Residential security systems

Abstract

To prevent the outdoor equipment of a residence from being illegally used.SOLUTION: A controller 24 of a security system 10 is connected to a lock unit 62 of a charging device 42 and a lock unit 64 of a hot-water supply device 44 that are installed in the premises of a residence. The controller 24, when a digital key acquired from a terminal device 26 by ta BLE antenna 34 of the charging device 42 is verified, causes the lock unit 66 to enable the charging device 42 to operate, and when the digital key acquired from the terminal device 26 by the BLE antenna 34 of the hot-water supply device 44 is verified, causes the lock unit 68 to releases the lock of the door to enable the use of a hot water tap. As a result, if the digital key of the terminal device 26 is not verified, the use of the charging device 42 and the hot-water supply device 44 can be restricted and the illegal use thereof can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to residential security systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In the visitor authentication system of Patent Document 1, the front door of a house and the room doors of each room can be automatically locked and unlocked by a door locking means. In addition, in the visitor authentication system, when a visitor operates a camera-equipped entrance handset of a camera-equipped intercom system to call a resident, the visitor authentication means performs biometric authentication of the visitor, and a reading unit reads identification information from the visitor's smartphone or the like. In this way, the visitor is authenticated, and the front door and the room doors of the room they are visiting are unlocked by the locking means based on the visitor's identification information.

[0003] Meanwhile, residential security systems include key systems that use an electrical code (for example, a digital key) to lock and unlock the front door, etc. In this key system, the resident carries a terminal device such as a smartphone that stores a preset digital key, and when the resident opens the locked front door, the front door can be unlocked by receiving the digital key from the mobile device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-52476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, outdoor equipment such as hot water heaters and charging devices for charging storage batteries for vehicles such as electric cars are installed on the premises (outdoors), and some of these can operate all day. For example, charging devices can operate and output power without entering the house. Such outdoor equipment may be subject to unauthorized use (utilization) if the resident is away from home for an extended period of time. To prevent unauthorized use of outdoor equipment, measures must be taken, such as fencing off the premises to prevent unauthorized entry and locking the gate separately from the front door.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a home security system that can prevent unauthorized use of outdoor facilities of a home. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a first aspect of a residential security system includes an equipment device that is installed outside the home and allows paid resources to be used outdoors, or that allows the paid resources to be used within the home and also allows some of the paid resources to be used outdoors; a restriction means that is provided in the equipment device and restricts the use of the paid resources outdoors; and a restriction control means that, when the restriction means is operated to allow the paid resources to be used outdoors, receives preset key information from a terminal device carried by the resident, thereby lifting the restriction on the use of the paid resources outdoors imposed by the restriction means.

[0008] In a first aspect of the residential security system, a facility device is installed outside the home, and the facility device makes paid resources available outdoors, or makes paid resources available inside the home and some of the paid resources available outdoors. The facility device is provided with a restriction means that restricts the use of paid resources outdoors.

[0009] The restriction control means operates the restriction means to enable outdoor use of paid resources for the facility device whose outdoor use is restricted by the restriction means. At this time, the restriction control means receives preset key information from the portable terminal device, thereby releasing the outdoor use restriction on the paid resources imposed by the restriction means.

[0010] This allows the facility equipment to be used outdoors only when key information is received from a terminal device carried by the resident, and the facility equipment cannot be used unless the key information is received, thereby preventing the facility equipment from being used illegally.

[0011] The second aspect of the home security system is the same as the first aspect, and includes a lock unit for locking and unlocking the front door of the home, and a lock operation means that, when operating the lock unit to lock and unlock the front door, receives the key information from the terminal device, thereby releasing the lock using the lock unit and allowing the front door to be opened and closed.

[0012] In the second aspect of the home security system, a lock unit is provided for locking and unlocking the front door, which serves as an entrance and exit to the home, and a lock operation means is provided for operating the lock unit to lock and unlock the front door.

[0013] Here, the lock operating means receives preset key information from a terminal device carried by the resident, thereby unlocking the front door with the lock unit and enabling the front door to be opened or closed.

[0014] This allows the use restrictions on facility devices to be lifted using key information for unlocking the front door, thereby effectively improving security for the use of facility devices.

[0015] A third aspect of the home security system is the first or second aspect, wherein the restriction control means restricts outdoor use of the paid resource by the restriction means when outdoor use of the paid resource has ended.

[0016] In the third aspect of the residential security system, when outdoor use of paid resources is completed, the restriction control means restricts outdoor use of paid resources by the restriction means for the facility device. This makes it impossible for the resident to use the facility device outdoors when they have finished using it, thereby more effectively improving security for the use of the facility device.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the home security system is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the equipment is a charging device that outputs power to a vehicle equipped with a storage battery for charging the storage battery, and the limiting means limits the output of power for charging the storage battery.

