Unlock system, housing device, and unlocking method

Abstract

To make it possible to determine whether or not the restriction of an unlocking operation of locking means by restricting means may be released even when a communication terminal for releasing the restriction of the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means is installed remotely from an enclosure device.SOLUTION: In an unlocking system consisting of an enclosure device equipped with an openable and closable door body and a communication terminal capable of communicating with the enclosure device, the enclosure device includes: locking means for locking the door body; restricting means for restricting an unlocking operation of the locking means that locks the door body; unlocking person information collecting means for collecting unlocking person information being information about a person who unlocks the door body; and unlocking person information transmitting means for transmitting the unlocking person information collected by the unlocking person information collecting means, the communication terminal includes: unlocking person information receiving means for receiving unlocking person information; and release instruction transmitting means for transmitting a release instruction for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means, and the restricting means releases the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the transmission of the release instruction by the release instruction transmitting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an unlocking system, a housing device, and an unlocking method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a key storage device for storing a key of a keyed storage for storing documents. The key storage device includes: (a) a key storage box including a mounting claw and a bracket for fastening in close contact with an outer plate of the keyed storage, an outer cover for closing a key storage unit main body storing the key, and a lock solenoid for locking a closed state of the outer cover; and (b) a control unit connected to a personal computer that identifies an individual and transmits an opening permission command for permitting opening of the key storage box to the identified individual, and that drives the lock solenoid of the key storage box to unlock a lock lever upon receiving the opening permission command.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a housing device having an openable and closable door body, a restricting means for restricting an unlocking operation of the locking means may be provided separately from the locking means for locking the door body. In this case, if a communication terminal for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means is installed remotely from the housing device, it is impossible to identify the person who performs the unlocking operation, and thus it is impossible to determine whether the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means may be released.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to enable determination as to whether the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means can be released even when a communication terminal for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means is installed remotely from the housing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] For this purpose, the present invention is a system comprising a housing device having an openable and closable door body and a communication terminal capable of communicating with the housing device. The housing device includes a locking means for locking the door body, a restricting means for restricting the unlocking operation of the locking means that is locking the door body, an unlocking person information collecting means for collecting unlocking person information which is information about a person performing the unlocking operation, and an unlocking person information transmitting means for transmitting the unlocking person information collected by the unlocking person information collecting means. The communication terminal includes an unlocking person information receiving means for receiving the unlocking person information and an unlocking instruction transmitting means for transmitting an unlocking instruction for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means. The restricting means provides a lock release system for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the unlocking instruction being transmitted by the unlocking instruction transmitting means.

[0007] The locking means may be a physical key that can be manually unlocked, and the restricting means may be an electromagnetic lock that can be released by an unlocking instruction.

[0008] The communication terminal may further include a display means for displaying the unlocking person information collected by the unlocking person information collecting means. In that case, the unlocking person information collecting means may collect, as the unlocking person information, an image of a person performing the unlocking operation, and the display means may display the image as the unlocking person information. Also, in that case, the housing device is a money processing machine including a money inserting means for inserting money into the housing device, a money processing means provided in the housing device for processing the money inserted by the money inserting means, and an error detecting means for detecting an error occurring when the money processing means processes the money. The display means may further display information regarding the error detected by the error detecting means when the error is detected by the error detecting means.

[0009] The unlocking system may further include a storage means for storing information regarding the authority of the person performing the unlocking operation in association with the unlocker information, and a determination means for reading out the authority stored in association with the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means from the storage means and determining whether or not the locking means can be released based on the authority. In that case, the restricting means may be such that even when an unlocking instruction is transmitted by the unlocking instruction transmitting means, if the determination means determines that unlocking is not possible, the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means is not released.

[0010] Further, the present invention provides a housing device including an openable and closable door body, a locking means for locking the door body, a restricting means for restricting the unlocking operation of the locking means for locking the door body, an unlocker information collection means for collecting unlocker information which is information about a person performing an unlocking operation, and an unlocker information transmitting means for transmitting the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means, wherein the restricting means releases the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by receiving a control signal in response to the transmission of the unlocker information.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides an unlocking method including the steps of: in a system including a housing device having an openable and closable door body and a communication terminal capable of communicating with the housing device, the housing device collecting unlocker information which is information about a person performing an unlocking operation, the housing device transmitting the collected unlocker information, the communication terminal receiving the unlocker information, the communication terminal transmitting an unlocking instruction for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means, and the restricting means releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the unlocking instruction transmitted by the communication terminal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, even when a communication terminal for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means is installed remotely from the housing device, it is possible to determine whether or not the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means may be released.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4-1

Figure 4-2

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15-1

Figure 15-2

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Overall Configuration of Unlocking System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the unlocking system 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unlocking system 1 includes a ticket vending device 10, a router 50, a server 60, and an administrator terminal 70. The router 50 is connected to the ticket vending device 10 via a network 81, the server 60 is connected to the router 50 via a network 82, and the administrator terminal 70 is connected to the server 60 via a network 83.

[0016] The ticket vending device 10 is an example of a housing device and a currency processing machine, and includes a ticket vending machine 20, a key cover 30, and a camera 40. The key cover 30 and the camera 40 may be incorporated in the ticket vending machine 20, but hereinafter, the case where they are externally connected to the ticket vending machine 20 will be described as an example. The ticket vending machine 20, the key cover 30, and the camera 40 are each connected to the router 50 via a network 81.

[0017] The ticket vending machine 20 is arranged, for example, at the entrance of a store such as a restaurant, and issues tickets by printing on a roll paper, for example, by the operation of depositing money by a customer of the store and pressing a menu button. In particular, in the present embodiment, when an error occurs or the like, the ticket vending machine 20 transmits the identification information (ticket vending machine ID) of the ticket vending machine 20, the current date and time information, and the error information to the router 50, and also transmits an instruction to start video shooting to the camera 40.

