Visitor management device, visitor management method, and computer program

Abstract

A visitor management device 1 comprises: an identification information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring visitor identification information of a visitor to a building; an evaluation value acquisition unit 12 for acquiring an evaluation value with respect to the visitor by a resident who resides in the building; a storage unit 13 for storing the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, in association with each other; and a providing unit 14 for providing, to another building different from the building, the visitor identification information and evaluation value stored in association with each other in the storage unit 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical fields of visitor management devices, visitor management methods, and recording media.

Background Art

[0002] In a security system using biometric authentication technology such as face, voice, fingerprint, etc., in addition to authentication targets limited to humans selected and registered by users, by enabling the use of a "database for authentication of registrations by non-users", the authentication targets are expanded to "humans whose identities are unknown" for users. Furthermore, a technology for updating the authentication database in real time by connecting users to each other or users and administrators through communication is described in Patent Document 1. Since a central server collects and registers images of persons in which suspicious person candidates are captured by a plurality of doorphone sub-units installed in each household, suspicious person information can be shared in the area including the households where the doorphone sub-units and the main units are installed. Furthermore, a technology for determining whether or not suspicious person candidates captured in a plurality of person images are the same person and registering the suspicious person candidate determined to be the same person as a suspicious person in the central server when the plurality of person images capturing the suspicious person candidate satisfy a predetermined condition to enhance the reliability of the suspicious person information is described in Patent Document 2. A doorphone device that acquires face features from an image of a visitor, acquires the occupational attribute of the visitor having the acquired face features from the acquired face features, determines an action according to the acquired occupational attribute using registration information in which an occupational attribute and an action are associated in advance, and enables the user to ignore the visit of a visitor who does not wish to correspond in advance at his / her own will and share the information of the unwelcome visitor in the area is described in Patent Document 3.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0004] This disclosure aims to provide a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium that improve upon the technologies described in prior art documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of a visitor management device includes: an identification information acquisition means for acquiring visitor identification information of visitors to a building; an evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building; a storage means for storing the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other; and a providing means for providing the visitor identification information and evaluation value stored in association with the storage means to another building different from the building.

[0006] One aspect of the visitor management method involves acquiring visitor identification information of visitors to a building, acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building, storing the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other, and providing the stored visitor identification information and evaluation value to a building other than the building in question.

[0007] One aspect of the recording medium includes a computer program that causes a computer to execute a visitor management method, which involves acquiring visitor identification information of visitors to a building, acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitors by residents of the building, storing the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitors and the evaluation values ​​corresponding to the visitors in association, and providing the stored visitor identification information and evaluation values ​​to other buildings different from the building. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the visitor management device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the visitor management device in the second embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device in the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of behavioral restriction operations performed by the visitor management device in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of a building to which the visitor management device in the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a visitor management system to which the visitor management device in the third embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of behavioral restriction operations performed by the visitor management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram of a modified visitor management system to which the visitor management device in the third embodiment is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the visitor management device, visitor management method, and recording medium 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. Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a visitor management device, a visitor management method, and a recording medium will be described using the visitor management device 1 to which the first embodiment of the visitor management device, the visitor management method, and the recording medium are applied. [1-1: Configuration of Visitor Management Device 1]

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the visitor management device 1 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the 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 storage unit 13, and a provision unit 14. The identification information acquisition unit 11 acquires visitor identification information of a visitor to a building. The evaluation value acquisition unit 12 acquires an evaluation value of a visitor by a resident living in the building. The storage unit 13 stores, in association with each other, the visitor identification information corresponding to a visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor. The provision unit 14 provides the visitor identification information and the evaluation value stored in association with the storage unit 13 to another building different from the building. [1-2: Technical Effects of Visitor Management Device 1]

[0013] Since the visitor management device 1 in the first embodiment provides visitor identification information and an evaluation value to another building different from the building, information regarding the evaluation of a visitor can be shared between buildings. [2: Second Embodiment]<(

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

[0015] The visitor management device 2 may be used in a building such as an apartment or condominium where multiple residents live. The building such as an apartment or condominium 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 a single building. Even in a building having different entrances, if the buildings are managed by the same corporation, a plurality of buildings may be associated with the same visitor management device 2. [2-1: Configuration of Visitor Management Device 2]

[0016] [[ID=⑥]]Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment.

