Apartment complex intercom system and residential intercom system

Abstract

To provide a technology that achieves both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key.SOLUTION: When an authentication operation using a smart key 42 is input by a person, a shared entrance reading device 26 transmits authentication information to a shared entrance control device 28. The shared entrance control device 28 determines whether the person is a resident of an apartment building 10 or a visitor on the basis of the authentication information. When it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building 10, the shared entrance control device 28 does not start imaging the person. When it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared entrance control device 28 starts imaging the person, and ends the imaging process after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the imaging process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to apartment and residential intercom systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed that utilizes a general-purpose recording medium carried by visitors to an apartment building, allowing the recording medium to be authenticated and the electric lock to be unlocked a certain number of times or for a certain period of time, thereby improving usability for both residents and visitors to the apartment building while ensuring security (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-24427 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Smart keys that electronically unlock or lock doors without using mechanical keys are becoming more and more common. In order to achieve both security and convenience when entering a house using a smart key, the inventors have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to switch the security level depending on whether the person entering the house is a resident or a non-resident of the house.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these problems, and one objective is to provide a technology that achieves both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an intercom system for an apartment building according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a shared intercom and a first reading device installed at a common entrance of the apartment building, an in-home intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building, and a first control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the in-home intercom. The shared intercom captures an image of a person at the common entrance, and the first reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the first control device when the person inputs an authentication operation using a smart key, and the first control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the apartment building or a visitor based on the authentication information, (2) transmits a signal to unlock the door of the common entrance if it determines that the person is a resident of the apartment building, and (3) causes the shared intercom to output content that prompts the visitor to input a room number if it determines that the person is a visitor, and when a room number is input to the shared intercom, transmits a signal to unlock the door of the common entrance and transmits the image captured by the shared intercom to the in-home intercom corresponding to the input room number.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an intercom system for an apartment building. The intercom system for an apartment building includes a shared intercom and a reading device installed at a shared entrance of the apartment building, an in-home intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building, and a control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the in-home intercom. When an authentication operation using a smart key is input by a person, the reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the control device, and the control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the apartment building or a visitor based on the authentication information, and (2) if it determines that the person is a visitor, causes the shared intercom to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time and transmits the image captured by the shared intercom to the in-home intercom.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is also an intercom system for an apartment building. The intercom system for an apartment building includes a camera and a reading device installed at a common entrance of the apartment building, an in-home intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building, and a control device that controls at least the camera and the in-home intercom. When an authentication operation using a smart key is input by a person, the reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the control device, and the control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the apartment building or a visitor based on the authentication information, and (2) if it determines that the person is a visitor, causes the camera to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time and transmits the image captured by the camera to the in-home intercom.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a residential intercom system. The residential intercom system includes an entrance intercom and a reading device installed at the entrance of a house, an indoor intercom installed in the house, and a control device that controls at least the entrance intercom and the indoor intercom. When an unlocking operation using a smart key is input by a person, the reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the control device, and the control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the house or a visitor based on the authentication information, (2) transmits a signal to unlock the entrance door if it determines that the person is a resident of the house, and (3) starts imaging the visitor by the entrance intercom, transmits a signal to unlock the entrance door, and transmits the imaging result of the visitor by the entrance intercom to the indoor intercom.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the present disclosure into an apparatus, method, computer program, or recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon, is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intercom system for an apartment building according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system for an apartment building. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system for an apartment building. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system for an apartment building. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a modified intercom system for an apartment building. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a residential intercom system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The subject of the device or method in this disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the function of the subject of the device or method in this disclosure. The computer includes a processor that operates according to a program as a main hardware configuration. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Although it is called an IC or an LSI here, the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or a USLI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or set up the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided in multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM (Read Only Memory), an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be stored in the recording medium in advance, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0014] In the embodiment, a technology is proposed that achieves both security and convenience when entering and exiting an apartment building having a common area and a private area. The intercom system for an apartment building in the embodiment switches the security level depending on whether a person attempting to enter the common area or private area of ​​the apartment building, or to leave the private area of ​​the apartment building, is a resident of the apartment building or a non-resident (hereinafter also referred to as a "visitor"). Visitors include not only the relatives and friends of the residents, but also providers of various services (servicers). Servicers include, for example, postal and courier services, housekeeping service staff, and visiting caregivers.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an intercom system 20 for an apartment building according to an embodiment. An apartment building 10 in which the intercom system 20 for an apartment building is installed is an apartment building that includes a private area 12, a common area 14, and a common entrance 16. The private area 12 is a dwelling unit that serves as a private space for the residents residing in the apartment building 10. The apartment building 10 includes a plurality of private areas 12 (dwelling units). The common area 14 is a space shared by the multiple residents residing in the apartment building 10, and includes, for example, a lobby, a hallway, an elevator, and the like. The common entrance 16 is also called a collective entrance, and is an entrance space of the apartment building 10 that is shared by the multiple residents of the apartment building 10.

