Authentication device, system, authentication device control method and program

Abstract

Provided is an authentication device that contributes to improving convenience of those who live in a house adapted to biometric authentication. The authentication device includes an authentication request means and a control means. The authentication request means transmits, to a server apparatus which executes biometric authentication, an authentication request including biological information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house having an entry / exit restriction by a key. The control means acquires, from the person who has been determined to be successfully authenticated by the server apparatus, key operation information related to a key operation desired by the person who has been determined to be successfully authenticated, and accompanier information related to an accompanier who accompanies the person who has been determined to be successfully authenticated. The control means notifies the server apparatus of the acquired key operation information and accompanier information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication device, a system, a control method for an authentication device, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology that uses biometric authentication to authenticate users who enter or leave their homes or other spaces.

[0003] For example, paragraph

[0026] of Patent Document 1 states that a house 10 is provided with multiple (two) facial recognition cameras 21 and 22 near the entrance 15. Camera 21 is a facial recognition camera for when a resident returns home, used to perform facial recognition of the resident when the resident returns home. Camera 22 is a facial recognition camera for when a resident goes out, used to perform facial recognition of the resident when the resident goes out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-018345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When multiple residents return home or leave the house at the same time (at the same time), it is often difficult to require biometric authentication for each of them. Usually, users expect one of the residents to undergo biometric authentication and unlock the door.

[0006] When the door is unlocked or locked using this action, the server responsible for biometric authentication is unable to accurately grasp the resident's status (whether they are present or absent). To solve this problem, if biometric authentication is required for each resident who returns home at the same time or leaves the house at the same time, users often feel that the convenience of biometric authentication is diminished.

[0007] It should be noted that the above problem cannot be solved even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied. Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration cases where multiple residents return home at the same time.

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an authentication device, a system, a control method for an authentication device, and a storage medium that contribute to improving convenience for residents of homes that are biometric authentication-enabled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an authentication device comprising: an authentication request means for sending an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is entering or leaving a residence where entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; and a control means for acquiring key operation information regarding the key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and companion information regarding a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifying the server device of the acquired key operation information and companion information.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a server device and an authentication device that perform biometric authentication, wherein the authentication device is equipped with an authentication request means that sends an authentication request to the server device, the authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a home whose entry and exit is restricted by a key, and a control means that acquires key operation information regarding the key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and companion information regarding a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifies the server device of the acquired key operation information and companion information.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an authentication device, which includes an authentication request process in which an authentication device sends an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is entering or leaving a home whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication, and a control process in which key operation information regarding the key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device and accompanying person information regarding a accompanying person accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated are obtained from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifies the server device of the obtained key operation information and accompanying person information.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer mounted on an authentication device to execute the following: an authentication request process in which an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is entering or leaving a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key is sent to a server device that performs biometric authentication; and a control process in which key operation information regarding the key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device and accompanying person information regarding a accompanying person accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated are obtained from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and the obtained key operation information and accompanying person information are notified to the server device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to each aspect of the present invention, an authentication device, a system, a control method for an authentication device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to improving convenience for residents of a home that is compatible with biometric authentication. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the authentication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a display on the authentication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a display on the authentication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user management database according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the authentication control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the resident state control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the authentication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the entry / exit control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on an authentication device according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 17A and 17B are diagrams showing an example of a display on an authentication device according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 18]18A and 18B are diagrams showing an example of a display on an authentication device according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an authentication device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0016] An authentication device 100 according to one embodiment includes an authentication request means 101 and a control means 102 (see FIG. 1). The authentication request means 101 transmits an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is entering or leaving a house where entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication (step S1 in FIG. 2). The control means 102 acquires, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to be successfully authenticated by the server device, key operation information related to the key operation desired by the person to be authenticated, and accompanying person information related to a accompanying person accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to be successfully authenticated (step S2). The control means 102 notifies the server device of the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information (step S3).

[0017] The authentication device 100 acquires the key operation desired by the authenticated person (authenticated person) who has been determined to be successfully authenticated, and whether or not there is a companion. The authentication device 100 notifies the server device of the acquired key operation information and the companion information. The server device determines whether the authenticated person has returned home or gone out based on the notified key operation information, and if there is a companion, sets the companion's status to the same status as the authenticated person. For example, when a married couple returns home together, if the husband requests unlocking and selects that there is a companion, the server device identifies the wife as the companion by a process of elimination and sets the couple's status to "present." In this way, the server device can grasp the companion's status (present or absent) even without biometric authentication of the companion. As a result, convenience for residents of homes that support biometric authentication is improved.

[0018] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [System Configuration] The schematic configuration of the information processing system (authentication system) will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system includes a server device 10.

[0021] The server device 10 is a device that provides biometric authentication services to residents of an apartment building, etc. The server device 10 is a server that performs biometric authentication of an individual who enters or leaves a house where entry and exit are restricted by a key. The server device 10 may be installed in the building of the apartment building or the building of a management company of the apartment building, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0022] The server device 10 manages information related to the condominium residents. Specifically, the server device 10 stores and manages the name, sex, date of birth, address (room number), living information, contact information, etc. of each resident.

