Apartment complex intercom system and residential intercom system

Abstract

To provide a technology that achieves both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key.SOLUTION: When an authentication operation using a smart key 42 is input by a person, a shared entrance reading device 26 transmits authentication information to a shared entrance control device 28. The shared entrance control device 28 determines whether the person is a resident of an apartment building 10 or a visitor on the basis of the authentication information. When it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building 10, the shared entrance control device 28 does not start imaging the person. When it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared entrance control device 28 starts imaging the person, and ends the imaging process after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the imaging process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to apartment building intercom systems and residential intercom systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed that utilizes a general-purpose recording medium carried by visitors to an apartment building, allowing the recording medium to be authenticated and the electric lock to be unlocked for a certain number of times or for a certain period of time, thereby ensuring security while improving usability for both residents and visitors to the apartment building (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-24427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Smart keys that electronically unlock or lock doors without using mechanical keys are becoming more common. The inventors have realized that in order to achieve both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key, it is necessary to switch the security level depending on whether the person attempting to enter is a resident or a non-resident of the home.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these issues, and one of its objectives is to provide a technology that achieves both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, an intercom system for an apartment building according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a shared intercom and a first reading device installed at a common entrance of the apartment building, intra-dwelling intercoms installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building, and a first control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the intra-dwelling intercoms. The shared intercom captures an image of a person at the common entrance, and when the person performs an authentication operation using a smart key, the first reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the first control device. The first control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the apartment building or a visitor based on the authentication information, (2) transmits a signal to unlock the common entrance door if it determines that the person is a resident of the apartment building, and (3) when it determines that the person is a visitor, causes the shared intercom to output content prompting the visitor to input a room number, and when a room number is input into the shared intercom, transmits a signal to unlock the common entrance door and transmits the image captured by the shared intercom to the intra-dwelling intercom corresponding to the input room number.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an intercom system for an apartment building. This intercom system includes a shared intercom and a reading device installed at a common entrance of the apartment building, individual intercoms installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building, and a control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the individual intercoms. When a person performs an authentication operation using a smart key, the reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the control device, and the control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the apartment building or a visitor based on the authentication information, and (2) if it determines that the person is a visitor, causes the shared intercom to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time and transmits the image captured by the shared intercom to the individual intercom.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is also an intercom system for an apartment building. This intercom system includes a camera and a reading device installed at a common entrance of the apartment building, an intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building, and a control device that controls at least the camera and the intercom. When a person performs an authentication operation using a smart key, the reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the control device, and the control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the apartment building or a visitor based on the authentication information, and (2) if it determines that the person is a visitor, causes the camera to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time and transmits the image captured by the camera to the intercom.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a residential intercom system. The residential intercom system includes a front door intercom and a reading device installed at a front door of a home, an indoor intercom installed inside the home, and a control device that controls at least the front door intercom and the indoor intercom. When a person inputs an unlocking operation using a smart key, the reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the control device, and the control device (1) determines whether the person is a resident of the home or a visitor based on the authentication information, (2) transmits a signal to unlock the front door if it determines that the person is a resident of the home, and (3) if it determines that the person is a visitor, starts capturing an image of the visitor using the front door intercom, transmits a signal to unlock the front door, and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the front door intercom to the indoor intercom.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expression of the present disclosure between an apparatus, a method, a computer program, a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc., is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering a home using a smart key. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an intercom system for an apartment building according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system for an apartment building. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system for an apartment building. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intercom system for an apartment building. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a modified intercom system for an apartment building. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a residential intercom system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The subject of the device or method of this disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device or method of this disclosure. The computer's main hardware component is a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or large-scale integration (LSI). While the terms IC and LSI are used here, the term may be used depending on the degree of integration, and may be referred to as a system LSI, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (USLI). Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable logic devices that can reconfigure the connections within the LSI or set up circuit blocks within the LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device, or may be provided in multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM (Read Only Memory), an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0014] In the embodiment, a technology is proposed that achieves both security and convenience when entering and exiting an apartment building that has common areas and private areas. The apartment building intercom system of the embodiment switches the security level depending on whether a person attempting to enter a common area or private area of ​​the apartment building, or an individual attempting to leave a private area of ​​the apartment building, is a resident of the apartment building or a non-resident (hereinafter also referred to as a "visitor"). Visitors include not only relatives and friends of residents, but also providers of various services (servicers). Servicers include, for example, postal and courier services, housekeeping service personnel, and visiting caregivers.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an intercom system 20 for an apartment building according to an embodiment. The apartment building 10 in which the intercom system 20 for an apartment building is installed is an apartment building that has a private area 12, a common area 14, and a common entrance 16. The private area 12 is a dwelling unit that serves as a private space for the residents living in the apartment building 10. The apartment building 10 has a plurality of private areas 12 (dwelling units). The common area 14 is a space shared by multiple residents living in the apartment building 10, and includes, for example, a lobby, a hallway, an elevator, etc. The common entrance 16, also called a collective entrance, is an entrance space for the apartment building 10 that is shared by multiple residents of the apartment building 10.