[0017] <② [[ID=⑩]]As shown in FIG. 2, the visitor management device 2 includes an arithmetic unit 21 and a storage unit 22. Further, the visitor management device 2 may include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25. However, the visitor management device 2 may not include at least one of the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25. The arithmetic unit 21, the storage unit 22, the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0018] The arithmetic unit 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 unit 21 reads computer programs. For example, the arithmetic unit 21 may read computer programs stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic unit 21 may read computer programs stored on a computer-readable and non-temporary recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown) provided by the visitor management device 2 (for example, an input device 24 described later). The arithmetic unit 21 may obtain (i.e., download or read) computer programs from a device (not shown) located outside the visitor management device 2 via a communication device 23 (or other communication device). The arithmetic unit 21 executes the read computer programs. As a result, logical functional blocks for performing the operations that the visitor management device 2 should perform are realized within the arithmetic unit 21. In other words, the computing unit 21 can function as a controller for realizing logical functional blocks necessary for the visitor management device 2 to perform the actions (in other words, processes) that it should perform.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an example of a logical functional block implemented within the arithmetic unit 21 to perform visitor management operations. As shown in Figure 2, the arithmetic unit 21 implements an identification information acquisition unit 211, which is a specific example of an "identification information acquisition means," an evaluation value acquisition unit 212, which is a specific example of an "evaluation value acquisition means," a memory control unit 213, which is a specific example of a "storage means," a provision unit 214, which is a specific example of a "provision means," an integration unit 215, which is a specific example of an "integration means," and a restriction unit 216, which is a specific example of a "restriction means." However, the arithmetic unit 21 does not have to include at least one of the integration unit 215 and the restriction unit 216. The operations of the identification information acquisition unit 211, evaluation value acquisition unit 212, memory control unit 213, provision unit 214, integration unit 215, and restriction unit 216 will be described later with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

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

[0021] The communication device 23 can communicate with devices outside the visitor management device 2 via a communication network (not shown). The communication device 23 may have a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet®, Wi-Fi®, or Bluetooth®.

[0022] The input device 24 is a device that receives information input to the visitor management device 2 from outside the visitor management device 2. For example, the input device 24 may include an operating device that can be operated by the operator of the visitor management device 2 (for example, at least one of a keyboard, mouse trackball, touch panel, pointing device such as a pen tablet, buttons, etc.). For example, the input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be attached externally to the 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 (so-called display) capable of displaying an image that shows the information to be output. Examples of display devices include liquid crystal displays and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays. For example, the output device 25 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 25 may include an audio device (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 (so-called printer) capable of printing desired information on paper. In addition, 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 Figure 2 is just an example, and additional devices other than those shown in Figure 2 may be included, or some devices may be omitted. Also, some devices may be replaced with other devices having similar functions. Furthermore, some functions of the second embodiment may be provided by other devices via a network. The functions of the second embodiment may be implemented by distributing them across multiple devices. Thus, the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2 can be modified as appropriate.

[0025] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the flow of visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment will be explained. 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 the 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 the 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 Figure 3 may be an N-story building with floors 1F through NNF. The building 20 has an entrance hall EH1 that anyone can enter. The entrance hall EH1 may be equipped with a free-entry door FD that anyone can freely enter and exit, a first-locked door KD1 that only authorized persons can pass through, and a visitor terminal T0. The visitor terminal T0 may be operated by a person who cannot unlock the first-locked door KD1 themselves, such as a visitor. The visitor may use the visitor terminal T0 to call the resident of the place they are visiting. The operated visitor terminal T0 may also acquire the visitor's personal identification information. The personal identification information may be information that can easily identify an individual.

[0027] The first floor (1F) may be equipped with one or more residences such as residence 1L and residence 1M, a common corridor CC1, a camera C1 that images at least the common corridor CC1, an elevator E1 for moving to other floors, etc. Similarly, the nth floor (NF) may be equipped with one or more residences such as residence NL and residence NM, a common corridor CCN, a camera CN that images at least the common corridor CCN, an elevator EN for moving to other floors, etc. Cameras C1 and CN may continuously capture images within their respective imaging ranges.

