Server device, elevator control device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server apparatus that maintains security when entering a floor of each floor in a multiple dwelling house.SOLUTION: A server apparatus 16 capable of performing communications with an elevator control apparatus 12 that controls operation of an elevator installed in a multiple dwelling house, the server apparatus comprising request reception means 72 for receiving an operation request including an authentication key based on a service number set in association with a service recipient by a service business operator, authentication means 74 for executing authentication for operation of the elevator on the basis of information included in the operation request received by the request reception means 72 and the authentication key, and operation instruction means 84 for transmitting, to the elevator control apparatus 12, operation instructions for movement to a residence floor of the service recipient associated with the authentication key when the authentication for operation succeeds.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, an elevator control device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in facilities such as apartment buildings equipped with security such as auto-lock doors, there is known a system that permits a service provider such as a delivery company to unlock a locked door. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that unlocks a door without remote operation when unlocking of the door is permitted by a user of package delivery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, in a facility with security that restricts entry to each floor in the facility, a service provider who has been permitted to unlock the door and enter the facility cannot enter the floor of the destination while maintaining security, or move between the floors of the destination.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a server device, an elevator control device, and a program capable of maintaining security when a third party such as a service provider enters each floor in a facility such as an apartment building.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A server device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with an elevator control device that controls the operation of an elevator installed in an apartment building, and comprises: a request receiving means that receives an operation request including an authentication key based on a service number set by a service provider and linked to each service recipient; an authentication means that performs authentication for the operation of the elevator based on the information contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means and the authentication key; and an operation instruction means that, when authentication for operation is successful, transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key.

[0007] In the server device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation instruction means transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device that prevents the elevator from moving to a floor other than the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the authentication key, when authentication for operation is successful.

[0008] A server device according to a third aspect of the present invention is capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of a door installed at the entrance of an apartment building, and comprises a request receiving means that receives a request to unlock the door including a service number, and an authentication means that performs authentication for unlocking the door based on the information contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means and the service number, and a key acquisition means that obtains an authentication key based on the service number when the authentication for unlocking the door is successful, and a key notification means that notifies the service provider of the authentication key obtained by the key acquisition means.

[0009] In the server device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the key acquisition means acquires a part of the service number as an authentication key.

[0010] A server device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is capable of communicating with multiple delivery boxes installed in an apartment building as shared facilities shared by service recipients who are residents of the apartment building, and includes a reservation means for reserving a delivery box installed on the floor where the service recipient resides, linked to a service number, when authentication for unlocking the door is successful.

[0011] In the server device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the service number includes the tracking number for the package.

[0012] An elevator control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an elevator control device that controls the operation of an elevator installed in an apartment building and is capable of communicating with a server device, and comprises: acquisition means for acquiring an authentication key based on a service number set by a service provider and linked to each service recipient; request means for transmitting an operation request including the authentication key to the server device; and control means for controlling the operation of the elevator to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key when an operation instruction is received from the server device.

[0013] The program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer capable of communicating with an elevator control device that controls the operation of an elevator installed in an apartment building to function as a request receiving means that receives an operation request including an authentication key based on a service number set by a service provider to be linked to each service recipient, an authentication means that performs authentication for the operation of the elevator based on the information contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means and the authentication key, and an operation instruction means that, if the authentication for operation is successful, transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key.

[0014] The program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is a program that controls the operation of an elevator installed in an apartment building and causes a computer that can communicate with a server device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring an authentication key based on a service number set by a service provider to be linked to each service recipient, a request means for transmitting an operation request including the authentication key to the server device, and a control means for controlling the operation of the elevator to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key when an operation instruction is received from the server device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain security when a third party such as a service provider enters each floor of a facility such as an apartment house.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each control device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the delivery box shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional means of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a user management table. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a box management table. [Figure 8] In the security system according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing when a delivery company enters an apartment house. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed flow of the reservation process of the delivery box in step SP18 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] In the security system according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing when a delivery company enters each floor of an apartment house by elevator.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] A security system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "this embodiment") is a security system applied in apartment houses such as condominiums, apartments, dormitories, etc., and is for example for a service provider such as a delivery company to maintain security when entering each floor in a facility such as an apartment house.

[0018] Hereinafter, the security system according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and steps in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0019] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the security system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the security system 1 includes one or more door control devices 10, one or more elevator control devices 12, a plurality of delivery boxes 14, a server device 16, a delivery company terminal 18, and a user terminal 20. These devices can communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet or a telephone line.

[0020] The door control device 10 is installed near the entrance of the apartment house M, which is the entrance of the condominium. The door control device 10 controls the locking and unlocking of the automatic locking door 11 installed at the entrance of the apartment house M. Further, the door control device 10 has a pair of intercoms. One intercom in the door control device 10 is installed near the entrance of the apartment house M, and the other intercom in the door control device 10 is installed in each room of the apartment house M.

[0021] A delivery person can use one intercom to communicate with a resident who has an intercom installed on the other side. The resident can then remotely unlock door 11, allowing the delivery person to enter the apartment building M. In this embodiment, the door control device 10 is configured by adding an authentication-based door control function to the intercom's functions. This allows the delivery person to unlock door 11 and enter the apartment building M even when the resident is absent and communication is not possible.

[0022] The elevator control device 12 is installed inside the apartment building M. The elevator control device 12 is installed, for example, on the elevator floor near the entrance of the elevator 13 that provides access to each floor of the apartment building M, or inside the elevator 13 itself. Multiple elevator control devices 12 may be installed on each floor, or one may be installed inside the elevator 13. The elevator control device 12 functions as an input device that receives input from delivery personnel and residents of the apartment building M, performs authentication based on the received information, and controls the operation of the elevator 13.

[0023] The delivery boxes 14 are shared facilities installed in apartment building M as a shared amenity for service recipients who are residents of apartment building M. For example, multiple delivery boxes 14 are provided on each floor as a shared amenity for residents on each floor. The delivery boxes 14 are locker-type facilities into which packages belonging to residents of apartment building M can be deposited. The delivery boxes 14 store and hold packages delivered to apartment building M when the recipient is absent, and act as a proxy for receiving the packages. Furthermore, the delivery boxes 14 store packages sent by residents of apartment building M and hold them until the delivery company receives them, thus acting as a proxy for sending the packages.

[0024] The server device 16 is an information processing device that performs various operations to cause the door control device 10, elevator control device 12, and delivery box 14 to perform their respective functions.

[0025] The server device 16 manages service numbers. A service number is a service-related number assigned to each service recipient by a service provider, such as a delivery company. For example, a service number could be the tracking number, package number, or package code of a package received by a delivery company addressed to a service recipient. In this embodiment, the case where the service number is a tracking number will be described. The tracking number is set by the delivery company when or after they receive the package addressed to the service recipient.

[0026] The server device 16 stores a tracking number as a service number for each service recipient. For example, the server device 16 stores the tracking number received from the user terminal 20, linked to the service recipient's identification information received from the user terminal 20. The service recipient's identification information is information that can identify the service recipient, and includes, for example, the service recipient's room number, floor number, telephone number, date of birth, My Number (a number used to identify a specific individual in administrative procedures), name, user ID, etc.

[0027] The server device 16 uses the tracking number as a service number to perform authentication for unlocking the door 11 of the apartment building M, authentication for operating the elevator 13, and authentication for unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14. Based on these authentication results, the server device 16 determines information to cause the door control device 10, elevator control device 12, and delivery box 14 to perform various operations.

[0028] The delivery company terminal 18 is a communication terminal device operated by the delivery company. The delivery company terminal 18 notifies the sender of the package of the set tracking number through the operation of the delivery company. Examples of the delivery company terminal 18 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, or personal computers.

[0029] User terminal 20 is a communication terminal device operated by a service recipient who is a resident of apartment building M. User terminal 20 receives a tracking number notified by the sender of the package and, through the service recipient's actions, transmits the received tracking number along with the service recipient's identification information to server device 16. Examples of user terminal 20 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, or personal computers.

[0030] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each control device 10, 12 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, each control device 10, 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, memory 22, communication device 23, display device 24, input device 25, communication device 26, camera 27, light source 28, locking mechanism 29, and power supply 30.

