Facial recognition system and program

Abstract

A facial authentication system and program are provided that can allow movement from outside an apartment building or the like to a specified space by facial authentication by registering information about the facial image of each resident in the apartment building or the like in advance. [Solution] When a face authentication platform (10) receives entry invitation information from an entry management system (20), it transmits registration request information to a 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 a first storage unit (18) and transmits the information related to the user's facial image to a first imaging device (30A). When the first imaging device (30A) authenticates the user, the restriction imposed by an entry restriction device (40) is lifted, and movement from outside into a specified space is permitted.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a face recognition system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an unlocking system that uses biometric authentication to unlock the front door of an apartment building in order to improve the convenience of so-called visiting services, such as housekeeping services and home care services (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). With such an unlocking system, the front door of the client's home can be unlocked using the service provider's biometric information, 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 can eliminate concerns about crime prevention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-047982 A 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; however, no technology has been known to date that uses facial recognition to automatically unlock a door installed at the entrance of an apartment building or other collective housing complex by registering facial image data of each resident in advance, or to slide an automatic door to open the entrance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a facial recognition system and program that can allow movement from outside an apartment building to a designated space through facial recognition by registering information regarding the facial images of each resident in an apartment building or the like in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The face authentication system of the present invention comprises: a face recognition platform having a first storage unit; An imaging device having an imaging unit; An entrance control device that selectively controls movement from the outside to a predetermined space; A face recognition system comprising: an authentication unit and a second storage unit are provided in the imaging device or the entrance restriction device, When the face recognition platform receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system, the face recognition platform transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information; When the face recognition platform receives information related to a face image of the user and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face recognition platform stores the received information related to the face image of the user and the registration information in the first storage unit and transmits information related to the face image of the user to the imaging device or the entrance restriction device; In the imaging device or the entrance restriction device, information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the face recognition platform is stored in the second storage unit, When the user is authenticated by the authentication unit comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit with information about the user's facial image stored in the second memory unit, the restriction by the entry restriction device is lifted and movement from outside to the specified space is permitted.

[0007] The face authentication system of the present invention comprises: A face recognition platform having a memory unit and an authentication unit; An imaging device having an imaging unit; An entrance control device that selectively controls movement from the outside to a predetermined space; A face recognition system comprising: When the face recognition platform receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system, the face recognition platform transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information; When the face recognition platform receives information related to a face image of the user and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face recognition platform stores the received information related to the face image of the user and the registration information in the storage unit; In the imaging device, information regarding a face image of the user captured by the imaging unit is transmitted to the face recognition platform, When the authentication unit authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the imaging device with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit, the face authentication platform transmits a restriction release command to the entrance restriction device; When a restriction release command is sent from the face recognition platform to the entrance restriction device, the restriction imposed by the entrance restriction device is released, and movement from outside to a specified space is permitted.

[0008] The program of the present invention comprises: A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, and a transmission unit, When the reception unit receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system, the transmission unit transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, When the reception unit receives information regarding the user's facial image and registration information after the registration request information has been sent, the reception unit stores the received information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information in the memory unit, and transmits information regarding the user's facial image to an imaging device or an entry control device so that face authentication can be performed in the imaging device or the entry control device.

[0009] The program of the present invention comprises: A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, a transmission unit, and an authentication unit, When the reception unit receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system, the transmission unit transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, When the reception unit receives registration information including information regarding a face image of the user after the registration request information is transmitted, the reception unit stores the received information regarding the face image of the user and the registration information in the storage unit; When the authentication unit authenticates the user by comparing information regarding the user's facial image transmitted from the imaging device with information regarding the user's facial image stored in the memory unit, the transmission unit transmits a restriction release command to the entry restriction device to release the restriction imposed by the entry restriction device and allow movement from outside to a specified space. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the face authentication system and program of the present invention, by registering information regarding the face image of each resident in an apartment building or the like in advance, movement from outside the apartment building to a specified space can be permitted by face authentication. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a face authentication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an exchange of information when registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation performed when registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a face authentication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an exchange of information when registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6]5 is an explanatory diagram showing an exchange of information when performing face authentication of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation for registering face image data of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when performing face authentication of a user in the face authentication system shown in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 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.

[0013] In the face authentication system 1 according to the present embodiment, a user who is a resident of an apartment building or other collective housing complex simply holds his / her face over the first imaging device 30A as a face authentication terminal at the entrance of the complex, and the restriction imposed by the entrance restriction device 40 is released, allowing the user to enter a shared space or a private space, and since a key for unlocking a door installed at the entrance is not required, for example, convenience for the resident can be improved. The configuration of such a face authentication system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0014] 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 which is an apartment building, a delivery box 42 and a second imaging device 30B arranged near the delivery box 42, an elevator control device 44 which controls the operation of the elevator car and a third imaging device 30C arranged near the elevator door, a plurality of locking devices 46 which 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.

[0015] The face recognition platform 10 is communicably connected to an access control device 40, a delivery box 42, an elevator control device 44, a locking device 46, a mailbox 48, and each imaging device 30A to 30E via a network such as an Internet line. The face recognition platform 10 is, for example, a computer of a system company. Further, the face recognition platform 10 is communicably connected to an admission management system 20 via a network such as an Internet line. The admission management system 20 is, for example, a computer of a building management company or a rental management company. Further, the face recognition platform 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 50 possessed by each resident via a network such as an Internet line.

[0016] 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 by a bus. The control unit 12 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The reception unit 14 is configured to receive information transmitted from an external device to the face recognition platform 10. The transmission unit 16 is configured to transmit information from the face recognition platform 10 to an external device. The storage unit 18 is configured to store registration information of each resident of the building, room numbers, and information regarding face images. Further, the storage unit 18 is configured to store the history of face recognition processing performed by each of the imaging devices 30A to 30E, and the history of processing performed by the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In the face recognition platform 10, the control unit 12 executes programs stored in the storage unit 18, programs stored in a recording medium attached to the face recognition platform 10, programs transmitted from an external device to the face recognition platform 10, etc., whereby the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, and the storage unit 18 each function.

[0017] As described above, the entrance management system 20 is a computer of a building management company or a rental management company, and various information of the building 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, planned date of moving out, user identification number, etc.) is stored in the entrance management system 20.