[0028] Personal identification information may include biometric information. Biometric information may include facial information, iris information, fingerprint information, voiceprint information, etc. Personal identification information may include information that can be obtained from ID cards, etc., which contain personally identifiable information. Personal identification information may include visitor attribute information. Visitor attribute information may include information about the visitor's appearance, such as the visitor's clothing, height, facial contours, and facial features.

[0029] The entity acquiring the personally identifiable information is the apartment building management association that manages building 20. Therefore, the acquired personally identifiable information can be used for purposes such as managing the entry and exit of visitors to common areas within building 20 and restricting their movements. Furthermore, the acquired personally identifiable information can be shared among the residents of building 20 who constitute the apartment building management association for purposes such as managing the entry and exit of visitors to common areas within building 20 and restricting their movements. Common areas within building 20 may include, for example, the entrance hall EH2, common corridor CC1, and common corridor CCN. [2-3: First example of visitor management operations performed by visitor management device 2]

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires the personal identification information of visitors to the building (step S20). The identification information acquisition unit 211 may also acquire the biometric information of visitors to the building. The identification information acquisition unit 211 may also acquire the personal identification information of visitors through the visitor operation terminal T0 operated by the visitor.

[0031] The evaluation value acquisition unit 212 acquires evaluation values ​​of visitors from residents living in the building (step S21). Residents may perform evaluations of visitors by operating a terminal device provided in their residence. For example, a resident living in residence NL may perform an evaluation of a visitor 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 evaluation value of the visitor by the resident, and resident identification information that identifies the resident who performed the evaluation, and store this information in the memory storage device 22 as visitor information 221. The memory control unit 213 may also associate and store one or more attribute pieces of information of the visitor as visitor information 221. The memory control unit 213 may store information that identifies the residence as resident identification information. An example of visitor information 221 that the memory control unit 213 stores in the memory storage device 22 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0032] [Table 1]

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

[0034] The integration unit 215 may generate information showing the distribution of each evaluation value as an integrated evaluation value. The integration unit 215 may also generate a histogram for each evaluation value. If a histogram is generated, it is easy to understand how many residents give high ratings and how many give low ratings. The integration unit 215 can generate information that allows referencing the ratings of all residents living in building 20.

[0035] Integrating the evaluation values ​​makes it easier to understand everyone's evaluation of visitors, especially when there are many residents in building 20. Residents who receive visitors can easily make judgments about them, making it convenient. Even if a few residents make inappropriate judgments, other residents can make appropriate judgments, allowing the visitor management device 2 to provide appropriate judgment information. Since the visitor management device 2 does not rely solely on individual judgments for visitor evaluations, it can safely manage visitors.

[0036] The integration unit 215 may include not only the evaluation value information but also the number of evaluators in the integrated evaluation value. In this case, it becomes easier for residents to judge whether the integrated evaluation value is reliable information or not.

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

[0038] [Table 2]

[0039] The provisioning unit 214 provides the residents of the building 20 with an integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, which is stored in the storage device 22 (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, each resident may be able to view their evaluation of the visitor on the terminal's monitor when summoned by the visitor via the terminal. Each resident can use the integrated evaluation to decide whether to allow or deny the visitor.

[0041] The decisions of each resident to allow or deny a visitor may be consolidated. For example, if a visitor is a delivery person and visits multiple residents of building 20, the visitor may only operate the visitor terminal T0 once. The acquisition of the visitor's personal identification information may also be performed only once per visit to building 20. In other words, it is more convenient for the visitor. [2-4: Second example of visitor management operations performed by visitor management device 2]

[0042] As an example of using integrated evaluation values, visitor management device 2 may perform actions to restrict the behavior of visitors.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires the personal identification information of the returning visitor (step S25). The identification information acquisition unit 211 may also acquire the returning visitor's biometric information. The identification information acquisition unit 211 may also acquire the returning visitor's personal identification information through the 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 returning visitor (step S26). In addition, if visitor information 221 from the resident of the destination is stored in the storage device 22, the providing unit 214 may provide said visitor information 221 to the resident.

[0045] The restriction unit 216 estimates which person the return visitor is based on the return visitor's biometric information (step S27). The restriction unit 216 may also search the storage device 22 for biometric information of the same person as the return visitor based on the return visitor's biometric information.