[0016] The private area 12 is equipped with an in-home intercom 30, which is an intercom used by the residents of the private area 12. The in-home intercom 30 can also be called an in-home intercom. The in-home intercom 30 is equipped with at least a display unit and a speaker. The display unit displays images of visitors captured by the shared intercom 24 and the outside intercom 34. The speaker outputs a chime sound to call the person in the home.

[0017] The common entrance 16 is equipped with a common entrance door 22, a common intercom 24, and a common entrance reading device 26. The common entrance door 22 is a door device that separates the common entrance 16 from the common area 14. The common intercom 24 is an intercom that is shared by multiple residents of the apartment complex 10 and visitors. The common intercom 24 has at least an input unit used to input room numbers, etc., and a camera that captures images of people present at the common entrance 16.

[0018] The shared entrance reading device 26, as a first reading device, performs short-range wireless communication with a smart key 42 (described later) and reads data (authentication information in this embodiment) from the smart key 42. The shared entrance control device 28, as a first control device, communicates with the shared entrance door 22, the shared intercom 24, the shared entrance reading device 26, and the in-home intercom 30 and controls these devices. In the apartment building 10, an in-home intercom 30 is installed in each of the multiple private areas 12 (dwelling units). The shared entrance control device 28 manages each of the multiple in-home intercoms 30 corresponding to the multiple private areas 12 (dwelling units) by associating them with the identification number of each dwelling unit (room number in this embodiment).

[0019] At the entrance to the private area 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the "unit entrance"), a unit entrance door 32, an outside intercom 34, and a unit entrance reading device 36 are installed. The unit entrance door 32 separates the private area 12 from the common area 14, in other words, it is a door device that separates the inside and outside of the unit. The outside intercom 34 can also be called a unit entrance intercom, and is an intercom that is shared by residents of the private area 12 and visitors. The outside intercom 34 is equipped with at least a camera that captures images of people present at the unit entrance.

[0020] The dwelling entrance reading device 36, as a second reading device, performs short-range wireless communication with the smart key 42 described below and reads data (authentication information in this embodiment) from the smart key 42. The dwelling entrance control device 38, as a second control device, communicates with the dwelling entrance door 32, the exterior intercom 34, the dwelling entrance reading device 36, and the interior intercom 30 and controls these devices. In this embodiment, the dwelling entrance control device 38 is integrated with the interior intercom 30; in other words, the functions of the dwelling entrance control device 38 are incorporated into the interior intercom 30.

[0021] The smart key 42 is a smart key application installed on a smartphone carried by a resident or visitor of the apartment complex 10. Alternatively, the smart key 42 may be a dedicated smart key device. The smart key 42 includes at least a communication unit and a memory unit. The communication unit performs short-range wireless communication with the shared entrance reader 26 and the dwelling entrance reader 36.

[0022] The storage unit of the smart key 42 stores authentication information that has been assigned in advance to the holder of the smart key 42. The authentication information may be data unique to each holder of the smart key 42 (e.g., a resident or a visitor of the apartment building 10), and may be, for example, a key code. In the embodiment, the system of authentication information assigned to residents of the apartment building 10 is different from the system of authentication information assigned to visitors. Therefore, based on the value indicated by the authentication information read from the smart key 42, it is possible to identify whether the holder of the smart key 42 is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor.

[0023] The storage device 40 is a storage device that stores data referenced or updated by the common entrance control device 28 and the dwelling unit entrance control device 38. The storage device 40 stores authentic authentication information that has been pre-assigned to each of the multiple residents of the apartment building 10 and each authorized visitor. The authentication information may be stored in association with the identification information of the assigned resident or visitor; that is, the assigned resident or visitor may be uniquely identifiable based on the authentication information. The storage device 40 may also store permission information permitting entry into the common area 14 and permission information permitting entry into the private area 12 in association with the visitor's authentication information. This permission information may be able to be registered or changed by the residents of the apartment building 10.