[0031] The CPU 21 controls various components, such as the camera 27 and the light source 28.

[0032] Memory 22 stores, for example, various programs necessary for executing processes in each control unit 10, 12.

[0033] The communication device 23 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication device 23 sends and receives various information with the server device 16.

[0034] The display device 24 displays, for example, information indicating the person being called, and various information transmitted from the server device 16.

[0035] The input device 25 accepts input from operators such as delivery personnel or service recipients who are residents of apartment building M.

[0036] The communication device 26 has a speaker and microphone, etc., for enabling communication with a master unit installed in a room of the apartment building M. The communication device 26 is configured to communicate with, for example, the resident of the room whose room number has been received by the input device 25.

[0037] Camera 27 captures images in front of each control device 10, 12.

[0038] The light source 28 is, for example, a diode or a lamp, and its emission is controlled by the CPU 21.

[0039] The locking mechanism 29 is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the doors 11 of the apartment building M and the doors of the elevator 13.

[0040] The power supply 30 supplies power to the CPU 21, memory 22, etc. A battery is one example of a power supply 30.

[0041] Each of the functional means of each control device 10, 12, described later, is realized by executing a program stored in the memory 22 under the control of the CPU 21, thereby operating the various configurations provided by each of the control devices 10, 12.

[0042] Note that Figure 2 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of each control device 10, 12, and each control device 10, 12 may have other configurations. Also, in this embodiment, the hardware configuration of the door control device 10 and the elevator control device 12 are described similarly, but are not limited to this. For example, the elevator control device 12 may not have a communication device 26, a camera 27, a locking mechanism 29, etc.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the delivery box 14 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the delivery box 14 includes a CPU 31, memory 32, communication device 33, display device 34, input device 35, camera 36, ​​light source 37, locking mechanism 38, and power supply 39.

[0044] The CPU 31 controls various components, such as the camera 36 and the light source 37.

[0045] Memory 32 stores, for example, the unique box ID of the delivery box 14 and various programs necessary for executing processes in the delivery box 14.

[0046] The communication device 33 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication device 33 sends and receives various information with the server device 16.

[0047] The display device 34 displays, for example, various information transmitted from the server device 16.

[0048] The input device 35 accepts input from operators such as delivery personnel or service recipients who are residents of the apartment complex M.

[0049] Camera 36 photographs the area in front of the delivery box 14.

[0050] The light source 37 is, for example, a diode or a lamp, and its emission is controlled by the CPU 31.

[0051] The locking mechanism 38 is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14.

[0052] The power supply 39 supplies power to the CPU 31, memory 32, etc. A battery is one example of a power supply 39.

[0053] Each of the functions of the delivery box 14, described later, is realized by executing a program stored in the memory 32 under the control of the CPU 31, thereby operating the various configurations provided by the delivery box 14.

[0054] Note that Figure 3 only shows some of the main hardware components of the delivery box 14, and the delivery box 14 may have other components. For example, it may be equipped with a measuring device to measure the weight and volume of packages placed in the delivery box 14, or an infrared sensor to detect packages placed in the delivery box 14.

[0055] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 16 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the server device 16 comprises a control device 40, a communication device 41, and a storage device 42.

[0056] The control device 40 mainly consists of a CPU 43 and a memory 44. The CPU 43 controls various configurations of the server device 16. The memory 44 stores, for example, various programs necessary for executing processing in the server device 16.

[0057] The communication device 41 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. The communication device 41 sends and receives various types of information with, for example, a delivery service terminal 18, a user terminal 20, a door control device 10, an elevator control device 12, or a delivery box 14.

[0058] The storage device 42 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The storage device 42 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 40, as well as information on the processing results.

[0059] Each of the functional means of the server device 16, described later, is realized by executing a program stored in the memory 44 or storage device 42 under the control of the CPU 43, thereby operating the various configurations provided by the server device 16.

[0060] The server device 16 can be implemented using a dedicated or general-purpose server computer or other information processing device. Furthermore, the server device 16 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed across the communication network NT. Also, Figure 4 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 16; the server device 16 may have other configurations typical of a server. Additionally, the hardware configuration of the delivery service terminal 18 and the user terminal 20 may be similar to that of the server device 16, except for, for example, the inclusion of operating means and display devices.

[0061] <Function means> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional means of the security system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the door control device 10 in the security system 1 includes, as functional means, an acquisition means 46, a request means 48, a control means 50, and a display means 52.

[0062] The acquisition means 46 has the function of acquiring a tracking number as a service number that has been set by the delivery company and linked to each service recipient. The acquisition means 46 acquires the tracking number, for example, by having the delivery company input the tracking number into the input device 25, or by reading the code indicating the tracking number presented by the delivery company by taking a picture with the camera 27. The acquisition means 46 outputs the acquired tracking number to the request means 48.

[0063] The requesting means 48 has the function of transmitting an unlocking request, which includes the tracking number obtained by the acquisition means 46, to the server device 16. The unlocking request transmitted from the requesting means 48 to the server device 16 is a request to unlock the door 11 of the apartment building M and enter the apartment building M.

[0064] The control means 50 has the function of automatically unlocking the door 11 by controlling the locking mechanism 29 of the door control device 10 when it receives an unlocking instruction from the server device 16. After unlocking, the control means 50 opens and closes the door 11 and then automatically locks it.

[0065] The display means 52 has the function of displaying information transmitted from the server device 16 as needed. For example, the display means 52 displays information indicating the result of authentication for unlocking the door 11. The display means 52 also displays information indicating that the reservation for the delivery box 14 has been completed, or information instructing the delivery person to drop off the package on the floor where the reserved delivery box 14 is located, when the reservation for the delivery box 14 is not possible. The display means 52 also displays information indicating that the reservation for the delivery box 14 is not possible when the reservation cannot be made.

[0066] Furthermore, the display means 52 displays a Schottky as the authentication key transmitted from the server device 16 when authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful, and notifies the delivery person of the Schottky. The Schottky is an authentication key used by the delivery person who has entered the apartment building M to use the equipment installed inside the apartment building M when authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful. Specifically, it is used for authentication to operate the elevator 13 and for authentication to unlock the delivery box 14. The Schottky is based on a service number, and is, for example, a number that includes part of the service number. In this embodiment, the Schottky is the last four digits of the tracking number, which is the service number. Note that the Schottky may be the service number itself.

[0067] The elevator control device 12 in the security system 1 includes, as functional means, an acquisition means 54, a request means 56, a control means 58, and a display means 60.

[0068] The acquisition means 54 has the function of acquiring a Schottky key as an authentication key. The acquisition means 54 acquires the Schottky key, for example, by input from a delivery person to the input device 25. The acquisition means 54 outputs the acquired information to the request means 56.

[0069] The requesting means 56 has the function of transmitting an operation request, including a Schottky key acquired by the acquisition means 54, to the server device 16. The operation request transmitted from the requesting means 56 to the server device 16 is a request to operate the elevator 13.

[0070] The control means 58 has the function of controlling the operation of the elevator 13 to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the Schottky key acquired by the acquisition means 54 when it receives an operation instruction from the server device 16. In addition, the control means 58 controls the operation of the elevator 13 in accordance with the operation instruction from the server device 16 so as not to move to any floor other than the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the Schottky key. The control means 58 transmits information indicating the operation instruction received from the server device 16 to the control panel of the elevator 13, and the control panel of the elevator 13 controls the elevator 13 to operate in accordance with the operation instruction.

[0071] The display means 60 has the function of displaying information transmitted from the server device 16 as needed. For example, the display means 60 displays information indicating the result of authentication for the operation of the elevator 13. The display means 60 also displays information based on the operation instructions transmitted from the server device 16, such as the residential floor number transmitted as the destination of the elevator 13.

[0072] The delivery box 14 in the security system 1 includes, as functional means, an acquisition means 62, a request means 64, a control means 66, and a display means 68.

[0073] The acquisition means 62 has the function of acquiring a Schottky key as an authentication key. The acquisition means 62 acquires the Schottky key, for example, by input from a delivery person to the input device 35. The acquisition means 62 outputs the acquired information to the request means 64.

