Intercom device and intercom system

Abstract

To provide an intercom device capable of improving the security of a collective facility, and an intercom system.SOLUTION: An intercom device for a collective facility as one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a reception unit located at the common entrance of a collective facility for accepting operations on the intercom device; an imaging unit that captures an image of a predetermined range in front of the intercom device; and a control unit that is configured so that the imaging unit captures multiple still images at predetermined intervals based on the input caused by the presence of a person in front of the intercom device and stores at least part of the still image in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intercom device and an intercom system.

Background Art

[0002] In a collective facility such as an apartment where an intercom system is provided, an intercom device is installed at the common entrance. Generally, the intercom device has a camera. For example, when a visitor operates the intercom device to call a resident of the visited apartment, the resident can confirm the face of the visitor on an information terminal provided indoors.

[0003] Generally, the intercom system captures an image of a visitor when the resident and the visitor are talking on the phone using the camera of the intercom device and stores it in the information terminal. Also, even when the resident does not respond to the call due to being out or the like, the intercom system captures an image of the visitor and stores it in the information terminal.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an intercom system that detects a visitor operating an intercom device with a sensor and captures an image of the visitor before a call is established between the resident and the visitor. Patent Document 1 describes that according to this intercom system, an accurate image of the visitor can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, suspicious persons may intrude into the common entrance of a collective facility, and an intercom system is required to have a function for ensuring the security of the collective facility. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 was not developed for security purposes and is insufficient for imaging a suspicious person who has intruded into the common entrance.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an intercom device and an intercom system that can enhance the security of a collective facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An intercom device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided at the common entrance of a collective facility and includes a reception unit that receives an operation on the intercom device, an imaging unit that images a predetermined range in front of the intercom device, and a control unit that causes the imaging unit to image a plurality of still images at predetermined intervals based on an input caused by the presence of a person in front of the intercom device and stores at least a part of the still images in a storage unit.

[0009] An intercom system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described intercom device and an information terminal provided in a proprietary part of a collective facility and communicating with the intercom device.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to an intercom device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the security of a collective facility can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, it is initially assumed that a plurality of the embodiments and modification examples described below can be selectively combined. In the following examples, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] The main body of the device and system of the present disclosure includes a computer. By this computer executing a program, the functions of the main body of the device and system of the present disclosure are realized. The computer includes a processor that operates according to a program as a main hardware configuration. The type of the processor is not limited as long as it can realize the above functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or a plurality of electronic circuits including an integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated into one device, or may be provided in a plurality of devices. Also, the program is stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a ROM, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by a computer. The program may be stored in the storage medium in advance, or may be supplied to the storage medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet or the like.

[0014] Hereinafter, an intercom system 1 which is an example of an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0015] First, while referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the intercom system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the intercom system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 1 is a system provided in a collective facility such as an apartment building. The intercom system 1 includes an intercom device 10 installed at the common entrance of the collective facility, a plurality of information terminals 20 installed in each dwelling unit which is a dedicated part, and a control device 30 for controlling these devices. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 1 may include a management terminal 40 in the manager's office. The intercom device 10, the information terminal 20, and the management terminal 40 are all connected to be communicable with each other.

[0016] Specific examples of the collective facility to which the intercom system 1 is applied include collective housing such as apartments, dormitories, and company housing, but the collective facility is not limited to collective housing. For example, it may be a facility composed of a plurality of facilities (a plurality of companies, departments, sections, etc.) such as offices, factories, research facilities, medical facilities, and accommodation facilities that are aggregated.

[0017] The intercom device 10 is installed adjacent to the entrance door 5. The entrance door 5 is composed of, for example, an automatic door and is normally in a locked state as a basic condition.

[0018] The intercom device 10 is used, for example, for a visitor to call each dwelling unit. The visitor calls the dwelling unit to be visited with the intercom device 10 and asks the resident of that dwelling unit to unlock the electric lock of the entrance door 5. Thereby, the visitor can enter the inside of the collective facility from the entrance door 5.