[0024] The storage device 40 also stores data (which can also be called recorded data) of the imaging results from the shared intercom 24 and the outside intercom 34. The imaging data stored in the storage device 40 is provided to an external device such as a terminal for the manager of the apartment complex 10 or a terminal for a security service company. There are no restrictions on where the storage device 40 can be installed, and the storage device 40 may be installed within the apartment complex 10 or in a remote location (such as a cloud service or data center).

[0025] The operation of the intercom system 20 for an apartment building configured as above will now be described. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apartment building intercom system 20. The figure shows the operation related to unlocking the common entrance door 22 at the common entrance 16. The processing of each device described below may be implemented in a computer program stored in each device. The CPU of each device may read the computer program into main memory and execute it to realize the processing of each device.

[0026] The shared intercom 24 waits until a predetermined call operation is input (N in S10). When a predetermined call operation is input to the shared intercom 24 (Y in S10), the shared intercom 24 starts a process of capturing an image of a person present at the shared entrance 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the "person to be authenticated") (S11). The person to be authenticated may be a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor. In this embodiment, the call operation is an operation by the person to be authenticated on a doorbell button provided on the shared intercom 24. When the shared intercom 24 accepts the operation on the doorbell button, it starts an image capturing process using a built-in camera.

[0027] The shared intercom 24 notifies the shared entrance control device 28 that imaging has started, and the shared entrance control device 28 controls the shared entrance reading device 26 to a state where it can accept an authentication operation (S12). In this embodiment, the authentication operation is an operation in which the person to be authenticated brings the smart key 42 (for example, a smartphone with a smart key application running) close to the shared entrance reading device 26.

[0028] If the authentication operation using the smart key 42 by the person to be authenticated has not been input within a predetermined time, in other words, if close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 has not been started within a predetermined time (N in S13), the shared entrance reading device 26 skips the subsequent processes and ends the flow of the present drawing. If the authentication operation using the smart key 42 by the person to be authenticated has been input, in other words, if close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 has been started (Y in S13), the shared entrance reading device 26 reads out the authentication information related to the person to be authenticated that is stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S14).

[0029] The shared entrance reading device 26 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the shared entrance control device 28. The shared entrance control device 28 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 to determine whether the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic, the shared entrance control device 28 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S15). Note that if the shared entrance control device 28 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, it may execute the processing from S19 onwards, which will be described later, with the additional condition that permission information permitting entry into the common area 14 is associated with the authentication information in the storage device 40.

[0030] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (Y in S16), the shared entrance control device 28 transmits a door unlock signal to the shared entrance door 22, thereby enabling the shared entrance door 22 to be opened (S17). In addition, the shared entrance control device 28 terminates the image capture process by the shared intercom 24 (S18). If the person to be authenticated is a resident, the image capture result data by the shared intercom 24 (which can be considered video recording data showing the resident) may be deleted without being saved. Alternatively, the shared entrance control device 28 may obtain the image capture result data from the shared intercom 24 and store the image capture result data in the storage device 40 in association with the authentication information of the person to be authenticated (or the identification information of the resident specified by the authentication information).

[0031] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (N in S16), the shared entrance control device 28 controls the shared intercom 24 to display a message on the display unit urging the visitor to enter a room number, or to output a voice message of that message from the speaker (S19). The shared intercom 24 accepts the room number entered into the input unit by the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as the visitor), and transmits the entered room number to the shared entrance control device 28 (S20). When the shared entrance control device 28 accepts the room number from the shared intercom 24, it transmits a door unlock signal to the shared entrance door 22, thereby enabling the shared entrance door 22 to be opened (S21).

[0032] Next, the shared entrance control device 28 ends the imaging process by the shared intercom 24 (S22). The shared entrance control device 28 acquires imaging result data (which can be considered as recorded data showing the visitor) from the shared intercom 24, and associates the imaging result data with the room number entered by the visitor (S23).

[0033] The shared entrance control device 28 transmits the image capture data to the in-home intercom 30 corresponding to the room number entered by the visitor (S24). The in-home intercom 30 displays the image capture data on a display unit. This allows the resident of the residence where the visitor is about to enter to view the video of the visitor. The image capture data transmitted to the in-home intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The shared entrance control device 28 also stores the image capture data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information) and the room number entered by the visitor.