[0016] The private area 12 is provided with an in-home intercom 30, which is an interphone used by the resident of the private area 12. The in-home intercom 30 can also be referred to as an in-home intercom. The in-home intercom 30 includes at least a display unit and a speaker. The display unit displays images of visitors captured by the shared intercom 24 and the outside intercom 34. The speaker outputs a chime sound for calling inside the home.

[0017] The shared entrance 16 is equipped with a shared entrance door 22, a shared intercom 24, and a shared entrance reading device 26. The shared entrance door 22 is a door device that separates the shared entrance 16 from the common area 14. The shared intercom 24 is an intercom shared by multiple residents of the apartment complex 10 and visitors. The shared intercom 24 is equipped with at least an input unit used to input room numbers, etc., and a camera that captures images of people present at the shared entrance 16.

[0018] The shared entrance reading device 26, as a first reading device, performs short-range wireless communication with a smart key 42, which will be described later, and reads data (authentication information in this embodiment) from the smart key 42. The shared entrance control device 28, as a first control device, communicates with the shared entrance door 22, the shared intercom 24, the shared entrance reading device 26, and the home intercom 30, and controls these devices. In the apartment building 10, an home intercom 30 is installed in each of the multiple private units 12 (dwelling units). The shared entrance control device 28 manages each of the multiple home intercoms 30 corresponding to the multiple private units 12 (dwelling units) by associating them with the identification number of each home unit (room number in this embodiment).

[0019] At the entrance of the private area 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the "unit entrance"), a unit entrance door 32, an outside intercom 34, and a unit entrance reading device 36 are installed. The unit entrance door 32 is a door device that separates the private area 12 from the common area 14, in other words, separates the inside and outside of the residence. The outside intercom 34 can also be called a unit entrance intercom, and is an intercom shared by the resident of the private area 12 and visitors. The outside intercom 34 is equipped with at least a camera that captures an image of a person present at the unit entrance.

[0020] The dwelling entrance reading device 36, as a second reading device, performs short-range wireless communication with a smart key 42 described below, and reads data (authentication information in this embodiment) from the smart key 42. The dwelling entrance control device 38, as a second control device, communicates with the dwelling entrance door 32, the outside intercom 34, the dwelling entrance reading device 36, and the inside intercom 30, and controls these devices. In this embodiment, the dwelling entrance control device 38 is integrated with the inside intercom 30, in other words, the function of the dwelling entrance control device 38 is incorporated into the inside intercom 30.

[0021] The smart key 42 is a smart key application installed on a smartphone held by a resident or visitor of the apartment complex 10. As a variant, the smart key 42 may be a dedicated smart key device. The smart key 42 includes at least a communication unit and a storage unit. The communication unit performs short-range wireless communication with the shared entrance reader 26 and the dwelling entrance reader 36.

[0022] The storage unit of the smart key 42 stores authentication information that is assigned in advance to the holder of the smart key 42. The authentication information may be data unique to each holder of the smart key 42 (e.g., a resident or a visitor of the apartment building 10), and may be, for example, a key code. In the embodiment, the system of authentication information assigned to the residents of the apartment building 10 is different from the system of authentication information assigned to visitors. Therefore, it is possible to identify whether the holder of the smart key 42 is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information read out from the smart key 42.

[0023] The storage device 40 is a storage device that stores data referenced or updated by the common entrance control device 28 and the dwelling entrance control device 38. The storage device 40 stores authentic authentication information that is assigned in advance to each of the multiple residents of the apartment building 10 and legitimate visitors. The authentication information may be stored in association with the identification information of the assigned resident or visitor, that is, the assigned resident or visitor may be uniquely identifiable based on the authentication information. The storage device 40 may also store permission information that permits entry into the common area 14 and permission information that permits entry into the private area 12 in association with the visitor's authentication information. These permission information may be registered or changed by the residents of the apartment building 10.