[0023] An authentication device 20 is installed in each residence in the condominium. The authentication device 20 is an edge device (authentication module) installed on or near the door of each residence. The authentication device 20 includes a camera device for photographing the person to be authenticated, an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the door, a communication device for connecting to a network, a touch panel for displaying messages and accepting user operations, etc.

[0024] The camera of the authentication device 20 is installed so that it can take pictures of the outside of the room, but cannot take pictures of the inside of the room. In addition, the user locks the door from the inside when returning home and unlocks it when going out.

[0025] 3, a user such as an apartment resident carries a terminal 30. The user uses the terminal 30 to access the server device 10.

[0026] The server device 10 and the authentication device 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the server device 10 and the authentication device 20 are connected by a wired or wireless communication means.

[0027] 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration of the information processing system disclosed herein. For example, the information processing system may include two or more server devices 10. Furthermore, it is sufficient for an apartment building to include at least one authentication device 20.

[0028] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] <Resident registration> Apartment residents are required to register as users in advance. Apartment residents operate terminal 30 to register as users (resident registration). When multiple users live in the same house, a representative (for example, head of household) representing the multiple users registers himself / herself and other family members as residents.

[0030] For example, the representative operates the terminal 30 to register in the server device 10 user information (for example, name, sex, date of birth, address, biometric information, contact information, etc.) of the family members including the representative.

[0031] Examples of a user's biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, or iris pattern. Alternatively, the user's biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The user's biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In the present disclosure, biometric information is defined as a person's face image or features generated from a face image.

[0032] When the server device 10 acquires the user information of the apartment resident, it generates a user ID for identifying the resident. The server device 10 associates the generated user ID with the name, biometric information, etc., and registers them in a user management database. The user management database will be described in detail later.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the operation of the information processing system will be described mainly taking as an example a case where two residents (for example, a married couple) live in the same house.

[0034] <Biometric authentication> In order to enter or leave their home, apartment residents must undergo biometric authentication. Specifically, they must undergo biometric authentication using an authentication device 20 installed in their home.

[0035] When a resident who is about to enter or leave his / her home stands in front of the door of his / her home, the authentication device 20 photographs the resident standing in front of him / her and acquires biometric information (face image).

[0036] The authentication device 20 transmits an "authentication request" including the acquired biometric information, a house ID, etc. to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4). The house ID is an ID for identifying each house (the authentication device 20 in each house). A room number can be used as the house ID.

[0037] The server device 10 identifies the person to be authenticated (a resident standing in front of the house) by performing a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and pre-registered biometric information. The server device 10 identifies the house where the person to be authenticated is standing based on the house ID.

[0038] The server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful if the identified person to be authenticated is a resident of the identified house. For example, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is unsuccessful if the person to be authenticated is not identified by the matching process (if the person to be authenticated is not an apartment resident) or if the person to be authenticated is not a resident of the identified house (such as when an apartment resident enters someone else's house).

[0039] The server device 10 judges that the person to be authenticated standing in front of the house is a person who can lock or unlock the door as "authentication successful," and judges that the person to be authenticated is a person who cannot lock or unlock the door as "authentication failed."

[0040] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication device 20.

[0041] At this time, the server device 10 generates resident status information regarding the status of the residents of the house where the successfully authenticated person (the person to be authenticated who was determined to have been successfully authenticated) was authenticated. Specifically, the server device 10 generates resident status information including the number of residents in the house, information about the successfully authenticated person (for example, name), and the names and statuses (cohabitant status; present, absent) of the cohabitants living with the successfully authenticated person.

[0042] For example, consider a case where a married couple, Yamada Taro and Yamada Hanako, live together, and the husband is out and the wife is in the room. In this case, resident status information such as "Number of residents: 2," "Successful authentication: Yamada Taro," and "Cohabitant status: Yamada Hanako, in the room" is generated.

[0043] If the biometric authentication of the person to be authenticated is successful, the server device 10 transmits to the authentication device 20 an affirmative response including the resident status information and the user ID of the person who has been successfully authenticated.

[0044] The authentication device 20 executes processing according to the authentication result. If an authentication failure is received, the authentication device 20 determines that the person who failed the authentication (the person to be authenticated who was determined to have failed the authentication) is not qualified to lock or unlock the door. In this case, the authentication device 20 outputs a message or the like indicating that the authentication has failed.

[0045] When receiving a notification of successful authentication, the authentication device 20 acquires the authentication successful person's preference regarding key operation (unlocking or locking). For example, the authentication device 20 acquires the authentication successful person's preference (unlocking or locking) using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0046] At this time, the authentication device 20 changes the interface (GUI screen transition, etc.) presented to the successfully authenticated person based on the resident situation information acquired from the server device 10.

[0047] Specifically, when the number of residents is "1", the authentication device 20 displays a GUI as shown in Fig. 5 using information (such as name) of the successfully authenticated person included in the resident status information. The authentication device 20 acquires the lock operation (unlock, lock) desired by the successfully authenticated person.

[0048] When the number of residents is "2", the authentication device 20 first displays a GUI as shown in Fig. 5. When the successfully authenticated person acquires the desired key operation, the authentication device 20 changes the GUI to be displayed depending on the key operation and the status (present or absent) of the successfully authenticated person's cohabitants.