[0034] Figure 3 is also a flowchart showing the operation of the apartment building intercom system 20. This figure shows the operation related to unlocking the dwelling unit entrance door 32 of a specific dwelling unit (hereinafter also referred to as the "specific dwelling unit") in the apartment building 10. The dwelling unit entrance reader 36 waits until an unlocking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (hereinafter also referred to as the "person to be authenticated") who is attempting to enter the specific dwelling unit (N in S30). The unlocking operation using the smart key 42 can also be considered an authentication operation for unlocking, and is, for example, an operation of bringing the smart key 42 set to the unlocking mode close to the dwelling unit entrance reader 36.

[0035] When the person to be authenticated inputs an unlocking operation using the smart key 42, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in unlocking mode is started (Y in S30), the dwelling entrance reading device 36 reads out the authentication information about the person to be authenticated stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S31).

[0036] The dwelling entrance reader 36 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the dwelling entrance control device 38. The dwelling entrance control device 38 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reader 36 to determine whether the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reader 36 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reader 36 is authentic, the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S32). If the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, it may execute the processing from S35 onwards, described below, with the additional condition that permission information permitting entry into the private section 12 is associated with the authentication information in the storage device 40.

[0037] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (Y in S33), the dwelling entrance control device 38 sends a door unlocking signal to the dwelling entrance door 32, thereby making it possible to open the dwelling entrance door 32 (S34).

[0038] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (N in S33), the dwelling entrance control device 38 controls the exterior intercom 34 to start processing to capture an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as the visitor) (S35). At the same time, the dwelling entrance control device 38 controls the interior intercom 30 to cause the interior intercom 30 to execute processing to call the dwelling (e.g., outputting a chime sound) (S36). The dwelling entrance control device 38 waits for a predetermined time (e.g., several to 10-odd seconds) (S37), and then transmits a door unlock signal to the dwelling entrance door 32, thereby enabling the dwelling entrance door 32 to be opened (S38). By allowing a certain amount of time between the interior call and the unlocking of the dwelling entrance door 32, the resident can be prepared for a visitor to enter the room.

[0039] Next, the dwelling entrance control device 38 terminates the imaging process by the exterior intercom 34 (S39). The dwelling entrance control device 38 acquires imaging result data (which can be considered recorded data showing the visitor) from the exterior intercom 34 and associates the imaging result data with the room number of the specific dwelling unit into which the visitor is attempting to enter. The dwelling entrance control device 38 transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 30 (S40). The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The dwelling entrance control device 38 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information) and the room number of the specific dwelling unit.

[0040] 4 is also a flowchart showing the operation of the apartment building intercom system 20. The figure shows the operation related to locking the dwelling unit entrance door 32 of a specific dwelling unit (specific dwelling unit) in the apartment building 10. The dwelling unit entrance reader 36 waits until a locking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also referred to as an "authentication target") who is trying to leave the specific dwelling unit (N in S50). The locking operation using the smart key 42 can also be considered an authentication operation for locking, and is, for example, an operation of bringing the smart key 42 set to lock mode close to the dwelling unit entrance reader 36.

[0041] When the person to be authenticated inputs a locking operation using the smart key 42, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in locking mode is started (Y in S50), the dwelling entrance reading device 36 reads out the authentication information about the person to be authenticated stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S51).

[0042] The dwelling entrance reader 36 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the dwelling entrance control device 38. The dwelling entrance control device 38 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reader 36 to determine whether the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reader 36 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the dwelling entrance reader 36 is authentic, the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S52). If the dwelling entrance control device 38 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, it may execute the processing from S55 onwards, described below, on the condition that permission information permitting entry into the private area 12 is associated with the authentication information.

[0043] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (Y in S53), the dwelling entrance control device 38 locks the dwelling entrance door 32 by sending a door locking signal to the dwelling entrance door 32 (S54).

[0044] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (N in S53), the dwelling entrance control device 38 controls the exterior intercom 34 to start processing to capture an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as the visitor) (S55). The dwelling entrance control device 38 waits for a predetermined time (for example, several to 10-odd seconds) (S56), and then sends a door locking signal to the dwelling entrance door 32, thereby locking the dwelling entrance door 32 (S57). By waiting a certain amount of time before completing the locking of the dwelling entrance door 32, it is possible to foster a mental preparedness in the resident regarding the visitor leaving the room or the locking of the dwelling entrance door 32.