[0018] The key cover 30 is a cover for preventing a store employee from freely unlocking the key of the door of the ticket vending machine 20. That is, the key cover 30 is an example of a restricting means for restricting the unlocking operation of the locking means. The key cover 30 is an electromagnetic lock that can be electromagnetically locked and unlocked by a locking mechanism. As the locking mechanism, for example, a solenoid is used. Further, the key cover 30 is provided with an opening / closing detection mechanism for detecting its opening and closing. As the opening / closing detection mechanism, for example, an opening / closing detection switch or an opening / closing sensor is used. And the key cover 30 transmits the ticket vending machine ID of the ticket vending machine 20 to which it is connected, the locking state indicating whether it is locked or unlocked, and the opening / closing state indicating whether it is open or closed to the router 50.

[0019] The camera 40 is a device for photographing a person who is trying to unlock the key of the door of the ticket vending machine 20. That is, the camera 40 is an example of a key unlocker information collecting means for collecting key unlocker information which is information about the person performing the unlocking operation and a key unlocker information collecting means for collecting an image of the person performing the unlocking operation. The camera 40 may take still images, but hereinafter, a camera that takes moving images (video data) will be described as an example. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the camera 40 receives an instruction to start video shooting from the ticket vending machine 20 to which it is connected, it starts shooting a video and transmits the ticket vending machine ID of that ticket vending machine 20 and the video data to the router 50. Incidentally, the camera 40 may have a function of not only imaging the person performing the unlocking operation but also monitoring customers and the surrounding situation.

[0020] The router 50 is a device that relays data between the network 81 and the network 82. As the network 81, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) within a store may be used, and as the network 82, for example, it is desirable to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In particular, in this embodiment, the router 50 is equipped with a control board that controls the lock mechanism within the key cover 30 and the opening / closing detection mechanism within the key cover 30. Also, in this embodiment, the router 50 transmits the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, and error information received from the ticket vending machine 20, the lock state and opening / closing state received from the key cover 30 corresponding to the ticket vending machine 20, and the video received from the camera 40 corresponding to the ticket vending machine 20 to the server 60. That is, the router 50 is an example of the unlocker information transmission means that transmits the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means.

[0021] The server 60 is a server computer that supports various management operations of the operator of the store where the ticket vending device 10 is installed, etc., and the administrator of the ticket vending device 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the server 60 supports the management operation in which the administrator manages the unlocking of the key to the door of the ticket vending machine 20 by the store employees.

[0022] The administrator terminal 70 is an example of a communication terminal and is a terminal device used by the operator of the store where the ticket vending device 10 is installed, etc., and the administrator of the ticket vending device 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the administrator terminal 70 transmits a lock release instruction for instructing the release of the lock of the key cover 30 to the router 50 via the server 60. As the administrator terminal 70, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. may be used. As the network 83, for example, the Internet may be used.

[0023] [Configuration of Ticket Vending Device] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the ticket vending apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the ticket vending apparatus 10 includes a ticket vending machine 20, a key cover 30, and a camera 40. The ticket vending machine 20 has an operation display unit 201, a bill insertion / return slot 202, a coin insertion slot 203, a coin return slot 204, a ticket outlet 205, a door 206, a key part 207, and a keyhole 208.

[0024] The operation display unit 201 is provided at the upper front part of the ticket vending machine 20 and is a part for displaying information and being operated by a customer to input information. The operation display unit 201 is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel. For example, if the store where the ticket vending machine 20 is installed is a restaurant, menu buttons of the dishes provided by the restaurant are displayed on the operation display unit 201.

[0025] The bill insertion / return slot 202, the coin insertion slot 203, the coin return slot 204, and the ticket outlet 205 are provided below the operation display unit 201 on the front surface of the ticket vending machine 20. The bill insertion / return slot 202 is a part where a customer inserts or returns a bill. The coin insertion slot 203 is a part where a customer inserts a coin, and the coin return slot 204 is a part where a coin is returned to the customer. That is, the bill insertion / return slot 202, the coin insertion slot 203, and the coin return slot 204 are an example of currency insertion means for inserting currency into the housing device. The ticket outlet 205 is a part used for a customer to take out the issued ticket.

[0026] The door 206 is an example of a door body and is provided so as to cover the entire front surface of the ticket vending machine 20. The door 206 is openable and closable and can be opened, for example, when an error occurs. Further, the door 206 has a key part 207 as an example of locking means for locking the door body. Here, the key part 207 is, for example, a physical key that can be manually unlocked and has a keyhole 208. The door 206 is normally locked by the key part 207, but a store employee can insert a separately stored key into the keyhole 208 to unlock the key part 207 and open the door 206.

[0027] [Configuration of Ticket Vending Machine] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ticket vending machine 20. As shown in the figure, the ticket vending machine 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation display unit 201, a communication unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0028] The control unit 21 controls the entire device. The control unit 21 is realized by a program stored in a storage device being executed with a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like.

[0029] The operation display unit 201 has already been described with reference to FIG. 2, and thus the description here is omitted. The communication unit 24 communicates information with other devices via the network 81. Here, the other devices are, for example, the camera 40 and the router 50.

[0030] The storage unit 25 stores data and the like used by the control unit 21. For example, the storage unit 25 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 25 has, for example, an identification information database 251.

[0031] The identification information database 251 stores its own ticket vending machine ID. The ticket vending machine ID may be a number assigned to the ticket vending machine 20. Note that, in addition to this database, the storage unit 25 also has an operating hours information database, a sales information database, an electronic journal database, a menu information database, etc., which are normally possessed by the ticket vending machine 20, but these are omitted here.

[0032] Further, the control unit 21 includes a plurality of functional units that realize various functions. The plurality of functional units are, for example, a bill processing unit 211, a coin processing unit 212, a ticket issuing unit 213, an error detection unit 214, an operation reception unit 215, a display control unit 216, a transmission unit 217, a reception unit 218, and a storage control unit 219.

