Authentication system and occupancy management method

Abstract

To previously register information relating to a face image of a resident in an apartment house to allow the resident to unlock each facility of the apartment house.SOLUTION: An authentication system includes: a face database that holds face data of a resident of an apartment house; an imaging device for face authentication installed in the apartment house; a user terminal as an information terminal owned by the resident of the apartment house; and an occupancy management tool that is used for a manager of the apartment house to manage information on the resident. The face data of the face database is generated from the face image captured by the user terminal. In order for the resident to use the face authentication in the apartment house, the manager needs to register identification information for the resident to the occupancy management tool, or the manager needs to perform an approval operation for user registration of the resident by using the occupancy management tool. The authentication system solves the above problem.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system and an occupancy management method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to improve the convenience of so-called visiting services typified by housework assistance and visiting care, an unlocking system has been known in which the unlocking operation of the front door key in an apartment house is performed by biometric authentication (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to such an unlocking system, since the unlocking operation of the front door of the client's house can be performed using the biometric information of the service provider, it is not necessary for the client to be at home when receiving the visiting service, and there is no need to entrust the key of one's own house to others, so the security concern can be eliminated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, although the technology in which a service provider uses biometric information to perform an unlocking operation of a front door lock in a visiting service is known, a technology in which, in an apartment house or the like, by registering face image data of each resident in advance, the door installed, for example, at the entrance of the apartment house is automatically unlocked by face authentication or the automatic door is slid open to open the entrance has not been known until now.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an authentication system and an occupancy management method in which a resident can unlock each facility in an apartment house by face authentication by registering information related to the face image of the resident in advance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The authentication system of the present invention includes a face database that stores face data of residents of an apartment building, a photographing device for face authentication installed in the apartment building, a user terminal which is an information terminal owned by a resident of the apartment building, and an occupancy management tool for the administrator of the apartment building to manage the information of the residents. The face data in the face database is generated from a face image photographed by the user terminal. In order for a resident to use face authentication in the apartment building, the administrator needs to register the identification information of the resident in the occupancy management tool, or the administrator needs to perform an approval operation for the user registration of the resident using the occupancy management tool. This is the gist of the present invention.

[0007] The occupancy management method of the present invention uses an authentication system including a storage unit that stores face data of residents of an apartment building, a photographing device for face authentication installed in the apartment building, a user terminal which is an information terminal owned by a resident of the apartment building, and an occupancy management tool for the administrator of the apartment building to manage the information of the residents. The method includes a step in which the administrator guides the resident to register for user registration of face authentication in the apartment building, and a step in which the resident performs the user registration using the user terminal. This is the gist of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the authentication system and the occupancy management method of the present invention, by registering information related to the face image of a resident of an apartment building in advance, the resident can unlock each facility in the apartment building by face authentication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] 〔First Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a face recognition system according to this embodiment and a method for registering face image data in such a face recognition system.

[0011] The face recognition system 1 according to this embodiment enables a user who is a resident to enter a shared space or a private space by simply holding their face in front of the first imaging device 30A as a face recognition terminal at the entrance of an apartment building or the like, and the restriction by the access control device 40 is released. For example, a key for unlocking the door installed at the entrance is not required, which can improve the convenience for the residents. The configuration of such a face recognition system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the face recognition system 1 includes a face recognition platform 10, a first imaging device 30A and an access control device 40 installed at the entrance of a building which is an apartment building, a delivery box 42 and a second imaging device 30B arranged near the delivery box 42, an elevator control device 44 for controlling the operation of the elevator car and a third imaging device 30C arranged near the elevator door, a plurality of locking devices 46 for locking and unlocking the doors installed at the entrances of each room and a plurality of fourth imaging devices 30D arranged near the entrances of each room, and a mailbox 48 and a fifth imaging device 30E arranged near the mailbox 48.

[0013] The face recognition platform 10 is communicably connected to the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking devices 46, the mailbox 48, and each imaging device 30A to 30E via a network such as the Internet line. The face recognition platform 10 is, for example, a computer of a system company or the like. Further, the face recognition platform 10 is communicably connected to the entrance management system 20 via a network such as the Internet line. The entrance management system 20 is, for example, a computer of a building management company or a rental management company or the like. Further, the face recognition platform 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 50 possessed by each resident via a network such as the Internet line.

[0014] The face authentication platform 10 includes a control unit 12, a reception unit 14, a transmission unit 16, and a storage unit 18. The reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, and the storage unit 18 are each connected to the control unit 12 via a bus. The control unit 12 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The reception unit 14 is configured to receive information transmitted from an external device to the face authentication platform 10. The transmission unit 16 is configured to transmit information from the face authentication platform 10 to an external device. The storage unit 18 is configured to store registration information of each resident of the building, information regarding room numbers and face images. Further, the storage unit 18 is configured to store the history of face authentication processing performed by each imaging device 30A to 30E, and the history of processing performed by the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In the face authentication platform 10, the control unit 12 executes programs stored in the storage unit 18, programs stored in a recording medium attached to the face authentication platform 10, programs transmitted from an external device to the face authentication platform 10, etc., whereby the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, and the storage unit 18 each function.

[0015] As described above, the entrance management system 20 is a computer of a building management company, a rental management company, etc., and various information of the building residents (for example, name, date of birth, username, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, telephone number of a fixed telephone installed in the living space of the building, building name, room number, move-in start date, planned departure date, identification number of the user, etc.) is stored in the entrance management system 20.

[0016] The first imaging device 30A and the access control device 40 are each installed near the entrance of the building. The first imaging device 30A includes a control unit 32A, an imaging unit 34A, an authentication unit 36A, and a storage unit 38A. The imaging unit 34A, the authentication unit 36A, and the storage unit 38A are each connected to the control unit 32A by a bus. The control unit 32A is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34A is configured to capture the face of a user who attempts to enter a shared space or a private space at the entrance of the building and acquire face image data. The storage unit 38A is configured to store information about the face image of the user transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 and the like. Here, the information about the face image of the user is the face image data of the user or a hash value extracted from the face image data of the user by a predetermined hash function. The authentication unit 36A is configured to perform face authentication of the user by comparing the information about the face image of the user captured by the imaging unit 34A with the information about the face image of the user stored in the storage unit 38A. When the face authentication of the user is performed by the authentication unit 36A, an operation command (specifically, a regulation release command) is transmitted from the first imaging device 30A to the access control device 40. As such a first imaging device 30A, for example, a dedicated face authentication device, a PC tablet, or the like is used.

[0017] The access control device 40 selectively restricts movement from the outside of the building to the shared space or the private space. For example, when a door is installed at the entrance of the shared space, the access control device 40 includes a locking device that locks and unlocks this door. Specifically, normally, the locking device locks the door installed at the entrance of the shared space, thereby restricting a third party from entering the shared space or the private space from the outside of the building. On the other hand, when the access control device 40 receives a regulation release command transmitted from the first imaging device 30A, this access control device 40 (specifically, the locking device) unlocks the door, and a user such as an occupant can enter the shared space or the private space from the outside of the building. Note that the period during which the door is unlocked is predetermined, and when this period elapses, the locking device automatically locks the door again.