[0018] The first imaging device 30A and the entrance restriction device 40 are installed near the entrance of the building. The first imaging device 30A has a control unit 32A, an imaging unit 34A, an authentication unit 36A, and a storage unit 38A. The imaging unit 34A, the authentication unit 36A, and the storage unit 38A are each connected to the control unit 32A by a bus. The control unit 32A is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34A is adapted to capture an image of a user's face attempting to enter a shared space or a private space at the entrance of the building to obtain face image data. The storage unit 38A is adapted to store information on the user's face image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10, etc. Here, the information on the user's face image is the user's face image data or a hash value extracted from the user's face image data by a predetermined hash function. The authentication unit 36A is adapted to perform face authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A with information on the user's face 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.

[0019] The entrance restriction device 40 selectively restricts movement from outside the building to the shared space or the private space. For example, when a door is installed at the entrance of the shared space, the entrance 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 of the shared space, thereby restricting a third party from entering the shared space or the private space from outside the building. On the other hand, when the entrance restriction device 40 receives a restriction release command transmitted from the first imaging device 30A, the entrance restriction device 40 (specifically, the locking device) unlocks the door, and users such as residents can enter the shared space or the private space from outside the building. The period during which the door is unlocked is determined in advance, and when this period has elapsed, the locking device automatically locks the door again.

[0020] In addition, in the case where a sliding automatic door is provided at the entrance to the shared space of the building, the entrance restriction device 40 includes a sliding device for sliding the automatic door. Specifically, the sliding device normally keeps the automatic door in a closed position so that the entrance to the shared space is blocked by the automatic door, thereby restricting a third party from entering the shared space from outside the building. On the other hand, when the entrance restriction device 40 receives a restriction release command transmitted from the first imaging device 30A, the entrance restriction device 40 (specifically, the sliding device) slides the automatic door to move it to an open position, so that the entrance to the shared space is no longer blocked by the automatic door, and users such as residents can enter the shared space or private space from outside the building. Note that the period during which the automatic door is in the open position is predetermined, and when this period has elapsed, the sliding device moves the automatic door from the open position to the closed position again.

[0021] Delivery box 42 has a plurality of storage sections for storing parcels and a restricting section (specifically, a door) for selectively restricting access to each storage section. When the resident is not at home, a delivery person from a delivery company places parcels in the storage section in which delivery box 42 is located. Then, when the resident returns to the building, the delivery person opens the door of the storage section in which the deposited parcel is stored, thereby removing the parcel stored in the storage section of the delivery box. Such delivery box 42 is installed outside the shared space. Alternatively, parcels can be placed in each storage section of delivery box 42 from outside the shared space, but parcels can only be removed from each storage section inside the shared space.

[0022] The second imaging device 30B is installed near the location where the user takes out the package from the delivery box 42. The second imaging device 30B 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 by a bus. The control unit 32B is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34B is adapted to capture an image of the face of a user who is about to take out a package from the delivery box 42 to obtain facial image data. The storage unit 38B is adapted to store information on the user's facial image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10, the room number, and the user identification information in association with each other. The authentication unit 36B is adapted to perform facial authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34B with information on 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 face authentication dedicated device or a PC tablet is used as the second imaging device 30B. Furthermore, when an operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B, the delivery box 42 displays the storage status of the package on a touch panel or the like of the delivery box when a package corresponding to the user's room number is stored. Then, when the user operates the touch panel or the like to input an instruction to remove the package, the door of the storage unit in which the package is stored opens, and the user becomes able to remove the package from the storage unit.

[0023] The elevator control device 44 controls the operation of the elevator car installed in the shared space. The third imaging device 30C is disposed at least in the vicinity of the elevator door on the same floor as the entrance restriction device 40 in the shared space. The third imaging device 30C may be disposed in the vicinity of the elevator door on each floor, not just on the same floor as the entrance restriction device 40. The third imaging device 30C has a control unit 32C, an imaging unit 34C, an authentication unit 36C, and a storage unit 38C. The imaging unit 34C, the authentication unit 36C, and the storage unit 38C are each connected to the control unit 32C by a bus. The control unit 32C is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34C is adapted to capture an image of the face of a user positioned in the vicinity of the elevator door to acquire face image data. The storage unit 38C is adapted to store information on the user's face 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 on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34C with information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38C. When the authentication unit 36C performs 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 is used as such a third imaging device 30C. When the elevator control device 44 receives the operation command from the third imaging device 30C, it specifies the destination of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34C. As a result, after the user gets on the elevator, the elevator stops at the floor of the user's room even if the user does not specify the destination floor.

[0024] The locking device 46 is provided for each room in the building, and locks and unlocks the door installed at the entrance of each room. In addition, a fourth imaging device 30D is provided near the entrance of each room. Each fourth imaging device 30D has a control unit 32D, an imaging unit 34D, an authentication unit 36D, and a storage unit 38D. The imaging unit 34D, the authentication unit 36D, and the storage unit 38D are each connected to the control unit 32D by a bus. The control unit 32D is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34D is adapted to capture an image of a user's face attempting to enter a room from outside to obtain face image data. The storage unit 38D is adapted to store information on the user's face image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10, the room number, and the user identification information in a linked manner. The authentication unit 36D is adapted to perform face authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34D with information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38D. When the authentication unit 36D 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 is used as the fourth imaging device 30D. When the locking device 46 receives an operation command from the fourth imaging device 30D, it unlocks the door corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. This allows the user to enter the room by face authentication even if he or she does not have a key.

[0025] 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 postman from a post office or the like places mail in a storage section in the mailbox 48 that corresponds to the room number of the resident, and the resident retrieves the mail stored in the storage section of the mailbox. Such a mailbox 48 is installed outside the shared space. Alternatively, mail may be placed in each storage section of the mailbox 48 from outside the shared space, but mail may only be retrieved from each storage section within the shared space.

[0026] The fifth imaging device 30E is installed near the location where the user takes out mail from the mailbox 48. The fifth imaging device 30E has 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 by a bus. The control unit 32E is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging unit 34E is adapted to capture an image of the face of a user who is about to take out mail from the mailbox 48 to obtain facial image data. The storage unit 38E is adapted to store information on the user's facial image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the facial authentication platform 10 in association with each other. The authentication unit 36E is adapted to perform facial authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34E with information on 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 face authentication dedicated device or a PC tablet is used as the fifth imaging device 30E. When the operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E, the mailbox 48 performs a process of permitting access to a 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, and the user is able to take out mail from the storage unit.

