Management server, door control apparatus, management server control method, and program

Abstract

Provided is a management server that is capable of appropriately unlocking an automatic locking door to deliver a package even when a delivery destination is unattended, without acquiring or storing package information (a service number, etc.), delivery information, etc. from, for example, a user or a server of a delivery service provider in advance before a delivery person makes a request for unlocking the automatic locking door, on the basis of the latest of these pieces of information that are stored in the server of the delivery service provider.　A management server 1 is capable of communicating with a door control apparatus 10 that controls locking and unlocking of a door installed at an entrance of a residential complex. The management server 1 comprises: a request reception unit 72 that receives, from the door control apparatus 10, an unlocking request which is for unlocking the door and which only contains identification information for identifying a service provider and a service number for a package; a query unit 74 that makes a query to a business operator server BOS of a service provider which is identified by the identification information contained in the unlocking request, regarding the delivery status of the package associated with the service number; and a query result reception unit 76 that receives a result of the query from the business operator server BOS; and an unlocking instruction unit 78 that, when it is confirmed that the received result of the query contains specific information, transmits, to the door control apparatus, an unlocking instruction that the door should be unlocked.

Description

Management server device, door control device, and control method and program for management server device

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server device and a door control device that unlocks an auto-lock door.

[0002] In apartment complexes and office buildings with multiple tenants, various door systems are used to lock and unlock entrance doors. In recent years, while home delivery services have become more common, an increasing number of redeliveries due to deliveries not being possible due to the recipient being absent has become a major social problem. Efforts to reduce redeliveries are also underway, such as "drop-off delivery," where packages are left in front of the entrance or placed in a delivery box installed at the entrance.

[0003] However, in apartment buildings and other buildings, entrance doors are automatically locked, making it difficult for delivery personnel to enter the front door of each home if the recipient is not at home, making it difficult to deliver the parcel. To solve this problem, Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose door management systems that allow delivery personnel to unlock doors even when the recipient is not at home, enabling deliveries such as drop-off. In the door management systems disclosed in Patent Document 1 and others, parcel information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "service numbers"), such as a parcel tracking number and a parcel number, managed by a parcel service provider for each parcel, is used as a key. A management server acquires and stores parcel information, delivery information, and user information, such as the user's address and name, from the parcel service provider's server and a user. When a delivery personnel inputs a parcel number from a terminal such as a building's entrance terminal and requests the management server to unlock the door, the server determines whether the parcel number matches the parcel number stored in the server and issues an instruction to unlock the door. Furthermore, even if the parcel numbers match, if delivery information indicating delivery completion has been stored for the parcel associated with the parcel number, the server does not issue an instruction to unlock the door. Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, the management server also needs to acquire and manage user information, such as storing a service number for each user.

[0004] However, it is time-consuming for the management server to acquire and store package information, delivery information, and user information before an unlocking request is made, and the stored information is personal information, which necessitates strict information management. Furthermore, even if the delivery of the package corresponding to the package number requested for unlocking has actually been completed and delivery information indicating delivery completion has been stored in the server of the home delivery service provider, there is a risk that the delivery information may not be stored in the storage unit of the management server due to a time lag in acquiring the information, and the server may determine that the package number requested for unlocking matches the package number stored in the server, resulting in an instruction to unlock the package, which could ultimately pose a security problem.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0247344, U.S. Patent No. 6765147 (U.S. Patent No. 11,804,089)

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve such problems and to provide a management server device, a door control device, and a control method and program for the management server device that can properly unlock an auto-lock door and deliver a package even when the delivery recipient is not at home, based on the latest information stored on the delivery service provider's server, without having to obtain and store package information, delivery information, etc. in advance from the delivery service provider's server or the user before a request is made by the delivery person to unlock the auto-lock door.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a management server device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a management server device 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 is equipped with: a request receiving unit that receives from the door control device an unlocking request to unlock the door, the unlocking request including only identification information that identifies a service provider and the service number of the package; an inquiry unit that makes an inquiry to a business server device of a service provider identified by the identification information included in the unlocking request about the delivery status of the package related to the service number; an inquiry result receiving unit that receives the inquiry result from the business server device; and an unlock instruction unit that, when it is confirmed that the received inquiry result includes specific information, sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device to unlock the door.

[0008] A management server device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the management server device of the first aspect, wherein the specific information is information indicating that the delivery status of the package is currently being delivered.