[0018] Also, when a sliding automatic door is provided at the entrance of the shared space in the building, the access control device 40 includes a sliding device for sliding this automatic door. Specifically, normally, the sliding device maintains the automatic door in the closed position so as to block the entrance to the shared space with the automatic door, thereby restricting a third party from entering the shared space from outside the building. On the other hand, when the access control device 40 receives a restriction release command transmitted from the first imaging device 30A, this access control device 40 (specifically, the sliding device) slides the automatic door and moves it to the open position, so that the entrance to the shared space is no longer blocked by the automatic door, and thus a user such as a resident can enter the shared space or the exclusive space from outside the building. Note that the period during which the automatic door is in the open position is predetermined, and when this period elapses, the sliding device moves the automatic door from the open position back to the closed position.

[0019] The delivery box 42 has a plurality of storage parts for storing luggage and a restricting part (specifically, a door) for selectively restricting access to each storage part. When the resident is absent, a delivery person from a delivery company puts luggage into a certain storage part of the delivery box 42. Then, when the resident returns to the building, the resident opens the door of the storage part in which the luggage deposited by the delivery person is stored, and takes out the luggage stored in the storage part of the delivery box. Such a delivery box 42 is installed outside the shared space. Alternatively, it may be possible to put luggage into each storage part of the delivery box 42 from outside the shared space, but the luggage can only be taken out from each storage part inside the shared space.

[0020] The second imaging device 30B is installed near the location where the user takes out the package from the delivery box 42. The second imaging device 30B includes a control unit 32B, an imaging unit 34B, an authentication unit 36B, and a storage unit 38B. The imaging unit 34B, the authentication unit 36B, and the storage unit 38B are each connected to the control unit 32B via a bus. The control unit 32B is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34B is configured to capture the face of the user who attempts to take out the package from the delivery box 42 and acquire face image data. The storage unit 38B is configured to store the information regarding the face image of the user, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 in association with each other. The authentication unit 36B is configured to perform face authentication of the user by comparing the information regarding the face image of the user captured by the imaging unit 34B with the information regarding the face image of the user stored in the storage unit 38B. When the user's face authentication is performed by the authentication unit 36B, an operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42. As such a second imaging device 30B, for example, a dedicated face authentication device, a PC tablet, or the like is used. Further, when an operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B, the delivery box 42 displays the storage status of the package on a touch panel or the like of the delivery box when the package corresponding to the user's room number is stored. Then, when the user operates the touch panel or the like to input an instruction to take out the package, the door of the storage section in which the package is stored opens, and the user can take out the package from the storage section.

[0021] The elevator control device 44 controls the operation of an elevator car installed in a shared space. Also, the third imaging device 30C is disposed at least near the elevator door on the same floor as the access control device 40 within the shared space. Note that the third imaging device 30C may be disposed not only on the same floor as the access control device 40 but also near the elevator door on each floor. The third imaging device 30C includes a control unit 32C, an imaging unit 34C, an authentication unit 36C, and a storage unit 38C. The imaging unit 34C, the authentication unit 36C, and the storage unit 38C are each connected to the control unit 32C via a bus. The control unit 32C is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34C is configured to capture the face of a user located near the elevator door and acquire face image data. The storage unit 38C is configured to store information regarding the user's face image, room number, and user identification information transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 in association with each other. The authentication unit 36C is configured to perform user face authentication by comparing information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34C with information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38C. When user face authentication is performed by the authentication unit 36C, an operation command is transmitted from the third imaging device 30C to the elevator control device 44. As such a third imaging device 30C, for example, a PC tablet or the like is used. When the elevator control device 44 receives an operation command from the third imaging device 30C, it designates the destination floor of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34C. As a result, after the user boards the elevator, the elevator stops at the floor of the user's room without the user having to specify the destination floor.

[0022] The locking device 46 is provided corresponding to each room of the building, and locks and unlocks the door installed at the entrance of each room. Also, a fourth imaging device 30D is arranged near the entrance of each room. Each fourth imaging device 30D has a control unit 32D, an imaging unit 34D, an authentication unit 36D, and a storage unit 38D. The imaging unit 34D, the authentication unit 36D, and the storage unit 38D are each connected to the control unit 32D by a bus. The control unit 32D is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34D is configured to capture the face of a user trying to enter the room from outside the room and acquire face image data. The storage unit 38D is configured to store information regarding the face image of the user, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 in association with each other. The authentication unit 36D is configured to perform face authentication of the user by comparing the information regarding the face image of the user captured by the imaging unit 34D with the information regarding the face image of the user stored in the storage unit 38D. When the face authentication of the user is performed by the authentication unit 36D, an operation command is transmitted from the fourth imaging device 30D to the locking device 46. As such a fourth imaging device 30D, for example, a dedicated face authentication device, a PC tablet, or the like is used. When the locking device 46 receives an operation command from the fourth imaging device 30D, it unlocks the door corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. As a result, the user can enter the room by face authentication without having a key.

[0023] The mailbox 48 has a plurality of storage sections corresponding to room numbers and a regulating section (specifically, a door) that selectively regulates access to each storage section. A delivery person such as a postal worker puts mail in the storage section corresponding to the room number of this resident in the mailbox 48, and the resident takes out the mail stored in the storage section of the mailbox. Such a mailbox 48 is installed outside the shared space. Alternatively, it may be possible to put mail in each storage section of the mailbox 48 from outside the shared space, but the mail can only be taken out from each storage section inside the shared space.

[0024] The fifth imaging device 30E is installed near the location where the user takes out the mail from the mailbox 48. The fifth imaging device 30E includes a control unit 32E, an imaging unit 34E, an authentication unit 36E, and a storage unit 38E. The imaging unit 34E, the authentication unit 36E, and the storage unit 38E are each connected to the control unit 32E via a bus. The control unit 32E is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34E is configured to capture the face of the user who attempts to take out the mail from the mailbox 48 and acquire face image data. The storage unit 38E is configured to store the information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10, the room number, and the user identification information in association with each other. The authentication unit 36E is configured to perform face authentication of the user by comparing the information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34E with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38E. When the user's face authentication is performed by the authentication unit 36E, an operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48. As such a fifth imaging device 30E, for example, a dedicated face authentication device, a PC tablet, or the like is used. Further, when an operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E, the mailbox 48 performs a process of allowing access to the storage unit corresponding to the authenticated user. Specifically, in the mailbox 48, the door of the storage unit corresponding to the user's room number is unlocked so that the user can take out the mail from the storage unit.

[0025] The user terminal 50 is owned by a user such as a resident. The user terminal 50 includes, for example, a smartphone or the like. On the user terminal 50, it is possible to install a face authentication application from an online store, the website of the management company of the face authentication platform 10, or the like. When such a face authentication application is installed, the user can register face image data and various registration information (for example, name in Chinese characters, name in kana, date of birth, username, phone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, password, etc.) using the user terminal 50.

