Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To improve convenience of management that uses an electronic lock.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes an electronic lock having a function for directly communicating with a server via a network. When the server acquires request information that requests locking / unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a portable terminal carried by a user, the server sends instruction information to the electronic lock instructing the locking / unlocking of the electronic lock corresponding to the request information. When the electronic lock receives the instruction information sent by the server, it carries out locking / unlocking processing of the electronic lock based on the instruction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic locks that can be locked and unlocked by communication functions such as short-distance wireless communication have been known. For example, there is provided a technology related to an electronic lock that is locked and unlocked by short-distance wireless communication between the electronic lock and a user terminal located near the electronic lock (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6971002 [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-053526 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, if the mobile terminal carried by the user is a terminal device in which an application for operating the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock is installed, the electronic lock can be locked and unlocked by short-range wireless communication or the like, but if the mobile terminal carried by the user is a terminal device in which an application for operating the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock is not installed, the electronic lock cannot be locked and unlocked by a communication function such as short-range wireless communication. Therefore, even if the mobile terminal carried by the user cannot directly instruct the electronic lock to lock or unlock, such as in the case of a terminal device in which an application for operating the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock is not installed, it is desired to improve the convenience of management using the electronic lock by making it possible to lock and unlock the electronic lock.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that improve the convenience of management using electronic locks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system of the present application is an information processing system including an electronic lock that has the function of communicating directly with a server via a network, and when the server acquires request information requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user, it transmits instruction information to the electronic lock that instructs the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information, and when the electronic lock receives the instruction information sent by the server, it executes the locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock based on the instruction information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of management using an electronic lock. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic lock according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first processing sequence according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second processing sequence according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited to the embodiments. In addition, in the drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols and names, and duplicated descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. In addition, the features shown in each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0010] <1. Embodiment> First, the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described, and then an example of processing executed by the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0011] <1-1. Information processing system configuration> The configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system 1 in which an electronic lock 300, which is an example of an electronic lock, has a function of being able to directly communicate with a management server 100 located remotely via a network NW1. FIG. 1 also shows an example of processing of the information processing system according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a processing example in the information processing system 1. FIG. 1 shows a case in which the electronic lock 300 is in a locked state. The details of the processing example in the information processing system 1 will be described later.

[0012] The information processing system 1 is composed of a management server 100, a user terminal 201, a user terminal 202a, a user terminal 202b, an electronic lock 300, an IVR system 400, and a management terminal 500. The user terminal 201 is a terminal device (mobile terminal) in which an application (hereinafter also referred to as a "dedicated app" or simply an "application") for operating the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 300 is installed, and which can communicate directly with the electronic lock 300 to lock and unlock the electronic lock 300.

[0013] On the other hand, the user terminal 202a and the user terminal 202b are terminal devices (mobile terminals) that do not have a dedicated app installed for locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300 and cannot communicate directly with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. Hereinafter, when the user terminals 202a, 202b, etc. are described without distinction, they will be referred to as "user terminal 202." Also, when the user terminals 201, 202, etc. are described without distinction, they will be referred to as "user terminal 200."

[0014] The device configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the information processing system 1 may include multiple management servers 100, multiple electronic locks 300, multiple IVR systems 400, and multiple management terminals 500. The information processing system 1 may include only one of the IVR system 400 and the management terminal 500. The number of user terminals 200 included in the information processing system 1 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1, and may be four or more, or two or less. For example, the information processing system 1 may include multiple user terminals 201. For example, the information processing system 1 may include three or more user terminals 202, or may include one user terminal 202.

[0015] The management server 100 is connected to the user terminal 201 and the electronic lock 300 via a network NW1. The network NW1 is composed of the Internet, an intranet, etc. For example, the network NW1 may be an LTE communication network used for data communication. The management server 100 is also communicatively connected to the IVR system 400 and the management terminal 500. For example, the management server 100 may be connected to the IVR system 400 and the electronic lock 300 via the network NW1, or may be connected via another network.

[0016] For example, the management server 100 is an information processing device (computer) that communicates with external devices such as the user terminal 201, the electronic lock 300, the IVR system 400, and the management terminal 500, and executes processing related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300 based on the acquired information. The management server 100 remotely instructs the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300 via the network NW1, and causes the electronic lock 300 to execute processing related to locking and unlocking.

[0017] For example, when the management server 100 acquires information (also called "request information") requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock 300 based on information from the user terminal 200 carried by the user, the management server 100 transmits information (also called "instruction information") instructing the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock 300. The management server 100 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing. In this embodiment, one server terminal is illustrated as an example for convenience of explanation, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be multiple.

[0018] Any device that can be carried by a user and has a communication function can be used as the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 can be, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone other than a smartphone (e.g., a feature phone), a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a notebook personal computer.

[0019] In Fig. 1, the user terminal 201 is a smartphone that has a dedicated app installed and can directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 to lock and unlock the electronic lock 300, and is used by a user U1. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates an example in which the user terminal 201 is a smartphone, but the user terminal 201 is not limited to the case illustrated in Fig. 1 and may be any device, such as a tablet terminal or a wearable terminal, as long as it is a terminal device (mobile terminal) that can directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 to lock and unlock the electronic lock 300.

[0020] The user terminal 201 also has a function of short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and infrared, and has a function of communicating with the electronic lock 300 without going through the network NW1. For example, the user terminal 201 is owned by a user (also called the "lock manager") who manages the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 300, and transmits information to the electronic lock 300 located nearby, instructing locking or unlocking in response to the operation of the lock manager using a dedicated app. In this way, the user terminal 201 operates the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 300 using a dedicated app. The user terminal 201 may also have a function of voice communication via the network NW2, similar to the user terminal 202.

[0021] The user terminal 202a is a smartphone that does not have a dedicated app installed and is not capable of directly communicating with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. FIG. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 202a is used by a user U2. The user terminal 202b is a feature phone (mobile phone) that does not have a dedicated app installed and is not capable of directly communicating with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. FIG. 1 shows a case where the user terminal 202b is used by a user U3. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the user terminal 202 is a smartphone or a feature phone, but the user terminal 201 is not limited to the case shown in FIG. 1 and may be any device, such as a tablet terminal or a wearable terminal, as long as it is a terminal device (mobile terminal) that is capable of directly communicating with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300.

[0022] The user terminal 202 is connected to the IVR system 400 and the telephone TS via a network NW2. A user using the user terminal 202 can have a telephone conversation with an operator OP using the IVR system 400 or the telephone TS via the network NW2. The network NW2 is composed of the Internet, a telephone network, and the like. For example, the network NW2 may be an LTE communication network used for voice communication. For example, the user terminal 202 transmits a sound generated by a user using the user terminal 202 to the IVR system 400 or the telephone TS. The sound generated by the user may include various sounds generated by the user's actions, such as the user's speech and a sound generated by the user's operation of a button on the user terminal 200 (button sound) or a sound generated by the user touching the screen of the user terminal 200.

