Authentication system

Abstract

To enable a resident to unlock each facility of a collective housing by face authentication, by pre-registering information related to a facial image of the resident of the collective housing.SOLUTION: An authentication system comprises: a storage unit that stores a facial image of a resident of a collective housing or facial data which is processed data; a resident terminal which is an information terminal owned by the resident; and a first imaging device installed near an entry door of a building of the collective housing and a second imaging device installed near an entrance door of each room. The resident registers their user as the resident of the collective housing by a predetermined personal confirmation procedure set by a manager of the collective housing. The resident takes a picture of one's own face using the resident terminal and registers the facial data in the storage unit, which enables the resident to unlock the entry door and the entrance door by the face authentication using each imaging device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to improve the convenience of so-called visiting services, such as housekeeping services and home care services, there have been known unlocking systems that use biometric authentication to unlock the front door lock in apartment buildings (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With such an unlocking system, the front door lock of the client's home can be unlocked using the biometric information of the service provider, so the client does not need to be at home to receive the visiting service, and there is no need to leave the client's home key with a stranger, which also alleviates concerns about security. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-047982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, technology is known in which a service provider uses biometric information to unlock a front door lock during a home visit service, but until now, there has been no known technology that uses facial recognition to automatically unlock doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building or slide an automatic door to open the entrance by registering facial image data of each resident in advance in an apartment building or other multi-family dwelling.

[0005] The present invention has been made with these points in mind, and aims to provide an authentication system that allows residents of an apartment building to unlock each facility in the apartment building through facial recognition by registering information about their facial images in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The authentication system of the present invention comprises: a storage unit for storing face images of residents of the apartment complex or face data that is processed data thereof; a resident terminal which is an information terminal owned by the resident; The apartment complex, a first imaging device installed near an entrance door of the building; and A second imaging device is installed near the entrance door of each room, Equipped with The resident registers the user as a resident of the apartment complex after a predetermined identity verification procedure by the manager of the apartment complex, and also photographs the user's face using the resident terminal and registers the face data in the storage unit; The gist of the invention is that the resident can unlock the entrance door and the front door through facial authentication using each of the imaging devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the authentication system of the present invention, by registering information relating to facial images of residents of an apartment building in advance, residents can unlock each facility of the apartment building through facial authentication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a face authentication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the exchange of information when registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a face authentication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the exchange of information when registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the exchange of information when performing face authentication of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when performing face authentication of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a face authentication system according to this embodiment and a method of registering face image data in such a face authentication system.

[0010] In the face authentication system 1 according to this embodiment, a user who is a resident of an apartment building or other collective housing complex simply holds his or her face over the first image capture device 30A as a face authentication terminal at the entrance of the complex, thereby canceling the restriction imposed by the entry restriction device 40 and allowing the user to enter a shared space or a private space. For example, a key to unlock a door installed at the entrance is no longer necessary, thereby improving convenience for the residents. The configuration of such a face authentication system 1 will be described using FIG.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the facial recognition system 1 includes a facial recognition platform 10, a first imaging device 30A and an entry control device 40 installed at the entrance of a building that 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 that controls the operation of the elevator car and a third imaging device 30C arranged near the elevator door, a plurality of locking devices 46 that lock and unlock the doors installed at the entrance of each room and a plurality of fourth imaging devices 30D arranged near the entrance of each room, and a mailbox 48 and a fifth imaging device 30E arranged near the mailbox 48.

[0012] The facial recognition platform 10 is communicatively connected to the entry control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, the mailbox 48, and each of the image capture devices 30A to 30E via a network such as the Internet. The facial recognition platform 10 is, for example, a computer of a system company. The facial recognition platform 10 is also communicatively connected to the entry management system 20 via a network such as the Internet. The entry management system 20 is, for example, a computer of a building management company or a rental management company. The facial recognition platform 10 is also communicatively connected to a user terminal 50 carried by each resident via a network such as the Internet.

[0013] The face recognition 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 to the face recognition platform 10 from an external device. The transmission unit 16 is configured to transmit information from the face recognition platform 10 to the external device. The storage unit 18 is configured to store information related to the registration information, room number, and facial image of each resident of the building. The storage unit 18 also stores a history of face recognition processing performed by each of the imaging devices 30A-30E, as well as a history of processing performed by the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In the facial recognition platform 10, the reception unit 14, transmission unit 16, and memory unit 18 each function by the control unit 12 executing a program stored in the memory unit 18, a program stored in a recording medium attached to the facial recognition platform 10, or a program transmitted to the facial recognition platform 10 from an external device.

[0014] As described above, the entry management system 20 is a computer of a building management company or a rental management company, and various information about the building's residents (e.g., name, date of birth, user name, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, telephone number of a landline phone installed in the living space of the building, building name, room number, start date of occupancy, scheduled date of departure, user identification number, etc.) is stored in the entry management system 20.

[0015] The first imaging device 30A and the entry 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 via a bus. The control unit 32A is a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The imaging unit 34A captures an image of a user's face attempting to enter a shared space or a private space at the entrance of the building to acquire facial image data. The storage unit 38A stores information related to the user's facial image transmitted from the facial authentication platform 10. Here, the information related to the user's facial image is the user's facial image data or a hash value extracted from the user's facial image data using a predetermined hash function. The authentication unit 36A performs facial authentication of the user by comparing information related to the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34A with information related to the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38A. When the authentication unit 36A performs face authentication of the user, an operation command (specifically, a command to release the restriction) is transmitted from the first imaging device 30A to the entrance restriction device 40. As such a first imaging device 30A, for example, a dedicated face authentication device or a PC tablet is used.

[0016] The entry restriction device 40 selectively restricts movement from outside the building to the shared space or the private space. For example, if a door is installed at the entrance to the shared space, the entry restriction device 40 includes a locking device that locks and unlocks the door. Specifically, the locking device normally locks the door installed at the entrance to the shared space, thereby restricting third parties from entering the shared space or the private space from outside the building. On the other hand, when the entry restriction device 40 receives a restriction release command transmitted from the first imaging device 30A, the entry restriction device 40 (specifically, the locking device) unlocks the door, allowing users such as residents to enter the shared space or the private space from outside the building. Note that the door is unlocked for a predetermined period of time, and the locking device automatically relocks the door after the period has elapsed.