[0026] Next, the operation of such face authentication system 1 when registering face image data of users residing in a building will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0027] When information that a user will start living in a building is input to the entrance management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or a rental management company, the entrance management system 20 transmits entrance invitation information of the user to the face recognition platform 10. The entrance invitation information includes information such as the user's user identification information (e.g., the user's name, the telephone number of the user terminal 50, the email address of the user terminal 50, the user's identification number, etc.), the building name, the room number, the start date of occupancy, and the planned date of departure. When the face recognition platform 10 receives the entrance invitation information ("YES" in STEP 1), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entrance invitation information approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 2). Here, when the user is living in a building registered in the face recognition platform 10 for the first time, the user identification information in the entrance invitation information does not approximately match the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("NO" in STEP 2). In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 10 transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 (STEP 3). The user terminal 50 to which the registration request information should be sent is identified by the user identification information included in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. On the other hand, if the user moves from another building managed by the same building management company or rental management company and registered in the face authentication platform 10, the user identification information is already stored in the storage unit 18, so the user identification information in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 of the building to which the user has moved to the face authentication platform 10 approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("YES" in STEP 2). In this case, the user does not perform user registration using the user terminal 50.

[0028] The user who has received the registration request information on the user terminal 50 performs user registration using the user terminal 50. Specifically, the user first installs a face recognition app on the user terminal 50. Then, when the user activates the face recognition app on the user terminal 50, a user registration screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. On such a user registration screen, the user inputs registration information such as name (Chinese characters), name (Kana), date of birth, username, phone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, password, etc., and after checking the box to agree to the terms of use and pressing the registration button, a face image capture screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user captures a face image using the user terminal 50 on such a capture screen, various registration information input on the user registration screen and the user's face image data are sent from the user terminal 50 to the face recognition platform 10. In this way, the reception unit 14 of the face recognition platform 10 receives the registration information and the face image data from the user terminal 50 (the "YES" in STEP4). Also, the identification information of the user terminal 50 is received by the reception unit 14 of the face recognition platform 10. Thereafter, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 10 transmits the user's registration information to the entrance management system 20 (STEP5).

[0029] The administrator who operates the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information and the like sent from the face authentication platform 10. When the user is approved in the entrance management system 20, approval information is sent from the entrance management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. When the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 10 receives the approval information from the entrance management system 20 (「YES」 in STEP6), the control unit 12 associates the registration information, the room number, and the information related to the user's face image with each other and stores them in the storage unit 18, and transmits the information related to the user's face image, the room number, and the user identification information in a state where they are associated with each other to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E (STEP7). As described above, the information related to the face image is the user's face image data or a hash value extracted from the user's face image data by a predetermined hash function. That is, the user's face image data captured by the user terminal 50 may be directly stored in the storage unit 18 or transmitted to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E. Further, the control unit 32A may extract a hash value from the user's face image data by a predetermined hash function, and the extracted hash value may be stored in the storage unit 18 or transmitted to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E. The information related to the face image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E are stored in the storage units 38A to 38E in a state where they are associated with each other. As another example, the room number of the user may not be sent from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A. In this case, the information related to the face image and the user identification information are associated with each other, or only the information related to the face image is transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A and stored in the storage unit 38A.

[0030] Next, the operation when a user enters a shared space or a private space from outside the building in the face recognition system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. When a user who intends to enter a shared space or a private space from outside the building holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 30A, the imaging unit 34A captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data. The authentication unit 36A authenticates the user by comparing the information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38A. Specifically, when the user's face image data captured by the imaging unit 34A and the user's face image data stored in the storage unit 38A substantially match, it is determined that the user is a resident. Alternatively, the control unit 32A of the first imaging device 30A extracts a hash value from the user's face image data captured by the imaging unit 34A using a predetermined hash function, and when the extracted hash value and the hash value stored in the storage unit 38A substantially match, the authentication unit 36A may authenticate that the user is a resident.

[0031] When the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, an operation command (specifically, a regulation release command) is sent from the first imaging device 30A to the access control device 40. Alternatively, when the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, a regulation release command may be sent from the first imaging device 30A to the face recognition platform 10, and then a regulation release command may be further sent from the face recognition platform 10 to the access control device 40. When a regulation release command is sent to the access control device 40, the regulation by the access control device 40 is released and the user's movement from outside the building to the shared space or the private space is permitted. As a result, the user can enter the shared space or the private space. Also, when the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, information indicating that the user has been authenticated is transmitted from the first imaging device 30A to the face recognition platform 10 together with the user identification information, and these information are stored in the storage unit 18. As a result, the storage unit 18 stores a history of the release of the regulation by the access control device 40.

[0032] Also, when the user tries to take out the luggage stored in the delivery box 42 and holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34B of the second imaging device 30B installed near the delivery box 42, the imaging unit 34B captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data. The authentication unit 36B authenticates the user by comparing the information about the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34B with the information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38B. When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 36B, an operation command is sent from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42. When the delivery box 42 receives the operation command from the second imaging device 30B, it performs a process of allowing access to the storage unit where the user's luggage is stored, which was captured by the imaging unit 34B.

[0033] Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 36B, the information of the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is sent from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42 as an operation command. Then, the delivery box 42 performs a process of allowing access to the storage unit where the luggage corresponding to the room number sent from the second imaging device 30B is stored. As a result, the user can take out the luggage from the storage unit.

[0034] Also, after the user enters the shared space and tries to get into the elevator car and holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 30C installed near the elevator control device 44, the imaging unit 34C captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data. The authentication unit 36C authenticates the user by comparing the information about the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34C with the information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38C. When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 36C, an operation command is sent from the third imaging device 30C to the elevator control device 44. When the elevator control device 44 receives the operation command from the third imaging device 30C, it designates the destination floor of the elevator car as the floor corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user.

[0035] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36C authenticates the user, the information of the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted from the third imaging device 30C to the elevator control device 44 as an operation command. Then, the elevator control device 44 designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the third imaging device 30C as the destination floor of the elevator car. Specifically, the button of the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the third imaging device 30C among the buttons of each floor indicating the destination provided inside the elevator car is automatically pressed. Alternatively, after the user gets into the elevator car, the door of the elevator car may automatically close, and then the elevator car may automatically move to the designated floor. As a result, after the user gets on the elevator, the elevator stops at the floor of the user's room without the user having to specify the destination floor.

[0036] Also, in another aspect of the present embodiment, when the access control device 40 installed at the entrance of the building and the position of the elevator door are close, if a user holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 30A installed near the access control device 40, the imaging unit 34A captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data. When the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, an operation command may be sent from the first imaging device 30A to the elevator control device 44. Specifically, when the authentication unit 36A of the first imaging device 30A authenticates the user, information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is sent from the first imaging device 30A to the elevator control device 44 as an operation command. Then, the elevator car automatically moves to the floor on the same floor as the entrance of the building. As a result, a user who enters the shared space of the building can immediately board the elevator car. Also, the elevator control device 44 designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the first imaging device 30A as the destination floor for the elevator car. As a result, even if the user does not hold their face in front of the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 30C, after boarding the elevator, the elevator stops at the floor of the user's room without the user having to specify the destination floor. Also, in such an aspect, it is possible to omit installing the third imaging device 30C near the elevator door itself.