[0023] The user terminal 202 may have a short-distance wireless communication function like the user terminal 201, and may be capable of communicating with other devices via the network NW1. For example, the user terminal 201 and the user terminal 202 may have common functions except for whether or not the electronic lock 300 can be locked or unlocked by directly communicating with the electronic lock 300. For example, when a dedicated app is installed in the user terminal 202, the user terminal 202 may become the user terminal 201, and when the dedicated app is uninstalled from the user terminal 201, the user terminal 201 may become the user terminal 202.

[0024] The electronic lock 300 shown below as an example of an electronic lock is a portable electronic lock, for example, an electronic padlock. The electronic lock 300 can be easily moved to any location by a lock manager or other person before it can be used for locking, and can be used for locking at any location. For example, the electronic lock 300 switches between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to an electrical signal. Note that the electronic lock 300 is not limited to an electronic padlock, and may be any electronic lock as long as it is portable. For example, the electronic lock 300 may be a wire-type, chain-type, or other electronic lock.

[0025] For example, electronic lock 300 is an electronic lock that can be carried (carried around) by a user and is used to prevent illegal intrusion into a managed space (also called a "managed space"), removal, theft, unauthorized use, etc. of managed objects (also called "managed objects"). In other words, electronic lock 300 is an electronic lock used to protect managed objects (also called "managed objects") such as the managed space and managed objects. For example, when electronic lock 300 is used to protect a managed space, electronic lock 300 is inserted into a latch (insertion hole) or chain, etc., of a door provided at an entrance or the like of the managed space, thereby preventing illegal intrusion into the managed space.

[0026] The electronic lock 300 is used in the same manner as a normal padlock that uses a physical key or the like, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, a portable electronic lock such as an electronic padlock is merely one example of an electronic lock, and any electronic lock can be adopted as the electronic lock 300. For example, the electronic lock 300 may be integrated with a part ("blocking part") that has a function of blocking the inside from the outside, and may be an electronic lock used to lock and unlock the blocking part. For example, the blocking part is a door, shutter, etc. installed at the entrance to a space such as a managed space (for example, a building, a room, etc.). For example, if the blocking part is a door, the electronic lock 300 may be integrated with a handle (doorknob) for opening and closing the door.

[0027] The electronic lock 300 may be used in a manner fixed to any part, not limited to the blocking part. For example, the electronic lock 300 may have a housing and may be configured to store any object such as a physical key inside the housing (also called a "key box type"). For example, when the electronic lock 300 is a key box type, the electronic lock 300 may be attached and fixed to a structure such as a wall. Also, for example, the electronic lock 300 may be a portable key box type electronic lock. In this case, the electronic lock 300 may be placed near a lock that is locked and unlocked with a physical key stored inside, or may be carried by a user who uses the physical key stored inside.

[0028] The electronic lock 300 is equipped with a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) (corresponding to the communication module in FIG. 1) and has the function of directly communicating with the management server 100 via the network NW1. For example, the electronic lock 300 has a built-in SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card or eSIM (embedded SIM) (sometimes collectively referred to as "SIM") and communicates directly with the management server 100 via the network NW1 by wireless communication compatible with communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0029] Any configuration (communication standard, device configuration, etc.) can be adopted for the electronic lock 300 as long as it has the function of directly communicating with the management server 100 via the network NW1. For example, the electronic lock 300 may directly communicate with the management server 100 via wireless communication, not limited to LTE, such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation: 5th generation mobile communication system). Furthermore, the electronic lock 300 does not need to have a SIM card as long as it can directly communicate with the management server 100 via the network NW1.

[0030] The electronic lock 300 accepts instructions to lock or unlock using a function of directly communicating with the management server 100 via the network NW1. For example, the electronic lock 300 receives instruction information instructing to unlock from the management server 100 located remotely using the function of directly communicating with the management server 100. The electronic lock 300 may also receive instruction information instructing to lock from the management server 100 located remotely. In response to receiving information from the management server 100, the electronic lock 300 executes processing according to the received information. When the electronic lock 300 receives instruction information sent by the management server 100, the electronic lock 300 executes locking / unlocking processing of the electronic lock 300 based on the instruction information. For example, when the electronic lock 300 receives unlocking information from the management server 100, it executes processing to set its own state to an unlocked state (unlocking processing).

[0031] The electronic lock 300 also accepts locking and unlocking instructions using a short-distance wireless communication function (corresponding to the short-distance wireless communication microcomputer in FIG. 1). For example, the locking and unlocking operation of the electronic lock 300 may be performed by the user terminal 201 located at a position where short-distance wireless communication is possible, i.e., at a short distance. More specifically, when an unlocking request operation is performed in a dedicated application executed on the user terminal 201, the unlocking request may be transmitted to the electronic lock 300 via the short-distance wireless communication interface of the user terminal 201. Note that, when the dedicated application only has an unlocking request operation function, the electronic lock 300 may perform the locking operation manually and non-electrically using a physical locking configuration similar to a conventional lock (for example, the lock is activated when the shackle 32 is inserted into the main body 31). At this time, if necessary, a sensor may be provided in the physical locking configuration to generate a locking detection signal and transmit it to the user terminal 201 or the management server 100 to recognize the locking operation. In addition to the unlocking request operation function, a locking request operation function may also be provided, for example, a request operation may be executed from a dedicated app each time the lock is locked or unlocked, and a locking request may be sent to the electronic lock 300 in the same manner as in the unlocking request operation.

[0032] Furthermore, the locking / unlocking operation of the electronic lock 300 may be performed, for example, by a combination of an arbitrary button (such as button 33 in FIG. 4) provided on the electronic lock 300 and biometric authentication. In this case, the electronic lock 300 may be capable of identifying user information of the user who performed the locking / unlocking operation by biometric authentication, and transmitting the identified user information and the operation result to the management server 100. Note that the electronic lock 300 may be provided with multiple buttons, including buttons corresponding to the operation content, such as a button for issuing an instruction to release (unlock button) and a button for issuing an instruction to lock (lock button). Also, in FIG. 1, the electronic lock 300 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) and an acceleration sensor for detecting the position of its own device.

[0033] The IVR system 400 is an automated voice response system for providing services related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300. The IVR system 400 is similar to a normal automated voice response system except that it performs automated voice response related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300, so detailed explanation of the automated voice response will be omitted. For example, the IVR system 400 performs an automatic response to a user carrying the user terminal 200 in response to an incoming call from the user terminal 200. For example, the IVR system 400 automatically responds with voice information indicating an input operation of information (e.g., PIN, etc.) required to operate the electronic lock 300. When the IVR system 400 acquires information on an operation sound (such as a button sound) generated by a user's operation (such as a PIN input operation) to request locking or unlocking the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 200 during a call, the IVR system 400 transmits information (request information) indicating a request based on the user's operation to the management server 100.