[0074] The requesting means 64 has the function of transmitting an unlocking request, including the Schott key acquired by the acquisition means 62, to the server device 16. The unlocking request transmitted from the requesting means 64 to the server device 16 is a request to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14.

[0075] The control means 66 has the function of automatically unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14 by controlling the locking mechanism 38 of the delivery box 14 when it receives an unlocking instruction from the server device 16. In addition, the control means 66 controls the locking mechanism 38 to automatically lock the lid of the delivery box 14 when the lid of the delivery box 14 is closed.

[0076] The display means 68 displays information transmitted from the server device 16 as needed. For example, the display means 68 displays information indicating the authentication result for unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14. In addition, when an unlocking instruction for the delivery box 14 is transmitted from the server device 16, the display means 68 displays the box ID of the delivery box 14 to which the unlocking instruction was given.

[0077] The server device 16 in security system 1 includes, as functional means, a storage means 70, a request receiving means 72, an authentication means 74, a reservation means 76, a key acquisition means 78, a key notification means 80, a door unlock instruction means 82, an operation instruction means 84, and a lid unlock instruction means 86.

[0078] The storage means 70 has the function of storing a service number set by the delivery company and identification information of a service recipient that is different from the said service number, for each service recipient. Specifically, the storage means 70 stores a user management table 90 and a box management table 92.

[0079] Figure 6 shows an example of a user management table 90. As shown in Figure 6, the user management table 90 stores, for each service recipient, a user ID, a tracking number as a service number, a shot key as an authentication key, a room number as identification information for the service recipient, and a reserved box ID indicating the box ID of the reserved delivery box 14, all linked together.

[0080] The storage means 70 stores, for example, the tracking number and room number received in advance from the user terminal 20, linked to the user ID. The storage means 70 also stores, for example, the shot key obtained by the key acquisition means 78 (described later), linked to the tracking number. The storage means 70 also stores the box ID of the delivery box 14 reserved by the reservation means 76 (described later), linked to the tracking number, as a "reserved box ID". If there are multiple different tracking numbers linked to the same service recipient, the storage means 70 stores the same user ID and the same room number linked to each tracking number.

[0081] Figure 7 shows an example of a box management table 92. As shown in Figure 7, the box management table 92 stores information such as room number, floor number, box ID of the delivery box 14, and whether or not the delivery box 14 is reserved, all linked together. The floor number indicates the floor on which the room indicated by the room number is located, and represents the floor on which the service recipient resides. The floor number, along with the room number, is pre-stored in the box management table 92 by the designer or other relevant personnel. As shown in the box management table 92, the storage means 70 stores the box ID of the delivery box 14 in correspondence with the identification information of the service recipient, such as the floor number and room number. This storage allows, for example, multiple delivery boxes 14 installed on the same floor to be managed so that they can be shared by multiple service recipients on that floor.

[0082] In the box management table 92, "information indicating whether a reservation exists" refers to information indicating whether a reservation has been made for the delivery box 14. For example, "1" is stored if a reservation has been made, and "0" is stored if no reservation has been made.

[0083] Furthermore, the storage means 70 may have, in addition to or instead of, the box management table 92 shown in Figure 7, a box management table for managing multiple delivery boxes 14 that can be used regardless of the floor of residence. Such multiple delivery boxes 14 that can be used regardless of the floor of residence may be installed in common facilities such as the lobby or common floors of an apartment building M.

[0084] Returning to Figure 5, the request receiving means 72 has the function of receiving requests from each control device 10, 12 and the delivery box 14. For example, the request receiving means 72 receives an unlocking request from the door control device 10, which includes a tracking number as the service number, as a request for unlocking the door 11. The request receiving means 72 also receives an operation request from the elevator control device 12, which includes a Schott key as the authentication key, as a request for operating the elevator 13.

[0085] Furthermore, the request receiving means 72 receives an unlocking request from the delivery box 14, which includes a Schott key as an authentication key, as a request to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14. When the request receiving means 72 receives a request from each control device 10, 12 or the delivery box 14, it outputs the information contained in the request to the authentication means 74.

[0086] The authentication means 74 has the function of performing various authentications based on the information output from the request receiving means 72 and the information stored in the storage means 70.

[0087] For example, the authentication means 74 performs authentication for unlocking the door 11 based on the information contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means 72 and the tracking number, which is a service number associated with each service recipient. More specifically, the authentication means 74 determines whether there is a tracking number in the user management table 90 that matches the tracking number contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means 72. If the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication was successful, it determines that the authentication was unsuccessful if it determines that the authentication was unsuccessful. The authentication means 74 outputs the result of the authentication to the reservation means 76, the key acquisition means 78, and the door unlocking instruction means 82. The authentication means 74 also transmits the result of the authentication to the door control device 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the authentication means 74 performs authentication for the operation of the elevator 13 based on the information contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means 72 and the Schottky authentication key associated with each service recipient. More specifically, the authentication means 74 determines whether there is a Schottky among those stored in the user management table 90 that matches the Schottky contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means 72. If the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication was successful, it determines that the authentication was unsuccessful if it determines that the authentication was unsuccessful. The authentication means 74 outputs the result of the authentication to the operation instruction means 84. The authentication means 74 also transmits the result of the authentication to the elevator control device 12.

[0089] Furthermore, the authentication means 74 performs authentication for unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14 based on the information contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means 72 and the Schottky authentication key associated with each service recipient. More specifically, the authentication means 74 determines whether there is a Schottky among those stored in the user management table 90 that matches the Schottky contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means 72. If the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication was successful, it determines that the authentication was unsuccessful if it determines that the authentication was unsuccessful. The authentication means 74 outputs the result of the authentication to the lid unlocking instruction means 86. The authentication means 74 also transmits the result of the authentication to the delivery box 14.

[0090] The reservation means 76 has the function of reserving a delivery box 14 located on the service recipient's residential floor, linked to a tracking number, when authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful by the authentication means 74. The reservation means 76 identifies the delivery box 14 located on the service recipient's residential floor, linked to the tracking number used for authentication, from among multiple delivery boxes 14, and reserves the delivery box 14 as the destination for the package indicated by the tracking number.

[0091] For example, if authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful, the reservation means 76 obtains the room number as the identification information of the service recipient corresponding to the tracking number used for authentication, and reserves a delivery box 14 located on the floor where the room with that room number is located, as the delivery box 14 corresponding to the obtained room number.

[0092] Furthermore, the reservation means 76 determines whether or not there is a reserved delivery box 14 corresponding to the acquired room number. If the reservation means 76 determines that the determination is positive, it reserves the reserved delivery box 14 again; if the determination is negative, it reserves an unreserved delivery box 14. Duplicate reservation of a delivery box 14 means registering a delivery box 14 with the same box ID and linking it to multiple different tracking numbers.

[0093] More specifically, first, the reservation means 76 refers to the user management table 90 and identifies the room number associated with the tracking number used for authentication to unlock the door 11, thereby obtaining the room number as identification information for the service recipient. Next, the reservation means 76 refers to the user management table 90 and determines whether or not a "reserved box ID" exists that is associated with the room number obtained as identification information for the service recipient. For example, if the obtained room number is "302", the reservation means 76 refers to all the "reserved box ID" columns associated with the room number "302" and determines whether or not a stored box ID exists.

[0094] If the reservation means 76 determines that a stored box ID exists, that is, if a reserved delivery box 14 already exists for a service recipient with the same room number, it identifies the stored box ID as the box ID of the delivery box 14 to be reserved. The reservation means 76 then stores the identified box ID in the "Reserved Box ID" column in the user management table 90, linked to the tracking number used for authentication to unlock the door 11. In this case, the reservation means 76 keeps "1" stored in the "Reservation Status" column in the box management table 92 for the identified box ID. In this way, the reservation means 76 makes duplicate reservations for already reserved delivery boxes 14, allowing multiple different packages to be delivered together to the same delivery box 14 for service recipients with the same room number.

