Visitor management device, visitor management method, and computer program

The visitor management system integrates biometric information and resident evaluations to generate an integrated evaluation value, addressing inconsistent visitor management in residential buildings by providing secure and convenient visitor access and behavior control.

JP7786556B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-16NEC CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024508875
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-03-23
Publication Date
2025-12-16
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing visitor management systems in residential buildings lack a comprehensive and flexible method to integrate resident evaluations of visitors, leading to inconsistent and inconvenient visitor management practices.

Method used

A visitor management device and method that integrates biometric information and evaluation values from residents to generate an integrated evaluation value for each visitor, allowing for secure and convenient management of visitor behavior and access.

Benefits of technology

Provides a secure and convenient visitor management system by using biometric verification and resident evaluations, enabling flexible behavior restrictions based on integrated evaluation values, enhancing security and convenience for both residents and visitors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A visitor management device 1 comprises: an identification information acquiring unit 11 that acquires biometric information of a visitor to a building; an evaluation value acquiring unit 12 that acquires respective evaluation values for the visitor by residents residing in the building; an integration unit 15 that generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the respective evaluation values by each of the residents; a storage unit 13 in which the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor are stored in association with each other; and a provision unit 14 that provides, to the residents residing in the building, the integrated evaluation value which is stored in the storage unit 13 and which corresponds to the visitor.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical fields of a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for improving defense measures against annoying visitors by acquiring target information including information about a person who uses a handset to perform at least one of calling the called party and talking to the called party, storing the target information, and changing the response to the user based on the stored target information. Patent Document 2 describes a technology in which a response control device that communicates with a calling device operated by a visitor and notifies the user of a visitor's arrival acquires identification information detected from a medium carried by the visitor, and controls at least one of the notification mode when notifying the user of the visit and the presentation mode when presenting information to the visitor depending on whether the identification information was successfully acquired or the acquired identification information, thereby preventing the visited party from being forced to respond to the visitor in an undesirable manner. Patent document 3 describes a technology in which a door phone device connected to a communication line is provided with a visitor information input means and a visitor information storage processing means in its own door phone device, as well as an information terminal search means for searching for visitor information stored in other door phone devices, a sharing request information sending means for requesting the sharing of visitor information stored in other door phone devices, a permission information receiving means for receiving permission information from other door phone devices that determines that sharing is permitted, and a visitor information acquisition means for acquiring visitor information from other door phone devices that have been permitted to share, thereby improving the reliability of visitor information stored in door phone device 1 and enabling visitor information to be quickly acquired and viewed from other door phone devices. Patent Document 4 describes a technology in which attribute information about a visitor, along with image data of the visitor, is sent to a shared server using a home terminal, and the shared server collects registered visitor data in a shared database.When a suspicious visitor is instructed to be matched with already registered visitor data, the shared server extracts image data of a person with a high degree of similarity from the visitor data stored in the shared database and displays this on the home terminal along with the person's attribute information, allowing the person receiving the visit to more accurately match the visitor, increasing security and improving the reliability of the registered information about the visitor used when matching.Patent Document 5 describes a technology for monitoring and restricting the range and patterns of visitor activity in the common area of ​​the common entrance lobby of an apartment building, in which a first information acquisition means acquires visitor-specific personal information and stores it in a storage means, the common areas within the apartment building are divided into identifiable zones, a second information acquisition means is installed in each zone, an allowed zone setting means sets the visitor's allowed entry zone to only the minimum common zones necessary for the visitor to reach the apartment of a resident who has given the visitor permission to enter through communication between the lobby intercom and the apartment intercom main unit, and a determination means determines where the visitor is in the common zone within the apartment building and whether that is the visitor's allowed entry zone based on the information from the storage means and the information acquired by the acquisition means, and issues warnings and guidance, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-184657 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-050496 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-212787 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-155402 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-240839 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to provide a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium that aim to improve upon the techniques described in prior art documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of a visitor management device comprises an identification information acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of visitors to a building, an evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring each of the evaluation values ​​of the visitor by the residents residing in the building, an integration means for integrating each of the evaluation values ​​by each of the residents to generate an integrated evaluation value, a storage means for storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other, and a provision means for providing the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the storage means to the residents residing in the building.

[0006] One aspect of a visitor management method involves acquiring biometric information of visitors to a building, acquiring evaluation values ​​for the visitors from residents living in the building, integrating the evaluation values ​​from each of the residents to generate an integrated evaluation value, storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor in association with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, and providing the stored integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor to the residents living in the building.