[0024] The storage device 40 also stores data (which may also be called recorded data) of the images captured by the shared intercom 24 and the exterior intercom 34. The captured image data stored in the storage device 40 is provided to an external device, such as a terminal for the manager of the apartment complex 10 or a terminal for a security service company. There are no limitations on the location where the storage device 40 is installed, and the storage device 40 may be installed within the apartment complex 10 or in a remote location (such as a cloud service or a data center).

[0025] The operation of the intercom system 20 for an apartment building configured as above will now be described. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apartment house intercom system 20. The figure shows the operation related to unlocking the common entrance door 22 at the common entrance 16. The processing of each device described below may be implemented in a computer program stored in each device. The CPU of each device may read the computer program into a main memory and execute it to realize the processing of each device.

[0026] The shared intercom 24 waits until a predetermined call operation is input (N in S10). When a predetermined call operation is input to the shared intercom 24 (Y in S10), the shared intercom 24 starts a process of capturing an image of a person (hereinafter also referred to as the "person to be authenticated") present at the shared entrance 16 (S11). The person to be authenticated may be a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor. The call operation in this embodiment is an operation by the person to be authenticated on a doorbell button provided on the shared intercom 24. When the shared intercom 24 accepts the operation on the doorbell button, it starts an image capturing process using a built-in camera.

[0027] The shared interphone 24 notifies the shared entrance control device 28 that imaging has started, and the shared entrance control device 28 controls the shared entrance reading device 26 to a state in which it can accept an authentication operation (S12). The authentication operation in this embodiment is an operation in which the person to be authenticated brings a smart key 42 (for example, a smartphone with a smart key application activated) close to the shared entrance reading device 26.

[0028] If the authentication operation using the smart key 42 by the person to be authenticated has not been input within a predetermined time, in other words, if close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 has not been started within a predetermined time (N in S13), the shared entrance reading device 26 skips the subsequent processes and ends the flow of the figure. If the authentication operation using the smart key 42 by the person to be authenticated has been input, in other words, if close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 has been started (Y in S13), the shared entrance reading device 26 reads out the authentication information related to the person to be authenticated stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S14).

[0029] The shared entrance reading device 26 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the shared entrance control device 28. The shared entrance control device 28 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 to determine whether the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic, the shared entrance control device 28 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S15). If the shared entrance control device 28 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, the shared entrance control device 28 may execute the processing from S19 onwards, which will be described later, under the further condition that the authentication information is associated in the storage device 40 with permission information that permits entry into the common area 14.

[0030] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (Y in S16), the shared entrance control device 28 transmits a door unlock signal to the shared entrance door 22, thereby enabling the shared entrance door 22 to be opened (S17). In addition, the shared entrance control device 28 ends the imaging process by the shared intercom 24 (S18). If the person to be authenticated is a resident, the data of the imaging results by the shared intercom 24 (which can be said to be recorded data showing the resident) may be deleted without being saved. Alternatively, the shared entrance control device 28 may obtain the data of the imaging results from the shared intercom 24, and store the data of the imaging results in the storage device 40 in association with the authentication information of the person to be authenticated (or the identification information of the resident specified by the authentication information).

[0031] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (N in S16), the shared entrance control device 28 controls the shared intercom 24 to display a message on the display unit urging the visitor to input a room number, or to output the message through the speaker (S19). The shared intercom 24 accepts the room number entered into the input unit by the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor), and transmits the entered room number to the shared entrance control device 28 (S20). When the shared entrance control device 28 accepts the room number from the shared intercom 24, it transmits a door unlock signal to the shared entrance door 22, thereby enabling the shared entrance door 22 to be opened (S21).

[0032] Next, the shared entrance control device 28 ends the imaging process by the shared intercom 24 (S22). The shared entrance control device 28 acquires imaging result data (which can be considered as recorded data showing the visitor) from the shared intercom 24, and associates the imaging result data with the room number entered by the visitor (S23).

[0033] The shared entrance control device 28 transmits the captured image data to the in-home intercom 30 corresponding to the room number entered by the visitor (S24). The in-home intercom 30 displays the captured image data on the display unit. This allows the resident of the residence where the visitor is about to enter to check the video of the visitor. The captured image data transmitted to the in-home intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The shared entrance control device 28 also stores the captured image data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information) and the room number entered by the visitor.