[0049] Specifically, the authentication device 20 acquires information (companion information) about companions (in this case, residents living in the same house; for example, family members) who enter or leave the house with the successfully authenticated person depending on the status of the companions.

[0050] Specifically, if unlocking is selected and a roommate is present, the authentication device 20 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 6A. In this case, it is clear that the authenticated person will not have a companion (family member) returning home with them, so the authentication device 20 does not acquire companion information. In this case, the authentication device 20 may display the names of other residents present in the room, as shown in Fig. 6A.

[0051] If unlocking is selected and no one living with the person is present, the authentication device 20 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 6B. In this case, since there is a possibility that a companion (family member) will enter the room with the person who has been successfully authenticated, the authentication device 20 obtains information on the presence or absence of a companion using the GUI.

[0052] If locking is selected and no roommates are present, the authentication device 20 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 7A. In this case, it is clear that no roommates will be leaving the room with the successfully authenticated individual, so the authentication device 20 does not acquire any companion information.

[0053] If locking is selected and a roommate is present, the authentication device 20 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 7B. In this case, there is a possibility that a companion will leave the room with the successfully authenticated individual, so the authentication device 20 obtains information on the presence or absence of a companion using the GUI.

[0054] The authentication device 20 notifies the server device 10 of the key operation (unlocking, locking) desired by the successfully authenticated person and the acquired accompanying person information as necessary. Specifically, the authentication device 20 transmits a "resident behavior notification" including the user ID, key operation information, and accompanying person information of the successfully authenticated person to the server device 10 (see FIG. 8).

[0055] The server device 10 updates the status of each resident based on the received resident behavior notification. For example, when a lock is unlocked, the server device 10 sets the status of the resident identified by biometric authentication to "present." Alternatively, when a lock is locked, the server device 10 sets the status of the resident identified by biometric authentication to "absent."

[0056] When the server device 10 receives a notification that the door is locked and that a companion is present, the server device 10 sets the status of the resident's companion identified by biometric authentication to "absent." If a resident goes out and a companion is present, the server device 10 determines that the companion is also out and updates the status.

[0057] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0058] [Server device] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing modules) of the server device 10. Referring to FIG. 9, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a user management unit 202, an authentication control unit 203, a resident status control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0059] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the authentication device 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the authentication device 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0060] The user management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing users such as apartment residents. When a user (e.g., a family representative) operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10, the user management unit 202 displays on the terminal 30 a web page or the like for user registration of the user.

[0061] For example, the user management unit 202 acquires user information such as the user's login information (login ID, password), name, gender, date of birth, address, biometric information (e.g., facial image), contact information, etc. using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

[0062] When a facial image is acquired, the user management unit 202 generates feature quantities from the acquired facial image. Note that existing technology can be used for the feature quantity generation process, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the user management unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the facial image as feature points. Thereafter, the user management unit 202 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between each feature point as feature quantities (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature quantities).

[0063] Furthermore, upon acquiring the user information, the user management unit 202 generates a user ID for identifying the user. The user ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the user. For example, the user management unit 202 may assign a unique value each time a user is registered and use this as the user ID.

[0064] The user management unit 202 associates the generated user ID, login information, name, biometric information, etc. and registers them in the user management database (see FIG. 10). Note that the user management database shown in FIG. 10 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the user management database as biometric information.

[0065] The user management unit 202 creates an account for the user by storing the user ID, login information, etc. of the user in a user management database.

[0066] When a user (representative) logs in to their account and performs a predetermined operation, the user management unit 202 registers the family member (housemate) as a user. The user management unit 202 acquires the name, date of birth, biometric information, etc. of the family member to be added. The user management unit 202 generates a user ID for the added family member and stores the generated user ID, name, biometric information, etc. in the user management database.

[0067] The authentication control unit 203 is a means for controlling biometric authentication of the person to be authenticated. Specifically, the authentication control unit 203 processes an authentication request received from the authentication device 20. The operation of the authentication control unit 203 will be described with reference to Fig. 11.

[0068] When receiving an authentication request, the authentication control unit 203 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the user management database (step S101).

[0069] Specifically, the authentication control unit 203 generates features from the biometric information (face image) included in the authentication request. The authentication control unit 203 executes a matching process using the generated features and features registered in the user management database. The authentication control unit 203 sets the generated features as the target of matching, and performs a matching process (1:N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies below) between the generated features and the features registered in the user management database.

[0070] The authentication control unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0071] If there is no feature among the multiple features registered in the user management database whose similarity with the feature to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the authentication control unit 203 determines that the matching process (authentication process) has failed.

[0072] The authentication control unit 203 determines that the matching process is successful if there is a feature among the multiple feature amounts registered in the user management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the matching process is successful, the authentication control unit 203 identifies the resident corresponding to the feature amount with the highest similarity as the person to be authenticated (the person who was successfully authenticated).

[0073] If the matching process fails (step S102, No branch), the authentication control unit 203 sets the authentication result to authentication failure (step S103).

[0074] If the matching process is successful (step S102, Yes branch), the authentication control unit 203 determines whether the house ID (room number) included in the authentication request matches the house ID (room number) of the identified person to be authenticated (determination of house ID; step S104).

[0075] If the two house IDs do not match (step S105, No branch), the authentication control unit 203 sets the authentication result to authentication failure (step S103).

