JP7801554B2 - Security system, control system, security method, and control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a security system applied to a facility.

In recent years, security devices have become common in office buildings, apartment buildings, detached homes, and other buildings that use sensors to monitor for intruders, and when the sensors detect an intruder, report the abnormality to a monitoring center. Patent Document 1 discloses a residential security monitoring system that, when set in security alert mode, immediately puts areas other than those through which residents pass when leaving the building into alert mode, preventing suspicious individuals from gaining entry.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133817

The present invention provides a security system that can adaptively change the timing at which the alert mode is activated.

A security system according to one aspect of the present invention operates in an alert mode that outputs information to the outside of a facility based on the detection results of a sensor installed within the facility. The security system includes a control unit that enables the alert mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an instruction to set the alert mode was received, and an acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating that a device installed at an entrance or exit of the facility has been operated, or second information indicating that a mobile device carried by a user of the facility has moved away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more. If the acquisition unit acquires the first information or the second information within the predetermined period of time, the control unit enables the alert mode within the predetermined period of time.

A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a notification indicating that an instruction to set the security mode has been accepted from a security system operating in an alert mode that outputs information to the outside of the facility based on the detection results of a sensor installed within the facility, and an output unit that performs at least one of the following processes: outputting first information to the security system in response to operation of a device installed at an entrance/exit of the facility within a predetermined period after the notification is acquired; and outputting second information to the security system in response to a mobile device carried by a user of the facility moving away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more within the predetermined period after the notification is acquired.

A security method according to one aspect of the present invention is a security method executed by a security system that operates in an alert mode and outputs information to the outside of a facility based on the detection results of a sensor installed within the facility. The security method includes a control step of enabling the alert mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an instruction to set the alert mode was received, and an acquisition step of acquiring first information indicating that a device installed at an entrance/exit of the facility has been operated or second information indicating that a mobile terminal carried by a user of the facility has moved away from the facility by more than a predetermined distance. In the control step, if the first information or the second information is acquired within the predetermined period of time, the alert mode is enabled within the predetermined period of time.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the security method.

A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a control system, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a notification indicating that an instruction to set the alert mode has been accepted from a security system operating in an alert mode that outputs information to the outside of the facility based on the detection results of a sensor installed within the facility, and an output step of performing at least one of the following processes: a process of outputting first information to the security system in response to operation of a device installed at an entrance/exit of the facility within a predetermined period after the notification has been acquired; and a process of outputting second information to the security system in response to a mobile terminal carried by a user of the facility moving away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more within the predetermined period after the notification has been acquired.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a security system or the like can adaptively change the timing at which the alert mode is activated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a linkage system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a first example of operation of the linkage system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a modified example of the first operation example of the linkage system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the linkage system according to the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[Configuration of linked system]
First, the configuration of a linkage system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a linkage system according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the linked system 10 includes a control system 20, a device 30, an electric lock 31, an intercom handset 32, a mobile terminal 33, a wireless communication device 34, and a security system 40. The control system 20 is a system provided by a business such as a home appliance manufacturer to operate a device control service, and the security system 40 is a system provided by a business that operates a home security service, for example.

The facility 80 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a residence such as an apartment building or a detached house. Installed within the facility 80 are the device controller 21 of the control system 20, the device 30, the electric lock 31, the wireless communication device 34, the security controller 41 of the security system 40, and the sensor 45 of the security system 40. The intercom handset 32 is installed outside the facility 80 but within the premises of the facility 80 (in a location close to the facility 80). The mobile terminal 33 is located outside the facility 80 in FIG. 1, but may also be located within the facility 80.

The device control server 26 of the control system 20 and the security server 46 of the security system 40 are installed outside the facility 80. In other words, the device control server 26 and the security server 46 are realized as cloud servers.

[Control system configuration]
The control system 20 is a system for allowing a user residing in a facility 80 to control an appliance 30 such as an air conditioner or a lighting appliance. The control system 20 includes an appliance controller 21 and an appliance control server 26.

The following describes each component of the control system 20. First, the device controller 21 will be described. The device controller 21 is, for example, an EMS (Energy Management System) controller with energy management functionality. It is installed within the facility 80 and manages the power consumption of the devices 30 installed within the facility 80. The device controller 21 also controls the devices 30 installed within the premises of the facility 80. The device controller 21 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another home controller without energy management functionality, or a gateway device. The device controller 21 includes a communication unit 22, an information processing unit 23, and a memory unit 24.