[0037] Also, after the user enters the shared space and reaches in front of their own room and holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34D of the fourth imaging device 30D corresponding to this room, the imaging unit 34D captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data. The authentication unit 36D authenticates the user by comparing information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34D with information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38D. When the authentication unit 36D authenticates the user, an operation command is sent from the fourth imaging device 30D to the locking device 46. When the locking device 46 receives the operation command from the fourth imaging device 30D, it unlocks the door corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34D. As a result, the user can enter the private space.

[0038] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36D authenticates the user, information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted from the fourth imaging device 30D to the elevator control device 44 as an operation command. Then, when the room number transmitted from the fourth imaging device 30D matches the room number corresponding to this locking device 46, the locking device 46 unlocks the door. As a result, the user can enter the private space by face authentication without having a key.

[0039] Also, when the user tries to take out the mail stored in the mailbox 48 and holds his / her face in front of the imaging unit 34E of the fifth imaging device 30E installed near the mailbox 48, the imaging unit 34E captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data. The authentication unit 36E authenticates the user by comparing the information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34E with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38E. When the authentication unit 36E authenticates the user, an operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48. When the operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E, the mailbox 48 performs a process of allowing access to the storage unit corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34E.

[0040] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36E authenticates the user, information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48 as an operation command. Then, the mailbox 48 performs a process of allowing access to the storage unit corresponding to the room number transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E. As a result, the user can take out the mail from the storage unit corresponding to his / her room number.

[0041] Next, the operations performed by the face recognition system 1 when the user moves to another building will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. When information indicating that the user's residence has started in another building is input to the entrance management system 20 by an employee of the building management company, an employee of the rental management company, or the like, the entrance invitation information of this user is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 10. When the face recognition platform 10 receives the entrance invitation information (``YES'' in STEP1), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entrance invitation information substantially matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP2). Here, for a user who has moved to another building, information when living in the original building (specifically, user identification information, etc.) is stored in the storage unit 18, so the user identification information in the entrance invitation information transmitted from the entrance management system 20 substantially matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18 (``YES'' in STEP2).

[0042] In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 10 transmits the registered information of the user stored in the storage unit 18 to the entrance management system 20 (STEP5). The administrator who operates the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the registered information of the user transmitted from the face recognition platform 10. When the user is approved in the entrance management system 20, the approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 10. When the reception unit 14 of the face recognition platform 10 receives the approval information from the entrance management system 20 of another building (the "YES" in STEP6), the control unit 12 associates the registered information, the room number, and the information regarding the user's face image with each other and stores them in the storage unit 18, and transmits the information regarding the user's face image, the room number, and the user identification information in a state where they are associated with each other to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E (STEP7). The information regarding the face image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face recognition platform 10 to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E are stored in the storage units 38A to 38E in a state where they are associated with each other. In this way, for example, when a user moves from one building to another building, since the registered information and the information regarding the face image when the user lived in the original building are stored in the storage unit 18, it is not necessary for the user to deliberately capture a face image or input registered information using the user terminal 50, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0043] According to the face recognition system 1 and the face recognition method of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the face recognition platform 10 receives the admission invitation information including user identification information from the admission management system 20, it transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information. Further, after transmitting the registration request information, when the face recognition platform 10 receives information regarding the user's face image and registration information, it stores the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information regarding the user's face image to the first imaging device 30A. Also, in the first imaging device 30A, the information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the face recognition platform 10 is stored in the storage unit 38A, and when the information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A is compared with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38A by the authentication unit 36A to perform user authentication, the restriction by the access control device 40 is released and movement from the outside to the exclusive space is permitted.

[0044] In this way, by registering the face images of each resident in advance in an apartment building, it is possible to allow movement from the outside of the apartment building to the exclusive space by face authentication. Further, when receiving the admission invitation information including the user identification information transmitted from the admission management system 20, by transmitting the registration request information to the user terminal 50, it is possible to surely identify the user who is a resident based on the admission invitation information in the face authentication platform 10. Further, since the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information transmitted from the admission management system 20, the user who is a resident can register information regarding the face image using the user terminal 50, and thus the convenience for the user can be improved. Further, when the face authentication platform 10 receives the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 10 stores the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information regarding the user's face image to the first imaging device 30A. Therefore, the information regarding the user's face image can be managed on the face authentication platform 10 side, and the first imaging device 30A can also authenticate the user using the information regarding the face image of the user registered by the user terminal 50.

[0045] Also, in the face recognition system 1 and the face recognition method of the present embodiment, when the face recognition platform 10 receives information regarding the user's face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, it transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20, and stores the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information regarding the user's face image to the first imaging device 30A only when approval information is received from the first entrance management system 20. In this case, the registration information of the user registered by the user using the user terminal 50 is once confirmed by the operator who operates the entrance management system 20, and approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 10 only when the operator determines that there is no problem and performs an approval operation in the first entrance management system 20A. Therefore, the accuracy of the information regarding the user's face image used in the authentication by the authentication unit 36A can be improved. That is, it is possible to prevent information regarding the face image of a user other than a resident from being erroneously transmitted to the first imaging device 30A, and thus it is possible to prevent the user from being authenticated using the information regarding the face image of a user other than a resident. Also, since the information regarding the user's face image is not transmitted from the face recognition platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A unless it is approved by the entrance management system 20, the security can be improved.

[0046] Also, in the face authentication system 1 and the face authentication method of the present embodiment, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, when the face authentication platform 10 receives invitation information for entering the building including user identification information from the entrance management system 20, if the user identification information in the received invitation information for entering the building substantially matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18, information regarding the face image of the user in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 is transmitted to the first imaging device 30A or the access control device 40 in another building. In this case, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, since the registration information and information regarding the face image when the user lived in the original building are stored in the storage unit 18, it is not necessary for the user to intentionally capture a face image or input registration information using the user terminal 50, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0047] Also, according to the face authentication system 1 and the face authentication method of the present embodiment, after the face authentication platform 10 transmits the registration request information and receives at least information regarding the face image of the user and the registration information, the information regarding the received face image of the user, the room number, and the registration information are stored in the storage unit 18, and information regarding the face image of the user is transmitted to the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E. In the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E, the information regarding the face image of the user transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 is stored in the respective storage units 38B to 38E, and when the information regarding the face image of the user captured by each imaging unit 34B to 34E is compared with the information regarding the face image of the user stored in the respective storage units 38B to 38E by the authentication units 36B to 36E and the user is authenticated, processing related to the room number of the authenticated user is performed by the processing device (specifically, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, the mailbox 48).

[0048] In this way, in an apartment house, by registering in advance the face images and room numbers of each resident, it is possible to perform processing related to the user's room number through face authentication. Further, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information regarding the user's face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 10 stores the information regarding the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18, and transmits the information regarding the user's face image to each imaging device 30B to 30E. Therefore, the information regarding the user's face image can be managed on the side of the face authentication platform 10, and each imaging device 30B to 30E can also authenticate the user using the information regarding the face image of the user registered by the user terminal 50.