[0018] In a fourth aspect of the home security system, a charging device is applied to a vehicle equipped with a storage battery as an equipment device, and the charging device outputs power to charge the storage battery of the vehicle using electric power as a paid resource, and the limiting means limits the output of power to charge the storage battery.

[0019] This allows residents to use the charging device to charge the vehicle's storage battery, but for non-residents, the unauthorized output of electricity for charging the vehicle's storage battery, etc. can be restricted, thereby improving security in the use of the charging device.

[0020] A fifth aspect of the residential security system is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the facility device is a hot water supply device, and the restriction means restricts the extraction of hot water from a hot water tap provided in the hot water supply device that can supply hot water outdoors.

[0021] In a fifth aspect of the home security system, a water heater is used as the facility device. The water heater uses water, which is a paid resource, to heat (heat) it using paid resources such as electricity or gas, and the generated hot water can be used inside the home. The water heater also allows the generated hot water to be used outdoors. The restriction means restricts the use (discharge) of hot water outdoors.

[0022] This allows residents to use the hot water from the water heater outdoors for washing cars, etc., but restricts people other than residents from illegally taking out hot water, etc. outdoors, thereby improving security for taking out and using hot water, water, etc. generated by the water heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the first aspect of the residential security system of the present invention, the facility equipment cannot be used unless key information is received from the terminal device carried by the resident, thereby preventing the facility equipment from being used fraudulently.

[0024] According to the second aspect of the home security system, restrictions on the use of facility devices can be lifted using key information for unlocking the front door, thereby effectively improving security against unauthorized use of facility devices.

[0025] According to the third aspect of the residential security system, when a resident has finished using a facility device, the facility device cannot be used outdoors, thereby more effectively improving security against unauthorized use of the facility device.

[0026] According to the security system for a home of the fourth aspect, it is possible to improve security against unauthorized use of the charging device by people other than the resident.

[0027] According to the home security system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to improve security against unauthorized use of the water heater by people other than the resident. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a security system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2A is a front view of the water heater, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the main part of the water heater. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process for unlocking the front door. [Figure 5] 10A is a flowchart showing an outline of a process for removing restrictions on a charging device, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing an outline of a process for removing restrictions on a hot water tap of a hot water supply device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the general configuration of a security system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the security system 10 is installed in a residence 12 and functions as an electronic key system for the residence 12. Figure 2 shows a general configuration diagram of the security system 10 in the residence 12.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the house 12 in which the security system 10 is installed is a detached house (single-family home) built on a predetermined lot 14. The lot 14 of the house 12 may be surrounded by a fence, and a gate may be installed at the entrance to the lot 14.

[0031] The residence 12 is provided with a front door 16 as an entrance door for the residents, and the residents can go out and come home by unlocking the front door 16. In addition, locking the front door 16 can prevent intrusion into the residence 12 (indoors).

[0032] A broadband router or the like (hereinafter referred to as router 18) for configuring communication means may be installed in the residence 12, and in this embodiment, as an example, the router 18 is installed in the residence 12. The router 18 is connected to the Internet (information and communication network, network) via an optical fiber line or the like (broadband line).

[0033] The router 18 may be a wired system or a wireless system using the Wi-Fi standard (also called a Wi-Fi connection), and the router 18 enables devices connected to the LAN to be connected to the network. The router 18 also forms a LAN (Local Area Network) (home LAN) that interconnects multiple devices within the residence 12.

[0034] A Home Energy Management System (HEMS) may be installed in the home 12. The HEMS controller 20 is connected to a router 18, and connected to a network via the router 18, and may be connectable to, for example, the cloud (cloud computing, not shown) or a server (not shown) that provides various services. The HEMS controller 20 is also connected to devices within the home 12 (devices on a home LAN) via the router 18, and manages and controls energy devices (facility) including electrical devices in the home 12, thereby managing energy for the home 12. Known configurations can be applied to such router 18 and HEMS (HEMS controller 20).

[0035] 1, the security system 10 includes a lock unit 22 as a locking means for the front door 16, and a controller (security controller) 24 as the device main body installed at a predetermined position inside the house 12. In this embodiment, the controller 24 can function as a lock operating means and a restriction control means.

[0036] Furthermore, the security system 10 can be connected to a plurality of terminal devices 26 used to unlock (lock and unlock) the front door 16, and the terminal devices 26 are carried by each resident. Such terminal devices 26 may be smartphones carried by each resident. The terminal devices 26 may also include a portable terminal dedicated to the security system 10 that can be carried by children or the like.