[0027] The user terminal 50 is owned by a user such as a resident. The user terminal 50 includes, for example, a smartphone. A face recognition app can be installed on the user terminal 50 from an online store, the website of the management company of the face recognition platform 10, or the like. When such a face recognition app is installed, the user can use the user terminal 50 to register face 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.).

[0028] 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.

[0029] When information that a user will start living in a building is input to the entrance management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or a rental management company, the entrance management system 20 transmits entrance invitation information of the user to the face recognition platform 10. The entrance invitation information includes information such as the user's user identification information (e.g., the user's name, the telephone number of the user terminal 50, the email address of the user terminal 50, the user's identification number, etc.), the building name, the room number, the start date of occupancy, and the planned date of departure. When the face recognition platform 10 receives the entrance invitation information ("YES" in STEP 1), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entrance invitation information approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 2). Here, when the user is living in a building registered in the face recognition platform 10 for the first time, the user identification information in the entrance invitation information does not approximately match the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("NO" in STEP 2). In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 10 transmits registration request information to the user terminal 50 (STEP 3). The user terminal 50 to which the registration request information should be sent is identified by the user identification information included in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10. On the other hand, if the user moves from another building managed by the same building management company or rental management company and registered in the face authentication platform 10, the user identification information is already stored in the storage unit 18, so the user identification information in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 of the building to which the user has moved to the face authentication platform 10 approximately matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("YES" in STEP 2). In this case, the user does not perform user registration using the user terminal 50.

[0030] A user who receives the registration request information at the user terminal 50 performs user registration using the user terminal 50. Specifically, the user first installs a face authentication application in the user terminal 50. Then, when the user starts the face authentication application on the user terminal 50, a user registration screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user inputs registration information such as the name (kanji), name (kana), date of birth, user name, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, and password on such a user registration screen, and then presses a registration button after checking a box indicating that the terms of use are agreed to, 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 such a capture screen, various registration information input on the user registration screen and the facial image data of the user 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 accepts 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 accepts the identification information of the user terminal 50. Thereafter, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 10 transmits the user's registration information to the admission management system 20 (STEP 5).

[0031] The manager who operates the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information and the like transmitted from the face authentication platform 10. When the entrance management system 20 approves the user, the entrance management system 20 transmits approval information to the face authentication platform 10. When the reception unit 14 of the face authentication platform 10 receives the approval information from the entrance management system 20 ("YES" in STEP 6), the control unit 12 stores the registration information, the room number, and the information on the user's face image in the storage unit 18 while linking them to each other, and transmits the information on the user's face image, the room number, and the user identification information to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E while linking them to each other (STEP 7). As described above, the information on the face image is the user's face image data or a hash value extracted from the user's face image data by a predetermined hash function. That is, the user's face image data captured by the user terminal 50 may be stored as it is 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 face 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 information on the face image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E are stored in the storage units 38A to 38E in a state of being linked to each other. 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 information on the face image and the user identification information are transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A in a state of being linked to each other, or only the information on the face image is transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A and stored in the storage unit 38A.

[0032] Next, the operation of the face 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 who is about to enter a shared space or a private space from outside the building holds his / her 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 the user's face image data. The authentication unit 36A authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38A. Specifically, when the user's face image data captured by the imaging unit 34A and the user's face image data stored in the storage unit 38A are approximately identical, 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 face image data captured by the imaging unit 34A using a predetermined hash function, and when the extracted hash value and the hash value stored in the storage unit 38A are approximately identical, the authentication unit 36A may authenticate that the user is a resident.

[0033] 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 may further send 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 permitted 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. In addition, when the authentication unit 36A authenticates the user, information that the user has been authenticated is transmitted from the first imaging device 30A to the face authentication platform 10 together with user identification information, and these pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 18. As a result, the storage unit 18 stores a history of the release of the restriction by the entrance restriction device 40.

[0034] Furthermore, when a user attempts to retrieve a package stored in the delivery box 42 and holds his / her 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. When the authentication unit 36B authenticates the user, an operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42. When the operation command is transmitted from the second imaging device 30B, the delivery box 42 performs a process of permitting access to a storage unit in which the user's package captured by the imaging unit 34B is stored.

[0035] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36B authenticates the user, information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted as an operation command from the second imaging device 30B to the delivery box 42. Then, the delivery box 42 performs a process to permit access to a storage unit in which a package corresponding to the room number transmitted from the second imaging device 30B is stored. This allows the user to remove the package from the storage unit.

[0036] Furthermore, after entering the shared space, when the user holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34C of the third imaging device 30C installed near the elevator control device 44 to get into the elevator car, the imaging unit 34C captures the user's face and acquires the user's facial image data. The authentication unit 36C compares information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging unit 34C with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage unit 38C to authenticate the user. When the authentication unit 36C authenticates the user, an operation command is transmitted from the third imaging device 30C to the elevator control device 44. When the elevator control device 44 receives the operation command from the third imaging device 30C, it specifies the destination of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user.

[0037] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36C authenticates the user, the third imaging device 30C transmits information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user as an operation command to the elevator control device 44. Then, the elevator control device 44 designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the third imaging device 30C as the destination of the elevator car. Specifically, among the buttons for each floor indicating the destination provided inside the elevator car, the button for the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the third imaging device 30C is automatically pressed. Alternatively, after the user gets inside the elevator car, the door of the elevator car may automatically close, and then the elevator car may automatically move to the designated floor. As a result, after the user gets in the elevator, the elevator will stop at the floor of the user's room without the user having to specify the destination floor.

[0038] In another aspect of the present embodiment, when the entrance restriction device 40 installed at the entrance of the building and the elevator door are located close to each other, the user may hold his / her face over the imaging section 34A of the first imaging device 30A installed near the entrance restriction device 40, the imaging section 34A captures the image of the user's face, acquires the user's facial image data, and the authentication section 36A authenticates the user. Then, an operation command may be transmitted from the first imaging device 30A to the elevator control device 44. Specifically, when the authentication section 36A of the first imaging device 30A authenticates the user, the first imaging device 30A transmits information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user as an operation command to the elevator control device 44. Then, the elevator car automatically moves to the floor on the same floor as the entrance of the building. This allows the user who enters the shared space of the building to immediately get in the elevator car. The elevator control device 44 also 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 elevator to stop at the floor of the user's room without the user having to hold his / her face over the imaging section 34C of the third imaging device 30C and without the user having to specify the destination floor after getting on the elevator. Also, in this embodiment, it is possible to omit installing the third imaging device 30C near the elevator door.