[0007] One aspect of the recording medium has a computer program recorded on it for causing a computer to execute a visitor management method that acquires biometric information of visitors to a building, acquires each of the evaluation values ​​for the visitor by residents living in the building, integrates each of the evaluation values ​​by each of the residents to generate an integrated evaluation value, stores the biometric information corresponding to the visitor in correspondence with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, and provides the stored integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor to the residents living in the building. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a visitor management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a visitor management device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the visitor management operation performed by the visitor management device in the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the behavior restriction operation performed by the visitor management device in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a building to which the visitor management device according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a visitor management system to which a visitor management device according to the third embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a visitor management device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the visitor management operation performed by the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the visitor management operation performed by the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the behavior restriction operation performed by the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a modified example of a visitor management system to which a visitor management device according to the third embodiment is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings. [1: First embodiment]

[0010] A first embodiment of a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium will be described below. The first embodiment of a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium will be described below using a visitor management device 1 to which the first embodiment of a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium is applied. [1-1: Configuration of visitor management device 1]

[0011] The configuration of a visitor management device 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a visitor management device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the visitor management device 1 includes an identification information acquisition unit 11, an evaluation value acquisition unit 12, a memory unit 13, a providing unit 14, and an integrating unit 15. The identification information acquisition unit 11 acquires biometric information of visitors to the building. The evaluation value acquisition unit 12 acquires each of the evaluation values ​​assigned to the visitor by the residents residing in the building. The integrating unit 15 integrates each of the evaluation values ​​assigned to the residents to generate an integrated evaluation value. The memory unit 13 stores biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other. The providing unit 14 provides the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the memory unit 13 to the residents residing in the building. [1-2: Technical Effects of Visitor Management Device 1]

[0013] The visitor management device 1 in the first embodiment generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the evaluation values ​​of each resident, and is therefore able to provide useful information to the residents. [2: Second embodiment]

[0014] A second embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium will be described below. The second embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium will be described below using a visitor management device 2 to which the second embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium is applied.

[0015] The visitor management device 2 may be used in buildings such as condominiums, apartments, and other multi-family housing where multiple residents live. Buildings such as multi-family housing may be managed by a condominium management association, which is a corporation. The visitor management device 2 may be applied to a building where multiple households share the same entrance. The building corresponding to the visitor management device 2 is not limited to one building. Multiple buildings may be associated with the same visitor management device 2, even if they have different entrances, as long as they are managed by the same corporation. [2-1: Configuration of visitor management device 2]

[0016] The configuration of a visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment.

[0017] 2, visitor management device 2 includes a calculation device 21 and a storage device 22. Visitor management device 2 may further include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25. However, visitor management device 2 does not have to include at least one of communication device 23, input device 24, and output device 25. The calculation device 21, storage device 22, communication device 23, input device 24, and output device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0018] The arithmetic device 21 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The arithmetic device 21 loads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may load a computer program stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may load a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium using a storage medium reading device (e.g., the input device 24 described below) (not shown) included in the visitor management device 2. The arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or load) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the visitor management device 2 via the communication device 23 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device 21 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, logical functional blocks for executing the operations to be performed by the visitor management device 2 are realized within the arithmetic device 21. In other words, the arithmetic device 21 can function as a controller for realizing logical functional blocks for executing the operations (in other words, processing) that the visitor management device 2 should perform.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an example of logical functional blocks implemented within the arithmetic device 21 to execute the visitor management operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the arithmetic device 21 implements an identification information acquisition unit 211, which is a specific example of "identification information acquisition means," an evaluation value acquisition unit 212, which is a specific example of "evaluation value acquisition means," a memory control unit 213, which is a specific example of "storage means," a providing unit 214, which is a specific example of "provision means," an integrating unit 215, which is a specific example of "integration means," and a restricting unit 216, which is a specific example of "restriction means." However, the arithmetic device 21 does not necessarily have to include the restricting unit 216. The operations of the identification information acquisition unit 211, the evaluation value acquisition unit 212, the memory control unit 213, the providing unit 214, the integrating unit 215, and the restricting unit 216 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0020] The storage device 22 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 22 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 21. The storage device 22 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 21 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 21 is executing a computer program. The storage device 22 may also store data that the visitor management device 2 stores long-term. The storage device 22 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 22 may include a non-temporary recording medium.

[0021] Communication device 23 is capable of communicating with devices external to visitor management device 2 via a communication network (not shown). Communication device 23 may be a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0022] Input device 24 is a device that accepts information input to visitor management device 2 from outside visitor management device 2. For example, input device 24 may include an operating device that can be operated by an operator of visitor management device 2 (for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse trackball, a touch panel, a pointing device such as a pen tablet, a button, etc.). For example, input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to visitor management device 2.

[0023] The output device 25 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the visitor management device 2. For example, the output device 25 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 25 may include a display device (a so-called display) capable of displaying an image showing the information to be output. Examples of display devices include a liquid crystal display and an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. For example, the output device 25 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 25 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) capable of outputting sound. For example, the output device 25 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 25 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) capable of printing desired information on paper. Furthermore, the input device 24 and the output device 25 may be integrally formed as a touch panel.