[0037] The lock unit 22 includes a lock section 30, a communication section 32 constituting a lock operation means, and a BLE antenna 34 connected to the communication section 32. The lock unit 22 is attached to the front door 16 of the house 12 or the door frame (not shown) of the front door 16, and the lock section 30 locks and unlocks the front door 16 using an actuator (not shown).

[0038] In the security system 10, the controller 24 operates the locking section 30 of the locking unit 22 to lock and unlock the front door 16. The locking section 30 is provided with a thumb turn or the like (not shown) on the inside (inside the house 12) of the front door (front door 16), and a resident or the like can operate the thumb turn to lock and unlock the front door 16 from the inside.

[0039] In the security system 10, the lock unit 22 and the controller 24 may be electric and operate on commercial power, or may be electronic (battery-powered) and operate on battery power. In one example, the security system 10 is configured such that the lock unit 22 and the controller 24 are equipped with a battery (not shown) and are also supplied with commercial power from the home 12, making the security system 10 a hybrid system that operates on commercial power and, in the event of a commercial power outage, on the battery.

[0040] The communication unit 32 of the lock unit 22 communicates with the terminal device 26 wirelessly. The Wi-Fi standard used for LANs within the house 12 or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard can be applied to the communication between the terminal device 26 and the communication unit 32. In this embodiment, the communication unit 32 uses the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, which is used for close-range communication (for example, within a range of several meters) and can reduce power consumption, within the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for communication with the terminal device 26.

[0041] A BLE antenna 34 for communication based on the BLE standard is connected to the communication unit 32, and the BLE antenna 34 is in the form of a sheet and is installed on the front door 16 or around the front door 16 (not shown).

[0042] The controller 24 is formed with an operation unit 36 ​​as a lock operation means, a communication unit 38 as a communication means, and a registration unit 40 as a storage means. The operation unit 36 ​​also functions as a restriction control means.

[0043] The controller 24 includes a microcomputer (not shown) in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, nonvolatile storage, and an input / output interface are connected by a bus. In the controller 24, the CPU reads out the lock management program and the restriction program stored in the ROM and storage, and executes them while expanding them into the RAM, thereby realizing the functions of the operation unit 36 ​​and the communication unit 38. In addition, in the controller 24, the storage realizes the function of the registration unit 40.

[0044] The communication unit 38 is connected to the router 18, and the communication unit 38 (controller 24) is connectable to a LAN (home LAN) and a network via the router 18. The connection between the router 18 and the communication unit 38 may be wired or may be a Wi-Fi connection.

[0045] The lock unit 22 is connected to the operation unit 36, and the operation unit 36 ​​controls the lock unit 30 to lock and unlock the front door 16. At this time, the operation unit 36 ​​checks (verifies) whether or not the key information that the communication unit 32 of the lock unit 22 obtains from the terminal device 26 is registered in the registration unit 40. The connection between the operation unit 36 ​​and the lock unit 22 may be a wired connection, or a Wi-Fi connection via the router 18.

[0046] In the security system 10, key information is used to unlock (or lock and unlock) the front door 16 using the terminal device 26. The key information is assigned to each of the terminal devices 26 used to lock and unlock the front door 16 of the house 12, and is also stored in the registration unit 40.

[0047] In this embodiment, a preset identification code (hereinafter referred to as a digital key) is used as the key information. The digital key is set for the security system 10, or for each terminal device 26 that is applied to the security system 10. By setting a digital key for each terminal device 26, it becomes possible to identify the terminal device 26 and the resident carrying the terminal device 26 from the digital key.

[0048] The required application software corresponding to the security system 10 is installed in the terminal device 26 that is applied to the security system 10, and a digital key assigned to the terminal device 26 is stored. The terminal device 26 communicates with the communication unit 32 of the lock unit 22 using the BLE standard, and emits a signal corresponding to the digital key in response to a request from the lock unit 22 (or when the terminal device 26 approaches the front door 16).

[0049] When the front door 16 is unlocked, the communication unit 32 of the lock unit 22 acquires the digital key issued from the terminal device 26. When the lock unit 22 (communication unit 32) acquires the digital key from the terminal device 26, the operation unit 36 ​​of the controller 24 compares the acquired digital key with the digital key registered in the registration unit 40, and if they compare (match), operates the lock unit 30 to unlock the front door 16 (causes it to operate to unlock).

[0050] As a result, in the security system 10, if a resident carries the terminal device 26, the front door 16 is unlocked to allow entry, but if a person does not carry the terminal device 26 (a person other than the resident whose digital key is not verified), the front door 16 is not unlocked (kept in a locked state), thereby preventing people other than the resident from illegally entering or leaving the house 12.

[0051] On the other hand, the security system 10 is connected to an outdoor facility device installed within the premises 14 (outside the residence 12). The facility device is a device that uses paid resources such as electricity and water and outputs products such as electricity, water, or hot water, and the facility device outputs according to the paid resources outside the residence 12 (within the premises 14 of the residence 12).

