Server system, terminal system, control device, gateway device, control system, and control method

Abstract

To provide a server system capable of supporting a visitor to unlock or open a door such as auto-locking door, and the like.SOLUTION: A server system 80 includes: an acquisition unit 84a that acquires a request for unlocking or opening an auto-locking door 70 including identification information regarding services related to a collective facility from one of the multiple lobby intercoms 20 placed in a common area out of an auto-locking door 70 of an apartment building 100; an authentication unit 84b that authenticates based on the identification information included in the acquired request; and an output unit 84c that outputs information including the identification information to the multiple lobby intercoms 20 or units located between server system 80 and the multiple lobby intercoms 20 on a communication network based on the authentication result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system or the like used to unlock or open doors provided in common areas of collective facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies relating to auto-locking doors installed in public facilities have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-53047 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6765147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for consideration regarding how visitors to an assembly facility can unlock or open the auto-locking doors installed in the assembly facility.

[0005] The present invention provides a server system and the like that can assist visitors in unlocking or opening doors such as auto-locking doors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A server system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a request to unlock or open a door from one of a plurality of terminals located outside the door in a common area of ​​the complex, the request including identification information related to a service related to the complex; an authentication unit that performs authentication based on the identification information included in the acquired request; and an output unit that outputs information including the identification information to the plurality of terminals or to equipment located between the server system and the plurality of terminals on a communication network based on the result of the authentication.

[0007] A terminal system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of terminals installed outside a door in a common area of ​​a collective facility, each of the plurality of terminals comprising an identification information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information related to a service related to the collective facility, a memory unit that stores the first identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit, a communication unit that sends a request to unlock or open the door, the request including the first identification information, and a control unit that unlocks or opens the door when the first identification information stored in the memory unit matches second identification information included in information received by the communication unit in response to the request.

[0008] A control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control device that controls communication between multiple terminals located outside a door in a common area of ​​a collective facility and an information terminal located in a facility included in the collective facility, and is equipped with a first communication unit that communicates with the multiple terminals and a second communication unit that communicates with a server system, wherein when the first communication unit receives a request to unlock or open the door, the request includes identification information related to a service related to the collective facility, and the first communication unit sends the information to the terminals when the second communication unit receives information including the identification information.

[0009] A gateway device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a gateway device that relays communication between a control device that controls communication between multiple terminals located outside a door in a common area of ​​a collective facility and an information terminal located in a facility included in the collective facility, and a server system, and is equipped with a first communication unit that communicates with the control device and a second communication unit that communicates with the server system, wherein when the first communication unit receives a request to unlock or open the door, the request includes identification information related to a service related to the collective facility, the second communication unit sends the request to the server system, and when the second communication unit receives information including the identification information, the first communication unit sends the information to the control device.

[0010] A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of terminals provided outside a door provided in a common area of ​​an apartment complex, a control device that controls communication between the plurality of terminals and an information terminal provided in a facility included in the apartment complex, a server system, and a gateway device that relays communication between the control device and the server system, wherein one of the plurality of terminals acquires first identification information related to a service related to the apartment complex, stores the first identification information, and transmits a request to the control device to unlock or open the door, the request including the first identification information, and when the control device receives the request, transmits the request to the gateway device, and the gateway device relays communication between the control device and the server system. When the gateway device receives the request, it transmits the request to the server system, the server system acquires the request, performs authentication based on the first identification information included in the acquired request, and outputs information including second identification information to the gateway device based on the result of the authentication, when the gateway device receives the information it transmits the information to the control device, when the control device receives the information it transmits the information to the multiple terminals, and each of the multiple terminals unlocks or opens the door when the first identification information stored in the terminal matches the second identification information included in the received information.

[0011] A control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method executed by a server system, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a request to unlock or open a door from one of a plurality of terminals located outside the door in a common area of ​​the collective facility, the request including identification information related to a service related to the collective facility; an authentication step of performing authentication based on the identification information included in the acquired request; and an output step of outputting information including the identification information to the plurality of terminals or to equipment located between the server system and the plurality of terminals on a communication network based on the result of the authentication.

[0012] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The server system etc. of the present invention can assist visitors in unlocking or opening doors such as auto-locking doors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a third example configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery schedule information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0016] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0017] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a control system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 includes a lobby intercom 20, a control device 30, a gateway device 40, multiple intercom master units 50, an elevator control device 60, an auto-lock door 70, and a server system 80. Note that the control system 10 does not need to include all of the devices shown in FIG. 1, and may not include some of the devices. Furthermore, instead of the multiple devices shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 may include a single device that integrates the functions of the multiple devices.

[0018] The control system 10 is a system applied to an apartment building 100. The apartment building 100 is an example of a collective facility, such as an apartment building, a dormitory, or company housing. Service providers, such as delivery services, home care services, and housekeeping services, may send visitors to the apartment building 100. Generally, in order to open an auto-locking door 70 installed in a common area of ​​the apartment building 100, the visitor must operate the lobby intercom 20 to call a user of the destination and have the user unlock (or open) the auto-locking door 70. In contrast, the control system 10 allows the visitor to unlock (or open) the auto-locking door 70 even if the user of the destination is not present. Each device (component) included in the control system 10 will be described below.