[0024] Note that the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and devices other than those shown in FIG. 2 may be added, or some devices may not be provided. Also, some devices may be replaced with other devices having similar functions. Also, some functions of the second embodiment may be provided by other devices via a network. The functions of the second embodiment may be distributed and realized among multiple devices. In this way, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 can be modified as appropriate.

[0025] The flow of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of a building 20 to which the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment is applied. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a first example of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a second example of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment. [2-2: Building 20 to which visitor management device 2 is applied]

[0026] The building 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be an N-story building having floors NF through 1F. The building 20 has an entrance hall EH1 that anyone can enter. The entrance hall EH1 may be equipped with a free entrance door FD that anyone can enter and exit freely, a first locked door KD1 that only authorized persons can pass through, and a visitor-operated terminal T0. The visitor-operated terminal T0 may be a terminal operated by a visitor or other person who cannot unlock the first locked door KD1 by themselves. The visitor may operate the visitor-operated terminal T0 to call the resident of the place they are visiting. The operated visitor-operated terminal T0 may also obtain personal identification information of the visitor. The personal identification information may be information that can easily identify an individual.

[0027] The first floor 1F may be provided with one or more residences such as residence 1L and residence 1M, a common passage CC1, a camera C1 that captures at least the common passage CC1, an elevator E1 for traveling to other floors, etc. Similarly, the Nth floor NF may be provided with one or more residences such as residence NL and residence NM, a common passage CCN, a camera CN that captures at least the common passage CCN, an elevator EN for traveling to other floors, etc. Camera C1 and camera CN may constantly capture images of their imaging range.

[0028] The personal identification information may include biometric information. The biometric information may include facial information, iris information, fingerprint information, voiceprint information, etc. The personal identification information may include information that can be obtained from an ID card or the like that contains personal identification information. The personal identification information may include visitor attribute information. The visitor attribute information may be information about the visitor's appearance, such as what the visitor is wearing, the visitor's height, the visitor's facial contours, the visitor's facial features, etc.

[0029] The entity that acquires the personal identification information is the condominium management association that manages building 20. Therefore, the acquired personal identification information can be used for purposes such as managing the entry and exit of visitors to common areas, etc. within building 20, and restricting their behavior. In addition, the acquired personal identification information can be shared among the residents of building 20 that make up the condominium management association for purposes such as managing the entry and exit of visitors to common areas, etc. within building 20, and restricting their behavior. The common areas within building 20 may include, for example, entrance hall EH2, common passage CC1, and common passage CCN. [2-3: First Example of Visitor Management Operation Performed by Visitor Management Device 2]

[0030] 4, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires personal identification information of a visitor to the building (step S20). The identification information acquisition unit 211 may acquire biometric information of the visitor to the building. The identification information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the personal identification information of the visitor through operation of the visitor operation terminal T0 by the visitor.

[0031] The evaluation value acquisition unit 212 acquires evaluation values ​​of visitors by residents residing in the building (step S21). Residents may evaluate visitors by operating a terminal device provided in their residence. For example, a resident residing in residence NL may evaluate visitors by operating terminal device TNL. The terminal device may be a smartphone owned by the resident. The memory control unit 213 may associate biometric information corresponding to the visitor, the resident's evaluation value of the visitor, and resident identification information identifying the resident who made the evaluation, and store the associated information as visitor information 221 in the memory device 22. The memory control unit 213 may also associate and store one or more attribute information of the visitor as the visitor information 221. The memory control unit 213 may store information identifying the residence as resident identification information. An example of the visitor information 221 stored in the memory device 22 by the memory control unit 213 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] The integrating unit 215 integrates the evaluation values ​​to generate an integrated evaluation value (step S22). The integrating unit 215 may integrate the evaluation values ​​by adding them together. The integrating unit 215 may generate an average value of the evaluation values. The integrating unit 215 may generate the integrated evaluation value based on a comparison between the evaluation values ​​and a predetermined threshold. The integrating unit 215 may generate the integrated evaluation value based on the evaluation values ​​evaluated over a predetermined period, such as six months.

[0034] The integrating unit 215 may generate information indicating the distribution of each evaluation value as an integrated evaluation value. The integrating unit 215 may generate a histogram of each evaluation value. When a histogram is generated, it is easy to understand how many residents have given high evaluations and how many residents have given low evaluations. The integrating unit 215 can generate information that allows reference to the evaluations of everyone living in the building 20.

[0035] By integrating the evaluation values, it is easy to understand everyone's evaluation of a visitor, especially when there are many residents living in the building 20. This is convenient because it is easy for the resident who receives a visitor to judge the visitor. Even if a few residents make an inappropriate judgment, the other residents can make an appropriate judgment, and the visitor management device 2 can provide appropriate judgment information. The visitor management device 2 does not leave the evaluation of visitors to the judgment of individuals alone, so it can safely manage visitors.