The communication unit 22 is composed of a communication circuit (communication module) that allows the device controller 21 to communicate with other devices via a local communication network, and a communication circuit (communication module) that allows the device controller 21 to communicate with other devices via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 22 communicates with, for example, the device 30, electric lock 31, intercom handset 32, and security controller 41 via the local communication network, and with the device control server 26 via the wide area communication network. The communication unit 22 may perform wireless or wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 22.

The information processing unit 23 processes information related to the control of the device 30 and information related to cooperation with the security system 40, which will be described later. The information processing unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 23 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 23a and an output unit 23b. The functions of the acquisition unit 23a and the output unit 23b are realized when the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executes a computer program stored in the memory unit 24.

The memory unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 23. The memory unit 24 is realized, for example, by semiconductor memory.

Next, we will explain the device control server 26. The device control server 26 communicates with the security server 46 so that the control system 20 can cooperate with the security system 40. The device control server 26 includes a communication unit 27, an information processing unit 28, and a memory unit 29.

The communication unit 27 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the device control server 26 to communicate with the device controller 21, security server 46, and mobile terminal 33 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 27 is, for example, a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication, but may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 27.

The information processing unit 28 performs information processing related to cooperation with the security system 40. The information processing unit 28 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 28 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 28a and an output unit 28b. The functions of the acquisition unit 28a and the output unit 28b are realized when the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 28 executes a computer program stored in the memory unit 29.

The storage unit 29 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 28. The storage unit 29 is realized by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[Device configuration]
Next, the configuration of the device 30 and the like will be described. The device 30 is a device controlled by the device controller 21. The device 30 operates based on a control signal transmitted from the communication unit 22 of the device controller 21. The device 30 is, for example, a home appliance such as an air conditioning device or a lighting device. The device 30 may be a floor heating device, an electric vehicle, a battery system, a fuel cell system, a heat pump water heater, a solar power generation system, or the like. The device 30 may be a security device such as a window or door open/close sensor, or an alarm such as a fire alarm. The control system 20 may include at least one device 30, but may also include multiple devices 30.

The electric lock 31 is an example of a device installed at the entrance of the facility 80, and locks and unlocks the door installed at the entrance. Specifically, the electric lock 31 is installed on the front door of the facility 80 or the back door of the facility 80.

A user can lock or unlock the electric lock 31 from outside the facility 80 using an authentication medium such as a card key or mobile terminal 33. The electric lock 31 acquires identification information from the authentication medium and locks or unlocks the door if the acquired identification information is successfully authenticated. Note that the method for authenticating the identification information of the electric lock 31 is not particularly limited, and biometric authentication methods, etc., may also be used.

The intercom handset 32 is an example of a device installed at the entrance or exit of the facility 80, and is specifically installed on a gatepost or the like. The intercom handset 32 is a so-called door phone, and has a push button that a visitor presses to call a resident within the facility 80 (hereinafter, the resident will also be referred to as the user).

The mobile terminal 33 is a portable information terminal used by a user of the facility 80. Specifically, the mobile terminal 33 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 33 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, and can measure the current location of the mobile terminal 33.

The wireless communication device 34 is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router installed within the facility 80 that complies with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). For example, when the mobile terminal 33 enters the communication range of the wireless communication device 34, the mobile terminal 33 is communicatively connected to the wireless communication device 34. When the mobile terminal 33 is communicatively connected to the wireless communication device 34, communication between the mobile terminal 33 and the device control server 26 is performed via the wireless communication device 34. When the mobile terminal 33 is not communicatively connected to the wireless communication device 34, communication between the mobile terminal 33 and the device control server 26 is performed via the mobile communication network, not via the wireless communication device 34.

Although not precisely illustrated in Figure 1, the wireless communication device 34 may be used by the communication unit 22 of the equipment controller 21 to communicate via a wide area communication network, or by the communication unit 42 of the security controller 41 to communicate via a wide area communication network.

[Security system configuration]
The security system 40 is a crime prevention system that performs information processing to notify the outside of the facility 80 that a security abnormality has occurred in the facility 80. Specifically, the security system 40 includes a security controller 41, a sensor 45, and a security server 46. First, the security controller 41 will be described.

When the security controller 41 detects an intruder into the facility 80 using the sensor 45 while the alert mode (an operating mode set when the user is not present at the facility 80) is active, it assumes that an abnormality has occurred at the facility 80 and transmits (outputs) alarm information to the security server 46 (outside the facility 80). The security controller 41 includes a communication unit 42, an information processing unit 43, and a memory unit 44.