[0046] The restriction unit 216 imposes behavioral restrictions on the return visitor that correspond to the integrated evaluation value associated with the biometric information of the same person (step S28). The restriction unit 216 may change the behavioral restrictions imposed on the return visitor in response to a request for behavioral restrictions from the resident of the visitor's destination, based on at least one of the visitor information 221 and the integrated visitor information 222. For example, if the resident of the visitor's destination rejects the visitor, the restriction unit 216 may restrict the visitor's movement toward the door of the resident's residence, even if the visitor had 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 dwelling door without obtaining permission from the resident of the dwelling. In this case, the operation of step S26 may be omitted.

[0048] The restriction unit 216 may set a threshold for the integrated evaluation value and determine whether or not to impose restrictions on movement within the building 20 by comparing the integrated evaluation value with the threshold. The restriction unit 216 may set the restrictions on movement according to the integrated evaluation value in multiple levels. The restriction unit 216 may arbitrarily set the range of the restrictions on movement.

[0049] The restriction unit 216 may set restrictions on visitors' behavior using a blacklist method. For example, the restriction unit 216 may output a warning when a person with a low integrated evaluation score visits. Alternatively, for example, the restriction unit 216 may prohibit visitors with a low integrated evaluation score from using the intercom.

[0050] Alternatively, the restriction unit 216 may set restrictions on visitor behavior using a whitelisting method. For example, the restriction unit 216 may output a recommendation for a person when a person with a high integrated evaluation score returns.

[0051] The restriction unit 216 may implement behavioral restrictions at, for example, five levels, according to the integrated evaluation value. Level 1: Refusal to unlock door KD1 (first key) Level 2: Refusal to unlock the second key door KD2. Visitors are allowed to enter the entrance hall EH2. For example, delivery personnel wait in the entrance hall EH2, and residents go to the entrance hall EH2 to pick up their packages. Level 3: Only the route leading to the door of the destination residence is accessible. The restriction unit 216 may guide visitors to the door of the residence they are visiting by turning on guide lights or changing the brightness of the lights. In addition, if a visitor attempts to move in a direction other than the route to the door of the residence they are visiting, the restriction unit 216 may emit a warning sound to warn them. Level 4: You can move to the front of doors other than the main door of the residence you are visiting. Level 5: Move anywhere. Equivalent to administrator privileges. Please note that the five levels listed above are just examples.

[0052] The restriction unit 216 may restrict movement by biometric authentication at various locations within the building 20. For example, the restriction unit 216 may unlock the second key door KD2 by biometric authentication when a visitor passes through. For example, the restriction unit 216 may restrict boarding by biometric authentication when a visitor boards elevator E1 or elevator EN. For example, the restriction unit 216 may restrict the floors to which a visitor is allowed to disembark.

[0053] Furthermore, the restriction unit 216 may also restrict the actions of persons other than visitors. For example, the restriction unit 216 may restrict children or other persons who cannot judge whether something is dangerous from entering dangerous areas. [2-5: Fluctuations in Integrated Evaluation Values]

[0054] The integration unit 215 may update the integrated evaluation value each time a visitor visits. In other words, the integrated evaluation value may change over time.

[0055] The integration unit 215 may update the integrated evaluation value with information other than the evaluation value by residents. For example, the integration unit 215 may change the integrated evaluation value to be lower if a visitor takes a route other than the designated route. The integration unit 215 may also change the integrated evaluation value to be lower if a visitor handles the building's equipment roughly. The integration unit 215 may also change the integrated evaluation value to be lower if a visitor stays for an inappropriately long time. The integration unit 215 may also change the integrated evaluation value to be lower if a delivery person handles a package roughly. The integration unit 215 may also automatically update the integrated evaluation value based on images constantly captured by cameras. [2-6: Technical Effects of Visitor Management Device 2]