[0036] The integrating unit 215 may include the number of evaluators in addition to the information on the evaluation value in the integrated evaluation value. In this case, it becomes easier for the resident to determine whether the integrated evaluation value is reliable information.

[0037] The storage control unit 213 associates the biometric information corresponding to the visitor with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor and stores them (step S23). The storage control unit 213 may associate the biometric information corresponding to the visitor with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor and store them in the storage unit 22 as integrated visitor information 222. The storage control unit 213 may also associate and store one or more pieces of attribute information of the visitor as the integrated visitor information 222. An example of the integrated visitor information 222 that the storage control unit 213 stores in the storage unit 22 is shown in Table 2 below.

[0038] [Table 2]

[0039] The providing unit 214 provides the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the storage device 22 to the resident of the building 20 (step S24).

[0040] Consider a case where a visitor who has previously visited building 20 visits a resident of another residence in the same building 20. In this case, when each resident is called by the visitor via a terminal device, the resident may be provided with an integrated rating value corresponding to the visitor on the monitor of the terminal device, and may be able to check each resident's rating of the visitor. Each resident can use the integrated rating value to decide whether to allow or deny the visitor.

[0041] The decisions by each resident to permit or deny a visitor may be integrated. For example, if a visitor is a parcel delivery person who visits multiple residents of building 20, the visitor may operate visitor operation terminal T0 only once. The operation to obtain the visitor's personal identification information may be performed only once during each visit to building 20. In other words, this is highly convenient for the visitor. [2-4: Second Example of Visitor Management Operation Performed by Visitor Management Device 2]

[0042] As an example of using the integrated evaluation value, visitor management device 2 may take action to restrict the behavior of the visitor.

[0043] 5, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires the personal identification information of a returning visitor (step S25). The identification information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the returning visitor's biometric information. The identification information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the returning visitor's personal identification information through the returning visitor's operation of the visitor operation terminal T0.

[0044] The providing unit 214 provides the integrated visitor information 222 stored in the storage device 22 to the resident of the destination of the return visitor (step S26). Furthermore, if visitor information 221 of the resident of the destination is stored in the storage device 22, the providing unit 214 may provide the visitor information 221 to the resident.

[0045] The restriction unit 216 estimates who the returning visitor is based on the returning visitor's biometric information (step S27). Based on the returning visitor's biometric information, the restriction unit 216 may search for biometric information of the same person as the returning visitor among the biometric information stored in the storage device 22.

[0046] The restriction unit 216 imposes on the returning visitor a behavioral restriction corresponding to the integrated evaluation value associated with the biometric information of the same person (step S28). The restriction unit 216 may change the behavioral restriction imposed on the returning visitor in response to a request from the resident of the residence of the returning visitor for behavioral restriction based on at least one of the visitor information 221 and the integrated visitor information 222. For example, if the resident of the residence of the returning visitor rejects the visitor, the restriction unit 216 may restrict the visitor from moving toward the door of the residence of the visiting visitor, even if the visitor has a high integrated evaluation value.

[0047] On the other hand, if the visitor's integrated evaluation value is high, the restriction unit 216 may allow the visitor to enter the residence up to the door without obtaining permission from the resident of the residence. In this case, the operation of step S26 may be omitted.

[0048] The restriction unit 216 may set a threshold value for the integrated evaluation value and compare the integrated evaluation value with the threshold value to determine whether or not to impose restrictions on behavior within the building 20. The restriction unit 216 may set restrictions on behavior according to the integrated evaluation value at multiple levels. The restriction unit 216 may set the range of restrictions on behavior as desired.

[0049] The restriction unit 216 may set restrictions on the behavior of visitors using a blacklist method. For example, the restriction unit 216 may output a warning when a person with a low integrated evaluation value visits. Furthermore, for example, the restriction unit 216 may prohibit calls by intercom from being made to visitors with a low integrated evaluation value.

[0050] Alternatively, the restriction unit 216 may set restrictions on the behavior of visitors using a whitelist method. For example, the restriction unit 216 may output a recommendation for a person when a person with a high integrated evaluation value returns to the facility.

[0051] The restriction unit 216 may impose behavioral restrictions at, for example, the following five levels according to the integrated evaluation value. Level 1: Refusal to unlock the first locked door KD1 Second level: Refuses to unlock the second locked door KD2. Visitors can enter up to entrance hall EH2. For example, a delivery person will wait in entrance hall EH2, and residents will go to entrance hall EH2 to pick up their parcel. Level 3: You can only travel up to the door of the residence you are visiting. The restriction unit 216 may guide the visitor to a route leading to the door of the destination residence by turning on an exit light or changing the brightness of the lights. Furthermore, the restriction unit 216 may issue a warning by emitting a warning sound if the visitor attempts to move along a route other than the route leading to the door of the destination residence. Level 4: You can move to doors other than the door of the residence you are visiting. 5th level: Can move anywhere. Equivalent to administrator privileges. The above five levels are just examples.