[0019] First, we will explain the lobby intercom 20. The lobby intercom 20 is a terminal installed outside (outdoors) of the entrance (i.e., the common area) of the apartment building 100. The lobby intercom 20 controls, for example, the auto-lock door 70. The lobby intercom 20 includes an input receiving unit 21, a communication unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a memory unit 24, an imaging unit 25, and a wireless communication unit 26.

[0020] The input receiving unit 21 receives input (input operations) from visitors. The input receiving unit 21 is realized by, for example, a numeric keypad and a call button, but may also be realized by a touch panel. The numeric keypad buttons are used by visitors to the apartment building 100 to input the number of the private area they are visiting, and the call button is used to call (ring) the intercom master unit 50 installed in the private area after pressing the number of the private area they are visiting.

[0021] The communication unit 22 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the lobby intercom 20 to communicate with the control device 30, the intercom master unit 50, the auto-lock door 70, and the like via a local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 22 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 22 is not particularly limited. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 22 may differ depending on the device of the other party of communication.

[0022] The information processing unit 23 processes information related to the control of the auto-locking door 70. The information processing unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 23 has, as functional components, an identification information acquisition unit 23a and a control unit 23b. The functions of the identification information acquisition unit 23a and the control unit 23b are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24. The respective functions of the identification information acquisition unit 23a and the control unit 23b will be described in detail below.

[0023] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing related to the control of the auto-locking door 70, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 23, etc. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0024] The imaging unit 25 is a camera that captures images (moving images) of the visitor. The imaging unit 25 is realized by an image sensor or the like.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 26 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the lobby intercom 20 to perform short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal (not shown) held by a visitor. The wireless communication unit 26 performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0026] Next, the control device 30 will be described. The control device 30 is a device that controls the devices installed in the apartment building 100 and controls communication between the devices installed in the apartment building 100 (for example, communication between the lobby intercom 20 and the intercom master unit 50). The control device 30 is a device located between the server system 80 and the lobby intercom 20 on the communication network. The control device 30 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, an information processing unit 33, and a memory unit 34.

[0027] The first communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the control device 30 to communicate with the lobby intercom 20, the multiple intercom master units 50, and the elevator control device 60 via a local communication network. The communication performed by the first communication unit 31 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 31 is not particularly limited. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 31 may differ depending on the device with which the communication is being made. Also, in FIG. 1, the intercom master unit 50 and the elevator control device 60 are both connected to one first communication unit 31, but they may also be connected to different first communication units 31 (communication circuits). In other words, the control device 30 may be provided with multiple first communication units 31 depending on the device with which the communication is being made.

[0028] The second communication unit 32 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the control device 30 to communicate with the server system 80 via the gateway device 40. The communication performed by the second communication unit 32 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 32 is not particularly limited.

[0029] The information processing unit 33 processes information related to the control of devices installed in the apartment building 100, and information related to the control of communications within the apartment building 100. The information processing unit 33 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 33 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 34.

[0030] The storage unit 34 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 33, etc. The storage unit 34 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0031] Next, the gateway device 40, the intercom master unit 50, the elevator control device 60, and the auto-locking door 70 will be described. The gateway device 40 is a communication device that enables devices installed in the apartment building 100, such as the lobby intercom 20 and the control device 30, to communicate with the server system 80 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The gateway device 40 is a device located between the server system 80 and the lobby intercom 20 on the communication network. The gateway device 40 includes a first communication unit 41, a second communication unit 42, an information processing unit 43, and a storage unit 44.

[0032] The first communication unit 41 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the gateway device 40 to communicate with the control device 30. The communication performed by the first communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 41 is not particularly limited. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 41 may differ depending on the device of the other party of communication.

[0033] The second communication unit 42 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the gateway device 40 to communicate with the server system 80 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the second communication unit 42 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 42.

[0034] The information processing unit 43 performs information processing related to the relay of communications between the devices installed in the apartment building 100 and the server system 80. The information processing unit 43 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 43 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 43 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 44.

[0035] The storage unit 44 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 43, etc. The storage unit 44 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0036] The intercom master unit 50 is an information terminal fixedly installed in a private area of ​​the apartment building 100. For example, an intercom master unit 50 is provided in each of a plurality of private areas. The private areas are an example of facilities included in an apartment facility. The intercom master unit 50 is equipped with a display unit (not shown) and can display on the display unit an image of a visitor captured by the imaging unit 25 provided in the intercom slave unit (in other words, a door phone, not shown) or the lobby intercom 20.

[0037] The elevator control device 60 controls an elevator (not shown) installed in the apartment building 100 .

[0038] The auto-locking door 70 is a door provided at the entrance (i.e., common area) of the apartment building 100. The auto-locking door 70 is automatically locked (or closed) a certain time after it is unlocked (or opened). The door that the auto-locking door 70 has may be a sliding door or a swing door. Note that unlocking here means, for example, releasing the locking mechanism (such as an electric lock) of the auto-locking door 70. Opening means, for example, releasing the locking mechanism and then opening the auto-locking door 70.