[0009] A door control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is 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 the management server device described in the first or second aspect above, and is equipped with a request receiving unit that receives an unlocking request from an entrance machine installed near the door, the unlocking request including a room number, identification information that identifies the service provider, and a service number for the package, a transmitting unit that transmits an unlocking request including only the identification information and the service number received by the request receiving unit to the management server device, and an unlocking instruction unit that, when an unlocking instruction is received from the management server device, transmits an unlocking instruction to the entrance machine to unlock the door.

[0010] A door control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of double doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building and is capable of communicating with the management server device according to the first or second aspect, and includes a first request receiving unit that receives an unlocking request from a first entrance device installed near the first door, the unlocking request including only a room number, identification information that identifies a service provider, and a package service number, a first transmission unit that transmits the unlocking request including the identification information and the package service number received by the first request receiving unit to the management server device, and a control unit that, when an unlocking instruction is received from the management server device, transmits to the first entrance device: This door control device comprises: a first unlock instruction unit that transmits an unlock instruction to unlock the first door; a second request receiving unit that receives an unlock request including the room number from a second entrance device installed near a second door that is located indoors relative to the first door; and a second door unlock instruction unit that transmits an unlock instruction to unlock the second door to the second entrance device if the room number received by the first request receiving unit matches the room number received by the second request receiving unit and the second request receiving unit receives the room number within a certain time period after transmitting the unlock instruction to unlock the first door to the first entrance device.

[0011] A control method for a management server device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a control method for a management server device 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, the control method comprising: a request receiving step of receiving from the door control device an unlocking request to unlock the door, the unlocking request including only identification information that identifies a service provider and the service number of the package; an inquiry step of making an inquiry to a provider server device of a service provider identified by the identification information included in the unlocking request about the delivery status of the package related to the service number; an inquiry result receiving step of receiving the inquiry result from the provider server device; and an unlock instruction step of sending an unlocking instruction to the door control device to unlock the door when it is confirmed that specific information is included in the received inquiry result.

[0012] A program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a management server device 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 to execute the following: a request reception process that receives from the door control device an unlock request to unlock the door, the unlock request including only identification information that identifies a service provider and the service number of the package; an inquiry process that makes an inquiry to a business server device of a service provider identified by the identification information included in the unlock request about the delivery status of the package related to the service number; an inquiry result reception process that receives the inquiry result from the business server device; and an unlock instruction process that, when it is confirmed that the received inquiry result includes specific information, sends an unlock instruction to the door control device to unlock the door.

[0013] According to the present invention, even when the delivery recipient is absent, the auto-lock door can be unlocked appropriately and the package can be delivered based on the latest information stored on the server of the delivery service provider, without having to acquire and store package information, delivery information, etc. in advance from the server of the delivery service provider or the user before the delivery person requests the auto-lock door to be unlocked.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a door unlocking system using a management server device and a door control device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the door control device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional means of a door unlocking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a package management table stored in a business operator server device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow when a delivery person, who is a service provider, unlocks an auto-lock door and enters an apartment building in a door unlocking system to which the present invention is applied.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] <Overall Configuration of Door Unlocking System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a door unlocking system 100 using a management server device 1 and a door control device 10 according to the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the management server device 1 is capable of communicating with one or more door control devices 10 and an operator server device operated and managed by an operator such as a delivery company via a communication network NT such as the Internet or a telephone line.

[0018] The door control device 10 controls one or more collective entrance devices (sometimes simply referred to as "entrance devices") 12 installed near the entrance (entrance) of a multi-unit dwelling M, such as an apartment building, condominium, or dormitory, to lock and unlock doors. The door control device 10 also controls the locking and unlocking of an auto-locking door 11 installed at the entrance of the multi-unit dwelling M. For example, the collective entrance device 12 is configured as an intercom, is installed near the entrance of the multi-unit dwelling M, and is capable of communicating with intercoms (sometimes referred to as "room terminals") installed in each room of the multi-unit dwelling M. A delivery person can communicate with a resident of each room using the intercom of the collective entrance device 12, and the resident can remotely unlock the door 11, allowing the delivery person to enter the multi-unit dwelling M. However, if the resident is not present, the delivery person cannot communicate and therefore cannot unlock the door 11. As a result, the delivery person cannot enter the multi-unit dwelling M and cannot leave or pick up packages within the multi-unit dwelling M. Therefore, a control function for unlocking the door is provided in the intercom function of the collective entrance device 12, and the door control device 10 controls the collective entrance device 12, thereby making it possible to control the locking and unlocking of the door. Furthermore, the door control device 10 not only controls the locking and unlocking of the entrance door of the collective entrance device M, but can also be configured to additionally control the locking and unlocking of the door of each delivery box, for example, if a delivery box is installed in each room within the collective entrance device M. Note that the "collection of dwellings" in this invention is not limited to buildings where people live, but also includes the concept of an office building occupied by multiple tenants.