[0045] Next, the dwelling entrance control device 38 ends the imaging process by the exterior intercom 34 (S58). The dwelling entrance control device 38 acquires imaging result data (which can be considered recorded data showing the visitor) from the exterior intercom 34 and associates the imaging result data with the room number of the specific dwelling unit that the visitor is trying to lock. The dwelling entrance control device 38 transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 30 (S59). The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The dwelling entrance control device 38 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information) and the room number of the specific dwelling unit.

[0046] According to the intercom system 20 for an apartment building of the embodiment, security-related processing is switched depending on whether the person attempting to enter the common area 14 of the apartment building 10, the person attempting to enter and use a dwelling unit of the apartment building 10, or the person attempting to leave a dwelling unit of the apartment building 10 is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a non-resident visitor. This makes it possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering and exiting using the smart key 42 at the apartment building 10. Furthermore, when the smart key 42 is used to unlock the common entrance door 22 or to unlock and lock the dwelling unit entrance door 32, image data of the visitor is stored in association with the room number of the visitor, and the image data of the visitor is provided to the in-home intercom 30 of the visitor, thereby further enhancing the security of the apartment building 10.

[0047] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] A first modified example will be described. In the above embodiment, the shared intercom 24 starts capturing an image of the person to be authenticated when it receives a call operation by pressing the doorbell button on the shared intercom 24. As a modified example, the call operation may be an operation of inputting a registration number that has been notified in advance to the person to be authenticated (e.g., a resident or a visitor). In other words, the shared intercom 24 may start capturing an image of the person to be authenticated when the registration number that has been notified in advance to the person to be authenticated is input.

[0049] A unique registration number may be assigned to each type of service provider (postal service, housekeeping service, etc.). Shared entrance control device 28 may transmit the data of the image capture results taken by shared intercom 24, the authentication information read from the visitor's smart key 42, and the registration number entered in the call operation (or the type of service provider identified by the registration number) to in-home intercom 30 and display them. Furthermore, shared entrance control device 28 may store in storage device 40 the data of the image capture results taken by shared intercom 24, the authentication information read from the visitor's smart key 42, and the registration number entered in the call operation (or the type of service provider identified by the registration number) in association with each other.

[0050] As another variation, shared intercom 24 may start the process of capturing an image of a person present at shared entrance 16 without requiring a user to input a read operation. For example, when shared intercom 24 detects via a camera that a person is present at shared entrance 16, it may automatically start capturing an image of that person (person to be authenticated).

[0051] A second modified example will now be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the modified intercom system 20 for an apartment building. The figure shows the operation related to capturing an image of a visitor at the common entrance 16. The common entrance reading device 26 waits until an authentication operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also called the "person to be authenticated") who is attempting to enter the common area 14 from the common entrance 16 of the apartment building 10 (N in S60).

[0052] When an authentication operation using the smart key 42 is input by the person to be authenticated (Y in S60), the shared entrance reading device 26 reads out authentication information related to the person to be authenticated stored in the smart key 42 from the smart key 42 (S61). The shared entrance reading device 26 transmits the authentication information read out from the smart key 42 to the shared entrance control device 28. The shared entrance control device 28 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 to determine whether the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the shared entrance reading device 26 is authentic, the shared entrance control device 28 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information (S62).

[0053] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor (Y in S63), the shared entrance control device 28 controls the shared interphone 24 to start capturing an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as the visitor) (S64). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the image capturing process, the shared entrance control device 28 ends the image capturing process by the shared interphone 24 (S65). In other words, the shared entrance control device 28 continues the image capturing process of the visitor by the shared interphone 24 for a predetermined time.

[0054] The shared entrance control device 28 acquires the imaging result data (which can be considered as recorded data showing the visitor) from the shared interphone 24, and transmits the imaging result data to the in-home interphone 30 (S66). The destination of the imaging result data may be the in-home interphone 30 corresponding to the room number input by the visitor in a step not shown in FIG. 5. The shared entrance control device 28 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40.

[0055] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the apartment building 10 (N in S63), subsequent processing is skipped and the flow in this figure is terminated. In this modified example, image capture processing of the person to be authenticated is performed only if the person to be authenticated is a visitor. Even with the configuration of this modified example, security-related processing is switched depending on whether the person attempting to enter the common area 14 of the apartment building 10 is a resident of the apartment building 10 or a visitor other than a resident, making it possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering the apartment building 10 using a smart key.

