Intercom system, control method and control system

Abstract

To provide an intercom system capable of maintaining security even while improving convenience.SOLUTION: An intercom system 1 comprises: a slave unit 10; a room master unit 30 for responding to a call from the slave unit 10; and a control section 60 which communicably controls the slave unit 10 and the room master unit 30. The slave unit 10 includes a display section 11 capable of displaying at least a call operation part 111 for executing a call operation and an information input part 113 for inputting service information related to a service provider. The control section 60 validates operation to the information input part 113 after the lapse of a fixed time from starting the call operation to the room master unit 30 from the slave unit 10 on the basis of operation to the call operation part 111 and executes a predetermined operation on the basis of the service information inputted to the information input part 113.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an intercom system, a control method and a control system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a delivery style known as "drop-off delivery" has been increasing, in which delivery is completed by leaving the package at a designated location when the recipient of the package is not at the delivery destination residence, etc. In delivery services using drop-off delivery, various technologies have been proposed for automatically unlocking autolock doors installed at the entrances of apartment complexes, etc., for visitors who are permitted to enter the apartment complexes, etc. (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-14729 [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-53047 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 allow the auto-lock door to be unlocked by a visitor alone, without any operation by the resident, so there is room for improvement in terms of security measures.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an intercom system, a control method, and a control system that are capable of improving convenience while maintaining security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the intercom system of the present invention comprises: An intercom system comprising: a handset for a visitor to call a resident and talk to the visitor; a room master unit for the resident to respond to a call from the handset; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the handset and the room master unit, the slave unit has a display unit capable of displaying at least a call operation unit for calling the resident and an information input unit for inputting service information associated with a service provider; The control unit is configured to enable the operation on the information input unit after a certain time has elapsed since a call operation from the handset to the room parent unit is initiated based on the visitor's operation on the call operation unit, and to perform a predetermined operation based on the service information inputted into the information input unit.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when a service provider such as a delivery company visits a house, the delivery company can execute a predetermined operation such as unlocking the door or sending a notification to the sub-unit or the room master unit by inputting service information after a certain time has elapsed since the delivery company executed a call operation. In other words, the delivery company cannot input service information unless the sub-unit executes a call operation to the room master unit. In this way, unlocking and sending notifications are performed after the call operation is executed, so that security can be maintained while improving convenience.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a control method for an intercom system according to the present invention comprises the steps of: A control method for an intercom system including a handset for a visitor to call a resident and talk to the visitor, a room master unit for the resident to respond to the call from the handset, and a control unit for controlling the handset and the room master unit to be able to communicate with each other, comprising: receiving an operation on a call operation unit provided on the handset to execute a call operation from the handset to the room master unit; a step of enabling an operation on an information input unit provided on the handset for inputting service information associated with a service provider after a certain time has elapsed since the initiation of the calling operation; executing a predetermined operation based on the service information inputted to the information input unit; Includes.

[0009] According to the above configuration, after a call operation is performed, a predetermined operation such as unlocking is performed, so that it is possible to maintain security while improving convenience.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the control system of the present invention comprises: A terminal device associated with a user of a delivery box or a key box installed at an entrance of a house; a box control device having an input unit that controls locking and unlocking of the delivery box or the key box and receives operations for the locking and unlocking; A control unit capable of communicating with the terminal device and the box control device; A control system comprising: the input unit includes a request receiving unit that receives a request to unlock the delivery box or the key box, and an information input unit that inputs service information associated with a service provider; The control unit is A notification signal is transmitted to the terminal device based on an operation of the unlock request to the request receiving unit, After a certain time has elapsed since the notification signal was transmitted, the operation on the information input unit is validated; Executing authentication based on the service information inputted to the information input unit; If the authentication is successful, an unlock request signal is transmitted to the box control device. It is structured as follows.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the delivery box or key box is unlocked after a notification signal is sent to the terminal device, thereby improving convenience while maintaining security. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intercom system that can maintain security while improving convenience, and a control method and control system for the intercom system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an intercom system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a functional block diagram of a portion of the intercom system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data table stored in a server included in the intercom system. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the intercom system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen displayed on a display unit of the child device. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a service selection screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a call operation screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a service information input screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] First embodiment Hereinafter, an intercom system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an intercom system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the intercom system 1 includes a collective entrance unit 10 (an example of a slave unit), a server 20, a room master unit 30, an entrance slave unit 40, a management room master unit 50, and a controller 60 (an example of a control unit). The intercom system 1 is an intercom system that is applied to collective housing such as an apartment building.