[0052] As shown in Fig. 1, a charging device 42 and a hot water heater 44 are installed as outdoor equipment (equipment outside of the house 12) within the site 14 of the house 12. The charging device 42 is installed in or near a parking lot (not shown) within the site 14 of the house 12, and operates by receiving power from a commercial power source or the like from a distribution panel (not shown) within the house 12. The charging device 42 is used in a vehicle 46 equipped with a storage battery (not shown), such as an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, or fuel cell vehicle, and supplies power to the vehicle 46 so that the storage battery can be charged.

[0053] 2, charging device 42 includes a power conversion unit 48 that converts supplied commercial power into power for charging the vehicle, and a control unit (charging controller) 50 that controls the operation of power conversion unit 48. A charging cable 52 is connected to power conversion unit 48, and power conversion unit 48 outputs power for charging a storage battery of vehicle 46 when charging cable 52 is pulled out and a connector (charging plug) 52A at the end is connected to vehicle 46 parked in a parking lot.

[0054] The charging device 42 has an operation panel 54 mounted on a housing 42A (see FIG. 1), and when a switch on the operation panel 54 is operated, the control unit 50 monitors the state of charge (SOC) of the storage battery of the vehicle 46 and controls the power conversion unit 48 so that the storage battery reaches a predetermined state of charge. Note that various known devices having various configurations can be used for the charging device 42.

[0055] The water heater 44 is installed outdoors, boils water (tap water), and supplies the boiled water (hot water) to a water supply device (hot water heater) in the residence 12. The water heater 44 according to this embodiment is provided with a hot water outlet as an output means for supplying hot water outdoors. A gas water heater, a kerosene water heater, an electric water heater, or the like can be used as the water heater 44. A home fuel cell cogeneration system such as ENE-FARM (registered trademark) can also be used as the water heater 44. ENE-FARM (registered trademark) uses natural gas or the like as fuel and generates electricity by reacting hydrogen in the natural gas with oxygen in the air, which can be used in the residence 12. In this case, heat generated when the electricity is generated is used to boil water in a tank, and the boiled water (hot water) is supplied to the water heater in the residence 12.

[0056] Furthermore, EcoCute (registered trademark; hereafter, the registered trademark will be omitted), which is a natural refrigerant heat pump water heater, can be used as the water heater 44. The water heater 44 according to this embodiment is capable of supplying hot water 24 hours a day, and in this embodiment, EcoCute is used as the water heater 44. An EcoCute takes in heat from the atmosphere (e.g., air) to heat a refrigerant (e.g., carbon dioxide), which is then further compressed to a high temperature (approximately 90°C), and then generates high-temperature hot water by heating water stored in a tank using a heat exchanger, and mixes the hot water and water in the tank to reach a set temperature and supplies the hot water.

[0057] FIG. 3(A) shows a front view of water heater 44, and FIG. 3(B) shows a perspective view of the main part of water heater 44. 3(A) and 3(B), a door 58 is provided in a housing (casing) 56 of water heater 44, and in water heater 44, a hot water tap 60 is installed inside door 58. In water heater 44, when door 58 is opened, hot water tap 60 is exposed (released), and when a hose (not shown) is connected to faucet 60A of hot water tap 60 and a handle 60B is turned, hot water (hot water at a set temperature) in a tank (not shown) can be discharged.

[0058] 1 and 2, in security system 10, a charging device 42 and a hot water supply device 44 are connected to controller 24. A lock unit 62 is provided in charging device 42, and a lock unit 64 is provided in hot water supply device 44.

[0059] The lock unit 62 of the charging device 42 is provided with a BLE antenna 34, a communication unit 38 that performs communication based on the BLE standard, and a lock unit 66 that serves as a restriction means. In the charging device 42, the BLE antenna 34 is disposed in the housing 42A, and the BLE antenna 34 is capable of receiving signals (BLE standard signals) emitted by the terminal device 26 carried by the resident who operates the charging device 42.

[0060] In the charging device 42, the BLE antenna 34 is connected to the communication unit 38 of the lock unit 62, and the communication unit 38 acquires a digital key as key information from the terminal device 26 via the BLE antenna 34. The lock unit 66 is connected to the control unit 50 of the charging device 42, and the lock unit 66 locks (stops operation) and unlocks (cancels operation stoppage) the control unit 50.

[0061] The lock unit 62 of the charging device 42 is connected to the controller 24, and the operation unit 36 ​​of the controller 24 verifies whether the digital key acquired by the lock unit 62 is a registered digital key. When the operation unit 36 ​​verifies that the digital key acquired by the charging device 42 (lock unit 62) is registered in the registration unit 40, it operates the lock unit 66 to release the locked state of the control unit 50.

