Authentication device, authentication system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an authentication device that reduces the effort required for users to register their authentication information. [Solution] The second authentication device 50 installed in the common area 102 of the apartment building 100 includes a communication unit 52 that receives registration information stored in each of the multiple first authentication devices 30 installed in the multiple private units 101 included in the apartment building 100, which is used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock 43 installed in the private unit 101 corresponding to the first authentication device 30; a storage unit 54; a registration unit 55 that stores the received registration information in the storage unit 54; and an authentication unit 56 that authenticates the user by comparing the authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit 54, and locks or unlocks an electric lock 63 installed in the common area 102 if authentication is successful.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication process for unlocking an electric lock installed in an apartment house.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a condominium comprehensive management system that comprehensively executes various management of a condominium using an individual identification authentication signal of an electronic key in a condominium where an electronic key is installed in each dwelling unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an authentication device and the like that can reduce the trouble of a user registering authentication information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An authentication device according to an aspect of the present invention is an authentication device installed in a common area of an apartment house, and includes a communication unit that receives registration information stored in each of a plurality of other authentication devices installed in a plurality of proprietary parts included in the apartment house, the registration information being used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock installed in the proprietary part corresponding to the other authentication device; a storage unit; a registration unit that stores the received registration information in the storage unit; and an authentication unit that authenticates the user by comparing the authentication information acquired from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit, and when the authentication is successful, locks or unlocks an electric lock installed in the common area.

[0006] An authentication system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an authentication device and a plurality of other authentication devices.

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by an authentication device installed in the common area of ​​a multi-unit dwelling, and includes: a receiving step of receiving registration information stored in each of a plurality of other authentication devices installed in a plurality of private units included in the multi-unit dwelling, which is used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock installed in a private unit corresponding to the other authentication device; a registration step of storing the received registration information in a storage unit; and an authentication step of authenticating the user by comparing authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit, and if the authentication is successful, locking or unlocking the electric lock installed in the common area.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the authentication device to execute the information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The authentication device of the present invention can reduce the effort required for users to register their authentication information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of devices constituting the authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of Example 1 of the authentication information registration process. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of authentication management information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of Example 2 of the authentication information registration process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of browsing information displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of notification information displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to Modification Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the authentication system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the devices constituting the authentication system according to the embodiment.

[0014] The authentication system 10 is a system applied to the apartment house 100. Specifically, the apartment house 100 is an apartment, a dormitory, or a company housing, etc. The apartment house 100 includes a plurality of private parts 101 and a common part 102. The residents living in the private part 101 of the apartment house 100 can unlock the electric lock 43 of the front door 40 and the electric lock 63 of the automatic lock door 62 by receiving authentication by the authentication system 10 using an authentication medium.

[0015] The authentication system 10 includes an intercom master unit 21, an intercom slave unit 22, a first authentication device 30, a control device 41, a drive device 42, and an electric lock 43 in each of the plurality of private parts 101. The first authentication device 30, the control device 41, the drive device 42, and the electric lock 43 are provided, for example, on the front door 40 of the entrance of the private part 101. Also, the authentication system 10 includes a lobby intercom 23, a second authentication device 50, a drive device 61, and an automatic lock door 62 in the common part 102. The intercom master unit 21, the intercom slave unit 22, and the lobby intercom 23 constitute the intercom system 20.

[0016] These devices will be described below. First, the devices installed in the private part 101 will be described.

[0017] The intercom master unit 21 is a communication terminal fixedly installed in the private part 101 of the apartment house 100. The intercom master unit 21 may also be called an indoor unit, etc. The intercom master unit 21 performs information processing for the resident (an example of a user) in the private part 101 to communicate with a visitor via the lobby intercom 23 or the intercom slave unit 22.

[0018] The intercom slave unit 22 is a so-called door phone and is a communication terminal provided on the outdoor side of the front door 40 of the private part 101. The intercom slave unit 22 may also be called an outdoor unit, etc. The intercom slave unit 22 performs information processing for a visitor to communicate with the resident in the private part 101 via the intercom master unit 21.

[0019] The first authentication device 30 acquires authentication information from an authentication medium held by the resident of the private unit 101, and unlocks the electric lock 43 if it successfully authenticates the resident based on the acquired authentication information. The first authentication device 30 comprises an acquisition unit 31, a communication unit 32, an information processing unit 33, and a storage unit 34.

[0020] The acquisition unit 31 acquires authentication information from an authentication medium possessed by the resident. The authentication medium is, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or a dedicated communication terminal of the authentication system 10. The acquisition unit 31 is a wireless communication module (communication circuit) that acquires authentication information by wirelessly communicating with the authentication medium. The wireless communication standard is, but is not particularly limited to, BLE or NFC.