[0034] For example, when the IVR system 400 acquires information on a user's operation sound requesting locking of the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 200, it transmits request information requesting locking of the electronic lock 300 (also referred to as "lock request information") to the management server 100. For example, when the IVR system 400 acquires information on a user's operation sound requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 200, it transmits request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 (also referred to as "unlock request information") to the management server 100. Having acquired the request information, the management server 100 transmits instruction information to the electronic lock 300 to instruct the electronic lock 300 to perform an operation corresponding to the request information, which will be described later.

[0035] The management terminal 500 is a computer used in a facility (such as a call center) for providing services related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300. For example, the management terminal 500 is an information processing device that allows an operator OP who answers the phone of a user at a facility such as a call center to input information according to the user's request. As shown in FIG. 1, the management terminal 500 is connected to an input device (such as a keyboard or mouse) that accepts various operations from the operator OP, and accepts input from the operator OP via the input device. The management terminal 500 is connected to a management screen (such as a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information, and displays various information via the management screen. The management terminal 500 is operated by the operator OP.

[0036] In FIG. 1, an operator OP performing operator duties at a facility such as a call center uses a telephone set TS to answer user calls. The operator OP also operates a management terminal 500. Note that the operator OP performs operations related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300 by inputting information into the management terminal 500 in response to user requests, and other than this, the operator's duties are the same as those of an ordinary call center operator, so a detailed description of the operator's duties will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 1, a physical device (telephone set TS) is illustrated to give an idea of ​​the operator OP answering telephone calls, but as long as the operator OP is capable of answering telephone calls for users, there does not need to be any physical device around the operator OP.

[0037] In response to an incoming call from the user terminal 200, the operator OP answers the phone for the user carrying the user terminal 200. For example, when a user on a call makes an utterance requesting to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300, the operator OP inputs information corresponding to the content of the user's utterance into the management terminal 500. For example, when a user makes an utterance requesting to unlock the electronic lock 300, the operator OP inputs information indicating that the user is requesting to unlock the electronic lock 300 (also referred to as "input information") into the management terminal 500.

[0038] For example, when the management terminal 500 receives input information from the operator OP indicating that the user is requesting to lock the electronic lock 300, the management terminal 500 transmits request information (lock request information) requesting to lock the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100. For example, when the management terminal 500 receives input information from the operator OP indicating that the user is requesting to unlock the electronic lock 300, the management terminal 500 transmits request information (unlock request information) requesting to unlock the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100.

[0039] <1-2. Examples of processing by information processing systems> From here, we will explain an overview of the processing by the information processing system 1. Since each detailed processing sequence will be explained in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the following will explain the overview of the processing flow by taking as an example a case where the user U2 unlocks the electronic lock 300 using the user terminal 202a.

[0040] For example, the user terminal 202a carried by the user U2 does not have a dedicated application installed, and is therefore unable to directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. Therefore, when the user U2 wishes to unlock the electronic lock 300, the user U2 uses the user terminal 202a to call the IVR system 400 or the operator OP to request unlocking of the electronic lock 300.

[0041] The IVR system 400 or the management terminal 500 used by the operator OP that has received a request to unlock the electronic lock 300 from the user U2 transmits unlocking request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100. The management server 100 that has acquired the unlocking request information transmits instruction information (also called "unlocking instruction information") to the electronic lock 300 to instruct the electronic lock 300 to unlock.

[0042] When the electronic lock 300 receives the unlock instruction information, it executes the unlocking process of the electronic lock 300. For example, when the electronic lock 300 receives the unlock instruction information in the locked state, it changes the state to the unlocked state. For example, the locked state corresponds to a state in which the shackle 32 is in a position close to the main body 31 (locked position) (corresponding to the state of the electronic lock 300-1 in FIG. 4). For example, the unlocked state corresponds to a state in which the shackle 32 is in a position away from the main body 31 (unlocked position) (corresponding to the state of the electronic lock 300-2 in FIG. 4).

[0043] Any combination of the state of the electronic lock 300 and the position of the shackle 32 can be adopted. For example, when the electronic lock 300 receives unlock instruction information, the position of the shackle 32 remains in the locked position and can be unlocked, and when a user located nearby presses a button 33 (described later), the position of the shackle 32 may be changed to the unlocked position. The user who presses the button 33 does not need to own the user terminal 200. In other words, the button 33 of the electronic lock 300 can be operated by either a user who owns the user terminal 200 or a user who does not own the user terminal 200, that is, by any user (person).

[0044] When the management server 100 acquires the locking request information, it transmits instruction information (also referred to as "locking instruction information") to the electronic lock 300 to instruct the electronic lock 300 to lock the electronic lock 300. When the electronic lock 300 receives the locking instruction information, it executes a locking process for the electronic lock 300. For example, when the electronic lock 300 receives the locking instruction information, it may automatically change the position of the shackle 32 to the locked position. When the electronic lock 300 receives the locking instruction information, it may keep the shackle 32 in the unlocked position so that it can be locked, and when a user located nearby moves the shackle 32 in a direction closer to the main body 31, it may change the position of the shackle 32 to the locked position.

[0045] When the user U1 wants to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300, he or she can do so directly using the user terminal 201. This will be briefly described below. The user U1 shown in FIG. 1 carries a user terminal 201 that has a dedicated application installed and can directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. Therefore, when the user terminal 201 is within a distance where short-distance wireless communication is possible with the electronic lock 300, the user U1 can lock or unlock the electronic lock 300 using the user terminal 201. For example, the user U1 presses a button (such as button 33 in FIG. 4) on the electronic lock 300 to connect the user terminal 201 to the electronic lock 300, and unlocks the electronic lock 300 by operating the user terminal 201 to unlock it. For example, the user U1 presses a start button (such as button 33) on the electronic lock 300, and the electronic lock 300 executes unlocking by communicating with the user terminal 201 (its dedicated application) via Bluetooth. In this way, in the case of a user terminal 201 that has a dedicated app installed and can communicate directly with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300, the user can lock or unlock the electronic lock 300 directly without going through the management server 100.

[0046] For example, the electronic lock 300 may be capable of receiving instruction information when in a mode (also referred to as a "second mode") in which communication with the outside is possible, which is different from a mode (also referred to as a "first mode") in which communication with the outside is impossible. In this way, the electronic lock 300 may be switchable between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the first mode may be a mode corresponding to a sleep state, and the second mode may be a mode corresponding to a state in which the electronic lock 300 is activated in response to the operation of a button 33 described later, or the detection of a change in acceleration by an acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 350 described later, etc. Details of the processing flow until the electronic lock 300 receives instruction information will be described later.