The communication unit 42 is composed of a communication circuit (communication module) that allows the security controller 41 to communicate with other devices via a local communication network, and a communication circuit (communication module) that allows the security controller 41 to communicate with other devices via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication unit 42 communicates with the device controller 21 and sensor 45, for example, via the local communication network, and with the security server 46 via the wide area communication network. The communication unit 42 may perform wireless communication or wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used by the communication unit 42.

The information processing unit 43 performs information processing to notify the occurrence of security abnormalities within the premises of facility 80. The information processing unit 43 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 43 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 43a and a control unit 43b. The functions of the acquisition unit 43a and the control unit 43b are realized when the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 43 executes a computer program stored in the memory unit 44.

The memory unit 44 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 43. The memory unit 44 is realized, for example, by semiconductor memory.

Next, the sensor 45 will be described. The sensor 45 is a sensor for detecting the occurrence of security-related abnormalities in the facility 80. Specifically, the sensor 45 is a security sensor such as a window or door opening/closing sensor, a glass breakage sensor, or a human presence sensor. The security system 40 is required to be equipped with at least one sensor 45, but may also be equipped with multiple sensors 45.

Next, the security server 46 will be described. The security server 46 performs information processing to arrange for a visitor to the facility 80 based on the notification information received from the security controller 41. As a result of this information processing, an operator of the business that operates the security system 40 arranges for the visitor, and the visitor rushes to the facility 80. The operator also reports to the police station or the like as necessary. In the embodiment, the operator refers to a person who operates a computer or the like.

[Operation example 1]
When leaving the facility 80, the user sets the security system 40 to alert mode by performing an operation such as inserting a predetermined authentication medium into the security controller 41. Here, alert mode is an operating mode that outputs notification information to the security server 46 when an intruder into the facility 80 is detected by the sensor 45, and if alert mode is enabled immediately after the user performs the above operation (hereinafter also referred to as a setting operation or setting instruction), a false detection (the user being considered an intruder) may occur.

To prevent such false detections, the security controller 41 employs a mechanism in which the alert mode remains disabled for a predetermined period of time after the alert mode setting operation is accepted, and then the alert mode is enabled after the predetermined period has elapsed. The length of the predetermined period is, for example, three minutes. In other words, if the user leaves the facility 80 within three minutes of performing the setting operation, a false detection will not occur. This predetermined period can also be considered as the grace period until the alert mode is enabled.

The longer the specified period, the lower the possibility of a false detection, but the longer the period for which alert mode remains disabled after the user leaves the facility 80, thereby reducing the security of the facility 80. On the other hand, the shorter the specified period, the earlier the user must leave the facility 80, increasing the possibility of a false detection, but the shorter the period for which alert mode remains disabled after the user leaves the facility 80, thereby improving the security of the facility 80.

In the linked system 10, the control system 20 detects that the user has left the house and notifies the security system 40. The security system 40 activates the alert mode upon receiving the notification, thereby enabling the alert mode at the appropriate time. Below, we will explain operation example 1 of such a linked system 10. Figure 2 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the linked system 10.

First, the user issues a setting instruction to the security controller 41 to set the security system 40 to alert mode, and the control unit 43b of the security controller 41 accepts this instruction (S11). The setting instruction here is issued based on, for example, an operation such as inserting a specified authentication medium into the security controller 41.

Next, the control unit 43b causes the communication unit 42 to send an acceptance notification indicating that the instruction to set the security mode has been accepted (S12). The acceptance notification is sent by the communication unit 42 to the security server 46.

The security server 46 receives the acceptance notification from the communication unit 42 of the security controller 41 and transmits the received acceptance notification to the device control server 26 (S13). The communication unit 27 of the device control server 26 receives the acceptance notification from the security server 46 and transmits the received acceptance notification to the device controller 21 (S14).

The communication unit 22 of the device controller 21 receives an acceptance notification from the communication unit 27 of the device control server 26. The acquisition unit 23a acquires the received acceptance notification (S15). That is, the acquisition unit 23a acquires an acceptance notification from the security system 40 indicating that an instruction to set the alert mode has been accepted. The output unit 23b transitions from normal mode to detection mode when the acquisition unit 23a acquires the acceptance notification (S16). Note that the acceptance notification received in step S14 includes information indicating the length of the above-mentioned predetermined period, and the output unit 23b returns from detection mode to normal mode after the predetermined period has elapsed.