[0019] A feature of the present invention is that the management server device 1 issues an unlock instruction to the door control device 10. The management server device 1 performs the check described below (detecting the presence or absence of specific information) and then sends an instruction to lock or unlock the door 11 to the door control device 10. Furthermore, the management server device 1 does not acquire or store package information, delivery information, etc. from the delivery service provider's server or the user before the delivery person requests the auto-lock door to be unlocked. Furthermore, the management server device 1 differs from conventional management servers, such as those described in Patent Document 1, in that it does not necessarily store user-related information, such as the user's address, name, telephone number, or email address. Naturally, the door unlocking system 100 of the present invention functions satisfactorily even if the management server device 1 does not store user information. However, it is clear that more accurate delivery would be possible if, for example, a function were added to separately verify the consistency between information related to the package's delivery destination and information related to the resident of the apartment complex to which the package is actually delivered. Therefore, in order to further enhance the functionality and added value of the door unlocking system 100 to which the present invention is applied, it is not prohibited to store some user information, etc., in the management server device 1 as needed.

[0020] A feature of the present invention is that the management server device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with a business server device BOS connected via a network NT. The business server device BOS is a server device operated and managed by a service provider, such as a delivery company such as Sagawa Express or Yamato Transport, or a retailer such as a consumer cooperative or Amazon, and is separate from the management server device 1 of the present invention. Therefore, the management server device 1 cannot access package-related information stored in the business server device BOS except by using a package inquiry service generally provided by the service provider. This also means that an administrator on the management server device side does not need to be responsible for managing package-related information, user information, and the like stored in the business server device BOS. Therefore, in the present invention, the operational burden of the management server device may be significantly lighter than that of conventional management servers.

[0021] The provider server device BOS also manages delivery information for each package in association with package information (service numbers), such as package tracking numbers and package numbers, managed by the service provider for each package. This delivery information includes delivery statuses such as collection in progress, delivery in progress, and delivery completed. In this invention, "delivery in progress" has a special meaning and refers to the state in which the package is being delivered from the final collection point to the delivery destination (including the state in which the delivery person is at the entrance to the apartment complex). In this invention, this "delivery in progress" information is used as "specific information" in the delivery status information.

[0022] The business server device BOS provides a "delivery status inquiry service" for inquiring about the delivery status of a package, such as Sagawa Express's "Parcel Inquiry Service" and Yamato Transport's "Parcel Inquiry" service. In this service, when an inquirer inputs a service number (e.g., Sagawa Express's "Inquiry Waybill No." or Yamato Transport's "Invoice No."), information indicating the delivery status of the package corresponding to the input service number (inquiry result) is output. Specifically, if the business server device BOS does not store a service number corresponding to the input service number, it displays "Not Found" or "Sorry, please check the inquiry waybill No." (Sagawa Express). Furthermore, the status displayed while the courier is delivering the package from the final collection point to the delivery destination is "Delivery in Progress," and the status displayed after the package has been delivered to the delivery destination is "Delivery Completed."

[0023] The management server device 1 receives the query results from the business server device BOS as data in HTML format or the like, and analyzes the data to determine whether or not the data contains "specific information" such as "delivery in progress."

[0024] <Hardware Configuration of Each Device> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the door control device 10 shown in FIG.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the door control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a memory 22, a communication device 24, a display device 26, a communication device 28, a camera 30, a light source 32, a locking mechanism 34, and a power source 36.

[0026] The CPU 20 controls various components of the door control device 10, such as the camera 30 and the light source 32.

[0027] The memory 22 stores, for example, the device IDs of the door control device 10 and the collective entrance device 12, programs, identification information for identifying each service provider, and the like.

[0028] The communication device 24 is composed of a communication interface or the like for communicating with external devices. The communication device 24 transmits and receives various information or data to and from the management server device 1, for example. In particular, the door control device 10 transmits "identification information" related to the service provider and a "service number" related to the package to the management server device 1, and receives signals such as an "unlock instruction" or an "error notification (unlocking impossible)" from the management server device.