[0034] Fig. 3 is also a flow chart showing the operation of the intercom system for apartment buildings 20. This figure shows the operation related to unlocking the dwelling unit front door 32 of a specific dwelling unit (hereinafter also referred to as the "specific dwelling unit") of the apartment building 10. The dwelling unit front door reading device 36 waits until an unlocking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (hereinafter also referred to as the "person to be authenticated") who wishes to enter the specific dwelling unit (N of S30). The unlocking operation using the smart key 42 can also be called an authentication operation for unlocking, and is, for example, an operation of bringing the smart key 42 set to the unlocking mode close to the dwelling unit front door reading device 36.

[0035] When an unlocking operation is input by the person to be authenticated using the smart key 42, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in unlocking mode is started (Y in S30), the residence entrance reading device 36 reads out authentication information regarding the person to be authenticated that is stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S31).

[0036] The dwelling entrance reading device 36 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the dwelling entrance control device 38. The dwelling entrance control device 38 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reading device 36 to determine whether the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reading device 36 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reading device 36 is authentic, the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S32). If the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, the dwelling entrance control device 38 may execute the processing from S35 onwards, which will be described later, on the further condition that the authentication information is associated in the storage device 40 with permission information that permits entry into the private section 12.

[0037] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (Y of S33), the dwelling entrance control device 38 sends a door unlocking signal to the dwelling entrance door 32, thereby allowing the dwelling entrance door 32 to be opened (S34).

[0038] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (N in S33), the dwelling entrance control device 38 controls the outside intercom 34 to start processing to capture an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor) (S35). At the same time, the dwelling entrance control device 38 controls the inside intercom 30 to cause the inside intercom 30 to execute an inside dwelling call process (e.g., output of a chime sound) (S36). The dwelling entrance control device 38 waits for a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds to 10-odd seconds) (S37), and then transmits a door unlock signal to the dwelling entrance door 32, thereby making it possible to open the dwelling entrance door 32 (S38). By leaving a certain time between the inside dwelling call and the unlocking of the dwelling entrance door 32, it is possible to foster a mental preparation of the resident for the visitor's entry.

[0039] Next, the dwelling entrance control device 38 ends the imaging process by the outside intercom 34 (S39). The dwelling entrance control device 38 acquires imaging result data (which can be said to be recorded data showing the visitor) from the outside intercom 34, and associates the imaging result data with the room number of the specific dwelling unit into which the visitor is about to enter. The dwelling entrance control device 38 transmits the imaging result data to the inside intercom 30 (S40). The imaging result data transmitted to the inside intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The dwelling entrance control device 38 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information) and the room number of the specific dwelling unit.

[0040] Fig. 4 is also a flow chart showing the operation of the apartment intercom system 20. This figure shows the operation related to locking the dwelling unit entrance door 32 of a specific dwelling unit (specific dwelling unit) of the apartment building 10. The dwelling unit entrance reader 36 waits until a locking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also called an "authentication target") who wishes to leave the specific dwelling unit (N of S50). The locking operation using the smart key 42 can also be called an authentication operation for locking, and is, for example, an operation of bringing the smart key 42 set to the locking mode close to the dwelling unit entrance reader 36.

[0041] When a locking operation is input by the person to be authenticated using the smart key 42, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in locking mode is started (Y in S50), the residence entrance reading device 36 reads out authentication information regarding the person to be authenticated that is stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S51).

[0042] The dwelling entrance reading device 36 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the dwelling entrance control device 38. The dwelling entrance control device 38 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reading device 36 to determine whether the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reading device 36 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reading device 36 is authentic, the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S52). If the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, it may execute the processing from S55 onwards, which will be described later, on the condition that permission information permitting entry into the private area 12 is associated with the authentication information.

[0043] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (Y of S53), the dwelling entrance control device 38 locks the dwelling entrance door 32 by transmitting a door locking signal to the dwelling entrance door 32 (S54).

[0044] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (N in S53), the dwelling entrance control device 38 controls the outside intercom 34 to start processing for capturing an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor) (S55). The dwelling entrance control device 38 waits for a predetermined time (e.g., several to 10-odd seconds) (S56), and then transmits a door locking signal to the dwelling entrance door 32, thereby locking the dwelling entrance door 32 (S57). By waiting a certain amount of time until the dwelling entrance door 32 is completely locked, it is possible to foster mental preparation for the visitor to leave the room or for the resident to lock the dwelling entrance door 32.