[0039] Next, the server system 80 will be described. The server system 80 is a server system provided outside the apartment building 100. The server system 80 includes a first server 81 and a second server 82. Note that it is not essential for the server system 80 to include multiple servers in this manner, and the server system 80 may be configured by a single server.

[0040] The first server 81 is a cloud server installed outside the apartment building 100. The first server 81 is used, for example, by a business operator different from the above-mentioned service provider. Such a business operator is, for example, a business operator that provides devices (such as the gateway device 40) installed in the apartment building 100.

[0041] The second server 82 is a cloud server provided outside the apartment building 100. The second server 82 is used, for example, by a service provider that provides a visiting service. The second server 82 specifically includes a communication unit 83, an information processing unit 84, and a storage unit 85.

[0042] The communication unit 83 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the second server 82 to communicate with other devices via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 83 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0043] The information processing unit 84 performs information processing such as authentication processing, which will be described later, etc. The information processing unit 84 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[0044] The information processing unit 84 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 84a, an authentication unit 84b, and an output unit 84c. The functions of the acquisition unit 84a, the authentication unit 84b, and the output unit 84c are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 84 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 85. The detailed functions of the acquisition unit 84a, the authentication unit 84b, and the output unit 84c will be described later.

[0045] The storage unit 85 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 84, etc. The storage unit 85 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0046] The configuration of the control system 10 has been described above. In Fig. 1, the control system 10 includes one lobby intercom 20 and one control device 30. However, if two or more auto-locking doors 70 are installed in the apartment building 100, the control system 10 may include multiple lobby intercoms 20. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of such a control system 10.

[0047] Furthermore, when the apartment building 100 includes multiple buildings, the control system 10 may include multiple lobby intercoms 20 and multiple control devices 30. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third configuration example of such a control system 10. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a case where the apartment building 100 includes a first building 101 and a second building 102. Note that, although the gateway device 40 and the two control devices 30 are directly connected in FIG. 3, a switching hub may be interposed between the gateway device 40 and the two control devices 30.

[0048] [Example 1] Next, a description will be given of an operation example 1 of the control system 10. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 1 of the control system 10. In the following operation example 1, the explanation will be given assuming that a visitor to the apartment building 100 is a delivery person dispatched by a delivery company, and that the second server 82 included in the server system 80 is used by the delivery company.

[0049] When a delivery person from a delivery company arrives at the entrance (common area) of the apartment complex 100, he or she makes a predetermined input to the lobby intercom 20. The input receiving unit 21 of the lobby intercom 20 receives the predetermined input from the delivery person (S11). The predetermined input includes the input of the slip number of the slip attached to the delivery item. The slip number is an example of identification information related to services related to the apartment complex.

[0050] When the predetermined input is completed, the identification information acquisition unit 23a acquires the input slip number as the first slip number (S12) and stores the acquired first slip number in the memory unit 24 (S13). Next, the communication unit 22 transmits an authentication request to the control device 30 (S14). The authentication request is an example of a request to unlock or open the auto-lock door 70. The authentication request includes the first slip number acquired in step S12.

[0051] The first communication unit 31 of the control device 30 receives the authentication request from the lobby intercom 20. The second communication unit 32 transmits the authentication request received by the first communication unit 31 to the gateway device 40 (S15). As will be described later, the authentication request is ultimately received by the server system 80, and therefore the processing of step S15 can be said to be processing of transmitting the authentication request to the server system 80 via the gateway device 40.

[0052] The first communication unit 41 of the gateway device 40 receives an authentication request from the control device 30. The information processing unit 43 includes a gateway ID in the received authentication request (S16). The gateway ID is an example of gateway identification information for identifying the gateway device 40, in other words, information for distinguishing the gateway device 40 from other gateway devices. The gateway ID is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 44. Furthermore, the second communication unit 42 transmits the authentication request including the gateway ID to the server system 80 (S17). In other words, the second communication unit 42 transmits the authentication request including the gateway ID.

[0053] In the server system 80, the communication unit 83 of the second server 82 receives the authentication request via the first server 81. The acquisition unit 84a acquires the received authentication request (S18). The authentication unit 84b performs authentication based on the slip number and gateway ID included in the authentication request (S19).

[0054] The authentication method in step S19 will be specifically described below. As described above, the second server 82 is a server used by the delivery company, and delivery schedule information is pre-stored in the storage unit 85 of the second server 82. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of delivery schedule information. As shown in FIG. 5, the delivery schedule information associates delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination building with the shipping slip number of the package to be delivered to the delivery destination building. The delivery destination information includes, for example, the building name, building number, room number, and gateway ID of the gateway device installed in the building. In other words, the delivery schedule information associates the gateway ID with the shipping slip number.

[0055] In step S19, the authentication unit 84b specifically performs authentication by comparing the slip number and gateway ID included in the authentication request with the delivery schedule information stored in the storage unit 85. The authentication unit 84b determines that authentication is successful when the first slip number and gateway ID included in the authentication request are associated (paired) in the delivery schedule information. In other words, the authentication unit 84b determines that authentication is successful when the package is about to be delivered to the correct delivery destination (building).