[0029] The display device 26 displays the call destination, a selection screen for selecting a service provider, whether confirmation was successful or not, etc. The display device 26 is not simply a display device, but is configured, for example, with a touch panel and also serves as an information input device. It is also possible to provide an input device such as a numeric keypad or call button separately from the display device. The display device 26 and the input device, or at least a part of them, are provided in the collective entrance device 12.

[0030] The communication device 28 includes a microphone and a speaker. For example, the communication device 28 is configured to enable a delivery person from a service provider to communicate with the resident of the room number entered using an input device or a touch panel display device 26. For example, the communication device 28 is provided in the collective entrance machine 12. Furthermore, for example, the delivery person can use the touch panel display device 26 to touch and select the service provider to which the delivery person belongs from among multiple service providers displayed on the display device, thereby inputting information related to the service provider. Furthermore, the delivery person may enter the service number of the package using an input device such as a numeric keypad or a touch panel.

[0031] The camera 30 is installed in the collective entrance machine 12 and photographs a person standing in front of the collective entrance machine 12. Furthermore, the same camera or another separately installed camera (scanner) photographs (reads) a code including a service number attached to a package being delivered by a delivery person. This code is, for example, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional code that is displayed on a delivery company terminal carried by the delivery person or printed (printed) on a delivery slip or collection slip.

[0032] The light source 32 is controlled by the CPU 20 to adjust the brightness when photographing a person or reading a service number with the camera 30. The light source 32 may be a light-emitting diode, a lamp, or the like.

[0033] The locking mechanism 34 locks and unlocks the door 11 .

[0034] The power supply 36 supplies power to the CPU 20, memory 22, etc. This power supply 36 may be, for example, the electrical wiring of an apartment building, or may be a single battery.

[0035] All or part of the door control device 10 may be provided in the collective entrance device 12. It is also possible to provide part of the door control device 10 together with a monitor or the like in a specific location in the collective housing complex, such as the caretaker's room.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server device 1 shown in FIG.

[0037] 3, the management server device 1 includes a control device 40, a communication device 42, and a storage device 44. The control device 40 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 46 and a memory 48.

[0038] The control device 40 functions as various functional means by the CPU 46 executing predetermined programs stored in the storage device 44 or memory 48. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0039] The communication device 42 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 42 transmits and receives various information or data to and from the door control device 10 and the business operator server device BOS, for example.

[0040] The storage device 44 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The storage device 44 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processes in the control device 40, as well as information on the processing results. In particular, the storage device 44 stores data on the address (URL) of the "delivery status inquiry service" website of the business server device BOS that the management server device 1 must access, which corresponds to the "identification information" that identifies the service provider transmitted from the door control device 10. The storage device 44 also stores information that identifies the door control device 10.

[0041] The management server device 1 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The management server device 1 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 3 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the management server device 1, and the management server device 1 may also include other components that are generally included in a server. The hardware configurations of the delivery company terminal and user terminal described below may also include, for example, an operating means and a display device, as well as some of the functions of the management server device 1.

[0042] <Functional Configuration of Each Device Constituting Door Unlocking System> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of a door unlocking system 100 using a management server device and a door control device of the present invention.

[0043] 4, the door control device 10 in the door unlocking system 100 includes, as functional means, a request receiving unit 60, a transmitting unit 62, and an unlock instruction unit 64. These functional means are realized by the CPU 20 executing a program stored in the memory 22 or the like.

[0044] The request receiving unit 60 is a functional means for acquiring information input by a delivery person of a service provider via an input device of the display device 26 or an input device of the display device of the collective entrance unit 12. In this embodiment, the request receiving unit 60 acquires an unlocking request (first unlocking request) for unlocking a door (in the example of an apartment building with double doors described below, a request to unlock the first door is referred to as a "first unlocking request" and is distinguished from a "second unlocking request" for unlocking the second door), which includes identification information for identifying the service provider and the package service number. In other words, the unlocking request (first unlocking request) includes at least identification information for identifying the service provider and the package service number. This identification information is, for example, business identification information (delivery business ID). For example, "001" is assigned to the business identification information (delivery business ID) of service provider A (company A), and "002" is assigned to the business identification information (delivery business ID) of service provider B (company B).

[0045] For example, when an input specifying a service provider is received from the input device of the display device of the collective entrance unit 12, the request receiving unit 60 acquires the service provider identification information (delivery service provider ID) corresponding to the service provider as part of the unlocking request (first unlocking request). Specifically, when an area indicating a service provider is selected (touch input) on the selection screen displayed on the display device 26 (touch panel) by the unlocking instruction unit 64, the request receiving unit 60 acquires the service provider identification information (delivery service provider ID) corresponding to the service provider as identification information identifying the service provider. This selection screen displays, for example, an area showing the names (company names) of each of a plurality of predetermined service providers and an area showing a mark (company logo).

