enter the collective housing M even when the resident is not present and cannot talk to the resident.

[0019] The server device 12 is an information processing device that performs various processes. The server device 12 transmits an instruction to lock or unlock the door 11 to the door control device 10. The server device 12 also manages various information necessary for the door control device 10 to control the door 11, such as a device ID and a service number that are identification information of the door control device 10.

[0020] The service number is a number related to a service set by a service provider such as a delivery company, etc. The service number is, for example, a tracking number, a parcel number, or a parcel code of a parcel received by the delivery company.

[0021] The delivery company server 14 is an information processing device that performs various processes. The delivery company server 14 manages information related to delivery. The information related to delivery includes, for example, a service number, destination (address) and sender information (name, telephone number, address, etc.), delivery status, and type of package (normal package, fresh product, valuable item, heavy item, frozen item, refrigerated item, delivery to a designated location, cash on delivery, etc.).

[0022] In response to a confirmation request from server device 12, delivery company server 14 confirms the delivery status of the parcel linked to the service number and transmits the confirmation result to server device 12. In addition, in response to an authentication request from server device 12, delivery company server 14 performs authentication based on the device ID and service number of door control device 10 and transmits the authentication result to server device 12.

[0023] The delivery company terminal 16 is a communication terminal device operated by the delivery company. The delivery company sets a service number, for example, when or after receiving a package from the sender. The delivery company then notifies the sender of the package of the set service number. The sender also notifies the destination user of the service number. The destination user transmits the notified service number together with the user ID of the user to the server device 12, and the server device 12 stores the received service number in association with the received user ID. Examples of the delivery company terminal 16 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook computer, and a personal computer.

[0024] The user terminal 18 is a communication terminal device operated by a user. Examples of the user terminal 18 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook computer, and a personal computer.

[0025] <Hardware configuration>

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the door control device 10 of FIG.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the door control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a memory 22, a communication device 24, a display device 26, a communication device 28, a camera 30, a light source 32, a locking mechanism 34, and a power source 36.

[0028] The CPU 20 controls various components of the door control device 10, such as the camera 30 and the light source 32.

[0029] The memory 22 stores, for example, the device ID of the door control device 10, programs, and the like.

[0030] The communication device 24 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 24 transmits and receives various information or data to and from the server device 12, for example.

[0031] The display device 26 displays the other party on the other end of the call.

[0032] The communication device 28 includes an input device, and is configured so that the delivery company can communicate with the resident of the room number inputted using the input device.

[0033] The camera 30 captures an image in front of the door control device 10.

[0034] The light source 32 is controlled to emit light or not by the CPU 20. The light source 32 may be a diode or a lamp.

[0035] The locking mechanism 34 locks and unlocks the door 11.

[0036] The power supply 36 supplies power to the CPU 20, the memory 22, etc. As the power supply 36, for example, a battery is preferable.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 12 of FIG.

[0038] 3, the server device 12 includes a control device 40, a communication device 42, and a storage device 44. The control device 40 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 46 and a memory 48.

[0039] The control device 40 functions as various functional means by the CPU 46 executing a predetermined program stored in the storage device 44 or the memory 48, etc. The details of these functional means will be described later.

[0040] The communication device 42 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 42 transmits and receives various information or data between the door control device 10, the delivery company server 14, and the user terminal 18, for example.

[0041] The storage device 44 is configured with a hard disk, etc. The storage device 44 stores various programs and various information required for executing the processes in the control device 40, and information on the results of the processes.

[0042] The server device 12 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 12 may be composed of a single information processing device or may be composed of multiple information processing devices distributed over the communication network NT. FIG. 3 shows only a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 12, and the server device 12 may have other configurations that a server generally has. The hardware configuration of the delivery company server 14 may have the same configuration as the server device 12. The hardware configuration of the delivery company terminal 16 and the user terminal 18 may have the same configuration as the server device 12, except for a GPS receiver that receives a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal to identify the location of the delivery company terminal 16 and the user terminal 18 via, for example, an operating means, a display device, an antenna, etc.

[0043] <Functional means> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of the door unlocking system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0044] <Door control device 10> 4, the door control device 10 in the door unlocking system 1 includes, as functional means, an acquisition means 50, a request means 52, and a control means 54. Each of these functional means is realized by the CPU 20 executing a program stored in the memory 22.

[0045] The acquisition means 50 acquires the service number set by the delivery company. The acquisition means 50 acquires the service number by accepting an input operation of the service number by the delivery company.

[0046] The request means 52 transmits an unlock request including the device ID of the door control device 10 and the service number acquired by the acquisition means 50 to the server device 12.