[0052] The restriction unit 216 may restrict behavior at various locations within the building 20 through biometric authentication. For example, the restriction unit 216 may unlock the second lock door KD2 through biometric authentication when a visitor passes through the second lock door KD2. For example, the restriction unit 216 may restrict entry of the visitor through biometric authentication when the visitor gets on the elevator E1 or the elevator EN. For example, the restriction unit 216 may restrict the floors on which the visitor is allowed to get off.

[0053] The limiting unit 216 may also restrict the behavior of people other than visitors. For example, the limiting unit 216 may restrict people such as children who are unable to fully determine whether or not something is dangerous from entering a dangerous area. [2-5: Fluctuations in integrated evaluation value]

[0054] The integrating unit 215 may update the integrated evaluation value every time a visitor arrives, that is, the integrated evaluation value may change over time.

[0055] The integrating unit 215 may update the integrated evaluation value with information other than the evaluation value by the resident. For example, the integrating unit 215 may change the integrated evaluation value to a lower value if a visitor takes a route other than the specified route. Furthermore, the integrating unit 215 may change the integrated evaluation value to a lower value if a visitor handles property related to the building roughly. Furthermore, the integrating unit 215 may change the integrated evaluation value to a lower value if a visitor stays for an inappropriately long time. Furthermore, the integrating unit 215 may change the integrated evaluation value to a lower value if a delivery person handles the parcel roughly. The integrating unit 215 may automatically update the integrated evaluation value based on images constantly captured by a camera. [2-6: Technical Effects of Visitor Management Device 2]

[0056] Unlike office buildings occupied by companies that handle confidential information, apartment buildings are often visited by relatives, friends, and other close associates of the residents. Therefore, it is not practical to manage visitors in the same way as office buildings occupied by companies that handle confidential information. For example, it is not practical to determine whether a visitor is suspicious or not. For example, if someone works for a well-known delivery company, it does not necessarily mean that they can all be trusted. Even if they work for a well-known delivery company, it is safer to evaluate each employee individually. Furthermore, it is not practical for a person who visits every home, such as a census taker, to obtain high ratings from many residents in advance. Thus, in the case of shared housing, restrictions on visitors' behavior must be flexible in order to be realistic, and strict restrictions on visitors' behavior are inconvenient.

[0057] The visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the evaluation values ​​of each resident, thereby providing useful information to the resident. The visitor management device 2 combines security and convenience by using biometric information verification and the evaluation values ​​of the resident. Identifying an individual using biometric information allows the visitor to visit the destination even if the visit is unscheduled, which is highly convenient. The resident of the destination where the visitor is staying is provided with an integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor when the visitor arrives, allowing the resident to know the latest integrated evaluation value. The visitor management device 2 is secure because it can set permission authority, etc. for each resident of the destination, even for the same visitor. It is convenient because it can grant permission authority, etc. for previous visits to returning visitors. Furthermore, visitors can recognize that they are being evaluated, which is expected to improve the services provided by vendors who visit the building 20.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the scope of sharing personal identification information has been described as being within the same building or between buildings managed by the same administrator, but this is not limiting. For example, personal identification information may be shared between people who belong to the same specific network. Furthermore, personal identification information may be shared in device authentication such as electronic certificates. [3: Third embodiment]

[0059] A second embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium will be described below. The third embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium will be described below using a visitor management device 3 to which the third embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium is applied. [3-1: Visitor Management System 300]

[0060] A visitor management system 300 to which a visitor management device 3 according to the third embodiment is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a visitor management system 300 to which a visitor management device 3 according to the third embodiment is applied.

[0061] The visitor management system 300 manages visitors to multiple buildings. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the visitor management system 300 may manage visitors to, for example, buildings 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-N located in a predetermined area. Each of the buildings 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-N may be provided with an equivalent visitor management device 3. Each of the buildings 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-N may be able to send and receive information to and from each other. The building 30 may be an apartment building. Furthermore, the buildings 30 located in a predetermined area may include buildings other than apartment buildings.

[0062] For example, an area where buildings visited by the same person within a specific period of time are located may be determined to be within a predetermined area for sharing information. For example, a rough address may be determined from a global IP address. A building may be determined to be within the predetermined area based on the global IP address. A building may also be determined to be within the predetermined area based on the number of network hops or ping. A number assigned to each predetermined area may also be recorded in a database device for each building 30. In this case, if the same number is recorded, the building may be determined to be within the predetermined area. [3-2: Configuration of visitor management device 3]

[0063] The configuration of a visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment.