[0033] The bill processing unit 211 performs the process of transporting the bills inserted from the bill insertion / return opening 202 and storing them in the bill storage. Also, the bill processing unit 211 performs the process of returning unacceptable bills to the bill insertion / return opening 202 by performing authenticity determination of bills, etc., and the process of paying out change bills to the bill insertion / return opening 202. That is, the bill processing unit 211 is an example of currency processing means provided in the housing device for processing the currency inserted from the currency input means.

[0034] The coin processing unit 212 performs the process of transporting the coins inserted from the coin insertion opening 203 and storing them in the coin storage. Also, the coin processing unit 212 performs the process of returning unacceptable coins to the coin return opening 204 by performing authenticity determination of coins, etc., and the process of paying out change coins to the coin return opening 204. That is, the coin processing unit 212 is an example of currency processing means provided in the housing device for processing the currency inserted from the currency input means.

[0035] The ticket issuing unit 213 issues tickets purchased with the bills inserted from the bill insertion / return opening 202 or the coins inserted from the coin insertion opening 203.

[0036] The error detection unit 214 detects the occurrence of an error in the vending machine 20. For example, the error detection unit 214 detects the occurrence of an error when the bill processing unit 211 processes bills or when the coin processing unit 212 processes coins. Here, examples of errors include, for example, bill jams, running out of roll paper used for ticket issuing, near full, near empty, etc. Near full refers to a state where the amount of bills stored in the bill storage is approaching the maximum amount of bills that can be stored in the bill storage, or the amount of coins stored in the coin storage is approaching the maximum amount of coins that can be stored in the coin storage. Near empty refers to a state where the amount of bills stored in the bill storage is approaching zero, or the amount of coins stored in the coin storage is approaching zero. That is, the error detection unit 214 is an example of error detection means for detecting an error that occurs when processing currency by the currency processing means.

[0037] The operation reception unit 215 receives operations on the operation display unit 201 by customers and store employees, and passes information regarding the operations to each functional unit.

[0038] The display control unit 216 controls to display the information passed from each functional unit on the operation display unit 201. For example, when the error detection unit 214 detects an error, the display control unit 216 controls to display the fact on the operation display unit 201.

[0039] The transmission unit 217 outputs the information passed from each functional unit to the communication unit 24 to transmit it to another device. For example, when the error detection unit 214 detects an error, the transmission unit 217 outputs to the communication unit 24 to transmit the ticket vending machine ID read by the memory control unit 219 from the storage unit 25, the current date and time information held by a timekeeping unit (not shown), and the error information passed from the error detection unit 214 to the server 60 via the router 50. Also, when the error detection unit 214 detects an error, the transmission unit 217 outputs to the communication unit 24 to transmit an instruction to start video shooting to the camera 40.

[0040] The reception unit 218 receives the information received by the communication unit 24 from another device, and passes it to each functional unit.

[0041] The memory control unit 219 controls writing data to the storage unit 25 and reading data from the storage unit 25. For example, the memory control unit 219 reads its own ticket vending machine ID from the identification information database 251 of the storage unit 25.

[0042] [First Embodiment of Key Cover] Figure 4-1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first embodiment of the key cover 30. Figure 4-1 shows the state where the key cover 30 is closed. As shown in the figure, the first embodiment of the key cover 30 has a cover member 310, a cover housing 320, and a rotating shaft 350. Further, the cover member 310 includes a cover portion 330 and a cover support portion 340. And the key cover 30 having such a configuration is fixed to the ticket vending machine 20 by adhering the right side surface of the cover housing 320 in Figure 4-1 to the left side surface near the keyhole 208 of the ticket vending machine 20 in Figure 2.

[0043] Figure 4-2 is a perspective view showing the internal mechanism of the first embodiment of the key cover 30. As shown in the figure, a receiving fitting 341 is provided inside the cover support portion 340, and a hole portion 343 is formed at its tip. Further, a solenoid 321 and a pin 322 are arranged inside the cover housing 320. And an open / close detection switch 325 is also provided inside the cover housing 320. Note that in the figure, only the portion below the plane when the cover member 310 is cut along the plane including the cover portion 330, the cover support portion 340, and the receiving fitting 341 is shown for the cover member 310, and the cover housing 320 is not shown.

[0044] In Figures 4-1 and 4-2, the cover member 310 is closed. At this time, since the router 50 is not energizing the solenoid 321, the pin 322 is not attracted to the solenoid 321 side and is inserted into the hole portion 343 of the receiving fitting 341. As a result, the store employee cannot open the cover member 310 to insert the key into the keyhole 208.

[0045] Here, it is assumed that the router 50 energizes the solenoid 321 in response to the administrator terminal 70 sending an unlock instruction. Then, the pin 322 is attracted to the solenoid 321 side and disengages from the hole 343 of the receiving fitting 341. As a result, an employee of the store can open the cover member 310 by rotating it around the rotation shaft 350 in order to insert a key into the keyhole 208. That is, the key cover 30 is an example of a restricting means for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the sending of the release instruction by the release instruction sending means.

[0046] In this case, the opening / closing detection switch 325 turns off when the cover member 310 is opened and turns on when the cover member 310 is closed. The opening / closing detection switch 325 transmits this on / off signal to the router 50 as the open / closed state, thereby informing the router 50 whether the key cover 30 is open or closed.

[0047] Note that the tip of the pin 322 is tapered. Therefore, when an employee of the store closes the cover part 330, the pin 322 automatically moves downward by pressing the outside of the cover part 330 while closing it. As a result, the employee can lock the cover part 330 without performing a special operation.

[0048] [Second Embodiment of Key Cover] FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2 are perspective views showing the appearance of the second embodiment of the key cover 30. FIG. 5-1 shows the state where the key cover 30 is closed, and FIG. 5-2 shows the state where the key cover 30 is open. As shown in the drawings, the second embodiment of the key cover 30 has a cover member 360, a cover housing 370, and a rotation shaft 380. And the key cover 30 having such a configuration is fixed to the ticket vending machine 20 by adhering the right side surface of the cover housing 370 in FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2 to the left side surface near the keyhole 208 of the ticket vending machine 20 in FIG. 2.