[0049] Further, in the face authentication system 1 and the face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information regarding the user's face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 10 transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20, and stores the information regarding the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information regarding the user's face image to each imaging device 30B to 30E only when receiving approval information from the entrance management system 20. In this case, the registration information of the user registered by the user terminal 50 by the user is once confirmed by the administrator operating the entrance management system 20, and the approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10 only when the administrator determines that there is no problem and performs an approval operation in the entrance management system 20. Therefore, the accuracy of the information regarding the user's face image used in the authentication by each authentication unit 36B to 36E can be improved. That is, it is possible to prevent information regarding the face image of a user other than a resident from being erroneously transmitted to each imaging device 30B to 30E, and thus it is possible to prevent the user from being authenticated using the information regarding the face image of a user other than a resident. Further, since the information regarding the user's face image is not transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to each imaging device 30B to 30E unless approved by the entrance management system 20, the security can be improved.

[0050] Also, in the face recognition system 1 and the face recognition method of the present embodiment, when moving from the outside to a shared space or a private space, the information related to the face image required for authentication by the authentication unit 36A, and the information related to the face image required for authentication by the authentication units 36B to 36E when performing processing related to the user's room number in the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 can be made common. Therefore, even when the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 are additionally installed, it is not necessary to re-register the face image when using these additionally installed devices, so the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0051] Note that the face recognition system 1 and the face recognition method according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-described modes, and various changes can be made.

[0052] For example, when the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 10 receives approval information from the entrance management system 20 (i.e., "YES" in STEP6), the control unit 12 associates the registration information, the room number, and the information regarding the user's face image with each other and stores them in the storage unit 18. At the same time, the control unit 12 transmits the information regarding the user's face image and the user identification information in a state where they are associated with each other to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E. However, the information regarding the user's room number may not be transmitted to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E. Instead, the control unit 12 transmits the user's room number and the user identification information in a state where they are associated with each other to each of the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In the storage units (not shown) of the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48, the user's room number and the user identification information are stored in a state where they are associated with each other. Then, when the user is authenticated by the authentication units 36B to 36E of the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E, the user identification information of this user is transmitted from each of the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E to the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48, when the user identification information is transmitted from each of the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E, the processing related to the room number corresponding to this user identification information is performed. Even in the face authentication system 1 according to such a modification example, when the information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging units 34B to 34E is compared with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage units 38B to 38E by the authentication units 36B to 36E and the user is authenticated, the processing related to the room number of the authenticated user is performed by the processing device (specifically, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48).

[0053] Also, in the above description, the mode in which the storage unit and the authentication unit for storing information related to the user's face image are installed in each imaging device 30A to 30E has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such a mode. For example, the storage unit for storing information related to the user's face image and the authentication unit for authenticating the user may be provided not in each imaging device 30A to 30E but in the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In this case, when the user is registered, information related to the user's face image, the room number, and the user identification information are transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 in a state where they are associated with each other, and are stored in the storage units of these devices. Further, when the imaging units 34A to 34E of the imaging devices 30A to 30E capture the user's face image, information related to the user's face image is transmitted from each imaging device 30A to 30E to the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. Then, the authentication unit provided in the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 compares the information related to the user's face image transmitted from each imaging device 30A to 30E with the information related to the user's face image stored in the storage unit, thereby authenticating the user. Further, as yet another mode, the storage unit for storing information related to the user's face image is installed in each imaging device 30A to 30E, but the authentication unit may be provided not in each imaging device 30A to 30E but in the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48.

[0054] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 4 to 8 are diagrams showing a face authentication system according to the present embodiment, a method for registering face image data in such a face authentication system, and a method for performing face authentication of a user. In describing the second embodiment, descriptions of substantially the same configurations and operations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0055] The face recognition system 1a according to this embodiment enables a user who is a resident to enter a shared space or a proprietary space by simply holding their face in front of the first imaging device 31A serving as a face recognition terminal at the entrance of an apartment building or the like, and the restriction by the access control device 40 is released. For example, a key for unlocking the door installed at the entrance is not required, which can improve the convenience for the residents. The configuration of such a face recognition system 1a will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the face recognition system 1a includes a face recognition platform 11, a first imaging device 31A and an access control device 40 installed at the entrance of a building which is an apartment building, a delivery box 42 and a second imaging device 31B arranged near the delivery box 42, an elevator control device 44 for controlling the operation of the elevator car and a third imaging device 31C arranged near the elevator door, a plurality of locking devices 46 for locking and unlocking the doors installed at the entrances of each room and a plurality of fourth imaging devices 31D arranged near the entrances of each room, and a mailbox 48 and a fifth imaging device 31E arranged near the mailbox 48.

[0057] The face recognition platform 11 is communicably connected to the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, the mailbox 48 and each imaging device 31A to 31E via a network such as an Internet line. The face recognition platform 11 is, for example, a computer of a system company or the like. Further, the face recognition platform 11 is communicably connected to the entrance management system 20 via a network such as an Internet line. The entrance management system 20 is, for example, a computer of a building management company or a rental management company or the like. Also, the face recognition platform 11 is communicably connected to a user terminal 50 possessed by each resident via a network such as an Internet line.

[0058] The face authentication platform 11 includes a control unit 12, a reception unit 14, a transmission unit 16, an authentication unit 17, and a storage unit 18. The reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, the authentication unit 17, and the storage unit 18 are each connected to the control unit 12 via a bus. Since the configurations of the control unit 12, the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, and the storage unit 18 are substantially the same as those of the control unit 12, the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, and the storage unit 18 of the face authentication platform 10 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. The authentication unit 17 authenticates the user by comparing the information on the face image of the user stored in the storage unit 18 with the information on the face image of the user transmitted from each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E. In the face authentication platform 11, the control unit 12 executes programs stored in the storage unit 18, programs stored in a recording medium attached to the face authentication platform 11, programs transmitted from an external device to the face authentication platform 11, etc., whereby the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, the authentication unit 17, and the storage unit 18 each function.