[0046] Furthermore, for example, the request receiving unit 60 analyzes the code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) photographed by the camera 30 (or scanner) of the collective entrance device 12 to obtain the service number as part of the unlocking request (first unlocking request). Naturally, the service number can also be manually entered using an input device such as a numeric keypad provided on the collective entrance device 12.

[0047] The unlocking request (first unlocking request) may include the room number of the delivery destination or collection destination. This allows the door control device 10 to unlock the door of the delivery locker installed in the apartment building M that corresponds to the room number after unlocking the door 11.

[0048] The transmitting unit 62 is a functional means that transmits an unlocking request (first unlocking request) to the server device 12. In the present embodiment, the transmitting unit 62 transmits the unlocking request (first unlocking request) received by the request receiving unit 60 to the management server device 1. For example, the transmitting unit 62 transmits the unlocking request (first unlocking request) including identification information (delivery service provider ID) that identifies the service provider received by the request receiving unit 60 and the service number of the package to the management server device 1.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the unlock instruction unit 64 receives an unlock instruction from the management server device 1, it sends an unlock instruction to the collective entrance device 12 that made the unlocking request. Upon receiving the unlock instruction, the collective entrance device 12 sends an unlock instruction to the unlocking device of the door 11, which then performs the operation of unlocking the door 11. Alternatively, when the unlock instruction unit 64 receives an unlock instruction from the management server device 1, it can also be configured to send an unlock instruction directly to the unlocking device of the door 11, which then causes the unlocking device to perform the operation of unlocking the door 11.

[0050] Furthermore, the management server device 1 in the door unlocking system 100 includes, as functional means, a request receiving unit 72, an inquiry unit 74, an inquiry result receiving unit 76, and an unlock instruction unit 78. These functional means are realized by the CPU 46 executing programs stored in the storage device 44. Note that, although the description will be mainly of a case where some of these functional means are provided in the management server device 1, they may also be provided separately in multiple server devices. The request receiving unit 60 is the "request receiving unit of the door control device," and the request receiving unit 72 is the "request receiving unit of the management server device." Furthermore, the unlock instruction unit 64 is the "unlock instruction unit of the door control device," and the unlock instruction unit 78 is the "unlock instruction unit of the management server device."

[0051] The request receiving unit 72 is a functional means that receives an unlock request (first unlock request) to unlock the door 11 from the door control device 10. In the present embodiment, the request receiving unit 72 receives from the door control device 10 an unlock request (first unlock request) to unlock the door 11, which includes identification information that identifies the service provider (e.g., provider identification information) and a service number related to the package.

[0052] The query unit 74 is an important functional means for determining whether to issue an unlock instruction as a result of responding to the unlock request. Moreover, the query unit 74 makes the determination not based on data stored in the management server device 1 itself, but by accessing an external business server device. In this embodiment, the query unit 74 accesses the business server device BOS using information (identification information and service number) included in the unlock request (first unlock request) for unlocking the door 11 received by the request receiving unit 72.

[0053] For example, the inquiry unit 74 identifies the site of the service provider's delivery status inquiry service from identification information that identifies the service provider included in the unlocking request (first unlocking request). For this purpose, the storage device 44 stores a correspondence table between "identification information" and the site (URL).

[0054] The inquiry unit 74 accesses the website of the provider server device BOS associated with the delivery status inquiry service of the service provider identified by the identification information and inquires about the delivery status of the parcel using the service number acquired by the request receiving unit 72. The provider server device BOS refers to the parcel management table 80A in the provider server device and transmits information about the parcel (e.g., delivery status or error information) associated with the parcel's service number included in the unlock request (first unlock request) to the management server device 1, and the inquiry result receiving unit 76 receives the information as an inquiry result. The unlock instruction unit 78 then checks whether the inquiry result includes specific information (e.g., information indicating that the delivery status is "delivery in progress"). If the unlock instruction unit 78 confirms that the specific information is included, it sends an instruction to the door control device 10 to unlock the door 11. On the other hand, if the unlock instruction unit 78 confirms that the specific information is not included, it determines that the confirmation failed and notifies the door control device 10 of an error or the like.