[0095] Furthermore, if the reservation means 76 determines that the stored box ID does not exist, that is, if there is no reserved delivery box 14 for the service recipient with the same room number, it reserves an unreserved delivery box 14. For example, the reservation means 76 refers to the box management table 92 and identifies a box ID from among several box IDs associated with the room number obtained as identification information that has "0" in the "Reserved" column. Then, in the user management table 90, the reservation means 76 stores the identified box ID in the "Reserved Box ID" column, linked to the tracking number used for authentication to unlock the door 11. Furthermore, the reservation means 76 stores "1" in the "Reserved" column in the box management table 92 for the identified box ID.

[0096] Furthermore, if a delivery box 14 has already been reserved for a service recipient with the same room number, the reservation means 76 may determine whether or not there is an available delivery box 14 in that reserved delivery box 14, and then decide whether or not to make a duplicate reservation. In this case, if the reservation means 76 determines that the determination is positive, it will make a duplicate reservation for the reserved delivery box 14; if the determination is negative, it will not make a duplicate reservation.

[0097] Having space in the delivery box 14 means, for example, that there is space to store items other than those already stored in the delivery box 14. Whether or not there is space in the delivery box 14 is determined based on, for example, the availability information of the delivery box 14 transmitted from the delivery box 14 to the server device 16. The availability information of the delivery box 14 may also be obtained based on information acquired by, for example, a measuring device that measures the weight and volume of packages placed in the delivery box 14, or an infrared sensor that detects such packages.

[0098] Furthermore, the reservation means 76 cancels the reservation of the delivery box 14 if a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation of the delivery box 14. For example, the reservation means 76 determines whether or not a request to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14 has been received by the request receiving means 72 between the time the delivery box 14 is reserved and the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is, for example, the time that is expected to be required from the time the delivery box 14 is reserved until the person reaches the reserved delivery box 14, and can be set to, for example, several minutes to several tens of minutes. If the reservation means 76 determines that the determination is positive, it does not cancel the reservation of the delivery box 14, and if the determination is negative, it cancels the reservation of the delivery box 14. That is, if the determination is negative, it deletes the corresponding box ID from the "Reserved Box ID" column in the user management table 90 and stores "0" in the "Reservation Status" column in the box management table 92 for the corresponding box ID.

[0099] Furthermore, reservation means 76 may cancel the reservation for a delivery box 14 if the resident retrieves the package from the delivery box 14 after the package has been delivered by the delivery company. In this case, for the delivery box 14 where the package has been received, the corresponding box ID is deleted from the "Reserved Box ID" column in the user management table 90, and "0" is stored in the "Reservation Status" column in the box management table 92 for the corresponding box ID.

[0100] When the reservation means 76 completes the reservation of the delivery box 14, it transmits information to the door control device 10 indicating that the reservation has been completed. In addition, if the reservation means 76 is unable to reserve the delivery box 14, it transmits information to the door control device 10 indicating that fact.

[0101] The key acquisition means 78 has the function of acquiring a shot key as an authentication key based on the service number when authentication for unlocking the door 11 by the authentication means 74 is successful. The key acquisition means 78 acquires, for example, a part of the service number as a shot key. In this embodiment, the key acquisition means 78 acquires the last four digits of the tracking number, which is received as a service number by the request receiving means 72, by reading the last four digits of the tracking number, and acquires the last four digits as a shot key.

[0102] Furthermore, the key acquisition means 78 may determine whether multiple identical Schott keys are valid and, based on the determination result, acquire the Schott key again. Multiple identical Schott keys are valid when, for example, the request receiving means 72 receives multiple unlocking requests at the same time, and the Schott keys acquired based on the service number included in each unlocking request are the same. In this embodiment, "at the same time" means that the timing at which the request receiving means 72 receives requests to unlock the door 11 is the same, and can be set, for example, as a predetermined time range (a few minutes to several tens of minutes, etc.) that includes the time when the request receiving means 72 receives the request.

[0103] If the key acquisition means 78 determines that the determination is positive, it acquires the Schottky again. A positive determination occurs, for example, when different delivery companies make authentication requests at the same time that include tracking numbers with the same last four digits. In this case, if the last four digits of the tracking number are acquired as the Schottky, authentication requests using the same numbers as the Schottky may be made by different delivery companies at the same time, potentially preventing proper authentication. Therefore, the key acquisition means 78 acquires a different number included in the tracking number as the Schottky, rather than the last four digits. For example, the key acquisition means 78 acquires all digits of the tracking number, i.e., the tracking number itself, as the Schottky. This allows for proper authentication using the Schottky.

[0104] Furthermore, if the key acquisition means 78 determines that the determination is negative, it does not acquire the Schott key again. In other words, in this case, the Schott key acquired by the key acquisition means 78 remains the last four digits of the tracking number, which was the Schott key acquired initially. The key acquisition means 78 outputs the acquired Schott key to the key notification means 80.

[0105] The key notification means 80 has the function of notifying the delivery person of the shot key acquired by the key acquisition means 78. For example, the key notification means 80 transmits the shot key acquired by the key acquisition means 78 to the door control device 10. The shot key is then displayed by the display means 52 of the door control device 10, thereby notifying the delivery person who is in front of the door control device 10 of the shot key. In this way, the key notification means 80 notifies the delivery person of the shot key via the door control device 10. Alternatively, the key notification means 80 may transmit the shot key to, for example, the delivery person's terminal 18 instead of the door control device 10, thereby notifying the delivery person of the shot key via the delivery person's terminal 18.

[0106] The door unlocking instruction means 82 has the function of transmitting an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 to unlock the door 11 when authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful by the authentication means 74 and the reservation of the delivery box 14 by the reservation means 76 is completed.

[0107] The operation instruction means 84 has the function of transmitting an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12 to move to the residential floor of the service recipient, which is linked to the Schott key as the authentication key, when authentication for operation by the authentication means 74 is successful. The operation instruction includes, for example, an instruction to open the doors of the elevator 13, an instruction to start the movement of the elevator 13, or an instruction to move the elevator 13 to its destination.

[0108] The operation instruction means 84 determines the operation instruction based on the result of authentication for operation by the authentication means 74. For example, if authentication for operation by the authentication means 74 is successful, the operation instruction means 84 refers to the user management table 90 to identify the room number associated with the shortcut key used for authentication. Then, the operation instruction means 84 refers to the box management table 92 to determine the residential floor associated with the identified room number as the instruction for the elevator 13 to move to.

[0109] Furthermore, if authentication for operation by the authentication means 74 is successful, the operation instruction means 84 transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12 that prevents the elevator from moving to any floor other than the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the Schottky authentication key. An operation instruction that prevents the elevator from moving to any floor other than the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the Schottky means, for example, that even if a delivery person presses a destination button indicating a floor other than the service recipient's residential floor inside the elevator 13, the elevator will be prohibited from moving to the floor indicated by that destination button. In other words, if authentication is successful, the operation instruction means 84 transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12 that causes the elevator 13 to stop only on the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the Schottky.

[0110] The lid unlocking instruction means 86 has the function of sending an unlocking instruction to the delivery box 14 to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14 when authentication for unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14 is successful by the authentication means 74. The lid unlocking instruction means 86 refers to the user management table 90 and obtains the "reserved box ID" associated with the shot key used for authentication for unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14. Then, the lid unlocking instruction means 86 sends an instruction to the delivery box 14 to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14 with the obtained box ID. If there are no reserved delivery boxes 14, the lid unlocking instruction means 86 may identify any delivery box 14 from among the unreserved delivery boxes 14 and send an instruction to the delivery box 14 to unlock the lid of that delivery box 14.

[0111] <Processing flow> Next, with reference to Figures 8 to 10, an example of the processing flow when a delivery company uses the security system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the content and order of the following processing can be changed as appropriate.

[0112] <Procedures for entering apartment building M> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow when a delivery person enters an apartment building M in the security system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] (Step SP10) The acquisition means 46 of the door control device 10 controls the camera 27 to photograph the code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) presented by the delivery person. Subsequently, the acquisition means 46 analyzes the photographed code and obtains a tracking number as a service number. In this case, for example, if the delivery person has multiple packages, the delivery person will present multiple codes indicating the tracking number associated with each package. The acquisition means 46 photographs each of these codes and analyzes each photographed code to obtain multiple tracking numbers associated with each package. Then, the process moves on to the process of step SP12.