[0015] The collective entrance unit 10, server 20, room master unit 30, and management room master unit 50 are connected to the control unit 60 via an intercom line L over which communication is performed according to a general-purpose protocol. The entrance slave unit 40 is also connected to the room master unit 30 via the intercom line L. In this example, the intercom line L is configured with a LAN (Local Area Network) cable. The intercom line L may also be configured with a dedicated line.

[0016] The collective entrance device 10 is installed at the collective entrance (entrance), which is a common space of the apartment building. The collective entrance device 10 includes a display unit 11, a call unit 12, and a camera 13 (an example of an imaging means).

[0017] The server 20 has a function of creating a data table based on the received data. For example, the server 20 receives data such as a service number set by a delivery company, which is a service provider, from an external server 70 described later, and creates a data table based on the service number. The service number and the data table will be described in detail later.

[0018] The room master unit 30 is installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment house in which the intercom system 1 is installed. The room master unit 30 includes a display unit 31 (an example of a second display unit), an operation unit 32, and a call unit 33. The display unit 31 can display various information and can accept user operations, and is, for example, a touch display. The display unit 31 displays images of visitors captured by the camera 13 of the collective entrance unit 10. The operation unit 32 is operated when responding to a call from the collective entrance unit 10 or the management room master unit 50, or when calling the management room master unit 50. The operation unit 32 is composed of operation buttons displayed on the touch display, which is, for example, the display unit 31. The call unit 33 is used by the resident to make a call to the collective entrance unit 10 or the management room master unit 50, and includes a microphone and a speaker.

[0019] The entrance slave unit 40 is installed at the entrance of each dwelling unit. The entrance slave unit 40 is equipped with a call button 41 for a visitor to call a resident, a communication unit 42 for the visitor to talk to the resident, and a camera 43 capable of capturing an image of the visitor. The image of the visitor captured by the camera 43 is displayed on the display unit 31 of the room master unit 30.

[0020] The control room master unit 50 is installed in the control room of the apartment building. The control room master unit 50 includes a display unit 51 that displays images captured by the camera 13 of the apartment building entrance unit 10, an operation unit 52 that is operated when calling a specific room, and a call unit 53 that allows the manager to talk to residents or visitors.

[0021] The control unit 60 controls the operation of the collective entrance unit 10, the server 20, the room master unit 30, the management room master unit 50, etc. For example, the control unit 60 controls the call status from the collective entrance unit 10 to the room master unit 30. The control unit 60 is connected to an external server 70 and a door control device 80 via a network N.

[0022] The controller 60 may include at least one microcontroller including one or more processors, and other electronic circuits including active elements such as transistors and passive elements. The controller 60 may be configured with multiple CPU cores. The controller 60 may be, for example, a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and / or a tensor processing unit (TPU). The GPU may be configured with multiple GPU cores. The controller 60 may also be configured with hardware resources including integrated circuits such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The controller 60 may also be configured with a combination of at least one microcontroller and an integrated circuit.

[0023] The external server 70 is, for example, a server installed at a business establishment of a service provider. An example of a service provider is a delivery company. The external server 70 has a function of collecting service information set by the service provider. The service information is, for example, information for identifying a delivery. Examples of the service information include a tracking number, a management number, and a waybill (voucher) number of the delivery. In this example, the service information is described as being a tracking number.

[0024] When the delivery company receives a delivery addressed to a resident from a third party (sender), it determines a tracking number. The delivery company informs the sender of the set tracking number. The sender informs the resident, who is the destination (recipient), of the tracking number. The resident transmits the tracking number to external server 70 together with a resident ID for identifying the resident. Having received the resident ID and tracking number, external server 70 transmits this information to controller 60 of intercom system 1 of the apartment building corresponding to the resident ID via network N.

[0025] The door control device 80 is a device for controlling the locking and unlocking of a door 90 installed at the entrance of the apartment building to which the intercom system 1 is applied. The door control device 80 unlocks the door 90 based on an unlock request signal transmitted from the controller 60.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the collective entrance unit 10, the server 20, the room master unit 30, and the controller 60 of the intercom system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the collective entrance unit 10 includes a display unit 11, a call unit 12, and a camera 13, as well as a collective entrance unit CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14 and a communication interface (IF) 15.

[0027] The display unit 11 is configured to be capable of displaying a call operation unit 111, a service selection unit 112, and an information input unit 113. In other words, the display unit 11 also functions as an input unit for receiving various operations from the user.

[0028] The call operation unit 111 is an operation unit that is operated by a visitor when calling a resident. The call operation unit 111 is configured with, for example, a numeric keypad and a call button displayed on the display unit 11. The service selection unit 112 is an input unit for selecting the type of service provider. For example, a list of registered delivery companies is displayed in the service selection unit 112. If the visitor is a delivery company, the visitor can operate the service selection unit 112 to select which delivery company the visitor belongs to. The information input unit 113 is an input unit for a visitor, for example, a delivery company (service provider), to input preset service information.