[0017] Furthermore, if a sliding automatic door is installed at the entrance to the shared space of the building, the entry restriction device 40 includes a sliding device that slides the automatic door. Specifically, the sliding device normally keeps the automatic door in a closed position so that the automatic door blocks the entrance to the shared space, thereby restricting third parties from entering the shared space from outside the building. On the other hand, when the entry restriction device 40 receives a restriction release command transmitted from the first imaging device 30A, the entry restriction device 40 (specifically, the sliding device) slides the automatic door to an open position, thereby unblocking the entrance to the shared space and allowing users such as residents to enter the shared space or private space from outside the building. Note that the automatic door remains in the open position for a predetermined period of time, and when this period has elapsed, the sliding device moves the automatic door from the open position to the closed position again.

[0018] Delivery locker 42 has multiple storage compartments for storing packages and a restricting unit (specifically, a door) that selectively restricts access to each storage compartment. When the resident is away from home, a delivery person from a delivery company places the package in the storage compartment where delivery locker 42 is located. When the resident returns to the building, the delivery person opens the door to the storage compartment where the deposited package is stored, thereby removing the package from the storage compartment of the delivery locker. Such delivery locker 42 is installed outside the shared space. Alternatively, packages can be placed in each storage compartment of delivery locker 42 from outside the shared space, but packages can only be removed from each storage compartment within the shared space.

[0019] The second imaging device 30B is installed near a location where a user retrieves a package from the delivery box 42. The second imaging device 30B has 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 captures an image of the face of a user attempting to retrieve a package from the delivery box 42 to acquire facial image data. The storage unit 38B stores information about the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the facial recognition platform 10, in association with one another. The authentication unit 36B performs facial authentication of the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34B with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38B. When the authentication unit 36B performs face authentication of the user, an operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42. For example, a dedicated face authentication device or a PC tablet is used as the second imaging device 30B. Furthermore, when the 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 if a package corresponding to the user's room number is stored therein. Then, when the user operates the touch panel or the like to input an instruction to remove the package, the door of the storage unit where the package is stored opens, allowing the user to remove the package from the storage unit.

[0020] The elevator control device 44 controls the operation of the elevator car installed in the shared space. The third imaging device 30C is arranged near the elevator door on at least the same floor as the entry restriction device 40 in the shared space. The third imaging device 30C may be arranged near the elevator door on each floor, not just on the same floor as the entry restriction device 40. The third imaging device 30C includes a control unit 32C, an imaging unit 34C, an authentication unit 36C, and a memory unit 38C. The imaging unit 34C, the authentication unit 36C, and the memory 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 captures an image of a user positioned near the elevator door to acquire facial image data. The memory unit 38C stores information about the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face recognition platform 10, in association with each other. The authentication unit 36C performs face authentication of the user by comparing information about the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34C with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38C. Once the authentication unit 36C has performed face authentication of the user, an operation command is transmitted from the third imaging device 30C to the elevator control device 44. For example, a PC tablet or the like is used as the third imaging device 30C. Upon receiving the operation command from the third imaging device 30C, the elevator control device 44 specifies the destination of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34C. This allows the elevator to stop at the floor of the user's room after the user gets on the elevator without having to specify the destination floor.

[0021] A locking device 46 is provided for each room in the building and locks and unlocks the door at the entrance of each room. A fourth imaging device 30D is also provided near the entrance of each room. Each fourth imaging device 30D includes 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 via a bus. The control unit 32D is a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The imaging unit 34D captures an image of a user attempting to enter a room from outside and acquires facial image data. The storage unit 38D stores information related to the user's facial image, the room number, and user identification information transmitted from the facial recognition platform 10, in association with each other. The authentication unit 36D performs facial authentication of the user by comparing information related to the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34D with information related to the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38D. When the authentication unit 36D performs face authentication of the user, an operation command is transmitted from the fourth imaging device 30D to the locking device 46. For example, a dedicated face authentication device or a PC tablet may be used as the fourth imaging device 30D. 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 authenticated user. This allows the user to enter the room through face authentication without having a key.

[0022] The mailbox 48 has multiple storage compartments corresponding to room numbers and a restricting unit (specifically, a door) that selectively restricts access to each storage compartment. A postman or other delivery person places mail in the storage compartment of the mailbox 48 that corresponds to the resident's room number, and the resident retrieves the mail stored in the storage compartment of the mailbox. Such a mailbox 48 is installed outside the shared space. Alternatively, mail can be placed in each storage compartment of the mailbox 48 from outside the shared space, but mail can only be retrieved from each storage compartment within the shared space.

[0023] The fifth imaging device 30E is installed near a location where a user retrieves mail from a 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 captures an image of a user's face when the user retrieves mail from the mailbox 48 to acquire facial image data. The storage unit 38E stores information about the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the facial authentication platform 10, in association with one another. The authentication unit 36E performs facial authentication of the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34E with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38E. When the authentication unit 36E performs face authentication of the user, an operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48. For example, a dedicated face authentication device or a PC tablet is used as the fifth imaging device 30E. Furthermore, when the operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E, the mailbox 48 performs a process to permit access to the storage unit corresponding to the authenticated user. Specifically, the door of the storage unit corresponding to the user's room number in the mailbox 48 is unlocked, allowing the user to retrieve mail from the storage unit.

[0024] The user terminal 50 is owned by a user such as a resident. The user terminal 50 includes, for example, a smartphone. A facial recognition app can be installed on the user terminal 50 from an online store, the website of the management company of the facial recognition platform 10, or the like. Once such a facial recognition app is installed, the user can use the user terminal 50 to register facial image data and various registration information (for example, name (kanji), name (kana), date of birth, user name, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, password, etc.).

[0025] 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.

[0026] When information that a user will begin living in a building is entered into the entry management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or a rental management company, entry invitation information for this user is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. The entry 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 authentication platform 10 receives the entry invitation information ("YES" in STEP 1), it determines whether the user identification information in the entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 2). Here, if the user is living in a building registered in the face authentication platform 10 for the first time, the user identification information in the entry 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 authentication 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 has moved from another building that is managed by the same building management company or rental management company and is registered in the face authentication platform 10, the user identification information is already stored in the storage unit 18, and therefore the user identification information in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 of the new building 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.