[0064] 7, the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment differs from the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment in that the calculation device 21 includes an inter-building providing unit 317, a provided unit 318, and an inter-building integrating unit 319. Other features of the visitor management device 3 may be the same as other features of the visitor management device 2. [3-3: First Example of Visitor Management Operation Performed by Visitor Management Device 3]

[0065] The visitor management device 3 manages visitors to the building 30 corresponding to the visitor management device 3. Similar to the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment, the visitor management device 3 shares visitor information among residents residing in the same building 30. The visitor management operation performed by the visitor management device 3 to share visitor information among residents residing in the same building 30 may be the same as that described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 3.

[0066] The visitor management device 3 also shares visitor information with other buildings 30. In this respect, the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment differs from the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the visitor management operation performed by the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment to share visitor information with other buildings 30.

[0067] 8, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires biometric information of a visitor to the building (step S20). The identification information acquisition unit 211 converts the biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual, thereby acquiring visitor identification information (step S30). [Visitor Identification Information]

[0068] Biometric information is a personal identification code and is therefore considered personal information. People who share an entrance can be considered a single legal entity. Therefore, residents living in the same building can share the personal information of visitors.

[0069] However, it is not easy to provide personal information to a third party, i.e., it is not easy to provide visitor information in which biometric information is associated with an evaluation value to another building.

[0070] On the other hand, if information about visitors in other buildings can be shared, it can be used as useful information. Therefore, in the third embodiment, in order to share information between buildings, biometric information may be converted into visitor identification information that cannot identify a specific individual but can be used to identify visitors from one another. In other words, visitor identification information may be information that does not need to be treated as personal information. Visitor identification information may also be information about an individual that is obtained by processing personal information so that a specific individual cannot be identified.

[0071] The visitor identification information may include visitor attribute information, which may be information about the visitor's appearance, such as clothing worn by the visitor, height of the visitor, facial contours of the visitor, and facial features of the visitor.

[0072] The evaluation value acquisition unit 212 acquires an evaluation value of the visitor by the resident residing in the building (step S21). It has been explained that in the visitor management operation with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4, the memory control unit 213 may associate biometric information corresponding to the visitor, the evaluation value of the visitor by the resident, and resident identification information identifying the resident who made the evaluation, and store these in the memory device 22 as visitor information 221. The acquisition operation in step S20 may be acquisition of biometric information corresponding to the visitor stored in the memory device 22, and the acquisition operation in step S21 may be an evaluation value of the visitor by the resident corresponding to the visitor stored in the memory device 22.

[0073] The integrating unit 215 integrates the evaluation values ​​to generate an integrated evaluation value (step S22). Note that in the visitor management operation in which visitor information is shared with other buildings 30, the operation of step S22 may be omitted.

[0074] The memory control unit 213 associates the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor with the integrated evaluation value (or evaluation value (if the operation of step S22 is omitted)) corresponding to the visitor and stores them (step S31). The memory control unit 213 may associate one or more attribute information as visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor with the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor and store them in the memory device 22 as integrated visitor information 322. An example of the integrated visitor information 322 stored in the memory device 22 by the memory control unit 213 is shown in Table 3 below.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] The inter-building providing unit 317 provides one or more pieces of attribute information serving as visitor identification information and an evaluation value stored in the storage device 22 as integrated visitor information 322 to another building other than building 30 (step S32). Note that in step S31, the storage control unit 213 stores the integrated visitor information 222 exemplified in Table 2 in the storage device 22, and in step S32, the inter-building providing unit 317 may provide one or more pieces of attribute information serving as visitor identification information and an evaluation value from the information included in the integrated visitor information 222, i.e., the information included in the integrated visitor information 322 exemplified in Table 3, to another building other than building 30. [3-4: Second Example of Visitor Management Operation Performed by Visitor Management Device 3]

[0077] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the inter-building integrated evaluation value generation operation performed by the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9, the provided unit 318 is provided with the visitor identification information and evaluation value acquired by the other building from the other building (step S33).

[0079] The inter-building integrating unit 319 compares the visitor identification information provided from another building with the visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22 (step S34). The inter-building integrating unit 319 estimates that the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22 that has been successfully compared with the visitor identification information provided from another building is the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information provided from the other building (step S35). The inter-building integrating unit 319 integrates the evaluation value (or integrated evaluation value (within the building)) associated with the visitor identification information provided from the other building with the evaluation value associated with the visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22 to generate an inter-building integrated evaluation value (step S36).

[0080] The inter-building integration unit 319 may integrate the evaluation values ​​by adding them together. The inter-building integration unit 319 may generate an inter-building integrated evaluation value based on a comparison between the evaluation values ​​and a predetermined threshold.

[0081] The inter-building integration unit 319 may generate information indicating the distribution of each evaluation value as an inter-building integrated evaluation value. The inter-building integration unit 319 may generate a histogram of each evaluation value. When a histogram is generated, it is easy to understand how many residents of the corresponding area give a high evaluation and how many residents of the corresponding area give a low evaluation. The inter-building integration unit 319 can generate information that allows reference to the evaluations of everyone living in the corresponding area.