[0039] Furthermore, after entering the shared space, when the user reaches his / her own room and holds his / her face over the imaging section 34D of the fourth imaging device 30D corresponding to the room, the imaging section 34D captures the user's face and acquires the user's facial image data. The authentication section 36D authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's facial image captured by the imaging section 34D with information about the user's facial image stored in the storage section 38D. When the authentication section 36D authenticates the user, an operation command is transmitted from the fourth imaging device 30D to the locking device 46. When the locking device 46 receives the operation command from the fourth imaging device 30D, it unlocks the door corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging section 34D. This allows the user to enter the private space.

[0040] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36D authenticates a user, room number information corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted as an operation command from the fourth imaging device 30D to the elevator control device 44. Then, the locking device 46 unlocks the door if the room number transmitted from the fourth imaging device 30D matches the room number corresponding to this locking device 46. This allows the user to enter the private space by face authentication even without a key.

[0041] In addition, when a user holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34E of the fifth imaging device 30E installed near the mailbox 48 to retrieve mail deposited in 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. When the authentication unit 36E authenticates the user, an operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E to the mailbox 48. When the operation command is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 30E, the mailbox 48 performs a process of permitting access to a storage unit corresponding to the room number of the user captured by the imaging unit 34E.

[0042] Specifically, when the authentication unit 36E authenticates a user, information on a room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user 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 his or her own room number.

[0043] Next, the operation performed by the face authentication system 1 when a user moves to another building will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. When information that a user will start living in another building is input to the entrance management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or an employee of a rental management company, the entrance management system 20 transmits entrance invitation information of this user to the face authentication platform 10. When the face authentication platform 10 receives the entrance invitation information ("YES" in STEP 1), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entrance invitation information approximately matches the user identification information 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.) stored in the storage unit 18 when the user lived in the original building, the user identification information in the entrance invitation information transmitted from the entrance management system 20 approximately matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18 ("YES" in STEP 2).

[0044] In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 10 transmits the user's registration information stored in the storage unit 18 to the entrance management system 20 (STEP 5). The manager who operates the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information, etc. transmitted from the face recognition platform 10. When the entrance management system 20 approves the user, approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 10. When the reception unit 14 of the face recognition platform 10 receives approval information from the entrance management system 20 of another building ("YES" in STEP 6), the control unit 12 stores the registration information, the room number, and the information on the user's face image in the storage unit 18 while linking them together, and transmits the information on the user's face image, the room number, and the user identification information to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E while linking them together (STEP 7). The information on the face image, the room number, and the user identification information transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E are stored in the storage units 38A to 38E in a mutually linked state. In this way, for example, when a user moves from one building to another, the registration information and the information on the face 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 face image or inputting registration information using the user terminal 50, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0045] 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 the entrance invitation information including the user identification information from the entrance management system 20, it transmits the registration request information to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information. In addition, when the face authentication platform 10 receives the information on the user's face image and the registration information after transmitting the registration request information, it stores the information on the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information on the user's face image to the first imaging device 30A. In addition, in the first imaging device 30A, the information on the user's face image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 is stored in the storage unit 38A, and when the information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A is compared with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 38A by the authentication unit 36A to authenticate the user, the restriction by the entrance restriction device 40 is released and movement from the outside to the exclusive space is permitted.

[0046] In this way, by registering the face image of each resident in advance in the apartment complex, it is possible to allow movement from outside the apartment complex to the private space by face authentication. In addition, when the entrance invitation information including the user identification information transmitted from the entrance management system 20 is received, the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50, so that the user who is the resident can be reliably identified in the face authentication platform 10 based on the entrance invitation information. In addition, since the registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 identified based on the user identification information transmitted from the entrance management system 20, the user who is the resident can register information regarding the face image using the user terminal 50, thereby improving the convenience for the user. In addition, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information regarding the user's face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 10 stores the information regarding the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits information regarding the user's face image to the first imaging device 30A, so that the information regarding the user's face image can be managed on the face authentication platform 10 side, and the first imaging device 30A can also authenticate the user using the information regarding the user's face image registered by the user terminal 50.

[0047] In the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information on the user's face image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20, and stores the information on the user's face image and registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits information on the user's face image to the first imaging device 30A only when it receives approval information from the first entrance management system 20. In this case, the operator who operates the entrance management system 20 checks the user's registration information registered by the user terminal 50 once, and only when it is determined that there is no problem, the operator performs an approval operation in the first entrance management system 20A, and the approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face authentication platform 10, so that the accuracy of the information on the user's face image used in the authentication by the authentication unit 36A can be improved. In other words, it is possible to prevent information on the face image of a user other than the resident from being erroneously transmitted to the first imaging device 30A, and therefore it is possible to prevent authentication of a user from being performed using information on the face image of a user other than the resident. Furthermore, unless approved by the entrance management system 20, information relating to the user's face image is not transmitted from the face recognition platform 10 to the first imaging device 30A, thereby improving security.

[0048] 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 building, the face authentication platform 10 receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system 20. If the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18, the face authentication platform 10 transmits information about the face image of the user in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 to the first imaging device 30A or the entrance restriction device 40 of the other building. In this case, for example, when a user moves from one building to another building, the registration information and information about the face 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 face image or inputting registration information using the user terminal 50, which improves user convenience.

[0049] 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 face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 10 stores the received information related to the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18, and transmits information related to the user's face image to the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E. In the second to fifth imaging devices 30B to 30E, the information related to the user's face image transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 is stored in each of the storage units 38B to 38E, and when the information related to the user's face image captured by each of the imaging units 34B to 34E is compared with the information related to the user's face image stored in each of the storage units 38B to 38E by the authentication units 36B to 36E to authenticate the user, a process related to the room number of the authenticated user is performed by a processing device (specifically, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48).

[0050] In this way, by registering the face image and room number of each resident in the apartment building in advance, processing related to the user's room number can be performed by face authentication. Furthermore, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information related to the user's face image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, the face authentication platform 10 stores the information related to the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits information related to the user's face image to each of the imaging devices 30B to 30E. Therefore, the face authentication platform 10 can manage information related to the user's face image, and each of the imaging devices 30B to 30E can also authenticate the user using information related to the user's face image registered by the user terminal 50.

