Security system

Abstract

To provide a security system that improves a security function when a collection and delivery company unlocks the security of an apartment building, an office building, etc. to deliver packages.SOLUTION: A security system includes a security facility that is provided on the way from the outside of a building to a destination inside and enables passage from the outside of the building to a target location by unlocking the security, and an article receiving device including a storage box body and an operation unit used for depositing and taking out packages in the storage box body. At least the operation unit is positioned outside of the building compared to the security facility, and the security of the security facility is unlocked by using the operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a security system for a building provided with security facilities and an article receiving device.

Background Art

[0002] At the shared entrance of a building such as an apartment building or an office building, in order to enhance security, there are often provided an auto-lock locking door and door unlocking means for unlocking the door. On the other hand, in order to improve the convenience of the consignee, the movement to install individual delivery boxes in a building such as an apartment building or an office building or to install delivery boxes for each floor has spread. For example, in Patent Document 1, a delivery item storage container that can be arranged in each household of an apartment building is described. In this case, in order to receive the delivery and collection of luggage at an individual delivery box, the administrator or consignee of a building such as an apartment building or an office building needs to take measures such as pre-delivering a key for unlocking the auto-lock to the delivery company.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when providing the delivery company with a key for releasing the auto-lock, there is a problem that the key may be handed over to a third party due to loss of the key or the like, and the third party may enter the security area, which is not preferable in terms of crime prevention. In addition, there are cases where there are multiple persons in charge in the delivery company, and there is a problem of inconvenience that these multiple persons in charge have to share one key. Furthermore, there is also a problem that an entry history such as which company entered the building at what time using the key cannot be obtained, and security cannot be ensured.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a security system that improves the security of buildings such as apartment complexes and office buildings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a security system comprising: a security device installed on the way from the outside of a building to a target location inside the building, which allows passage from the outside of the building to the target location by disabling the security; and an article receiving device having a storage box body and an operating unit used for depositing and retrieving items into and out of the storage box body, wherein at least the operating unit is located outside the building from the security device, and the security of the security device is disabling using the operating unit (Invention 1).

[0007] According to this invention (Invention 1), delivery personnel can deactivate the building's security using the operating unit of the goods receiving device located outside the building's security equipment, thereby enabling them to store goods in the storage box located inside the building's security equipment. This eliminates the need to provide delivery personnel with keys or other means to deactivate the building's security, thus improving the building's security function.

[0008] In the above invention (Invention 1), the security equipment may be a door and / or an elevator (Invention 2).

[0009] In the above inventions (Inventions 1 and 2), the item receiving device may be equipped with an authentication means that authenticates the user by operating the operating unit (Invention 3).

[0010] In the above invention (Invention 3), the security of the security equipment may be deactivated according to the authentication result by the authentication means (Invention 4).

[0011] In the above inventions (Inventions 3 and 4), the user's photography and / or video recording may be started when the authentication process by the authentication means is initiated (Invention 5).

[0012] In the above inventions (inventions 3 to 5), the article receiving device may have a notification means for notifying the recipient of the package of the authentication result obtained by the authentication means (invention 6).

[0013] In the above inventions (inventions 3 to 6), the item receiving device may be equipped with an identification information registration means for pre-registering identification information relating to the user used in the authentication means, identification information relating to the consignor of the package, and / or identification information relating to the person delivering the package (invention 7).

[0014] In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 7), the storage box body may be located outside and / or inside the building relative to the security equipment (Invention 8).

[0015] In the above inventions (inventions 1 to 8), the item receiving device may be equipped with a box selection means for selecting a storage box body for storing luggage by operating the operating unit (invention 9).

[0016] In the above inventions (inventions 1 to 9), after the security is released, the storage box may be unlocked and luggage may be placed inside (invention 10).

[0017] In the above inventions (inventions 1 to 10), there may be a limiting means that sets a limit on the time it takes to deactivate the security equipment (invention 11).