[0059] The first imaging device 31A and the access control device 40 are each installed near the entrance of the building. The first imaging device 31A includes a control unit 32A, an imaging unit 34A, and a storage unit 38A. Note that in the second embodiment, the first imaging device 31A is not provided with an authentication unit. Since the configurations of the control unit 32A, the imaging unit 34A, and the storage unit 38A are substantially the same as those of the control unit 32A, the imaging unit 34A, and the storage unit 38A of the first imaging device 30A in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. As such a first imaging device 31A, for example, a PC tablet or the like is used. Also, since the configuration of the access control device 40 is substantially the same as the configuration of the access control device 40 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0060] The delivery box 42 has a plurality of storage units for storing luggage and a regulating unit (specifically, a door) that selectively regulates access to each storage unit. In addition, a second imaging device 31B is installed near the location where the user takes out the luggage from the delivery box 42. The second imaging device 31B has a control unit 32B, an imaging unit 34B, and a storage unit 38B. In the second embodiment, the authentication unit is not provided in the second imaging device 31B. Since the configurations of the control unit 32B, the imaging unit 34B, and the storage unit 38B are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32B, the imaging unit 34B, and the storage unit 38B of the second imaging device 30B in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Since the configuration of the delivery box 42 is substantially the same as the configuration of the delivery box 42 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0061] The elevator control device 44 controls the operation of an elevator car installed in the shared space. In addition, the third imaging device 31C is disposed near the elevator door on at least the same floor as the access control device 40 in the shared space. Note that the third imaging device 31C may be disposed near the elevator door not only on the same floor as the access control device 40 but also on each floor. The third imaging device 31C has a control unit 32C, an imaging unit 34C, and a storage unit 38C. In the second embodiment, the authentication unit is not provided in the third imaging device 31C. Since the configurations of the control unit 32C, the imaging unit 34C, and the storage unit 38C are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32C, the imaging unit 34C, and the storage unit 38C of the third imaging device 30C in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Also, since the configuration of the elevator control device 44 is substantially the same as the configuration of the elevator control device 44 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0062] The locking device 46 is provided corresponding to each room of the building, and locks and unlocks the door installed at the entrance of each room. In addition, a fourth imaging device 31D is arranged near the entrance of each room. The fourth imaging device 31D includes a control unit 32D, an imaging unit 34D, and a storage unit 38D. Note that, in the second embodiment, the fourth imaging device 31D is not provided with an authentication unit. Since the configurations of the control unit 32D, the imaging unit 34D, and the storage unit 38D are substantially the same as those of the control unit 32D, the imaging unit 34D, and the storage unit 38D of the fourth imaging device 30D in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In addition, since the configuration of the locking device 46 is also substantially the same as the configuration of the locking device 46 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] The mailbox 48 has a plurality of storage sections corresponding to room numbers and a regulating section (specifically, a door) that selectively regulates access to each storage section. In addition, a fifth imaging device 31E is installed near the location where the user takes out the luggage from the mailbox 48. The fifth imaging device 31E includes a control unit 32E, an imaging unit 34E, and a storage unit 38E. Note that, in the second embodiment, the fifth imaging device 31E is not provided with an authentication unit. Since the configurations of the control unit 32E, the imaging unit 34E, and the storage unit 38E are substantially the same as those of the control unit 32E, the imaging unit 34E, and the storage unit 38E of the fifth imaging device 30E in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Since the configuration of the mailbox 48 is substantially the same as the configuration of the mailbox 48 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0064] Next, the operation when registering the face image data of a user living in the building in such a face recognition system 1a will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0065] When information indicating that a user has started living in a building is input into the entrance management system 20 by an employee of a building management company, a rental management company, or the like, the entrance invitation information for this user is sent from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 11. The entrance invitation information includes the user identification information of the user and information such as the room number of the room where the user lives. When the face recognition platform 11 receives the entrance invitation information (the "YES" in STEP101), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entrance invitation information substantially matches the user identification information of the registered information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP102). Here, when the user lives in a building registered in the face recognition platform 11 for the first time, the user identification information in the entrance invitation information does not substantially match the user identification information of the registered information stored in the storage unit 18 (the "NO" in STEP102). In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 11 sends registration request information to the user terminal 50 (STEP103). The user terminal 50 to which the registration request information is to be sent is specified by the user identification information included in the entrance invitation information sent from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 11. On the other hand, when the user moves from another building managed by the same building management company or rental management company and registered in the face recognition platform 11, since the user identification information is already stored in the storage unit 18, the user identification information in the entrance invitation information sent from the entrance management system 20 of the building to which the user has moved to the face recognition platform 11 substantially matches the user identification information of the registered information stored in the storage unit 18 (the "YES" in STEP102). In this case, user registration using the user terminal 50 by the user is not performed.

[0066] The user who has received the registration request information on the user terminal 50 performs user registration by the user terminal 50. Specifically, the user first installs a face authentication app on the user terminal 50. Then, when the user activates the face authentication app on the user terminal 50, a user registration screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. On such a user registration screen, the user inputs registration information such as name (Chinese characters), name (Kana), date of birth, username, phone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, password, etc., and after checking the box to agree to the terms of use and pressing the registration button, a face image capture screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user captures a face image with the user terminal 50 on such a capture screen, various registration information input on the user registration screen and the user's face image data are sent from the user terminal 50 to the face authentication platform 11. In this way, the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 11 receives the registration information and the face image data from the user terminal 50 (the "YES" in STEP104). Also, the identification information of the user terminal 50 is received by the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 11. Thereafter, the transmission unit 16 of the face authentication platform 11 transmits the user's registration information to the entrance management system 20 (STEP105).

[0067] The administrator who operates the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information and the like sent from the face authentication platform 11. When the user is approved in the entrance management system 20, approval information is sent from the entrance management system 20 to the face authentication platform 11. When the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 11 receives the approval information from the entrance management system 20 (the "YES" in STEP106), the control unit 12 associates the information regarding the registration information, room number, and face image with each other and stores them in the storage unit 18 (STEP107).

[0068] Next, the operation when a user enters a shared space or a proprietary space from outside the building in the face recognition system 1a shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8. When a user who intends to enter a shared space or a proprietary space from outside the building holds his / her face in front of the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 31A, the imaging unit 34A captures the user's face and user face image data is acquired (\"YES\" in STEP 110). Then, information regarding the user's face image is transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the face recognition platform 11 (STEP 111). Specifically, the user's face image data is directly transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the face recognition platform 11. Alternatively, the control unit 32A extracts a hash value from the user's face image data acquired by the imaging unit 34A using a predetermined hash function, and the extracted hash value is transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the face recognition platform 11.

[0069] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user (STEP112) by comparing the information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the first imaging device 31A with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18. Specifically, when the user's face image data transmitted from the first imaging device 31A substantially matches the user's face image data stored in the storage unit 18, an authentication is performed that the user is a resident. Alternatively, when the control unit 12 extracts a hash value from the user's face image data transmitted from the first imaging device 31A using a predetermined hash function, and the extracted hash value substantially matches the hash value stored in the storage unit 18, an authentication that the user is a resident may be performed. As yet another aspect, when the hash value transmitted from the first imaging device 31A substantially matches the hash value stored in the storage unit 18, an authentication that the user is a resident may be performed. When the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 17 is performed (「YES」 in STEP112), an operation command (specifically, a regulation release command) is sent from the face authentication platform 11 to the access control device 40 (STEP113). When a regulation release command is sent to the access control device 40, the regulation by the access control device 40 is released and the movement of the user from the outside of the building to the shared space or the exclusive space is permitted (STEP114). As a result, the user can enter the shared space or the exclusive space. Also, when the authentication of the user by the authentication unit 17 is performed, information indicating that the user's authentication has been performed is stored in the storage unit 18 together with the user identification information. As a result, the storage unit 18 stores a history of the release of the regulation by the access control device 40.

[0070] Also, when the user tries to take out the luggage stored in the delivery box 42 and holds his / her face in front of the imaging unit 34B of the second imaging device 31B installed near the delivery box 42, the imaging unit 34B captures the user's face and the user's face image data is acquired (「YES」 in STEP110). Then, information regarding the user's face image is transmitted from the second imaging device 31B to the face authentication platform 11 (STEP111).

[0071] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing the information on the user's face image transmitted from the second imaging device 31B with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP112). When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 (the answer to STEP112 is "YES"), an operation command is sent from the face authentication platform 11 to the delivery box 42 (STEP113). When an operation command is sent to the delivery box 42, a process is performed to allow access to the storage unit in which the luggage corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user is stored. Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17, the information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to the delivery box 42 as an operation command. Then, the delivery box 42 performs a process to allow access to the storage unit in which the luggage corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 is stored. As a result, the user can take out the luggage from the storage unit.