[0056] Unlike office buildings where companies handling confidential information are located, apartment buildings receive visits from relatives, friends, and other people close to the residents. Therefore, visitor management at the same level as in office buildings handling confidential information is not practical. For example, it is not practical to determine whether a visitor is suspicious or not. For example, just because someone works for a well-known delivery company doesn't mean you can trust them all. Even with employees of a well-known delivery company, it's safer to evaluate each individual employee. Furthermore, it is not practical to expect a large number of residents to have a positive opinion of a person who visits every single home, such as a census taker. Thus, in the case of apartment buildings, restrictions on visitors' behavior must be flexible to be practical, while strict restrictions on visitors' behavior are inconvenient.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the visitor management device 2 generates an integrated evaluation value by combining the individual evaluation values ​​from each resident, thereby providing useful information to residents. The visitor management device 2 can combine security and convenience by using biometric information for verification and resident evaluation values ​​in combination. By identifying individuals using biometric information, visitors can visit their destination even if their visit is unscheduled, providing high convenience. Residents of the visitor's destination are provided with an integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor when a visitor arrives, allowing residents to know the latest integrated evaluation value. The visitor management device 2 is secure because it can set permission and other privileges for each resident of the visited destination, even for the same visitor. It is also convenient because it can grant permission and other privileges to repeat visitors based on their previous visits. Furthermore, visitors can recognize that they are being evaluated, which can be expected to improve the services provided by businesses entering and leaving the building 20.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the scope of sharing of personal identification information was explained using the example of sharing within the same building or between buildings managed by the same administrator, but it is not limited to this. For example, personal identification information may be shared among persons belonging to the same specific network. Also, for example, 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, visitor management method, and recording medium will be described below. In the following, the third embodiment of the visitor management device, visitor management method, and recording medium will be described using visitor management device 3 to which the third embodiment of the visitor management device, visitor management method, and recording medium is applied. [3-1: Visitor Management System 300]

[0060] Referring to Figure 6, the visitor management system 300 to which the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment is applied will be described. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the visitor management system 300 to which the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment is applied.

[0061] The visitor management system 300 manages visitors to multiple buildings. As illustrated in Figure 6, the visitor management system 300 may manage visitors to buildings 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-N located in a predetermined area. Each of buildings 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-N may be equipped with an equivalent visitor management device 3. Each of buildings 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-N may be able to send and receive information from each other. 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 have been visited by the same person within a specific time period may be determined to be within a predetermined area for information sharing. For example, a general address may be determined from a global IP address. An area may be determined to be within a predetermined area based on a global IP address. Alternatively, an area may be determined to be within a predetermined area based on the number of network hops or ping. Furthermore, a database device for every 30 buildings may be configured to record a number assigned to each predetermined area. In this case, an area may be determined to be within a predetermined area if the same number is recorded. [3-2: Configuration of Visitor Management Device 3]

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

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment differs from the visitor management device 2 in the second embodiment in that the computing device 21 includes an inter-building provisioning unit 317, a provided unit 318, and an inter-building integration 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 operations performed by visitor management device 3]

[0065] The visitor management device 3 manages visitors to the building 30 that corresponds 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 living in the same building 30. The visitor management operation performed by the visitor management device 3 to share visitor information among residents living in the same building 30 may be the same as described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 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 visitor management operations performed by the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment, which also shares visitor information with other buildings 30.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires biometric information of visitors to the building (step S20). The identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires visitor identification information by converting the biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual (step S30). [Visitor Identification Information]

[0068] Biometric information is a personal identification code and therefore constitutes personal information. Individuals sharing an entrance can be considered a single legal entity. For this reason, residents living in the same building can share the personal information of visitors.

[0069] By the way, providing personal information to a third party is not easy. In other words, it is not easy to provide visitor information, which links biometric data with evaluation values, to other buildings.

[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 to each other. 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 obtained by processing personal information in a way that does not identify a specific individual.

[0071] Visitor identification information may include visitor attribute information. Visitor attribute information may include information about the visitor's appearance, such as the visitor's clothing, height, facial features, and facial features.

[0072] The evaluation value acquisition unit 212 acquires evaluation values ​​of visitors from residents living in the building (step S21). As explained earlier, in the visitor management operation referring to the flowchart in Figure 4, the memory control unit 213 may store visitor information 221 in the memory device 22 by associating biometric information corresponding to the visitor, the evaluation value of the visitor by the resident, and resident identification information that identifies the resident who made the evaluation. The acquisition operation in step S20 may be the acquisition of biometric information corresponding to the visitor stored in the memory device 22, and the acquisition operation in step S21 may be the evaluation value of the visitor by the resident corresponding to the visitor stored in the memory device 22.