[0018] In the above inventions (inventions 1 to 11), the article receiving device may be equipped with a usage history recording means for recording the usage history of the article receiving device (invention 12).

[0019] In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 12), the article receiving device may include a password issuing means for issuing a password used to解除 the security of the security equipment (Invention 13).

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the security system of the present invention, since the security of the building can be解除 by the operation unit located outside the security of the article receiving device, there is no need to lend keys or the like for解除 security to couriers or the like, and the security function of the building can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the storage box body and the operation unit of the article receiving device. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram (Part 1) of the security system according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram (Part 2) of the security system according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram (Part 3) of the security system according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the article receiving device. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the management server. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the configuration of management data. [Figure 9] It is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions that play a major role in the security system according to the same embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the input screen of解除 information (authentication information). [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the security解除 process in the security system according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this embodiment is illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0023] (1) Basic configuration of the goods receiving system Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, this security system consists of, for example, a storage box 41 for a plurality of item receiving devices 40 that can be connected to a communication network NW such as the Internet, an operating unit 42 for the item receiving devices 40, a management server 20 connected to the communication network NW, and security equipment 50. The security system may also be provided with a terminal device 30 that can communicate with the storage box 41, the operating unit 42, and / or the management server 20 via the communication network NW.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the item receiving device 40 includes a storage box body 41 and an operating unit 42 used for depositing and retrieving items into and from the storage box body. The storage box body 41 and the operating unit 42 may be an integrated type housed in a single enclosure, as shown in Figure 2(a), or they may be a separate type, with the operating unit 42 provided separately (for example, on a surrounding wall) from the enclosure in which the storage box body 41 is housed, as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the storage box body 41 includes at least one storage box 41a, 41b, ... equipped with a storage door for storing delivered packages (e.g., packages delivered by delivery companies, newspapers, advertising flyers, circulars, etc.) and mail, or for retrieving stored items. The unlocking / locking of the storage doors of each storage box 41a, 41b, ... is controlled using an electric lock (not shown).

[0026] Each storage box 41a, 41b, ... of the storage box body 41 may be equipped with an item sensor (not shown) consisting of a transmissive or reflective optical sensor, etc., for transmitting an item sensor signal indicating whether or not an item is stored in the storage box. Each storage box 41a, 41b, ... may be provided in multiple sizes (e.g., S, M, L, ...) depending on the size of the item to be stored.

[0027] The storage box body 41 is installed outside and / or inside the building, relative to the security equipment 50. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the operating unit 42 may be installed outside the security equipment 50 of building M, and the storage box body 41 may be installed in a shared space inside the security equipment 50 of building M. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, an integrated item receiving device 40 may be installed both inside and outside the security equipment 50 of building M, thereby allowing the storage box body 41 to be installed both inside and outside the security equipment 50 of building M. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the storage box body 41 may be installed on each floor of building M, or it may be installed next to the door of each room.

[0028] The operating unit 42 of the goods receiving device 40 can be used for operations necessary for depositing and retrieving goods into and out of the storage box body 41. At least one of the operating units 42 is installed outside the building, beyond the security equipment 50, and is configured to be used for operations necessary to deactivate the security of the security equipment 50. As a result, delivery personnel, etc., can deactivate the security by operating the operating unit 42 without needing a key to deactivate the security, enter the building, and proceed from the outside of the building to the location where the storage box is installed, for example, to deposit goods into a storage box installed inside the building.

[0029] As will be described later, the operation unit 42 can be used to deactivate the security of the security equipment 50. As shown in Figure 2, the operation unit 42 is provided with a display unit 16 for displaying information and an input unit 17 for inputting information. In this embodiment, the input unit 17 may include a keyboard 17a consisting of function keys and a numeric keypad, and a reader 17b for reading barcodes or two-dimensional codes (for example, QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark)).

[0030] The control unit 42 may be equipped with a camera and can take pictures and / or videos of users, etc. For example, the camera may start taking pictures and / or videos of users when the authentication process by the authentication means 85, which will be described later, begins.