[0047] When the control means 54 receives an unlocking instruction from the server device 12, it controls the locking mechanism 34 to automatically unlock the door 11. After unlocking, the control means 54 opens and closes the door 11, and then locks it.

[0048] <Server device 12> The server device 12 in the door unlocking system 1 includes, as functional means, a storage means 58, a receiving means 60, a confirmation requesting means 62, an authentication requesting means 64 (requesting means), an unlocking means 66, and a registration means 68. Each of these functional means is realized by the CPU 46 executing a program stored in the storage device 44.

[0049] The storage unit 58 stores the service number set by the delivery company for each user. For example, the storage unit 58 stores a user management table 58A.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the user management table 58A. As shown in FIG. 5, in the user management table 58A, the device ID of the door control device 10, the service number, and the room number are registered in association with each other for each user ID. The user ID is identification information of the user, and is registered in advance for each user, or is registered in association with the service number when the service number is registered. The device ID of the door control device 10 is identification information of the door control device 10, and is registered in association with the user ID by receiving it from, for example, the user terminal 18 or the like. The service number is registered in association with the user ID by receiving it from, for example, the delivery company terminal 16 or the user terminal 18 or the like. The room number is the room number of the room where the user lives, and is identified by, for example, the registration means 68 described later, and is registered in association with the user ID and the service number. The room number may be registered in advance in association with at least the user ID by receiving it from, for example, the user terminal 18 or the like.

[0051] Returning to Fig. 4, the receiving means 60 receives an unlocking request including the device ID of the door control device 10 and the service number set by the delivery company from the door control device 10. Specifically, the receiving means 60 receives the unlocking request transmitted by the request means 52 of the door control device 10, thereby receiving the unlocking request. The receiving means 60 outputs information included in the received unlocking request to the confirmation request means 62 and the authentication request means 64.

[0052] The confirmation request means 62 transmits a confirmation request including the service number included in the unlocking request accepted by the acceptance means 60 to the delivery company server 14. As a result, the confirmation request means 62 requests the delivery company server 14 to confirm the delivery status of the parcel linked to the service number.

[0053] The authentication requesting means 64 transmits an authentication request including the service number and the device ID of the door control device 10 included in the unlocking request received by the receiving means 60 to the delivery company server 14. As a result, the authentication requesting means 64 requests the delivery company server 14 to perform authentication for unlocking the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID based on the service number. In this embodiment, when the authentication requesting means 64 receives a confirmation result indicating that a delivery linked to the service number is being delivered from the delivery company server 14 as a response to the confirmation request by the confirmation requesting means 62, it transmits an authentication request to the delivery company server 14. Although details will be described later, the delivery company server 14 that has received the authentication request identifies the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number included in the authentication request.

[0054] If the authentication based on information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the delivery company server 14 is successful, the unlocking means 66 sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request.

[0055] The information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 is, for example, information indicating whether or not a predetermined input operation has been performed on the delivery company terminal 16. The predetermined input operation is an input operation for instructing unlocking, and examples of the input operation include a tap operation on an unlock button displayed on the display screen of the delivery company terminal 16, and an operation of inputting predetermined authentication information (password, biometric information, voice information, etc.) required for authentication for unlocking. The unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 when a predetermined input operation has been performed on the delivery company terminal 16. In addition, the information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 may be, for example, information indicating the position of the delivery company terminal 16. In this case, the unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 when the position of the delivery company terminal 16 is within a predetermined range of the position indicated by the delivery destination address linked to the service number.

[0056] In this embodiment, an example in which authentication based on information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 is executed in the delivery company server 14 will be specifically described. When authentication is successful in the delivery company server 14 and an authentication result indicating successful authentication is received from the delivery company server 14 as a response to an authentication request, the unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10. For example, when the delivery company server 14 determines that an instruction for unlocking has been received from the delivery company terminal 16 based on information acquired from the specified delivery company terminal 16, the delivery company server 14 transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the server device 12. This authentication result may include the device ID of the door control device 10 and the delivery destination address linked to the service number. When the unlocking means 66 receives the authentication result, it transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the authentication result (the device ID included in the unlocking request). In response to this, if the unlocking means 66 does not receive an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the delivery company server 14 within a specified time period, or if it receives an authentication result indicating unsuccessful authentication, then it will not send an unlocking instruction.

[0057] When the authentication result indicating successful authentication from the delivery company server 14 includes a destination address, the registration means 68 identifies the room number linked to the service number based on the destination address. The destination address usually includes a room number at the end. The registration means 68 identifies the room number written at the end of the destination address as the room number linked to the service number (the room number of the user to whom the package is addressed). The registration means 68 then links the identified room number to the service number included in the authentication request and registers it in the user management table 58A. At this time, if other service numbers are stored in the user management table 58A for the user who has registered the room number linked to the service number and there is a column in which the room number linked to the other service number is not registered, the registration means 68 may register the same room number as the identified room number in the column in which the room number is not registered, as necessary.