[0114] (Step SP12) The request means 48 of the door control device 10 sends an unlocking request to the server device 16, which includes the tracking number obtained in step SP10. If multiple tracking numbers are obtained in the processing of step SP10, multiple unlocking requests including each tracking number are sent to the server device 16. Then, the process proceeds to the processing of step SP14.

[0115] (Step SP14) The request receiving means 72 of the server device 16 receives the unlocking request sent in step SP12. In response, the authentication means 74 of the server device 16 determines whether there is a tracking number in the user management table 90 that matches the tracking number included in the reservation request, as authentication for unlocking the door 11. If multiple unlocking requests are sent in the processing of step SP12, the authentication is performed for each unlocking request. Then, the process proceeds to the processing of step SP16.

[0116] (Step SP16) The authentication means 74 of the server device 16 determines whether the authentication performed in step SP14 was successful. If the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication was successful, it determines that the authentication was successful. In this case, the authentication means 74 transmits information indicating that the authentication was successful to the door control device 10, and the process proceeds to the process in step SP18. In response to the transmission of information indicating that the authentication was successful to the door control device 10, the display means 52 of the door control device 10 displays the information.

[0117] Furthermore, if the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication has failed, it determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication means 74 transmits authentication error information indicating that authentication has failed to the door control device 10, and the series of processes shown in Figure 8 ends. In response to the transmission of the authentication error information to the door control device 10, the display means 52 of the door control device 10 displays the authentication error information.

[0118] (Step SP18) The reservation means 76 of the server device 16 reserves a delivery box 14 located on the floor where the service recipient lives, which is associated with the authentication key used in the authentication performed in step SP14. In this case, if there are multiple authentication keys, each delivery box 14 located on the floor where the service recipient lives, which is associated with each authentication key, is reserved. In other words, reservations for multiple delivery boxes 14 for multiple packages are made at once. This allows the user to enter the apartment building M by unlocking the door 11 through the process in step SP34, which will be described later, after the reservations for multiple delivery boxes 14 for multiple packages have been made at once. The detailed flow of the delivery box 14 reservation process by the reservation means 76 will be described later with reference to Figure 9. When the reservation of a delivery box 14 is complete, the reservation means 76 transmits information indicating that the reservation of the delivery box 14 has been completed to the door control device 10. In response to the transmission of information indicating that the reservation of the delivery box 14 has been completed to the door control device 10, the display means 52 of the door control device 10 displays the information. Then, the process moves on to the process in step SP20.

[0119] (Step SP20) The key acquisition means 78 of the server device 16 reads the last four digits of the tracking number included in the unlocking request received in step SP14 and acquires these last four digits as a Schott key. In this case, if there are multiple tracking numbers that are affirmed in step SP16, the last four digits of each tracking number are acquired as a Schott key. In other words, multiple Schott keys used for authentication of each device installed in the apartment building M are acquired together for each tracking number. Then, the process moves on to step SP22.

[0120] (Step SP22) The key acquisition means 78 determines whether multiple identical Schott keys are valid. Specifically, when the processes of steps SP10 to SP20 are performed for each of the different delivery companies that attempted to enter the apartment building M at the same time, the key acquisition means 78 determines whether multiple identical Schott keys exist among those acquired in the process of each step SP20. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the process of step SP24. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to the process of step SP26.

[0121] (Step SP24) The key acquisition means 78 of the server device 16 acquires the Schott key again. For example, the key acquisition means 78 acquires the tracking number itself as the Schott key, rather than the last four digits of the tracking number. Then, the process moves on to the process of step SP28.

[0122] (Step SP26) The key acquisition means 78 of the server device 16 does not acquire the Schott key again. That is, the key acquisition means 78 uses the Schott key acquired in step SP20 as the last four digits of the tracking number. Then, the process proceeds to the process in step SP28.

[0123] (Step SP28) The key notification means 80 of the server device 16 transmits the Schottky key acquired in step SP24 or step SP26 to the door control device 10 and notifies the delivery person on the door control device 10 side of the Schottky key.

[0124] (Step SP30) The display means 52 of the door control device 10 displays the Schottky key transmitted in step SP28. This allows the delivery person to recognize the Schottky key used for authentication to operate the elevator 13 and to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14. If multiple Schottky keys are obtained in step SP20, each Schottky key is displayed. This allows the delivery person to recognize all the Schottky keys associated with the tracking numbers linked to each of the multiple packages. The process then proceeds to step SP32.

[0125] (Step SP32) The door unlock instruction means 82 of the server device 16 transmits an unlock instruction to the door control device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0126] (Step SP34) The control means 50 of the door control device 10 controls the locking mechanism 29 to unlock the door 11. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 8 is completed.

[0127] If a customer has multiple packages delivered by different courier companies, the process from steps SP10 to SP30 may be repeated for each package before proceeding to steps SP32 and beyond.

[0128] <Details of the reservation process for delivery box 14> Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the detailed flow of the reservation process for the delivery box 14 in step SP18 of Figure 8. Referring to Figure 9, an example of the detailed flow of the reservation process for the delivery box 14 will be explained.

[0129] (Step SP1810) The reservation means 76 of the server device 16 obtains the room number associated with the tracking number used for authentication in step SP16 and determines whether or not there is a reserved delivery box 14 associated with that room number. Specifically, the reservation means 76 refers to the user management table 90 and identifies the room number associated with the tracking number used for authentication. Next, the reservation means 76 refers to the "reserved box ID" column associated with the identified room number and determines whether or not a stored box ID exists. If the determination is affirmative, the reservation means 76 identifies the stored box ID, and the process proceeds to step SP1812. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP1816.

[0130] (Step SP1812) The reservation means 76 determines whether or not there is an available delivery box 14 with the box ID identified in step SP1810. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP1814. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP1816.

[0131] (Step SP1814) The reservation means 76 makes a duplicate reservation for the delivery box 14 with the box ID identified in step SP1810. Specifically, the reservation means 76 stores the box ID identified in step SP1810 in the "Reserved Box ID" column of the user management table 90, linked to the tracking number used for authentication in step SP14. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 9 is completed.

[0132] (Step SP1816) The reservation means 76 refers to the box management table 92 and identifies the box IDs whose "Reservation Status" column is "0" from among the multiple box IDs associated with the room number obtained in step SP1810. Then, in the user management table 90, the reservation means 76 stores the identified box ID in the "Reserved Box ID" column, associated with the tracking number used for authentication in step SP14. Subsequently, the reservation means 76 stores "1" in the "Reservation Status" column of the box management table 92 for the identified box ID. The reservation means 76 may identify and reserve multiple box IDs if necessary, for example, depending on the volume of the delivered package. The series of processes shown in Figure 9 is then completed.

[0133] <Control processing when entering each floor using elevator 13> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow when a delivery person enters each floor of the apartment building M via elevator 13 in the security system 1 according to this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 10 starts, for example, following the processing of step SP34 in Figure 8.

[0134] (Step SP36) The acquisition means 54 of the elevator control device 12 obtains a Schottky key as an authentication key upon input to the delivery person's input device 25. Then, the process proceeds to step SP38.

[0135] (Step SP38) The request means 56 of the elevator control device 12 sends an operation request, including the Schottky key obtained in step SP36, to the server device 16. Then, the process proceeds to the process in step SP40.

[0136] (Step SP40) The request receiving means 72 of the server device 16 receives the operation request sent in step SP38. In response, the authentication means 74 of the server device 16 determines whether there is a Schottky key in the user management table 90 that matches the Schottky key included in the operation request, as authentication for the operation of the elevator 13. Then, the process proceeds to the process in step SP42.

[0137] (Step SP42) The authentication means 74 of the server device 16 determines whether the authentication performed in step SP40 was successful. If the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication was successful, it determines that the authentication was successful. In this case, the authentication means 74 transmits information indicating that the authentication was successful to the elevator control device 12, and the process proceeds to the process in step SP44. In response to the transmission of information indicating that the authentication was successful to the elevator control device 12, the display means 60 of the elevator control device 12 displays the information.