[0027] A user who receives registration request information on the user terminal 50 performs user registration using the user terminal 50. Specifically, the user first installs a face authentication app on the user terminal 50. When the user launches the face authentication app on the user terminal 50, a user registration screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. On this user registration screen, the user enters registration information such as the user's name (kanji), name (kana), date of birth, username, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, and password, checks a box indicating agreement to the terms of use, and then presses a registration button. A facial image capture screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user captures a facial image using the user terminal 50 on this capture screen, the various registration information entered on the user registration screen and the user's facial image data are transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the facial authentication platform 10. In this way, the reception unit 14 of the facial authentication platform 10 receives the registration information and facial image data from the user terminal 50 ("YES" in STEP 4). The reception unit 14 of the facial authentication platform 10 also receives identification information of the user terminal 50. Thereafter, the transmitting unit 16 of the face authentication platform 10 transmits the user's registration information to the admission management system 20 (STEP 5).

[0028] The administrator operating the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by reviewing the user's registration information and the like transmitted from the facial recognition platform 10. Once the entrance management system 20 approves the user, approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the facial recognition platform 10. When the reception unit 14 of the facial recognition platform 10 receives the approval information from the entrance management system 20 ("YES" in STEP 6), the control unit 12 associates the registration information, the room number, and information related to the user's facial image with each other and stores them in the storage unit 18, and also transmits the information related to the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information with each other to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E (STEP 7). As described above, the information related to the facial image is the user's facial image data or a hash value extracted from the user's facial image data using a predetermined hash function. That is, the user's facial image data captured by the user terminal 50 may be stored directly in the storage unit 18 or transmitted to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E. Alternatively, the control unit 32A may extract a hash value from the user's facial image data using 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 facial image-related information, room number, and 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 linked state. As another example, the user's room number may not be transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A. In this case, the facial image-related information and the user identification information are transmitted in a linked state, or only the facial image-related information is transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A and stored in the storage unit 38A.

[0029] Next, the operation of the facial authentication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 when a user enters a shared space or a private space from outside the building will be described. When a user attempting to enter a shared space or a private space from outside the building holds their face over the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 30A, the imaging unit 34A captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user. The authentication unit 36A authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34A with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38A. Specifically, if the user's facial image data captured by the imaging unit 34A and the user's facial image data stored in the storage unit 38A substantially match, the authentication unit 36A authenticates that the user is a resident. Alternatively, the control unit 32A of the first imaging device 30A may extract a hash value from the user's facial image data captured by the imaging unit 34A using a predetermined hash function, and if the extracted hash value substantially matches the hash value stored in the storage unit 38A, the authentication unit 36A may authenticate that the user is a resident.

[0030] When the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, the first imaging device 30A sends an operation command (specifically, a restriction release command) to the entrance restriction device 40. Alternatively, when the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, the first imaging device 30A sends a restriction release command to the face authentication platform 10, and the face authentication platform 10 further sends a restriction release command to the entrance restriction device 40. When the restriction release command is sent to the entrance restriction device 40, the restriction by the entrance restriction device 40 is released, and the user is allowed to move from outside the building to the shared space or the private space. This allows the user to enter the shared space or the private space. Furthermore, when the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, information that the user has been authenticated is sent from the first imaging device 30A to the face authentication platform 10 together with user identification information, and this information is stored in the memory unit 18. As a result, a history of the release of restrictions by the entrance restriction device 40 is stored in the memory unit 18.

[0031] Furthermore, when a user attempts to retrieve a package stored in the delivery box 42 and holds their face over the imaging unit 34B of the second imaging device 30B installed near the delivery box 42, the imaging unit 34B captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user. The authentication unit 36B authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34B with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38B. Once the authentication unit 36B has authenticated the user, an operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42. Upon receiving the operation command from the second imaging device 30B, the delivery box 42 performs a process to permit access to the storage unit where the user's package, imaged by the imaging unit 34B, is stored.

[0032] Specifically, when authentication unit 36B authenticates a user, information about a room number corresponding to the user's user identification information is transmitted as an operation command from second image capture device 30B to delivery box 42. Delivery box 42 then performs processing to permit access to a storage unit in which a package corresponding to the room number transmitted from second image capture device 30B is stored. This allows the user to remove the package from the storage unit.

[0033] Furthermore, after entering the shared space, when a user attempts to get into an elevator car and holds their face over the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 30C installed near the elevator control device 44, the imaging unit 34C captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user. The authentication unit 36C authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34C with information about the user's facial image stored in the memory unit 38C. Once the authentication unit 36C has authenticated the user, an operation command is transmitted from the third imaging device 30C to the elevator control device 44. Upon receiving the operation command from the third imaging device 30C, the elevator control device 44 specifies the destination of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user.

[0034] Specifically, once the authentication unit 36C authenticates the user, the third image capture device 30C transmits information about the room number corresponding to the user's user identification information as an operation command to the elevator control device 44. The elevator control device 44 then designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the third image capture device 30C as the destination of the elevator car. Specifically, among the floor buttons indicating destinations provided inside the elevator car, the button corresponding to the room number transmitted from the third image capture device 30C is automatically pressed. Alternatively, after the user enters the elevator car, the elevator car doors may automatically close, and the elevator car may then automatically move to the designated floor. This allows the elevator to stop at the user's floor after the user gets in the elevator, even if the user does not specify a destination floor.

[0035] In another aspect of the present embodiment, when the entrance restriction device 40 installed at the building entrance and the elevator doors are located close to each other, the user may hold their face over the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 30A installed near the entrance restriction device 40. The imaging unit 34A captures an image of the user's face, acquiring facial image data of the user. The authentication unit 36A then authenticates the user, and the first imaging device 30A transmits an operational command to the elevator control device 44. Specifically, when the authentication unit 36A of the first imaging device 30A authenticates the user, the first imaging device 30A transmits information about a room number corresponding to the user's user identification information as an operational command to the elevator control device 44. The elevator car then automatically moves to the same floor as the building entrance. This allows the user who enters the building's shared space to immediately board the elevator car. The elevator control device 44 then designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the first imaging device 30A as the destination of the elevator car. This allows the user to stop at the floor of the user's room after getting on the elevator without having to hold their face over the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 30C or specify the destination floor. Also, in this embodiment, it is possible to omit installing the third imaging device 30C near the elevator door.

[0036] Furthermore, after entering the shared space, when the user arrives in front of their own room and holds their face over the imaging unit 34D of the fourth imaging device 30D corresponding to that room, the imaging unit 34D captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user. The authentication unit 36D authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34D with information about the user's facial image stored in the memory unit 38D. Once the authentication unit 36D has authenticated the user, an operation command is sent from the fourth imaging device 30D to the locking device 46. Upon receiving the operation command from the fourth imaging device 30D, the locking device 46 unlocks the door corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34D. This allows the user to enter their private space.