[0019] The intercom device 10 is used, for example, by an authorized person to unlock the electric lock of the front door 5. Here, the authorized person includes residents and visitors who are permitted to enter the collective facility. The authorized person can unlock the electric lock of the front door 5 by performing a predetermined unlocking operation of the electric lock and enter the inside of the front door 5 of the collective facility. For example, the authorized person can unlock the electric lock of the front door 5 by inputting a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as a password) into the intercom device 10. Persons other than the authorized person do not know about the unlocking operation, so basically, they cannot unlock the electric lock of the front door 5 and enter the inside of the collective facility.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the intercom device 10 includes an IC card reader 12 in addition to the intercom device main body 11. The IC card reader 12 is installed outside the front door 5 of the common entrance, like the intercom device 10. When the IC card reader 12 detects a pre-registered card key, it transmits an unlocking signal. As a result, the electronic lock of the front door 5 is unlocked. The card key is owned by residents and the like. Note that the intercom device main body 11 may have an IC card reader 12.

[0021] The information terminal 20 provided in the exclusive area is, for example, a device installed in each household's room. Note that the information terminal 20 is not limited to a device installed in the room and may be a device such as a smartphone that a person can carry.

[0022] The information terminal 20 is communicably connected to the intercom device 10 and the control device 30 via the splitter 15. The information terminal 20 includes a microphone, a speaker, a monitor, and a call button. A resident who receives a call from a visitor via the intercom device 10 can confirm the image of the visitor on the monitor of the information terminal 20. The resident can operate the call button to enable a call with the visitor using the microphone and the speaker.

[0023] The information terminal 20 further includes an unlocking button. When a resident operates the unlocking button, an unlocking signal is transmitted from the information terminal 20. As a result, the front door 5 is unlocked, and the visitor can enter the inside of the collective facility.

[0024] In addition, the information terminal 20 is communicably connected to a front door sub-unit 22 installed near the front door of each household. When a visitor calls a resident by using a calling button 22a of the front door sub-unit 22 described later, and the resident operates a call button of the information terminal 20, the resident can communicate with the visitor via the front door sub-unit 22 by using the information terminal 20. In addition, the resident can also check the video of the visitor.

[0025] The front door sub-unit 22 includes a calling button 22a for calling the information terminal 20. In addition, the front door sub-unit 22 includes a camera, a microphone, and a speaker. When the calling button 22a is operated, the information terminal 20 is called, and the visitor is photographed by the camera of the front door sub-unit 22, and the video is displayed on the monitor of the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 may be provided with a function of recording the video of the visitor.

[0026] The control device 30 is a device that comprehensively controls the intercom system 1, and is communicably connected to the intercom device 10, the information terminal 20, the management terminal 40, etc., receives signals from each device to acquire various information, and outputs control signals to each device to control each device.

[0027] The control device 30 includes, for example, a processor that executes arithmetic processing for controlling the intercom system 1, and a memory in which a control program and the like are stored. The control device 30 is configured by a computer including a processor. The memory is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, etc., and is built in a computer including a processor. Note that the control device 30 may be configured by one computer, or may be configured by a plurality of computers.

[0028] The control device 30 is configured to call the information terminal 20, for example, in response to a call from a visitor using the intercom device 10. Further, the control device 30 controls the unlocking of the electric lock of the front door 5 based on the operation of the information terminal 20. Also, the control device 30 controls the unlocking of the electric lock of the front door 5, for example, based on the operation received by the intercom device 10.

[0029] Next, the intercom device main body 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front view of the intercom device main body 11 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the intercom device main body 11 includes a numeric keypad 11a, a call button 11b, a reverse master key insertion part 11c, a camera 11d, a speaker 11e, a microphone 11f, a monitor 11g, and a sensor 11h.

[0030] The numeric keypad 11a is a user interface that can be operated by a resident or a visitor. An authorized person can unlock the electric lock of the front door 5, for example, by entering a password using the numeric keypad 11a. Also, a visitor can call the destination apartment by entering the apartment number with the numeric keypad 11a and pressing the call button 11b. A resident or the like having a key can also unlock the electric lock of the front door 5 by inserting the key into the reverse master key insertion part 11c.