The output unit 23b detects that a device installed at an entrance/exit of the facility 80 has been operated based on information obtained from the device while the detection mode is operating (i.e., within a predetermined period after the reception notification has been obtained) (S17). The term "entrance/exit" here has a broad meaning, and includes not only the opening through which the user enters and exits, but also the vicinity and surrounding area. Specifically, the output unit 23b detects that the electric lock 31 has been locked from outside the facility 80, or that the push button on the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held.

First, a method for detecting whether the electric lock 31 has been operated to lock from outside the facility 80 will be described. For example, the electric lock 31 transmits information indicating its state (whether locked or unlocked) to the equipment controller 21 each time the electric lock 31 is locked or unlocked. The electric lock 31 distinguishes whether the electric lock 31 was locked or unlocked from outside the facility 80 using a card key or mobile terminal 33, or whether the electric lock 31 was locked or unlocked from inside the facility 80 by operating a thumb turn or the like, and transmits information indicating the state of the electric lock 31 to the equipment controller 21.

In this case, the output unit 23b of the equipment controller 21 can detect that the electric lock 31 has been locked from outside the facility 80 based on the communication unit 22 receiving information from the electric lock 31 indicating that the unlocked electric lock 31 has been locked from outside the facility 80 (in other words, that an unlocking operation has been performed).

Next, we will explain how to detect when the push button on the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held. Each time the push button is pressed and held, the intercom handset 32 transmits information indicating that the push button has been pressed and held to the device controller 21. Pressing and holding the push button on the intercom handset 32 is a special operation that is not normally performed by visitors, and is an operation that the user intentionally performs to activate the alert mode when they go out.

In this case, the output unit 23b of the device controller 21 can detect that the push button of the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held down based on the communication unit 22 receiving information from the intercom handset 32 indicating that the push button of the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held down.

Detection in step S17 of the electric lock 31 being operated to lock from outside the facility 80 or the detection of a long press of the push button on the intercom handset 32 can be considered detection of the user leaving the facility 80. Therefore, if a detection such as that in step S17 is made during operation in the detection mode, the output unit 23b outputs first information to notify the user that the user has left (S18), and the communication unit 22 transmits the output first information to the device control server 26 (S19). The first information is information that is output and transmitted in response to operation of a device installed at an entrance/exit of the facility 80. More specifically, the first information is information that is transmitted in response to a locking operation of the electric lock 31 from outside the facility 80 or a long press of the push button on the intercom handset 32. Note that if a detection such as that in step S17 is not made during operation in the detection mode, the output unit 23b does not output the first information.

The communication unit 27 of the device control server 26 receives the first information from the communication unit 22 of the device controller 21 and transmits the received first information to the security server 46 (S20). The security server 46 receives the first information from the communication unit 27 of the device control server 26 and transmits the received first information to the security controller 41 (S21).

The communication unit 42 of the security controller 41 receives the first information from the security server, and the acquisition unit 43a acquires the received first information (S22). In other words, the acquisition unit 43a acquires information indirectly indicating that a device installed at the entrance/exit of the facility 80 has been operated (specifically, information indirectly indicating that the electric lock 31 has been locked from outside the facility 80, or that the push button on the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held).

In this way, if the acquisition unit 43a acquires the first information within a predetermined period of time after a setting instruction to set the security system 40 (security controller 41) to alert mode is received, this triggers the control unit 43b to immediately enable alert mode (S23). In other words, if the acquisition unit 43a acquires the first information within the predetermined period of time, the control unit 43b enables alert mode within the predetermined period of time. In other words, the period from when the setting instruction is received until alert mode is enabled is substantially shortened.

If the first information is not acquired within a predetermined period of time after the setting instruction to set the alert mode is accepted, the control unit 43b will enable the alert mode when the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the setting instruction was accepted (shown by the dashed block in Figure 2).

As described above, in the linked system 10, the control system 20 detects that a device installed at the entrance/exit of the facility 80 has been operated, and notifies the security system 40 that the user has left by transmitting first information. The security system 40 enables alert mode upon receiving the notification, thereby adaptively enabling alert mode at the time when it is estimated that the user has left.

In the above-mentioned operation example 1, the reception notification was transmitted from the security controller 41 to the device controller 21 via the device control server 26 and the security server 46 (in other words, the wide area communication network). However, the reception notification may also be transmitted from the security controller 41 to the device controller 21 via the local communication network without going through the device control server 26 and the security server 46.