[0062] This enables charging device 42 to charge the storage battery of vehicle 46. Furthermore, when charging of the storage battery of vehicle 46 is completed, control unit 50 of charging device 42 outputs a charging completion signal to lock unit 66 (lock unit 66 may detect the completion of charging). When the charging completion signal is input, lock unit 66 puts control unit 50 into a locked state and stops the charging operation of charging device 42.

[0063] Lock unit 64 of water heating apparatus 44 is provided with BLE antenna 34, communication unit 38 that performs communication based on the BLE standard, and lock unit 68 as a restriction means. In water heating apparatus 44, BLE antenna 34 is disposed on the periphery of door 58 of housing 56, and BLE antenna 34 is capable of receiving signals (BLE standard signals) emitted by terminal device 26 carried by a resident who uses hot water tap 60 of water heating apparatus 44.

[0064] In water heating apparatus 44, BLE antenna 34 is connected to communication unit 38 of lock unit 64, and communication unit 38 acquires a digital key as key information from terminal device 26 via BLE antenna 34. Lock unit 68 is attached to the periphery of door 58, and lock unit 68 restricts opening and closing of door 58.

[0065] 3(B), door 58 is connected to housing 56 via a hinge (not shown) located at the bottom end, and door 58 is rotated upward to close opening 58A, and rotated downward to open opening 58A. Locking portion 66 is located on the upper periphery of opening 58A, and latch bolt 70 is capable of appearing and disappearing within opening 58A.

[0066] In addition, the door 58 has a Latch bolt 70 A generally L-shaped catch 72 is disposed corresponding to the opening 58A. With the opening 58A closed, the door 58 is placed in a locked state where opening is restricted by positioning the latch bolt 70 protruding from the locking portion 68 between the catch 72.

[0067] In addition, the locking unit 68 is provided with an open button 74 that can be operated from outside the housing 56, and when the open button 74 is operated (for example, by pressing or touching), the locking unit 68 retracts the latch bolt 70 from the opening 58A, thereby unlocking the door 58. This opens the hot water tap 60, and the restriction on use (hot water supply) of the hot water tap 60 is lifted.

[0068] Lock unit 64 of water heating apparatus 44 is connected to controller 24, and operation unit 36 ​​of controller 24 verifies whether the digital key acquired by lock unit 64 is a registered digital key. When operation unit 36 ​​verifies that the digital key acquired by water heating apparatus 44 (lock unit 64) is registered in registration unit 40, Open button 74 By operating this, locking portion 68 allows latch bolt 70 to retract from within opening 58A. As a result, in hot water supply device 44, door 58 rotates downward due to its own weight or the biasing force of a spring (biasing means) (not shown), etc., opening opening 58A and allowing hot water tap 60 to be used.

[0069] Furthermore, when the door 58 is opened, the locking unit 68 protrudes the latch bolt 70, and when the door 58 is closed, the locking unit 68 detects that the latch bolt 70 is pushed up by the receiving seat 72. When the controller 24 detects that the latch bolt 70 of the locking unit 68 is pushed up by the receiving seat 72, the controller 24 puts the latch bolt 70 in the protruding state. This restricts the door 58 from being opened, and restricts the hot water tap 60 from being used.

[0070] Next, the operation of the security system 10 will be described. In the security system 10, a digital key is stored in a terminal device 26 carried by each resident. In addition, the residence 12 has a lock unit 22 installed at or near the front door 16, and a BLE antenna 34 installed thereon.

[0071] The security system 10 applies the BLE standard to obtain a digital key from the terminal device 26. As a result, in the security system 10, when a resident carrying a terminal device 26 in which a preset digital key is stored (registered) stands in front of the front door 16, the front door 16 is unlocked and the resident can enter the house 12.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an outline of the unlocking process that is repeatedly executed by the controller 24 when the front door 16 is unlocked. The flowchart in Figure 4 is executed when the lock section 30 of the lock unit 22 locks the front door 16, and in the first step 100, the controller 24 (operation section 36) checks whether the communication section 32 of the lock unit 22 has received a digital key issued from the terminal device 26.

[0073] At this time, when the resident stands in front of the front door 16 and the communication unit 32 receives the digital key issued from the terminal device 26 carried by the resident, the controller 24 makes a positive determination in step 100 and proceeds to step 102. In step 102, the controller 24 performs digital key verification to confirm whether the digital key received by the communication unit 32 is a digital key registered in the registration unit 40.

[0074] If the controller 24 verifies that the received digital key is a registered digital key, it makes an affirmative determination in step 104 and proceeds to step 106. In step 106, the controller 24 causes the lock unit 30 to unlock the front door 16.