[0029] The collective entrance device CPU 14 performs processing for controlling each part of the collective entrance device 10. The communication IF 15 forms a bidirectional signal transmission path between the collective entrance device CPU 14 and the intercom line L. As a result, a signal transmission path between the collective entrance device CPU 14 and the control device 60 is formed via the communication IF 15.

[0030] The room master unit 30 includes a master unit CPU 34, a communication IF 35, and a memory unit 36 ​​in addition to a display unit 31, an operation unit 32, and a call unit 33. The master unit CPU 34 performs processing for controlling each unit of the room master unit 30. The communication IF 35 forms a bidirectional signal transmission path between the master unit CPU 34 and the intercom line L. This forms a signal transmission path between the master unit CPU 34 and the control unit 60. The memory unit 36 ​​stores control information and the like for the room master unit 30. The memory unit 36 ​​also stores image data captured by the camera 13 of the collective entrance unit 10 or the camera 43 of the entrance slave unit 40 and transmitted from the collective entrance unit 10 or the entrance slave unit 40.

[0031] The control unit 60 includes a control unit 61 and a memory unit 62. The control unit 61 controls the transmission of signals between each unit, such as the collective entrance unit 10, the server 20, and the room master unit 30, which are connected to the control unit 60, and the connection to the network N. The memory unit 62 stores communication information, control information, and the like. In this example, the memory unit 62 stores a call table 62a in which the room number of each dwelling unit in the collective housing complex is recorded in association with a room master unit ID that can identify the room master unit 30 of each dwelling unit.

[0032] The control unit 61 receives a signal including information about the room number inputted by the call operation unit 111 of the collective entrance unit 10. Then, the control unit 61 refers to the call table 62a in the storage unit 62, and identifies the room master unit 30 of the dwelling unit associated with the room number inputted by the call operation unit 111. Then, the control unit 61 transmits a call signal to the identified room master unit 30.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 61 receives information including a resident ID and service information (tracking number) linked to the resident ID from the external server 70, and stores this information in the storage unit 62 and transmits it to the server 20. Note that the control unit 61 may transfer the information received from the external server 70 to the server 20 without storing it in the storage unit 62.

[0034] The server 20 includes a generating unit 21 and a storage unit 22 . The generating unit 21 can generate a predetermined data table 22a based on information including a resident ID and a tracking number received from the external server 70 via the control device 60. The storage unit 22 stores the data table 22a generated by the generating unit 21.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows an example of the data table 22a stored in the storage unit 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the data table 22a stores the tracking number of the delivery transmitted from the external server 70 in association with the resident ID and room number of the resident to whom the delivery is to be sent. For example, the tracking number: 101-***-*** is stored in association with the resident ID: U1 and the room number: 101 corresponding to the resident ID: U1. Also, the tracking number: 151-***-*** is stored in association with the resident ID: U2 and the room number: 201 corresponding to the resident ID: U2.

[0036] (Intercom System 1 Operation) Next, the operation of the intercom system 1 when a visitor, a delivery company, visits the apartment house to which the intercom system 1 is applied to deliver a package addressed to a resident of the apartment house will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 8. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the intercom system 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen 200 displayed on the display unit 11 of the apartment house entrance device 10. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a service selection screen 210 displayed on the display unit 11. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a call operation screen 220 displayed on the display unit 11. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a service information input screen 230 displayed on the display unit 11.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 5, when a delivery company with an item arrives at the entrance of the apartment complex, an initial screen 200 is displayed on the display unit 11 of the apartment entrance device 10. The initial screen 200 displays a "room call" button 201 for calling each dwelling unit in the apartment complex, a "management office call" button 202 for calling the management office, a "resident service" button 203 for executing various services for residents, and a "delivery service" button 204 for executing services for service providers such as delivery companies.

[0038] 4, it is assumed that the delivery company operates the "Delivery Service" button 204 displayed on the display unit 11 of the collective entrance machine 10. When the operation of the "Delivery Service" button 204 is accepted (step S101), the collective entrance machine CPU 14 transmits an operation acceptance signal to the control machine 60 (step S102). The control unit 61 of the control machine 60 that has received the operation acceptance signal transmits a display signal relating to the service selection screen 210 to the collective entrance machine 10 (step S103).

[0039] The collective entrance device CPU 14 of the collective entrance device 10 that has received the display signal related to the service selection screen 210 causes the display unit 11 to display the service selection screen 210 (step S104). As shown in Fig. 6, the service selection screen 210 displays, for example, display fields 211A-211E for the company name or service name of the service provider, and an "End" button 212. The display fields 211A-211E for the company (service) name displayed on the service selection screen 210 function as the service selection unit 112.