Similarly, the first information is transmitted from the device controller 21 to the security controller 41 via the device control server 26 and the security server 46 (in other words, a wide area communication network). However, the first information may also be transmitted from the device controller 21 to the security controller 41 via a local communication network without going through the device control server 26 and the security server 46. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of such a modified example of operation example 1 of the linked system 10.

In a modified example of operation example 1 shown in FIG. 3, in step S12a, an acceptance notification is sent directly from the security controller 41 to the device controller 21 via the local communication network. Also, in step S19a, first information is sent directly from the device controller 21 to the security controller 41 via the local communication network. Note that the processing in the other steps is the same as in operation example 1, so detailed explanations are omitted.

[Operation example 2]
In operation example 1, the control system 20 notifies the security system 40 that the user has gone out, based on information obtained from equipment installed at the entrance and exit of the facility 80. The control system 20 can also notify the security system 40 that the user has gone out, based on information obtained from the mobile terminal 33. An operation example 2 of the linkage system 10 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the linkage system 10.

First, the user issues a setting instruction to the security controller 41 to set the security system 40 to alert mode, and the control unit 43b of the security controller 41 accepts this instruction (S31). The setting instruction here is issued based on, for example, an operation such as inserting a specified authentication medium into the security controller 41.

Next, the control unit 43b causes the communication unit 42 to send an acceptance notification indicating that the instruction to set the security mode has been accepted (S32). The acceptance notification is sent by the communication unit 42 to the security server 46.

The security server 46 receives the acceptance notification from the communication unit 42 of the security controller 41 and transmits the received acceptance notification to the device control server 26 (S33).

The communication unit 27 of the device control server 26 receives the acceptance notification from the security server 46. The acquisition unit 28a acquires the received acceptance notification (S34). That is, the acquisition unit 28a acquires the acceptance notification from the security system 40 indicating that the instruction to set the alert mode has been accepted. The output unit 28b transitions from normal mode to detection mode when the acquisition unit 28a acquires the acceptance notification (S35). Note that the acceptance notification received in step S33 includes information indicating the length of the above-mentioned predetermined period, and the output unit 28b returns from detection mode to normal mode after the predetermined period has elapsed.

The output unit 28b receives information from the mobile terminal 33 while operating in detection mode (i.e., within a predetermined period after the notification is received) (S36), and detects, based on the received information, that the mobile terminal 33 has moved a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80 (S37).

For example, the user installs a specified application program on the mobile device 33 they own and sets the location of the facility 80 and a specified range (described below) in advance for the mobile device 33 (specified application program). Then, while the specified application program is running, the mobile device 33 calculates the current position (coordinates) of the mobile device 33 using GNSS signals (signals obtained from satellites, such as GPS signals) received by the GNSS module equipped in the mobile device 33.

The mobile terminal 33 repeatedly calculates its current position (coordinates), and when the calculated current position changes from within a predetermined range centered on the position (coordinates) of the facility 80 to outside the predetermined range (i.e., when the mobile terminal 33 moves a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80), it transmits information to the device control server 26. Based on the reception of such information by the communication unit 27, the output unit 28b can detect that the mobile terminal 33 has moved a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80.

If a detection such as that in step S37 is made during operation in the detection mode, the output unit 28b outputs second information to notify that the user has gone out (S38), and the communication unit 27 transmits the output second information to the security server 46 (S39). The second information is information indicating that the portable terminal 33 carried by the user of the facility 80 has moved away from the facility 80 by a predetermined distance or more, and is information based on current location information calculated by the portable terminal 33 based on GNSS signals. Note that if a detection such as that in step S37 is not made during operation in the detection mode (if the above information is not received from the portable terminal 33), the output unit 28b does not output the second information.

The security server 46 receives the second information from the communication unit 27 of the device control server 26 and transmits the received second information to the security controller 41 (S40).

The communication unit 42 of the security controller 41 receives the second information from the security server, and the acquisition unit 43a acquires the received second information (S41). In other words, the acquisition unit 43a acquires information indicating that the mobile terminal 33 carried by a user of the facility 80 has moved away from the facility 80 by more than a predetermined distance.

In this way, if the acquisition unit 43a acquires the second information within a predetermined period of time after a setting instruction to set the security system 40 (security controller 41) to alert mode is received, this triggers the control unit 43b to immediately enable alert mode (S42). In other words, if the acquisition unit 43a acquires the second information within the predetermined period of time, the control unit 43b enables alert mode within the predetermined period of time. In other words, the period from when the setting instruction is received until alert mode is enabled is substantially shortened.