[0037] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36D authenticates a user, information on the room number corresponding to the user's user identification information is transmitted as an operation command from the fourth image capture device 30D to the elevator control device 44. Then, the locking device 46 unlocks the door if the room number transmitted from the fourth image capture device 30D matches the room number corresponding to this locking device 46. This allows the user to enter the exclusive space through facial authentication without having a key.

[0038] Furthermore, when a user attempts to retrieve mail deposited in the mailbox 48 and holds their face over the imaging unit 34E of the fifth imaging device 30E installed near the mailbox 48, the imaging unit 34E captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user. The authentication unit 36E authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34E with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38E. Once the authentication unit 36E has authenticated the user, an operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48. Upon receiving the operation command from the fifth imaging device 30E, the mailbox 48 performs a process of permitting access to a storage unit corresponding to the room number of the user imaged by the imaging unit 34E.

[0039] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36E authenticates a user, information on a room number corresponding to the user's user identification information is transmitted as an operation command from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48. Then, the mailbox 48 performs a process to permit access to the storage unit corresponding to the room number transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E. This allows the user to retrieve mail from the storage unit corresponding to their room number.

[0040] Next, the operation performed by the facial authentication system 1 when a user moves to another building will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. When information that a user will start living in another building is entered into the entry management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or a rental management company, entry invitation information for this user is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the facial authentication platform 10. When the facial authentication platform 10 receives the entry invitation information ("YES" in STEP 1), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 2). Here, since the user who has moved to another building has information (specifically, user identification information, etc.) from when they lived in the original building stored in the storage unit 18, the user identification information in the entry invitation information transmitted from the entry management system 20 approximately matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18 ("YES" in STEP 2).

[0041] In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face authentication platform 10 transmits the user's registration information stored in the storage unit 18 to the entry management system 20 (STEP 5). The administrator operating the entry management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information, etc. transmitted from the face authentication platform 10. Once the entry management system 20 approves the user, approval information is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. When the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 10 receives approval information from the entry management system 20 of another building ("YES" in STEP 6), the control unit 12 associates the registration information, the room number, and information related to the user's facial image with each other and stores them in the storage unit 18, and transmits the information related to the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information with each other to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E (STEP 7). The information relating to the facial 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 linked state. In this way, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, the registration information and information relating to the facial image when the user resided in the original building are stored in the storage unit 18, so the user does not need to take the trouble of capturing a facial image or inputting registration information using the user terminal 50, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0042] According to the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the face authentication platform 10 receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system 20, it transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 identified based on the user identification information. Furthermore, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, it stores the information related to the user's facial image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits information related to the user's facial image to the first imaging device 30A. Furthermore, in the first imaging device 30A, the information related to the user's facial image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 is stored in the storage unit 38A. When the authentication unit 36A compares the information related to the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34A with the information related to the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38A to authenticate the user, the restriction imposed by the entrance restriction device 40 is lifted, and movement into the exclusive space from outside is permitted.

[0043] In this way, by pre-registering the facial images of each resident in an apartment building, facial recognition can be used to allow movement from outside the apartment building to their private space. Furthermore, by transmitting registration request information to the user terminal 50 upon receiving entry invitation information including user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20, the facial authentication platform 10 can reliably identify the resident user based on the entry invitation information. Furthermore, because the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 identified based on the user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20, the resident user can register information about their facial image using the user terminal 50, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, upon receiving information about the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the facial authentication platform 10 stores the information about the user's facial image and registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information about the user's facial image to the first imaging device 30A. This allows the facial authentication platform 10 to manage information about the user's facial image, and the first imaging device 30A can also authenticate the user using the information about the user's facial image registered by the user terminal 50.

[0044] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it transmits the received registration information to the entry management system 20. Only when approval information is received from the first entry management system 20, does it store the information related to the user's facial image and registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmit information related to the user's facial image to the first imaging device 30A. In this case, the operator operating the entry management system 20 first checks the user's registration information registered by the user via the user terminal 50, and only when the operator determines that there is no problem does the operator perform an approval operation in the first entry management system 20A, and the approval information is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. This improves the accuracy of information related to the user's facial image used in authentication by the authentication unit 36A. In other words, it is possible to prevent information related to the facial image of a user other than the resident from being erroneously transmitted to the first imaging device 30A, thereby preventing user authentication from being performed using information related to the facial image of a user other than the resident. Furthermore, unless approved by the entrance management system 20, information relating to the user's facial image will not be transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A, thereby improving security.

[0045] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, the face authentication platform 10 receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system 20, and if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18, it transmits information about the user's facial image in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 to the first imaging device 30A or the entrance control device 40 of the other building. In this case, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, the registration information and information about the facial image when the user resided in the original building are stored in the storage unit 18, so the user does not need to take the trouble of capturing a facial image or inputting registration information using the user terminal 50, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 10 receives at least information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it stores the received information related to the user's facial image, room number, and registration information in the storage unit 18, and transmits information related to the user's facial image to the second to fifth image capturing devices 30B to 30E. In the second to fifth image capturing devices 30B to 30E, the information related to the user's facial image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 is stored in each of the storage units 38B to 38E, and when the user is authenticated by the authentication units 36B to 36E comparing the information related to the user's facial image captured by each of the image capturing units 34B to 34E with the information related to the user's facial image stored in each of the storage units 38B to 38E, 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).

[0047] In this way, by registering the facial image and room number of each resident in an apartment building in advance, it is possible to perform processing related to the user's room number through facial authentication. Furthermore, when the facial authentication platform 10 receives information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it stores the information related to the user's facial image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits information related to the user's facial image to each of the imaging devices 30B-30E. This allows the information related to the user's facial image to be managed on the facial authentication platform 10 side, and also allows each of the imaging devices 30B-30E to authenticate the user using the information related to the user's facial image registered by the user terminal 50.

[0048] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of this embodiment, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20. Only when approval information is received from the entrance management system 20, does it store the information related to the user's facial image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmit the information related to the user's facial image to each of the image capture devices 30B-30E. In this case, the administrator operating the entrance management system 20 first checks the user's registration information registered by the user via the user terminal 50, and only when it determines that there is no problem does the administrator perform an approval operation in the entrance management system 20, and the approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. This improves the accuracy of the information related to the user's facial image used in authentication by each of the authentication units 36B-36E. In other words, it is possible to prevent information related to the facial image of a user other than the resident from being erroneously transmitted to each of the image capture devices 30B-30E, thereby preventing user authentication from being performed using information related to the facial image of a user other than the resident. Furthermore, unless approved by the entrance management system 20, information relating to the user's facial image will not be transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to each of the imaging devices 30B to 30E, thereby improving security.