[0049] Figures 5-1 and 5-2 also show the internal mechanism of the second embodiment of the key cover 30. As shown in the figures, a receiving fitting 361 is provided on the cover member 360, and a hole 363 is formed in the insertion portion 362 thereof. And a magnet 365 is also provided on the cover member 360. Further, a solenoid 371, a pin 372, and an insertion portion 373 are arranged in the cover housing 370, and an insertion port 374 is formed on the front side surface of the cover housing 370. And a magnet sensor 375 which is an opening / closing sensor is also provided in the cover housing 370.

[0050] In Fig. 5-1, the cover member 360 is closed. Although not shown, the insertion portion 362 of the receiving fitting 361 is inserted into the insertion port 374 of the cover housing 370. At this time, since the router 50 is not energizing the solenoid 371, the pin 372 is not attracted to the solenoid 371 side, and the insertion portion 373 connected to the pin 372 is inserted into the hole 363 of the receiving fitting 361. As a result, the store employee cannot open the cover member 360 to insert the key into the keyhole 208.

[0051] Here, assume that the router 50 energizes the solenoid 371 in response to the administrator terminal 70 sending an unlocking instruction. Then, the pin 372 is attracted to the solenoid 371 side, and the insertion portion 373 connected to the pin 372 comes out of the hole 363 of the receiving fitting 361. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5-2, the store employee can open the cover member 360 by rotating it around the rotation axis 380 to insert the key into the keyhole 208. That is, the key cover 30 is an example of a restricting means that releases the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the sending of the unlocking instruction by the unlocking instruction sending means.

[0052] In this case, the magnet sensor 375 turns off when the cover member 360 is opened and turns on when the cover member 360 is closed. The magnet sensor 375 transmits this on / off signal to the router 50 as the open / closed state to tell the router 50 whether the key cover 30 is open or closed.

[0053] Furthermore, the outside of the insertion part 373 is tapered toward the inside. Therefore, when a store employee closes the cover member 360, by closing it while pushing the outside of the cover member 360, the insertion part 373 automatically moves upward. As a result, the employee can lock the cover member 360 without performing a special operation.

[0054] [Configuration of Server] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 60. As shown in the figure, the server 60 includes a control unit 61, an operation unit 62, a display unit 63, a communication unit 64, and a storage unit 65.

[0055] The control unit 61 controls the entire apparatus. The control unit 61 is realized by a program stored in a storage device being executed with the RAM as a work area by a CPU, an MPU, or the like.

[0056] The operation unit 62 is operated by an operator to input information. The display unit 63 displays information to the operator. The communication unit 64 communicates with the router 50 via the network 82 and communicates with the administrator terminal 70 via the network 83.

[0057] The storage unit 65 stores data and the like used by the control unit 61. For example, the storage unit 65 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 65 has, for example, an administrator information database 651 and a log information database 652.

[0058] The administrator information database 651 stores the correspondence between the ticket vending machine ID of the ticket vending machine 20 and the notification destination information when an error occurs in the ticket vending machine 20. The notification destination information is, for example, information on the contact of the administrator of the ticket vending machine 20, and the contact information is, for example, an email address or an emergency phone number. The administrator information database 651 is searched based on the ticket vending machine ID of the ticket vending machine 20 when the transmission unit 613 issues a notification of an error in the ticket vending machine 20, and provides the transmission unit 613 with the notification destination information.

[0059] The log information database 652 stores log information associating the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock status, open / close status, and video data. The specific content of the log information database 652 will be described later. Note that the log information database 652 may store the log information periodically transmitted to the server 60 regardless of whether an error has occurred in the ticket vending machine 20. In this case, an item called "event" may be provided in the log information instead of the error information. In the log information at the time of error occurrence, the error information may be set in the event, and in the periodic log information, "periodic" may be set in the event. Also, in this case, the log information may include a work log. However, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the log information database 652 shall store the log information transmitted to the server 60 when an error occurs in the ticket vending machine 20.

[0060] Also, the control unit 61 includes a plurality of functional units that realize various functions. The plurality of functional units are, for example, an operation reception unit 611, a display control unit 612, a transmission unit 613, a reception unit 614, and a memory control unit 615.

[0061] The operation reception unit 611 receives an operation by an operator on the operation unit 62 and passes information regarding the operation to each functional unit.

[0062] The display control unit 612 controls to display the information passed from each functional unit on the display unit 63.

[0063] The transmission unit 613 outputs the information passed from each functional unit to the communication unit 64 for transmission to other devices. For example, when the reception unit 614 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data from the communication unit 64, the transmission unit 613 outputs a notification of the error to the communication unit 64 for transmission to the administrator terminal 70. Also, when the reception unit 614 receives an information display request from the communication unit 64, the transmission unit 613 outputs the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data read by the memory control unit 615 from the memory unit 65 to the communication unit 64 for transmission to the administrator terminal 70. Furthermore, when the reception unit 614 receives an unlock instruction from the communication unit 64, the transmission unit 613 outputs the unlock instruction to the communication unit 64 for transmission to the router 50.

[0064] The reception unit 614 receives the information received by the communication unit 64 from other devices and passes it to each functional unit. For example, the reception unit 614 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data received by the communication unit 64 from the router 50 and passes it to the memory control unit 615. Also, the reception unit 614 receives an information display request received by the communication unit 64 from the administrator terminal 70 and passes it to the memory control unit 615. Furthermore, the reception unit 614 receives an unlock instruction received by the communication unit 64 from the administrator terminal 70 and passes it to the transmission unit 613.