[0075] This allows a resident carrying the terminal device 26 to open the front door 16 and enter the house 12. After the front door 16 has been unlocked, the resident who has entered the house 12 can operate the thumb turn, for example, to cause the lock unit 30 to lock the front door 16.

[0076] On the other hand, if the digital key has not been received, the controller 24 makes a negative determination in step 100 and temporarily terminates the process. If the received digital key differs from the registered digital key (if the two keys are not verified), the controller 24 makes a negative determination in step 104 and temporarily terminates the process without unlocking the front door 16.

[0077] In this way, in the security system 10, the front door 16 is unlocked by verifying that the digital key received from the terminal device 26 is a registered digital key. This allows the security system 10 to prevent the front door 16 from being unlocked unauthorizedly, thereby achieving a high level of security. Furthermore, the security system 10 applies the BLE standard, which has a narrower communication range than the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, to communication between the terminal device 26 and the communication unit 32. This prevents the front door 16 from being unlocked by receiving a digital key from a terminal device 26 that is more than several meters away from the front door 16, thereby achieving an even higher level of security in the security system 10.

[0078] Meanwhile, a charging device 42 and a hot water supply device 44 are installed within the property 14 of the residence 12. The charging device 42 and the hot water supply device 44 are each connected to the controller 24 of the security system 10, and in the security system 10, the controller 24 restricts the use of the charging device 42 and the hot water supply device 44 outdoors.

[0079] Fig. 5(A) is a flow chart showing an outline of the process for removing the usage restriction on the charging device 42, which is executed by the controller 24. Fig. 5(B) is a flow chart showing an outline of the process for removing the usage restriction on the hot water tap 60 of the hot water supply device 44, which is executed by the controller 24.

[0080] The flowchart in Figure 5(A) is executed when the lock section 66 of the charging device 42 is in a usage restriction state with the control section 50 in a disabled state, and in the first step 110, the controller 24 (operation section 36) checks whether the communication section 32 of the lock unit 62 has received the digital key issued from the terminal device 26.

[0081] In this case, when the resident moves near the charging device 42 to charge the storage battery of the vehicle 46, and the communication unit 32 receives the digital key issued from the terminal device 26 carried by the resident, the controller 24 makes an affirmative determination in step 110 and proceeds to step 112. In step 112, the controller 24 performs digital key verification to confirm whether the digital key received by the communication unit 32 of the lock unit 62 is a digital key registered in the registration unit 40.

[0082] If the controller 24 verifies that the received digital key is a registered digital key, it makes an affirmative determination in step 114 and proceeds to step 116. In step 116, the controller 24 releases the stopped state of the control unit 50 caused by the lock section 66 of the lock unit 62.

[0083] As a result, in the charging device 42, when the operation panel 54 is operated, the control unit 50 operates to enable power output from the power conversion unit 48, and charging of the storage battery of the vehicle 46 by the charging device 42 begins.

[0084] On the other hand, if the digital key is not received by the communication section 32 of the lock unit 62, the controller 24 makes a negative determination in step 110 and temporarily ends the processing. As a result, the use restriction state of the charging device 42 continues.

[0085] Furthermore, if the received digital key is different from the registered digital key (if the digital key is not verified), the controller 24 makes a negative determination in step 114 and temporarily ends the process without releasing the suspension state of the control unit 50 imposed by the lock unit 66. As a result, the usage restriction state of the charging device 42 continues.

[0086] On the other hand, when charging of the storage battery of the vehicle 46 is completed and the operation of the power conversion unit 48 of the charging device 42 is stopped, the control unit 50 outputs an operation end signal to the lock unit 66. The controller 24 checks in step 118 whether the charging process has ended, and when it receives (detects) the charging end signal output by the control unit 50, it makes a positive determination in step 118 and proceeds to step 120.

[0087] In step 120, the controller 24 stops the operation of the control unit 50 by the lock unit 66. This stops the operation of the charging device 42, and the use of the charging device 42 is restricted.

[0088] 5(B) is executed in a state in which locking section 68 of locking unit 64 in water heating apparatus 44 locks latch bolt 70, restricting the opening of closed door 58 and restricting the use of hot water tap 60. In the first step 130, controller 24 (operation section 36) checks whether communication section 32 of locking unit 64 has received the digital key issued from terminal device 26.

[0089] At this time, when a resident who wishes to use hot water tap 60 of hot water supply apparatus 44 (hot water coming out of hot water tap 60) moves near housing 56 of hot water supply apparatus 44 to open door 58, and communication unit 32 receives a digital key issued from terminal device 26 carried by the resident, controller 24 makes an affirmative determination in step 130 and proceeds to step 132. In step 132, controller 24 verifies the digital key to confirm whether the digital key received by communication unit 32 of lock unit 64 is a digital key registered in registration unit 40.