[0031] The goods receiving device is equipped with an authentication means for authenticating the user (e.g., a delivery person) by operating the control unit 42. The authentication means is not particularly limited, but includes password authentication, facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, etc. The password used for password authentication is not particularly limited, but includes the telephone number of the delivery person's office, etc., or a password that has been pre-assigned to each delivery person.

[0032] The management server 20 is connected to each storage box body 41 and operation unit 42 via a communication network NW, and manages the storage status, information on the receipt of goods, and information on the consignor, consignee (destination of the goods), and collection and delivery company. Here, the consignor may be, for example, an individual or company that requests the delivery of goods from a collection and delivery company. The collection and delivery company includes, for example, companies that deliver and collect goods such as courier companies, companies that deliver and collect items that have been left with them such as dry cleaners, and companies that deliver newspapers, food and beverages, etc. to each household such as newspaper delivery companies and food delivery companies, and may also include companies that do not deposit or retrieve goods to and from the goods receiving device.

[0033] The terminal device 30 may be a terminal device operated by an individual user (e.g., a delivery person, shipper, recipient, etc.), such as a mobile terminal, smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), personal computer, or television receiver with two-way communication capabilities (including so-called multi-functional smart TVs).

[0034] Security equipment 50 is installed on the way from the outside of the building to the desired location inside, and by disabling the security, passage from the outside of the building to the desired location becomes possible. Specifically, any equipment that has a security function to restrict entry to or passage inside building M is acceptable, for example, a door installed at the main entrance of the building, a door installed in a corridor inside the building, or an elevator used for movement between floors. It may also be a door installed exclusively for delivery personnel (for example, a back entrance of the building or a door formed as part of the housing of a goods receiving device), or a complex security system consisting of multiple such security devices combined.

[0035] (2) Configuration of the item receiving device The internal configuration of the item receiving device 40 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the item receiving device.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the item receiving device 40, which has a storage box body 41 and an operating unit 42, is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage device 14, a display processing unit 15, a display unit 16, an input unit 17, and a communication interface unit 18, and is provided with a bus 19 for transmitting control signals or data signals between each unit.

[0037] When power is supplied to the item receiving device, the CPU 11 loads various programs stored in the ROM 12 or storage device 14 into the RAM 13 and executes them. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 reads and executes programs stored in the ROM 12 or storage device 14 to realize the functions of the display means 81, information acquisition means 82, box selection means 83, storage means 84, authentication means 85, notification means 86, and security release means 87, which will be described later.

[0038] The CPU 11 receives information transmitted from the management server 20 via the communication interface unit 18 and stores the received information in the RAM 13 or storage device 14. The CPU 11 also transmits data stored in the ROM 12, RAM 13, or storage device 14 to the management server 20 via the communication interface unit 18.

[0039] The storage device 14 may be a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic storage device (e.g., HDD (Hard Disk Drive), floppy disk (registered trademark), magnetic tape, etc.), or optical disk, or it may be a volatile storage device such as RAM, and it stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and data referenced by the CPU 11.

[0040] In this explanation, the storage device 14 is described as being located inside the item receiving device. However, the storage device 14 may be located not inside the item receiving device, but in a predetermined device (such as a file server) that can communicate with the item receiving device via a communication network NW. In this case, the CPU 11 may access the predetermined device via the communication network NW in order to read or write programs and data stored in the storage device 14.

[0041] The display processing unit 15 displays the display data provided by the CPU 11 on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor containing thin-film transistors arranged in a matrix on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and displays the data to be displayed on the display screen by driving the thin-film transistors based on the display data.

[0042] The input unit 17 includes a keyboard 17a and a reader 17b, as described above. The input unit 17 may also be composed of, for example, a touch panel or a touchpad, in which case it accepts touch input, for example, by touching the display screen with a fingertip or a pen. The touch input method may be a well-known method such as a capacitive touch method. The input unit 17 may also include a microphone for voice input or a camera for image input.