If the second information is not acquired within a predetermined period of time after the setting instruction to set the alert mode is accepted, the control unit 43b will enable the alert mode when the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the setting instruction was accepted (shown by the dashed block in Figure 4).

As described above, in the linked system 10, the control system 20 detects that the mobile terminal 33 has moved a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80, and notifies the security system 40 that the user has left the facility 80 by transmitting second information. The security system 40 activates alert mode upon receiving the notification, thereby adaptively activating alert mode at the time when it is estimated that the user has left the facility.

In operation example 2, the mobile terminal 33 determines whether the current position of the mobile terminal 33 is a predetermined distance or more from the facility 80 based on the GNSS signal. However, it can also determine whether the current position of the mobile terminal 33 is a predetermined distance or more from the facility 80 based on the state of the communication connection between the mobile terminal 33 and the wireless communication device 34.

As described above, the wireless communication device 34 is a wireless LAN router, and when the mobile terminal 33 moves from within the communication range of the wireless communication device 34 to outside the communication range, the communication connection between the mobile terminal 33 and the wireless communication device 34 is released. In other words, when the mobile terminal 33 moves away from the facility 80, the communication connection between the mobile terminal 33 and the wireless communication device 34 is released.

The portable terminal 33 may therefore transmit information to the device control server 26 when the communication connection with the wireless communication device 34 is terminated. Based on the reception of such information by the communication unit 27, the output unit 28b can detect that the portable terminal 33 has moved a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80. In this case, the second information output by the output unit 28b and acquired by the acquisition unit 43a of the security controller 41 can be said to be information indicating that the wireless connection between the portable terminal 33 and the wireless communication device 34 installed within the facility 80 has been terminated.

The determination of whether the current position of the mobile terminal 33 is a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80 may also be performed by the device control server 26. For example, the mobile terminal 33 transmits information indicating the current position (coordinates) of the mobile terminal 33 calculated using GNSS signals to the device control server 26, and the output unit 28b of the device control server 26 determines whether the current position of the mobile terminal 33 indicated by the received information has changed from within a predetermined range centered on the position (coordinates) of the facility 80 to outside the predetermined range. The output unit 28b outputs second information when it determines that the current position of the mobile terminal 33 indicated by the received information has changed from within the predetermined range to outside the predetermined range. In this case, the user sets the position of the facility 80 and the above-mentioned predetermined range in the device control server 26 in advance via the mobile terminal 33.

[Modification]
In the above-described operation example 1, the security system 40 acquires the first information from the control system 20. Here, it is possible that the intercom handset 32 is communicatively connected to the security controller 41. In such a case, the acquisition unit 43a of the security controller 41 can acquire the first information indicating that the electric lock 31 has been locked from outside the facility 80, from the electric lock 31, without going through the control system 20. Similarly, it is possible that the intercom handset 32 is communicatively connected to the security controller 41. In such a case, the acquisition unit 43a of the security controller 41 can acquire the first information indicating that the push button of the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held, from the intercom handset 32, without going through the control system 20. In this way, it is not essential that the first information be acquired from the control system 20.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned operation example 2, the security system 40 obtained the second information from the control system 20. Here, it is also conceivable that the security server 46 may be able to receive information from the mobile terminal 33. In such a case, the acquisition unit 43a of the security controller 41 may also obtain, from the mobile terminal 33, the second information indicating that the mobile terminal 33 has moved a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80, without going through the control system 20. In this way, it is not necessary for the second information to be obtained from the control system 20.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control system 20 outputs (transmits) the first information or second information to the security system 40 only for a predetermined period of time after the receipt of the receipt notification, but the transmission of the receipt notification from the security system 40 to the control system 20 may be omitted. In this case, the control system 20 outputs (transmits) the first information or second information to the security system 40 regardless of whether an operation to set the security system 40 to alert mode has been performed.

In the above embodiment, the security system 40 was described as a crime prevention system, but it may also be a disaster prevention system. In this case, for example, when the security controller 41 detects a fire or other incident at the facility 80 using the sensor 45 while the alert mode is active, it assumes that an abnormality has occurred at the facility 80 and notifies the security server 46 of this. The operator of the business that operates the security system 40 then arranges for a visitor to rush to the facility 80. The operator also notifies the fire department or the like as necessary. In this case, the sensor 45 may be a heat sensor, smoke sensor, gas leak sensor, or the like.