[0138] Furthermore, if the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication has failed, it determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication means 74 transmits authentication error information indicating that authentication has failed to the elevator control device 12, and the series of processes shown in Figure 10 ends. In response to the transmission of the authentication error information to the elevator control device 12, the display means 60 of the elevator control device 12 displays the error information.

[0139] (Step SP44) The operation instruction means 84 of the server device 16 transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12. For example, the operation instruction means 84 transmits an instruction to the elevator control device 12 to open the doors of the elevator 13 and start the movement of the elevator 13. The operation instruction means 84 also refers to the user management table 90 to identify the room number associated with the shot key used for authentication in step SP40. Next, the operation instruction means 84 refers to the box management table 92 to determine the residential floor associated with the identified room number as the destination for the elevator 13. Then, the operation instruction means 84 transmits the determined residential floor as an instruction for the elevator 13 to move to the elevator control device 12. The process then proceeds to step SP46.

[0140] (Step SP46) The control means 58 of the elevator control device 12 controls the elevator 13 based on the operation instructions transmitted in step SP44. For example, the control means 58 of the elevator control device 12 controls the operation of the elevator 13 via the control panel of the elevator 13 by transmitting the information transmitted from the server device 16 in step SP44 to the control panel of the elevator 13. As a result, the elevator 13 opens its doors and begins to move to the floor indicated by the residential floor number transmitted as the destination instruction in step SP44, that is, the residential floor of the service recipient to whom the package is to be sent. The delivery person can then move to the residential floor of the service recipient to whom the package is to be sent by the elevator 13 controlled in this way, and move in front of the delivery box 14 that will receive the package on behalf of the service recipient. Then the process moves on to the process of step SP48.

[0141] (Step SP48) The means 62 for acquiring the delivery box 14 obtains a Schottky key as an authentication key by inputting it into the input device 35 of the delivery company. Then, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0142] (Step SP50) The request means 64 of the delivery box 14 sends an unlocking request including the Schottky key obtained in step SP48 to the server device 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP52.

[0143] (Step SP52) The request receiving means 72 of the server device 16 receives the unlocking request sent in step SP50. In response, the authentication means 74 of the server device 16 determines whether there is a Schottky key in the user management table 90 that matches the Schottky key included in the unlocking request, as authentication for unlocking the lid of the delivery box 14. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP54.

[0144] (Step SP54) The authentication means 74 of the server device 16 determines whether the authentication performed in step SP52 was successful. If the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication was successful, it determines that the authentication was successful. In this case, the authentication means 74 sends information indicating that the authentication was successful to the delivery box 14, and the process proceeds to step SP56. In response to the transmission of information indicating that the authentication was successful to the delivery box 14, the display means 68 of the delivery box 14 displays the information.

[0145] Furthermore, if the authentication means 74 determines that the authentication has failed, it determines that the authentication has failed. In this case, the authentication means 74 transmits authentication error information indicating that authentication has failed to the delivery box 14, and the series of processes shown in Figure 10 ends. In response to the transmission of the authentication error information to the delivery box 14, the display means 68 of the delivery box 14 displays the error information.

[0146] (Step SP56) The lid unlocking instruction means 86 of the server device 16 sends an unlocking instruction to the delivery box 14. For example, the lid unlocking instruction means 86 refers to the user management table 90 and obtains the "reserved box ID" associated with the shot key used for authentication in the process of step SP52. Subsequently, the lid unlocking instruction means 86 sends an instruction to the delivery box 14 to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14 with the obtained box ID. In response to the transmission of the unlocking instruction to the delivery box 14, the display means 68 of the delivery box 14 displays the box ID of the delivery box 14 to which the unlocking instruction was sent. Then, the process moves on to the process of step SP58.

[0147] (Step SP58) The control means 66 of the delivery box 14 controls the locking mechanism 38 of the reserved delivery box 14 that has been ordered to be unlocked, based on the unlocking instruction transmitted in step SP58, and unlocks the lid of the delivery box 14. This allows the delivery person to open the unlocked lid and place the package into the delivery box 14. Once the lid is closed by the delivery person, the control means 66 controls the locking mechanism 38 to lock the lid of the delivery box 14. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 10 is completed. When the package has been delivered, the delivery box 14 may notify the server device 16 or the user terminal 20 of the completion of the delivery.

[0148] Furthermore, if a delivery company needs to deliver multiple packages addressed to service recipients on different floors, and therefore needs to move between floors, the series of processes shown in Figure 10 are repeated after the packages are delivered in step SP58 to control the delivery company's movement between floors. For example, if a delivery company has packages addressed to a service recipient on the 2nd floor and packages addressed to a service recipient on the 3rd floor, the delivery company first moves to the 2nd floor by performing the series of processes shown in Figure 10 using the Schottky key based on the tracking number of the package addressed to the service recipient on the 2nd floor. Subsequently, the delivery company moves to the 3rd floor by performing the series of processes shown in Figure 10 using the Schottky key based on the tracking number of the package addressed to the service recipient on the 3rd floor. Note that the order of movement is not limited to this; the delivery company may move to the 3rd floor first, and then move from the 3rd floor to the 2nd floor.

[0149] <Effects> As described above, the server device 16 according to this embodiment is a server device 16 capable of communicating with an elevator control device 12 that controls the operation of an elevator 13 installed in an apartment building M, and comprises: a request receiving means 72 that receives operation requests including an authentication key based on a service number set by the service provider and linked to each service recipient; an authentication means 74 that performs authentication for the operation of the elevator 13 based on the information included in the operation request received by the request receiving means 72 and the authentication key; and an operation instruction means 84 that, if the authentication for operation is successful, transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12 to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key. In this configuration, authentication for the operation of elevator 13 installed in apartment building M is performed using an authentication key based on the service number. If the authentication is successful, an operation instruction to move to the floor where the service recipient is located, which is linked to the authentication key, is transmitted to the elevator control device 12. Therefore, when a service provider enters apartment building M, they can move to the floor where the service recipient is located, or move between the desired floors, while maintaining security. Thus, security can be maintained when a third party, such as a service provider, enters each floor of a facility such as apartment building M.

[0150] In the server device 16 according to this embodiment, the operation instruction means 84 transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12 that prevents the elevator from moving to any floor other than the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the authentication key, when authentication for operation is successful. This configuration makes it possible to prevent service providers entering apartment buildings M from entering floors other than the floor where the intended service recipient resides.

[0151] In this embodiment, the server device 16 is capable of communicating with a door control device 10 that controls the locking and unlocking of a door 11 installed at the entrance of an apartment building M. The request receiving means 72 receives an unlocking request for the door 11 including a service number, and the authentication means 74 performs authentication for unlocking the door 11 based on the information included in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means 72 and the service number. If the authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful, the server device 16 includes a key acquisition means 78 that acquires an authentication key based on the service number, and a key notification means 80 that notifies the service provider of the authentication key acquired by the key acquisition means 78. In this configuration, upon successful authentication for unlocking door 11, the authentication key obtained based on the service number is notified to the service provider. Therefore, the service provider can easily recognize the authentication key used for authentication to operate elevator 13.

[0152] In the server device 16 according to this embodiment, the key acquisition means 78 acquires a portion of the service number as an authentication key. With this configuration, by obtaining a part of the service number, such as the last four digits of the tracking number used as the service number, as the authentication key, service providers can easily perform authentication using a simple number that is easy to remember.

[0153] In this embodiment, the server device 16 is capable of communicating with multiple delivery boxes 14 installed within the apartment building M as shared facilities shared by service recipients who are residents of the apartment building M. When authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful, it includes a reservation means 76 for reserving a delivery box 14 installed on the floor where the service recipient resides, which is linked to the service number. With this configuration, if authentication for unlocking door 11 is successful, a delivery box 14 located on the floor where the service recipient resides, linked to the service number, is reserved, so that an appropriate delivery box 14 can be reserved for the service recipient.