[0065] The memory control unit 615 controls the writing of data to the memory unit 65 and the reading of data from the memory unit 65. For example, when the memory control unit 615 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data from the reception unit 614, it writes this information to the log information database 652 of the memory unit 65. Also, when the reception unit 614 receives an information display request from the communication unit 64, the memory control unit 615 reads the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data from the log information database 652 of the memory unit 65.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of log information in the log information database 652. As shown in the figure, the log information associates a ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, a lock state, an open / closed state, and video data. The ticket vending machine ID is identification information of the ticket vending machine 20 where an error has occurred. The date and time information is information on the date and time when the error has occurred. The error information is the content of the occurred error. The lock state is information indicating the lock state of the key cover 30 when the error has occurred. The open / closed state is information indicating the open / closed state of the key cover 30 when the error has occurred. The video data is data of a video captured by the camera 40 of a person trying to unlock the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20 when the error has occurred. The log information may include address information of a storage area storing the video data instead of the video data itself. Although not shown in the figure, information regarding the store where the ticket vending machine 20 is installed may be associated with the ticket vending machine ID of the ticket vending machine 20.

[0067] [Configuration of Administrator Terminal] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the administrator terminal 70. As shown in the figure, the administrator terminal 70 includes a control unit 71, an operation unit 72, a display unit 73, a communication unit 74, and a storage unit 75.

[0068] The control unit 71 controls the entire device. The control unit 71 is realized by a program stored in a storage device being executed with the RAM as a work area by a CPU, an MPU, or the like.

[0069] The operation unit 72 is operated by an administrator to input information. The display unit 73 displays information to the administrator. The communication unit 74 communicates with the server 60 via the network 83.

[0070] The storage unit 75 stores data and the like used by the control unit 71. For example, the storage unit 75 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0071] Further, the control unit 71 includes a plurality of functional units that implement various functions. The plurality of functional units are, for example, an operation reception unit 711, a display control unit 712, a transmission unit 713, a reception unit 714, and a memory control unit 715.

[0072] The operation reception unit 711 receives an operation by the administrator on the operation unit 72 and passes information regarding the operation to each functional unit. For example, the operation reception unit 711 receives an operation for making an information display request by the administrator on the operation unit 72 or an operation for giving an unlock instruction, and passes information regarding the operation to the transmission unit 713.

[0073] The display control unit 712 controls to display the information passed from each functional unit on the display unit 73. For example, when the reception unit 714 receives an error report from the communication unit 74, the display control unit 712 controls to display the error report on the display unit 73. Also, when the reception unit 714 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data from the communication unit 74, the display control unit 712 controls to display these pieces of information on the display unit 73. That is, the display control unit 712 is an example of a display means for displaying the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means, a display means for displaying an image of a person who performs an unlocking operation, and a display means for displaying information regarding an error detected by the error detection means.

[0074] The transmission unit 713 outputs the information passed from each functional unit to the communication unit 74 so as to transmit it to another device. For example, when the operation reception unit 711 receives an operation by the administrator for making an information display request, the transmission unit 713 outputs the information display request to the communication unit 74 so as to transmit it to the server 60. Also, when the operation reception unit 711 receives an operation by the administrator for giving an unlock instruction, the transmission unit 713 outputs the unlock instruction to the communication unit 74 so as to transmit it to the server 60. That is, the transmission unit 713 is an example of an unlock instruction transmission means for transmitting an unlock instruction for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restriction means.

[0075] The receiving unit 714 receives the information received by the communication unit 74 from other devices and delivers it to each functional unit. For example, the receiving unit 714 receives the error report received by the communication unit 74 from the server 60 and delivers it to the display control unit 712. Also, the receiving unit 714 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data received by the communication unit 74 from the server 60 and delivers them to the display control unit 712. That is, the receiving unit 714 is an example of the unlocking person information receiving means for receiving unlocking person information.

[0076] The memory control unit 715 controls the writing of data to the memory unit 75 and the reading of data from the memory unit 75.

[0077] [Screen Transition of Administrator Terminal] Hereinafter, an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 73 of the administrator terminal 70 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the log information database 652 stores the log information regularly transmitted to the server 60 regardless of whether an error has occurred in the ticket vending machine 20.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the login screen 720 displayed on the display unit 73 of the administrator terminal 70. The login screen 720 is the screen first displayed when the administrator starts monitoring the ticket vending device 10. As shown in the figure, the login screen 720 includes a company code input field 721, a login ID input field 722, a password input field 723, and a login button 724. The administrator can log in to the unlocking system 1 by entering the company code in the company code input field 721, entering the login ID in the login ID input field 722, entering the password in the password input field 723, and pressing the login button 724.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen 730 displayed on a display unit 73 of an administrator terminal 70. The menu screen 730 is a screen displayed when a login button 724 on the login screen 720 in FIG. 9 is pressed. As shown in the drawing, the menu screen 730 includes a group selection bar 731, a list display button 732, a device selection bar 733, a control button 734, an alarm list selection bar 735, an individual display button 736, and a list display button 737.

[0080] The administrator can select a group of ticket vending machines 20 in the group selection bar 731. Here, the group of ticket vending machines 20 is, for example, a group consisting of a plurality of ticket vending machines 20 installed in the same store. Thereafter, the administrator can press the list display button 732. Thereby, a list display screen including information on all the ticket vending machines 20 included in the selected group is displayed. In this case, for example, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, and open / close state in the latest log information regarding all the ticket vending machines 20 included in the selected group may be acquired from the log information database 652 and displayed on the list display screen.

[0081] Also, the administrator can select a ticket vending machine 20 in the device selection bar 733. Here, if the administrator has selected a group in the group selection bar 731, the ticket vending machines 20 included in that group are displayed as options in the device selection bar 733, so that the administrator can select a desired ticket vending machine 20 from among those options. Thereafter, the administrator can press the control button 734. Thereby, a control screen for controlling the selected ticket vending machine 20 is displayed. In this case, for example, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, open / close state, and video data in the latest log information regarding the selected ticket vending machine 20 may be acquired from the log information database 652 and displayed on the control screen.

[0082] Furthermore, the administrator can select the ticket vending machine 20 in the alarm list selection column 735. Here, if the administrator has selected a group in the group selection column 731, the ticket vending machines 20 that are included in that group and have an error will be displayed as options in the alarm list selection column 735. So, the administrator can select the desired ticket vending machine 20 with an error from among those options. After that, the administrator can press the individual display button 736. Thereby, a control screen for controlling the ticket vending machine 20 selected in the alarm list selection column 735 is displayed. In this case, on the control screen, for example, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, open / close state, and video data in the latest log information regarding the selected ticket vending machine 20 should be retrieved from the log information database 652 and displayed.