[0076] If the two house IDs match (step S105, Yes branch), the authentication control unit 203 sets the authentication result to "authentication success" (step S106).

[0077] If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 203 generates resident status information (step S107).

[0078] The authentication control unit 203 calculates the number of residents living in the same house as the person to be authenticated identified by the matching process as the "number of residents." The authentication control unit 203 reads the names of the residents identified by the matching process from the user management database. The authentication control unit 203 reads the names and status (present, absent) of residents (cohabitants) other than the resident identified by the matching process from the user management database.

[0079] The authentication control unit 203 generates resident status information using information obtained from the user management database. For example, in the example of Fig. 10, if "Yamada Taro" is identified as the person to be authenticated, the authentication control unit 203 generates resident status information with the following contents: "Number of residents: 2," "Successful authentication: Yamada Taro," and "Co-resident status: Yamada Hanako, absent."

[0080] The authentication control unit 203 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication device 20 (step S108).

[0081] If the authentication fails, the authentication control unit 203 transmits a negative response to that effect to the authentication device 20.

[0082] If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 203 transmits an affirmative response indicating that fact to the authentication device 20. At that time, the authentication control unit 203 transmits an affirmative response to the authentication device 20, which includes the generated resident status information and the user ID of the person who has been successfully authenticated.

[0083] The resident status control unit 204 is a means for controlling the status of each resident living in the house. The resident status control unit 204 processes the resident behavior notification received from the authentication device 20.

[0084] The operation of the resident state control unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] When receiving the resident behavior notification, the resident status control unit 204 accesses the user management database and identifies the authenticated person corresponding to the user ID included in the resident behavior notification (step S201).

[0086] The resident status control unit 204 updates the status of the identified successfully authenticated person based on the key operation information included in the resident behavior notification (step S202). Specifically, if the key operation information is "unlocked," the resident status control unit 204 sets the status of the successfully authenticated person to "present" and updates the user management database. If the key operation information is "locked," the resident status control unit 204 sets the status of the successfully authenticated person to "absent" and updates the user management database.

[0087] The resident status control unit 204 determines whether or not there is a companion accompanying the successfully authenticated person based on the companion information (step S203).

[0088] If there is no accompanying person (step S204, No branch), the resident status control unit 204 ends the process.

[0089] If a companion is present (step S204, Yes branch), the resident status control unit 204 updates the status of the successfully authenticated person's companion (the companion of the successfully authenticated person) (step S205). Specifically, if the key operation information is "unlocked," the resident status control unit 204 sets the companion's status to "present" and updates the user management database. If the key operation information is "locked," the resident status control unit 204 sets the companion's status to "absent" and updates the user management database.

[0090] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10.

[0091] [Authentication Device] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the authentication device 20. Referring to FIG. 13, the authentication device 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a biometric information acquisition unit 302, an authentication request unit 303, an entry / exit control unit 304, and a storage unit 305.

[0092] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0093] The biometric information acquisition unit 302 is a means for controlling a camera device (a camera device provided in the authentication device 20) and acquiring biometric information (e.g., a facial image) of a person in front of the device to be authenticated. The biometric information acquisition unit 302 captures an image of the area in front of the device periodically or at a predetermined timing. The biometric information acquisition unit 302 determines whether the acquired image contains a human facial image, and if a facial image is included, extracts the facial image from the acquired image data.

[0094] Note that since existing technologies can be used for the facial image detection process and facial image extraction process by the biometric information acquisition unit 302, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 302 may extract a facial image (face region) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the biometric information acquisition unit 302 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0095] The biometric information acquisition unit 302 passes the extracted face image to the authentication request unit 303 .

[0096] The authentication request unit 303 is a means for requesting authentication of the person to be authenticated from the server device 10. The authentication request unit 303 transmits to the server device 10 an authentication request including the acquired biometric information (face image) and the house ID.

[0097] The authentication request unit 303 receives a response (authentication success, authentication failure) from the server device 10 in response to the authentication request.

[0098] If the authentication result is "authentication failed," authentication request unit 303 notifies the person to be authenticated (person who has been determined to have failed authentication) to that effect.

[0099] If the authentication success is received, the authentication request unit 303 passes the resident status information acquired from the server device 10 together with the authentication result to the entry / exit control unit 304 .

[0100] The entry / exit control unit 304 is a means for controlling entry and exit of a person who has been successfully authenticated.

[0101] The entry / exit control unit 304 acquires, from the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device 10, key operation information related to the key operation desired by the authenticated person and accompanying person information related to the accompanying person accompanying the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. The entry / exit control unit 304 acquires the key operation information and accompanying person information using a GUI. The entry / exit control unit 304 notifies the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information to the server device 10.

[0102] The operation of the entry / exit control unit 304 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] The entry / exit control unit 304 acquires the user's preference regarding key operation (unlocking or locking) (acquires key operation information; step S301). For example, the entry / exit control unit 304 acquires the user's preference regarding key operation using a GUI such as that shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] The entry / exit control unit 304 determines whether the successfully authenticated person has any other residents living with them (step S302). Specifically, if the number of residents included in the resident status information is "1," the entry / exit control unit 304 determines that there are no other residents living with them. If the number of residents is "2," the entry / exit control unit 304 determines that there are other residents living with them.