[0045] Next, the dwelling entrance control device 38 ends the imaging process by the exterior intercom 34 (S58). The dwelling entrance control device 38 obtains imaging result data (which can be said to be recorded data showing the visitor) from the exterior intercom 34, and associates the imaging result data with the room number of the specific dwelling unit that the visitor is trying to lock. The dwelling entrance control device 38 transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 30 (S59). The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The dwelling entrance control device 38 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information) and the room number of the specific dwelling unit.

[0046] According to the intercom system 20 for an apartment building of the embodiment, the security-related processing is switched depending on whether a person who is entering the common area 14 of the apartment building 10, entering and using a dwelling unit of the apartment building 10, or leaving a dwelling unit of the apartment building 10 is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor other than a resident. This makes it possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering and leaving the apartment building 10 using the smart key 42. In addition, when the common entrance door 22 is unlocked using the smart key 42, or when the dwelling entrance door 32 is unlocked and locked using the smart key 42, the image data of the visitor is stored in association with the room number of the visitor, and the image data of the visitor is provided to the in-home intercom 30 of the visitor, thereby further improving the security of the apartment building 10.

[0047] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] A first modified example will be described. In the above embodiment, the shared interphone 24 starts capturing an image of the person to be authenticated when it receives a call operation by pressing the doorbell button of the shared interphone 24. As a modified example, the call operation may be an operation of inputting a registration number notified in advance to the person to be authenticated (e.g., a resident or a visitor). In other words, the shared interphone 24 may start capturing an image of the person to be authenticated when the registration number notified in advance to the person to be authenticated is input.

[0049] The registration number may be a unique number assigned to each type of servicer (postal service, housekeeping service, etc.). The shared entrance control device 28 may transmit the data of the imaging result by the shared intercom 24, the authentication information read from the visitor's smart key 42, and the registration number entered in the call operation (or the type of servicer identified by the registration number) to the in-house intercom 30 and display them. The shared entrance control device 28 may also store in the storage device 40 the data of the imaging result by the shared intercom 24, the authentication information read from the visitor's smart key 42, and the registration number entered in the call operation (or the type of servicer identified by the registration number) in association with each other.

[0050] As another modified example, shared intercom 24 may start imaging processing of a person present at shared entrance 16 without the condition that a user inputs a read operation. For example, when shared intercom 24 detects the presence of a person at shared entrance 16 by a camera, it may automatically start imaging the person (person to be authenticated).

[0051] A second modified example will now be described. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the modified intercom system 20 for an apartment building. The figure shows the operation relating to imaging of a visitor at the common entrance 16. The common entrance reading device 26 waits until an authentication operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also called the "person to be authenticated") who wishes to enter the common area 14 from the common entrance 16 of the apartment building 10 (N of S60).

[0052] When an authentication operation is input by the person to be authenticated using the smart key 42 (Y in S60), the shared entrance reading device 26 reads out authentication information related to the person to be authenticated stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S61). The shared entrance reading device 26 transmits the authentication information read out from the smart key 42 to the shared entrance control device 28. The shared entrance control device 28 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 to determine whether the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic, the shared entrance control device 28 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S62).

[0053] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (Y in S63), the shared entrance control device 28 controls the shared intercom 24 to start capturing an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor) (S64). When a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the imaging process, the shared entrance control device 28 ends the imaging process by the shared intercom 24 (S65). In other words, the shared entrance control device 28 continues the imaging process of the visitor by the shared intercom 24 for the predetermined time.

[0054] The shared entrance control device 28 obtains the imaging result data (which can be considered as recorded data showing the visitor) from the shared interphone 24, and transmits the imaging result data to the in-house interphone 30 (S66). The imaging result data may be transmitted to the in-house interphone 30 corresponding to the room number input by the visitor in a step not shown in FIG. 5. The shared entrance control device 28 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40.

[0055] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (N in S63), the subsequent processes are skipped and the flow in this figure is terminated. In this modified example, image capture processing of the person to be authenticated is executed only when the person to be authenticated is a visitor. Even with the configuration of this modified example, security-related processing can be switched depending on whether the person attempting to enter the common area 14 of the apartment building 10 is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor who is not a resident, making it possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering the apartment building 10 using a smart key.