[0043] The communication interface unit 18 includes an interface circuit for performing communication via a communication network NW.

[0044] (3) Configuration of the management server The configuration of the management server 20 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the management server. As shown in Figure 7, the management server 20 comprises a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage device 24, display processing unit 25, display unit 26, input unit 27, and communication interface unit 28, and is provided with a bus 29 for transmitting control signals or data signals between each unit. The management server 20 may be, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

[0045] When power is supplied to the management server 20, the CPU 21 loads various programs stored in the ROM 22 or storage device 24 into the RAM 23 and executes them.

[0046] The storage device 24 may be a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory, SSD, magnetic storage device, or optical disc, or it may be a volatile storage device such as RAM, and it stores the operating system (OS) and programs executed on the OS. In addition, the storage device 24 stores management data (shown in Figure 8), which will be described later.

[0047] The display processing unit 25 displays the display data provided by the CPU 21 on the display unit 26. The display unit 26 may be, for example, an LCD monitor. The input unit 27 may be, for example, an information input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a microphone for voice input.

[0048] The communication interface unit 28 includes an interface circuit for performing communication via a communication network NW.

[0049] The structure of the management data will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the management data structure. The management data records the location of each of the multiple storage boxes (in the example, B1, B2, B3, ...) and the number of each storage box 41a, 41b, ... (storage box number) for each of the multiple storage boxes 41a, 41b, .... In addition, each of the multiple storage boxes 41a, 41b, ... has items for storage status, receipt information, and item information. The item information consists of items such as consignor information, consignee information, delivery company information, and unlocking information. The item information may also include, for example, the size, weight, temperature, and type of the item (e.g., food, clothing, furniture, electrical appliances, leisure goods, fragile items, frozen goods, refrigerated goods, etc.), the item identification number (delivery ID) set by the delivery company, and the date and time when the item was stored (received) in the storage box.

[0050] In the storage status field, if it is determined that an item has been stored in the storage box based on a signal (storage completion information) transmitted from the storage box body 41, the information "In" is recorded. If it is determined that the storage box has become empty based on a signal (departure completion information) transmitted from the storage box body 41, the information "Empty" is recorded. In addition, for item information corresponding to a storage status where "Empty" is recorded, for example, empty data (NULL data) is recorded.

[0051] The receipt information field records receipt information indicating that an item has been received when the item is placed in the corresponding storage box. Here, the receipt information may be configured to be different (individual) for each storage box 41a, 41b, ..., or different (individual) each time an item is placed in any of the storage boxes. The receipt information may also consist of at least one number, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letter, figure, and / or symbol. In this case, the receipt information can be composed using at least one number, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letter, figure, and / or symbol. For example, the receipt information may consist of a number of a predetermined number of digits (e.g., 6 digits).

[0052] The consignor information field includes, for example, the consignor's name, address, telephone number, email address, and fax number. The consignee information field includes, for example, the consignee's name, address, telephone number, email address, and fax number. Furthermore, the delivery company information field includes, for example, the delivery company's name, address, telephone number, email address, and fax number.

[0053] The unlocking information is used, for example, by a recipient to unlock the electric locks on each of the storage boxes 41a, 41b, ... in the storage box body 41. The content of this unlocking information may be freely set by the user who stores goods in each storage box 41a, 41b, ... (for example, a delivery company), or it may be set to predetermined content generated by the CPU 11 (for example, a password of a predetermined length).

[0054] (4) Overview of each function in the security system The functions realized in the security system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions that play a major role in the security system of this embodiment. In the functional block diagram of Figure 9, the information acquisition means 82, the authentication means 85, and the security release means 87 correspond to the main components of the present invention. Other means (display means 81, box selection means 83, storage means 84, notification means 86) are not necessarily essential components, but they are elements that further enhance the present invention.

[0055] The display means 81 has a function to display, in a selectable manner, each of multiple numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letters, figures, and / or symbols when the unlock information (authentication information) required to unlock the security consists of at least one number, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letter, figure, and / or symbol.