[0058] <Delivery company server 14> The delivery company server 14 in the door unlocking system 1 includes a storage means 70, a confirmation means 72, an authentication means 74, an acquisition means 76 (identification means), and a reception instruction means 78. Each of these functional means, like each functional means in the server device 12, is realized by the CPU of the delivery company server 14 executing a program stored in the memory of the delivery company server 14.

[0059] The storage means 70 stores information about home delivery, including the service number, for each delivery company terminal 16. For example, the storage means 70 stores a home delivery management table 70A.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the home delivery management table 70A. As shown in FIG. 6, in the home delivery management table 70A, the service number, the device ID of the door control device 10, the destination address, and the delivery status are registered in association with each other for each terminal ID of the delivery company terminal 16. For example, the delivery company uses the delivery company terminal 16 to scan information on the parcel to be taken out for home delivery and transmits the scanned information to the delivery company server 14, thereby registering the information. The terminal ID is identification information of the delivery company terminal 16, and is registered in advance for each terminal, for example. The service number is registered in association with the terminal ID, for example, by receiving it from the delivery company terminal 16 or the like. The device ID of the door control device 10 is registered in advance in association with the service number, for example, by receiving the device ID linked to the service number from the server device 12. The destination address is the destination address of the home delivery linked to the service number, and is registered in association with the service number, for example, by receiving it from the delivery company terminal 16 or the like together with the service number. The delivery status is information indicating the delivery status of the parcel linked to the service number, and is managed so that information corresponding to the delivery status is registered. For example, if the parcel is currently being delivered, "currently being delivered" is registered, and if the parcel is not currently being delivered, "not yet delivered" is registered.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 4, when the confirmation means 72 receives a confirmation request from the confirmation request means 62 of the server device 12, it confirms the delivery status of the home delivery linked to the service number included in the confirmation request. For example, the confirmation means 72 refers to the home delivery management table 70A and extracts information indicating the delivery status of the home delivery linked to the service number. Then, if the delivery status is in delivery, the confirmation means 72 transmits to the server device 12 a confirmation result indicating that the home delivery is in delivery. On the other hand, if the delivery status is not yet delivered or if there is no information indicating the delivery status, the confirmation means 72 transmits to the server device 12 a confirmation result indicating that the home delivery is not yet delivered.

[0062] When the authentication means 74 receives an authentication request from the authentication request means 64 of the server device 12, it executes authentication processing for unlocking the door 11 by the door control device 10 in response to the authentication request.

[0063] First, the authentication means 74 judges whether or not the unlocking request is made from the door control device 10 of the appropriate destination based on the service number and device ID included in the authentication request. Specifically, the authentication means 74 refers to the home delivery management table 70A and extracts the device ID linked to the service number included in the authentication request. Then, the authentication means 74 judges whether or not the door control device 10 sending the unlocking request is the door control device 10 of the appropriate destination address based on whether or not the device ID included in the authentication request matches the extracted device ID.

[0064] If the device ID included in the authentication request matches the extracted device ID, the authentication means 74 makes a positive determination that the door control device 10 that transmits the unlocking request is the door control device 10 of the appropriate destination address. Then, the authentication means 74 proceeds to authentication based on information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 specified by the acquisition means 76 (information indicating whether an instruction for unlocking has been received from the delivery company terminal 16). On the other hand, if the device ID included in the authentication request does not match the extracted device ID, the authentication means 74 makes a negative determination that the door control device 10 that transmits the unlocking request is not the door control device 10 of the appropriate destination address, and transmits an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the server device 12.

[0065] Furthermore, when the authentication means 74 receives an authentication request, it performs authentication based on information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 specified by the acquisition means 76. More specifically, the authentication means 74 determines whether or not an instruction to unlock has been received from the delivery company terminal 16 based on the information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16. When it is determined that the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 has been received, the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication has been successful, and transmits an authentication result indicating the authentication has been successful to the server device 12. The authentication result includes the device ID of the door control device 10 included in the unlock request and the destination address acquired by the acquisition means 76. On the other hand, when it is determined that the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 has not been received, the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication has been unsuccessful, and transmits an authentication result indicating the authentication has been unsuccessful to the server device 12.

[0066] The instruction to unlock from delivery company terminal 16 is determined to have been accepted, for example, when a predetermined input operation is made by the delivery company to delivery company terminal 16. When authentication means 74 acquires information from delivery company terminal 16 indicating that the predetermined input operation has been made, it makes a positive determination that the instruction from delivery company terminal 16 has been accepted. On the other hand, when authentication means 74 does not acquire information from delivery company terminal 16 indicating that the predetermined input operation has been made within a predetermined period of time, it makes a negative determination that the instruction from delivery company terminal 16 has not been accepted.