[0047] <1-3. Server configuration> From here, the configuration of the management server 100, which is an example of a server, will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the management server 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Note that the management server 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives various operations from an administrator of the management server 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0048] The communication unit 110 is realized, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network NW1 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the user terminal 200, the electronic lock 300, the IVR system 400, the management terminal 500, etc.

[0049] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage unit 120 according to the embodiment has an electronic lock information storage unit 121. Note that the storage unit 120 stores various information, including but not limited to the above.

[0050] The electronic lock information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment stores various information related to the electronic lock. For example, the electronic lock information storage unit 121 stores various information related to the electronic lock 300, such as the location (area) of each electronic lock 300, the locking and unlocking history of the electronic lock 300, etc.

[0051] For example, the electronic lock information storage unit 121 stores identification information (lock ID, etc.) for identifying the electronic lock 300 in association with information such as the location (area) of the electronic lock 300 and the locking / unlocking history of the electronic lock 300. The electronic lock information storage unit 121 may store various information according to the purpose, without being limited to the above.

[0052] The control unit 130 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the management server 100 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0053] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a processing unit 132, and a transmission unit 133, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Also, the connection relationship between the processing units of the control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 2, and may be other connection relationships.

[0054] The acquisition unit 131 receives various information from an external information processing device via the communication unit 110. The acquisition unit 131 receives various information from the user terminal 200, the electronic lock 300, the IVR system 400, the management terminal 500, and the like.

[0055] The acquisition unit 131 acquires request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock 300 based on information from the user terminal 200 carried by the user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires request information based on a sound emitted by the user carrying the user terminal 200.

[0056] The acquisition unit 131 acquires request information from the IVR system 400 that automatically responded to the user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires request information based on an operation sound generated when the user calls the IVR system 400 using the user terminal 200 and operates the user terminal 200 in response to an instruction from the IVR system 400.

[0057] The acquisition unit 131 acquires request information based on an input from an operator OP who answered the phone to a user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires, from the management terminal 500, request information based on operation information of an operator OP who has operated the management terminal 500 after receiving an instruction from a user to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. The acquisition unit 131 acquires request information based on a sound made by a user who carries a user terminal 202 on which a dedicated app is not installed.

[0058] The processing unit 132 executes various processes. For example, the processing unit 132 functions as a determination unit that determines various pieces of information. The processing unit 132 determines various pieces of information. For example, the processing unit 132 determines various pieces of information based on various pieces of information acquired from an external device by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the processing unit 132 determines various pieces of information based on information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0059] The processing unit 132 judges the information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the processing unit 132 judges what content the information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 indicates. Based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit the information.

[0060] The processing unit 132 generates various information to be provided to external devices. For example, the processing unit 132 generates information to be provided to the user terminal 200 and the electronic lock 300. For example, the processing unit 132 generates lock / unlock instruction information that instructs the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock. For example, the processing unit 132 generates unlock instruction information that instructs the electronic lock 300 to unlock. For example, the processing unit 132 generates lock instruction information that instructs the electronic lock 300 to lock.

[0061] When the processing unit 132 acquires request information requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock 300 based on information from the user terminal 200 carried by the user, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit, to the electronic lock 300, instruction information instructing to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300 corresponding to the request information. When the processing unit 132 acquires request information based on a sound made by the user carrying the user terminal 200, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit, to the electronic lock 300, instruction information corresponding to the sound made by the user.

[0062] When the processing unit 132 acquires request information from the IVR system 400 that automatically responded to the user, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit instruction information corresponding to a sound emitted by the user to the electronic lock 300. When the processing unit 132 acquires request information based on an operation sound made by the user operating the user terminal 200 in response to an instruction from the IVR system 400 after the user calls the IVR system 400 using the user terminal 200, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit the instruction information to the electronic lock 300.

[0063] When the processing unit 132 acquires request information based on an input from an operator OP who answered the phone with the user, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit instruction information corresponding to a sound made by the user to the electronic lock 300. When the processing unit 132 acquires request information from the management terminal 500 based on operation information of the operator OP who has accepted an instruction from the user to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit the instruction information to the electronic lock 300. When the processing unit 132 acquires request information based on a sound made by a user who carries a user terminal 202 on which a dedicated app is not installed, the processing unit 132 instructs the transmission unit 133 to transmit instruction information corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock 300.

[0064] The transmission unit 133 transmits information to the user terminal 200, the electronic lock 300, the IVR system 400, the management terminal 500, etc. via the communication unit 110. The transmission unit 133 transmits various information in response to instructions from the processing unit 132. The transmission unit 133 transmits information generated by the processing unit 132.

[0065] The transmission unit 133 transmits lock / unlock information instructing the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock, to the electronic lock 300. The transmission unit 133 transmits unlock instruction information instructing the electronic lock 300 to unlock, in response to an instruction from the processing unit 132. The transmission unit 133 transmits lock instruction information instructing the electronic lock 300 to lock, in response to an instruction from the processing unit 132.

[0066] When the transmitting unit 133 acquires request information requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock 300 based on information from the user terminal 200 carried by the user, the transmitting unit 133 transmits instruction information instructing the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300 corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock 300. When the transmitting unit 133 acquires request information based on a sound made by the user carrying the user terminal 200, the transmitting unit 133 transmits instruction information to the electronic lock 300 corresponding to the sound made by the user.

[0067] When the transmitting unit 133 acquires request information from the IVR system 400 that automatically responded to the user, the transmitting unit 133 transmits instruction information corresponding to a sound emitted by the user to the electronic lock 300. When the user calls the IVR system 400 using the user terminal 200 and acquires request information based on an operation sound made by the user operating the user terminal 200 in response to an instruction from the IVR system 400, the transmitting unit 133 transmits the instruction information to the electronic lock 300.

[0068] When the transmitting unit 133 acquires request information based on an input from an operator OP who answered the phone for the user, the transmitting unit 133 transmits instruction information corresponding to a sound made by the user to the electronic lock 300. When the transmitting unit 133 acquires request information from the management terminal 500 based on operation information of the operator OP who has accepted an instruction from the user to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300, the transmitting unit 133 transmits the instruction information to the electronic lock 300. When the transmitting unit 133 acquires request information based on a sound made by a user who carries a user terminal 202 on which a dedicated app is not installed, the transmitting unit 133 transmits instruction information corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock 300.

[0069] <1-4. Electronic lock configuration> Next, the configuration of the electronic lock 300 according to the embodiment will be described. First, the structural configuration of the electronic lock 300 will be described based on the external appearance of the electronic lock 300 shown in Figures 4 and 5. The electronic lock 300, which is an example of an electronic lock, has a hardware configuration as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Note that the following configuration is an example, and the electronic lock 300 may have other configurations.