[0056] Incidentally, if the display position of each of the multiple numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letters, figures, and / or symbols is not changed, there is a risk that a third party could infer the correct authentication information by observing the movements of the fingers when the numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letters, figures, and / or symbols are selected when the correct authentication information is entered. Therefore, the display means 81 may change the display position of each of the multiple numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letters, figures, and / or symbols at a predetermined timing. In this case, since the display position of each of the multiple numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letters, figures, and / or symbols is changed at a predetermined timing, it is possible to suppress the easy inference of the correct authentication information from the movements of the fingers when the correct deactivation information (authentication information) is entered.

[0057] The function of the display means 81 is realized, for example, as follows. When a delivery person enters release information (authentication information), the CPU 11 of the item receiving device 40 generates a display screen for entering the release information, as shown in Figure 10(a), and displays it on the display unit 16 (or the input unit 17 if the input unit 17 is composed of a touch panel or touchpad, etc.). Here, it is assumed that the release information consists of a number sequence of a predetermined number of digits (for example, 6 digits), and in the example shown in Figure 10(a), multiple (10) number keys from 0 to 9 are arranged.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 10(a), the numbers from 1 to 9 are arranged in ascending order, but the CPU 11 may change the display position of each number from 0 to 9 at predetermined timings, as shown in Figure 10(b). Here, predetermined timings may be, for example, each time release information is input, or each time a predetermined period of time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed. Furthermore, the display position of each number may be changed randomly, for example, or according to a predetermined order (for example, repeating the order of ascending, descending, random, etc.).

[0059] Furthermore, the period during which unlock information (authentication information) can be used can be limited. For example, the period during which unlock information can be used can be set to 3 days from the time of setting, and after this period, an authentication error will occur even if the unlock information is entered, and the security cannot be removed. In this way, by setting a limit on the period during which unlock information can be used and taking measures such as periodically changing the authentication information, security functions can be improved even if unlock information is leaked.

[0060] Furthermore, the display means 81 may have a function to generate a display screen for selecting the type of business of the collection and delivery company. Examples of business types of collection and delivery companies include home delivery companies, dry cleaning companies, newspaper delivery companies, etc. The collection and delivery company selects the appropriate one from among these business types.

[0061] The information acquisition means 82 has a function to acquire unlocking information (authentication information) necessary to unlock the security.

[0062] The functions of the information acquisition means 82 are implemented, for example, as follows. Here, we will explain using the case in which the user inputs predetermined information regarding the use of the item receiving device 40 through the operation unit 42 as an example.

[0063] For example, the information acquisition means 82 may acquire unlock information (authentication information) configured based on a number, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letter, figure, and / or symbol selected from a plurality of numbers displayed selectably by the display means 81. This makes it possible to acquire unlock information by selecting any of the plurality of numbers, kanji, hiragana, katakana, English letter, figure, and / or symbol.

[0064] The functions of the information acquisition means 82 are implemented, for example, as follows: When the display screen shown in Figure 10(a) or (b) is displayed on the display unit 16 (or the input unit 17 if the input unit 17 is composed of a touch panel or touchpad, etc.), the CPU 11 of the item receiving device 40 acquires the selected number sequence as release information (authentication information) when a predetermined number sequence (for example, 6 digits) is selected using the input unit 17, and stores the acquired release information (authentication information) in, for example, the RAM 13 or the storage device 14.

[0065] The CPU 11 may, for example, acquire unlock information (authentication information) transmitted from an external device (e.g., a management server 20 or a terminal device 30) by receiving it via the communication interface unit 18, or it may acquire unlock information (authentication information) recorded on a recording medium (e.g., an IC card, barcode, or two-dimensional code) by reading it with the reader 17b. Furthermore, it may acquire audio information from a microphone provided on the operation unit, or image information from a camera, as unlock information (authentication information).

[0066] The box selection means 83 is a means for selecting a storage box body to store the goods. For example, a delivery company can select a storage box to store the goods from among several storage boxes by operating the operation unit 42.