[0072] Also, after the user enters the shared space and tries to get into the elevator car and holds his / her face in front of the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 31C installed near the elevator control device 44, the imaging unit 34C captures the user's face and acquires the user's face image data (the answer to STEP110 is "YES"). Then, the information on the user's face image is transmitted from the third imaging device 31C to the face authentication platform 11 (STEP111).

[0073] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing the information on the user's face image transmitted from the third imaging device 31C with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP112). When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 (”YES” in STEP112), an operation command is sent from the face authentication platform 11 to the elevator control device 44 (STEP113). When the elevator control device 44 receives the operation command from the face authentication platform 11, it designates the destination floor of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17, the information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to the elevator control device 44 as an operation command. Then, the elevator control device 44 designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 as the destination of the elevator car. As a result, the user can take out luggage and mail from the storage unit corresponding to his or her room number.

[0074] Also, in another aspect of the present embodiment, when the access control device 40 installed at the entrance of the building and the position of the elevator door are close, when a user holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 31A installed near the access control device 40, the imaging unit 34A captures the user's face and user face image data is acquired. When information regarding the user's face image is transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the face authentication platform 11 and the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17, an operation command may be transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to the elevator control device 44. Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11, information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted as an operation command from the face authentication platform 11 to the elevator control device 44. Then, the elevator car automatically moves to the floor on the same floor as the entrance of the building. As a result, a user who enters the shared space of the building can immediately board the elevator car. Further, the elevator control device 44 designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 as the destination floor for the elevator car. As a result, even if the user does not hold their face in front of the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 31C and does not specify the destination floor after boarding the elevator, the elevator stops at the floor of the user's room. Also, in such an aspect, it is possible to omit installing the third imaging device 31C near the elevator door itself.

[0075] Also, after the user enters the shared space and reaches in front of their room and holds their face in front of the imaging unit 34D of the fourth imaging device 31D corresponding to this room, the imaging unit 34D captures the user's face and user face image data is acquired (STEP110). Then, information regarding the user's face image is transmitted from the fourth imaging device 31D to the face authentication platform 11 (STEP111).

[0076] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing the information on the user's face image transmitted from the fourth imaging device 31D with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP112). When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 (the answer to STEP112 is "YES"), an operation command is sent from the face authentication platform 11 to the locking device 46 (STEP113). When the locking device 46 receives the operation command from the face authentication platform 11, it unlocks the door corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 36D, the information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted as an operation command from the face authentication platform 11 to the elevator control device 44. Then, when the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 matches the room number corresponding to this locking device 46, the locking device 46 unlocks the door. As a result, the user can enter the exclusive space by face authentication without having a key.

[0077] Also, when the user tries to take out the mail stored in the mailbox 48 and holds his / her face in front of the imaging unit 34E of the fifth imaging device 31E installed near the mailbox 48, the imaging unit 34E captures the user's face and the user's face image data is acquired (the answer to STEP110 is "YES"). Then, the information on the user's face image is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 31E to the face authentication platform 11 (STEP111).

[0078] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user (STEP112) by comparing the information on the user's face image transmitted from the fifth imaging device 31E with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18. When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 ( "YES" in STEP112), an operation command is sent from the face authentication platform 11 to the mailbox 48 (STEP113). When an operation command is sent to the mailbox 48, a process is performed to allow access to the storage unit corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. Specifically, when the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17, the information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted as an operation command from the face authentication platform 11 to the mailbox 48. Then, the mailbox 48 performs a process to allow access to the storage unit corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11. As a result, the user can take out the mail from the storage unit.

[0079] According to the face authentication system 1a and the face authentication method of the present embodiment having the above configuration, when the face authentication platform 11 receives the admission invitation information including the user identification information from the admission management system 20, the face authentication platform 11 transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information. Further, after transmitting the registration request information, when the face authentication platform 11 receives the information on the user's face image and the registration information, the face authentication platform 11 stores the information on the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18. Also, in the first imaging device 31A, the information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A is transmitted to the face authentication platform 11, and the face authentication platform 11, by the authentication unit 17, compares the information on the user's face image transmitted from the first imaging device 31A with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18, and when the user is authenticated, the face authentication platform 11 transmits a restriction release command to the access restriction device 40. Then, in the access restriction device 40, when the restriction release command is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11, the restriction by the access restriction device 40 is released and the movement from the outside to the exclusive space is allowed.

[0080] In this way, by registering the face images of each resident in advance in an apartment building or the like, it is possible to allow movement from the outside of the apartment building to the exclusive space by face authentication. Further, when receiving the admission invitation information including the user identification information transmitted from the admission management system 20, by transmitting the registration request information to the user terminal 50, it is possible to surely identify the user who is a resident based on the admission invitation information in the face authentication platform 11. Further, since the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information transmitted from the admission management system 20, the user who is a resident can register information regarding the face image using the user terminal 50, and thus the convenience for the user can be improved. Further, when the face authentication platform 11 receives the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 11 stores the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18, so that the information regarding the user's face image can be managed on the face authentication platform 11 side, and there is no need to store the information regarding the user's face image in the storage unit 38A of the first imaging device 31A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the information regarding the user's face image from being extracted from the first imaging device 31A, and thus the security can be improved.

[0081] Also, in the face recognition system 1a and the face recognition method of the present embodiment, after the face recognition platform 11 transmits registration request information and receives information regarding the user's face image and registration information, it transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20. Only when the face recognition platform 11 receives approval information from the entrance management system 20, it stores the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18. In this case, the registration information of the user registered by the user using the user terminal 50 is once confirmed by the administrator operating the entrance management system 20, and only when the administrator determines that there is no problem, the administrator performs an approval operation in the entrance management system 20, and thus the approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 11. Therefore, the accuracy of the information regarding the user's face image used in the authentication by the authentication unit 17 can be improved. That is, it is possible to prevent the user from being authenticated using information regarding the face image of a user other than the resident.

[0082] Also, in the face recognition system 1a and the face recognition method of the present embodiment, for example, when a user moves from one building to another building, when the face recognition platform 11 receives the entrance invitation information including the user identification information from the entrance management system 20, if the user identification information in the received entrance invitation information substantially matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18, the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 are associated with the entrance control device 40 of the other building. In this case, when the user moves from one building to another building, since the registration information and the information regarding the face image when the user lived in the original building are stored in the storage unit 18, there is no need for the user to intentionally capture a face image or input registration information using the user terminal 50, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0083] Also, according to the face recognition system 1a and the face recognition method of the present embodiment, when the face recognition platform 11 receives at least information regarding the user's face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, it causes the storage unit 18 to store the received information regarding the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information. Further, in the imaging devices 31B to 31E, information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging units 34B to 34E is transmitted to the face recognition platform 11. Also, when the face recognition platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing the information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the imaging devices 31B to 31E with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 by the authentication unit 17, it transmits an operation command to the processing devices (specifically, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, the mailbox 48). In each processing device, when an operation command is transmitted from the face recognition platform 11, the processing related to the room number of the authenticated user is performed by the processing device.