[0040] Next, the delivery agent selects a predetermined display field corresponding to the company (service) to which the delivery agent belongs from among the multiple display fields 211A-211E displayed on the service selection screen 210, and then operates the "Finish" button 212. For example, the delivery agent selects the display field 211A from among the display fields 211A-211E by touch operation. When the delivery agent's operation of one of the display fields 211A-211E (service selection unit 112) is accepted (step S105), the collective entrance machine CPU 14 transmits an operation acceptance signal including information of the selected display field to the control unit 60 (step S106). The control unit 61 that has received the operation acceptance signal transmits a display signal related to the call operation screen 220 to the collective entrance machine 10 (step S107).

[0041] Having received the display signal relating to the call operation screen 220, the collective entrance device CPU 14 causes the display unit 11 to display the call operation screen 220 (step S108). As shown in Fig. 7, the call operation screen 220 displays, for example, a numeric keypad button 221 for inputting the room number of each dwelling unit, a "call" button 222, and the like. These buttons 221 and 222 included in the call operation screen 220 function as the call operation unit 111.

[0042] Next, the delivery company inputs the room number of the room to which the package is to be delivered using the numeric keypad buttons 221 displayed on the call operation screen 220, and then operates the "Call" button 222. Upon receiving the input of the room number using the numeric keypad buttons 221 and the operation of the "Call" button 222 (step S109), the collective entrance machine CPU 14 transmits an operation acceptance signal including information on the input room number to the control unit 60 (step S110). For example, if the delivery company inputs the room number "101" on the call operation screen 220 and then operates the "Call" button 222, the collective entrance machine CPU 14 transmits an operation acceptance signal including information corresponding to the room number "101" to the control unit 60.

[0043] Next, the control unit 61 identifies the room master unit 30 associated with the room number included in the received operation acceptance signal among the multiple room master units 30 installed in the apartment building, and generates a call signal for calling the identified room master unit 30 (step S111). Then, the control unit 61 transmits the call signal to the identified room master unit 30 (step S112). For example, the control unit 61 identifies the room master unit 30 in room 101 based on the information of the room number "101" included in the received operation acceptance signal, and generates a call signal for calling the room master unit 30. Then, the control unit 61 transmits the call signal to the identified room master unit 30 in room 101.

[0044] Next, the room master unit 30 of room 101, which has received the call signal from the control unit 61, outputs a call tone to notify that a visitor is calling from the common entrance (step S113). When the room master unit 30 of room 101 is outputting a call tone and the resident of room 101 uses the room master unit 30 to answer the call, a response signal is sent from the room master unit 30 to the control unit 60. However, since this example assumes a case in which the resident is absent or does not answer and the delivery company unlocks the door 90 to leave the package, a description of the case in which the resident answers the call will be omitted.

[0045] Next, the control unit 61 judges whether a certain time has elapsed since the room master unit 30 started to output a ring tone (step S114). The certain time is, for example, 10 to 20 seconds, and preferably 15 to 17 seconds. The certain time may be changed according to the display field 211A to 211E selected on the service selection screen 210 in step S105. For example, the certain time may be different when the display field 211A is selected from among the multiple display fields 211A to 211E and when the display field 211B is selected. The control unit 61 stores information on the certain time set individually for each service provider in the storage unit 62, and can change the certain time according to the type of the service selection unit 112 that accepted the operation in step S105 based on the information. Note that the starting point of the certain time is not limited to the start of the output of the ring tone in the room master unit 30. For example, the time when the operation of the "call" button 222 is accepted, or the time when a call signal is sent to the specified room master unit 30 may be set as the starting point for counting the passage of a certain period of time.

[0046] In step S114, if it is determined that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the room master unit 30 started to output a ring tone (YES in step S114), the control unit 61 sends a display signal regarding the service information input screen 230 to the collective entrance unit 10 (step S115).

[0047] Having received the display signal related to the service information input screen 230, the collective entrance device CPU 14 causes the display unit 11 to display the service information input screen 230 (step S116). As shown in Fig. 8, the service information input screen 230 displays, for example, a numeric keypad button 231 for inputting a service number, a "decision" button 232, an "end button" 233, and the like. These buttons 231 to 233 included in the service information input screen 230 function as the information input unit 113.

[0048] Next, the delivery company inputs the tracking number of the delivery as the service number using the numeric keypad buttons 231 on the service information input screen 230, and then operates the "Enter" button 232. Upon receiving the input of the service number and the operation of the "Enter" button 232 (step S117), the collective entrance machine CPU 14 transmits an operation reception signal including the input service number information to the control unit 60 as an unlocking request (step S118). For example, in step S117, if the delivery company inputs the tracking number "101-***-***" as the service number, the collective entrance machine CPU 14 transmits an operation reception signal including "101-***-***" to the control unit 60.