[0021] The communication unit 32 communicates with the intercom sub-unit 22 and the control device 41. The communication unit 32 is implemented, for example, by a wireless communication module (wireless communication circuit) for wireless communication with the intercom sub-unit 22 and a wired communication module (wired communication circuit) for wired communication with the control device 41. The communication unit 32 communicates with the second authentication device 50 through the intercom system 20 by establishing a communication connection with the intercom sub-unit 22 included in the intercom system 20 using the wireless communication module. Note that if the acquisition unit 31 and the communication unit 32 perform wireless communication using the same communication standard, the acquisition unit 31 and the communication unit 32 may be implemented by a single wireless communication module.

[0022] The information processing unit 33 performs information processing related to the authentication of residents. The information processing unit 33 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 33 includes a registration unit 35 and an authentication unit 36 ​​as functional components.

[0023] The registration unit 35 performs a registration process to store the authentication medium (authentication information recorded on the authentication medium) as registration information in the storage unit 34. After the registration process, the authentication unit 36 ​​authenticates the resident by comparing the authentication information obtained from the resident (authentication medium) with the registration information. If authentication is successful (the authentication information and the registration information match), the authentication unit 36 ​​unlocks the electric lock 43 by outputting a control signal to the control device 41 using the communication unit 32. The functions of the registration unit 35 and the authentication unit 36 ​​are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 34.

[0024] The storage unit 34 is a storage device that stores information necessary for authentication-related processing. This information includes registration information and computer programs executed by the information processing unit 33. The storage unit 34 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory, but may also be implemented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0025] The control device 41 converts the control signal output by the authentication unit 36 ​​(communication unit 32) into a drive signal for driving the drive device 42. The control device 41 is implemented, for example, by a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) that generates the drive signal.

[0026] The drive unit 42 is an actuator that unlocks the electric lock 43 based on a drive signal output by the control device 41. The drive unit 42 is implemented by a motor and a reduction gear, etc.

[0027] The electric lock 43 includes a deadbolt and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force obtained from the drive unit 42 to the deadbolt. The driving force from the drive unit 42 is transmitted to the deadbolt via the transmission mechanism, causing the deadbolt to move to the locked or unlocked position.

[0028] Next, the equipment installed in the common area 102 will be described. The lobby intercom 23 is a communication terminal installed on the outside (outdoor side) of the automatic locking door 62 at the entrance (i.e., the common area 102) of the apartment building 100. The lobby intercom 23 controls, for example, the automatic locking door 62. The lobby intercom 23 has a user interface consisting of a keypad and call buttons, and visitors to the apartment building 100 can enter the room number of their destination via the keypad to communicate with a resident (intercom master unit 21) and request the unlocking of the automatic locking door 62.

[0029] The second authentication device 50 acquires authentication information from an authentication medium held by the resident of the private unit 101, and if the authentication of the resident is successful based on the acquired authentication information, it unlocks the electric lock 63 of the auto-locking door 62. The second authentication device 50 is, for example, a device attached externally to the lobby intercom 23 or installed near the lobby intercom 23, but it may also be built into the lobby intercom 23. The second authentication device 50 comprises an acquisition unit 51, a communication unit 52, an information processing unit 53, and a storage unit 54.

[0030] The acquisition unit 51 acquires authentication information from an authentication medium possessed by the resident. The authentication medium is, for example, an IC card or a mobile terminal, and the acquisition unit 51 is a wireless communication module (communication circuit) that acquires authentication information by wirelessly communicating with the authentication medium. The wireless communication standard is, but is not particularly limited to, BLE or NFC.

[0031] The communication unit 52 communicates with the lobby intercom 23. The communication unit 52 is implemented, for example, by a communication module (wireless communication circuit) for wireless or wired communication with the lobby intercom 23. The communication unit 52 communicates with the first authentication device 30 through the intercom system 20 by establishing a communication connection with the lobby intercom 23 using the above communication module. If the acquisition unit 51 and the communication unit 52 perform wireless communication using the same communication standard, the acquisition unit 51 and the communication unit 52 may be implemented by a single wireless communication module.

[0032] The information processing unit 53 performs information processing related to the authentication of residents. The information processing unit 53 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 53 includes a registration unit 55 and an authentication unit 56 as functional components.

[0033] The registration unit 55 performs a registration process to store the authentication information recorded on the authentication medium as registration information in the storage unit 54. After the registration process, the authentication unit 56 authenticates the resident by comparing the authentication information obtained from the resident (authentication medium) with the registration information. If authentication is successful (the authentication information and the registration information match), the authentication unit 56 unlocks the electric lock 63 by outputting a control signal to the lobby intercom 23 using the communication unit 52. The functions of the registration unit 55 and the authentication unit 56 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 53 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 54.

[0034] The storage unit 54 is a storage device that stores information necessary for authentication-related processing. This information includes registration information and computer programs executed by the information processing unit 53. The storage unit 54 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory, but may also be implemented by an HDD.