[0056] A third modified example will be described. The shared intercom 24 in the above embodiment has a built-in camera, and the built-in camera captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance 16. As a modified example, a camera that captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance 16 may be installed at the shared entrance 16 as a device independent of the shared intercom 24. As a configuration combining the second and third modified examples, when the shared entrance control device 28 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor, it may control a camera independent of the shared intercom 24 to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time. The shared entrance control device 28 may obtain image data from the camera, and transmit the image data to the in-house intercom 30.

[0057] A fourth modified example will be described. The technology of the intercom system 20 for apartment buildings in the above embodiment can also be applied to detached houses. Fig. 6 shows the configuration of a residential intercom system 50. The residential intercom system 50 applies the technology related to entering and leaving the private area 12 (dwelling unit) of the apartment building 10 described in the embodiment to entering and leaving a house 51 which is a detached house.

[0058] The house 51 includes a house 52 and a front door 54. The house 52 is provided with an in-house intercom 62 for use by the resident of the house 51. The in-house intercom 62 has the same functions as the in-house intercom 30 of the embodiment.

[0059] At the entrance 54, an entrance door 56, an outside intercom 58, and a reading device 60 are installed. The entrance door 56 is a door that separates the entrance 54 from the house 52. The outside intercom 58 can also be called an entrance intercom, and is an intercom shared by the residents of the house 51 and visitors. The outside intercom 58 has the same functions as the outside intercom 34 in the embodiment. The reading device 60 has the same functions as the dwelling entrance reading device 36 in the embodiment.

[0060] The entrance control device 64 corresponds to the dwelling entrance control device 38 of the embodiment. The entrance control device 64 communicates with the entrance door 56, the outside intercom 58, the reading device 60, and the inside intercom 62, and controls these devices. In this modification, the entrance control device 64 is integrated with the inside intercom 62, in other words, the function of the entrance control device 64 is incorporated in the inside intercom 62.

[0061] The operation of the residential intercom system 50 having the above configuration will now be described. First, an operation will be described when a resident of the house 51 or a visitor other than the resident enters the house 52 through the entrance 54. When an unlocking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also referred to as an "authentication target") who wishes to enter the house 52, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in the unlocking mode is started, the reading device 60 reads out from the smart key 42, the authentication information related to the authentication target stored in the smart key 42. The reading device 60 transmits the authentication information read out from the smart key 42 to the entrance control device 64. The authentication information read out from the smart key 42 in this modification can also be used to identify whether the holder of the smart key 42 is a resident of the house 51 or a visitor, depending on the value of the authentication information.

[0062] The entrance control device 64 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the reading device 60 to determine whether the authentication information received from the reading device 60 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the reading device 60 is authentic, the entrance control device 64 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information. Note that, if the entrance control device 64 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, it may execute the subsequent processing on the condition that permission information permitting entry into the house 52 is associated with the authentication information.

[0063] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51, the entrance control device 64 transmits a door unlock signal to the entrance door 56, thereby enabling the entrance door 56 to be opened.

[0064] When it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor, the entrance control device 64 controls the outside interphone 58 to start processing for capturing an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor). At the same time, the entrance control device 64 controls the inside interphone 62 to cause the inside interphone 62 to execute processing for calling inside the house (output of a chime sound, etc.). The entrance control device 64 waits for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds to 10-odd seconds), and then transmits a door unlock signal to the entrance door 56, thereby making it possible to open the entrance door 56.

[0065] Next, the entrance control device 64 ends the imaging process by the exterior intercom 58. The entrance control device 64 obtains imaging result data (which can be said to be recorded data showing a visitor) from the exterior intercom 58, and transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 62. The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). Furthermore, the entrance control device 64 stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information).

[0066] Next, an operation will be described when a resident or visitor of the house 51 exits from the house 52 to the entrance 54. When a locking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also referred to as an "authentication target") who wishes to exit the house 52, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in the locking mode is started, the reading device 60 reads out, from the smart key 42, authentication information related to the authentication target stored in the smart key 42. The reading device 60 transmits the authentication information read out from the smart key 42 to the entrance control device 64.

[0067] As described above, the entrance control device 64 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51 or a visitor, based on the authentication information received from the reading device 60. If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51, the entrance control device 64 locks the front door 56 by transmitting a door lock signal to the front door 56.

[0068] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor, the entrance control device 64 controls the outside intercom 58 to start processing for capturing an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor). The entrance control device 64 waits for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds to 10-odd seconds), and then transmits a door lock signal to the entrance door 56, thereby locking the entrance door 56.