[0090] If the controller 24 verifies that the received digital key is a registered digital key, it makes an affirmative determination in step 134 and proceeds to step 136. In step 136, the controller 24 unlocks the latch bolt 70 of the lock portion 68 of the lock unit 64, allowing the latch bolt 70 to be retracted, thereby enabling the door 58 to be opened.

[0091] As a result, in hot water supply device 44, operating open button 74 retracts latch bolt 70 of locking portion 68 and opens door 58. In hot water supply device 44, opening door 58 exposes hot water tap 60, making it possible to take out hot water.

[0092] On the other hand, if the digital key is not received by communication section 32 of lock unit 64, controller 24 makes a negative determination in step 130 and temporarily terminates the process. As a result, hot water supply device 44 continues to have the hot water tap 60 in a restricted state (unavailable state).

[0093] Furthermore, if the received digital key is different from the registered digital key (if it is not verified), controller 24 makes a negative determination in step 134 and temporarily ends the process without releasing the locked state of latch bolt 70 of locking unit 68. As a result, in hot water supply device 44, the state in which use of hot water tap 60 is restricted continues.

[0094] On the other hand, when use of the hot water tap 60 is finished and the door 58 is closed (the latch bolt 70 is pushed up once), the lock unit 68 detects that use of the hot water tap 60 has finished. In step 138, the controller 24 checks whether use of the hot water tap 60 has finished, and when the lock unit 68 detects that the door 58 has been closed, an affirmative determination is made in step 138 and the process proceeds to step 140.

[0095] In step 140, the controller 24 locks the latch bolt 70 of the locking portion 68. As a result, in the water heating apparatus 44, the opening of the closed door 58 is restricted, and the use of the hot water tap 60 is restricted.

[0096] In this way, security system 10 allows a resident to use charging device 42 and hot water heating device 44 by carrying terminal device 26 with a preset digital key registered thereto. Furthermore, security system 10 restricts use of charging device 42 and hot water heating device 44 by people who do not carry terminal device 26 or who carry a terminal device (other than terminal device 26) with no registered digital key. As a result, security system 10 can prevent unauthorized use of charging device 42 and hot water heating device 44 by people other than the resident. Even when a resident of residence 12 is away for an extended period of time or on a trip, security system 10 can prevent unauthorized use of charging device 42 and hot water heating device 44.

[0097] Furthermore, security system 10 uses the BLE standard, which has a narrower communication range than the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for communication between terminal device 26 and communication unit 32 of lock unit 62 and communication unit 32 of lock unit 64. This prevents a digital key from being received from terminal device 26 more than several meters away from charging device 42 or hot water supply device 44, making the hot water tap 60 of charging device 42 or hot water supply device 44 available for use, thereby achieving even higher security in security system 10.

[0098] In this embodiment, when terminal device 26 approaches front door 16, charging device 42, or hot water supply device 44, it becomes possible to unlock front door 16, use charging device 42, or use hot water tap 60 of hot water supply device 44. However, each communication unit 32 may obtain a digital key from terminal device 26 when a resident touches the handle for opening front door 16, when the resident touches a power switch (not shown) on operation panel 54 of charging device 42, or when the resident operates open button 74 of hot water supply device 44. This enables further power savings in each of terminal device 26, lock unit 22, and lock units 62, 64.

[0099] In the embodiment described above, the lock unit 62 of the charging device 42 is provided with the lock unit 66 that restricts the operation of the control unit 50. However, any configuration may be applied to the restriction means as long as it is configured to enable restriction on use of the facility device and to release the restriction on use, and is suited to the facility device.

[0100] For example, the limiting means in the charging device may be a switch means such as a breaker provided on the power supply side (commercial power supply side) of the charging device or on the output side (charging cable side) of the charging device, and the switch means may limit the input or output of power.

[0101] In this case, the current value of the power supplied to the charging device or the vehicle is detected by a detection means such as a current sensor, and charging is determined to be completed when it is detected that the detected current value is equal to or less than a value (current value) at which it can be determined that charging of the vehicle by the charging device has been completed. In this case, if the state at which it can be determined that charging of the vehicle by the charging device has been completed continues for a preset time, the operation of the charging device is limited by a restriction means.

[0102] Furthermore, in water heater 44, lock unit 64 having lock portion 68 provided for door 58 is used, and lock portion 68 restricts the opening and closing of door 58, thereby restricting the use of hot water tap 60. However, the restriction means in the water heater is not limited to this, and an electric valve (electromagnetic valve) may be provided as restriction means on the tank side of the hot water tap, and the use of the hot water tap may be restricted by restricting the opening of the electric valve.