[0031] The camera 11d images a predetermined range in front of the intercom device 10, and images, for example, a resident or a visitor operating the intercom device 10. When a visitor calls the destination apartment using the intercom device 10, the intercom device 10 captures an image of the visitor with the camera 11d and transmits the video to the information terminal 20 where the call was made.

[0032] The camera 11d functions in conjunction with, for example, the sensor 11h described later. The camera 11d may capture a plurality of still images at predetermined intervals between when the sensor 11h detects a person and when that person operates a reception part such as the numeric keypad 11a.

[0033] The speaker 11e and the microphone 11f are used for a visitor to communicate with a resident via the information terminal 20 installed in each dwelling unit. From the speaker 11e, a calling sound, and when the resident responds, the voice or the like is output. Since the voice of the visitor is acquired by the microphone 11f and transmitted to the information terminal 20, the visitor can have a conversation with the resident at the visited dwelling. On the monitor 11g, for example, the video captured by the camera 11d is displayed.

[0034] The sensor 11h detects the presence of a person in front of the intercom device main body 11. Due to the detection of a person by the sensor 11h, the intercom device 10 shifts from the sleep state to the operating state. Along with the start of the operating state, the monitor 11g lights up, and the person in front of the intercom device main body 11 may be prompted to operate the intercom device 10. After imaging a plurality of still images in conjunction with the detection by the sensor 11h as described above, if there is no operation on the intercom device 10 even after a predetermined time has passed, the intercom device 10 shifts back to the sleep state.

[0035] Next, the intercom device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the intercom device 10 of the present embodiment. The intercom device 10 of the present disclosure has a function for imaging a suspicious person staying without operating the intercom device 10 in the common entrance. In the present embodiment described below, the reception unit 50~

[0036] The intercom device 10 includes, for example, a processor 45 that executes arithmetic processing for controlling the intercom device 10, and a memory 46 in which a control program and the like are stored. The intercom device 10 is configured by a computer including the processor 45. The memory 46 is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, etc., and is built into the computer including the processor 45. Note that the intercom device 10 may be configured by one computer or may be configured by a plurality of computers.

[0037] The intercom device 10 includes a reception unit 50, an imaging unit 51, and a control unit 52. The reception unit 50 receives operations on the intercom device 10. The reception unit 50 includes at least one of, for example, an operation reception unit 50a and an authentication information reception unit 50b. In the present embodiment, the operation reception unit 50a is the numeric keypad 11a, and the authentication information reception unit 50b is the IC card reader 12.

[0038] The imaging unit 51 images a predetermined range in front of the intercom device 10. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 51 is the camera 11d. Note that the imaging unit 51 may be a camera other than the camera 11d, for example, a surveillance camera provided at a shared entrance.

[0039] Based on an input (hereinafter referred to as a start input) caused by a person existing in front of the intercom device 10, the control unit 52 causes the imaging unit 51 to image a plurality of still images at a predetermined interval, and stores at least a part of the still images in the storage unit 60. Thereby, a still image in which the face of a suspicious person appears can be obtained, so that the security of the collective facility can be improved. Since the person in front of the intercom device 10 does not necessarily face the imaging unit 51, by imaging a plurality of still images at a predetermined interval, the possibility of obtaining a still image to the extent that the person's face can be confirmed is increased. The predetermined interval is, for example, 0.1 second to 5 seconds, and may be 2 seconds. Also, the number of still images to be imaged is, for example, 2 to 10, and may be 5. With this number of images, the still images can be stored without imposing an excessive burden on the storage unit 60, and the still images can be confirmed in case of an emergency.

[0040] The intercom device 10 is configured to shift from a sleep state to an operating state for a predetermined time based on, for example, a start input, and shift to the sleep state after the predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed more than when in an always-operating state. The required time is, for example, 10 seconds to 120 seconds, and may be 30 seconds.