[0067] The storage means 84 has a function to store the acquired deactivation information (authentication information). The function of the storage means 84 can be implemented, for example, as follows: The CPU 11 of the item receiving device may, for example, when a storage box for storing an item is selected using, for example, the input unit 17, generate a display screen for inputting security deactivation information (authentication information), and instruct the display processing unit 15 to display the generated display screen on the display unit 16. The security deactivation information (authentication information) may also be entered using, for example, the keyboard 17a.

[0068] Furthermore, if the security deactivation information (authentication information) is recorded, for example, on a recording medium attached to the package that is readable by the reader 17b (e.g., a barcode or a two-dimensional code), the item information may be input by having the reader 17b read the information recorded on the recording medium. In addition, voice information acquired from the microphone provided on the operation unit 42 and image information acquired from the camera may be acquired as deactivation information (authentication information). If the operation unit 42 is equipped with a camera, the user's photography and / or recording may be started when the authentication process by the authentication means is started.

[0069] The authentication means 85 has a function to perform authentication processing using the acquired deactivation information (authentication information).

[0070] The authentication means 85 may perform authentication processing using the newly acquired authentication information and the stored authentication information when new authentication information is obtained. This makes it possible to perform authentication processing using authentication information that has been stored (set) in advance. The security of the security equipment may be deactivated according to the authentication result by the authentication means.

[0071] The function of the authentication means 85 is implemented, for example, as follows: When the CPU 11 of the goods receiving device recognizes that a delivery person has entered unlock information (authentication information) on the display screen shown in Figure 10(a) or (b), it performs authentication processing using the unlock information (authentication information).

[0072] Specifically, the goods receiving device may be equipped with an identification information registration means for pre-registering identification information about the user used in the authentication means, identification information about the consignor of the goods, and / or identification information about the person delivering the goods (collection and delivery company), and the CPU 11 may determine whether the information pre-registered by the identification information registration means matches the entered deactivation information (authentication information).

[0073] Identification information can include name, company name, telephone number, address, and delivery time. For example, if delivery time is registered as the identification information for a delivery company, specifying that a newspaper delivery company's delivery time is from 5:00 to 9:00 will cause an authentication error for deliveries outside of the specified time. This allows for time-based restrictions on delivery personnel entering the building, making it possible to establish a security management system tailored to different time periods (for example, preventing delivery personnel from entering or leaving at night).

[0074] The CPU 11 may complete the authentication process successfully if the information previously registered by the identification information registration means matches the entered deactivation information (authentication information). On the other hand, the CPU 11 may determine that an authentication error has occurred if the information previously registered by the identification information registration means does not match the entered deactivation information (authentication information).

[0075] Furthermore, the goods receiving device 40 may be equipped with a PIN issuing means for issuing a PIN used to unlock the security of the security equipment 50, and the PIN may be used as an authentication means. The PIN issued by this means may be subject to usage period restrictions, such as being usable for a certain period of time, or usage restrictions, such as being usable a certain number of times. In addition, a registration fee may be set when registering identification information about the shipper (collection and delivery company) in advance.

[0076] The notification means 86 is a function that notifies the authentication result obtained by the authentication means. The recipient of the notification may be the recipient of the package, a security company, or a building management company. The CPU 11 may also notify the authentication result via email, telephone, etc. The CPU 11 can also notify the intercoms of each room in the apartment building of entry information such as that of delivery personnel.

[0077] The deactivation means 87 has a function to deactivate security. The deactivation of security equipment is performed according to the authentication result by the authentication means. Specifically, the security of security equipment 50 is deactivated when the authentication process by the authentication means is successfully completed. By deactivating security, it becomes possible to pass from outside the building to the desired location.