The security system 40 may also be a monitoring system. In this case, when the alert mode is enabled, the security controller 41 uses sensors 45 to monitor the health status of the elderly people residing in the facility 80, and if it detects an abnormality, it notifies the security server 46. An operator of the business that operates the security system 40 then arranges for a visitor to come to the facility 80. The operator also contacts the elderly person's family (for example, a family member living far away). In this case, the sensor 45 may be a monitoring sensor or a vital sign sensor.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the security system 40 is a system that operates in an alert mode that outputs alarm information to the outside of the facility 80 based on the detection results of the sensor 45 installed within the facility 80. The security system 40 includes a control unit 43b that enables the alert mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an instruction to set the alert mode was received, and an acquisition unit 43a that acquires first information indicating that a device installed at an entrance/exit of the facility 80 has been operated, or second information indicating that the mobile terminal 33 carried by a user of the facility 80 has moved away from the facility 80 by a predetermined distance or more. If the first information or the second information is acquired by the acquisition unit 43a within the predetermined period of time, the control unit 43b enables the alert mode within the predetermined period of time.

Such a security system 40 can adaptively change the timing at which the alert mode is enabled. Specifically, the security system 40 can enable the alert mode when it is estimated that the user has left the facility 80.

Also, for example, the device is the intercom handset 32, and the acquisition unit 43a acquires first information indicating that the electric lock 31 has been operated. If the acquisition unit 43a acquires the first information within a predetermined period, the control unit 43b enables the alert mode within the predetermined period.

This type of security system 40 can activate the alert mode when the intercom handset 32 is operated.

Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 43a acquires first information indicating that a button on the intercom handset 32 has been pressed and held.

This type of security system 40 can activate the alert mode when the intercom handset 32 is pressed and held (special operation).

Also, for example, the device is an electric lock 31, and the acquisition unit 43a acquires first information indicating that the electric lock 31 has been operated. If the acquisition unit 43a acquires the first information within a predetermined period, the control unit 43b enables an alert mode within the predetermined period.

Such a security system 40 can activate the alert mode when the electric lock 31 is operated.

Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 43a acquires first information indicating that an operation to lock the electric lock 31 has been performed.

Such a security system 40 can activate the alert mode when the electric lock 31 is locked.

Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 43a acquires second information based on the current position of the mobile terminal 33 calculated by the mobile terminal 33 based on the GNSS signal, and the control unit 43b enables the alert mode within the specified period if the second information is acquired by the acquisition unit 43a within the specified period.

Such a security system 40 can activate alert mode when the mobile terminal 33 moves a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80.

Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 43a acquires second information indicating that the wireless connection between the mobile terminal 33 and the wireless communication device 34 installed within the facility 80 has been terminated, and if the acquisition unit 43a acquires the second information within a predetermined period, the control unit 43b enables the alert mode within the predetermined period.

Such a security system 40 can activate alert mode when the mobile terminal 33 moves a predetermined distance or more away from the facility 80.

Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 43a acquires the first information or the second information from a control system 20 provided by a business operator different from the business operator that provides the security system 40.

Such a security system 40 can activate an alert mode based on information obtained from other systems.

The control system 20 also includes an acquisition unit (acquisition unit 23a or acquisition unit 28a) that acquires a receipt notification indicating that an instruction to set the alert mode has been accepted from the security system 40, which operates in an alert mode and outputs alarm information to the outside of the facility 80 based on the detection results of sensors installed within the facility 80, and an output unit (output unit 23b or output unit 28b) that performs at least one of the following processes: outputting first information to the security system 40 in response to operation of a device installed at the entrance/exit of the facility 80 within a predetermined period after the acceptance notification has been acquired; and outputting second information to the security system 40 in response to a mobile terminal 33 carried by a user of the facility 80 moving away from the facility 80 by a predetermined distance or more within a predetermined period after the acceptance notification has been acquired.

Such a control system 20 can assist the security system 40 in adaptively changing the timing at which the alert mode is activated.

The security method executed by a computer such as security system 40 is a security method executed by a security system that operates in an alert mode to output alarm information to the outside of facility 80 based on the detection results of sensors 45 installed within facility 80, and includes a control step of enabling the alert mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since an instruction to set the alert mode was received, and an acquisition step of acquiring first information indicating that a device installed at the entrance/exit of facility 80 has been operated, or second information indicating that a mobile terminal 33 carried by a user of facility 80 has moved away from facility 33 by more than a predetermined distance. In the control step, if the first information or second information is acquired within the predetermined period of time, the alert mode is enabled within the predetermined period of time.