[0105] If there is no roommate (step S303, No branch), the entry / exit control unit 304 performs the lock operation desired by the successfully authenticated person (unlock or lock; step S305).

[0106] If there is a roommate (step S303, Yes branch), the entry / exit control unit 304 acquires whether or not there is a companion who acts together with the successfully authenticated person (step S304). The entry / exit control unit 304 acquires whether or not there is a companion based on the roommate status included in the resident status information.

[0107] Specifically, if the door is unlocked and the housemate is not present, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains whether or not there is a companion. In this case, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains whether or not there is a companion using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 6B. That is, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains whether or not there is a companion when the number of residents is two, the successfully authenticated person wishes to unlock the door, and the successfully authenticated person's housemate is not present.

[0108] Alternatively, if the door is locked and a roommate is present, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains whether or not a companion is present. In this case, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains whether or not a companion is present using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 7B. That is, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains whether or not a companion is present when there are two residents, the successfully authenticated person wishes to lock the door, and the successfully authenticated person's roommate is present.

[0109] In addition, when the door is unlocked and a roommate is present, or when the door is locked and a roommate is absent, the entry / exit control unit 304 may or may not display a GUI such as that shown in Figure 6A or Figure 7A.

[0110] In this way, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains the number of residents of the house, including the person whose authentication has been determined to be successful, and the status of the person living with the person whose authentication has been determined to be successful, from the server device 10. The entry / exit control unit 304 determines whether to obtain accompanying person information based on the key operation information, the number of residents, and the status of the person living with the person.

[0111] If necessary, upon obtaining information on whether or not there is an accompanying person, the entry / exit control unit 304 performs the desired lock operation of the person who has been successfully authenticated (unlocking or locking the lock; step S305).

[0112] The entry / exit control unit 304 transmits a resident behavior notification to the server device 10 (step S306). The entry / exit control unit 304 transmits a resident behavior notification to the server device 10, the notification including the user ID of the successfully authenticated person, key operation information (unlock, lock), and accompanying person information (presence or absence of accompanying person), etc.

[0113] The storage unit 305 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the authentication device 20 .

[0114] [Device] Examples of the terminal 30 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, and a computer (personal computer, laptop computer). The terminal 30 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from apartment residents and communicate with the server device 10, etc. The configuration of the terminal 30 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0115] [System Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. The operation of the information processing system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] When the authentication device 20 detects a person to be authenticated, it transmits an authentication request including biometric information of the person to be authenticated to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0117] The server device 10 executes authentication processing using biometric information (step S02).

[0118] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result to the authentication device 20 (step S03). If the authentication is successful, the server device 10 transmits the resident status information to the authentication device 20.

[0119] The authentication device 20 transmits a resident behavior notification including the key operation (key operation information) desired by the successfully authenticated person and whether or not there is a companion (companion information) to the server device 10 (step S04).

[0120] In response to the resident behavior notification, the server device 10 updates the status (presence, absence) of each resident, including the successfully authenticated resident (step S05).

[0121] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0122] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the person who has been successfully authenticated inputs information about a companion into the authentication device 20. The person who has been successfully authenticated may also input information about a resident (housemate) who remains in the house into the authentication device 20. In this case, the server device 10 may or may not notify the authentication device 20 of the status of the person who has been successfully authenticated's housemate.

[0123] For example, consider the case where Yamada Taro and Yamada Hanako, a married couple, are in the room and Yamada Taro goes out. In this case, Yamada Taro is authenticated by the authentication device 20 and locks the door. When the couple goes out, Yamada Taro, who locks the door, is identified by biometric authentication, but Yamada Hanako is not identified because she does not undergo biometric authentication (Hanako Yamada's status is unknown).

[0124] Therefore, when the successfully authenticated person requests "locking," the entry / exit control unit 304 of the authentication device 20 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 16. When the successfully authenticated person (Yamada Taro) presses the "present" button, the entry / exit control unit 304 can identify, by a process of elimination, that the resident present in the room is "Yamada Hanako." When the successfully authenticated person presses the "not present" button, the entry / exit control unit 304 can determine that Yamada Hanako is out.

[0125] The entry / exit control unit 304 notifies the server device 10 of the status (present or absent) of the roommate identified by the GUI as shown in FIG.

[0126] In this way, when a successfully authenticated person requests to lock the door, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains information on whether the person living with the successfully authenticated person is present or absent, and notifies the obtained presence or absence of the person living with the person in question in place of accompanying person information to the server device 10. The server device 10 updates the user management database with the obtained status of the person living with the person.

[0127] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the operation of the information processing system was described using an example in which the number of residents is two. Even if the number of residents is three or more, the authentication device 20 can acquire information from those who have been successfully authenticated, allowing the server device 10 to grasp the status of each resident.

[0128] For example, consider a family of three, Yamada Taro (husband), Yamada Hanako (wife), and Yamada Ichiro (child), living together. If Yamada Taro is the person who has been successfully authenticated, the resident status control unit 204 of the server device 10 notifies the authentication device 20 of the status of the cohabitants (Yamada Hanako and Yamada Ichiro) in addition to the number of residents and information on the people who have been successfully authenticated.