[0083] Furthermore, the administrator can also press the list display button 737 without selecting the ticket vending machine 20 in the alarm list selection column 735. Thereby, a list display screen including information on all the ticket vending machines 20 that are included in the group selected in the group selection column 731 and have an error is displayed. In this case, on the list display screen, for example, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, and open / close state in the latest log information regarding the ticket vending machines 20 that are included in the selected group and have an error should be retrieved from the log information database 652 and displayed.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the list display screen 740 displayed on the display unit 73 of the administrator terminal 70. The list display screen 740 is a screen displayed when the list display button 737 on the menu screen 730 in FIG. 10 is pressed. As shown in the drawing, the list display screen 740 includes a list display area 741. The list display area 741 includes a device name display column 742, a control button 743, a lock state display column 744, an open / close state display column 745, and a log display button 746.

[0085] For example, in the menu screen 730 of FIG. 10, assume that the group "G001" is selected in the group selection column 731, and the list display button 737 is pressed without selecting the ticket vending machine 20 in the alarm list selection column 735. And assume that the ticket vending machines 20 in which an error has occurred within the group "G001" are the ticket vending machines "M001" and "M002". Then, in the list display area 741, as shown in the figure, information regarding the ticket vending machine "M001" is displayed in the first row, and information regarding the ticket vending machine "M002" is displayed in the second row. In this case, on the list display screen 740, for example, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, and open / close state in the latest log information regarding the ticket vending machine 20 that is included in the selected group and in which an error has occurred may be acquired from the log information database 652 and displayed.

[0086] In this state, for example, when the administrator presses the control button 743 in the first row, a control screen for controlling the ticket vending machine "M001" is displayed. Also, for example, when the administrator presses the log display button 746 in the first row, a log display screen including the log information regarding the ticket vending machine "M001" is displayed.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a control screen 750 displayed on the display unit 73 of the administrator terminal 70. The control screen 750 is a screen that is displayed when the individual display button 736 of the menu screen 730 in FIG. 10 is pressed. As shown in the figure, the control screen 750 includes an information display area 751, an unlock button 755, a lock button 756, a log display button 757, and a list display button 758.

[0088] For example, in the menu screen 730 of FIG. 10, assume that the ticket vending machine "M001" is selected in the alarm list selection column 735 and the individual display button 736 is pressed. Then, on the control screen 750, as shown in the figure, in the information display area 751, a video 752 of a person attempting to unlock the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20, a text 753 indicating the locked state of the key of the door 206, and a text 754 indicating the open / closed state of the key cover 30 are displayed. FIG. 12 shows a state where the key cover 30 is locked and the key cover 30 is closed. In this case, in the information display area 751, for example, the ticket vending machine ID, locked state, open / closed state, and video data in the latest log information regarding the selected ticket vending machine 20 may be acquired from the log information database 652 and displayed.

[0089] Here, assume that the administrator watches the video 752 and determines that the person unlocking the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20 is a legitimate person. In that case, the administrator remotely releases the lock of the key cover 30 by pressing the unlock button 755. Also, when the person who unlocked the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20 closes the key cover 30, the administrator remotely locks the key cover 30 by pressing the lock button 756.

[0090] Also, when the administrator presses the log display button 757, a log display screen 760 including the log information regarding the selected ticket vending machine 20 is displayed. Further, when the administrator presses the list display button 758, the list display screen 740 of FIG. 11 is displayed.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the log display screen 760 displayed on the display unit 73 of the administrator terminal 70. The log display screen 760 is a screen displayed when the log display button 757 on the control screen 750 of FIG. 12 is pressed. As shown in the figure, the log display screen 760 includes a date / time selection column 761, a display button 762, a CSV output button 763, and a log display area 764.

[0092] The administrator can select the start date and time and the end date and time of the period during which the log information was acquired in the date and time selection field 761, and press the display button 762. As a result, the log information acquired during the period from the selected start date and time to the end date and time is displayed in the log display area 764. In this case, the log ID, event, lock state, and open / close state in the log information within the specified period regarding the selected ticket vending machine 20 may be acquired and displayed in the log display area 764. Here, the event is an item indicating whether the log information was acquired regularly or at the time of error occurrence. Since FIG. 13 shows an example in which only the regularly acquired log information is displayed, only "regular" is shown as the event. However, when displaying the log information acquired at the time of error occurrence, "alarm occurred" is shown as the event. In addition, as display examples of other events, there are "remote unlocking", "remote locking", "open", and "closed".

[0093] Also, when the administrator presses the CSV output button 763, a log CSV output screen for outputting the log information in CSV format is displayed.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the log CSV output screen 770 displayed on the display unit 73 of the administrator terminal 70. The log CSV output screen 770 is a screen displayed when the CSV output button 763 of the log display screen 760 in FIG. 13 is pressed. As shown in the figure, the log CSV output screen 770 includes a date and time selection field 771, a download button 772, and a cancel button 773.

[0095] The administrator can select the start date and time and the end date and time of the period during which the log information was acquired in the date and time selection field 771, and press the download button 772. As a result, the administrator terminal 70 downloads the log information acquired during the period from the selected start date and time to the end date and time from the server 60 and outputs it in CSV format. Also, when the administrator presses the cancel button 773, the output of the log information in CSV format is cancelled.

[0096] [Operation of the Lock Release System] Figures 15-1 and 15-2 are sequence diagrams showing operation examples of the unlocking system 1 in the present embodiment. Note that, as operation entities in the unlocking system 1, there are also the ticket vending machine 20, the key cover 30, and the camera 40. However, since the information from these is ultimately transmitted by the router 50 to the server 60, the operation entity will be described represented by the router 50.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 15-1, when the router 50 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, and error information from the ticket vending machine 20, it transmits this information to the server 60 (step 501). As a result, in the server 60, the receiving unit 614 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, and error information (step 601).