[0084] In this way, by registering in advance the face images and room numbers of each resident in an apartment building, it is possible to perform processing related to the user's room number through face authentication. Further, when receiving the admission invitation information including the user identification information sent from the admission management system 20, by sending registration request information to the user terminal 50, it is possible to surely identify the user who is a resident in the face authentication platform 11 based on the admission invitation information. Further, since the registration request information is sent to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information sent from the admission management system 20, the user who is a resident can register information related to the face image using the user terminal 50, thus improving the convenience for the user. Further, when the face authentication platform 11 receives information related to the user's face image and registration information after sending the registration request information, it stores the information related to the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18, so that the information related to the user's face image can be managed on the side of the face authentication platform 11, and it is not necessary to store the information related to the user's face image in the storage units 38A to 38E of the imaging devices 31B to 31E. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the information related to the user's face image from being extracted from the imaging devices 31B to 31E, thus improving the security.

[0085] Also, in the face authentication system 1a and the face authentication method of the present embodiment, the information related to the face image required for authentication by the authentication unit 17 when moving from the outside to a shared space or a private space, and the information related to the face image required for authentication by the authentication unit 17 when performing processing related to the user's room number in the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 can be made common. For this reason, even when the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 are additionally installed, it is not necessary to re-register the face image when using these additionally installed devices, thus improving the convenience for the user.

[0086] Note that the face authentication system 1a and the face authentication method according to this embodiment are not limited to the above-described modes, and various modifications can be made.

[0087] For example, in the above description, after the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11, an operation command (including an unlocking command) is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to each of the devices of the access control device 40, the storage box device 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. However, this embodiment is not limited to such a mode. As another example, after the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11, an operation command may be transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E, and an operation command may be transmitted from each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E to each of the devices of the access control device 40, the storage box device 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48.

[0088] Also, the face authentication system and the face authentication method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described modes, and various modifications can be made.

[0089] For example, the first imaging devices 30A and 31A installed at the entrance of the building and the access control device 40 are not necessarily separate. An integrated device combining the first imaging devices 30A and 31A and the access control device 40 may be installed at the entrance of the building. Also, the second imaging devices 30B and 31B and the delivery box 42 are not necessarily separate. An integrated device combining the second imaging devices 30B and 31B and the delivery box 42 may be installed inside the building or the like. Further, the third imaging devices 30C and 31C and the elevator control device 44 are not necessarily separate. An integrated device combining the third imaging devices 30C and 31C and the elevator control device 44 may be installed near the elevator door. Additionally, the fourth imaging devices 30D and 31D and the locking device 46 are not necessarily separate. An integrated device combining the fourth imaging devices 30D and 31D and the locking device 46 may be installed near the elevator door. Moreover, the fifth imaging devices 30E and 31E and the mailbox 48 are not necessarily separate. An integrated device combining the fifth imaging devices 30E and 31E and the mailbox 48 may be installed near the elevator door.

[0090] Also, instead of directly transmitting the face image data of the visitor captured by the camera of the user terminal 50 to the face recognition platforms 10 and 11, the face authentication app used in the user terminal 50 of the user may extract a hash value using a predetermined hash function based on the face image data of the visitor captured by the camera of the user terminal 50, and transmit the extracted hash value to the face recognition platforms 10 and 11.

[0091] Also, the processing device that performs processing related to the user's room number is not limited to the above-described delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48. As long as it can perform processing related to the user's room number, devices other than the delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48 may be used as the processing device.

[0092] Also, among the plurality of imaging devices 30A to 30E and 31A to 31E, some imaging devices may have an authentication unit while others may not. Even in this case, since information regarding the user's face image, room number, and registration information are stored in the storage unit of the face authentication platform, any device (specifically, the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48) can perform processing based on face authentication using information regarding the user's face image.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 1, 1a Face authentication system 10, 11 Face authentication platform 12 Control unit 14 Reception unit 16 Transmission unit 17 Authentication unit 18 First storage unit 20 Admission management system 30A, 31A First imaging device 30B, 31B Second imaging device 30C, 31C Third imaging device 30D, 31D Fourth imaging device 30E, 31E Fifth imaging device 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D Control unit 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D Imaging unit 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D Authentication unit 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D Storage unit 40 Access control device 42 Delivery box 44 Elevator control device 46 Locking device 48 Mailbox 50 User terminal

Claims

1. a face database that holds face data of residents of the apartment complex; A photographing device for face authentication installed in the apartment building; A user terminal which is an information terminal owned by a resident of the apartment complex; a residence management tool for a manager of the housing complex to manage information of the residents; the face data in the face database is generated from a face image captured by the user terminal; In order for the resident to use face recognition in the apartment building, The administrator registers the identification information of the resident in the residence management tool, or The administrator needs to perform an approval operation for the user registration of the resident using the residence management tool. Authentication system.

2. The imaging device is of the apartment building. A first imaging device installed near an entrance door of the building; and A second image capturing device is installed near the entrance door of each room, The resident can unlock the entrance door and the front door through face authentication using each of the photographing devices. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

3. The resident can register his / her own email address or telephone number using the user terminal. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

4. A log database in which a history of face recognition usage in the housing complex is recorded; A server device having the log database, The server device is communicably connected to the user terminal. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

5. In order for the resident to use face recognition in the apartment building, The resident performs user registration for face authentication in the apartment complex using the user terminal; The manager must perform the approval operation using the occupancy management tool. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

6. the photographing device includes a third photographing device installed in a common space in the building of the apartment complex; the resident is able to unlock a door of a mailbox or a delivery box installed in the shared space by face authentication using the third photographing device, The face data is associated with room data that is information for identifying the room in which the resident resides; The mailbox or the delivery box identifies a door to be unlocked based on the room data of the resident. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

7. the photographing device includes a fourth photographing device installed near an elevator door on a floor on which an entrance door of the apartment building is provided, The face data is associated with hierarchical data that is information for identifying the floor on which the resident lives, When the resident authenticated by the fourth photographing device gets on the elevator, the elevator automatically sets the resident's residence floor as the destination. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

8. The photographing device includes a first photographing device installed near an entrance door of the building of the apartment building, If the resident succeeds in face authentication using the first photographing device, an elevator automatically moves to a floor where the entrance door is provided. The authentication system according to claim 1 .

9. A memory unit that stores face data of residents of the apartment complex; A photographing device for face authentication installed in the apartment building; A user terminal which is an information terminal owned by a resident of the apartment complex; an occupancy management tool for an administrator of the housing complex to manage information of the residents; A step of the manager informing the resident about user registration for face authentication in the apartment complex; The resident performs the user registration by using the user terminal. Tenancy management methods.

10. The method further includes a step of the administrator approving the user registration of the resident by the residence management tool. The occupancy management method according to claim 9.

11. a step of generating the face data from a face image captured by the user terminal and registering the face data in the storage unit; The method further includes a step of: the manager inputting the room number of the resident into the occupancy management tool, and the face data is associated with the room number and registered in the storage unit. The occupancy management method according to claim 9.

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