[0035] The drive unit 61 receives a control signal output by the authentication unit 56 (communication unit 52) ​​via the lobby intercom 23 and unlocks the electric lock 63 based on the acquired control signal. Furthermore, if the auto-locking door 62 is a so-called automatic door, the drive unit 61 opens and closes the auto-locking door 62. The drive unit 61 is implemented by a motor and a reduction gear, etc.

[0036] The auto-locking door 62 is a door installed in the entrance (i.e., common area 102) of the apartment building 100. The electric lock 63 on the auto-locking door 62 automatically locks after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was unlocked. If the auto-locking door 62 is a so-called automatic door, the auto-locking door 62 opens after the electric lock 63 is unlocked, and after a certain period of time the auto-locking door 62 closes and the electric lock 63 locks. The door of the auto-locking door 62 may be a sliding door or a hinged door. Note that the electric lock 63 here is used in a broad sense and refers to all devices that lock and unlock the auto-locking door 62 based on electrical signals.

[0037] [Example of registration operation 1] A new resident moving into a private unit 101 of the apartment building 100 can register their authentication medium (more specifically, the authentication information recorded on the authentication medium) with the first authentication device 30 and the second authentication device 50. Using the authentication medium as a key, they can then unlock the electric lock 43 on the front door 40 and the electric lock 63 on the automatic locking door 62. In other words, residents can freely enter and exit the apartment building 100 and their private unit 101.

[0038] Generally, residents need to register their authentication information with both the first authentication device 30 and the second authentication device 50. In contrast, with the authentication system 10, when a resident registers their authentication information with the first authentication device 30, the same information is automatically registered with the second authentication device 50. This allows the authentication system 10 to reduce the effort required of residents to register their authentication information.

[0039] The following describes the authentication information registration operation of such an authentication system 10. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of Example 1 of the authentication information registration operation.

[0040] The resident instructs the first authentication device 30 to register authentication information by performing a prescribed registration procedure with the first authentication device 30. The registration procedure includes the procedure of causing the acquisition unit 31 to acquire the authentication information recorded on the authentication medium. During the registration procedure, manual operations (not shown) may be performed on the user interface (not shown) of the first authentication device 30 as needed.

[0041] The acquisition unit 31 of the first authentication device 30 acquires authentication information (S11), and the registration unit 35 stores the acquired authentication information as registered information in the storage unit 34. In other words, the registration unit 35 performs the authentication information registration process (S12). After the registration process is completed, the resident can unlock the electric lock 43 using the authentication medium.

[0042] Furthermore, upon confirmation that the registration process has been completed, the registration unit 35 transmits a registration request containing registration information (registered authentication information) to the second authentication device 50 using the communication unit 32 (S13). As described above, the communication unit 32 can communicate with the intercom sub-unit 22 included in the intercom system 20. The registration unit 35 transmits the registration information to the second authentication device 50 through the intercom system 20 using the communication unit 32. In other words, the registration request is relayed by the intercom sub-unit 22, the intercom master unit 21, and the lobby intercom 23 and received by the second authentication device 50.

[0043] Furthermore, the memory unit (not shown) of the intercom master unit 21 of the intercom system 20 stores identification information of the private unit 101 (for example, the dwelling unit number such as 303), and when a registration request is relayed by the intercom master unit 21, the identification information of the private unit 101 is added to the registration request by the intercom master unit 21.

[0044] The second authentication device 50 receives a registration request. The registration unit 55 stores the registration information included in the received registration request in the storage unit 54, linking it with the identification information of the exclusive-use unit 101 included in the registration request (S14).

[0045] In this way, when authentication information is registered in the first authentication device 30 by a resident, the authentication system 10 automatically registers the same authentication information in the second authentication device 50. This reduces the effort required for residents to register their authentication information.

[0046] Furthermore, through the processing in step S14, the registration unit 55 receives the registration information stored in the first authentication device 30 from the first authentication device 30, thereby managing the registration information stored in the first authentication device 30. When the registration operation example 1 is repeated based on registration work for multiple first authentication devices 30 installed in multiple exclusive-use units 101, the storage unit 54 stores authentication management information in which one or more pieces of registration information are associated with each of the identification information of the multiple exclusive-use units 101. Figure 4 shows an example of authentication management information.

[0047] [Example of registration operation 2] Furthermore, in the authentication system 10, when authentication information is registered in the second authentication device 50 by a resident, the same authentication information is automatically registered in the first authentication device 30 as well. Below, an example 2 of the authentication information registration operation of such an authentication system 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of the authentication information registration operation example 2.

[0048] The resident instructs the second authentication device 50 to register authentication information by performing a prescribed registration procedure with the second authentication device 50. The registration procedure includes the procedure of having the acquisition unit 31 acquire the authentication information recorded on the authentication medium, and the procedure of inputting the identification information of the private unit 101 in which the resident resides. During the registration procedure, manual operations (not shown) may be performed on the user interface (not shown) of the second authentication device 50 as needed.