[0098] Also, when the router 50 receives the ticket vending machine ID, locked state, and open / closed state from the key cover 30, it transmits this information to the server 60 (step 502). As a result, in the server 60, the receiving unit 614 receives the ticket vending machine ID, locked state, and open / closed state (step 602).

[0099] Furthermore, when the router 50 receives the ticket vending machine ID and video data from the camera 40, it transmits this information to the server 60 (step 503). As a result, in the server 60, the receiving unit 614 receives the ticket vending machine ID and video data (step 603).

[0100] After that, in the server 60, the storage control unit 615 associates the information received in steps 601 to 603 and stores it in the log information database 652 of the storage unit 65 as log information (step 604). Specifically, the storage control unit 615 associates the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, and error information received in step 601, the ticket vending machine ID, locked state, and open / closed state received in step 602, and the ticket vending machine ID and video data received in step 603 to form log information. At that time, the storage control unit 615 performs the association of the information received in step 601, the information received in step 602, and the information received in step 603 based on the ticket vending machine ID.

[0101] Also, in the server 60, the transmission unit 613 transmits a notification of an error to the administrator terminal 70 (step 605). When the transmission unit 613 receives information at the time of an error in steps 601 to 603, it may transmit a notification of this error to the administrator terminal 70. Also, the transmission unit 613 may obtain information on the destination of the error notification from the administrator information database 651. As a result, in the administrator terminal 70, the reception unit 714 receives a notification of an error (step 701).

[0102] When there is such a notification of an error, the administrator makes an information display request using the operation unit 72 of the administrator terminal 70. For example, the administrator may make an information display request by pressing the individual display button 736 or the list display button 737 on the menu screen 730 in FIG. 10. Then, as shown in FIG. 15-2, in the administrator terminal 70, the transmission unit 713 transmits an information display request to the server 60 (step 702). As a result, in the server 60, the reception unit 614 receives the information display request (step 606).

[0103] Then, in the server 60, the storage control unit 615 reads out the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data from the log information database 652 of the storage unit 65 (step 607). Then, the transmission unit 613 transmits this information to the administrator terminal 70 (step 608). As a result, in the administrator terminal 70, the reception unit 714 receives the ticket vending machine ID, date and time information, error information, lock state, open / close state, and video data (step 703). Here, assume that these information are obtained by pressing the individual display button 736 on the menu screen 730 in FIG. 10 to make an information display request. In this case, among these information, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, open / close state, and video data are displayed on the control screen 750 in FIG. 12. Or, assume that these information are obtained by pressing the list display button 737 on the menu screen 730 in FIG. 10 to make an information display request. In this case, among these information, the ticket vending machine ID, lock state, and open / close state are displayed on the list display screen 740 in FIG. 11.

[0104] When the information is displayed in this way, the administrator determines whether the person attempting to unlock the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20 is a legitimate person. For example, the administrator may make such a determination while looking at the information display area 751 of the control screen 750 in FIG. 12. If the administrator determines that the person attempting to unlock the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20 is a legitimate person, the administrator gives an unlock instruction. For example, the administrator may give an unlock instruction by pressing the unlock button 755 on the control screen 750 in FIG. 12. Then, in the administrator terminal 70, the transmission unit 713 transmits the unlock instruction to the server 60 (step 704). As a result, in the server 60, the reception unit 614 receives the unlock instruction (step 609).

[0105] As a result, in the server 60, the transmission unit 613 transmits the unlock instruction to the router 50 (step 610). Thereby, the router 50 receives the unlock instruction (step 504). Then, the router 50 unlocks the lock of the key cover 30 (step 505). Specifically, the router 50 may unlock the lock of the key cover 30 by transmitting a control signal so as to energize the solenoid 321 or the solenoid 371.

[0106] [Modification Example] In the above unlocking system 1, it is assumed that the key cover 30 and the camera 40 are externally connected to the ticket vending machine 20, but both or one of the key cover 30 and the camera 40 may be built into the ticket vending machine 20.

[0107] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ticket vending machine 20 in which both the key cover 30 and the camera 40 are incorporated. As shown in the figure, the ticket vending machine 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation display unit 201, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, a key cover 30, and a camera 40. Among these, since the key cover 30 and the camera 40 have been described with reference to FIG. 1, the description here is omitted. Also, for the other components, except that the control unit 21 includes a key cover control unit 220 and a camera control unit 221, the functional configuration is the same as that in FIG. 3. Therefore, only the key cover control unit 220 and the camera control unit 221 will be described here, and the description of the other components will be omitted.

[0108] The key cover control unit 220 receives an unlock instruction from the administrator terminal 70, energizes the solenoid 321 or the solenoid 371 provided in the key cover 30 to open the key cover 30.

[0109] When the error detection unit 214 detects the occurrence of an error, the camera control unit 221 sends an instruction to start video shooting to the camera 40, receives the video data captured by the camera 40, and transmits it to the administrator terminal 70 via the transmission unit 217.

[0110] Also, in the above unlocking system 1, by displaying the image of the person trying to unlock the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20 on the administrator terminal 70, the administrator is made to determine whether the lock of the key cover 30 can be released, but this is not the only way.

[0111] For example, the face image of the employee of the store where the ticket vending machine 20 is installed and the business content that the employee can perform are associated in advance and registered in the storage unit 65 of the server 60. Also, the determination unit of the server 60 reads out the business content stored in association with the face image sent from the camera 40 from the storage unit 65, and determines whether the employee can unlock the key based on whether the business content includes the business of unlocking the key of the door 206 of the ticket vending machine 20.

[0112] As a result, the server 60 may cause the administrator terminal 70 to determine whether the key cover 30 can be unlocked by displaying the information of this determination result on the administrator terminal 70. In response to this, if the administrator gives an unlock instruction, the lock of the key cover 30 will be released, but if the administrator does not give an unlock instruction, the lock of the key cover 30 will not be released.