[0067] In addition, the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 may be determined to have been accepted when the location of the delivery company terminal 16 is within a predetermined range of the location indicated by the delivery destination address linked to the service number when an authentication request is transmitted to the delivery company server 14. For example, when the location of the delivery company terminal 16 acquired by transmission from the delivery company terminal 16 is within a predetermined range of the location indicated by the destination address acquired by the acquisition means 76, the authentication means 74 makes a positive determination that the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 has been accepted. The predetermined range is, for example, a range within a radius of several meters from the location indicated by the destination address, and indicates a range close enough that the location of the delivery company terminal 16 can be considered to be approximately the same location as the location indicated by the destination address acquired by the acquisition means 76. On the other hand, when the location of the delivery company terminal 16 is outside the predetermined range of the location indicated by the destination address acquired by the acquisition means 76, the authentication means 74 makes a negative determination that the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 has not been accepted.

[0068] When the acquisition means 76 receives an authentication request from the authentication request means 64 of the server device 12, it acquires the terminal ID and destination address of the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number included in the authentication request. The acquisition means 76 outputs the acquired terminal ID and destination address to the authentication means 74. By acquiring the terminal ID in this manner, the acquisition means 76 identifies the delivery company terminal 16 indicated by the acquired terminal ID (the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number included in the authentication request). The acquisition means 76 also outputs the acquired terminal ID to the reception instruction means 78. Note that the acquisition means 76 may acquire the terminal ID and the destination address when the authentication means 74 determines that an unlocking request has been made from the door control device 10 of an appropriate destination.

[0069] The reception instruction means 78 transmits instruction information to instruct the delivery company terminal 16 indicated by the terminal ID acquired by the acquisition means 76 to receive a predetermined input operation from the delivery company as an instruction for unlocking. An example of the instruction information is information for displaying an unlock button that receives a tap operation from the delivery company on the display screen of the delivery company terminal 16.

[0070] <Delivery company terminal 16> Delivery company terminal 16 in door unlocking system 1 includes a location acquisition means 80, a notification means 82, and a reception means 84. Each of these functional means, like each functional means in door control device 10, is realized by a CPU of delivery company terminal 16 executing a program stored in a memory of delivery company terminal 16.

[0071] The location acquisition means 80 acquires location information (current location) of the delivery agent terminal 16. The location acquisition means 80 acquires location information of the delivery agent terminal 16 based on, for example, a GPS signal received by a GPS receiver included in the delivery agent terminal 16. The location acquisition means 80 acquires location information of the delivery agent terminal 16 periodically, for example, at a predetermined interval. The location acquisition means 80 transmits the acquired location information to the delivery agent server 14 each time it is acquired or at a predetermined timing. Note that the method of acquiring location information of the delivery agent terminal 16 is not limited to an acquisition method based on a GPS signal, and it may be acquired by other methods such as a location measurement method using an IP address or a location measurement using a Wi-Fi base station.

[0072] When the notification means 82 receives instruction information from the reception instruction means 78 of the delivery company server 14, it notifies the delivery company of an operation instruction for accepting a predetermined input operation. The manner in which the operation instruction is notified is not particularly limited, and the notification may be by voice or by a screen display. For example, the notification means 82 displays an unlock button on the screen and instructs the delivery company to tap the unlock button to unlock. Note that the predetermined input operation is not limited to a tap operation.

[0073] When a predetermined input operation is performed by the delivery company in response to the operation instruction notified by the notification means 82, the reception means 84 transmits information indicating that the operation has been accepted to the delivery company server 14. For example, when the unlock button displayed by the notification means 82 is tapped by the delivery company, the reception means 84 transmits information indicating that the tap operation has been accepted to the delivery company server 14.

[0074] <Processing flow> 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the door unlocking system 1. Note that the contents and order of the following processing can be changed as appropriate.

[0075] (Step SP10) The acquisition means 50 of the door control device 10 controls the camera 30 to capture an image of the code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) presented by the delivery company. The acquisition means 50 then analyzes the captured code to acquire a service number. Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0076] (Step SP12) The request means 52 of the door control device 10 transmits an unlock request including the device ID of the door control device 10 and the service number acquired in the processing of step SP10 to the server device 12. Then, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP14.

[0077] (Step SP14) The receiving means 60 of the server device 12 receives the unlock request sent in the process of step SP12, and the process then proceeds to the process of step SP16.