[0049] The acquisition unit 51 of the second authentication device 50 acquires authentication information (S21), and the registration unit 55 stores the acquired authentication information as registration information in the storage unit 54. In other words, the registration unit 55 performs the authentication information registration process (S22). In the registration process, the registration information is linked to the identification information of the private unit 101 entered by the resident. After the registration process is completed, the resident can unlock the electric lock 63 using the authentication medium.

[0050] Furthermore, upon completion of the registration process, the registration unit 55 transmits a registration request containing registration information (registered authentication information) to the first authentication device 30 using the communication unit 52 (S23). As described above, the communication unit 52 can communicate with the lobby intercom 23 included in the intercom system 20. The registration unit 55 transmits the registration information to the first authentication device 30 through the intercom system 20 using the communication unit 52. In other words, the registration request is received by the lobby intercom 23, the intercom master unit 21, the intercom slave unit 22, and the first authentication device 30.

[0051] Furthermore, the registration request includes identification information of the private unit 101 entered by the resident, and of the multiple intercom master units 21, only the intercom master unit 21 whose memory unit contains the same identification information as the registration request relays the registration request to the subordinate intercom slave units 22. In other words, the registration request reaches the first authentication device 30 installed in the private unit 101 where the resident resides, but the registration request does not reach the first authentication device 30 installed in the private unit 101 where the resident does not reside.

[0052] The first authentication device 30 receives a registration request. The registration unit 35 stores the registration information included in the received registration request in the storage unit 34 (S24).

[0053] In this way, when authentication information is registered in the second authentication device 50 by a resident, the authentication system 10 automatically registers the same authentication information in the first authentication device 30. This reduces the effort required for residents to register their authentication information.

[0054] [Restrictions on registration operations] By the way, since the second authentication device 50 is installed outside the apartment building 100 near the lobby intercom 23, if registration using the second authentication device 50 is permitted without restriction, as in example 2 of the registration operation, there is a possibility that people other than residents (outsiders) may register authentication information.

[0055] Therefore, in the authentication system 10, of the two registration operation examples, only registration operation example 1 may be permitted, and registration operation example 2 may be prohibited. In other words, the authentication system 10 may be configured such that the registration unit 35 of the first authentication device 30 can perform a first process of storing registration information in the storage unit 34 and transmitting the registration information to the second authentication device 50, but the registration unit 55 of the second authentication device 50 cannot store registration information corresponding to the exclusive use unit 101 in the storage unit 54 and transmit the registration information corresponding to the exclusive use unit 101 to the first authentication device 30.

[0056] Furthermore, when a resident attempts to enter the apartment building 100 for the first time (at the time of move-in), they cannot unlock the automatic locking door 62 (electric lock 63). In such cases, Example 2 of the registration operation (second process) is considered useful. Therefore, Example 2 of the registration operation may be permitted for each of the multiple private units 101, up to a maximum of once.

[0057] Here, as a result of the processing in step S14 above, for private units 101 in which a resident is already living, registration information associated with the identification information of said private unit 101 is stored in the storage unit 54 of the second authentication device 50 (see Figure 4). On the other hand, for private units 101 that are not yet occupied by a resident, the registration information associated with the identification information of said private unit 101 is not stored in the storage unit 54 of the second authentication device 50, and the storage unit 34 of the first authentication device 30 installed in that private unit 101 should also not contain any registration information.

[0058] Therefore, the registration unit 55 of the second authentication device 50 may perform a registration process to add new registration information corresponding to a certain exclusive unit 101, provided that registration information associated with the identification information of that exclusive unit 101 does not exist in the storage unit 54 (in other words, no registration information is stored in the first authentication device 30 installed on that exclusive unit 101). In other words, the registration operation example 2 (second process) may be permitted for each of the multiple exclusive units 101, up to a maximum of once.

[0059] Furthermore, permission or prohibition of registration operation example 2 may be switched by the administrator of the apartment building 100. For example, if a predetermined management authentication information (administrator password) known only to the administrator is entered into the user interface (not shown) of the second authentication device 50, the second authentication device 50 may transition to a mode in which it can perform registration operation example 2 (second process) on the condition that the correct management authentication information has been obtained.

[0060] [Processing to view the number of registered entries] If residents are allowed to register the authentication information of non-residents (outsiders such as friends) in the first authentication device 30 without restriction, a large number of outsiders will be able to enter and exit the apartment building 100, which will reduce the security of the apartment building 100.

[0061] Therefore, the second authentication device 50 may output browsing information to view the number of registered information stored in each of the multiple first authentication devices 30. As shown in Figure 4 above, the storage unit 54 of the second authentication device 50 stores authentication management information, and manages the number of registered information stored in each of the multiple first authentication devices 30. The registration unit 55 can generate browsing information and output the generated browsing information by referring to the storage unit 54 (authentication management information).