[0055] The business server device BOS also provides a parcel delivery status inquiry service 81 as a functional means, and includes a storage unit 80 for this purpose. The storage unit 80 has a function of storing a service number set by a service business (delivery company) and information (e.g., delivery status indicating whether or not a parcel is being delivered) related to parcels (parcels corresponding to tracking numbers) handled by an organization (office). Specifically, the storage unit 80 stores a parcel management table 80A. The information included in this parcel management table 80A is updated, for example, by each service business (delivery company) on an ongoing basis.

[0056] The parcel management table 80A is provided, for example, in the provider server device BOS managed by each service provider. For example, the parcel management table 80A stores the service number of each parcel handled by the service provider and information about the parcel (e.g., delivery status) in association with each other. Figure 5 shows an example of the parcel management table 80A.

[0057] 5, the package management table 80A stores, for each service provider, the package service number (tracking number) and the delivery status of the package in association with each other. The delivery status of the package may be information (a flag) indicating whether the package is currently being delivered.

[0058] <Processing flow in the door unlocking system> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow in the door unlocking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a delivery person from a service provider unlocks the door 11 and enters the apartment building M. Note that the content and order of the following processing can be changed as appropriate.

[0059] (Step SP1) The request receiving unit 60 of the door control device 10 acquires the business operator identification information entered by the delivery person into the input device of the collective entrance device 12. For example, when the delivery person selects (inputs) an area indicating the name of one service operator from a selection screen that includes areas indicating the names of multiple service operators on the touch panel of the display device 26, the request receiving unit 60 acquires the business operator identification information (delivery operator ID) corresponding to that service operator as part of the unlocking request (first unlocking request). Then, the process proceeds to step SP2.

[0060] (Step SP2) The request receiving unit 60 of the door control device 10 controls the camera (or scanner) 30 of the collective entrance device 12 to capture (read) the code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) presented by the delivery person. Next, the request receiving unit 60 analyzes the captured code and obtains a service number as part of an unlocking request (first unlocking request). Then, the process proceeds to step SP3.

[0061] (Step SP3) The transmitter 62 of the door control device 10 transmits the business identification information (delivery business ID) acquired by the request receiver 60 in step SP1 and the service number (tracking number) acquired by the request receiver 60 in step SP2 as an unlocking request (first unlocking request) to the management server device 1. Then, the process proceeds to step SP4.

[0062] (Step SP4) The request receiving unit 72 of the management server device 1 receives the unlock request (first unlock request) transmitted in step SP3 from the transmitting unit 62 of the door control device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step SP5.

[0063] (Step SP5) The inquiry unit 74 of the management server device 1 identifies the website (URL) of the business server device BOS related to the delivery status inquiry service of the service provider identified by the business identification information (delivery business ID) included in the unlocking request (first unlocking request). Next, the inquiry unit 74 inquires about the delivery status of the identified business server device BOS (delivery status inquiry service 81) using the service number of the package included in the unlocking request. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP6.

[0064] (Step SP6) The inquiry result receiving unit 76 of the management server device 1 receives the inquiry result from the business server device BOS. Then, the process proceeds to step SP7.

[0065] (Step SP7) If the unlocking instruction unit 78 of the management server device 1 confirms that the inquiry result received in step SP6 includes information indicating that the delivery status of the package is currently being delivered, the process proceeds to step SP9. On the other hand, if the unlocking instruction unit 78 confirms that the inquiry result includes information indicating that the final status of the delivery status of the package is "delivery completed" or information such as "not found," the unlocking instruction unit 78 notifies the door control device 10 of an error, and the process proceeds to step SP8.

[0066] (Step SP8) The collective entrance device 12 displays on its display device that the unlock request (first unlock request) has failed, and then the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0067] (Step SP9) The unlock instruction unit 78 of the management server device 1 transmits an instruction to unlock the door 11 to the door control device 10 that issued the unlock request in step SP3. Then, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0068] (Step SP10) When the unlock instruction unit 64 of the door control device 10 receives an unlock instruction from the management server device 1, it sends an unlock instruction to the collective entrance device 12 that made the unlock request (first unlock request). Upon receiving the unlock instruction, the collective entrance device 12 sends an unlock instruction to the unlocking device of the door 11, which then unlocks the door 11. The collective entrance device 12 also displays on its display device that the unlock request (first unlock request) was successful. The process then ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 6. This allows the delivery person (collection person) to enter the apartment complex M through the door 11 and leave and deliver packages in front of each room, deposit packages in each room's delivery locker, or collect packages from the delivery locker, etc.