[0049] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, it is possible to use the same information as the facial image information required for authentication by authentication unit 36A when moving from the outside to a shared space or an exclusive space, and the facial image information required for authentication by authentication units 36B to 36E when performing processing related to the user's room number in delivery locker 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48. Therefore, even if delivery locker 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48 are additionally installed, there is no need to re-register a facial image when using these additionally installed devices, thereby improving user convenience.

[0050] The face authentication system 1 and the face authentication method according to this embodiment are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0051] For example, when the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 10 receives approval information from the entry management system 20 ("YES" in STEP 6), the control unit 12 stores the registration information, the room number, and information related to the user's facial image in the storage unit 18 while linking the information related to the user's facial image and the user identification information to the first to fifth image capture devices 30A-30E. However, the control unit 12 may not transmit the information related to the user's room number to the first to fifth image capture devices 30A-30E. Instead, the control unit 12 transmits the user's room number and user identification information to the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48, respectively, while linking the user's room number and user identification information to the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. The user's room number and user identification information are stored in the storage units (not shown) of the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48, while linking the information related to the user's facial image and the user identification information to the first to fifth image capture devices 30A-30E. When a user is authenticated by the authentication units 36B-36E of the second to fifth image capture devices 30B-30E, the user identification information of the user is transmitted from each of the second to fifth image capture devices 30B-30E to the delivery locker 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 image capture devices 30B-30E, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 perform processing related to the room number corresponding to the user identification information. In face authentication system 1 according to this modification, when a user is authenticated by the authentication units 36B-36E comparing information related to the user's facial image captured by the image capture units 34B-34E with information related to the user's facial image stored in the memories 38B-38E, processing related to the room number of the authenticated user is performed by the processing device (specifically, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48).

[0052] In the above description, a storage unit for storing information about a user's facial image and an authentication unit are installed in each of the imaging devices 30A-30E, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a storage unit for storing information about a user's facial image and an authentication unit for authenticating a user may be installed in the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48, rather than in each of the imaging devices 30A-30E. In this case, when a user is registered, information about the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information are linked together and transmitted from the face recognition platform 10 to the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48, and stored in the storage units of these devices. Furthermore, when a user's facial image is captured by the imaging units 34A-34E of each of the imaging devices 30A-30E, information related to the user's facial image is transmitted from each of the imaging devices 30A-30E to the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. Then, an authentication unit provided in the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 compares the information related to the user's facial image transmitted from each of the imaging devices 30A-30E with information related to the user's facial image stored in a storage unit, thereby authenticating the user. In yet another aspect, a storage unit for storing information related to the user's facial image is provided in each of the imaging devices 30A-30E, but an authentication unit may be provided in the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery locker 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, or the mailbox 48, rather than in each of the imaging devices 30A-30E.

[0053] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 4 to 8 are diagrams showing a face authentication system according to this 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 configurations and operations that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0054] In the face authentication system 1a according to this embodiment, a user who is a resident of an apartment building or other collective housing complex simply holds his or her face over the first image capture device 31A as a face authentication terminal at the entrance of the complex, thereby canceling the restriction imposed by the entry restriction device 40 and allowing the user to enter a shared space or a private space. For example, a key to unlock a door installed at the entrance is no longer necessary, thereby improving convenience for the residents. The configuration of such a face authentication system 1a will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the facial recognition system 1a includes a facial recognition platform 11, a first imaging device 31A and an entry control device 40 installed at the entrance of a building that 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 that controls the operation of the elevator car and a third imaging device 31C arranged near the elevator door, a plurality of locking devices 46 that lock and unlock the doors installed at the entrance of each room and a plurality of fourth imaging devices 31D arranged near the entrance of each room, and a mailbox 48 and a fifth imaging device 31E arranged near the mailbox 48.

[0056] The facial recognition platform 11 is communicatively connected to the entry control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, the mailbox 48, and each of the image capture devices 31A to 31E via a network such as the Internet. The facial recognition platform 11 is, for example, a computer of a system company. The facial recognition platform 11 is also communicatively connected to the entry management system 20 via a network such as the Internet. The entry management system 20 is, for example, a computer of a building management company or a rental management company. The facial recognition platform 11 is also communicatively connected to a user terminal 50 carried by each resident via a network such as the Internet.

[0057] The face recognition platform 11 has 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. 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 the configurations of the control unit 12, the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, and the storage unit 18 of the face recognition platform 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The authentication unit 17 authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 with information about the user's face image transmitted from each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E. In the facial recognition platform 11, the control unit 12 executes programs stored in the memory unit 18, programs stored on a recording medium attached to the facial recognition platform 11, programs transmitted to the facial recognition platform 11 from an external device, etc., causing the reception unit 14, transmission unit 16, authentication unit 17, and memory unit 18 to each function.