[0056] When the authentication unit 84b determines that the authentication is successful, the output unit 84c outputs response information (S20). The response information includes authentication success / failure information indicating that the authentication is successful, and the second slip number that is the same as the first slip number. The authentication success / failure information is information regarding whether the authentication is successful or not.

[0057] If it is determined in step S19 that the authentication is not successful, the output unit 84c outputs response information that includes, for example, authentication success / failure information indicating that the authentication is not successful and that does not include the second slip number. Alternatively, the output unit 84c may output response information that includes, for example, authentication success / failure information indicating that the authentication is not successful and that includes the second slip number. As described above, if the control system 10 includes multiple lobby intercoms 20, and the response information includes the second slip number, only the lobby intercom 20 whose first slip number is stored in the memory unit 24 can report that the authentication is not successful by comparing the first slip number with the received second slip number. It is not essential that the response information include authentication success / failure information; for example, the response information may be output only when authentication is successful.

[0058] As described below, the response information is ultimately received by the lobby intercom 20, the control device 30, and the gateway device 40, so the processing of step S20 can be said to be processing of outputting the response information to the lobby intercom 20 or to a device (control device 30 or gateway device 40) located between the server system 80 and the lobby intercom 20 on the communication network.

[0059] The response information output by the output unit 84c is transmitted by the communication unit 83 to the gateway device 40 via the first server 81 (S21). The response information transmitted in step S21 is designated with the gateway ID included in the authentication request as its destination. Therefore, the response information is transmitted to the gateway device 40, not to a gateway device installed in another building. The destination may be designated by the second server 82 (output unit 84c) or the first server 81.

[0060] The second communication unit 42 of the gateway device 40 receives the response information from the server system 80 (first server 81). The first communication unit 41 transmits the response information received by the second communication unit 42 to the control device 30 (S22).

[0061] The second communication unit 32 of the control device 30 receives the response information from the gateway device 40. Furthermore, the first communication unit 31 transmits the response information received by the second communication unit 32 to the lobby intercom 20 (S23).

[0062] The communication unit 22 of the lobby intercom 20 receives the response information from the control device 30. The control unit 23b determines whether the first slip number stored in the memory unit 24 in step S13 matches the second slip number included in the response information (information received by the communication unit 22 as a response to the authentication request) (S24). If the control unit 23b determines that the first slip number and the second slip number match, the control unit 23b unlocks (or opens) the auto-locking door 70 (S25). Although not shown, if the control unit 23b determines that the first slip number and the second slip number do not match, the control unit 23b does not unlock (or open) the auto-locking door 70. Furthermore, if the control unit 23b receives response information including authentication success / failure information indicating that authentication was not successful in step S23, the control unit 23b also does not unlock (or open) the auto-locking door 70.

[0063] The first slip number stored in memory unit 24 in step S13 may be deleted when auto-locking door 70 is unlocked (or opened) or after a certain period of time has passed since auto-locking door 70 was unlocked (or opened). The first slip number stored in memory unit 24 in step S13 may be deleted when no response information is received for a certain period of time after the authentication request was sent. In other words, the first slip number stored in memory unit 24 in step S13 may be deleted when a predetermined condition is met.

[0064] As described above, with the control system 10, the delivery person can unlock (or open) the auto-locking door 70 by entering the slip number into the lobby intercom 20 without having to call the user at the delivery destination. With the control system 10, the delivery person can reach the entrance to the private area where the user resides, even if the user is not at home. Therefore, with the control system 10, it is possible to realize a service that leaves a package in front of the entrance to the private area when the user is not at home (a so-called drop-off and delivery service).

[0065] The automatic door control system described in Patent Document 1 (JP 2020-53047 A) identifies the unlocking device using building identification information, and can be said to be a system that assumes that one automatic door is installed in one building. If multiple automatic doors are installed in one building, the automatic door control system described in Patent Document 1 is thought to be unable to identify which automatic door should be unlocked.

[0066] In contrast, even when multiple lobby intercoms 20 are provided, the control system 10 can appropriately unlock (or open) only the auto-locking door 70 near the delivery person (visitor).

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 2 above, the control system 10 may include multiple lobby intercoms 20. In this case, in step S23, the first communication unit 31 of the control device 30 transmits response information to, for example, all of the multiple lobby intercoms 20 that are communicatively connected to the first communication unit 31 of the control device 30. In other words, all of the lobby intercoms 20 included in the control system 10 receive the response information and attempt the determination in step S25. However, since only the lobby intercom 20 into which the delivery person inputs the slip number succeeds in the determination in step S25, only the auto-locking door 70 near the delivery person is properly unlocked (or opened).

[0068] Possible methods for sending response information to all of the multiple lobby intercoms 20 include a method in which the response information sent from the gateway device 40 to the control device 30 includes an instruction to send the response information to all lobby intercoms 20 under the control of the control device 30 (such as specifying a broadcast address), and a method in which the control device 30 has an algorithm that sends the response information to all of the subordinate lobby intercoms 20 when it receives the response information.If the IDs of the lobby intercoms 20 are managed in the server system 80, another possible method is to specify the ID of the destination lobby intercom 20 in the response information sent from the server system 80.