[0129] When unlocking is selected and a resident is out, the entry / exit control unit 304 of the authentication device 20 obtains information on whether or not there is a companion using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 17A. If there is no companion, the entry / exit control unit 304 determines that the status of the successfully authenticated person's housemate has not changed from the status notified by the server device 10.

[0130] If there is a companion and only one person outside, the entry / exit control unit 304 determines that the out-of-home resident has returned home with the successfully authenticated resident. For example, if, of Yamada Hanako (wife) and Yamada Ichiro (son), Yamada Hanako is notified as "not present" and Yamada Ichiro is notified as "present," the companion of the successfully authenticated resident (Yamada Taro) is identified as Yamada Hanako. In this case, the entry / exit control unit 304 generates companion information indicating that the companion is Yamada Hanako and transmits a resident behavior notification to the server device 10. When the door is unlocked and the server device 10 is notified that the companion is Yamada Hanako, the server device 10 changes Yamada Hanako's status to "present."

[0131] If there is a companion and there are two or more people out, the entry / exit control unit 304, upon acquiring that there is a companion (when the "Present" button in Fig. 17A is pressed), displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 17B. The entry / exit control unit 304 displays a GUI that allows the successfully authenticated person to select the name of the companion (information that identifies the companion).

[0132] The entry / exit control unit 304 notifies the server device 10 of the resident selected as a companion by the successfully authenticated person. The server device 10 changes the status of the notified companion to "present."

[0133] In this way, the entry / exit control unit 304 obtains information identifying the accompanying person who is accompanying the successfully authenticated person when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are absent, and the successfully authenticated person has a companion.

[0134] The operations of the authentication device 20 and the server device 10 when locking is selected are clear from the above explanation, and therefore will not be described here. The authentication device 20 may display a GUI such as that shown in Figures 18A and 18B to acquire information on whether or not a companion is present and information to identify the companion.

[0135] If the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are present, and the successfully authenticated person has a companion, the entry / exit control unit 304 simply obtains information identifying the companion accompanying the successfully authenticated person.

[0136] In this way, when three or more residents live together and two or more residents are out, the authentication device 20 acquires information about the housemates who are accompanying the successfully authenticated person (returning home or going out) via the GUI and notifies the server device 10. The server device 10 identifies and manages the status of each resident based on the notified accompanying person information and key operation information.

[0137] <Variation 3> The server device 10 can also provide the status of each resident, as determined based on notifications from the authentication device 20 (such as whether or not the resident is accompanied by a person who has been successfully authenticated), to an external party. For example, the resident status control unit 204 of the server device 10 accesses the user management database periodically or at a predetermined timing, and extracts residents who have not gone out for a predetermined period of time. The resident status control unit 204 notifies the condominium management company or the like of information about the extracted residents (such as their names and addresses). Employees of the condominium management company or the like visit the relevant residences to check on the residents' safety.

[0138] Alternatively, a so-called life rhythm sensor may be attached to the residence. The life rhythm sensor detects the opening and closing of the toilet door, etc., and notifies the server device 10 of the detection result. If the server device 10 cannot detect the activity of an extracted resident (a resident who has not gone out for a predetermined period) from the output of the life rhythm sensor (for example, if the resident has not used the toilet even once in a day), the server device 10 may notify (warn) the condominium management company or the like of this fact. Note that the server device 10 notifies the condominium management company or the like when at least one resident is present in the residence and the activity of the person cannot be detected.

[0139] As described above, the authentication device 20 according to the first embodiment acquires the key operation desired by the successfully authenticated person and whether or not there is a companion. The authentication device 20 notifies the acquired key operation information and the companion information to the server device 10. The server device 10 determines whether the successfully authenticated person has returned home or gone out based on the notified key operation information, and, if there is a companion, sets the status of the companion to the same status as the successfully authenticated person. As a result, the server device 10 can grasp the status of the companion (whether they are present or absent) without performing biometric authentication of the companion.

[0140] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the authentication device 20.

[0141] The authentication device 20 can be configured to include an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 19. For example, the authentication device 20 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0142] However, the configuration shown in Figure 19 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the authentication device 20. For example, a camera is not shown in Figure 19. The authentication device 20 may include hardware not shown, and may not have an input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the authentication device 20 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Figure 19; for example, the authentication device 20 may include multiple processors 311.

[0143] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0144] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0145] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0146] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0147] The functions of the authentication device 20 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0148] The server device 10 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device, similar to the authentication device 20, and the basic hardware configuration is the same as that of the authentication device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] The authentication device 20 is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the authentication device 20 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. The authentication device 20 also executes a control method for the authentication device 20 by the program.

[0150] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0151] If the server device 10 stores the relationship of the resident, it may notify the authentication device 20 of the relationship of the cohabitant of the successfully authenticated person as resident status information. In this case, the authentication device 20 may use the notified relationship to display FIG. 6A or FIG. 7A. For example, the authentication device 20 may rewrite "Yamada Hanako" shown in FIG. 6A to "Madam."

[0152] In the above embodiment, the operation of the information processing system has been described using an example of a family living in an apartment building, but the residence targeted by the information processing system is not limited to an apartment building.