[0069] Next, the entrance control device 64 ends the imaging process by the exterior intercom 58. The entrance control device 64 obtains imaging result data (which can be said to be recorded data showing a visitor) from the exterior intercom 58, and transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 62. The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). Furthermore, the entrance control device 64 stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information).

[0070] The residential intercom system 50 of this modified example also has the same effects as the apartment building intercom system 20 of the embodiment. For example, the residential intercom system 50 switches security-related processing depending on whether a person attempting to enter or leave the residence 51 using the smart key 42 is a resident or a visitor of the residence 51. This makes it possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering and leaving the residence 51 using the smart key 42.

[0071] Any combination of the above-mentioned examples and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the effects of each of the combined examples and modifications. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the examples and modifications alone or in cooperation with each other.

[0072] The techniques described in the embodiments and modifications may be specified by the following items. [Item 1] A shared intercom (24) and a first reading device (26) installed at a shared entrance (16) of an apartment building (10); An intra-dwelling intercom (30) installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building (10); a first control device (28) that controls at least the shared intercom (24) and the dwelling unit intercom (30); The shared intercom (24) captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance (16), when an authentication operation using a smart key (42) is input by the person, the first reading device (26) transmits authentication information related to the person to the first control device (28); The first control device (28) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the housing complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building (10), a signal to unlock the door (22) of the common entrance (16) is transmitted; (3) When it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared intercom (24) is caused to output a message prompting the visitor to input a room number, and when a room number is input to the shared intercom (24), a signal to unlock the door (22) of the shared entrance (16) is transmitted, and the image pickup result by the shared intercom (24) is transmitted to the in-dwelling intercom (30) corresponding to the input room number. Intercom systems for apartment buildings(20). [Item 2] the shared intercom (24) starts capturing an image of the person when an operation on a call bell button provided on the shared intercom (24) is received. Item 2. The apartment building intercom system (20) according to item 1. [Item 3] The shared intercom (24) starts capturing an image of the visitor when the visitor inputs a registration number notified in advance to the visitor. Item 2. The apartment building intercom system (20) according to item 1. [Item 4] A residence entrance intercom (34) and a second reading device (36) installed at a residence entrance in the apartment building (10); and a second control device (38) for controlling at least the dwelling entrance intercom (34) and the dwelling intercom (30), When an unlocking operation is input by the person using a smart key (42), the second reading device (36) transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device (38); The second control device (38) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the housing complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building (10), a signal to unlock the entrance door (32) of the residence is transmitted; (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, starting to capture an image of the visitor by the dwelling entrance intercom (34), transmitting a signal to unlock the dwelling entrance door (32), and transmitting the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling entrance intercom (34) to the dwelling intercom (30); 4. An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] the second reading device (36) transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device (38) when a locking operation using a smart key (42) is input by the person; The second control device (38) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the housing complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building (10), a signal to lock the entrance door (32) of the residence is transmitted; (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, starting to capture an image of the visitor by the dwelling entrance intercom (34), transmitting a signal to lock the dwelling entrance door (32), and transmitting the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling entrance intercom (34) to the dwelling intercom (30); 5. An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to item 4. [Item 6] The second control device (38) is integrated with the dwelling intercom (30). Item 6. An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to item 4 or 5. [Item 7] A shared intercom (24) and a reading device (26) installed at a shared entrance (16) of an apartment building (10); An intra-dwelling intercom (30) installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building (10); and a control device (28) for controlling at least the shared intercom (24) and the dwelling unit intercom (30), When an authentication operation using a smart key (42) is input by a person, the reading device (26) transmits authentication information related to the person to the control device (28); The control device (28) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the housing complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared intercom (24) is caused to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time, and the image captured by the shared intercom (24) is transmitted to the dwelling unit intercom (30); Intercom systems for apartment buildings(20). [Item 8] A camera (24) and a reader (26) installed at a common entrance (16) of an apartment building (10); An intra-dwelling intercom (30) installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building (10); and a control device (28) for controlling at least the camera (24) and the dwelling unit intercom (30), When an authentication operation using a smart key (42) is input by a person, the reader (26) transmits authentication information related to the person to the control device (28); The control device (28) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the housing complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, the camera (24) is caused to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time, and the captured image by the camera (24) is transmitted to the dwelling unit intercom (30); Intercom systems for apartment buildings(20). [Item 9] An entrance intercom (58) and a reading device (60) installed at the entrance (54) of a house (51); An in-house intercom (62) installed in the house (52); a control device (64) for controlling at least the entrance intercom (58) and the in-house intercom (62); When an unlocking operation is input by a person using a smart key (42), the reading device (60) transmits authentication information about the person to the control device (64); The control device (64) (1) determining, based on the authentication information, whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the residence (51); (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the house (51), transmitting a signal to unlock the front door (56); (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, start capturing an image of the visitor by the entrance intercom (58), transmit a signal to unlock the entrance door (56), and transmit the image of the visitor captured by the entrance intercom (58) to the in-house intercom (62); Residential intercom systems (50). [Item 10] When a locking operation is input by a person using a smart key (42), the reading device (60) transmits authentication information about the person to the control device (64); The control device (64) (1) determining, based on the authentication information, whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the residence (51); (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the house (51), transmitting a signal to lock the front door (56); (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, start capturing an image of the visitor by the entrance intercom (58), transmit a locking signal for the entrance door (56), and transmit the image capturing result of the visitor captured by the entrance intercom (58) to the in-house intercom (62); Item 9. A residential intercom system (50) according to item 9. [Item 11] The control device (64) is integrated with the in-home intercom (62). 11. A residential intercom system (50) according to item 9 or 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 20 Intercom system for apartment buildings, 24 Shared intercom, 26 Shared entrance reading device, 28 Shared entrance control device, 30 In-home intercom, 34 Outside intercom, 36 Residential entrance reading device, 38 Residential entrance control device, 42 Smart key, 50 Residential intercom system, 58 Outside intercom, 60 Reading device, 62 In-home intercom, 64 Entrance control device.