[0069] 3, the control system 10 may include a plurality of lobby intercoms 20 and a plurality of control devices 30. In this case, in step S22, the first communication unit 41 of the gateway device 40 transmits response information to, for example, all of the plurality of control devices 30 that are communicatively connected to the first communication unit 41 of the gateway device 40. In addition, in step S23, each of the plurality of control devices 30 transmits response information to, for example, all of the plurality of lobby intercoms 20 that are communicatively connected to the first communication unit 31 of the control device 30. In other words, all of the lobby intercoms 20 included in the control system 10 receive the response information and attempt the determination in step S25. However, only the lobby intercom 20 into which the delivery person inputs the slip number succeeds in the determination in step S25, and therefore only the autolocking door 70 near the delivery person is properly unlocked (or opened).

[0070] Possible methods for transmitting response information to all of the multiple control devices 30 include a method in which the response information transmitted from the server system 80 to the gateway device 40 includes an instruction to transmit the response information to all of the control devices 30 under the gateway device 40 (such as by specifying a broadcast address), and a method in which the gateway device 40 has an algorithm that causes the response information to be transmitted to all of the control devices 30 under the gateway device 40 when the response information is received. If the IDs of the control devices 30 are managed in the server system 80, another possible method is to specify the ID of the destination control device 30 in the response information transmitted from the server system 80. The method for transmitting response information from the control device 30 to all of the multiple lobby intercoms 20 is as described above.

[0071] In this way, even when a plurality of lobby intercoms 20 are provided, the control system 10 can appropriately unlock (or open) only the auto-locking door 70 near the delivery person (visitor).

[0072] In addition, in the door unlocking system described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6765147), the server device receives an unlocking request that includes the device ID of the door control device. In other words, the unlocking request includes information indicating which door will be unlocked, and if the unlocking request is intercepted, it will be possible to determine which door will be unlocked.

[0073] In contrast, in the control system 10, there is no need to transmit information indicating which auto-locking door is to be unlocked (or opened) within the apartment building 100. In other words, the control system 10 can be said to have high security.

[0074] [Example 2] Next, a description will be given of a second operational example of the control system 10. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram of the second operational example of the control system 10. The following description of the second operational example will focus on the differences from the first operational example.

[0075] The processing of steps S11 to S19 is the same as in operation example 1. If the authentication unit 84b determines in step S19 that authentication has been successful, the output unit 84c outputs response information (S30). The response information includes authentication success / failure information indicating that authentication has been successful, a second form number that is the same as the first form number, and, in addition, specific information for identifying the exclusive section of the delivery destination (in other words, information for identifying a facility included in the collective facility). The specific information is, for example, information including a room number, but it may be any information that can directly or indirectly identify the exclusive section.

[0076] 3, the specific information may include the building number and the room number. Specifically, the output unit 84c outputs the response information including the room number (and building number) associated with the slip number that matches the first slip number in the delivery schedule information.

[0077] The response information output by output unit 84c is sent by communication unit 83 via first server 81 to gateway device 40 (S31), then sent from gateway device 40 to control device 30 (S32), and then sent from control device 30 to lobby intercom 20 (S33). Control unit 23b of lobby intercom 20 determines whether the first slip number and the second slip number match (S34). If control unit 23b determines that the first slip number and the second slip number match, it unlocks (or opens) auto-lock door 70 (S35). Steps S31 to S35 are similar to steps S21 to S25, except that the response information includes specific information.

[0078] Meanwhile, the information processing unit 33 of the control device 30 acquires specific information from the response information received by the second communication unit 32 in step S32, and restricts the operation of the elevator based on the acquired specific information (S36). Specifically, the information processing unit 33 transmits a command to the elevator control device 60 so that the elevator can stop only at the floor indicated by the specific information (room number), and cannot stop at any other floors. Specifically, this command is transmitted by the second communication unit 32.

[0079] 3, when the control system 10 is a system corresponding to an apartment building 100 having multiple buildings, the identification information includes the building number. This allows the control device 30 to determine, based on the building number, whether to restrict the operation of the elevator in the building in which the control device 30 is installed.

[0080] As described above, the control system 10 can include specific information in the response information and restrict elevator operation based on the specific information. This prevents delivery personnel from stopping at floors that do not need to be visited for delivery, thereby improving the security of the apartment building 100.

[0081] [Variations in the method of entering slip numbers] In the above embodiment, the slip number is manually entered. However, the method for inputting the slip number into the lobby intercom 20 is not limited to this. For example, the delivery person may connect a mobile terminal carried by the delivery person to the wireless communication unit 26 of the lobby intercom 20 and input the slip number into the lobby intercom 20 via the mobile terminal via wireless communication.

[0082] Furthermore, if a two-dimensional barcode indicating the slip number is attached to the slip attached to the package, the imaging unit 25 may capture an image of the two-dimensional barcode, and the slip number may be input to the lobby intercom 20. In this case, the information processing unit 23 of the lobby intercom 20 has a two-dimensional barcode recognition function (a function of converting the two-dimensional barcode into a slip number).