[0153] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the user's biometric information is stored in the user management database of the server device 10. The user's biometric information does not have to be stored in the user management database. The user management database may store a user ID, name, etc., but not biometric information. When the server device 10 completes the user's resident registration, it issues a user ID to the terminal 30 carried by the user. The terminal 30 stores the user ID. When the user is authenticated by the authentication device 20, the user brings the terminal 30 carried by the user close to the authentication device 20. The terminal 30 transmits the user ID to the authentication device 20 using a communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication). The authentication device 20 transmits an authentication request including the user ID to the server device 10. The server device 10 may authenticate (identify) the user using the user ID included in the authentication request.

[0154] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may store biometric information (facial image) of the user (owner of the terminal 30). When the user approaches the authentication device 20, the terminal 30 transmits the user's biometric information (facial image) and user ID to the authentication device 20. The authentication device 20 captures a picture of the user in front of the terminal 30 to acquire the biometric information (facial image). The authentication device 20 performs one-to-one authentication using the biometric information acquired from the terminal 30 and the biometric information acquired by capturing the picture. If the two pieces of biometric information (facial images) substantially match, the authentication device 20 transmits the user ID received from the terminal 30 to the server device 10. The server device 10 may authenticate (identify) the user using the received user ID. In this way, the authentication device 20 may authenticate the authenticatee, and the identity of the user who has registered as a resident and the person who owns the terminal 30 may be verified. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may transmit the user ID and biometric information to the authentication device 20 by means of mobile communication or the like, even if the user does not approach the authentication device 20 (even if the user is at a predetermined distance from the authentication device 20).

[0155] In the above embodiment, the case where the user management database is configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but the database may also be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, it is sufficient that the above-described "authentication control unit (authentication control means)" and the like are implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0156] The form of data transmission and reception between the devices (server device 10, authentication device 20) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information and the like is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0157] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0158] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0159] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems that implement biometric authentication in apartment buildings and the like.

[0160] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Appendix 1] an authentication request means for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; a control means for acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and accompanying person information relating to a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifying the server device of the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information; An authentication device comprising: [Appendix 2] 2. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means acquires the key operation information and the accompanying person information using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [Appendix 3] The control means acquires from the server device the number of residents of the house including the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated and the status of cohabitants of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; An authentication device as described in Appendix 2, which determines whether to acquire the companion information based on the key operation information, the number of residents, and the status of the co-residents. [Appendix 4] The authentication device described in Appendix 3, wherein the control means obtains information on whether or not the person living with the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present when the number of residents is two, the person being authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to unlock the lock, and the person living with the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is absent. [Appendix 5] The authentication device described in Appendix 4, wherein the control means acquires information identifying the accompanying person accompanying the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are absent, and the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion. [Appendix 6] The authentication device described in Appendix 3, wherein the control means obtains information on whether or not the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present in the room when the number of residents is two, the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, and the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present in the room. [Appendix 7] The authentication device described in Appendix 6, wherein the control means acquires information identifying the accompanying person accompanying the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are present in the room, and the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has a accompanying person. [Appendix 8] The authentication device described in Appendix 1, wherein when the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, the control means obtains whether the person living with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present or absent, and notifies the server device of the obtained presence or absence of the person living with the authenticated person in place of the accompanying person information. [Appendix 9] 4. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means unlocks or locks the key based on the key operation information. [Appendix 10] a server device that performs biometric authentication; an authentication device; Including, The authentication device an authentication request means for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to the server device; a control means for acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and accompanying person information relating to a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifying the server device of the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information; A system comprising: [Appendix 11] The system according to claim 10, wherein the control means acquires the key operation information and the accompanying person information using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [Appendix 12] The control means acquires from the server device the number of residents of the house including the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated and the status of cohabitants of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; The system described in Appendix 11 determines whether to acquire the companion information based on the key operation information, the number of residents, and the status of the co-residents. [Appendix 13] The system described in Appendix 12, wherein the control means obtains information on whether or not the person living with the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present when the number of residents is two, the person being authenticated wishes to unlock the lock, and the person living with the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is absent. [Appendix 14] The system described in Appendix 13, wherein the control means, when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are absent, and the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion, obtains information identifying the companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 15] The system described in Appendix 12, wherein the control means obtains information on whether or not a companion is present when the number of residents is two, the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, and the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has a roommate. [Appendix 16] The system described in Appendix 15, wherein the control means, when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are present, and the authenticated person who is determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion, obtains information identifying the companion accompanying the authenticated person who is determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 17] The system described in Appendix 10, wherein when the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, the control means obtains whether the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present or absent, and notifies the server device of the obtained presence or absence of the person who has been successfully authenticated in place of the accompanying person information. [Appendix 18] The system according to any one of appendices 10 to 12, wherein the control means unlocks or locks the key based on the key operation information. [Appendix 19] In the authentication device, an authentication request step of transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; a control step of acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and accompanying person information relating to a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifying the server device of the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information; A method for controlling an authentication device, including: [Appendix 20] 20. The authentication device control method according to claim 19, wherein the control step acquires the key operation information and the accompanying person information using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [Appendix 21] The control step includes: acquires from the server device the number of residents of the house including the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated and the status of cohabitants of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; A control method for an authentication device as described in Appendix 20, which determines whether or not to acquire the companion information based on the key operation information, the number of residents, and the status of the co-residents. [Appendix 22] A control method for an authentication device described in Appendix 21, wherein the control process obtains information on whether or not the person living with the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present when the number of residents is two, the person being authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to unlock the lock, and the person living with the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is absent. [Appendix 23] The control process of the authentication device control method described in Appendix 22, wherein when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are absent, and the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion, obtains information identifying the companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 24] A control method for an authentication device as described in Appendix 21, wherein the control process obtains information on whether or not a companion is present when the number of residents is two, the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, and a roommate of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present. [Appendix 25] A control method for an authentication device as described in Appendix 24, wherein the control process acquires information identifying a companion accompanying the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are present in the room, and the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion. [Appendix 26] The control process is a method for controlling an authentication device as described in Appendix 19, in which, when the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, the control process obtains whether a roommate of the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present or absent, and notifies the server device of the obtained presence or absence of the roommate in place of the accompanying person information. [Appendix 27] 23. The method for controlling an authentication device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the control step unlocks or locks the key based on the key operation information. [Appendix 28] The computer installed in the authentication device an authentication request process for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; a control process of acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and accompanying person information relating to a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifying the server device of the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information; A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing the above. [Appendix 29] The storage medium according to claim 28, wherein the control process acquires the key operation information and the accompanying person information using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [Appendix 30] The control process includes: acquires from the server device the number of residents of the house including the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated and the status of cohabitants of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; A storage medium as described in Appendix 29, which determines whether or not to acquire the companion information based on the key operation information, the number of residents, and the status of the co-residents. [Appendix 31] The control process obtains information on whether or not the person who is determined to have been authenticated is a companion when the number of residents is two, the person who is determined to have been authenticated successfully wishes to unlock the lock, and the person who is determined to have been authenticated successfully is not present. [Appendix 32] The control process, when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are absent, and the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion, obtains information identifying the companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated, as described in Appendix 31. [Appendix 33] The control process obtains information on whether or not a companion is present in the room when the number of residents is two, the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successful in authentication wishes to lock the door, and the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successful in authentication is present in the room. [Appendix 34] The control process, when the number of residents is three or more, at least two or more housemates are present, and the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has a companion, obtains information identifying the companion accompanying the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated, as described in Appendix 33. [Appendix 35] The storage medium described in Appendix 28, wherein the control process, when the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, obtains whether the person living with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated is present or absent, and notifies the server device of the obtained presence or absence of the person living with the authenticated person in place of the accompanying person information. [Appendix 36] 31. The storage medium according to any one of appendices 28 to 30, wherein the control process unlocks or locks the key based on the key operation information.