[0070] 4 and 5 is an electronic padlock that has a main body 31, a shackle 32, and a button 33, and is equipped with various elements such as a storage battery, electrical equipment, and an electrical control mechanism within the main body 31. Note that the internal structure of the electronic lock 300 (the structure within the main body 31) can be any configuration as long as it can realize desired processing such as locking and unlocking, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0071] A shackle 32 is mechanically attached to one end of the main body 31 so as to be freely opened and closed. For example, the size of the electronic lock 300 is approximately the same as that of a conventional padlock. Also, as described above, if the electronic lock 300 is a wire type or chain type, the electronic lock 300 may have a wire or chain instead of the shackle 32.

[0072] Moreover, a button 33 that accepts user operation is provided on one surface of the main body 31. The button 33 accepts a contact operation, such as a pressing operation, by the user as an operation to switch the mode of the electronic lock 300. For example, the button 33 accepts an operation by the user to switch the mode from a first mode to a second mode. In this way, the button 33 is a button that accepts a physical contact operation by the user.

[0073] Next, the configuration related to information processing of the electronic lock 300 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electronic lock according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 is an example of a functional block configuration diagram related to information processing of the electronic lock 300. The electronic lock 300 has a first communication unit 311, a second communication unit 312, a memory unit 320, a control unit 330, an input unit 340, and a sensor unit 350.

[0074] The first communication unit 311 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication with an external device such as the user terminal 200. For example, the first communication unit 311 is a communication interface for performing at least one short-range wireless communication among Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), infrared, and the like. For example, the first communication unit 311 is realized by a predetermined communication circuit or the like. For example, the first communication unit 311 is realized by a short-range wireless communication microcomputer (e.g., a Bluetooth microcomputer) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0075] The second communication unit 312 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device such as the management server 100 via the network NW1. For example, the second communication unit 312 is a communication interface for communicating with the management server 100 via the network NW1 based on a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). For example, the second communication unit 312 is realized by a predetermined communication circuit or the like. For example, the second communication unit 312 is realized by a communication module (for example, an LTE communication module or the like) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0076] The storage unit 320 is realized by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 320 stores programs for executing various control processes and each function in the control unit 330, input data, etc.

[0077] The storage unit 320 stores various information used in processing. For example, the storage unit 320 stores information related to the mode of the device itself. For example, the storage unit 320 stores information indicating the current mode of the device itself, information related to the timing of switching between the first mode and the second mode, and the like. The storage unit 320 stores information on conditions (also called "request conditions") used to determine whether to make a request to the management server 100. For example, the storage unit 320 stores information on request conditions including a condition for switching from the first mode to the second mode.

[0078] The control unit 330 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like, executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the electronic lock 300 using the RAM as a working area. The control unit 330 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 330 has an acquisition unit 331, an execution unit 332, and an output unit 333, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0080] The acquisition unit 331 acquires various information. The acquisition unit 331 acquires various information from the memory unit 320. The acquisition unit 331 acquires information indicating a user's operation accepted by the input unit 340. The acquisition unit 331 acquires sensor information detected by the sensor unit 350. The acquisition unit 331 receives various information from an external information processing device such as the management server 100 or the user terminal 200. The acquisition unit 331 receives an instruction regarding locking / unlocking the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 200 via the first communication unit 311. The acquisition unit 331 receives an instruction regarding locking / unlocking the electronic lock 300 from the management server 100 via the second communication unit 312.

[0081] The acquisition unit 331 receives instruction information transmitted by the management server 100. The acquisition unit 331 accepts an operation of touching the electronic lock 300 via the input unit 340. The acquisition unit 331 accepts an operation of touching the button 33 of the electronic lock 300 via the input unit 340.

[0082] The execution unit 332 executes various processes related to locking and unlocking the electronic lock 300. The execution unit 332 executes various processes using information stored in the memory unit 320. The execution unit 332 executes a process of switching between a first mode and a second mode. The execution unit 332 switches the mode in response to an operation accepted by the input unit 340. For example, when the user presses the button 33, the execution unit 332 sets the mode of the electronic lock 300 to the second mode.

[0083] The execution unit 332 sets the mode of the electronic lock 300 to the second mode when the sensor information detected by the sensor unit 350 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the execution unit 332 sets the mode of the electronic lock 300 to the second mode when a change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 350 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the execution unit 332 sets the mode of the electronic lock 300 to the second mode when the amount of change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 350 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0084] The execution unit 332 executes locking / unlocking processing in response to instructions from the management server 100. When the execution unit 332 receives unlocking instruction information, it executes the unlocking processing based on the unlocking instruction information. The execution unit 332 executes locking / unlocking processing in response to instructions from the user terminal 201. When the execution unit 332 receives instruction information sent by the management server 100, it executes locking / unlocking processing of the electronic lock 300 based on the instruction information.

[0085] When the execution unit 332 receives instruction information transmitted by the management server 100 after receiving an operation to touch the electronic lock 300, the execution unit 332 executes the locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 based on the instruction information. When the execution unit 332 receives instruction information transmitted by the management server 100 after receiving an operation to touch the button 33 of the electronic lock 300, the execution unit 332 executes the locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 based on the instruction information. When the execution unit 332 receives instruction information transmitted by the management server 100 after the electronic lock 300 is switched to the second mode by the operation of the user touching the button 33 of the electronic lock 300, the execution unit 332 executes the locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 based on the instruction information. For example, when the execution unit 332 receives instruction information transmitted by the management server 100 after receiving an operation to start the electronic lock 300, the execution unit 332 executes the locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 based on the instruction information.

[0086] The output unit 333 outputs various information. The output unit 333 transmits various information to an external device. The output unit 333 transmits sensor information detected by the sensor unit 350. For example, the output unit 333 transmits acceleration information detected by an acceleration sensor to the management server 100. The output unit 333 transmits request information to the management server 100 to request confirmation of the need for unlocking. The output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100 at a predetermined timing. The output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100 at a timing of transition to the second mode.

[0087] If the request conditions are satisfied, the output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100. The output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100 in response to an instruction from the execution unit 332. If the sensor information detected by the sensor unit 350 satisfies the request conditions, the output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100. The output unit 333 has an acceleration sensor, and if sensor information indicating a change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor satisfies the request conditions, the output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100. The output unit 333 makes a request to the management server 100 by transmitting the sensor information to the management server 100.

[0088] The input unit 340 accepts various operations by the user. The input unit 340 accepts user operations via the button 33. The input unit 340 accepts an operation by the user to press (touch) the button 33. The input unit 340 accepts the operation of the user to press the button 33 as an operation to switch the mode of the electronic lock 300.

[0089] The sensor unit 350 detects various sensor information. The sensor unit 350 has any sensor and detects sensor information indicating the situation (context) in which the electronic lock 300 (its own device) is placed. The sensor unit 350 has a position sensor that detects the position of a GPS or the like. In addition, if the electronic lock 300 acquires the position information of its own device using information such as WiFi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) or a beacon, the sensor unit 350 does not need to have a position sensor. The sensor unit 350 has an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration.