[0041] The control unit 52 may store still images in the storage unit 60 within the above-mentioned predetermined time. Further, when the usage amount or usage ratio of the storage unit 60 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 52 may delete at least a part of the still images stored in the storage unit 60 within the above-mentioned predetermined time. Thereby, the burden on the storage unit 60 can be reduced.

[0042] The storage unit 60 is, for example, a storage device detachable from the intercom device 10. Thereby, it can be replaced relatively easily when the storage unit 60 fails. The storage unit 60 is preferably incorporated inside the intercom device 10. Thereby, theft of the storage unit 60 can be suppressed. The storage unit 60 may be an SD card. Further, the storage unit 60 may be installed outside the intercom device 10, may be incorporated in another device such as the control device 30 in the intercom system 1, or may exist in a server or the like outside the intercom system 1 such as a cloud server. Note that the storage unit 60 is not an element constituting the intercom device 10.

[0043] When the operation reception unit 50a receives a call operation from a resident in the collective facility (hereinafter referred to as at the time of receiving a call operation), images captured by the imaging unit 51 after the time of receiving the call operation are stored in the information terminal 20 of the resident who received the call. Further, when the authentication of the authentication information input to the authentication information reception unit 50b is successful (hereinafter referred to as at the time of successful authentication), the electronic lock of the front door 5 is unlocked, and the person who performed the authentication can enter the collective facility. After the time of receiving the call operation or at the time of successful authentication, the person captured by the imaging unit 51 is not a suspicious person, so the imaging unit 51 does not have to capture still images. Thereby, the burden on the storage unit can be reduced. If there are still images captured before the time of receiving the call operation or at the time of successful authentication, the still images may be stored in the storage unit 60.

[0044] In this embodiment, the intercom device 10 further includes a detection unit 53 that detects the presence of a person and a communication unit 54 that communicates with the outside. The start input may be an input caused by the detection unit 53 detecting the presence of a person. Also, the start input may be an input of a signal to the communication unit 54. Here, examples of the signal to the communication unit 54 include a signal output from an automatic door due to the opening of the automatic door between the outside of the collective facility and the common entrance.

[0045] In this embodiment, the intercom device 10 includes a first setting unit 55 capable of setting the storage period of the storage unit 60. This enables customization while considering the burden on the storage unit 60. For example, when the capacity of the storage unit 60 is relatively small, the usage ratio of the storage unit 60 can be suppressed by shortening the storage period.

[0046] In this embodiment, the intercom device 10 includes a second setting unit 56 capable of setting any one or more of a predetermined interval, the number of still images captured, and the image quality of the still images. This enables customization while considering the burden on the storage unit 60.

[0047] In this embodiment, the intercom device 10 includes a notification unit 57. When the reception unit 50 receives a predetermined operation, the notification unit 57 may notify information regarding the state of the storage unit 60. This allows the administrator or the like who has performed the predetermined operation to know the state of the storage unit 60. Here, the predetermined operation is an operation determined in advance to cause the notification unit 57 to notify information, and examples include an operation of inputting a password known only to relevant persons such as an administrator into the operation reception unit 50a.

[0048] In this embodiment, the intercom device 10 further includes an output unit 58 that outputs information to the management terminal 40. The output unit 58 may be configured to be able to output information regarding the state of the storage unit 60 to the management terminal 40. Thereby, an administrator or the like can confirm information regarding the state of the storage unit 60 on the management terminal 40. Further, the output unit 58 may be configured to be able to output still images stored in the storage unit 60 to the management terminal 40. Thereby, an administrator or the like can confirm the still images stored in the storage unit 60 on the management terminal 40.

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, an example of the operation procedure in the operation state of the intercom device 10 having the above configuration will be described.

[0050] In the operation procedure of the intercom device 10, the intercom device 10 starts from the sleep state. First, the intercom device 10 determines whether or not there is a person in front of the intercom device 10 (S1). In step S1, if it is determined that there is no person (No), the intercom device 10 maintains the sleep state.

[0051] In step S1, if it is determined that there is a person (Yes), the intercom device 10 transitions from the sleep state to the operation state (S2) and starts imaging that person (S3).