[0078] The function of the release means 87 is implemented, for example, as follows: When the authentication process based on the function of the authentication means 85 is successfully completed, the CPU 11 of the goods receiving device releases the security of the security equipment 50 that is currently secured. For example, if the security equipment 50 is an automatic door at the main entrance, when the security is engaged, the automatic door will not open even if a delivery person or the like stands in front of it. However, once the security is released, the automatic door will open when a delivery person or the like stands in front of it. Alternatively, the system may be controlled to keep the automatic door open for a certain period of time immediately after the security is released. Also, for example, if the security equipment 50 is an elevator, when the security is engaged, the desired floor cannot be selected even if the destination button for that floor is pressed. However, once the security is released, the desired floor can be selected by pressing the destination button for that floor.

[0079] Furthermore, the function to deactivate security may be such that the security system automatically deactivates the security of the security equipment 50, as described above, or the display unit of the operation unit 42 displays the method for deactivating the security of the security equipment 50, and the delivery person or other person manually deactivates the security. For example, if the security equipment 50 is an automatic door at the main entrance, the display unit of the operation unit 42 displays the access code for the automatic door, and the delivery person can deactivate the security and open the automatic door by manually entering the access code into the operation unit of the automatic door. Thus, the user deactivating the security of the security equipment using the information for deactivation provided by the operation unit is also one form of deactivating the security of the security equipment using the operation unit.

[0080] Furthermore, if the security of the security device 50 is deactivated, there may be a limiting mechanism to set a time limit for the deactivation period. For example, if the deactivation period is set to 30 seconds, the CPU 11 of the goods receiving device will control the security device 50 so that the deactivation state is maintained for 30 seconds from the start of the deactivation process, and the deactivation state ends as soon as 30 seconds have elapsed. After the security is deactivated, the delivery person can enter the building, go to the designated storage box, and deposit the goods into the storage box. Alternatively, after the security is deactivated, the storage box may be unlocked to allow the goods to be deposited.

[0081] The item receiving device 40 may also include a usage history recording means that records, for example, the information obtained by the information acquisition means and the results of the authentication process by the authentication means as the usage history of the item receiving device. The usage history may include the collection and delivery time, storage box number, room number, vendor name, contact information, receipt number, etc. The recorded usage history can be viewed or transmitted, and can also be used for subsequent authentications as information previously registered by the identification information registration means described above.

[0082] (5) Main processing flow of the security system of this embodiment Referring to the sequence diagram in Figure 11, an example of the security deactivation process in the security system of this embodiment will be explained. The example described is when a delivery person performs the security deactivation process in order to proceed from outside the building to a target location inside the building.

[0083] First, the CPU 11 of the goods receiving device 40 displays a procedure screen to the delivery person through the operation unit 42 (step S111). When the CPU 11 recognizes that the delivery person has pressed (selected) a button related to the security release request using the input unit 17 (step S102), it generates a display screen for inputting release information (authentication information) and displays the generated display screen on the display unit 16 (step S113). In addition, if the release information is recorded on a recording medium attached to the package that is readable by the reader 17b (e.g., a barcode or a two-dimensional code), the release information may be input by having the reader 17b read the information recorded on the recording medium. Furthermore, voice information acquired from a microphone provided in the operation unit and image information acquired from a camera may also be input as release information.

[0084] When the CPU 11 recognizes that the delivery person has entered release information using the input unit 17 (step S104), it acquires the release information based on the function of the acquisition means 42.

[0085] Next, the CPU 11 stores the acquired unlock information (authentication information) based on the function of the storage means 43. Specifically, the CPU 11 transmits the unlock information entered in step S104 to the management server 20 via the communication interface unit 18 (step S115).

[0086] Meanwhile, when the CPU 21 of the management server 20 receives the release information from the item receiving device via the communication interface unit 28, it accesses the management data stored in the storage device 24 and performs authentication processing based on the received release information (step S126). Specifically, the CPU 21 compares the received release information with the release information items in the management data (here, consignor information, consignee information, delivery company information, and unlocking information, etc.) and performs authentication processing. If the authentication processing is completed successfully, the CPU 21 of the management server 20 notifies the item receiving device 40 of the release permission (step S127), and the CPU 11 of the item receiving device 40 sends a command to the security equipment 50 granting permission to release the security (step S118).