[0049] Next, the control unit 61 that has received the operation acceptance signal verifies whether or not the service number included in the operation acceptance signal matches a service number (tracking number) included in the data table 22a stored in the storage unit 22 of the server 20 (step S119). For example, when an operation acceptance signal including the service number "101-***-***" is received as an unlocking request, the control unit 61 communicates with the server 20 and verifies whether or not the service number "101-***-***" is included in the data table 22a stored in the storage unit 22.

[0050] Next, if the service number included in the operation reception signal matches the service number included in the data table 22a (YES in step S119), the control unit 61 determines that the authentication has been successful and sends an unlock instruction signal to the door control device 80 (step S120). Then, the door control device 80 that has received the unlock instruction signal unlocks the door 90 (step S121). This allows the delivery company to enter the apartment complex through the door 90 and perform delivery work. Note that if the service numbers match, the control unit 61 may send an authentication success signal to the collective entrance device 10. At this time, the collective entrance device 10 that has received the authentication success signal may display a notification screen on the display unit 11, for example, "The door will be unlocked," as notification information that the authentication has been successful.

[0051] On the other hand, if the service number included in the operation acceptance signal does not match the service number included in the data table 22a (NO in step S119), the control unit 361 determines that the authentication has failed and ends the process without sending an unlock instruction signal to the door control device 80 (step S122). As a result, the door 90 is not unlocked and remains locked. Note that if the service numbers do not match, the control unit 61 may send an authentication failure signal to the collective entrance unit 10. In this case, the collective entrance unit 10 that receives the authentication failure signal may display a notification screen on the display unit 11 as notification information that the authentication has failed, such as "Unlocked. Please try again by clicking the 'Delivery Service' button."

[0052] As described above, according to the intercom system 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 61 of the control device 60 is configured to enable the operation on the information input unit 113 after a certain time has elapsed since the collective entrance unit 10 started to call the room master unit 30 based on the visitor's operation on the call operation unit 111 of the collective entrance unit 10, and to execute a predetermined operation based on the service information input to the information input unit 113. According to the above configuration, when a service provider such as a delivery company visits an apartment house, the delivery company inputs service information after a certain time has elapsed since the delivery company performed the call operation, and a predetermined operation such as unlocking the door 90 or sending a notice to the collective entrance unit 10 or the room master unit 30 is executed. According to this configuration, the delivery company cannot input service information unless the collective entrance unit 10 performs a call operation to the room master unit 30. As a result, the door 90 is not unlocked or a notice is not sent to the collective entrance unit 10 or the room master unit 30 without making a call, so that security can be maintained while improving convenience.

[0053] The service information also includes a tracking number (an example of an identification number) of the delivery, and the control unit 61 is capable of communicating with the door control device 80. When the control unit 61 receives an unlocking request including the tracking number from the collective entrance device 10, it authenticates the tracking number, and if the authentication is successful, it transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 80. With this configuration, if the authentication of the tracking number of the delivery is successful, the door 90 can be automatically unlocked, thereby improving convenience for residents and visitors.

[0054] When the operation of the "Call" button 222 is accepted in step S109, the collective entrance unit CPU 14 may start capturing an image of the visitor using the camera 13 and transmit the captured image data to the control unit 60. In this case, the control unit 61 transmits the received captured image data to the room master unit 30. This allows the room master unit 30 to display the image captured by the camera 13 on the display unit 31 (an example of a second display unit) of the room master unit 30 together with the output of a call tone. The control unit 61 may also store the received captured image data in the memory unit 36 ​​of the room master unit 30, and the resident may operate the room master unit 30 to later display the captured image on the display unit 31 of the room master unit 30. With this configuration, the visitor can be captured and the recorded data can be confirmed on the room master unit 30 side before the service number is input, thereby further improving security.

[0055] In step S117, the control unit 61 may stop the call operation after accepting an operation on the information input unit 113. Specifically, when accepting an operation on the information input unit 113, the control unit 61 may stop the output of the ring tone from the room master unit 30. In this way, by configuring the call operation to stop when the input of the service number to the information input unit 113 is started, it is possible to prevent unnecessary calls from continuing for a long period of time, and to reduce the inconvenience to the user (resident, visitor) and the system load. Note that the output of the ring tone from the room master unit 30 may be stopped at the timing of step S116, i.e., the timing when the service information input screen 230 is displayed on the display unit 11.