[0051] In the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 10 receives information on the user's face image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, it transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20, and stores the information on the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information in the storage unit 18 and transmits the information on the user's face image to each of the imaging devices 30B to 30E only when it receives approval information from the entrance management system 20. In this case, the administrator who operates the entrance management system 20 checks the user's registration information registered by the user terminal 50 by the user once, and only when it is determined that there is no problem, the administrator performs 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, so that the accuracy of the information on the user's face image used in the authentication by each of the authentication units 36B to 36E can be improved. In other words, it is possible to prevent information on the face image of a user other than the resident from being erroneously transmitted to each of the imaging devices 30B to 30E, and therefore it is possible to prevent the user from being authenticated using information on the face image of a user other than the resident. Furthermore, unless approved by the entrance management system 20, information on the user's face image is not transmitted from the face recognition platform 10 to each of the imaging devices 30B to 30E, thereby improving security.

[0052] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1 and face authentication method of the present embodiment, the information on the face image required for authentication by authentication unit 36A when moving from the outside to a shared space or an exclusive space can be common to the information on the face image required for authentication by authentication units 36B to 36E when performing processing related to the user's room number in delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48. Therefore, even if delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and 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.

[0053] The face authentication system 1 and the face authentication method according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0054] For example, when the reception unit 14 of the face recognition platform 10 receives approval information from the entrance management system 20 ("YES" in STEP 6), the control unit 12 stores the registration information, the room number, and the information on the user's face image in the storage unit 18 while linking them to each other, and transmits the information on the user's face image and the user identification information to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E in a linked state, but the information on the user's room number may not be transmitted to the first to fifth imaging devices 30A to 30E. Instead, the control unit 12 transmits the user's room number and user identification information to each of the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 in a linked state. The user's room number and user identification information are stored in the storage units (not shown) of the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 in a linked state. Then, when the authentication units 36B-36E of the second to fifth imaging devices 30B-30E authenticate the user, the user identification information of the user is transmitted from each of the second to fifth imaging devices 30B-30E to the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. When the user identification information is transmitted from each of the second to fifth imaging devices 30B-30E, the delivery box 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 the face authentication system 1 according to such a modification, when the authentication units 36B-36E compare information on the user's face image captured by the imaging units 34B-34E with information on the user's face image stored in the storage units 38B-38E to authenticate the user, the processing device (specifically, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48) performs processing related to the room number of the authenticated user.

[0055] In the above description, the mode in which the storage unit and the authentication unit for storing information related to the user's face image are installed in each imaging device 30A to 30E has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such a mode. For example, the storage unit for storing information related to the user's face image and the authentication unit for authenticating the user may be provided not in each imaging device 30A to 30E but in the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. In this case, when the user is registered, the information related to the user's face image, the room number, and the user identification information are transmitted from the face authentication platform 10 to the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 in a state where they are associated with each other, and are stored in the storage units of these devices. Further, when the face image of the user is captured by the imaging units 34A to 34E of each imaging device 30A to 30E, the information related to the user's face image is transmitted from each imaging device 30A to 30E to the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. Then, the authentication unit provided in the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 compares the information related to the user's face image transmitted from each imaging device 30A to 30E with the information related to the user's face image stored in the storage unit, thereby authenticating the user. Further, as yet another mode, the storage unit for storing information related to the user's face image is installed in each imaging device 30A to 30E, but the authentication unit may be provided not in each imaging device 30A to 30E but in the access control device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48.

[0056] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 4 to 8 are diagrams showing a face authentication system according to the present embodiment, a method for registering face image data in such a face authentication system, and a method for performing face authentication of a user. In describing the second embodiment, descriptions of substantially the same configurations and operations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0057] In the face authentication system 1a according to the present 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 imaging device 31A as a face authentication terminal at the entrance of the complex, and the restriction imposed by the entrance restriction device 40 is released, allowing the user to enter a shared space or a private space, and since a key for unlocking a door installed at the entrance is not required, for example, convenience for the resident can be improved. The configuration of such a face authentication system 1a will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 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 which is an apartment building, a delivery box 42 and a second imaging device 31B arranged near the delivery box 42, an elevator control device 44 which controls the operation of the elevator car and a third imaging device 31C arranged near the elevator door, a plurality of locking devices 46 which 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.

[0059] The face recognition platform 11 is communicatively connected to the entrance restriction device 40, the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, the mailbox 48, and each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E via a network such as the Internet. The face recognition platform 11 is, for example, a computer of a system company. The face recognition platform 11 is also communicatively connected to the entrance management system 20 via a network such as the Internet. The entrance management system 20 is, for example, a computer of a building management company or a rental management company. The face recognition platform 11 is also communicatively connected to a user terminal 50 carried by each resident via a network such as the Internet.

[0060] The face recognition platform 11 includes a control unit 12, a reception unit 14, a transmission unit 16, an authentication unit 17, and a storage unit 18. The reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, the authentication unit 17, and the storage unit 18 are each connected to the control unit 12 via a bus. 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 a description thereof will be omitted. The authentication unit 17 performs user authentication by comparing information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 with information on the user's face image transmitted from each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E. In the facial recognition platform 11, the reception unit 14, the transmission unit 16, the authentication unit 17 and the 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 11, a program transmitted to the facial recognition platform 11 from an external device, etc.