[0113] Alternatively, if this determination result indicates that the employee is allowed to unlock the key, the server 60 may send a notice to that effect to the router 50, and the router 50 may automatically unlock the key cover 30. In this case, the storage unit 65 is an example of a storage means for storing information related to the authority of the person performing the unlocking operation in association with the unlocker information. The determination unit is an example of a determination means for reading out the authority stored in association with the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means from the storage means and determining whether the locking means can be released based on the authority. Also, in this case, even if the administrator does not give an unlock instruction, if the determination unit of the server 60 determines that unlocking is possible, the lock of the key cover 30 will be released, and even if the administrator gives an unlock instruction, if the determination unit of the server 60 determines that unlocking is not possible, the lock of the key cover 30 will not be released. This is an example of the restriction means not releasing the unlocking operation restriction of the locking means even when an unlock instruction is sent by the unlock instruction transmission means but is determined to be non-unlockable by the determination means.

[0114] In the above unlocking system 1, the video captured by the camera 40 is used as the information about the employee in front of the ticket vending machine 20, but this is not the only case. For example, biometric information such as iris, fingerprint, vein, etc. may be used, or the employee ID obtained from an ID card or the like may be used. Alternatively, if it is only necessary to detect whether there is a person in front of the ticket vending machine 20, a human sensor may perform such detection.

[0115] Also, in the above unlocking system 1, the lock of the key cover 30 is released so that one key for opening one door of the ticket vending machine 20 can be used, but this is not limitative. For example, the locks of a plurality of key covers 30 may be released so that a plurality of keys for opening a plurality of doors of the ticket vending machine 20 can be used. In this case, the server 60 may cooperate with a key management device (not shown) and release only the lock of the key cover 30 that corresponds to allow only the keys necessary for error resolution to be used.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above unlocking system 1, when an error occurs in the ticket vending machine 20, a notification is sent to the administrator terminal 70, but this is not limitative. For example, when an error occurs in the key cover 30, a notification may be sent to the administrator terminal 70.

[0117] Such an error includes an error that the key cover 30 has been open for a long time. In this case, the administrator may freely set the time for which the key cover 30 has been open before a notification is sent. Also, the occurrence of such an error may be stored in the log information.

[0118] Also, such an error includes an error that the key cover 30 is open without an instruction from the administrator.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above unlocking system 1, the ticket vending machine 20 transmits error information, the key cover 30 transmits its locked state and open / closed state, and the camera 40 transmits video data, each separately to the router 50, but this is not limitative. For example, the ticket vending machine 20 may acquire the locked state and open / closed state from the key cover 30 and the video data from the camera 40, and transmit the error information and the acquired information together to the router 50.

[0120] Furthermore, although the unlocking system 1 described above is configured to unlock the lock of the key cover 30 attached to the ticket vending machine 20, it may be configured to unlock the lock of a key cover attached to any product having an openable and closable door.

Description of Signs

[0121] 10… Ticket vending device, 20… Ticket vending machine, 30… Key cover, 40… Camera, 50… Router, 60… Server, 70… Administrator terminal

Claims

1. A system comprising a housing device having an openable and closable door body and a communication terminal capable of communicating with the housing device, The housing device includes Locking means for locking the door body, Restricting means for restricting the unlocking operation of the locking means that is locking the door body, Unlocker information collection means for collecting unlocker information which is information about the person performing the unlocking operation, Unlocker information transmission means for transmitting the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means, and is provided with The communication terminal is A terminal remotely operated by an administrator, Unlocker information receiving means for receiving the unlocker information, Release instruction transmission means for transmitting a release instruction for releasing the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means, and is provided with The restricting means releases the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the release instruction being transmitted by the release instruction transmission means. A lock release system characterized by this.

2. The locking means is a physical key that can be manually unlocked, The restricting means is an electromagnetic lock that can be released by the release instruction. The lock release system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The communication terminal further includes display means for displaying the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means. The lock release system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The unlocker information collection means collects, as the unlocker information, an image of the person performing the unlocking operation, The display means displays the image as the unlocker information. The lock release system according to claim 3, characterized by this.

5. The housing device is a currency insertion means for inserting currency into the interior of the housing device, a currency processing means provided in the housing device for processing the currency inserted by the currency insertion means, an error detection means for detecting an error that occurs when processing currency by the currency processing means and is a currency processor comprising The display means further displays information regarding the error detected by the error detection means when an error is detected by the error detection means. The unlocking system according to claim 3, characterized in that.

6. a storage means for storing information regarding the authority of the person performing the unlocking operation in association with the unlocker information, a determination means for reading out the authority stored in association with the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means from the storage means and determining whether or not the locking means can be released based on the authority The unlocking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. The restricting means does not release the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means even when the release instruction is transmitted by the release instruction transmitting means and when it is determined by the determination means that unlocking is impossible. The unlocking system according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. an openable and closable door body, a locking means for locking the door body, a restricting means for restricting the unlocking operation of the locking means that locks the door body, an unlocker information collection means for collecting unlocker information which is information about the person who performs the unlocking operation, an unlocker information transmitting means for transmitting the unlocker information collected by the unlocker information collection means to a communication terminal remotely operated by an administrator and comprises The housing device is characterized in that the restricting means releases the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by receiving a control signal in response to the transmission of the unlocker information.

9. In a system comprising a housing device having an openable and closable door body and a communication terminal capable of communicating with the housing device, the housing device includes: locking means for locking the door body; restricting means for restricting the unlocking operation of the locking means that locks the door body; and a step in which the housing device collects unlocker information, which is information about a person who performs the unlocking operation; a step in which the housing device transmits the collected unlocker information; a step in which the communication terminal receives the unlocker information; a step in which the communication terminal transmits an unlocking instruction for the administrator to remotely release the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means by the restricting means; a step in which the restricting means releases the restriction on the unlocking operation of the locking means in response to the transmission of the unlocking instruction by the communication terminal; and includes a unlocking method characterized by the above.

Images