[0058] The first imaging device 31A and the entry restriction device 40 are each installed near the entrance of a building. The first imaging device 31A has a control unit 32A, an imaging unit 34A, and a storage unit 38A. Note that in the second embodiment, the first imaging device 31A does not have an authentication unit. The configurations of the control unit 32A, the imaging unit 34A, and the storage unit 38A are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32A, the imaging unit 34A, and the storage unit 38A of the first imaging device 30A in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. For example, a PC tablet or the like is used as such a first imaging device 31A. The configuration of the entry restriction device 40 is also substantially the same as the configuration of the entry restriction device 40 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] Delivery box 42 has a plurality of storage sections for storing packages and a restricting section (specifically, a door) that selectively restricts access to each storage section. Second imaging device 31B is installed near the location where a user retrieves a package from delivery box 42. Second imaging device 31B has control unit 32B, imaging unit 34B, and storage unit 38B. Note that, in the second embodiment, second imaging device 31B does not have an authentication section. The configurations of control unit 32B, imaging unit 34B, and storage unit 38B are substantially the same as the configurations of control unit 32B, imaging unit 34B, and storage unit 38B of second imaging device 30B in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of delivery box 42 is substantially the same as the configuration of delivery box 42 in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The elevator control device 44 controls the operation of the elevator car installed in the shared space. The third imaging device 31C is disposed near the elevator door on at least the same floor as the entry restriction device 40 in the shared space. The third imaging device 31C may be disposed near the elevator door on each floor, not just on the same floor as the entry restriction device 40. The third imaging device 31C includes a control unit 32C, an imaging unit 34C, and a storage unit 38C. In the second embodiment, the third imaging device 31C does not include an authentication unit. The configurations of the control unit 32C, the imaging unit 34C, and the storage unit 38C are substantially the same as those of the control unit 32C, the imaging unit 34C, and the storage unit 38C of the third imaging device 30C in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the elevator control device 44 is also substantially the same as that of the elevator control device 44 in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] A locking device 46 is provided for each room in the building and locks and unlocks the door installed at the entrance of each room. A fourth imaging device 31D is also provided near the entrance of each room. The fourth imaging device 31D has a control unit 32D, an imaging unit 34D, and a storage unit 38D. Note that, in the second embodiment, the fourth imaging device 31D does not have an authentication unit. The configurations of the control unit 32D, the imaging unit 34D, and the storage unit 38D are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32D, the imaging unit 34D, and the storage unit 38D of the fourth imaging device 30D in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the locking device 46 is also substantially the same as the configuration of the locking device 46 in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] The mailbox 48 has a plurality of storage sections corresponding to room numbers and a restricting section (specifically, a door) that selectively restricts access to each storage section. A fifth imaging device 31E is installed near the location where a user retrieves luggage from the mailbox 48. The fifth imaging device 31E has a control unit 32E, an imaging unit 34E, and a storage unit 38E. In the second embodiment, the fifth imaging device 31E does not have an authentication unit. The configurations of the control unit 32E, the imaging unit 34E, and the storage unit 38E are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32E, the imaging unit 34E, and the storage unit 38E of the fifth imaging device 30E in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the mailbox 48 is substantially the same as the configuration of the mailbox 48 in the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] Next, the operation of the face authentication system 1a when registering face image data of users residing in a building will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] When information that a user will begin living in a building is entered into the entry management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or a rental management company, entry invitation information for this user is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 11. The entry invitation information includes information such as the user's user identification information and the room number of the room in which the user will live. When the face authentication platform 11 receives the entry invitation information ("YES" in STEP 101), it determines whether the user identification information in the entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 102). Here, if the user is living in a building registered in the face authentication platform 11 for the first time, the user identification information in the entry invitation information does not approximately match the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("NO" in STEP 102). In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face authentication platform 11 transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 (STEP 103). 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 11. On the other hand, if the user has moved from another building managed by the same building management company or rental management company and registered in the face authentication platform 11, the user identification information is already stored in the memory unit 18, and therefore the user identification information in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 of the new building to the face authentication platform 11 approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the memory unit 18 ("YES" in STEP 102). In this case, the user does not perform user registration using the user terminal 50.

[0065] A user who receives registration request information on the user terminal 50 performs user registration using the user terminal 50. Specifically, the user first installs a face authentication app on the user terminal 50. When the user launches the face authentication app on the user terminal 50, a user registration screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. On this user registration screen, the user enters registration information such as the user's name (kanji), name (kana), date of birth, username, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, and password, checks a box indicating agreement to the terms of use, and then presses a registration button. A facial image capture screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user captures a facial image using the user terminal 50 on this capture screen, the various registration information entered on the user registration screen and the user's facial image data are transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the facial authentication platform 11. In this way, the reception unit 14 of the facial authentication platform 11 receives the registration information and facial image data from the user terminal 50 ("YES" in STEP 104). The reception unit 14 of the facial authentication platform 11 also receives identification information of the user terminal 50. Thereafter, the transmission unit 16 of the face authentication platform 11 transmits the user's registration information to the admission management system 20 (STEP 105).

[0066] An administrator operating the entry management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information, etc., transmitted from the facial recognition platform 11. When the entry management system 20 approves the user, approval information is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the facial recognition platform 11. When the reception unit 14 of the facial recognition platform 11 receives the approval information from the entry management system 20 ("YES" in STEP 106), the control unit 12 associates the registration information, the room number, and information regarding the facial image with each other and stores them in the memory unit 18 (STEP 107).

[0067] Next, the operation of the facial authentication system 1a shown in FIG. 5 when a user enters a shared space or a private space from outside the building will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8. When a user attempting to enter a shared space or a private space from outside the building holds his or her face over the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 31A, the imaging unit 34A captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information related to the user's facial image is transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the facial authentication platform 11 (STEP 111). Specifically, the first imaging device 31A transmits the user's facial image data directly to the facial authentication platform 11. Alternatively, the control unit 32A extracts a hash value from the user's facial 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 facial authentication platform 11.

[0068] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image transmitted from the first imaging device 31A with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 112). Specifically, if the user's facial image data transmitted from the first imaging device 31A and the user's facial image data stored in the storage unit 18 substantially match, authentication is performed to determine that the user is a resident. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may extract a hash value from the user's facial image data transmitted from the first imaging device 31A using a predetermined hash function, and if the extracted hash value and the hash value stored in the storage unit 18 substantially match, authentication is performed to determine that the user is a resident. As yet another aspect, if the hash value transmitted from the first imaging device 31A and the hash value stored in the storage unit 18 substantially match, authentication is performed to determine that the user is a resident. When the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user ("YES" in STEP 112), the face recognition platform 11 sends an operation command (specifically, a command to remove restriction) to the entrance restriction device 40 (STEP 113). When the command to remove restriction is sent to the entrance restriction device 40, the restriction by the entrance restriction device 40 is removed, and the user is allowed to move from outside the building to the shared space or the private space (STEP 114). This allows the user to enter the shared space or the private space. Furthermore, when the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user, information that the user has been authenticated is stored in the memory unit 18 together with the user identification information. This allows the memory unit 18 to store a history of removal of restrictions by the entrance restriction device 40.

[0069] Furthermore, when a user attempts to retrieve a package stored in the delivery box 42 and holds their face over the imaging unit 34B of the second imaging device 31B installed near the delivery box 42, the imaging unit 34B captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information relating to the user's facial image is transmitted from the second imaging device 31B to the face recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0070] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the second imaging device 31B with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 112). When the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user ("YES" in STEP 112), the face authentication platform 11 sends an operation command to the delivery box 42 (STEP 113). When the operation command is sent to the delivery box 42, a process is performed to allow access to a storage unit in which a package corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user is stored. Specifically, when the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user, information about the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is sent 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 a storage unit in which a package corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 is stored. This allows the user to retrieve the package from the storage unit.