[0078] (Step SP16) The confirmation request means 62 of the server device 12 transmits a confirmation request including the service number included in the unlocking request accepted in the process of step SP14 to the delivery company server 14. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP18.

[0079] (Step SP18) The confirmation means 72 of the delivery company server 14 confirms the delivery status of the parcel based on the service number included in the confirmation request sent in the process of step SP16. The confirmation means 72 refers to the delivery management table 70A, extracts the delivery status linked to the service number, and transmits the confirmation result including the extracted delivery status to the server device 12.

[0080] (Step SP20) The unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 judges whether or not the confirmation result transmitted in the process of step SP18 indicates that the parcel is being delivered. If the unlocking means 66 judges the judgment to be positive, the process proceeds to the process of step SP22. On the other hand, if the unlocking means 66 judges the judgment to be negative, the unlocking means 66 transmits information indicating that the door cannot be unlocked to the door control device 10, and the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0081] (Step SP22) The authentication request means 64 of the server device 12 transmits an authentication request including the device ID and service number included in the unlocking request accepted in the process of step SP14 to the delivery company server 14. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP24.

[0082] (Step SP24) The authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 judges whether the door control device 10 that sent the unlocking request in the process of step SP12 is the door control device 10 of the appropriate destination address. First, the authentication means 74 refers to the delivery management table 70A and extracts the device ID linked to the service number included in the authentication request sent in the process of step SP22. Next, the authentication means 74 judges whether the device ID included in the authentication request sent in the process of step SP22 matches the extracted device ID. If the authentication means 74 judges the judgment as positive, the process proceeds to the process of step SP26. On the other hand, if the authentication means 74 judges the judgment as negative, the authentication means 74 transmits an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the server device 12, and the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0083] (Step SP26) The acquisition means 76 of the delivery company server 14 acquires the destination address and the terminal ID of the delivery company terminal 16 based on the service number included in the authentication request sent in the process of step SP22. The acquisition means 76 refers to the delivery management table 70A and extracts the destination address and the terminal ID linked to the service number. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP28.

[0084] (Step SP28) The reception instruction means 78 of the delivery company server 14 transmits instruction information to the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the terminal ID acquired in the process of step SP26, instructing the terminal 16 to display an unlock button. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP30.

[0085] (Step SP30) The notification means 82 of the delivery agent terminal 16 displays an unlock button on the screen of the delivery agent terminal 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0086] (Step SP32) The reception means 84 of the delivery company terminal 16 judges whether or not a tap operation has been performed on the unlock button displayed in the process of step SP30. If a tap operation has been performed on the unlock button within a predetermined period of time, the reception means 84 judges the judgment as positive, and the process proceeds to the process of step SP34. On the other hand, if a tap operation has not been performed on the unlock button within a predetermined period of time, the reception means 84 judges the judgment as negative, and either does not transmit any information to the delivery company server 14, or transmits information to the delivery company server 14 indicating that the tap operation on the unlock button has not been received. Then, the authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 transmits an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the server device 12, and the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0087] (Step SP34) The reception means 84 of the delivery agent terminal 16 receives the tap operation on the unlock button as an instruction to unlock, and transmits information indicating that the instruction has been received to the delivery agent server 14. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP36.

[0088] (Step SP36) The authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 determines that the authentication has been successful by receiving information indicating that an instruction to unlock has been accepted in the process of step SP34. The authentication means 74 then transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the server device 12. The authentication result includes the device ID included in the unlocking request and the destination address acquired in the process of step SP26. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP38.

[0089] (Step SP38) The registration means 68 of the server device 12 identifies the room number from the destination address included in the authentication result transmitted in the process of step SP36. Then, the registration means 68 links the identified room number to the service number included in the authentication request transmitted in the process of step SP22, and registers it in the user management table 58A. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP40.

[0090] (Step SP40) The unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the authentication result transmitted in the process of step SP36. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP42.

[0091] (Step SP42) The control means 54 of the door control device 10 unlocks the door 11 to which the unlock command was sent in the processing of step SP40. Then, the series of processing shown in FIG.

[0092] <Action and effect> As described above, the server device 12 according to this embodiment is a server device 12 capable of communicating with the door control device 10 that controls the locking and unlocking of the door 11 installed at the entrance of the apartment building M and the delivery company server 14 (delivery company server), and is equipped with a reception means 60 that receives an unlocking request from the door control device 10, the request including a device ID as identification information of the door control device 10 and a service number set by the delivery company (delivery company), an authentication request means 64 (request means) that sends an authentication request (request) including information included in the unlocking request to the delivery company server 14, and an unlocking means 66 that, upon receiving the authentication request, identifies the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number, and, as a result of authentication based on information obtained from the identified delivery company terminal 16, sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request if the authentication is successful.