[0056] A third modified example will now be described. The shared intercom 24 of the above embodiment has a built-in camera, and the built-in camera captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance 16. As a modified example, the camera that captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance 16 may be installed at the shared entrance 16 as a device independent of the shared intercom 24. As a configuration that combines the second and third modified examples, when the shared entrance control device 28 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor, it may control a camera independent of the shared intercom 24 to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time. The shared entrance control device 28 may obtain image data from the camera and transmit the image data to the in-house intercom 30.

[0057] A fourth modified example will now be described. The technology of the intercom system 20 for apartment buildings in the above embodiment can also be applied to detached houses. Figure 6 shows the configuration of a residential intercom system 50. The residential intercom system 50 applies the technology related to entering and exiting the private area 12 (dwelling unit) of the apartment building 10 described in the embodiment to entering and exiting a dwelling 51, which is a detached house.

[0058] The residence 51 includes a house 52 and a front door 54. The house 52 is equipped with an in-home intercom 62 used by the residents of the residence 51. The in-home intercom 62 has the same functions as the in-home intercom 30 of the embodiment.

[0059] An entrance door 56, an outside intercom 58, and a reading device 60 are installed at the entrance 54. The entrance door 56 is a door that separates the entrance 54 from the house 52. The outside intercom 58 can also be called an entrance intercom, and is an intercom shared by the residents of the house 51 and visitors. The outside intercom 58 has the same functions as the outside intercom 34 in the embodiment. The reading device 60 has the same functions as the dwelling entrance reading device 36 in the embodiment.

[0060] The entrance control device 64 corresponds to the dwelling entrance control device 38 of the embodiment. The entrance control device 64 communicates with and controls the entrance door 56, the outside intercom 58, the reading device 60, and the inside intercom 62. In this modification, the entrance control device 64 is integrated with the inside intercom 62; in other words, the functions of the entrance control device 64 are incorporated into the inside intercom 62.

[0061] The operation of the residential intercom system 50 configured as above will now be described. First, the operation when a resident of the residence 51 or a visitor other than a resident enters the house 52 through the entrance 54 will be described. When an unlocking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also referred to as an "authentication target") who is trying to enter the house 52, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in unlocking mode is started, the reading device 60 reads, from the smart key 42, authentication information related to the authentication target stored in the smart key 42. The reading device 60 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the entrance control device 64. The authentication information read from the smart key 42 in this modified example can also identify whether the holder of the smart key 42 is a resident of the residence 51 or a visitor, depending on its value.

[0062] The entrance control device 64 compares the authentic authentication information stored in the storage device 40 with the authentication information received from the reading device 60, and determines whether the authentication information received from the reading device 60 is authentic. If the authentication information received from the reading device 60 is authentic, the entrance control device 64 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51 or a visitor, based on the value indicated by the authentication information. Note that if the entrance control device 64 determines that the person to be authenticated is a visitor based on the authentication information, it may execute the subsequent processing on the condition that permission information permitting entry into the house 52 is associated with the authentication information.

[0063] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51, the entrance control device 64 transmits a door unlock signal to the entrance door 56, thereby enabling the entrance door 56 to be opened.

[0064] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor, the entrance control device 64 controls the exterior intercom 58 to start processing for capturing an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor). At the same time, the entrance control device 64 controls the interior intercom 62 to cause the interior intercom 62 to execute processing for calling inside the house (such as outputting a chime sound). The entrance control device 64 waits for a predetermined time (for example, several to 10-odd seconds), and then transmits a door unlock signal to the entrance door 56, thereby enabling the entrance door 56 to be opened.

[0065] Next, the entrance control device 64 ends the imaging process by the exterior intercom 58. The entrance control device 64 acquires imaging result data (which can be considered recorded data showing the visitor) from the exterior intercom 58 and transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 62. The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The entrance control device 64 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information).

[0066] Next, the operation when a resident or visitor of the residence 51 exits the house 52 through the entrance 54 will be described. When a locking operation using the smart key 42 is input by a person (also referred to as the "person to be authenticated") who is trying to exit the house 52, in other words, when close proximity wireless communication with the smart key 42 in locking mode is started, the reading device 60 reads, from the smart key 42, the authentication information related to the person to be authenticated that is stored in the smart key 42. The reading device 60 transmits the authentication information read from the smart key 42 to the entrance control device 64.

[0067] As described above, the entrance control device 64 determines whether the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51 or a visitor, based on the authentication information received from the reading device 60. If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a resident of the house 51, the entrance control device 64 locks the front door 56 by transmitting a door lock signal to the front door 56.