[0090] The sensor unit 350 may have various sensors, not limited to a position sensor or an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor unit 350 may have various sensors such as a sound sensor, an image sensor, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, an illuminance sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. The sensors that detect the above-mentioned various pieces of information in the sensor unit 350 may be a common sensor, or may be realized by different sensors.

[0091] The electronic lock 300 may have various elements other than those described above. For example, the electronic lock 300 may have an audio output unit such as a speaker that outputs audio.

[0092] <1-5. Processing example> From here, various processing examples related to the embodiment will be described based on the above-mentioned premise. A first processing sequence and a second processing sequence will be described below as examples of processing executed by the information processing system 1.

[0093] <1-5-1. First processing sequence> First, the first processing sequence will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first processing sequence according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 describes the flow of the first processing sequence using an example in which the user U3 unlocks the electronic lock 300 using the user terminal 202b, and illustrates only the configuration of the information processing system 1 that is necessary for the description of the processing.

[0094] 4, the electronic lock 300 is described as electronic locks 300-1 and 300-2 depending on the state of the electronic lock 300. Note that the electronic locks 300-1 and 300-2 are the same electronic lock 300. In the following, when there is no particular distinction between the electronic locks 300-1 and 300-2, they will be referred to as electronic lock 300. In the first processing sequence, the management server 100 transmits unlock instruction information to the electronic lock 300 based on request information acquired from the IVR system 400.

[0095] In Fig. 4, electronic lock 300-1, which shows a state in which the shackle 32 is down, corresponds to electronic lock 300 in a locked state, and electronic lock 300-2, which shows a state in which the shackle 32 is up, corresponds to electronic lock 300 in an unlocked state. For example, in Fig. 4, the object of management may be a managed space in which entry of people is restricted by locking a gate (gateway) using electronic lock 300. The flow of the first processing sequence will be specifically described below.

[0096] For example, the user terminal 202b carried by the user U3 does not have a dedicated application installed, and is therefore unable to directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. Therefore, the user U3 uses the user terminal 202b to call the IVR system 400 (step S1). In FIG. 4, the user U3 operates the user terminal 202b, such as entering a PIN, in order to unlock the electronic lock 300, in accordance with the automatic response by the IVR system 400. As a result, the user terminal 202b transmits information about an operation sound indicating a user's operation requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the IVR system 400. The IVR system 400 then obtains information about the operation sound of the user requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 202b during the call.

[0097] When the IVR system 400 receives operation sound information from the user U3 requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 202b, if the operation sound information satisfies a condition, it transmits unlocking request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100. For example, the IVR system 400 judges whether the operation sound information received from the user terminal 202b satisfies a condition for unlocking the electronic lock 300. For example, the IVR system 400 judges that the condition is satisfied if the PIN indicated by the operation sound information received from the user terminal 202b matches the PIN for unlocking the electronic lock 300.

[0098] 4, the IVR system 400 receives operation sound information from the user terminal 202b and sends unlocking request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100 (step S2) because the information satisfies the condition. Then, the management server 100, which has acquired the unlocking request information, sends instruction information (unlocking instruction information) instructing unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the electronic lock 300 via the network NW1 (steps S3 and S4).

[0099] In addition, the user U3 performs an operation such as pressing the button 33 to start the electronic lock 300 (also called a "start-up operation") in parallel with the above-mentioned processing of steps S1 to S4. As a result, the electronic lock 300 switches the mode to the second mode (step S5). In FIG. 4, the electronic lock 300 accepts the user's operation of pressing the button 33 as a start-up operation and switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode. As a result, the electronic lock 300 transitions from the first mode in which communication with the outside is not possible to the second mode in which communication with the outside is possible. Note that the processing of step S5 may be performed at any timing as long as the electronic lock 300 is in a state in which it is capable of receiving signals in step S4. For example, the processing of step S5 may be performed before step S1, or may be performed while steps S1 to S4 are being performed. Through the above-mentioned processing, the information processing system 1 can suppress an increase in power consumption of the electronic lock 300.

[0100] The electronic lock 300 that has received the unlocking instruction information executes the unlocking process (step S6). In Fig. 4, the electronic lock 300 executes the unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 because it has received the unlocking instruction information from the management server 100. For example, the electronic lock 300 changes its state from the locked electronic lock 300-1 to the unlocked electronic lock 300-2 at the timing of receiving the unlocking instruction information.

[0101] Thus, in the first processing sequence, a user carrying the user terminal 202 calls the IVR system 400 and inputs information for operating the electronic lock 300, such as a PIN, and the IVR system 400 transmits an unlock command (unlock information) to the electronic lock 300 via the management server 100 and the network NW1. Also, the user presses the activation button of the electronic lock 300 before or at the same time as the unlock command (unlock information) is transmitted to the electronic lock 300, whereby the electronic lock 300 receives the unlock command and the electronic lock 300 is unlocked.

[0102] As a result, the information processing system 1 can appropriately lock and unlock the electronic lock 300 in response to a user's request, even if the user does not have a user terminal 201 that can directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 and lock and unlock the electronic lock 300. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can improve the convenience of management using the electronic lock 300.

[0103] <1-5-2. Second processing sequence> Next, the second processing sequence will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the second processing sequence according to the embodiment. Note that explanations of the same points as those described in Fig. 4 etc. will be omitted as appropriate. In the second processing sequence, the management server 100 transmits unlocking instruction information to the electronic lock 300 based on request information acquired from the management terminal 500.

[0104] For example, the user terminal 202b carried by the user U3 does not have a dedicated application installed, and is therefore unable to directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 300. Therefore, the user U3 uses the user terminal 202b to call the operator OP (step S21). In FIG. 5, the user U3 uses, for example, the telephone TS to make an utterance to the operator OP answering the phone, requesting that the electronic lock 300 be unlocked. The operator OP performs input to the management terminal 500 in response to the utterance of the user U3. For example, in response to the utterance by the user U3 requesting that the electronic lock 300 be unlocked, the operator OP inputs information (input information) indicating that the user is requesting that the electronic lock 300 be unlocked, into the management terminal 500.

[0105] 4, the user U3 may operate the user terminal 202b, such as inputting a PIN, to unlock the electronic lock 300, following the instructions given by the operator OP who answered the phone. As a result, the user terminal 202b may transmit information about an operation sound indicating a user's operation requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the IVR system 400. In this case, the operator OP may check the information about the user's operation sound, and if the content of the information satisfies the conditions for unlocking the electronic lock 300, input information (input information) indicating that the user is requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management terminal 500.