[0073] The integration unit 215 integrates each of the evaluation values ​​to generate an integrated evaluation value (step S22). In visitor management operations that share visitor information with other buildings 30, the operation in step S22 may be omitted.

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

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] The inter-building information provision unit 317 provides one or more attribute pieces of visitor identification information and evaluation values, which are stored in the storage device 22 as integrated visitor information 322, to a building other than building 30 (step S32). 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 information provision unit 317 may provide one or more attribute pieces of visitor identification information and evaluation values, i.e., the information included in the integrated visitor information 322 exemplified in Table 3, from the information included in the integrated visitor information 222 to a building other than building 30. [3-4: Second example of visitor management operations performed by visitor management device 3]

[0077] Figure 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 Figure 9, the provided unit 318 receives visitor identification information and evaluation values ​​acquired by other buildings from those other buildings (step S33).

[0079] The inter-building integration unit 319 compares visitor identification information provided from other buildings with visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22 (step S34). The inter-building integration unit 319 estimates that the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22 that has been successfully matched with the visitor identification information provided from other buildings is the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information provided from other buildings (step S35). The inter-building integration unit 319 integrates the evaluation value (or integrated evaluation value (within the building)) associated with the visitor identification information provided from other buildings 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 add up each of the evaluation values ​​and integrate them. The inter-building integration unit 319 may also generate an inter-building integrated evaluation value based on a comparison of the evaluation values ​​with a predetermined threshold.

[0081] The inter-building integration unit 319 may generate information showing the distribution of each evaluation value as an inter-building integrated evaluation value. The inter-building integration unit 319 may also generate a histogram for each evaluation value. If a histogram is generated, it is easy to understand how many residents of the area give a high evaluation and how many residents give a low evaluation. The inter-building integration unit 319 can generate information that allows referencing the evaluations of all residents of the area.

[0082] Integrating evaluation values ​​makes it easier to understand everyone's assessment of visitors, especially in areas with a large number of residents. It's also more convenient for residents who receive visitors, as they can more easily evaluate them.

[0083] The memory control unit 213 stores visitor identification information corresponding to a visitor and an integrated evaluation value corresponding to a visitor in association (step S37). The memory control unit 213 may also store in the memory device 22 as inter-building visitor information 323, by associating one or more attribute pieces of information as visitor identification biometric information corresponding to a visitor with an integrated evaluation value corresponding to a visitor. An example of inter-building visitor information 323 that the memory control unit 213 stores in the memory device 22 is shown in Table 4 below.

[0084] [Table 4] [3-5: Third example of visitor management operations performed by visitor management device 3] As an example of using the integrated evaluation value across buildings, the visitor management device 3 may perform actions to restrict the behavior of visitors. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of actions to restrict the behavior performed by the visitor management device 3 in the third embodiment.

[0085] As shown in Figure 10, the identification information acquisition unit 211 acquires the visitor identification information of a returning visitor (step S38). The identification information acquisition unit 211 may also acquire the visitor identification information of a returning visitor through the 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 returning visitor (step S39). In addition, if visitor information 221 from the resident of the destination is stored in the storage device 22, the providing unit 214 may provide said visitor information 221 to the resident.

[0087] The restriction unit 216 estimates which person the return visitor is based on the return visitor identification information (step S40). The restriction unit 216 may also search the visitor identification information stored in the storage device 22 for the same person as the return visitor based on the return visitor identification information. The restriction unit 216 imposes behavioral restrictions on the return visitor corresponding 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 at five levels, for example, as described in the second embodiment, depending on the inter-building integrated evaluation value.

[0088] Even if it is a visitor's first time in the building, if they have previously visited nearby buildings, access rights and restrictions on movement in those nearby buildings may be applied.

[0089] Furthermore, the restriction unit 216 may change the behavioral restrictions imposed on a return visitor in response to a request for behavioral restrictions from a resident of the visitor's destination, based on at least one of the visitor information 221 and the inter-building visitor information 323. For example, if a resident of the visitor's destination rejects the visitor, the restriction unit 216 may restrict the visitor's movement toward the door of the visitor's residence, even if the visitor had 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 door of the dwelling without obtaining permission from the resident of the dwelling. In this case, the operation of step S39 may be omitted. [3-6: Variant]

[0091] Referring to Figure 11, a modified example of the third embodiment, a visitor management system 300' to which the visitor management device 3 of the third embodiment is applied, will be described. Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram of the visitor management system 300' to which the visitor management device 3 of the third embodiment is applied.