[0103] In this case, the flow rate and pressure of the hot water output from the hot water supply device (hot water tap) are detected by detection means such as a flow rate sensor or pressure sensor, and it is determined that the extraction of hot water from the hot water supply device has ended when it is detected that the detected flow rate has fallen below a value at which it can be determined that the extraction (discharge) of hot water from the hot water supply device has ended, or when it is detected that the detected pressure value has risen to a value at which it can be determined that the extraction (discharge) of hot water from the hot water supply device has ended.In this case, the limiting control means may limit the extraction of hot water by the limiting means when a state at which it can be determined that the extraction (discharge) of hot water from the hot water supply device has ended continues for a preset time.

[0104] In addition, in the present embodiment, the charging device 42 and the hot water supply device 44 have been described as examples. However, the facility devices are not limited to these, and the facility devices may be outdoor outlets that are installed on the exterior wall of the house 12 and allow electric power from a commercial power source or the like to be extracted, or sprinkler taps that are installed within the site 14 and allow tap water or the like to be extracted.

[0105] If the facility device is an outdoor outlet, a limiting device such as a breaker or switch can be provided on the commercial power supply side (distribution board side) of the outdoor outlet, and the opening and closing of the limiting device can be controlled according to the key information of the terminal device. In this case, the limiting control device detects the current value supplied to the outdoor outlet, determines whether use of the outdoor outlet has ended, and limits use of the outdoor outlet by the limiting device.

[0106] If the facility device is a sprinkler valve, a limiting means (for example, locking portion 68 of locking unit 64 provided in hot water supply device 44) may be provided on the lid that closes the sprinkler valve so that it can be opened, or an electric valve (electromagnetic valve) or the like may be provided on the water source side of the sprinkler valve. In this case, the limiting control means may limit the use of the sprinkler valve based on the detection that the lid is closed and the detected flow rate.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 24 unlocks the front door 16, lifts restrictions on the use of the charging device 42, and lifts restrictions on the use of the hot water tap 60 of the hot water device 44 based on the digital key of the terminal device 26. However, the restriction control means for restricting the use of the facility devices may be provided separately from the lock operation means for unlocking and locking the front door, and the restriction control means for restricting the use of the facility devices may be provided for each facility device together with the restriction means.

[0108] Furthermore, the key information for restricting (removing restrictions on) the use of facility devices may be different from the key information for unlocking and locking the front door, and the key information for restricting the use of facility devices may be different for each facility device. Also, the key information for terminal devices may be different for each terminal device, and it may be set for each key information whether it is applied to unlocking and locking the front door or to restricting (removing restrictions on) the use of facility devices.

[0109] For example, key information may be set for each terminal device or each resident who carries a terminal device, and each key may be set to unlock the front door or to lift restrictions on use of each facility device. This allows a terminal device carried by a child to be used to unlock (and lock) the front door, while a terminal device carried by an adult (a resident other than a child) may be used to unlock (and lock) the front door and to lift restrictions on use of the facility device. Furthermore, if the facility device is a charging device for charging a vehicle battery, key information may be set to lift restrictions on use of a terminal device carried by a resident who has a driver's license. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10. Security Systems 12 Housing 14 Site 16 Entrance door (entrance door) 22 tablet unit 24 Controller (lock operation means, limit control means) 26 Terminal Equipment 30 tablets 36 Operation unit (lock operation means, limit control means) 42 Charging equipment (equipment equipment) 44 Water heater (equipment) 46 vehicles 60 Hot water tap 62, 64 lock unit 66, 68 Locking section (restriction means)

Claims

1. an equipment device that is installed outside a residence and allows paid resources to be used outdoors, or that allows the paid resources to be used inside the residence and also allows some of the paid resources to be used outdoors; a restriction means provided in the facility device for restricting outdoor use of the paid resource; a restriction control means for releasing the restriction on outdoor use of the paid resources imposed by the restriction means by receiving preset key information from a terminal device carried by a resident in the facility device when the restriction means is operated to enable outdoor use of the paid resources; a lock unit for locking and unlocking the entrance door of the house; a lock operation means for receiving the key information from the terminal device carried by the resident when operating the lock unit to lock and unlock the front door, thereby releasing the lock by the lock unit and allowing the front door to be opened and closed; Residential security systems, including:

2. A residential security system as described in Claim 1, wherein the restriction control means restricts outdoor use of the paid resource by the restriction means when outdoor use of the paid resource has ended.

3. The facility device is a charging device that outputs power to a vehicle equipped with a storage battery to charge the storage battery, 3. The residential security system according to claim 1, wherein the limiting means limits the output of power for charging the storage battery.

4. the facility device is a hot water supply device, 4. The security system for a house according to claim 1, wherein the restriction means restricts the extraction of hot water from a hot water tap provided in the hot water supply device and capable of supplying hot water to outdoors.

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