[0083] Alternatively, the imaging unit 25 may capture an image of the slip number itself (a string of numbers) written on the slip attached to the package, and the slip number may be input to the lobby intercom 20. In this case, the information processing unit 23 of the lobby intercom 20 has a character recognition function.

[0084] [Modification of identification information] In the above embodiment, the slip number is used as the identification information used for authentication, but information other than the slip number may be used as the identification information. For example, facial image information of the delivery person may be used as the identification information. In other words, the slip number in the above embodiment may be replaced with facial image information.

[0085] For example, when a delivery person from a delivery company arrives at the entrance (common area) of the apartment complex 100, he or she makes a predetermined input to the lobby intercom 20, causing the imaging unit 25 to capture an image of his or her face. First facial image information indicating the captured facial image is stored in the storage unit 24. Thereafter, an authentication request including the first facial image information is transmitted to the server system 80. In the second server 82 (a server used by the delivery company) of the server system 80, facial image information of delivery people belonging to the delivery company is registered in advance, and the authentication unit 84b can verify whether the first facial image information indicates the facial image of the delivery person. In other words, the authentication unit 84b can perform authentication based on the first facial image information.

[0086] Thereafter, response information including the second facial image information is transmitted to the lobby intercom 20. When the control unit 23b determines that the facial image indicated by the first facial image information stored in the storage unit 24 and the facial image indicated by the second facial image information included in the received response information represent the same person, the control unit 23b unlocks (or opens) the auto-locking door 70.

[0087] As described above, facial image information of the delivery person may be used as the identification information instead of the slip number.

[0088] The identification information may be information relating to services related to the apartment complex 100. The identification information may be information specified at the service level provided to the exclusive use area, such as a service number (such as a slip number), or may be information specified at the service provider level, such as an ID given to a service provider. Examples of services related to the apartment complex 100 include delivery services, home care services, and housekeeping services.

[0089] [Variations of specific information] In operation example 2 of the above embodiment, in the delivery schedule information, the slip number (an example of identification information) is associated with the room number of the private section (an example of a facility included in a complex facility), and the response information includes the room number as specific information for identifying the private section.

[0090] Here, the slip number may be associated with the intercom base unit 50 installed in the exclusive section in the server system 80. For example, the slip number may be associated with the ID of the intercom base unit 50 in the server system 80, and the specific information may be information including the ID of the intercom base unit 50. In other words, the specific information may be information for identifying the information terminal installed in the exclusive section.

[0091] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the server system 80 includes an acquisition unit 84a that acquires a request to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, including identification information related to a service related to the collective facility, from the lobby intercom 20 installed outside the auto-locking door 70 in the common area of ​​the apartment building 100; an authentication unit 84b that performs authentication based on the identification information (first identification information) included in the acquired request; and an output unit 84c that outputs information including the identification information (second identification information) based on the authentication result to the lobby intercom 20 or to a device located between the server system 80 and the lobby intercom 20 on a communication network. The apartment building 100 is an example of a collective facility, and the lobby intercom 20 is an example of a terminal. The auto-locking door 70 is an example of a door installed in the common area. In the above embodiment, the request is an authentication request, the information is response information, and the identification information related to the service related to the collective facility is a slip number in the above embodiment.

[0092] In such a server system 80, the lobby intercom 20 can unlock or open the auto-locking door 70 on the condition that the identification information input by a visitor to the lobby intercom 20 matches the identification information obtained from the server system 80. In other words, the visitor can unlock or open the auto-locking door 70 by inputting the identification information into the lobby intercom 20. In other words, the server system 80 can assist the visitor in unlocking or opening the auto-locking door 70.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the information includes information relating to whether authentication has been established or not. The information relating to whether authentication has been established or not is authentication success / failure information in the above embodiment.

[0094] Such a server system 80 can notify the lobby intercom 20 of the success or failure of the authentication.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, when there are a plurality of lobby intercoms 20 and the above devices, the output unit 84c outputs the above information to at least one of all of the lobby intercoms 20 and all of the devices as the output destination.

[0096] In the control system 10, the lobby intercom 20 makes the final decision on whether to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, so even if the above information is output to all lobby intercoms 20, the auto-locking door 70 will be unlocked or opened appropriately.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, the device includes at least one of a control device 30 and a gateway device 40. The control device 30 is a device that controls communication between the lobby intercom 20 and an intercom master unit 50 provided in a private area included in the apartment building 100. The gateway device 40 is a device that relays communication between the control device 30 and the server system 80. The private area is an example of a facility, and the intercom master unit 50 is an example of an information terminal.

[0098] Such a server system 80 can output the above information to at least one of the control device 30 and the gateway device 40.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, the identification information is information associated with a private section included in the apartment building 100 or an intercom master unit 50 installed in the private section. The above information includes information for identifying the private section or the intercom master unit 50.

[0100] In this way, if the information output by the server system 80 includes information for identifying the private area or the intercom master unit 50, it becomes possible to control equipment in conjunction with the unlocking or opening of the auto-locking door 70, such as controlling the elevator by the control device 30.