[0061] The first imaging device 31A and the entrance restriction device 40 are installed near the entrance of the building. The first imaging device 31A has a control unit 32A, an imaging unit 34A, and a storage unit 38A. In the second embodiment, the first imaging device 31A is not provided with 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, so the description will be omitted. For example, a PC tablet or the like is used as such a first imaging device 31A. In addition, the configuration of the entrance restriction device 40 is also substantially the same as the configuration of the entrance restriction device 40 in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0062] The delivery box 42 has a plurality of storage units for storing packages and a restricting unit (specifically, a door) for selectively restricting access to each storage unit. In addition, the second imaging device 31B is installed near the location where the user takes out the package from the delivery box 42. The second imaging device 31B has a control unit 32B, an imaging unit 34B, and a storage unit 38B. Note that, in the second embodiment, the second imaging device 31B is not provided with an authentication unit. The configurations of the control unit 32B, the imaging unit 34B, and the storage unit 38B are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32B, the imaging unit 34B, and the storage unit 38B of the second imaging device 30B in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the delivery box 42 is substantially the same as the configuration of the delivery box 42 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] 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 has a control unit 32C, an imaging unit 34C, and a storage unit 38C. In the second embodiment, the third imaging device 31C does not have an authentication unit. The configurations of the control unit 32C, the imaging unit 34C, and the storage unit 38C are substantially the same as the configurations of the control unit 32C, the imaging unit 34C, and the storage unit 38C of the third imaging device 30C in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the elevator control device 44 is also substantially the same as the configuration of the elevator control device 44 in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The locking device 46 is provided for each room in the building, and locks and unlocks the door installed at the entrance of each room. In addition, a fourth imaging device 31D is 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 is not provided with 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, so the description will be omitted. In addition, the configuration of the locking device 46 is also substantially the same as the configuration of the locking device 46 in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0065] The mailbox 48 has a plurality of storage units corresponding to room numbers and a restricting unit (specifically, a door) that selectively restricts access to each storage unit. In addition, the fifth imaging device 31E is installed near the location where the user takes out luggage from the mailbox 48. The fifth imaging device 31E has a control unit 32E, an imaging unit 34E, and a storage unit 38E. Note that, in the second embodiment, the fifth imaging device 31E is not provided with an authentication unit. 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, so the description will be omitted. The configuration of the mailbox 48 is substantially the same as the configuration of the mailbox 48 in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0066] Next, the operation of such face authentication system 1a when registering face image data of users residing in a building will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] When information that a user will start living in a building is input to the entrance management system 20 by an employee of a building management company or a rental management company, the entrance management system 20 transmits entrance invitation information of the user to the face recognition platform 11. The entrance invitation information includes information such as the user's user identification information and the room number of the room in which the user lives. When the face recognition platform 11 receives the entrance invitation information ("YES" in STEP 101), it is determined whether the user identification information in the entrance invitation information approximately matches the user identification information of the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 102). Here, when the user lives in a building registered in the face recognition platform 11 for the first time, the user identification information in the entrance invitation information does not approximately match the user identification information of the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("NO" in STEP 102). In this case, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition 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 storage unit 18, so that the user identification information in the entry invitation information sent from the entry management system 20 of the building to which the user has moved to the face authentication platform 11 substantially matches the user identification information in the registration information stored in the storage unit 18 ("YES" in STEP 102). In this case, the user does not perform user registration using the user terminal 50.

[0068] A user who receives the registration request information at the user terminal 50 performs user registration using the user terminal 50. Specifically, the user first installs a face authentication application in the user terminal 50. Then, when the user starts the face authentication application at the user terminal 50, a user registration screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. When the user inputs registration information such as the name (kanji), name (kana), date of birth, user name, telephone number of the user terminal 50, email address of the user terminal 50, and password on such a user registration screen, and then presses a registration button after checking a box for agreeing to the terms of use, 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 such a capture screen, various registration information input on the user registration screen and the facial image data of the user 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 accepts 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 accepts the identification information of the user terminal 50. Thereafter, the transmission unit 16 of the face recognition platform 11 transmits the user's registration information to the admission management system 20 (STEP 105).

[0069] An administrator who operates the entrance management system 20 approves the user as a resident by viewing the user's registration information, etc., transmitted from the face recognition platform 11. When the entrance management system 20 approves the user, approval information is transmitted from the entrance management system 20 to the face recognition platform 11. When the reception unit 14 of the face recognition platform 11 accepts the approval information from the entrance management system 20 ("YES" in STEP 106), the control unit 12 associates the registration information, the room number, and information regarding the face image with each other and stores them in the memory unit 18 (STEP 107).

[0070] Next, the operation of the face 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 FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. When a user who is going to enter a shared space or a private space from outside the building holds his / her face over the imaging section 34A of the first imaging device 31A, the imaging section 34A captures an image of the user's face and acquires the user's face image data ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information on the user's face image is transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the face authentication platform 11 (STEP 111). Specifically, the first imaging device 31A transmits the user's face image data to the face authentication platform 11 as is. Alternatively, the control section 32A extracts a hash value from the user's face image data acquired by the imaging section 34A using a predetermined hash function, and the extracted hash value is transmitted from the first imaging device 31A to the face authentication platform 11.

[0071] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 performs authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image transmitted from the first imaging device 31A with information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 (STEP 112). Specifically, when the user's face image data transmitted from the first imaging device 31A and the user's face image data stored in the storage unit 18 are approximately identical, authentication is performed that the user is a resident. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may extract a hash value from the user's face image data transmitted from the first imaging device 31A using a predetermined hash function, and when the extracted hash value and the hash value stored in the storage unit 18 are approximately identical, authentication is performed that the user is a resident. As yet another aspect, when the hash value transmitted from the first imaging device 31A and the hash value stored in the storage unit 18 are approximately identical, authentication is performed 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 permitted 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. In addition, 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 the removal of restrictions by the entrance restriction device 40.

[0072] Furthermore, when a user attempts to retrieve a package stored in the delivery box 42 and holds his / her 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 the user's facial image data ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information related to the user's facial image is transmitted from the second imaging device 31B to the face recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0073] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 performs authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image transmitted from the second imaging device 31B with information on 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), an operation command is sent from the face authentication platform 11 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 on 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 take out the package from the storage unit.

[0074] 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 the user's facial image data ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information related to the user's facial image is transmitted from the third imaging device 31C to the facial recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0075] The authentication unit 17 of the face recognition platform 11 performs authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image transmitted from the third imaging device 31C with information on 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), an operation command is sent from the face recognition platform 11 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 specifies the destination of the elevator car to the floor corresponding to the room number of the authenticated user. Specifically, when the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user, information on 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 specifies the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face recognition platform 11 as the destination of the elevator car. This allows the user to retrieve packages and mail from the storage section that corresponds to his / her room number.

[0076] In another aspect of the present embodiment, when the entrance restriction device 40 installed at the entrance of the building and the elevator door are located close to each other, the user holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34A of the first imaging device 31A installed near the entrance restriction device 40, the imaging unit 34A captures the image of the user's face, acquires the user's facial image data, and transmits information about the user's facial image to the face authentication platform 11, whereby the authentication unit 17 authenticates the user. In particular, when the authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user, the face authentication platform 11 transmits information about the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user as an operation command to the elevator control device 44. Then, the elevator car automatically moves to the same floor as the entrance of the building. This allows the user who enters the shared space of the building to immediately get in the elevator car. The elevator control device 44 also designates the floor corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 as the destination of the elevator car. This allows the elevator to stop at the floor of the user's room without the user having to hold his / her face over the imaging section 34C of the third imaging device 31C and without the user having to specify the destination floor after getting on the elevator. Also, in this embodiment, it is possible to omit installing the third imaging device 31C near the elevator door.