[0106] The management terminal 500, which has received input information from the operator OP indicating a request to unlock the electronic lock 300 from the user terminal 202b, transmits unlocking request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100. If the input information satisfies a condition, the management terminal 500 may transmit the unlocking request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100. For example, the management terminal 500 judges whether the input information input by the operator OP based on the speech or operation of the user U3 satisfies the condition for unlocking the electronic lock 300. For example, the management terminal 500 may judge that the condition is satisfied if the PIN indicated by the input information matches the PIN for unlocking the electronic lock 300.

[0107] 5, the management terminal 500 transmits unlocking request information requesting unlocking of the electronic lock 300 to the management server 100 (step S22). Then, the management server 100, which has acquired the unlocking request information, transmits instruction information (unlocking instruction information) instructing the electronic lock 300 to be unlocked to the electronic lock 300 via the network NW1 (steps S23, S24).

[0108] In addition, the user U3 performs an operation (start-up operation) such as pressing the button 33 to start the electronic lock 300 in parallel with the processing of steps S21 to S24 described above. As a result, the electronic lock 300 switches the mode to the second mode (step S25). In FIG. 5, the electronic lock 300 accepts the user's operation of pressing the button 33 as a startup operation and switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode. As a result, the electronic lock 300 transitions from the first mode in which communication with the outside is not possible to the second mode in which communication with the outside is possible. The processing of step S25 may be performed at any timing as long as the electronic lock 300 is in a state in which it is capable of receiving signals in step S24. For example, the processing of step S25 may be performed before step S21, or may be performed while steps S21 to S24 are being performed. Through the above-mentioned processing, the information processing system 1 can suppress an increase in power consumption of the electronic lock 300.

[0109] The electronic lock 300 that has received the unlocking instruction information executes the unlocking process (step S26). In Fig. 5, the electronic lock 300 executes the unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 because it has received the unlocking instruction information from the management server 100. For example, the electronic lock 300 changes its state from the locked electronic lock 300-1 to the unlocked electronic lock 300-2 at the timing of receiving the unlocking instruction information.

[0110] Thus, in the second processing sequence, a user carrying the user terminal 202 calls the operator OP, and the operator OP operates the management terminal 500 based on the user's speech and operations, and the management terminal 500 transmits an unlock command (unlock information) to the electronic lock 300 via the management server 100 and the network NW1. Also, the user presses the start button of the electronic lock 300 before or at the same time as the unlock command (unlock information) is transmitted to the electronic lock 300, whereby the electronic lock 300 receives the unlock command and the electronic lock 300 is unlocked.

[0111] As a result, the information processing system 1 can appropriately lock and unlock the electronic lock 300 in response to a user's request, even if the user does not have a user terminal 201 that can directly communicate with the electronic lock 300 and lock and unlock the electronic lock 300. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can improve the convenience of management using the electronic lock 300.

[0112] Also, for example, when the electronic lock 300 operates on power supply from a storage battery (battery) in the main body 31, it is desirable for the information processing system 1 to execute processing that suppresses power consumption in the electronic lock 300 as much as possible. In other words, due to the characteristics of the electronic lock 300 having a battery in its own device, it is desirable for the information processing system 1 to execute processing among the above-mentioned processing that suppresses power consumption in the electronic lock 300 as much as possible. An example of this point is described below. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0113] For example, the process flow executed by the information processing system 1 may be a process flow in which unlocking of the electronic lock 300 is completed when a user (person) who is in a position where the button 33 of the electronic lock 300 can be operated, such as in front of the electronic lock 300, presses the button 33 of the electronic lock 300. In other words, the process flow executed by the information processing system 1 may be a process flow in which the presence of a person in front of the electronic lock 300 causes the electronic lock 300 to be unlocked by pressing the button 33 of the electronic lock 300.

[0114] In this case, in the information processing system 1, for example, the electronic lock 300 is in an unlockable state with the shackle 32 in the locked position. When the electronic lock 300 receives an operation of the button 33 by the user in the unlockable state, the electronic lock 300 changes the position of the shackle 32 to the unlocked position.

[0115] Through such processing, the information processing system 1 can suppress power consumption by the electronic lock 300. For example, when the electronic lock 300 operates on power supplied from a battery in the main body 31, the information processing system 1 can suppress power consumption by the electronic lock 300, reducing the possibility that the electronic lock 300 will stop operating due to the electronic lock 300 running out of battery, etc., and can suppress the cost of replacing the battery of the electronic lock 300. This allows the information processing system 1 to further improve the convenience of management using the electronic lock 300.

[0116] The process flow described here may be applied to any process as long as it is applicable. For example, in the first process sequence of FIG. 4, when the electronic lock 300 receives unlock instruction information, the position of the shackle 32 may be in an unlockable state with the shackle 32 in the locked position. In this case, the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S6 in response to the operation of the button 33 by the user. For example, when the electronic lock 300 receives unlock instruction information, the position of the shackle 32 in the locked position is changed to the unlocked position by the user pressing the button 33. In the second process sequence of FIG. 5, when the electronic lock 300 receives unlock instruction information, the position of the shackle 32 in the locked position may be changed to the unlocked position by the user pressing the button 33. In this case, the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S26 in response to the operation of the button 33 by the user. For example, when the electronic lock 300 receives unlock instruction information, the position of the shackle 32 in the locked position is changed to the unlocked position by the user pressing the button 33.

[0117] <1-6. Information processing flow> Next, a procedure of information processing by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment.

[0118] 6, the information processing system 1 determines whether the server has acquired request information (step S101). For example, the management server 100 determines whether the server has acquired request information for requesting locking or unlocking the electronic lock 300 based on information from the user terminal 200 carried by the user. If the server has not acquired the request information (step S101: No), the information processing system 1 repeats the process of step S101.

[0119] In the information processing system 1, when the server acquires the request information (step S101: Yes), the server transmits instruction information to the electronic lock instructing the electronic lock corresponding to the request information to lock or unlock the electronic lock (step S102). For example, when the management server 100 acquires the request information from the IVR system 400 or the management terminal 500, the server transmits instruction information to the electronic lock 300 instructing the electronic lock 300 to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information.

[0120] Then, in the information processing system 1, the electronic lock receives the instruction information (step S103). For example, the electronic lock 300 receives unlocking instruction information from the management server 100. Then, in the information processing system 1, the electronic lock executes the locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock based on the instruction information (step S104). For example, the electronic lock 300 executes the unlocking process of the electronic lock 300 based on the unlocking instruction information received from the management server 100.

[0121] <2. Application Examples> The following describes specific application examples of the above-mentioned information processing system 1. Note that the services to which the information processing system 1 is applied are merely examples, and the information processing system 1 may be applied to any service to which its processing is applicable.

[0122] For example, the information processing system 1 may be applied to solve a problem of key management in an administrative agency. In this case, the information processing system 1 is applied to an electronic lock 300 for an object managed by the administrative agency, and an administrative or autonomous district official uses the user terminal 200 to lock and unlock the electronic lock 300 by short-range wireless communication.