[0069] (When the door unlocking system has double doors) In the above processing flow, we have explained the case where the delivery person can enter the apartment building M by unlocking door 11 (when there is only one door to unlock), but to increase security, multiple doors 11 may be provided. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned door 11 will be referred to as the first door, and the door that the delivery person can reach once the first door is unlocked (the door that is closer to the inside of the first door) will be referred to as the second door. Here, the second door is, for example, a door that the delivery person can reach within a predetermined time once the first door is unlocked. This predetermined time can be, for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. It should be noted that the door control device 10 controls the locking and unlocking of the first door and the second door.

[0070] For example, the unlocking request described above is a first unlocking request, and this first unlocking request includes the room number of the delivery destination. Specifically, in step SP1 described above, the request receiving unit 60 acquires the business identification information and room number entered into the input device by the service business (delivery company) as part of the first unlocking request. In this case, the request receiving unit 60 functions as a "first request receiving unit." This input device is provided, for example, in a collective entrance machine (first collective entrance machine) installed near the first door. This room number is, for example, the room number of the delivery destination or collection destination. The room number entered into the input device is stored, for example, in memory 22.

[0071] Next, in step SP9 described above, after the unlock instruction unit 64 of the door control device 10 unlocks the first door, the request receiving unit 60 of the door control device 10 acquires a second unlock request, including the business operator identification information and the room number, from the delivery person via an input device associated with the second door. In this case, the request receiving unit 60 functions as a "second request receiving unit." This input device is, for example, a touch panel provided on a collective entrance device (second collective entrance device) installed near the second door. The business operator identification information may be omitted from the information included in the second unlock request.

[0072] Next, the unlocking instruction unit 64 unlocks the second door based on at least the fact that the room number included in the second unlocking request matches the room number included in the first unlocking request. In this case, the unlocking instruction unit 64 functions as a "second unlocking instruction unit." Specifically, the unlocking instruction unit 64 unlocks the second door when the room number entered at the first entrance unit, which is temporarily stored in memory 22, matches the room number entered at the second entrance unit. The data to be compared and confirmed is not limited to the room number, and business operator identification information may also be added.

[0073] In the process for responding to the second unlock request, it is possible to repeat the process of steps SP1 to SP10 in the same way as in the process for the first unlock request described above. However, since the information has already been confirmed when unlocking the first door, it is preferable to control the unlocking of the second door with as little information input as possible. In other words, the collective entrance machine (second collective entrance machine) installed near the second door does not need to obtain the service number (by reading or entering a code). Therefore, for example, the second collective entrance machine does not need to be equipped with a camera 30.

[0074] Furthermore, the unlocking instruction unit 64 may unlock the second door only if the predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has not elapsed since the first door was unlocked by the first unlocking request. For example, if a predetermined time has elapsed (timeout) since the first door was unlocked by the first unlocking request, the unlocking instruction unit 64 may request the service provider (delivery company) to obtain a service number (by reading or entering a code) on the display device 26 of the collective entrance machine (second collective entrance machine) installed near the second door, or may request the service provider (delivery company) to return to the collective entrance machine (first collective entrance machine) installed near the first door and make another unlocking request (first unlocking request).

[0075] <Application Examples of Door Unlocking Systems> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, designs that are modified by a person skilled in the art as appropriate to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the application examples described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0076] The management server device 1 of the present invention queries the business server device BOS using only the package service number received from the door control device and issues an unlock instruction based on the query results. This has the advantage of reducing the burden of information management by not requiring user information. Furthermore, to double-check whether the delivery destination of the delivered package is the user's delivery destination, it is possible to add a delivery company terminal and a user terminal to the network NT of the door unlocking system 1 of FIG. 1 in addition to the management server device of the present invention, thereby increasing the amount of information about the delivered package. The delivery company terminal is a communication terminal device operated by the service provider (delivery company). Examples of this delivery company terminal include a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, personal computer, etc.

[0077] A user terminal is a communication terminal device operated by a user. Examples of such user terminals include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and personal computers. In particular, it is preferable that the user terminal be a portable communication terminal device that can be carried around, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

[0078] For example, the additional verification information may include user information such as the user's address, name, telephone number, email address, and user ID obtained from the service provider, as well as information related to the delivery destination, such as the address, name, and telephone number of the package. Location information identifying an apartment building (such as GPS or a two-dimensional code attached to the front door) may also be used. It is also possible to obtain the same information from different devices that make up the door unlocking system 100 and additionally determine whether the information matches.