[0068] If it is determined that the person to be authenticated is a visitor, the entrance control device 64 controls the outside intercom 58 to start processing to capture an image of the person to be authenticated (hereinafter referred to as a visitor). The entrance control device 64 waits for a predetermined time (for example, several to 10-odd seconds), and then locks the entrance door 56 by transmitting a door lock signal to the entrance door 56.

[0069] Next, the entrance control device 64 ends the imaging process by the exterior intercom 58. The entrance control device 64 acquires imaging result data (which can be considered recorded data showing the visitor) from the exterior intercom 58 and transmits the imaging result data to the interior intercom 62. The imaging result data transmitted to the interior intercom 30 may include the visitor's authentication information (or the visitor's identification information specified by the authentication information). The entrance control device 64 also stores the imaging result data in the storage device 40 in association with the visitor's authentication information (or the resident's identification information specified by the authentication information).

[0070] The residential intercom system 50 of this modified example also achieves the same effects as the apartment building intercom system 20 of the embodiment. For example, the residential intercom system 50 switches security-related processing depending on whether the person attempting to enter or leave the residence 51 using the smart key 42 is a resident or a visitor of the residence 51. This makes it possible to achieve both security and convenience when entering or leaving the residence 51 using the smart key 42.

[0071] Any combination of the above-described examples and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from a combination will have the combined effects of the combined examples and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each constituent element described in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the examples and modifications alone or in combination.

[0072] The techniques described in the embodiments and modifications may be specified by the following items. [Item 1] a shared intercom (24) and a first reading device (26) installed at a shared entrance (16) of an apartment building (10); an intercom (30) installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building (10); a first control device (28) that controls at least the shared intercom (24) and the dwelling unit intercom (30); The shared intercom (24) captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance (16), When an authentication operation using a smart key (42) is input by the person, the first reading device (26) transmits authentication information about the person to the first control device (28); The first control device (28) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the apartment complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building (10), it sends a signal to unlock the door (22) of the common entrance (16); (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared intercom (24) outputs a message urging the visitor to input a room number, and when the room number is input to the shared intercom (24), a signal to unlock the door (22) of the shared entrance (16) is transmitted, and the image captured by the shared intercom (24) is transmitted to the in-dwelling intercom (30) corresponding to the input room number. Intercom systems for apartment buildings (20). [Item 2] the shared intercom (24) starts capturing an image of the person when an operation on a call bell button provided on the shared intercom (24) is received; Item 1. An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to item 1. [Item 3] The shared intercom (24) starts capturing an image of the person when the visitor inputs a registration number notified in advance to the visitor. Item 1. An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to item 1. [Item 4] a dwelling unit entrance intercom (34) and a second reading device (36) installed at the dwelling unit entrance of the apartment building (10); and a second control device (38) that controls at least the dwelling unit entrance intercom (34) and the dwelling unit intercom (30), When the person performs an unlocking operation using a smart key (42), the second reading device (36) transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device (38); The second control device (38) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the apartment complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building (10), it sends a signal to unlock the entrance door (32) of the dwelling unit; (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the dwelling unit entrance intercom (34) starts capturing an image of the visitor, transmits a signal to unlock the dwelling unit entrance door (32), and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling unit entrance intercom (34) to the dwelling unit intercom (30). An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] When a locking operation using a smart key (42) is input by the person, the second reading device (36) transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device (38); The second control device (38) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the apartment complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building (10), it sends a signal to lock the entrance door (32) of the dwelling unit; (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the dwelling unit entrance intercom (34) starts capturing an image of the visitor, transmits a signal to lock the dwelling unit entrance door (32), and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling unit entrance intercom (34) to the dwelling unit intercom (30). Item 4. An intercom system (20) for an apartment building according to item 4. [Item 6] The second control device (38) is integrated with the dwelling unit intercom (30). Item 4 or 5, an intercom system for an apartment building (20). [Item 7] A shared intercom (24) and a reading device (26) installed at a shared entrance (16) of an apartment building (10); an intercom (30) installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building (10); and a control device (28) for controlling at least the shared intercom (24) and the dwelling unit intercom (30), When an authentication operation using a smart key (42) is input by a person, the reading device (26) transmits authentication information about the person to the control device (28); The control device (28) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the apartment complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the shared intercom (24) is caused to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time, and the image captured by the shared intercom (24) is transmitted to the dwelling unit intercom (30). Intercom systems for apartment buildings (20). [Item 8] A camera (24) and a reader (26) installed at a common entrance (16) of an apartment building (10); an intercom (30) installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building (10); and a control device (28) that controls at least the camera (24) and the in-dwelling intercom (30), When an authentication operation using a smart key (42) is input by a person, the reading device (26) transmits authentication information about the person to the control device (28); The control device (28) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or visitor of the apartment complex (10) based on the authentication information; (2) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the camera (24) is caused to capture an image of the visitor for a predetermined period of time, and the image captured by the camera (24) is transmitted to the in-dwelling intercom (30). Intercom systems for apartment buildings (20). [Item 9] An entrance intercom (58) and a reader (60) installed at the entrance (54) of a house (51); an in-home intercom (62) installed in the house (52); a control device (64) for controlling at least the entrance intercom (58) and the in-house intercom (62); When a person performs an unlocking operation using a smart key (42), the reading device (60) transmits authentication information about the person to the control device (64); The control device (64) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the residence (51) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the house (51), it sends a signal to unlock the front door (56); (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the entrance intercom (58) starts capturing an image of the visitor, transmits a signal to unlock the entrance door (56), and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the entrance intercom (58) to the in-house intercom (62). Residential intercom systems (50). [Item 10] When a locking operation using a smart key (42) is input by a person, the reading device (60) transmits authentication information about the person to the control device (64); The control device (64) (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the residence (51) based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the house (51), transmitting a signal to lock the front door (56); (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the entrance intercom (58) starts capturing an image of the visitor, transmits a signal to lock the entrance door (56), and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the entrance intercom (58) to the in-house intercom (62). Item 9. A residential intercom system (50) according to item 9. [Item 11] The control device (64) is integrated with the in-home intercom (62). 11. A residential intercom system (50) according to item 9 or 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 20 Intercom system for apartment buildings, 24 Shared intercom, 26 Shared entrance reading device, 28 Shared entrance control device, 30 In-home intercom, 34 Outside intercom, 36 Residential entrance reading device, 38 Residential entrance control device, 42 Smart key, 50 Residential intercom system, 58 Outside intercom, 60 Reading device, 62 In-home intercom, 64 Entrance control device.