[0062] The registration unit 55 outputs (transmits) browsing information to the lobby intercom 23 using, for example, the communication unit 52. The lobby intercom 23 transmits the browsing information to a server device outside the apartment building 100 via a gateway device (a so-called apartment gateway; not shown). The administrator of the apartment building 100 can access the server device using an information terminal (not shown), such as a smartphone or personal computer, and the browsing information will be displayed on the information terminal. Figure 6 shows an example of browsing information displayed (visualized) on an information terminal.

[0063] In this way, the second authentication device 50 can support administrators in managing the number of registered information by providing browsing information using authentication management information. The registration unit 55 may also include the registered information itself in the browsing information.

[0064] [Notification process for the number of registered entries] Furthermore, the second authentication device 50 may output notification information if the number of registered information stored in any of the multiple first authentication devices 30 exceeds a threshold. As shown in Figure 4 above, the storage unit 54 of the second authentication device 50 stores authentication management information, and manages the number of registered information stored in each of the multiple first authentication devices 30. For example, the registration unit 55 refers to the storage unit 54 (authentication management information) to determine whether there is a first authentication device 30 whose number of registered information exceeds a threshold, and outputs notification information if it determines that there is a first authentication device 30 whose number of registered information exceeds a threshold. The notification information includes identification information of the exclusive use unit 101 corresponding to the first authentication device 30 whose number of registered information exceeds a threshold.

[0065] The registration unit 55 outputs (transmits) notification information to the lobby intercom 23 using, for example, the communication unit 52. The lobby intercom 23 transmits the notification information to a server device outside the apartment building 100 via a gateway device (a so-called apartment gateway; not shown). The server device transmits the notification information to an information terminal (not shown) used by the administrator of the apartment building 100. As a result, the notification information is displayed on the information terminal. Figure 7 shows an example of notification information displayed (visualized) on the information terminal.

[0066] In this way, the second authentication device 50 can support administrators in managing the number of registered information by using authentication management information to send notifications.

[0067] [Modified configuration 1] Next, we will describe a modified example 1 of the configuration of the authentication system 10. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to modified example 1. In the following explanation, we will focus on the differences between the authentication system 10a shown in Figure 8 and the authentication system 10.

[0068] The authentication system 10a includes a wireless router 71, a wireless router 72, and a management server 80. In the authentication system 10a, communication between the first authentication device 30 and the second authentication device 50 (sending and receiving registration requests) is conducted via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet, rather than through the intercom system 20.

[0069] The communication unit 32 of the first authentication device 30 can communicate with the wireless router 71 via short-range wireless communication. When a resident performs a registration procedure with the first authentication device 30, in step S13, the registration unit 35 communicates with the wireless router 71 using the communication unit 32 and transmits a registration request (registration information) to the management server 80 via the wide-area communication network.

[0070] Here, during the registration process, residents input identification information for the apartment building 100 and identification information for their private unit 101, and the registration request includes the identification information for the apartment building 100 and the identification information for their private unit 101. The management server 80 is a cloud server that supports the relaying of registration requests, and identifies the second authentication device 50 based on the identification information for the apartment building 100 included in the registration request received from the first authentication device 30, and transmits the registration request to the second authentication device 50 via the wireless router 72.

[0071] Furthermore, the communication unit 52 of the second authentication device 50 can communicate with the wireless router 72 via short-range wireless communication. When a resident performs a registration procedure with the second authentication device 50, in step S23, the registration unit 55 communicates with the wireless router 72 using the communication unit 52 and transmits a registration request (registration information) to the management server 80 via the wide-area communication network.

[0072] Here, during the registration process, the resident inputs identification information for the apartment building 100 and identification information for the private unit 101, and the registration request includes the identification information for the apartment building 100 and the identification information for the private unit 101. The management server 80 identifies the first authentication device 30 based on the identification information for the apartment building 100 and the identification information for the private unit 101 included in the registration request received from the second authentication device 50, and transmits the registration request to the first authentication device 30 via the wireless router 71.

[0073] Thus, the authentication system 10a can send and receive registration requests between the first authentication device 30 and the second authentication device 50 via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. In the above embodiment, the authentication system 10 may be read as the authentication system 10a.

[0074] [Modified configuration 2] Next, we will describe a second modified configuration of the authentication system 10. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to the second modified configuration. In the following explanation, we will focus on the differences between the authentication system 10b shown in Figure 9 and the authentication system 10.

[0075] The authentication system 10b includes a management server 80. In the authentication system 10b, communication between the first authentication device 30 and the second authentication device 50 (sending and receiving registration requests) is conducted not through the intercom system 20, but through a mobile communication system (mobile phone communication network).