[0093] The door unlocking system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a server device 12 as a first server capable of communicating with a door control device 10 that controls the locking and unlocking of a door 11 installed at the entrance of an apartment building M, and a delivery company server 14 as a second server capable of communicating with the server device 12 and a delivery company terminal 16. The server device 12 includes a reception means 60 that receives an unlocking request from the door control device 10, the request including the device ID of the door control device 10 and a service number set by the delivery company, and a reception means 61 that transmits an authentication request including information included in the unlocking request to the delivery company server 14. and an unlocking means 66 which, if the authentication is successful as a result of authentication based on information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the delivery company server 14 which received the authentication request, sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request.The delivery company server 14 is equipped with a storage means 70 which stores information regarding delivery including a service number for each delivery company terminal 16, and an acquisition means 76 (identification means) which identifies the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number based on the service number included in the authentication request.

[0094] According to the server device 12 and the door unlocking system 1, when a delivery company inputs a service number into the door control device 10, an unlocking request including the device ID and the service number of the door control device 10 is accepted, and an authentication request including information included in the unlocking request is sent to the delivery company server 14. Next, the delivery company server 14 that has received the authentication request identifies the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number, and performs authentication based on information acquired from the identified delivery company terminal 16. Then, if the authentication is successful, an unlocking instruction is sent to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request. In this way, in order to perform the authentication, information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 linked to the service number, that is, the delivery company terminal 16 that has the legitimate right to carry out the delivery work linked to the service number, is required. Therefore, the door 11 is not unlocked unless information from the delivery company terminal 16 that has the legitimate right is acquired at the time of authentication, and it is possible to prevent an unjust person who does not have the legitimate right from unlocking the door 11 by impersonating a delivery company by knowing the service number.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 is information indicating whether or not a specified input operation has been performed on the delivery company terminal 16, and the unlocking means 66 sends an unlocking instruction when the input operation has been performed.

[0096] According to this configuration, when authentication is performed based on information acquired from a specified delivery company terminal 16, for example, if an unlock button displayed on delivery company terminal 16 is tapped, the authentication is successful and an unlock instruction is sent. Therefore, door 11 is not unlocked unless a specific input operation is performed by the delivery company who possesses delivery company terminal 16 for delivery company terminal 16 that has the legitimate right to perform the delivery work linked to the service number. This appropriately achieves the above-mentioned effect.

[0097] Also, in this embodiment, the information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 is information indicating the location of the delivery company terminal 16, and the unlocking means 66 sends an unlocking instruction when the location of the delivery company terminal 16 is within a specified range of the location indicated by the delivery destination address linked to the service number.

[0098] According to this configuration, when authentication is performed based on information acquired from the specified delivery company terminal 16, if the location of the delivery company terminal 16 that has the legitimate right to perform the delivery service linked to the service number is within a predetermined range that can be considered to be approximately the same as the location indicated by the delivery destination address, the authentication is successful and an unlocking instruction is sent. Therefore, the door 11 is not unlocked unless the delivery company terminal 16 that has the legitimate right to perform the delivery service linked to the service number is located within a range that can be considered to be approximately the same as the location indicated by the delivery destination address. This makes it possible to preferably achieve the above-mentioned effects. In addition, since information for authentication is acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 without the delivery company performing a predetermined input operation on the delivery company terminal 16, the delivery company can save time and effort.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, the unlocking means 66 further includes a registration means 68 that, if the authentication is successful, receives an authentication result including a delivery destination address linked to the service number from the delivery company server 14, identifies the room number linked to the service number based on the destination address included in the authentication result, and registers the identified room number by linking it to the service number.

[0100] According to this configuration, even if the user does not register the room number in advance, when the authentication for unlocking the door is successful, the room number specified based on the destination address included in the authentication result is registered in association with the service number. Therefore, various processes for preventing erroneous delivery of packages can be performed using the room number linked to the service number. For example, the unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 may receive an input of a room number from the delivery company in the door control device 10, perform authentication for unlocking the door based on whether the received room number matches the registered room number, and transmit an unlock instruction to the door control device 10 only when the room number matches. This prevents erroneous delivery to a room with an incorrect room number, since the door 11 is not unlocked if the delivery company inputs an incorrect room number. In addition, the specified room number may be transmitted to the door control device 10 and displayed on the door control device 10 to notify the delivery company of the room number to which the package should be delivered, and to alert the delivery company to whether the room number to which the delivery company is trying to deliver is correct. In addition, the identified room number may be transmitted to an elevator control device that controls an elevator installed in the apartment building M, and if the door control device 10 successfully unlocks the door 11, the elevator may be controlled to automatically move to the residential floor of the identified room number.