[0101] The lobby intercom 20 is a terminal provided outside an auto-locking door 70 provided in a common area of ​​the apartment building 100. The lobby intercom 20 includes an identification information acquisition unit 23a that acquires first identification information related to services related to the apartment building 100, a memory unit 24 that stores the first identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 23a, a communication unit 22 that transmits a request to unlock or open the door, including the first identification information, and a control unit 23b that unlocks or opens the auto-locking door 70 when the first identification information stored in the memory unit 24 matches second identification information included in information received by the communication unit 22 in response to the request.

[0102] Such a lobby intercom 20 can assist visitors in unlocking or opening the auto-locking door 70 .

[0103] The control device 30 also controls communication between a lobby intercom 20 installed outside an auto-locking door 70 installed in a common area of ​​the apartment building and an intercom master unit 50 installed in a private area of ​​the apartment building 100. The control device 30 includes a first communication unit 31 that communicates with the lobby intercom 20 and a second communication unit 32 that communicates with the server system 80. When the first communication unit 31 receives a request to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, the request includes identification information related to a service related to the apartment building 100, and the second communication unit 32 transmits the request to the server system 80. When the second communication unit 32 receives information including the identification information, the first communication unit 31 transmits the information to the lobby intercom 20.

[0104] Such a control device 30 can assist visitors in unlocking or opening the self-locking door 70 .

[0105] Also, for example, if the first communication unit 31 is communicatively connected to multiple lobby intercoms 20, when the second communication unit 32 receives information, the first communication unit 31 transmits the information to all lobby intercoms 20 that are communicatively connected to the first communication unit 31.

[0106] In the control system 10, the lobby intercom 20 makes the final decision on whether to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, so even if the above information is sent to all lobby intercoms 20 in this manner, the auto-locking door 70 will be unlocked or opened appropriately.

[0107] The gateway device 40 is a gateway device that relays communication between the control device 30, which controls communication between a terminal installed outside a door in a common area of ​​the apartment building 100 and an intercom master unit 50 installed in a private area of ​​the apartment building 100, and the server system 80. The gateway device 40 includes a first communication unit 41 that communicates with the control device 30 and a second communication unit 42 that communicates with the server system 80. When the first communication unit 41 receives a request to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, the request includes identification information related to a service related to the apartment building 100. When the second communication unit 42 receives information including the identification information, the first communication unit 41 transmits the information to the control device 30.

[0108] Such a gateway device 40 can assist visitors in unlocking or opening the auto-locking door 70 .

[0109] Also, for example, the second communication unit 42 includes gateway identification information for identifying the gateway device 40 in the request and transmits it to the server system 80. The gateway identification information is a gateway ID in the above embodiment.

[0110] This allows the server system 80 to distinguish the apartment building 100 (gateway device 40) from other apartment facilities (gateway devices) when the server system 80 targets multiple facilities including the apartment building 100 (in other words, multiple gateway devices including the gateway device 40).

[0111] Also, for example, if the first communication unit 41 is communicatively connected to multiple control devices 30, when the second communication unit 42 receives information, the first communication unit 41 transmits the information to all control devices 30 that are communicatively connected to the first communication unit 41.

[0112] In the control system 10, the lobby intercom 20 makes the final decision on whether to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, so even if the above information is sent to all lobby intercoms 20 in this manner, the auto-locking door 70 will be unlocked or opened appropriately.

[0113] The control system 10 also includes a lobby intercom 20 installed outside an autolocking door 70 installed in a common area of ​​the apartment building 100, a control device 30 that controls communication between the lobby intercom 20 and an intercom master unit 50 installed in a private area of ​​the apartment building 100, a server system 80, and a gateway device 40 that relays communication between the control device 30 and the server system 80. The lobby intercom 20 acquires first identification information related to a service related to the apartment building 100, stores the first identification information, and transmits a request to the control device 30 to unlock or open the autolocking door 70, the request including the first identification information. Upon receiving the request, the control device 30 transmits the request to the gateway device 40. Upon receiving the request, the gateway device 40 transmits the request to the server system 80. The server system 80 acquires the request, performs authentication based on the first identification information included in the acquired request, and outputs information including second identification information to the gateway device 40 based on the result of the authentication. When the gateway device 40 receives the information, it transmits the information to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the information, it transmits the information to the lobby intercom 20. When the first identification information stored in the lobby intercom 20 matches the second identification information included in the received information, the lobby intercom 20 unlocks or opens the auto-locking door 70.

[0114] Such a control system 10 can assist visitors in unlocking or opening the self-locking door 70 .

[0115] In addition, the control method executed by the server system 80 includes an acquisition step S18 of acquiring a request to unlock or open the auto-locking door 70, including identification information regarding services related to the apartment building 100, from the lobby intercom 20 installed outside the auto-locking door 70 installed in the common area of ​​the apartment building 100, an authentication step S19 of performing authentication based on the identification information included in the acquired request, and an output step S20 of outputting information including the identification information to the lobby intercom 20 or to a device located between the server system 80 and the lobby intercom 20 on the communication network based on the result of the authentication.

[0116] Such a control method can assist visitors in unlocking or opening the self-locking door 70.