[0076] The communication unit 32 of the first authentication device 30 can communicate with the management server 80 via a mobile communication system. When a resident performs a registration procedure with the first authentication device 30, in step S13, the registration unit 35 uses the communication unit 32 to send a registration request (registration information) to the management server 80 via the mobile communication system.

[0077] Here, during the registration process, residents input identification information for the apartment building 100 and identification information for their private unit 101, and the registration request includes the identification information for the apartment building 100 and the identification information for their private unit 101. The management server 80 is a cloud server that supports the relaying of registration requests, and identifies the second authentication device 50 based on the identification information for the apartment building 100 included in the registration request received from the first authentication device 30, and transmits the registration request to the second authentication device 50 via the mobile communication system.

[0078] Furthermore, the communication unit 52 of the second authentication device 50 can communicate with the management server 80 via a mobile communication system. When a resident performs a registration operation with the second authentication device 50, in step S23, the registration unit 55 uses the communication unit 52 to send a registration request (registration information) to the management server 80 via the mobile communication system.

[0079] Here, during the registration process, the resident inputs identification information for the apartment building 100 and identification information for the private unit 101, and the registration request includes the identification information for the apartment building 100 and the identification information for the private unit 101. The management server 80 identifies the first authentication device 30 based on the identification information for the apartment building 100 and the identification information for the private unit 101 included in the registration request received from the second authentication device 50, and transmits the registration request to the first authentication device 30 via the mobile communication system.

[0080] Thus, the authentication system 10b can send and receive registration requests between the first authentication device 30 and the second authentication device 50 via the mobile communication system. In the above embodiment, the authentication system 10 may be read as the authentication system 10b.

[0081] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the electric lock 43 (or electric lock 63) is unlocked when authentication is successful, but the electric lock 43 (or electric lock 63) may also be locked when authentication is successful. When authentication is successful, the electric lock 43 (or electric lock 63) should be locked or unlocked.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 31 (or acquisition unit 51) acquired authentication information from an authentication medium possessed by the resident, such as an IC card or a mobile terminal. However, the acquisition unit 31 (or acquisition unit 51) may also acquire biometric authentication information directly from the resident. In other words, the acquisition unit 31 (or acquisition unit 51) may be a biosensor that reads the resident's biometric authentication information from the resident. Specifically, the biosensor may be a facial recognition sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or an iris sensor.

[0083] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0084] Invention 1 is an authentication device installed in one of the private areas 101 and common areas 102 of a multi-unit dwelling 100, comprising a storage unit, a registration unit that performs registration processing to store registration information in the storage unit based on instructions from a user, and an authentication unit that authenticates a user by comparing the authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information, and locks or unlocks an electric lock installed in one of the areas if authentication is successful, wherein the registration unit transmits the registration information to another authentication device installed in the other area of ​​the private area 101 and common area 102. The authentication device here is either a first authentication device 30 or a second authentication device 50, the storage unit is either a storage unit 34 or a storage unit 54, the registration unit is either a registration unit 35 or a registration unit 55, the electric lock is either an electric lock 43 or an electric lock 63, and the authentication unit is either an authentication unit 36 ​​or an authentication unit 56.

[0085] Such authentication devices store registration information and transmit the same registration information to other authentication devices, thereby eliminating the need for users to register with other authentication devices. In other words, authentication devices can reduce the effort required for users to register their authentication information.

[0086] Invention 2 is an authentication device of Invention 1, wherein the authentication device is installed in the private area 101, and the registration unit transmits the registration information to another authentication device installed in the common area 102 upon completion of the registration process. In this case, the authentication device is the first authentication device 30, the registration unit is the registration unit 35, and the other authentication device is the second authentication device 50.

[0087] Such an authentication device (an authentication device installed in the private area 101) can eliminate the need for the user to register with other authentication devices by transmitting the same registration information to other authentication devices installed in the common area 102 when it has stored the registration information.

[0088] Invention 3 is an authentication device of Invention 1, wherein the authentication device is installed in the common area 102, and the registration unit transmits the registration information to another authentication device installed in the private area 101 upon completion of the registration process. In this case, the authentication device is the second authentication device 50, the registration unit is the registration unit 55, and the other authentication device is the first authentication device 30.

[0089] Such an authentication device (an authentication device installed in the common area 102) can eliminate the need for the user to register with other authentication devices by transmitting the same registration information to other authentication devices installed in the private area 101 when it has stored the registration information.

[0090] Invention 4 is an authentication device of Invention 3 in which the registration unit receives registration information stored in other authentication devices from other authentication devices, manages the registration information stored in other authentication devices, and performs a registration process to add new registration information corresponding to the exclusive use unit 101, provided that no registration information is stored in the other authentication devices.

[0091] Such authentication devices can only allow users to store their registration information once.