Claims

1. a shared intercom and a first reading device installed at a shared entrance of the apartment building; an intercom installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building; a first control device that controls at least the shared intercom and the dwelling unit intercom; The shared intercom captures an image of a person present at the shared entrance, When an authentication operation using a smart key is input by a person present at the common entrance, the first reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the first control device; The first control device (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building, the image capturing of the person is not started, and a signal to unlock the door of the common entrance is transmitted; (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, start capturing an image of the person, end the capturing process after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the capturing process, and output a message from the shared intercom prompting the visitor to input a room number. When a room number is input into the shared intercom, send a signal to unlock the shared entrance door, and send the captured image by the shared intercom to the in-house intercom corresponding to the input room number. Intercom system for apartment complexes.

2. the shared intercom starts capturing an image of the person when an operation on a call bell button provided on the shared intercom is received.

2. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 1.

3. the shared intercom starts capturing an image of the person when the visitor inputs a registration number notified in advance to the visitor; 2. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 1.

4. a dwelling unit entrance intercom and a second reading device installed at a dwelling unit entrance in the apartment building; and a second control device that controls at least the dwelling unit entrance intercom and the dwelling unit intercom, the second reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device when the person inputs an unlocking operation using a smart key; The second control device is (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building, it transmits a signal to unlock the entrance door of the dwelling unit; (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the dwelling unit entrance intercom starts capturing an image of the visitor, transmits a signal to unlock the dwelling unit entrance door, and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling unit entrance intercom to the dwelling unit intercom.

4. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 1.

5. the second reading device transmits authentication information about the person to the second control device when the person inputs a locking operation using a smart key; The second control device is (1) determining whether the person is a resident or a visitor of the apartment complex based on the authentication information; (2) if it is determined that the person is a resident of the apartment building, transmitting a signal to lock the entrance door of the dwelling unit; (3) If it is determined that the person is a visitor, the dwelling unit entrance intercom starts capturing an image of the visitor, transmits a signal to lock the dwelling unit entrance door, and transmits the image of the visitor captured by the dwelling unit entrance intercom to the dwelling unit intercom.

5. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 4.

6. The second control device is integrated with the dwelling unit intercom.

6. The intercom system for an apartment building according to claim 4 or 5.

Images