[0071] Furthermore, after entering the shared space, when the user attempts to get into the elevator car and holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 31C installed near the elevator control device 44, the imaging unit 34C captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information relating to the user's facial image is transmitted from the third imaging device 31C to the facial recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0072] The authentication unit 17 of the face recognition platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the third imaging device 31C with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 112). When the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user ("YES" in STEP 112), the face recognition platform 11 sends an operation command to the elevator control device 44 (STEP 113). When the elevator control device 44 receives the operation command from the face recognition platform 11, it designates the destination of the elevator car to a floor corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. Specifically, when the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user, information about the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is sent from the face recognition platform 11 to the elevator control device 44 as an operation command. Then, the elevator control device 44 designates the destination of the elevator car to be a floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face recognition platform 11. This allows the user to retrieve packages and mail from the storage section that corresponds to his or her room number.

[0073] In another aspect of the present embodiment, when the entrance restriction device 40 installed at the building entrance and the elevator doors are located close to each other, the user may hold their face over the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 31A installed near the entrance restriction device 40, the imaging unit 34A captures an image of the user's face, acquiring facial image data of the user. Information about the user's facial image is then transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the facial recognition platform 11, whereupon the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user, and an operational command is transmitted from the facial recognition platform 11 to the elevator control device 44. Specifically, when the authentication unit 17 of the facial recognition platform 11 authenticates the user, information about a room number corresponding to the user's user identification information is transmitted from the facial recognition platform 11 to the elevator control device 44 as an operational command. The elevator car then automatically moves to the same floor as the building entrance. This allows a user entering a shared space in the building to immediately board the elevator car. The elevator control device 44 then designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the facial recognition platform 11 as the destination of the elevator car. This allows the user to stop at the floor of the user's room after getting on the elevator without having to hold their face over the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 31C or specify the destination floor. Also, in this embodiment, it is possible to omit installing the third imaging device 31C near the elevator door.

[0074] After entering the shared space, when the user reaches his / her own room and holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34D of the fourth imaging device 31D corresponding to the room, the imaging unit 34D captures an image of the user's face and acquires the user's facial image data (STEP 110). Then, information about the user's facial image is transmitted from the fourth imaging device 31D to the face authentication platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0075] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the fourth imaging device 31D with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 112). When the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user ("YES" in STEP 112), the face authentication platform 11 sends an operation command to the locking device 46 (STEP 113). 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 authentication unit 36D authenticates the user, the face authentication platform 11 transmits information about the room number corresponding to the user's user identification information as an operation command to the elevator control device 44. Then, when the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 matches the room number corresponding to the locking device 46, the locking device 46 unlocks the door. This allows the user to enter the private space through face authentication without having a key.

[0076] Furthermore, when the user attempts to retrieve mail deposited in the mailbox 48 and holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34E of the fifth imaging device 31E installed near the mailbox 48, the imaging unit 34E captures an image of the user's face and acquires facial image data of the user ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information relating to the user's facial image is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 31E to the face recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0077] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the fifth imaging device 31E with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 112). When the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user ("YES" in STEP 112), the face authentication platform 11 sends an operation command to the mailbox 48 (STEP 113). When the operation command is sent to the mailbox 48, a process is performed to allow access to a storage unit corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. Specifically, when the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user, information about the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is sent from the face authentication platform 11 to the mailbox 48 as an operation command. 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. This allows the user to retrieve mail from the storage unit.

[0078] According to the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the face authentication platform 11 receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system 20, it transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 identified based on the user identification information. Furthermore, when the face authentication platform 11 receives information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, it stores the information related to the user's facial image and the registration information in the storage unit 18. Furthermore, in the first imaging device 31A, information related to the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34A is transmitted to the face authentication platform 11. When the authentication unit 17 compares the information related to the user's facial image transmitted from the first imaging device 31A with the information related to the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 18 to authenticate the user, the face authentication platform 11 transmits a restriction release command to the entrance restriction device 40. When the restriction release command is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to the entrance restriction device 40, the restriction imposed by the entrance restriction device 40 is lifted, and movement from outside into the exclusive space is permitted.

[0079] In this way, by registering the facial images of each resident in advance in an apartment building or the like, movement from outside the apartment building to a private space can be permitted by facial recognition. Furthermore, by transmitting registration request information to the user terminal 50 upon receiving entry invitation information including user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20, the resident user can be reliably identified in the facial recognition platform 11 based on the entry invitation information. Furthermore, because the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 identified based on the user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20, the resident user can register information related to his or her facial image using the user terminal 50, thereby improving convenience for the user. Furthermore, when the facial recognition platform 11 receives information regarding the user's facial image and registration information after sending the registration request information, it stores the information regarding the user's facial image and registration information in the memory unit 18, so that the information regarding the user's facial image can be managed on the facial recognition platform 11 side, and there is no need to store information regarding the user's facial image in the memory unit 38A of the first imaging device 31A, so that information regarding the user's facial image will no longer be extracted from the first imaging device 31A, thereby improving security.

[0080] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 11 receives information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it transmits the received registration information to the entry management system 20, and stores the information related to the user's facial image and registration information in the storage unit 18 only when it receives approval information from the entry management system 20. In this case, the administrator operating the entry management system 20 first checks the user's registration information registered by the user via the user terminal 50, and only when it determines that there is no problem does the administrator perform an approval operation in the entry management system 20, and the approval information is transmitted from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 11, thereby improving the accuracy of information related to the user's facial image used in authentication by the authentication unit 17. In other words, it is possible to prevent user authentication from being performed using information related to the facial image of a user other than the resident.

[0081] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, upon receiving entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system 20, the face authentication platform 11 links the information relating to the user's facial image and registration information stored in the storage unit 18 to the entry restriction device 40 of the other building if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information substantially matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18. In this case, when the user moves from one building to another, the registration information and information relating to the user's facial image when the user resided in the original building are stored in the storage unit 18, so that the user does not need to take the trouble of capturing a facial image or inputting registration information using the user terminal 50, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 11 receives at least information related to the user's facial image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it stores the received information related to the user's facial image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18. Furthermore, in the imaging devices 31B to 31E, information related to the user's facial image captured by the imaging units 34B to 34E is transmitted to the face authentication platform 11. Furthermore, when the authentication unit 17 compares the information related to the user's facial image transmitted from the imaging devices 31B to 31E with the information related to the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 18 to authenticate the user, the face authentication platform 11 transmits an operation command to the processing devices (specifically, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48), and when the operation command is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to each processing device, the processing device performs processing related to the room number of the authenticated user.