[0123] In the case of conventional padlocks or electronic locks that can only be locked and unlocked via short-range wireless communication, it may take time to open the lock because the administrative or autonomous district officials have the physical key and user terminal 201, or the official who has the physical key or user terminal 201 may be affected by a disaster and be unable to open the lock.

[0124] On the other hand, when the information processing system 1 is applied, even if a user does not have the user terminal 201, any user who has a mobile terminal with telephone functionality can lock and unlock the electronic lock 300, which prevents the occurrence of cases where it takes a long time to open the lock when a disaster occurs, or where the person in charge who has the user terminal 201 is affected by the disaster and is unable to open the lock.

[0125] The information processing system 1 may be used not only for administrative agencies but also for unmanned suburban facilities. In this case, the information processing system 1 may execute a process for remotely unlocking the electronic lock 300 installed in the unmanned suburban facility. For example, when the unlocking conditions are met, the information processing system 1 executes a process for remotely unlocking the electronic lock 300 that locks the managed object of the suburban facility where the administrator is not always present.

[0126] <3. Summary (structure, etc.)> The contents of the above-described embodiments are listed below. For example, each of the above-described embodiments has the following configuration. (Item 1) An information processing system including an electronic lock having a function of directly communicating with a server via a network, The server, When request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user is acquired, instruction information for instructing the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information is transmitted to the electronic lock; The electronic lock is When the instruction information transmitted by the server is received, the electronic lock lock / unlock process is executed based on the instruction information. An information processing system comprising: (Item 2) The server, When the request information based on a sound made by the user carrying the mobile terminal is acquired, the instruction information corresponding to the sound made by the user is transmitted to the electronic lock. 2. The information processing system according to item 1, (Item 3) The server, When the request information is acquired from an interactive voice response system that has automatically responded to the user, the instruction information corresponding to the sound emitted by the user is transmitted to the electronic lock. 3. The information processing system according to item 2, (Item 4) The server, When the user calls the interactive voice response system using the mobile terminal and acquires the request information based on an operation sound of the user operating the mobile terminal in response to an instruction from the interactive voice response system, the instruction information is transmitted to the electronic lock. 4. The information processing system according to item 3, (Item 5) The server, When the request information based on the input of an operator who answered the telephone call of the user is acquired, the instruction information corresponding to the sound emitted by the user is transmitted to the electronic lock. 5. The information processing system according to any one of items 2 to 4. (Item 6) The server, When the request information based on operation information of the operator who has accepted an instruction to lock or unlock the electronic lock from the user is acquired from the management terminal, the instruction information is transmitted to the electronic lock. 6. The information processing system according to item 5, (Item 7) The mobile terminal includes: A terminal device in which an application for operating the locking or unlocking of the electronic lock is not installed, The server, When the request information is obtained based on a sound emitted by the user carrying the mobile terminal on which the application is not installed, the instruction information corresponding to the request information is transmitted to the electronic lock. 7. The information processing system according to any one of items 2 to 6, (Item 8) The electronic lock is When the instruction information transmitted by the server is received after the operation of touching the electronic lock is accepted, the electronic lock lock / unlock process is executed based on the instruction information. 8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) An information processing method executed by an information processing system including an electronic lock having a function of directly communicating with a server via a network, comprising: a transmission step of transmitting, when the server acquires request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user, instruction information for instructing the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock; a locking / unlocking process for executing a locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock based on the instruction information when the electronic lock receives the instruction information transmitted by the server; 13. An information processing method comprising: (Item 10) An information processing program executed by a computer that directly communicates with an electronic lock via a network, a step of, when request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user is acquired, transmitting instruction information for instructing the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock which, when receiving the instruction information, executes a locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock based on the instruction information; An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

[0127] <4.Other (effects, etc.)> As described above, according to the information processing system of the present application, even if a mobile terminal carried by a user cannot directly instruct the electronic lock to lock or unlock, such as a terminal device on which an application for operating the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock is not installed, the information processing system of the present application can improve the convenience of management using the electronic lock by making it possible to lock and unlock the electronic lock, even if a mobile terminal carried by a user cannot directly instruct the electronic lock to lock or unlock.

[0128] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0129] Moreover, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, a control unit can be read as control means or a control circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. Information Processing Systems 100 Management Server (Server) 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Processing section 133 Transmitter 200 User terminals 300 Electronic Lock

Claims

1. An information processing system including an electronic lock having a function of directly communicating with a server via a network, The server, When request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user is acquired, instruction information for instructing the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information is transmitted to the electronic lock; The electronic lock is When the instruction information transmitted by the server is received, the electronic lock lock / unlock process is executed based on the instruction information. An information processing system comprising:

2. The server, When the request information is based on a sound made by the user carrying the mobile terminal, the instruction information corresponding to the sound made by the user is transmitted to the electronic lock.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The server, When the request information is acquired from an interactive voice response system that has automatically responded to the user, the instruction information corresponding to the sound emitted by the user is transmitted to the electronic lock.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The server, When the user calls the interactive voice response system using the mobile terminal and acquires the request information based on an operation sound of the user operating the mobile terminal in response to an instruction from the interactive voice response system, the instruction information is transmitted to the electronic lock.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. The server, When the request information based on the input of an operator who answered the telephone call of the user is acquired, the instruction information corresponding to the sound emitted by the user is transmitted to the electronic lock.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2.

6. The server, When the request information based on operation information of the operator who has accepted an instruction to lock or unlock the electronic lock from the user is acquired from the management terminal, the instruction information is transmitted to the electronic lock.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. The mobile terminal includes: A terminal device in which an application for operating the locking or unlocking of the electronic lock is not installed, The server, When the request information is obtained based on a sound emitted by the user carrying the mobile terminal on which the application is not installed, the instruction information corresponding to the request information is transmitted to the electronic lock.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2.

8. The electronic lock is When the instruction information transmitted by the server is received after the operation of touching the electronic lock is accepted, the electronic lock lock / unlock process is executed based on the instruction information.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system for processing a data.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing system including an electronic lock having a function of directly communicating with a server via a network, comprising: a transmission step of transmitting, when the server acquires request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user, instruction information for instructing the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock; a locking / unlocking process for executing a locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock based on the instruction information when the electronic lock receives the instruction information transmitted by the server; 13. An information processing method comprising:

10. An information processing program executed by a computer that directly communicates with an electronic lock via a network, a step of, when request information for requesting locking or unlocking of the electronic lock based on information from a mobile terminal carried by a user is acquired, transmitting instruction information for instructing the electronic lock to lock or unlock the electronic lock corresponding to the request information to the electronic lock which, when receiving the instruction information, executes a locking / unlocking process of the electronic lock based on the instruction information; An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

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