Claims

1. a shared intercom and a first reading device installed at a shared entrance of the apartment building; An intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the housing complex; a first control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the dwelling unit intercom; When an authentication operation using a smart key is input by a person present at the shared entrance, the first reading device transmits authentication information related to the person to the first control device; The first control device is (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building, not starting to capture the person; (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, starting to capture an image of the person, and ending the image capture process after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the image capture process; Intercom system for apartment buildings.

2. The shared intercom captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance, When an authentication operation using a smart key is input by the person, the first reading device transmits authentication information related to the person to the first control device; The first control device is (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment complex, transmitting a signal to unlock the common entrance door; (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared intercom outputs a message prompting the visitor to input a room number, and when the room number is input to the shared intercom, a signal to unlock the door to the shared entrance is transmitted, and the image captured by the shared intercom is transmitted to the in-dwelling intercom corresponding to the input room number.

2. The apartment building intercom system according to claim 1.

3. the shared intercom starts capturing an image of the person when an operation on a call bell button provided on the shared intercom is accepted.

3. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 2.

4. the shared intercom starts capturing an image of the visitor when the visitor inputs a registration number notified in advance to the visitor; 3. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 1 or 2.

5. an entrance intercom and a second reading device installed at an entrance of a residence in the apartment building; A second control device that controls at least the dwelling entrance intercom and the dwelling intercom, the second reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device when the person inputs an unlocking operation using a smart key; The second control device is (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building, transmitting a signal to unlock the entrance door of the residence; (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, start capturing an image of the visitor via the dwelling entrance intercom, transmit a signal to unlock the dwelling entrance door, and transmit the captured image of the visitor via the dwelling entrance intercom to the dwelling intercom; 5. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 1.

6. the second reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device when a locking operation using a smart key by the person is input; The second control device is (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building, transmitting a signal to lock the entrance door of the residence; (3) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, starting to capture an image of the visitor by the dwelling unit entrance intercom, transmitting a signal to lock the dwelling unit entrance door, and transmitting the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling unit entrance intercom to the dwelling unit intercom; 6. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 5.

7. The second control device is integrated with the dwelling unit intercom.

7. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 5 or 6.

8. A shared intercom and a reading device installed at the shared entrance of the apartment building; An intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the housing complex; A control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the dwelling unit intercom, When an authentication operation using a smart key is input by a person, the reading device transmits authentication information related to the person to the control device; The control device includes: (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared intercom captures an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time, and transmits the image captured by the shared intercom to the dwelling unit intercom; Intercom system for apartment buildings.

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