[0056] The display mode of the call operation screen 220 and the service information input screen 230 may be changed according to the display field selected by the delivery company among the multiple display fields 211A to 211E (service selection unit 112) displayed on the service selection screen 210. For example, in this example, as shown in FIG. 8, the mode in which the numeric keypad buttons 231, the "OK" button 232, the "END" button 233, etc. are displayed as the service information input screen 230 when the delivery company selects the display field 211A of the service selection screen 210 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the delivery company selects the display field 211B instead of the display field 211A, a screen for requesting the delivery company to present a code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) related to the tracking number to the camera 13 may be displayed as the service information input screen 230 instead of the numeric keypad buttons 231, etc. for manually inputting the tracking number. In this case, the code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) presented by the delivery company is photographed by the camera 13, and the photographed code is analyzed to obtain the tracking number. The change in the display mode of the service information input screen 230 can be executed, for example, by the control device 60 that receives an instruction signal from the external server 70. In this manner, the control unit 61 is configured to change the display mode of the information input unit 113 in response to a visitor's operation on the service selection unit 112 displayed on the service selection screen 210. With this configuration, the method of inputting service information can be made different depending on the type of service provider, thereby further improving convenience.

[0057] The configuration of the first embodiment may be adopted when a delivery box is installed in front of each dwelling unit in an apartment building. In this case, the control unit 60 enables the operation on the information input unit 113 after a certain time has elapsed since the collective entrance unit 10 started calling the room master unit 30 based on the visitor's operation on the call operation unit 111, and may unlock the door 90 based on the service information input to the information input unit 113, and may also unlock the delivery box in front of each dwelling unit that corresponds to the service information input to the information input unit 113. With this configuration, not only the door 90 but also the delivery box can be unlocked by inputting the service information to the information input unit 113, thereby improving convenience. In addition, since the delivery box is unlocked after the call is executed, security can be maintained.

[0058] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with respect to the configuration of a control system for unlocking a delivery box installed at the entrance of a house by a delivery person who has brought an item to be delivered.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of a control system 300 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the control system 300 according to the second embodiment includes a user terminal 310 (an example of a terminal device), a server 320, a controller 360, an external server 370, and a box control device 380.

[0060] The user terminal 310 is a terminal associated with a resident (user) of a house in which the delivery box 390 is installed. The user terminal 310 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like owned by the resident. The user terminal 310 has at least a terminal CPU 311 and a display unit 312.

[0061] The server 320, like the server 20 of the first embodiment, includes a generating unit 321 that generates a data table 322a, and a storage unit 322 that stores the generated data table 322a.

[0062] The controller 360 includes a control unit 361 and a storage unit 362. The control unit 361 controls the transmission of signals between the user terminal 310, the server 320, the external server 370, and the box control device 380, which are connected to the controller 360, and the connection to the network N. In this example, the storage unit 362 stores a call table 362a in which information on the user terminal 310 of the resident of the house in which the delivery box 390 is installed is recorded. Specifically, the identification number (box ID) of the delivery box 390 and a terminal ID capable of identifying the user terminal 310 of the house in which the delivery box 390 is installed are associated with each other and recorded in the call table 362a.

[0063] Box control device 380 is a device for controlling delivery box 390 installed at the entrance of the house. Box control device 380 includes operation unit 381 for receiving various operations, and box control unit 382 for receiving operations of operation unit 381 and transmitting the operations to controller 360. Operation unit 381 is installed, for example, on the door of delivery box 390. Operation unit 381 includes request reception unit 385 and information input unit 386. Request reception unit 385 is a reception unit for receiving an unlocking operation when a service provider such as a delivery company or a resident attempts to open delivery box 390. Information input unit 386 is an input unit for inputting service information set by the service provider.

[0064] Box control unit 382 controls the locking and unlocking of the door of delivery box 390. Box control unit 382 transmits an unlock request signal to control unit 360 based on receipt of an operation on request receiving unit 385. Box control unit 382 also transmits service information input to information input unit 386 to control unit 360. Furthermore, box control unit 382 unlocks the door of delivery box 390 based on an unlock instruction signal transmitted from control unit 360.

[0065] When the control unit 361 of the controller 360 receives an unlock request signal from the box control device 380, the control unit 361 refers to the call table 362a. Then, the control unit 361 identifies the user terminal 310 associated with the unlock request signal, and transmits a notification signal to the identified user terminal 310. Furthermore, when the control unit 361 receives service information input to the information input unit 386 from the box control device 380, the control unit 361 refers to the data table 322a stored in the server 320. Then, the control unit 361 executes authentication of the service information, and transmits the authentication result to the box control device 380.

[0066] Next, an operation example of the control system 300 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation example of the control system 300. In this operation example, it is assumed that a delivery company visiting a house where a delivery box 390 is installed operates operation unit 381 of box control device 380. At this time, operation of request reception unit 385 of operation unit 381 is valid, but operation of information input unit 386 is invalid.