[0154] In the server device 16 according to this embodiment, the service number includes the tracking number for the package. With this configuration, if the service provider is a delivery company, they can easily obtain an authentication key based on the tracking number indicated on the QR code or other label attached to the package.

[0155] The elevator control device 12 according to this embodiment controls the operation of an elevator 13 installed in an apartment building M and is capable of communicating with a server device 16, and includes an acquisition means 54 for acquiring an authentication key based on a service number set by a service provider and linked to each service recipient, a request means 56 for transmitting an operation request including the authentication key to the server device 16, and a control means 58 for controlling the operation of the elevator 13 to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key when an operation instruction is received from the server device 16. In this configuration, in response to an operation request including an authentication key sent to the server device 16, if the server device 16 receives an operation instruction as a result of authentication based on the authentication key, the operation of the elevator 13 is controlled to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the authentication key. Therefore, when a service provider enters the apartment building M, they can move to the residential floor of the intended service recipient or move between the intended floors while maintaining security. Thus, security can be maintained when a third party such as a service provider enters each floor of the apartment building M or other facility.

[0156] The program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer capable of communicating with an elevator control device 12 that controls the operation of an elevator 13 installed in an apartment building M to function as a request receiving means 72 that receives operation requests including an authentication key based on a service number set by the service provider to be linked to each service recipient, an authentication means 74 that performs authentication for the operation of the elevator 13 based on the information contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means 72 and the authentication key, and an operation instruction means 84 that, if the authentication for operation is successful, transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device 12 to move to the residential floor of the service recipient linked to the authentication key. With this configuration, similar to the server device 16 according to the above embodiment, security can be maintained when a third party, such as a service provider, enters each floor of a facility such as an apartment building M.

[0157] The program according to this embodiment controls the operation of an elevator 13 installed in an apartment building M, and causes a computer that can communicate with a server device 16 to function as an acquisition means 54 for acquiring an authentication key based on a service number set by the service provider to be associated with each service recipient, a request means 56 for transmitting an operation request including the authentication key to the server device, and a control means 58 for controlling the operation of the elevator 13 to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the authentication key when an operation instruction is received from the server device 16. With this configuration, similar to the door control device 10 according to the above embodiment, security can be maintained when a third party, such as a service provider, enters each floor of a facility such as an apartment building M.

[0158] Furthermore, in the server device 16 according to this embodiment, the key acquisition means 78 determines whether multiple identical Schott keys are valid, and if it determines to be true, it acquires the Schott key again based on the service number. This configuration prevents authentication using the same short key from being performed by multiple different service providers, and ensures that authentication using short keys is performed appropriately.

[0159] Furthermore, in the server device 16 according to this embodiment, when authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful, the reservation means 76 determines whether or not there is a reserved delivery box 14 corresponding to the room number as acquired identification information. If the determination is positive, it reserves the reserved delivery box 14 again, and if the determination is negative, it reserves an unreserved delivery box 14. With this configuration, if authentication for unlocking door 11 is successful, and there is a reserved delivery box 14 corresponding to the room number obtained as identification information, that reserved delivery box 14 will be reserved again. Therefore, for service recipients with the same identification information such as room number, multiple different packages can be delivered together to the same delivery box 14.

[0160] Furthermore, in the server device 16 according to this embodiment, the reservation means 76 cancels the reservation of the delivery box 14 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery box 14 was reserved. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the delivery box 14 from being occupied without being used for a predetermined period of time after it has been reserved.

[0161] Furthermore, the server device 16 according to this embodiment includes a door unlocking instruction means 82 that sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 when authentication for unlocking the door 11 is successful and the reservation of the delivery box 14 by the reservation means 76 is completed. In this configuration, when a service provider arrives at the entrance of apartment building M, they obtain a service number from the door control device 10, and the server device 16 performs authentication to unlock door 11. If the authentication is successful and the reservation of delivery box 14 is completed, door 11 is unlocked. This allows the service provider to enter apartment building M while maintaining security and securing a reservation for delivery box 14, even without the permission of the service recipient who is a resident of apartment building M. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the service provider enters apartment building M and arrives in front of delivery box 14 only to find out that there are no available delivery boxes, and the service provider can respond quickly.

[0162] In this embodiment, the user management table 90 stores room numbers linked to tracking numbers, which are service numbers. The reservation means 76 of the server device 16 refers to this user management table 90 and identifies the room number linked to the tracking number for which authentication was successful. The reservation means 76 then refers to the box management table 92 and identifies and reserves one of the box IDs that is not reserved from among the multiple box IDs linked to the identified room number. With this configuration, the reservation means 76 obtains the room number by identifying the room number stored in the user management table 90, so that the door control device 10 does not need to obtain the room number through input from a delivery company or the like, and can reserve the appropriate delivery box 14 associated with the room number.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the lid unlocking instruction means 86 successfully authenticates a request from a delivery company to unlock the lid of the delivery box 14, it sends an instruction to the delivery box 14 to unlock the reserved lid of the delivery box 14 in response to a request from the delivery company to unlock the door 11. This configuration makes it possible to prevent reserved delivery boxes 14 from being inappropriately used by third parties unrelated to the reservation.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display means 52 of the door control device 10 displays information indicating that a reservation for the delivery box 14 has been completed when the reservation has been completed, and displays information indicating that a reservation for the delivery box 14 cannot be made when the reservation cannot be made. With this configuration, delivery personnel can be notified whether or not a delivery box 14 has been reserved. This allows, for example, if a delivery box 14 installed on a specific floor cannot be reserved, the delivery personnel can quickly take action, such as placing the package in a delivery box 14 located in a common area such as the lobby, which can be used regardless of the floor, without having to go to that floor.

[0165] <Variation> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0166] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the request receiving means 72 receives an operation request for the elevator 13 from the elevator control device 12, but it is not limited to this. The request receiving means 72 may also receive the operation request from other devices, such as the door control device 10 or a PIN code input device (not shown).

[0167] Furthermore, there may be another control device or the like between the elevator control device 12 and the server device 16, and the information transmitted between the elevator control device 12 and the server device 16 may be transmitted to each other via another control device or the like connected between them.

[0168] Furthermore, the server device 16 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a storage means 70. The authentication means 74 of the server device 16 may perform authentication based on information stored in an external storage means or the like, rather than on information stored in the storage means 70.

[0169] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the reservation means 76 obtains the room number as identification information of the service recipient corresponding to the service number, but the identification information of the service recipient obtained by the reservation means 76 may be a user ID, the floor on which the person resides, or the like.

[0170] Furthermore, the reservation means 76 may obtain the service recipient's identification information not by identifying information stored in the user management table 90, but by transmission from the door control device 10 or the like. For example, after the processing of step SP16 in Figure 8 and before the processing of step SP18, the acquisition means 46 of the door control device 10 obtains the service recipient's identification information, such as the room number, from input by the delivery company. Subsequently, the request means 48 of the door control device 10 transmits the identification information to the server device 16. As a result, the reservation means 76 of the server device 16 can obtain the identification information. The reservation means 76 may reserve a delivery box 14 corresponding to the identification information obtained in this way. In this case, the user management table 90 does not need to have the service recipient's identification information, such as the room number, stored in advance.

[0171] Each request transmitted from the door control device 10, elevator control device 12, or delivery box 14 to the server device 16 may include, in addition to a tracking number as a service number and a shot key as an authentication key, identification information of the service recipient, such as a room number. Separately from these requests, identification information of the service recipient, such as a room number, may also be transmitted from the door control device 10, elevator control device 12, or delivery box 14 to the server device 16 at a predetermined timing.

[0172] Furthermore, the reservation means 76 does not necessarily have to determine whether there is a reserved delivery box 14, as in the process of step SP1810 in Figure 9, or whether there is an empty delivery box 14, as in the process of step SP1812 in Figure 9. The reservation means 76 may reserve the delivery box 14 based on the tracking number for which authentication was successful, without performing these determinations.