[0087] Next, the security equipment 50, which has received permission to deactivate from the item receiving device 40 via the communication interface unit, performs the security deactivation process.

[0088] As described above, with the security system of this embodiment, delivery personnel can deactivate the security themselves using an operating unit located outside the building, rather than the security equipment. Therefore, building managers do not need to provide delivery personnel with keys or other means to deactivate the security, thus improving security. Furthermore, since delivery personnel can deactivate the building's security and enter the building through their own operation, it is expected that convenience for delivery personnel will also be improved.

[0089] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Accordingly, each element disclosed in the above embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained as an example in which a management server 20 is provided, it is not limited to this case. For example, if the item receiving device 40 stores the management data shown in Figure 8 in, for example, a storage device 14 (i.e., it manages the storage status and item information of at least multiple storage boxes 41a, 41b, ... provided within itself), then a management server 20 may not be provided.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the item receiving device 40 is configured to realize the functions of each of the means, such as the display means 81, the information acquisition means 82, the authentication means 85, and the unlocking means 87, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, all of these means may be realized by the management server 20, or at least some of the means may be realized by the management server 20. Since the item receiving device 40 and the management server 20 can adopt substantially the same hardware configuration, each function can also be realized by the management server 20 as described in the above embodiment.

[0092] For example, assuming that the collection and delivery company is a newspaper delivery company, the display screen for selecting the type of business displayed by the display means 81 can be configured to allow the selection of "newspaper delivery company," or a dedicated button for the company, such as a physical "newspaper delivery button," can be provided on the operation unit 42, and when a newspaper delivery company is selected or the newspaper delivery button is pressed, the authentication processing flow by the authentication means 85 can be started immediately. By configuring the security system in this way, it becomes unnecessary to give the newspaper delivery company a key for unlocking the security in advance, and newspaper subscribers no longer need to go all the way to the mailbox in the common area on the first floor to pick up their newspapers.

[0093] Furthermore, if multiple storage boxes are located within the building, the security system may be configured to deactivate only when a storage box located inside the building beyond the security equipment is selected from among the multiple storage boxes, or it may be configured so that only specific delivery personnel can select a storage box located inside the building beyond the security equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 16…Display section 17...Input section 20…Management Server 30…Terminal device 40…Item receiving device 41...Storage box body 42...Operation unit 41a, 41b... Storage boxes 50…Security equipment M... Building

Claims

1. A security system is installed on the way from the outside of the building to a designated location inside, and by disabling the security, it becomes possible to pass from the outside of the building to the designated location. The device comprises an item receiving device having a storage box body and an operating unit used for depositing and retrieving items into and from the storage box body, The aforementioned item receiving device is installed at least once on the outside of the building and at least once on the inside of the building, relative to the security equipment. A security system in which the security of the security equipment is deactivated when deactivation information for deactivating the security of the security equipment is input to the operating unit of the item receiving device, which is installed outside the building of the security equipment, The item receiving device, which is installed outside the building from the security equipment, includes a box selection means that allows the user to select a storage box body for storing items by operating the control unit. A security system characterized in that the security of the security equipment is deactivated only when the box selection means selects the storage box body of the item receiving device which is installed inside the building, rather than inside the security equipment.

2. The item receiving device, which is installed outside the building from the aforementioned security equipment, is equipped with an authentication means that authenticates the user by operating the control unit. The security system according to claim 1, characterized in that the security of the security equipment is deactivated according to the authentication result by the authentication means.

3. The security system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only specific delivery companies are able to select the storage box body of the item receiving device which is installed inside the building, beyond the security equipment.

4. The security system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, after the security is deactivated, the storage box body of the item receiving device, which is installed inside the building beyond the security equipment, is unlocked, allowing items to be stored inside.

5. The security system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a limiting means for setting a limit on the time the security of the security equipment is deactivated when the security of the security equipment is deactivated by an operation of a delivery person.

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