[0077] After entering the shared space, when the user reaches the front of his / her own room and holds his / her face over the imaging section 34D of the fourth imaging device 31D corresponding to the room, the imaging section 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 recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0078] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 performs authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image transmitted from the fourth imaging device 31D with information on 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), an operation command is sent from the face authentication platform 11 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, information on the room number corresponding to the user identification information of the user is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11 to the elevator control device 44 as an operation command. Then, 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 by face authentication even without a key.

[0079] Furthermore, when the user holds his / her face over the imaging unit 34E of the fifth imaging device 31E installed near the mailbox 48 to retrieve mail deposited in the mailbox 48, the imaging unit 34E captures an image of the user's face and acquires the user's facial image data ("YES" in STEP 110). Then, information related to the user's facial image is transmitted from the fifth imaging device 31E to the facial recognition platform 11 (STEP 111).

[0080] The authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11 performs authentication of the user by comparing information on the user's face image transmitted from the fifth imaging device 31E with information on 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 on 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 a storage unit corresponding to the room number transmitted from the face authentication platform 11. This allows the user to take out mail from the storage unit.

[0081] 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 the entrance invitation information including the user identification information from the entrance management system 20, it transmits the registration request information to the user terminal 50 specified based on the user identification information. Furthermore, when the face authentication platform 11 receives the information on the user's face image and the registration information after transmitting the registration request information, it stores the information on the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18. Furthermore, in the first imaging device 31A, the information on the user's face image captured by the imaging unit 34A is transmitted to the face authentication platform 11, and when the authentication unit 17 compares the information on the user's face image transmitted from the first imaging device 31A with the information on the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 to authenticate the user, it transmits a restriction release command to the entrance restriction device 40. Then, in the entrance restriction device 40, when the restriction release command is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11, the restriction by the entrance restriction device 40 is released and movement from the outside to the exclusive space is permitted.

[0082] In this way, by registering face images of each resident in advance in an apartment building or the like, movement from outside the apartment building to the private space can be permitted by face authentication. Furthermore, when entry invitation information including user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20 is accepted, registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50, so that the user who is a resident can be reliably identified in the face authentication platform 11 based on the entry invitation information. Furthermore, since 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 user who is a resident can register information related to the face 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 the registration information in the memory unit 18. This allows the facial recognition platform 11 to manage the information regarding the user's facial image, and eliminates the need to store information regarding the user's facial image in the memory unit 38A of the first imaging device 31A. This prevents the user's facial image from being stolen from the first imaging device 31A, thereby improving security.

[0083] In the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 11 receives information on the user's face image and registration information after transmitting registration request information, the face authentication platform 11 transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system 20, and stores the information on the user's face image and the registration information in the storage unit 18 only when approval information is received from the entrance management system 20. In this case, the administrator who operates the entrance management system 20 checks the user's registration information registered by the user terminal 50 by the user, and only when it is determined that there is no problem, the administrator performs 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 11, so that the accuracy of the information on the user's face image used in authentication by the authentication unit 17 can be improved. In other words, it is possible to prevent the user from being authenticated using information on the face image of a user other than the resident.

[0084] In addition, 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 building, when the face authentication platform 11 receives entry invitation information including user identification information from the entry management system 20, if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the storage unit 18, the face image information and registration information of the user stored in the storage unit 18 are linked to the entry restriction device 40 of the other building. In this case, when the user moves from one building to another building, the registration information and the face image information 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 taking a face image or inputting registration information using the user terminal 50, and convenience for the user can be improved.

[0085] Also, according to the face authentication system 1a and the face authentication method of the present embodiment, when the face authentication platform 11 receives at least information regarding the user's face image and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face authentication platform 11 causes the storage unit 18 to store the received information regarding the user's face image, the room number, and the registration information. Further, in the imaging devices 31B to 31E, information regarding the user's face image captured by the imaging units 34B to 34E is transmitted to the face authentication platform 11. Also, when the face authentication platform 11 authenticates the user by comparing the information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the imaging devices 31B to 31E with the information regarding the user's face image stored in the storage unit 18 by the authentication unit 17, 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, the mailbox 48). In each processing device, when an operation command is transmitted from the face authentication platform 11, the processing device performs processing related to the room number of the authenticated user.

[0086] In this way, by registering the face image and room number of each resident in the apartment building in advance, processing related to the user's room number can be performed by face authentication. Furthermore, when entry invitation information including user identification information transmitted from the entry management system 20 is accepted, registration request information is transmitted to the user terminal 50, so that the user who is a resident can be reliably identified in the face authentication platform 11 based on the entry invitation information. Furthermore, since 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 user who is a resident can register information related to the face 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 the 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 units 38A-38E of each of the imaging devices 31B-31E. This prevents information regarding the user's facial image from being extracted from each of the imaging devices 31B-31E, thereby improving security.

[0087] Furthermore, in the face authentication system 1a and face authentication method of the present embodiment, the information on the face image required for authentication by the authentication unit 17 when moving from the outside to a shared space or an exclusive space can be common to the information on the face image required for authentication by the authentication unit 17 when performing processing related to the user's room number in the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. Therefore, even if the delivery box 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48 are additionally installed, it is not necessary to register the face image again when using these additionally installed devices, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0088] Note that the face authentication system 1a and the face authentication method according to this embodiment are not limited to the above-described modes, and various modifications can be made.

[0089] For example, in the above description, after the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11, operation commands (including unlocking commands) are sent from the face authentication platform 11 to each of the access control device 40, the storage box device 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48. However, this embodiment is not limited to such a mode. As another example, after the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 17 of the face authentication platform 11, operation commands may be sent from the face authentication platform 11 to each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E, and operation commands may be sent from each of the imaging devices 31A to 31E to each of the access control device 40, the storage box device 42, the elevator control device 44, the locking device 46, and the mailbox 48.

[0090] Also, the face authentication system and the face authentication method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described modes, and various modifications can be made.