[0117] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0118] For example, although the control system is applied to an apartment building in the above embodiment, it may also be applied to a collective facility other than an apartment building. For example, the control system may be applied to a collective facility that includes multiple facilities (multiple companies, departments, divisions, etc.), such as an office, factory, research facility, medical facility, or accommodation facility, and that has a shared entrance.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system is realized by multiple devices, but it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to any of the lobby intercom, the control device, the gateway device, the first server, and the second server. When the control system is realized by multiple devices, the components (especially functional components) of the control system may be allocated in any way among the multiple devices.

[0120] For example, the communication method between the devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0122] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0123] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0124] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0125] For example, the present invention may be realized as a method corresponding to the information processing executed by the lobby intercom, control device, gateway device, or server system of the above-described embodiments, or as a program for causing a computer to execute these methods. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0126] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10. Control System 20 Lobby intercom (terminal) 22 Communications Department 23a Identification information acquisition unit 23b Control section 24 Memory section 30 Control device 31 First Communications Department 32 Second Communications Department 40 Gateway Device 41 First Communications Department 42 Second Communications Department 50 Intercom base unit (information terminal) 70 Auto-locking door 80 Server System 84a Acquisition Department 84b Authentication section 84c output section 100 Apartment complexes (community facilities)

Claims

1. A server system, an acquisition unit that acquires, from one of a plurality of terminals installed outside a door installed in a common area of ​​a collective facility, a request to unlock or open the door, the request including identification information related to a service related to the collective facility; an authentication unit that performs authentication based on the identification information included in the acquired request; an output unit that outputs information including the identification information to the plurality of terminals or to a device located between the server system and the plurality of terminals on a communication network based on a result of the authentication. Server system.

2. The information includes information regarding success or failure of the authentication. The server system according to claim 1 .

3. the device includes at least one of a control device and a gateway device; the control device is a device that controls communications between the plurality of terminals and an information terminal installed in a facility included in the collective facility, The gateway device is a device that relays communication between the control device and the server system.

3. The server system according to claim 1.

4. the identification information is information associated with a facility included in the collective facility or an information terminal installed in the facility, The information includes information for identifying the facility or the information terminal. The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A plurality of terminals are provided on the outside of a door provided in a common area of ​​a collective facility, Each of the plurality of terminals an identification information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information related to a service related to the collective facility; a storage unit that stores the first identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit; a communication unit that transmits a request to unlock or open the door, the request including the first identification information; a control unit that unlocks or opens the door when the first identification information stored in the storage unit matches second identification information included in information received by the communication unit as a response to the request. Terminal system.

6. A control device that controls communication between a plurality of terminals installed outside a door installed in a common area of ​​a collective facility and an information terminal installed in a facility included in the collective facility, a first communication unit that communicates with the plurality of terminals; a second communication unit that communicates with the server system; the second communication unit, when the first communication unit receives a request to unlock or open the door, the request including identification information related to a service related to the collective facility, transmits the request to the server system; When the second communication unit receives information including the identification information, the first communication unit transmits the information to the terminal. Control device.

7. A control device that controls communication between a plurality of terminals installed outside a door installed in a common area of ​​a collective facility and an information terminal installed in a facility included in the collective facility, and a gateway device that relays communication between the control device and a server system, a first communication unit that communicates with the control device; a second communication unit that communicates with the server system; the second communication unit, when the first communication unit receives a request to unlock or open the door, the request including identification information related to a service related to the collective facility, transmits the request to the server system; When the second communication unit receives information including the identification information, the first communication unit transmits the information to the control device. Gateway device.

8. The second communication unit transmits the request to the server system, including gateway identification information for identifying the gateway device. The gateway device according to claim 7.

9. When the first communication unit is communicatively connected to a plurality of control devices, when the second communication unit receives the information, the first communication unit transmits the information to all of the control devices communicatively connected to the first communication unit.

9. The gateway device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. a plurality of terminals provided outside a door provided in a common area of ​​the collective facility; a control device that controls communications between the plurality of terminals and an information terminal installed in a facility included in the collective facility; A server system; a gateway device that relays communication between the control device and the server system, One of the plurality of terminals obtaining first identification information relating to services associated with the congregate facility; storing the first identification information; Sending a request to the control device to unlock or open the door, the request including the first identification information; When the control device receives the request, the control device transmits the request to the gateway device; When the gateway device receives the request, the gateway device transmits the request to the server system; The server system includes: Obtaining the request; performing authentication based on the first identification information included in the acquired request; outputting information including second identification information to the gateway device based on a result of the authentication; When the gateway device receives the information, the gateway device transmits the information to the control device; When the control device receives the information, the control device transmits the information to the plurality of terminals; Each of the plurality of terminals unlocks or opens the door when the first identification information stored in the terminal matches the second identification information included in the received information. Control system.

11. A control method executed by a server system, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring, from one of a plurality of terminals provided outside a door provided in a common area of ​​a complex, a request to unlock or open the door, the request including identification information related to a service related to the complex; an authentication step of performing authentication based on the identification information included in the acquired request; and an output step of outputting information including the identification information to the plurality of terminals or to a device located between the server system and the plurality of terminals on a communication network based on a result of the authentication. Control method.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 11.

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