[0092] Invention 5 is an authentication device according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the authentication device comprises a communication unit that communicates with equipment included in an intercom system 20 installed in an apartment building 100, and the registration unit uses the communication unit to transmit registration information to another authentication device through the intercom system 20. Here, the equipment is an intercom sub-unit 22 or a lobby intercom 23, the communication unit is the communication unit 32 or communication unit 52 in the authentication system 10, and the registration unit is the registration unit 35 or registration unit 55 in the authentication system 10.

[0093] Such an authentication device can store registration information and transmit the same registration information to other authentication devices via the intercom system 20.

[0094] Invention 6 is an authentication device according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the authentication device includes a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication, and the registration unit transmits the registration information to the other authentication device via a wide-area communication network by communicating with a wireless router using the communication unit. Here, the communication unit is the communication unit 32 or communication unit 52 in the authentication system 10a, the wireless router is the wireless router 71 or wireless router 72, and the registration unit is the registration unit 35 or registration unit 55 in the authentication system 10a.

[0095] Such an authentication device can store registration information and transmit the same registration information to other authentication devices via a wide-area communication network.

[0096] Invention 7 is an authentication device according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the authentication device includes a communication unit that communicates through a mobile communication system, and the registration unit uses the communication unit to transmit registration information to another authentication device through the mobile communication system. Here, the communication unit is the communication unit 32 or communication unit 52 in the authentication system 10b, and the registration unit is the registration unit 35 or registration unit 55 in the authentication system 10.

[0097] Such an authentication device can store registration information and transmit the same registration information to other authentication devices via a mobile communication system.

[0098] Invention 8 is an authentication system comprising an authentication device according to any of Inventions 1 to 7 and another authentication device. Here, the authentication device is either the first authentication device 30 or the second authentication device 50, the other authentication device is either the second authentication device 50 or the first authentication device 30, and the authentication system is either the authentication system 10, the authentication system 10a, or the authentication system 10b.

[0099] Such an authentication system stores registration information in the authentication device and transmits the same registration information to other authentication devices, thereby eliminating the need for the user to register with other authentication devices.

[0100] Invention 9 is an authentication system comprising a first authentication device 30 installed in a private unit 101 of a multi-unit dwelling 100 and a second authentication device 50 installed in a common area 102 of the multi-unit dwelling 100. The first authentication device 30 comprises a storage unit 34 in which registration information is stored, an authentication unit 36 ​​that authenticates the user by comparing the authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information and, if authentication is successful, locks or unlocks the electric lock 63 installed in the private unit 101, and a registration unit 35 that stores the registration information in the storage unit 34 and performs a first processing to transmit the registration information to the second authentication device 50 installed in the common area 102. The second authentication device 50 stores the registration information corresponding to the private unit 101 in a storage unit 54 of the second authentication device 50 and is unable to perform a second processing to transmit the registration information corresponding to the private unit 101 to the first authentication device 30. The authentication system here is authentication system 10, authentication system 10a, or authentication system 10b.

[0101] Such an authentication system can deter outsiders from registering authentication information while reducing the effort required for residents to register.

[0102] Invention 10 is the authentication system of Invention 9, wherein the second authentication device 50 transitions to a mode in which it can perform a second process, provided that predetermined management authentication information has been acquired.

[0103] Such authentication systems can toggle whether or not to perform a second processing step.

[0104] Invention 11 is an information processing method performed by an authentication device installed in one of the private areas 101 and common areas 102 of a multi-unit dwelling 100, and includes a registration step of performing a registration process to store registration information in a storage unit based on instructions from a user; a control step of authenticating a user by comparing the authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information, and if authentication is successful, locking or unlocking an electric lock installed in one of the areas; and a transmission step of transmitting the registration information to another authentication device installed in the other area of ​​the private area 101 and common area 102. The authentication device here is a first authentication device 30 or a second authentication device 50, the storage unit is a storage unit 34 or a storage unit 54, and the electric lock is an electric lock 43 or an electric lock 63.

[0105] This type of authentication method stores registration information and transmits the same registration information to other authentication devices, thereby eliminating the need for the user to register with other authentication devices.

[0106] Invention 12 is a program for causing an authentication device to execute the information processing method of Invention 11.

[0107] According to such a program, the authentication device can store the registration information and transmit the same registration information to other authentication devices, thereby eliminating the need for the user to register with other authentication devices.

[0108] Invention 13 is a second authentication device 50 installed in a common area 102 of an apartment building 100, comprising: a communication unit 52 that receives registration information stored in each of the multiple first authentication devices 30 installed in the multiple private units 101 included in the apartment building 100, which is used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock 43 installed in the private unit 101 corresponding to the first authentication device 30; a storage unit 54; a registration unit 55 that stores the received registration information in the storage unit 54; and an authentication unit 56 that authenticates the user by comparing the authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit 54, and if authentication is successful, locks or unlocks an electric lock 63 installed in the common area 102.