[0092] In the third embodiment described above, an example was given of a case where information is sent and received directly between buildings. As shown in Figure 11, a visitor management device 3-C that is not associated with an individual building 30 may be provided. 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 result to each visitor management device 3. Each visitor management device 3 may perform visitor management operations using the integrated inter-building evaluation value integrated in the visitor management device 3-C. The visitor management device 3-C may be a cloud server. [Examples of using attribute information]

[0093] Since attribute information cannot identify a specific individual, a single piece of attribute information alone may not be sufficient to identify a visitor. Therefore, multiple types of attribute information may be associated with a single visitor. Combining multiple pieces of attribute information can improve the likelihood of identifying a visitor. Furthermore, narrowing the scope of the area where information is shared can also improve the likelihood of identifying a visitor.

[0094] On the other hand, the same attribute information may be proactively associated with different visitors. For example, the integration unit 215 may generate not only an integrated evaluation value for a single person, but also evaluation values ​​for each company based on attribute information common to multiple people, such as company uniforms. For example, people wearing the uniform of a delivery company that has delivery personnel with high evaluation values ​​will have the same attribute information. Delivery personnel with this attribute information may be permitted to use, for example, delivery boxes in the relevant area. Also, for example, in multiple buildings, visitors with attribute information that has high evaluation values ​​may be able to acquire at least some common access rights in the relevant area.

[0095] In addition, as other shared information regarding visitors, label information such as delivery person, resident, resident's friend, and solicitor may be added to visitor information 221. Label information may also be added when residents rate visitors using the evaluation value acquisition unit 212.

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

[0097] In the third embodiment, the visitor management device 3 provides visitor identification information and evaluation values ​​to other buildings different from the building itself, so that visitor evaluation values ​​can be shared between buildings. For example, even when a visitor is visiting a building for the first time, their behavior within the building can be managed based on evaluations from other nearby buildings, making it highly convenient. Visitor identification information is information converted from 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, so it can provide useful information to residents. Residents of the visitor's destination can determine the visitor using the integrated evaluation value, which combines more evaluation values, thus enabling highly useful determinations. In addition, when a visitor arrives, residents are provided with the integrated evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, so residents can know the latest integrated evaluation value. The visitor management device 2 can combine security and convenience by using matching with visitor identification information and evaluation values ​​from residents in combination. Identifying individuals through visitor identification information allows visitors to access their intended destination even if their visit was unscheduled, thus providing greater convenience. [4: Addendum]

[0098] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. [Note 1] An identification information acquisition means for acquiring visitor identification information of visitors to a building, An evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitor by residents of the building, A storage means for storing the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other, A means for providing the visitor identification information and evaluation value stored in association with the aforementioned storage means to another building different from the aforementioned building. A visitor management device equipped with [specific features / features]. [Note 2] The aforementioned identification information acquisition means acquires the visitor's biometric information and obtains the visitor identification information by converting the biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual. The visitor management device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The system further comprises an integration means that generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the evaluation values ​​obtained by the evaluation value acquisition means, each of the evaluation values ​​given by each of the residents to the visitor. The visitor management device described in Appendix 1 or 2. [Note 4] The visitor identification information and evaluation value acquired by the other building are provided by the other building to the means of provision. Inter-building integration means compares visitor identification information provided from the other building with visitor identification information stored in the storage means, estimates the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information stored in the storage means that has successfully matched with the visitor identification information provided from the other building as the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information provided from the other building, and generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the evaluation value 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 means. A visitor management device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, further comprising the following: [Note 5] The building further comprises an in-building providing means that provides the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, stored in the storage means, to a resident of the place the visitor is visiting, who resides in the building. A visitor management device as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 in the appendix. [Note 6] The aforementioned identification information acquisition means acquires the visitor identification information of a returning visitor, The system further includes a restriction means that, based on the aforementioned return visitor identification information, searches the storage means for visitor identification information of the same person as the return visitor among the visitor identification information stored in the storage means, and imposes behavioral restrictions on the return visitor corresponding to the evaluation value associated with the visitor identification information of the same person. A visitor management device as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 in the appendix. [Note 7] We obtain visitor identification information of visitors to the building. The evaluation values ​​of the visitors by the residents of the building are obtained. The visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor are stored in association with each other. Provide the visitor identification information and evaluation value, which are stored in association with each other, to a building different from the aforementioned building. Visitor management methods. [Note 8] On the computer, We obtain visitor identification information of visitors to the building. The evaluation values ​​of the visitors by the residents of the building are obtained. The visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor are stored in association with each other. Provide the visitor identification information and evaluation value, which are stored in association with each other, to a building different from the aforementioned building. A recording medium containing a computer program for implementing visitor management methods.