[0091] For example, the first imaging devices 30A, 31A and the entry restriction device 40 installed at the entrance of the building are not limited to being separate. 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 box 42 are not limited to being separate. A device in which the second imaging devices 30B, 31B and the delivery box 42 are integrated may be installed inside the building. The third imaging devices 30C, 31C and the elevator control device 44 are not limited to being separate. A device in which the third imaging devices 30C, 31C and the elevator control device 44 are integrated may be installed near the elevator door. The fourth imaging devices 30D, 31D and the locking device 46 are not limited to being separate. A device in which the fourth imaging devices 30D, 31D and the locking device 46 are integrated may be installed near the elevator door. 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.

[0092] 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 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.

[0093] 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 that can perform processing related to the user's room number may be used other than the delivery box 42, elevator control device 44, locking device 46, and mailbox 48.

[0094] In addition, some of the imaging devices 30A-30E, 31A-31E may have an authentication unit, while other imaging devices may not have an authentication unit. Even in this case, the storage 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]

[0095] 1. 1a Face Recognition System 10, 11 Face Recognition Platform 12 Control section 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 face recognition platform having a first storage unit; An imaging device having an imaging unit; An entrance control device that selectively controls movement from the outside to a predetermined space; A face recognition system comprising: the imaging device and the entrance control device are installed in each of a plurality of buildings, an authentication unit and a second storage unit are provided in the imaging device or the entrance restriction device, When the face recognition platform receives entry invitation information including user identification information and building identification information from the entry management system, the face recognition platform transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information; When the face recognition platform receives information related to a face image of the user and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face recognition platform stores the received information related to the face image of the user and the registration information in the first storage unit and transmits information related to the face image of the user to the imaging device or the entrance restriction device; In the imaging device or the entrance restriction device, information regarding the user's face image transmitted from the face recognition platform is stored in the second storage unit, When the authentication unit authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image captured by the imaging unit with information about the user's face image stored in the second storage unit, the restriction by the entry restriction device is released and movement from the outside to a predetermined space is permitted, A facial recognition system in which, when the facial recognition platform receives the entry invitation information from the entry management system, if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the first memory unit, the facial recognition platform does not send the registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, and instead sends information regarding the user's facial image stored in the first memory unit to the imaging device or the entry control device of a building corresponding to the building identification information of the received entry invitation information.

2. The facial recognition system of claim 1, wherein, when the facial recognition platform receives information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information after sending the registration request information, the facial recognition platform transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system, and only when approval information is received from the entrance management system, the facial recognition platform stores the received information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information in the first memory unit and transmits information regarding the user's facial image to the imaging device or the entrance control device.

3. A face recognition platform having a memory unit and an authentication unit; An imaging device having an imaging unit; An entrance control device that selectively controls movement from the outside to a predetermined space; A face recognition system comprising: the imaging device and the entrance control device are installed in each of a plurality of buildings, When the face recognition platform receives entry invitation information including user identification information and building identification information from the entry management system, the face recognition platform transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information; When the face recognition platform receives information related to a face image of the user and registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the face recognition platform stores the received information related to the face image of the user and the registration information in the storage unit; In the imaging device, information regarding a face image of the user captured by the imaging unit is transmitted to the face recognition platform, When the authentication unit authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the imaging device with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit, the face authentication platform transmits a restriction release command to the entrance restriction device; When a restriction release command is transmitted from the face recognition platform to the entrance restriction device, the restriction by the entrance restriction device is released and movement from the outside to a predetermined space is permitted, A facial recognition system in which, when the facial recognition platform receives the entry invitation information, if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the memory unit, the facial recognition platform does not send the registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, and links information regarding the user's facial image stored in the memory unit and the registration information to the entry control device of the building corresponding to the building identification information of the received entry invitation information.

4. The facial recognition system of claim 3, wherein when the facial recognition platform receives information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information after sending the registration request information, the facial recognition platform transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system, and stores the received information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information in the memory unit only when approval information is received from the entrance management system.

5. A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, and a transmission unit, An imaging device and an entry control device are installed in each of a plurality of buildings; When the reception unit receives entry invitation information including user identification information and building identification information from the entry management system, the transmission unit transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, when the reception unit receives information related to a facial image of the user and the registration information after transmitting the registration request information, the reception unit stores the received information related to the facial image of the user and the registration information in the storage unit, and transmits information related to the facial image of the user to the imaging device or the entrance restriction device of the building corresponding to the building identification information of the received entry invitation information so as to cause the imaging device or the entrance restriction device to perform face authentication; When the entry invitation information is received from the entry management system, if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the memory unit, the program does not send the registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, and instead sends information regarding the user's facial image stored in the memory unit to the imaging device or the entry control device of a building corresponding to the building identification information of the received entry invitation information.

6. The program of claim 5, wherein when the reception unit receives information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information after the transmission unit has sent the registration request information, the transmission unit transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system, and only when approval information is received from the entrance management system, the transmission unit stores the received information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information in the memory unit and transmits information regarding the user's facial image to the imaging device or the entrance control device.

7. A program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit, a storage unit, a transmission unit, and an authentication unit, An imaging device and an entry control device are installed in each of a plurality of buildings; When the reception unit receives entry invitation information including user identification information and building identification information from the entry management system, the transmission unit transmits registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, When the reception unit receives registration information including information regarding a face image of the user after the registration request information is transmitted, the reception unit stores the received information regarding the face image of the user and the registration information in the storage unit; when the authentication unit authenticates the user by comparing information about the user's face image transmitted from the imaging device with information about the user's face image stored in the storage unit, the transmission unit transmits a restriction release command to the entrance restriction device to release the restriction imposed by the entrance restriction device of the building corresponding to the building identification information of the received entry invitation information and to permit movement from outside to a predetermined space, The program, when receiving the entry invitation information, if the user identification information in the received entry invitation information approximately matches the user identification information stored in the memory unit, does not send the registration request information to a user terminal identified based on the user identification information, and links information regarding the user's facial image stored in the memory unit and the registration information to the entry restriction device of a building corresponding to the building identification information of the received entry invitation information.

8. The program of claim 7, wherein when the reception unit receives information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information after the transmission unit has sent the registration request information, the transmission unit transmits the received registration information to the entrance management system, and stores the received information regarding the user's facial image and the registration information in the memory unit only when approval information is received from the entrance management system.

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