[0082] By integrating the evaluation values, it becomes easier to understand everyone's evaluation of a visitor, especially when there are many residents living in the area. This is convenient because it makes it easier for residents who receive a visit to judge the visitor.

[0083] The storage control unit 213 associates the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor and stores them (step S37). The storage control unit 213 may associate one or more attribute information serving as visitor identifying biometric information corresponding to the visitor with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor and store them in the storage device 22 as inter-building visitor information 323. An example of the inter-building visitor information 323 that the storage control unit 213 stores in the storage device 22 is shown in Table 4 below.

[0084] [Table 4] [3-5: Third Example of Visitor Management Operation Performed by Visitor Management Device 3] As an example of using the inter-building integrated evaluation value, the visitor management device 3 may perform a behavior restriction operation on a visitor. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the behavior restriction operation performed by the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment.

[0085] 10, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires the return visitor identification information of the returning visitor (step S38). The identification information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the return visitor identification information of the returning visitor through operation of the visitor operation terminal T0 by the returning visitor.

[0086] The providing unit 214 provides the inter-building visitor information 323 stored in the storage device 22 to the resident of the destination of the return visitor (step S39). Furthermore, if visitor information 221 of the resident of the destination is stored in the storage device 22, the providing unit 214 may provide the visitor information 221 to the resident.

[0087] The restriction unit 216 estimates who the returning visitor is based on the returning visitor identification information (step S40). Based on the returning visitor identification information, the restriction unit 216 may search for visitor identification information of the same person as the returning visitor among the visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22. The restriction unit 216 imposes on the returning visitor a behavioral restriction that corresponds to the integrated evaluation value associated with the visitor identification information of the same person (step S41). The restriction unit 216 may implement behavioral restrictions on one of the five levels described in the second embodiment, for example, depending on the inter-building integrated evaluation value.

[0088] Even if it is the visitor's first time in a building, if the visitor has visited a nearby building before, access rights such as restrictions on behavior in the nearby building may be applied.

[0089] Furthermore, the restriction unit 216 may change the behavioral restrictions imposed on the returning visitor in response to a request from the resident of the destination of the returning visitor for behavioral restrictions based on at least one of the visitor information 221 and the inter-building visitor information 323. For example, if the resident of the destination rejects the visitor, the restriction unit 216 may restrict the visitor from moving toward the door of the destination residence even if the visitor has a high inter-building integrated evaluation value.

[0090] On the other hand, if the visitor's inter-building integrated evaluation value is high, the restriction unit 216 may allow the visitor to enter the destination residence up to the door without obtaining permission from the resident of the destination residence. In this case, the operation of step S39 may be omitted. [3-6: Variation]

[0091] A visitor management system 300' that is a variation of the third embodiment and that employs a visitor management device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a visitor management system 300' that employs a visitor management device 3 according to the third embodiment.

[0092] In the third embodiment described above, an example was given in which buildings directly transmit and receive information to each other. As shown in FIG. 11 , a visitor management device 3-C may be provided that is not associated with each building 30. In this case, the visitor management device 3-C may receive information from a visitor management device 3 associated with a building 30 and transmit the integrated results to each visitor management device 3. Each visitor management device 3 may perform visitor management operations using the inter-building integrated evaluation value integrated in the visitor management device 3-C. The visitor management device 3-C may be a cloud server. [Example of use of attribute information]

[0093] Since attribute information is information that cannot identify a specific individual, a visitor may not be identified with only a single piece of attribute information. Therefore, multiple types of attribute information may be associated with a single visitor. By combining multiple pieces of attribute information, the possibility of identifying a visitor can be improved. Furthermore, by narrowing the scope of the area in which information is shared, the possibility of identifying a visitor can be improved.

[0094] On the other hand, different visitors may be proactively associated with the same attribute information. For example, the integration unit 215 may generate not only an integrated evaluation value for a single person, but also an evaluation value for each company based on attribute information common to multiple people, such as the company's uniform. For example, people wearing the uniforms of delivery companies with delivery staff with high evaluation values ​​may have the same attribute information. Delivery staff with this attribute information may be allowed to use, for example, delivery lockers in the corresponding area. Furthermore, for example, in multiple buildings, visitors with attribute information with high evaluation values ​​may be able to obtain at least some of the common access rights in the corresponding area.

[0095] As other shared information related to visitors, label information such as delivery person, resident, friend of resident, invitation, etc. may be added to visitor information 221. The label information may be added when a resident rates a visitor using evaluation value acquisition unit 212.