[0052] After step S3, if that person operates on the intercom device 10 (Yes in S4), the intercom device 10 ends imaging (S5). On the other hand, after step S3, if that person does not operate on the intercom device 10 (No in S4), the intercom device 10 ends imaging after imaging a predetermined number of still images (S6).

[0053] After step S5 or after step S6, the intercom device 10 stores the captured still images in the storage unit 60 (S7), transitions from the operation state to the sleep state (S8), and this flow ends.

[0054] As described above, according to the intercom device and the intercom system of the present disclosure, it is possible to image a suspicious person who has entered the common entrance, and the security of the collective facility can be enhanced.

Explanation of Signs

[0055] 1 Intercom system, 5 Entrance door, 10 Intercom device, 11 Intercom device main body, 11a Numeric keypad, 11b Call button, 11c Reverse master key insertion part, 11d Camera, 11e Speaker, 11f Microphone, 11g Monitor, 11h Sensor, 12 IC card reader, 15 Splitter, 20 Information terminal, 22 Entrance sub-unit, 22a Call button, 30 Control device, 40 Management terminal, 45 Processor, 46 Memory, 50 Reception part, 50a Operation reception part, 50b Authentication information reception part, 51 Imaging part, 52 Control part, 53 Detection part, 54 Communication part, 55 First setting part, 56 Second setting part, 57 Notification part, 58 Output part, 60 Storage part

Claims

1. An intercom device provided at the common entrance of a collective facility, comprising: a reception unit that receives an operation on the intercom device; an imaging unit that images a predetermined range in front of the intercom device; a control unit that causes the imaging unit to capture a plurality of still images at predetermined intervals based on an input caused by the presence of a person in front of the intercom device, and stores at least a part of the still images in a storage unit; configured to shift from a sleep state to an operating state for a predetermined time based on the input, and shift back to the sleep state after the predetermined time has elapsed; When the usage amount or usage ratio of the storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit deletes at least a part of the still images stored in the storage unit within the predetermined time. An intercom device.

2. An intercom device provided at the common entrance of a collective facility, comprising: a reception unit that receives an operation on the intercom device; an imaging unit that images a predetermined range in front of the intercom device; a control unit that causes the imaging unit to capture a plurality of still images at predetermined intervals based on an input caused by the presence of a person in front of the intercom device, and stores at least a part of the still images in a storage unit; The reception unit includes an authentication information reception unit; When the authentication of the authentication information input to the authentication information reception unit is successful, The still images captured after the successful authentication are not stored in the storage unit, and if there are still images captured before the successful authentication, those still images are stored in the storage unit. An intercom device.

3. Further comprising a detection unit that detects the presence of a person, The input includes an input caused by the detection unit detecting the presence of a person. The intercom device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the outside, The input includes an input of a signal to the communication unit. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The reception unit includes an operation reception unit; When the operation reception unit receives a call operation from a household in the collective facility, The still images captured after the call operation is received are not stored in the storage unit, and if there are still images captured before the operation is received, those still images are stored in the storage unit. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The intercom device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the still image in the storage unit within the predetermined time.

7. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first setting unit capable of setting a storage period of the storage unit.

8. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a second setting unit capable of setting any one or more of the predetermined interval, the number of captured still images, and the image quality of the still images.

9. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage unit is a storage device detachable from the intercom device.

10. Further comprising a notification unit, wherein when the reception unit receives a predetermined operation, the notification unit notifies information regarding the state of the storage unit. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Further comprising an output unit that outputs information to a management terminal, wherein the output unit is configured to be able to output information regarding the state of the storage unit to the management terminal. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Comprising an output unit that outputs information to a management terminal, wherein the output unit is configured to be able to output the still image stored in the storage unit to the management terminal. The intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The output unit is configured to be able to output the still image stored in the storage unit to the management terminal. The intercom device according to claim 11.

14. An intercom device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and an information terminal provided in a proprietary part of the collective facility and communicating with the intercom device. An intercom system.

Images