[0173] Furthermore, the reservation means 76 is not limited to reserving a delivery box 14 corresponding to the service recipient's identification information. For example, it may also reserve a delivery box 14 installed in a common facility such as the lobby or common floor of the apartment building M, which does not correspond to the service recipient's identification information such as a room number. In this case, the reservation means 76 identifies one of the delivery boxes 14 installed in a common facility such as the lobby or common floor of the apartment building M, and reserves the delivery box 14 by registering the identified delivery box 14 in association with a tracking number.

[0174] Furthermore, even if the reservation of the delivery box 14 by the reservation means 76 has not been completed, the door unlock instruction means 82 may send an unlock instruction to the door control device 10 to unlock the door 11 if the authentication means 74 has successfully authenticated the unlocking of the door 11.

[0175] Furthermore, the service number is not limited to the tracking number of the package, but may also be a pre-set password or the like. Also, the shot key used as the authentication key is not limited to the last four digits of the tracking number, but may be any number of digits based on the tracking number. Furthermore, the shot key does not have to be obtained by the key acquisition means 78, nor does it have to be notified to the delivery company from the server device 16. The shot key may be pre-set as, for example, the last four digits of the tracking number, or the pre-set shot key may be notified to the delivery company in advance.

[0176] Furthermore, service providers are not limited to delivery companies; they may also include businesses that provide specified services other than delivery, such as dry cleaners, repair service providers, beverage providers, or food delivery companies. In this case, the service number may be a customer number or the like.

[0177] Furthermore, the operation instructions transmitted from the server device 16 to the elevator control device 12 do not necessarily include instructions for the destination or instructions for opening the elevator doors 13. For example, the destination of the elevator 13 may be set manually by the delivery person, rather than being controlled by the elevator control device 12. Alternatively, the destination may be notified to the delivery person by displaying information indicating the destination of the elevator 13 on the display means 60 of the elevator control device 12. In addition, the opening and closing of the elevator doors 13 may be performed by the delivery person manually operating the open / close buttons.

[0178] Furthermore, the key acquisition means 78 does not necessarily have to determine whether the same Schott key is valid or not.

[0179] Furthermore, the multi-unit dwelling M is not limited to places for daily life such as apartments, dormitories, etc., but may also be a place primarily for work, such as a corporate office or other office space. In other words, the multi-unit dwelling M can be any building used by multiple residents, and its purpose is not restricted.

[0180] <Note> The present invention includes the following caveats. [Note 1] A door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of a door installed at the entrance of an apartment building, multiple delivery boxes installed within the apartment building as shared facilities shared by the service recipients who are residents of the apartment building, and a server device that can communicate with each of them, A storage means for storing a service number set by the service provider for each service recipient, The door control device includes a request receiving means that receives an unlocking request including the service number, An authentication means that performs authentication for unlocking the door based on the information contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means and the information stored in the storage means, If authentication for unlocking the door is successful, a reservation means for reserving the delivery box by identifying one of the multiple delivery boxes based on the service number, A server device equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The reservation means, upon successful authentication for unlocking the door, obtains the identification information of the service recipient corresponding to the service number and reserves the delivery box corresponding to the obtained identification information. The server device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The reservation means, upon successful authentication for unlocking the door, determines whether there is a reserved delivery box corresponding to the acquired identification information. If the determination is positive, it reserves the reserved delivery box again; if the determination is negative, it reserves an unreserved delivery box. The server device described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] The reservation means cancels the reservation of the delivery box if a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation was made. A server device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. [Note 5] The aforementioned service number includes the tracking number for the package. A server device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4. [Note 6] The system includes a door unlocking instruction means that transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device when authentication for unlocking the door is successful and the reservation of the delivery box by the reservation means is completed. A server device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. [Note 7] It is capable of communicating with an elevator control device that controls the operation of an elevator installed in the aforementioned apartment building, The request receiving means receives an operation request from the elevator control device, which includes an authentication key based on the service number. The authentication means performs authentication for the operation of the elevator based on the information included in the operation request received by the request receiving means and the information stored in the storage means. The system includes an operation instruction means that transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device when authentication for the operation of the elevator is successful. A server device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6. [Note 8] When authentication for unlocking the door is successful, a key acquisition means obtains the authentication key based on the service number, The system includes a key notification means for notifying the service provider of the authentication key obtained by the key acquisition means. The server device described in Appendix 7. [Note 9] The key acquisition means acquires a portion of the service number as the authentication key. The server device described in Appendix 8. [Note 10] A door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of a door installed at the entrance of an apartment building and is capable of communicating with a server device, A means of obtaining a service number set by a service provider, A request means for transmitting an unlocking request including the aforementioned service number to the server device, A display means used for using the device installed in the aforementioned apartment building, and which displays the authentication key transmitted from the server device when authentication for unlocking the door is successful, A door control device equipped with the following features. [Note 11] A door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building, multiple delivery boxes installed within the apartment building as shared facilities shared by the service recipients who are residents of the apartment building, and a computer capable of communication with each of them, A storage means for storing a service number set by the service provider for each service recipient. A request receiving means that receives an unlocking request including the service number from the door control device, Authentication means that performs authentication for unlocking the door based on the information contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means and the information stored in the storage means. If authentication for unlocking the door is successful, a reservation means for reserving the delivery box by identifying one of the multiple delivery boxes based on the service number, A program designed to function as such. [Note 12] A computer that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building, and that can communicate with a server device, A means of obtaining a service number set by a service provider. Request means for transmitting an unlocking request including the service number to the server device, A display means used for using a device installed in the aforementioned apartment building, and which displays an authentication key transmitted from the server device when authentication for unlocking the door is successful. A program designed to function as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0181] 10: Door control device, 11: Door, 12: Elevator control device, 13: Elevator, 14: Delivery box, 16: Server device, 46: Acquisition means, 48: Request means, 52: Display means, 70: Storage means, 72: Request acceptance means, 74: Authentication means, 76: Reservation means, 78: Key acquisition means, 80: Key notification means, 82: Door unlock instruction means, 84: Operation instruction means

Claims

1. A server device that can communicate with an elevator control device that controls the operation of an elevator installed in an apartment building, A request receiving means that receives activation requests including a service number set by the service provider and linked to each service recipient, An authentication means that performs authentication for the operation of the elevator based on the information contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means and the service number, If the authentication for the aforementioned operation is successful, the operation instruction means transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the service number, A server device equipped with the following features.

2. The operation instruction means, upon successful authentication for the operation, transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device to prevent the elevator from moving to any floor other than the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the service number. The server device according to claim 1.

3. It is capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of the door installed at the entrance of the aforementioned apartment building, The request receiving means receives a request to unlock the door, including the service number. The authentication means performs authentication for unlocking the door based on the information contained in the unlocking request received by the request receiving means and the service number. The system includes an unlocking instruction means that transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device when authentication for unlocking the door is successful. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It is a shared facility shared by the service recipients who are residents of the aforementioned apartment building, and is capable of communicating with multiple delivery boxes installed within the apartment building. If authentication for unlocking the door is successful, the system includes a reservation means for reserving the delivery box installed on the floor where the service recipient resides, which is linked to the service number. The server device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned service number includes the tracking number for the package. A server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An elevator control device that controls the operation of an elevator installed in an apartment building and is capable of communicating with a server device, A means of obtaining a service number that is linked to each service recipient by the service provider, Request means for transmitting an operation request including the service number to the server device, A control means that controls the operation of the elevator to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the service number when it receives an operation instruction from the server device, An elevator control device equipped with [a specific feature].

7. A computer capable of communicating with an elevator control device that controls the operation of elevators installed in an apartment building, A request receiving means that receives activation requests including a service number set by the service provider and linked to each service recipient. An authentication means that performs authentication for the operation of the elevator based on the information contained in the operation request received by the request receiving means and the service number. If the authentication for the aforementioned operation is successful, an operation instruction means transmits an operation instruction to the elevator control device to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the service number. A program designed to function as such.

8. A computer that controls the operation of elevators installed in an apartment building and can communicate with a server device, A means of obtaining a service number that is linked to each service recipient by the service provider. Request means for transmitting an operation request including the service number to the server device, Control means that, upon receiving an operation instruction from the server device, controls the operation of the elevator to move to the residential floor of the service recipient associated with the service number. A program designed to function as such.

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