[0101] In addition, this embodiment further includes a confirmation request means 62 that sends a confirmation request including the service number to the delivery company server 14, and the authentication request means 64 sends an authentication request to the delivery company server 14 when it receives a confirmation result from the delivery company server 14 in response to the confirmation request indicating that a delivery linked to the service number is currently being delivered.

[0102] According to this configuration, a confirmation request is made to the delivery company server 14 to check whether or not a parcel linked to the service number is currently being delivered, prior to the authentication request, so that an authentication request can be made only for parcels that are currently being delivered. This reduces the processing load.

[0103] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. In other words, the above-mentioned embodiment may be modified by a person skilled in the art as appropriate, and the modifications may be included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiment and the modifications described below may be combined to the extent technically possible, and the combinations of these may be included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which authentication for unlocking door 11 is performed in delivery company server 14 in response to an authentication request from server device 12, but the authentication may be performed elsewhere than delivery company server 14. For example, authentication based on information acquired from delivery company terminal 16 may be performed in server device 12. In addition, the information acquired from delivery company terminal 16 is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiment, and may be, for example, authentication information output to delivery company terminal 16. An example of the authentication information is a password, etc.

[0105] In this case, more specifically, the delivery company server 14 that has received the authentication request instructs the delivery company terminal 16 specified by the acquisition means 76 to output the password by voice or display, etc., and in response to this instruction, the delivery company terminal 16 outputs the password. This allows authentication based on the password to be performed using the password as information acquired from the specified delivery company terminal 16. For example, when a delivery company that has acquired (recognized) the password by being output from the delivery company terminal 16 inputs the password to the door control device 10, the acquisition means 50 of the door control device 10 accepts the password, and the request means 52 of the door control device 10 transmits the accepted password to the server device 12. The acceptance means 60 of the server device 12 further accepts the password from the door control device 10 in addition to the unlock request. The storage means 58 of the server device 12 prestores the password used for authentication, and the server device 12 includes an authentication means that performs authentication based on the password. This authentication means performs authentication based on the password accepted by the accepting means 60 and the password stored in the memory means 58, and if the authentication is successful, the unlocking means 66 sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10.

[0106] According to this configuration, the door 11 cannot be unlocked unless the password output to the specified delivery company terminal 16 is obtained. The person who can obtain the password is the delivery company who possesses the delivery company terminal 16, that is, the delivery company who has the legitimate right to perform the delivery work linked to the service number. Therefore, similar to the above embodiment, it is possible to preferably achieve the effect of preventing an unjust person who does not have the legitimate right from impersonating a delivery company to unlock the door 11.

[0107] The door unlocking system 1 can be applied not only to unlocking the door 11 to deliver a package to a room of a resident of the apartment building M, but also to unlocking the door 11 to drop a package in a delivery box or the like installed in the apartment building M, or to unlocking the door 11 to allow a delivery company to collect a package placed in the delivery box or the like by a user. The door unlocking system 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and may also include an elevator installed in the apartment building M and an elevator control device for controlling the elevator, a delivery box installed in the apartment building M, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, in the user management table 58A stored in the storage means 58 of the server device 12, not only the above information but also information such as the box ID of the delivery box, telephone number, date of birth, etc. may be registered in association with each user. Furthermore, the storage means 58 may store, not only the above user management table 58A, but also a box management table in which the device ID of the door control device 10 and the box ID of the delivery box are registered in association with each other. In this case, the user management table 58A and the box management table may be combined into one table.

[0109] Furthermore, the information contained in the unlocking request accepted by the accepting means 60 of the server device 12 is not limited to the device ID and service number of the door control device 10. For example, the unlocking request does not have to include the device ID of the door control device 10, and may include various information such as a room number, a delivery company name, a telephone number, etc., in addition to the device ID and service number. These various pieces of information contained in the unlocking request are linked to the service number, and at least any of these various pieces of information may be used to perform authentication for unlocking the door 11.

[0110] In addition, the authentication request means 64 of the server device 12 may transmit an authentication request to the delivery company server 14 without receiving a confirmation result indicating that a parcel linked to the service number is being delivered, not only when the authentication request means 64 receives a confirmation result from the delivery company server 14 indicating that the parcel is being delivered. In this case, the server device 12 may not have the confirmation request means 62.