[0083] In this way, by registering the facial image and room number of each resident in an apartment building in advance, processing related to the user's room number can be performed by facial recognition. Furthermore, by transmitting registration request information to the user terminal 50 upon receiving entry invitation information including user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20, the resident user can be reliably identified in the facial recognition platform 11 based on the entry invitation information. Furthermore, because the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 identified based on the user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20, the resident user can register information related to the facial image using the user terminal 50, thereby improving convenience for the user. Furthermore, when the facial recognition platform 11 receives information about the user's facial image and registration information after sending the registration request information, it stores the information about the user's facial image and registration information in the memory unit 18, so that the information about the user's facial image can be managed on the facial recognition platform 11 side, and there is no need to store information about the user's facial image in the memory units 38A to 38E of each of the imaging devices 31B to 31E, so that information about the user's facial image will no longer be extracted from each of the imaging devices 31B to 31E, thereby improving security.

[0084] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment, it is possible to use the same information regarding a face image required for authentication by authentication unit 17 when moving from the outside to a shared space or an exclusive space, and the same information regarding a face image required for authentication by authentication unit 17 when performing processing related to the user's room number in delivery locker 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, or mailbox 48. Therefore, even if delivery locker 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, or mailbox 48 are additionally installed, it is not necessary to register a face image again when using these additionally installed devices, thereby improving user convenience.

[0085] The face authentication system 1a and the face authentication method according to this embodiment are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0086] For example, in the above description, an embodiment has been described in which, after the authentication unit 17 of the face recognition platform 11 authenticates a user, the face recognition platform 11 transmits operation commands (including a restriction release command) to each of the entrance restriction device 40, the storage box device 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this embodiment. As another example, after the authentication unit 17 of the face recognition platform 11 authenticates a user, the face recognition platform 11 transmits operation commands to each of the image capture devices 31A-31E, and each of the image capture devices 31A-31E transmits operation commands to each of the entrance restriction device 40, the storage box device 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48.

[0087] Furthermore, the face authentication system and face authentication method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0088] For example, the first imaging devices 30A, 31A and the entry restriction device 40 installed at the entrance of a building do not have to be separate devices. A device in which the first imaging devices 30A, 31A and the entry restriction device 40 are integrated may be installed at the entrance of the building. The second imaging devices 30B, 31B and the delivery locker 42 do not have to be separate devices. A device in which the second imaging devices 30B, 31B and the delivery locker 42 are integrated may be installed inside the building. The third imaging devices 30C, 31C and the elevator control device 44 do not have to be separate devices. A device in which the third imaging devices 30C, 31C and the elevator control device 44 are integrated may be installed near the elevator doors. The fourth imaging devices 30D, 31D and the locking device 46 do not have to be separate devices. A device in which the fourth imaging devices 30D, 31D and the locking device 46 are integrated may be installed near the elevator doors. Furthermore, the fifth imaging devices 30E, 31E and the mailbox 48 are not limited to being separate devices. A device in which the fifth imaging devices 30E, 31E and the mailbox 48 are integrated may be installed near the elevator door.

[0089] In addition, the facial recognition app used in the user's user terminal 50 may extract a hash value using a predetermined hash function based on the visitor's facial image data captured by the camera of the user terminal 50, instead of transmitting the visitor's facial image data itself captured by the camera of the user terminal 50 to the facial recognition platform 10, 11, and transmit the extracted hash value to the facial recognition platform 10, 11.

[0090] Furthermore, the processing device that performs processing related to the user's room number is not limited to the above-mentioned delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48. Processing devices other than delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48 may be used as long as they are capable of performing processing related to the user's room number.

[0091] Furthermore, some of the multiple imaging devices 30A-30E, 31A-31E may have an authentication unit, while other imaging devices may not. Even in this case, the memory unit of the face recognition platform stores information about the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information, so that any device (specifically, the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44 and the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48) can perform processing based on face recognition using information about the user's face image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. 1a Facial recognition system 10, 11 Facial Recognition Platform 12 Control Unit 14 Reception Department 16 Transmitter 17 Authentication Section 18 1st memory section 20. Admission Control System 30A, 31A First imaging device 30B, 31B Second imaging device 30C, 31C Third imaging device 30D, 31D 4th imaging device 30E, 31E Fifth imaging device 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D Control section 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D Imaging unit 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D Certification Section 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D storage section 40 Entry Control Device 42 Delivery Box 44 Elevator Control Device 46 Locking device 48 mailboxes 50 User Terminals

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing face images of residents of the apartment complex or face data that is processed data thereof; The apartment complex, a first imaging device installed near an entrance door of the building; and a second imaging device installed near the entrance door of each room; the resident can unlock the entrance door and the front door through facial authentication using each of the imaging devices, The entrance door can be locked by the resident without using a physical key, The entrance door can also be unlocked with a physical key. Authentication system.

2. The face data is linked to room data that is information specifying the room in which the resident resides. The authentication system of claim 1 .

3. The apartment building further includes a third imaging device installed in a common space within the apartment building, The facility installed in the shared space is a mailbox or a delivery box, the resident can unlock the entrance door, the front door, and the door of the facility installed in the shared space by face authentication using each of the imaging devices; The authentication system of claim 1 .

4. The face data is linked to room data that is information that identifies the room in which the resident resides, The equipment installed in the shared space identifies a door to be unlocked based on the room data of the resident. The authentication system according to claim 3 .

5. a fourth imaging device installed near an elevator door of the floor on which the entrance door is provided; The face data is linked to floor data that is information specifying the floor on which the resident lives, When the resident authenticated by the fourth imaging device gets on the elevator, the elevator automatically sets the resident's floor as the destination. The authentication system of claim 1 .

6. when the resident is authenticated by the first imaging device, an elevator automatically moves to the floor where the entrance door is provided. The authentication system of claim 1 .

7. The storage unit stores personal information including the resident's email address, telephone number, or identification information of the resident terminal, linked to the face data. The authentication system of claim 1 .

8. The authentication process using each of the imaging devices is performed based on the common face data or a copy of the common face data. The authentication system of claim 1 .

9. the storage unit is connected to each of the imaging devices via the Internet, the storage unit holds information for individually identifying the plurality of apartment buildings; The authentication system of claim 1 .

10. the storage unit is connected to each of the imaging devices via the Internet, The face data of persons other than the residents of the apartment building is also registered in the storage unit. The authentication system of claim 1 .

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