[0096] Furthermore, the identification information acquisition unit 211 may use a liveness function, which can prevent spoofing using photographs, images, etc., and improve security. [3-7: Technical Effects of Visitor Management Device 3]

[0097] The visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment provides visitor identification information and an evaluation value to other buildings different from the building, allowing the visitor's evaluation value to be shared between buildings. For example, even when a visitor visits a building for the first time, the visitor's behavior within the building can be managed based on evaluations from other nearby buildings, which is highly convenient. The visitor identification information is information obtained by converting biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual, so it can be shared between buildings without any problems. The visitor management device 3 generates an integrated evaluation value, thereby providing useful information to residents. Residents at the visitor's destination can determine the visitor based on an integrated evaluation value that integrates multiple evaluation values, allowing for highly useful determinations. Furthermore, when a visitor arrives, residents are provided with an integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, allowing them to know the latest integrated evaluation value. The visitor management device 2 combines verification using visitor identification information with the resident's evaluation value, thereby achieving both security and convenience. Identifying an individual based on visitor identification information is highly convenient because the visitor can still visit the destination even if the visit is unscheduled. [4: Note]

[0098] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment. [Appendix 1] an identification information acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of visitors to the building; evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by the residents of the building; an integration means for integrating the evaluation values ​​of each of the residents to generate an integrated evaluation value; a storage means for storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other; providing means for providing the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the storage means to a resident of the building; A visitor management device comprising: [Appendix 2] the identification information acquisition means acquires biometric information of a returning visitor, The facility further comprises a restriction means for searching for biometric information of the same person as the returning visitor from among the biometric information stored in the storage means based on the returning visitor biometric information, and for imposing a behavioral restriction on the returning visitor that corresponds to the integrated evaluation value associated with the biometric information of the same person. 2. A visitor management device as described in appendix 1. [Appendix 3] The providing means provides the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the storage means to a resident of the building at a destination visited by the visitor. 3. A visitor management device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] Acquire biometric information of visitors to the building, obtaining evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building; aggregating each of the ratings from each of the residents to generate an aggregate rating; storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other; and providing the stored integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor to a resident of the building. Visitor management methods. [Appendix 5] On the computer, Acquire biometric information of visitors to the building, obtaining evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building; aggregating each of the ratings from each of the residents to generate an aggregate rating; storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other; and providing the stored integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor to a resident of the building. A recording medium on which a computer program for executing a visitor management method is recorded.

[0099] At least some of the constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined with at least some of the other constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments. Some of the constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments may not be used. Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all documents (e.g., published patent applications) cited in this disclosure are incorporated by reference as part of the description of this disclosure.

[0100] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the technical concept that can be read from the entire specification. The visitor management device, visitor management method, and recording medium incorporating such modifications are also included in the technical concept of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1,2,3 Visitor management device 11,211 Identification information acquisition unit 12,212 Evaluation value acquisition section 13 Storage section 213 Memory control unit 221 Visitor Information 222,322 Integrated Visitor Information 14,214 Providing Department 15,215 Integrated Department 216 Restricted Section 20,30 Building 300,300' Visitor Management System 317 Building-to-Building Services Department 318 Provided part 319 Building Integration Department 323 Visitor Information Between Buildings

Claims

1. An identification information acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a visitor to a building that is an apartment building where multiple residents live; evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by the residents of the building; an integration means for integrating the evaluation values ​​of each of the residents to generate an integrated evaluation value; a storage means for storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other; providing means for providing the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the storage means to a resident of the building; Equipped with the identification information acquisition means acquires biometric information of a returning visitor, The facility further comprises a restriction means for searching for biometric information of the same person as the returning visitor from among the biometric information stored in the storage means based on the returning visitor biometric information, and for imposing a behavioral restriction on the returning visitor that corresponds to the integrated evaluation value associated with the biometric information of the same person. Visitor management device.

2. The providing means provides the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor stored in the storage means to a resident of the building at a destination visited by the visitor. The visitor management device according to claim 1 .

3. Acquiring biometric information of visitors to a building that is a multi-residential building; acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building; aggregating each of the ratings by each of the residents to generate an aggregate rating; storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other in a storage means; providing the stored integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor to a resident of the building; and Including, The acquiring includes acquiring biometric information of a returning visitor, based on the returning visitor's biometric information, searching for biometric information of the same person as the returning visitor from among the biometric information stored in the storage means, and imposing a behavioral restriction on the returning visitor that corresponds to the integrated evaluation value associated with the biometric information of the same person. A computer-implemented visitor management method.

4. On the computer, Acquiring biometric information of visitors to a building that is a multi-residential building; acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building; aggregating each of the ratings by each of the residents to generate an aggregate rating; storing the biometric information corresponding to the visitor and the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other in a storage means; providing the stored integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor to a resident of the building; and Including, The acquiring includes acquiring biometric information of a returning visitor, based on the returning visitor's biometric information, searching for biometric information of the same person as the returning visitor from among the biometric information stored in the storage means, and imposing a behavioral restriction on the returning visitor that corresponds to the integrated evaluation value associated with the biometric information of the same person. A computer program for executing a visitor management method.

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