[0067] First, a delivery company that has brought a delivery item and visited a house where the delivery box 390 is installed operates the request receiving unit 385 provided in the operation unit 381 of the box control device 380. When the box control unit 382 of the box control device 380 receives the operation of the request receiving unit 385 by the delivery company (step S301), it transmits an unlocking request signal to the control device 360 ​​(step S302). The control unit 361 of the control device 360 ​​that has received the unlocking request signal refers to the call table 362a stored in the storage unit 362 and identifies the user terminal 310 of the resident of the house where the delivery box 390 is installed (step S303). Then, the control unit 361 transmits a notification signal to the identified user terminal 310 via the network N (step S304).

[0068] Next, the user terminal 310 that has received the notification signal displays unlocking request information indicating that a request to unlock the delivery box 390 has been executed based on the notification signal (step S305). At this time, the display unit 312 of the user terminal 310 displays unlocking request information such as "Your request to unlock the delivery box is being accepted."

[0069] Next, the control unit 361 determines whether a certain time has passed since transmitting a notification signal to the user terminal 310 (step S306). The certain time is, for example, 10 to 20 seconds, and preferably 15 to 17 seconds. Note that in step S304, the control unit 361 may determine whether a certain time has passed since accepting an operation on the request accepting unit 385.

[0070] If it is determined in step S306 that a certain amount of time has passed since the notification signal was sent to the user terminal 310 (YES in step S306), the control unit 361 sends a signal to the box control device 380 indicating that a certain amount of time has passed (step S307). The box control unit 382, ​​which has received the signal indicating that a certain amount of time has passed, enables operation of the information input unit 386 (step S308). At this time, in order to inform the delivery company that operation of the information input unit 386 is now possible, the box control device 380 may notify notification information such as "Please enter the tracking number."

[0071] Next, the delivery company inputs the tracking number of the delivery item as a service number using the information input unit 386. When the box control unit 382 accepts the input of the service number to the information input unit 386 (step S309), it transmits the input service number to the control unit 360 (step S310).

[0072] Next, the control unit 361 of the controller 360 checks whether the service number received from the box control device 380 matches the service number included in the data table 322a stored in the server 320 (step S311). If the service number received from the box control device 380 matches the service number included in the data table 322a (YES in step S311), the control unit 361 determines that the authentication has been successful and transmits an unlocking instruction signal to the box control device 380 (step S312).

[0073] Upon receiving the unlock instruction signal, the box control device 380 unlocks the door of the delivery box 390 and ends the process (step S313). If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the control unit 361 transmits an authentication success signal to the user terminal 310, and the user terminal 310 that has received the authentication success signal may display notification information on the display unit 312 that the delivery box 390 has been unlocked.

[0074] On the other hand, if the service number received from the box control device 380 does not match the service number included in the data table 322a (NO in step S311), the control unit 361 determines that the authentication has failed and transmits an authentication failure signal to the box control device 380 (step S314). The box control device 380 that has received the authentication failure signal does not unlock the door of the delivery box 390, issues an authentication failure notice to the effect that authentication of the service number has failed, and ends the process (step S315). For example, the box control device 380 may issue a notice such as "Tracking number cannot be authenticated" or "Tracking number cannot be authenticated. Please re-enter the correct tracking number." In addition, if it is determined that the authentication has failed, the control unit 361 may send an authentication failure signal to the user terminal 310, and the user terminal 310 that has received the authentication failure signal may display notification information on the display unit 312 to the effect that a request to unlock the delivery box 390 has been made but authentication was not successful and the delivery box 390 has not been unlocked.

[0075] As described above, the control system 300 includes the user terminal 310 (an example of a terminal device), the box control device 380 having the operation unit 381 (an example of an input unit) that controls the locking and unlocking of the delivery box 390 and receives operations for locking and unlocking, and the controller 360 (control unit 361) that can communicate with the user terminal 310 and the box control device 380. The operation unit 381 has a request reception unit 385 that receives a request to unlock the delivery box 390, and an information input unit 386 for inputting service information associated with the service provider. The control unit 361 transmits a notification signal to the user terminal 310 based on an operation of the unlock request to the request reception unit 385, and validates the operation to the information input unit 386 after a certain time has elapsed since the transmission of the notification signal. The control unit 361 is configured to perform authentication based on the service information input to the information input unit 386, and transmit an unlock request signal to the box control device 380 when the authentication is successful. According to this configuration, delivery box 390 will not be unlocked without notifying user terminal 310, so that security can be maintained while improving convenience.