[0111] Further, the unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 may determine whether or not a parcel can be dropped based on the parcel information of the parcel, in addition to the authentication based on the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16, and transmit an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 when the determination is positive. In this case, for example, the storage means 58 of the server device 12 stores, for each user, not only the above-mentioned information, but also delivery information regarding the possibility of delivery set by the user for each type of parcel, and room numbers registered in advance by the user. Furthermore, the storage means 58 stores the device ID of the door control device 10, the box ID of the delivery box, and the drop-off possibility information indicating whether or not a parcel can be dropped into the delivery box, in association with each other. Furthermore, the storage means 70 of the delivery company server 14 stores, not only the above-mentioned information, but also parcel information indicating the type of parcel, room numbers, etc., in association with the service number. When the authentication is successful, the authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 acquires the parcel information and room number associated with the service number included in the authentication request, and transmits the authentication result including the acquired parcel information and room number to the server device 12. When the unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 receives an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the delivery company server 14, the unlocking means 66 refers to the delivery information stored in the storage means 58 based on the package information and room number included in the authentication result and determines whether the package can be posted. If the determination is positive, the unlocking means 66 transmits an unlock instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request.

[0112] In addition, the authentication result indicating successful authentication transmitted from the delivery company server 14 may not include the destination address, and the server device 12 may not specify and register the room number based on the destination address. In this case, the server device 12 may not include the registration means 68. The acquisition means 76 of the delivery company server 14 may not acquire the destination address linked to the service number.

[0113] Furthermore, the delivery service server 14 may perform authentication based on information acquired from the delivery service terminal 16, without checking the delivery status of the parcel. In this case, the delivery service server 14 may not be equipped with the confirmation means 72. Furthermore, the authentication means 74 of the delivery service server 14 may perform authentication based on an instruction from the delivery service terminal 16, without determining whether the door control device 10 that transmits the unlock request is the door control device 10 of the appropriate destination address.

[0114] Also, the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 may be accepted only when a predetermined input operation is performed on the delivery company terminal 16, regardless of the location of the delivery company terminal 16. In this case, the delivery company terminal 16 may not be equipped with the location acquisition means 80. Also, the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 may be accepted only when the location of the delivery company terminal 16 is within a predetermined range of the location of the destination address, regardless of whether a predetermined input operation by the delivery company is received. In this case, the delivery company server 14 may not be equipped with the reception instruction means 78, and the delivery company terminal 16 may not be equipped with the notification means 82 and the reception means 84. Also, in addition to or instead of the predetermined input operation on the delivery company terminal 16, the direction or inclination of the delivery company terminal 16 may be detected based on various information acquired by an acceleration / direction sensor equipped in the delivery company terminal 16, for example, and an instruction for unlocking may be accepted when the detected direction or inclination is a predetermined direction or inclination.

[0115] In addition, in the above embodiment, the company server and company terminal of the delivery company were described, but the company is not limited to a delivery company, and the type of company is not particularly limited as long as it is a company (service provider) that can provide services related to delivery, such as an online supermarket or a dry cleaning company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Door unlocking system, 10: Door control device, 12: Server device (first server), 14: Delivery company server (delivery server, second server), 16: Delivery company terminal (delivery terminal), 60: Reception means, 64: Authentication request means (request means), 66: Unlocking means, 68: Registration means, 76: Acquisition means (identification means)

Claims

1. A server device capable of communicating with a door control device for controlling locking and unlocking of a door installed in an apartment house and a contractor server, comprising: a receiving means for receiving an unlocking request including the identification information of the door control device and a service number set by a contractor; a request means for transmitting a request including the information included in the unlocking request to the contractor server; a unlocking means for transmitting an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request when the authentication is successful based on the result of authentication based on the information acquired from the identified contractor terminal; A server device comprising:

2. The contractor is a delivery contractor, and the unlocking means transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device when, in addition to the authentication based on the information acquired from the identified contractor terminal being successful, the determination as to whether the package can be mailed based on the package information of the delivery is an affirmative determination. The server device according to claim 1.

3. A door unlocking system including a first server capable of communicating with a door control device for controlling locking and unlocking of a door installed in an apartment house, and a second server capable of communicating with the first server and a contractor terminal of a contractor, wherein the first server comprises: a receiving means for receiving an unlocking request including the identification information of the door control device and a service number set by the contractor; a request means for transmitting a request including the information included in the unlocking request to the second server; a unlocking means for transmitting an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request when the authentication is successful based on the result of authentication based on the information acquired from the contractor terminal identified by the second server that has received the request; and comprises: wherein the second server comprises: a storage means for storing information related to delivery including the service number for each contractor terminal; a specifying means for specifying the contractor terminal associated with the service number based on the service number included in the request; and comprises: A door unlocking system.

4. The contractor is a delivery contractor, and the unlocking means transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device when, in addition to the authentication based on the information acquired from the identified contractor terminal being successful, the determination as to whether the package can be mailed based on the package information of the delivery is an affirmative determination. The door unlocking system according to claim 3.

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