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

[0100] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate, insofar as it does not contradict the technical idea that can be inferred from the claims and the entire specification. Visitor management devices, visitor management methods, and recording media, with such modifications, are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1,2,3 Visitor Management Device 11,211 Identification Information Acquisition Unit 12,212 Evaluation Value Acquisition Unit 13 Storage section 213 Memory Control Unit 221 Visitor Information 222,322 Integrated Visitor Information 14,214 Providing Department 215 Integration Department 216 Restriction section 20,30 buildings 300,300' Visitor Management System 317 Inter-building provision section 318 Provided part 319 Inter-building integration section 323 Inter-building visitor information

Claims

1. An identification information acquisition means that acquires biometric information of visitors to a building and acquires visitor identification information by converting the biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual, An evaluation value acquisition means for acquiring evaluation values ​​of the visitor by residents of the building, Image acquisition means for acquiring images of at least a portion of the shared areas within the building, An update means for updating the evaluation value based on information indicating the visitor's actions included in the image, A storage means for storing the biometric information of the visitor, the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor, and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor in association with each other. A means for providing the visitor's biometric information, visitor identification information, and evaluation value, which are stored in association with the aforementioned storage means, to another building different from the aforementioned building. A visitor management device equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The system further comprises an integration means that generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the evaluation values ​​obtained by the evaluation value acquisition means, each of the evaluation values ​​given by each of the residents to the visitor. The visitor management device according to claim 1.

3. The visitor identification information and evaluation value acquired by the other building are provided by the other building to the means of provision. Inter-building integration means compares visitor identification information provided from the other building with visitor identification information stored in the storage means, estimates the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information stored in the storage means that has successfully matched with the visitor identification information provided from the other building as the visitor corresponding to the visitor identification information provided from the other building, and generates an integrated evaluation value by integrating the evaluation value 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 means. The visitor management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The building further comprises an in-building providing means that provides the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor, stored in the storage means, to a resident of the place the visitor is visiting, who resides in the building. The visitor management device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned identification information acquisition means acquires the visitor identification information of a returning visitor, The system further includes a restriction means that, based on the aforementioned return visitor identification information, searches the storage means for visitor identification information of the same person as the return visitor among the visitor identification information stored in the storage means, and imposes behavioral restrictions on the return visitor corresponding to the evaluation value associated with the visitor identification information of the same person. The visitor management device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A visitor management method performed by a computer, The system acquires biometric information of visitors to the building, and obtains visitor identification information by converting the biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual. The evaluation values ​​of the visitors by the residents of the building are obtained. An image is obtained of at least a portion of the common area within the building. Based on the information indicating the visitor's behavior included in the aforementioned image, the evaluation value is updated. The biometric information of the visitor, the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor, and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor are stored in a storage means in association with each other. Of the visitor's biometric information, visitor identification information, and evaluation value stored in association with the aforementioned storage means, the visitor identification information and the evaluation value are provided to a building other than the aforementioned building. Visitor management methods.

7. On the computer, The system acquires biometric information of visitors to the building, and obtains visitor identification information by converting the biometric information into information that does not identify a specific individual. The evaluation values ​​of the visitors by the residents of the building are obtained. An image is obtained of at least a portion of the common area within the building. Based on the information indicating the visitor's behavior included in the aforementioned image, the evaluation value is updated. The biometric information of the visitor, the visitor identification information corresponding to the visitor, and the evaluation value corresponding to the visitor are stored in a storage means in association with each other. Of the visitor's biometric information, visitor identification information, and evaluation value stored in association with the aforementioned storage means, the visitor identification information and the evaluation value are provided to a building other than the aforementioned building. A computer program for implementing visitor management procedures.

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