[0076] In the second embodiment, an example of unlocking the delivery box 390 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration of the second embodiment may be used to unlock a key box that stores a key for opening the front door of a house. The key box has an openable and closable lid, and under normal circumstances, the key for the front door is stored in the key box and the lid is in a closed state. For example, a service provider (e.g., an inspection company or construction company) that receives service information set by a resident inputs the service information into an input unit of a box control device mounted on the key box, thereby executing authentication, and if the authentication is successful, the key box is unlocked. At this time, the input unit has a request receiving unit that receives an unlocking request and an information input unit for inputting the service information, similar to the operation unit 381 mounted on the delivery box 390. The input unit is controlled so that an operation on the information input unit becomes effective after a certain time has elapsed since a notification signal is sent to a specific terminal owned by the resident based on an operation of an unlocking request on the request receiving unit. With this configuration, the key box is not unlocked without a notification to the resident's terminal, thereby improving convenience while maintaining security.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be freely modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. The material, shape, size, numerical value, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

[0078] 1. Intercom System 10. Collective entrance machine 11,31,51 Display section 12,33,42,53 Call section 13,30,43 Camera 14 Collective entrance machine CPU 15,35 Communication Interface (IF) 20,320 servers 21,321 generation part 22,62,322,362 storage section 22a,322a Data Table 30, 40, 340 Room base unit 32,52 Operation section 34 Main CPU 40 Entrance door unit 41 Call button 50 Control room main unit 60,360 Controller 61,361 Control section 62a,362a Call Table 70,370 External Servers 80 Door control device 90 Door 111 Call operation section 112 Service Selection Section 113,386 Information input section 200 Initial screen 210 Service selection screen 201,202,203,204,221,222,232 Buttons 220 Call operation screen 221,231 Numeric keypad buttons 230 Service information input screen 300 Control System 310 User terminal 380 Box Control Device 381 Operation section 382 Box control section 385 Request Reception Department 390 Delivery Box

Claims

1. An intercom system comprising: a handset for a visitor to call a resident and talk to the visitor; a room master unit for the resident to respond to a call from the handset; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the handset and the room master unit, the slave unit has a display unit capable of displaying at least a call operation unit for calling the resident and an information input unit for inputting service information associated with a service provider; An intercom system, wherein the control unit is configured to enable an operation on the information input unit after a certain time has elapsed since a call operation from the handset to the room master unit is initiated based on the visitor's operation on the call operation unit, and to perform a predetermined operation based on the service information inputted to the information input unit.

2. The service information includes a delivery identification number; The control unit is capable of communicating with a door control device that controls locking and unlocking of a door installed at an entrance of an apartment building in which the child unit and the living room parent unit are installed, The predetermined operation is When an unlocking request including the identification number is received from the slave unit, authenticating the identification number; If the authentication is successful, transmitting an unlock instruction to the door control device; 2. The intercom system of claim 1, comprising:

3. The slave unit has an imaging means capable of imaging the visitor, The room master unit has a second display unit capable of displaying an image captured by the imaging means, 3. The intercom system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to start imaging by the imaging means when an operation on the call operation unit is accepted.

4. The intercom system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to cause the room master unit to display predetermined notification information based on the service information input to the information input unit.

5. 3. The intercom system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the calling operation after accepting an operation on the information input unit.

6. The display unit can further display a service selection unit that allows a name of a service provider or a service name to be selected, 3. The intercom system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change a display mode of the information input unit in response to an operation of the service selection unit by the visitor.

7. A control method for an intercom system including a handset for a visitor to call a resident and talk to the visitor, a room master unit for the resident to respond to a call from the handset, and a control unit for controlling the handset and the room master unit to be able to communicate with each other, comprising: receiving an operation on a call operation unit provided on the handset to execute a call operation from the handset to the room master unit; a step of enabling an operation on an information input unit provided on the handset for inputting service information associated with a service provider after a certain time has elapsed since the initiation of the calling operation; executing a predetermined operation based on the service information inputted to the information input unit; A control method comprising:

8. A terminal device associated with a user of a delivery box or a key box installed at an entrance of a house; a box control device having an input unit that controls locking and unlocking of the delivery box or the key box and receives operations for the locking and unlocking; A control unit capable of communicating with the terminal device and the box control device; A control system comprising: the input unit includes a request receiving unit that receives a request to unlock the delivery box or the key box, and an information input unit that inputs service information associated with a service provider; The control unit is A notification signal is transmitted to the terminal device based on an operation of the unlock request to the request receiving unit, After a certain time has elapsed since the notification signal was transmitted, the operation on the information input unit is validated; Executing authentication based on the service information inputted to the information input unit; If the authentication is successful, an unlock request signal is transmitted to the box control device. A control system configured to:

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