[0161] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 10 Server device 20 Authentication Devices 30 devices 100 Authentication Devices 101 Authentication Request Method 102 Control means 201 Communication control unit 202 User Management Department 203 Authentication control section 204 Resident Status Control Unit 205 Storage section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Biometric information acquisition unit 303 Authentication Request Section 304 Entry / Exit Control Unit 305 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. an authentication request means for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; an acquisition means for acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device; a control means for, when the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated based on the acquired key operation information desires to lock the door, acquiring information on whether a cohabitant of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated is present or absent, and outputting the acquired key operation information and the information on whether the cohabitant is present or absent; An authentication device comprising:

2. The authentication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the key operation information and the information on whether the roommate is present or absent using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

3. The control means acquires, from the server device, information about the occupants of the house, including the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cohabitant present in the house is identified based on the key operation information and information about the resident.

4. The authentication device according to claim 3, wherein the control means identifies the housemate who is present in the room when the number of residents is two, the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated wishes to lock the door, and the person to be authenticated who is determined to have been successfully authenticated selects that a housemate is present in the room.

5. The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls unlocking or locking of the key based on the key operation information.

6. an authentication request means for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; a control means for acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device, and accompanying person information relating to a companion accompanying the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, from the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and notifying the server device of the acquired key operation information and accompanying person information; Equipped with The control means acquires from the server device the number of residents of the house including the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated and the status of cohabitants of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; An authentication device that determines whether to acquire the companion information based on the key operation information, the number of residents, and the status of the co-residents.

7. a server device that performs biometric authentication; an authentication device; Including, The authentication device an authentication request means for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to the server device; an acquisition means for acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device; a control means for, when the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated based on the acquired key operation information desires to lock the door, acquiring information on whether a cohabitant of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated is present or absent, and outputting the acquired key operation information and the information on whether the cohabitant is present or absent; A system comprising:

8. In the authentication device, an authentication request step of transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; an acquisition step of acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device; a control step of acquiring information on whether a cohabitant of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated based on the acquired key operation information is present or absent, and outputting the acquired key operation information and the information on whether the cohabitant is present or absent, when the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated based on the acquired key operation information desires to lock the door; A method for controlling an authentication device, including:

9. The computer installed in the authentication device an authentication request process for transmitting an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated who enters or leaves a house whose entry and exit are restricted by a key to a server device that performs biometric authentication; an acquisition step of acquiring key operation information relating to a key operation desired by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated by the server device; a control process for acquiring information on whether a cohabitant of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated based on the acquired key operation information is present or absent, and outputting the acquired key operation information and the information on whether the cohabitant is present or absent, when the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated based on the acquired key operation information desires to lock the door; A program to execute.

Images