[0109] The second authentication device 50 receives registration information stored in the first authentication device 30 through the user's registration process with the first authentication device 30, and uses this information as registration information for the second authentication device 50, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to register with the second authentication device 50.

[0110] Invention 14 is a second authentication device 50 of Invention 13, wherein the registration unit 55 outputs browsing information for viewing the number of registration information stored in each of the multiple first authentication devices 30 by referring to the storage unit 54.

[0111] Such a second authentication device 50 can assist administrators in managing the number of registered information entries by providing browsing information based on multiple registered information entries stored in the storage unit 54.

[0112] Invention 15 is a second authentication device 50 according to Invention 13 or 14, wherein the registration unit 55 outputs notification information when the number of registration information stored in any of the multiple first authentication devices 30 exceeds a threshold.

[0113] Such a second authentication device 50 can support administrators in managing the number of registered information entries by issuing notifications based on multiple registered information entries stored in the storage unit 54.

[0114] Invention 16 is an authentication system comprising a second authentication device 50 according to any of Inventions 13 to 15 and a plurality of first authentication devices 30. The authentication system here is authentication system 10, authentication system 10a, or authentication system 10b.

[0115] This authentication system 10 reduces the effort required for the user to register with the second authentication device 50 by transmitting the registration information stored in the first authentication device 30 to the second authentication device 50 through the user's registration process with the first authentication device 30, and using it as registration information for the second authentication device 50.

[0116] Invention 17 is an information processing method performed by a second authentication device 50 installed in a common area 102 of a multi-unit dwelling 100, and includes a receiving step of receiving registration information stored in each of a plurality of first authentication devices 30 installed in a plurality of private units 101 included in the multi-unit dwelling 100, which is used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock 43 installed in the private unit 101 corresponding to the first authentication device 30; a registration step of storing the received registration information in a storage unit 54; and an authentication step of authenticating a user by comparing authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit 54, and if authentication is successful, locking or unlocking an electric lock 63 installed in a common area 102.

[0117] This information processing method reduces the effort required for the user to register with the second authentication device 50 by receiving the registration information stored in the first authentication device 30 through the user's registration process with the first authentication device 30 and using it as registration information for the second authentication device 50.

[0118] Invention 18 is a program for causing the second authentication device 50 to execute the information processing method of Invention 17.

[0119] According to such a program, the second authentication device 50 receives the registration information stored in the first authentication device 30 through the user's registration process with the first authentication device 30, and uses it as registration information for the second authentication device 50, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to register with the second authentication device 50.

[0120] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0121] For example, in the above embodiment, the authentication system was implemented by multiple devices. In this case, some or all of the processing performed by the devices in the authentication system may be performed by other devices. Alternatively, the authentication system may be implemented by a single device.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0124] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0125] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0126] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an authentication device or authentication system according to the above embodiment. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by a computer, such as an authentication device or authentication system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10, 10a, 10b Authentication System 20 Intercom System 21 Intercom Master Unit 22 Intercom handset 23 Lobby Intercom 30 First Authentication Device 31, 51 Acquisition Department 32, 52 Communications Department 33, 53 Information Processing Department 34, 54 Storage section 35, 55 Registration Department 36, 56 Certification Department 40 doors 41 Control device 42, 61 Drive unit 43, 63 Electric Locks 50 Second Authentication Device 62 Automatic locking door 71, 72 Wireless routers 80 Management Server 100 apartment complex 101 Private Unit 102 Common area

Claims

1. Authentication device installed in the common area of ​​an apartment building, A communication unit that receives registration information stored in each of several other authentication devices installed in several private units included in the aforementioned apartment building, registration information used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock installed in a private unit corresponding to the other authentication device, Memory unit and, A registration unit that stores the received registration information in the storage unit, The system includes an authentication unit that authenticates the user by comparing authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit, and locks or unlocks an electric lock installed in the common area if the authentication is successful. Authentication device.

2. The registration unit, by referring to the storage unit, outputs browsing information for viewing the number of registration information stored in each of the other authentication devices. The authentication device according to claim 1.

3. The registration unit outputs notification information when the number of registration information stored in any of the other authentication devices exceeds a threshold. The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The combination includes the aforementioned plurality of other authentication devices. Authentication system.

5. An information processing method performed by an authentication device installed in the common area of ​​an apartment building, A receiving step of receiving registration information stored in each of the multiple other authentication devices installed in the multiple private units included in the aforementioned apartment building, which is used for authentication to lock or unlock an electric lock installed in the private unit corresponding to the other authentication device. A registration step of storing the received registration information in a storage unit, The authentication step includes verifying the user by comparing the authentication information obtained from the user with the registration information stored in the storage unit, and if the authentication is successful, locking or unlocking the electric lock installed in the common area. Information processing methods.

6. A program for causing the authentication device to execute the information processing method described in claim 5.

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