[0079] Since the collective entrance device 12 can also be used as a normal intercom, it is possible to display the selection items for the "door unlocking system" of the present invention on the touch panel of the display device of the collective entrance device 12, and configure it so that when the item is selected, the processing starts from step SP1 described above.

[0080] Furthermore, when the delivery person selects the "door unlocking system" from the touch panel of the display device, selects the business identification information (delivery business ID) corresponding to the service business, and inputs the room number, a call is made to the room with that room number, and if there is no response within a certain period of time, it is determined that the delivery person is not at home and the display device may prompt the delivery person to input the "service number." Also, after selecting the "door unlocking system," the delivery person may input the room number, and if there is no response within a certain period of time, the delivery person may be prompted to input the business identification information and service information.

[0081] The management server device and door control device of the present invention are realized by a computer equipped with hardware resources such as a processor and memory, and are configured to implement functions and processes related to the present invention by reading a predetermined program from the memory and executing it on the processor. The server may be realized by a single computer or by multiple computers operating in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, the present invention can be provided not only as the devices described above or as systems composed of these devices, but also as methods executed by these devices, programs for implementing the functions of these devices on a processor, and storage media for storing such programs in a computer-readable format.

[0082] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Management server device 10... Door control device 11... Door BOS... Business operator server device 60... Request reception unit 62... Transmission unit 64... Unlock instruction unit 72... Request reception unit 74... Inquiry unit 76... Inquiry result reception unit 78... Unlock instruction unit 81... Delivery status inquiry service 100... Door unlocking system

Claims

1. A management server device capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives from the door control device an unlocking request to unlock the door, the unlocking request including only identification information that identifies a service provider and the service number of the package; an inquiry unit that makes an inquiry to a business server device of a service provider identified by the identification information included in the unlocking request about the delivery status of the package related to the service number; an inquiry result receiving unit that receives the inquiry result from the business server device; and an unlock instruction unit that, when it is confirmed that the received inquiry result includes specific information, sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device to unlock the door.

2. The management server device according to claim 1, wherein the specific information is information indicating that the delivery status of the package is currently being delivered.

3. 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 the management server device described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: a request receiving unit that receives an unlocking request from a front door unit installed near the door, the unlocking request including a room number, identification information that identifies a service provider, and a package service number; a transmitting unit that transmits an unlocking request including only the identification information and service number received by the request receiving unit to the management server device; and an unlocking instruction unit that, when an unlocking instruction is received from the management server device, transmits an unlocking instruction to the front door unit to unlock the door.

4. A door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of double doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building and is capable of communicating with the management server device described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: a first request receiving unit that receives an unlocking request from a first entrance device installed near the first door, the unlocking request including a room number, identification information identifying the service provider, and a package service number; a first transmitting unit that transmits an unlocking request to the management server device that includes only the identification information and the service number received by the first request receiving unit; a first unlocking instruction unit that transmits an unlocking instruction to the first entrance device to unlock the first door when an unlocking instruction is received from the management server device; and a second request receiving unit that receives an unlocking request including the room number from a second entrance device installed near a second door that is located indoors relative to the first door. a second door unlock instruction unit that sends an unlock instruction to the second entrance machine to unlock the second door when the room number received by the first request receiving unit matches the room number received by the second request receiving unit and the second request receiving unit receives the room number within a certain time period after sending an unlock instruction to the first entrance machine to unlock the first door.

5. A control method for a management server device capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrance of an apartment building, comprising: a request receiving step of receiving from the door control device an unlocking request to unlock the door, the unlocking request including only identification information that identifies a service provider and the service number of the package; an inquiry step of making an inquiry about the delivery status of the package related to the service number to a business server device of the service provider identified by the identification information included in the unlocking request; an inquiry result receiving step of receiving the inquiry result from the business server device; and an unlock instruction step of sending an unlocking instruction to the door control device to unlock the door when it is confirmed that specific information is included in the received inquiry result.

6. A program for a management server device capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrances of apartment buildings, which program executes the following: a request reception process that receives from the door control device an unlock request to unlock the door, the unlock request including only identification information that identifies a service provider and the service number of the package; an inquiry process that makes an inquiry about the delivery status of the package related to the service number to a business server device of the service provider identified by the identification information included in the unlock request; an inquiry result reception process that receives the inquiry result from the business server device; and an unlock instruction process that sends an unlock instruction to the door control device to unlock the door when it is confirmed that specific information is included in the received inquiry result.

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