This type of security method allows for adaptive changes to the timing at which alert mode is activated.

The control method executed by a computer such as the control system 20 also includes an acquisition step of acquiring a reception notification indicating that an instruction to set the security mode has been accepted from the security system 40, which operates in an alert mode and outputs alarm information to the outside of the facility 80 based on the detection results of a sensor 45 installed within the facility 80; and an output step of performing at least one of the following processes: a process of outputting first information to the security system 40 in response to operation of a device installed at the entrance/exit of the facility 80 within a predetermined period after the acceptance notification has been acquired; and a process of outputting second information to the security system 40 in response to a mobile terminal 33 carried by a user of the facility 80 moving away from the facility 80 by a predetermined distance or more within the predetermined period after the acceptance notification has been acquired.

This control method can help the security system 40 adaptively change the timing at which it activates the alert mode.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the security system was realized by multiple devices, but it may also be realized by a single device. The same applies to other systems such as control systems. When a system such as a security system is realized by multiple devices, the components of the system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

For example, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices. Furthermore, the information transmission path described in the above embodiment is not limited to the transmission path shown in the sequence diagram.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2 of the above embodiment may be combined in any manner.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. They may also be realized as any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as a security method executed by a computer, such as a security system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a security method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a control method executed by a computer, such as a control system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a security method or control method. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that would occur to those skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

20 Control system 23a, 28a, 43a Acquisition unit 23b, 28b Output unit 31 Electric lock (device)
32 Intercom handset (equipment)
33 Portable terminal 34 Wireless communication device 40 Security system 43b Control unit 45 Sensor

Claims (12)

A security system that operates in an alert mode to output information to the outside of a facility based on the detection results of sensors installed within the facility,
a control unit that enables the alert mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the instruction to set the alert mode was received;
an acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating that an electric lock installed at an entrance/exit of the facility has been operated, or second information indicating that a mobile terminal carried by a user of the facility has moved away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more;
The control unit enables the alert mode within the predetermined period if the first information or the second information is acquired by the acquisition unit within the predetermined period. The acquisition unit acquires the first information,
The security system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit activates the alert mode within the predetermined period if the first information is acquired by the acquisition unit within the predetermined period. The security system according to claim 2 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first information indicating that an operation to lock the electric lock has been performed. The acquisition unit acquires the second information,
The control unit enables the alert mode within the predetermined period when the second information is acquired by the acquisition unit within the predetermined period.
10. The security system of claim 1. The acquisition unit acquires the second information based on a current position of the mobile terminal calculated by the mobile terminal based on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal.
5. The security system of claim 4 . The acquisition unit acquires the second information indicating that the wireless connection between the mobile terminal and the wireless communication device installed in the facility has been terminated.
5. The security system of claim 4 . The security system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first information or the second information from a system provided by a business operator different from the business operator that provides the security system. an acquisition unit that acquires, from a security system that operates in an alert mode and outputs information to the outside of the facility based on a detection result of a sensor installed within the facility, a notification indicating that an instruction to set the alert mode has been accepted;
an output unit that performs at least one of a process of outputting first information to the security system in response to an operation of an electric lock installed at an entrance/exit of the facility within a predetermined period after the notification is acquired, and a process of outputting second information to the security system in response to a mobile terminal carried by a user of the facility moving away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more within a predetermined period after the notification is acquired ,
When the security system acquires the first information or the second information, the security system activates the alert mode within the predetermined period.
Control system. A security method executed by a security system that operates in an alert mode and outputs information to the outside of a facility based on a detection result of a sensor installed in the facility, comprising:
a control step of enabling the alert mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the instruction to set the alert mode was accepted;
and acquiring first information indicating that an electric lock installed at an entrance/exit of the facility has been operated, or second information indicating that a mobile terminal carried by a user of the facility has moved away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more,
In the control step, if the first information or the second information is acquired within the predetermined period, the alert mode is enabled within the predetermined period. A program for causing a computer to execute the security method according to claim 9 . 1. A control method performed by a control system, comprising:
an acquiring step of acquiring a notification indicating that an instruction to set the alert mode has been accepted from a security system that operates in an alert mode and outputs information to the outside of the facility based on a detection result of a sensor installed within the facility;
an output step of performing at least one of a process of outputting first information to the security system in response to an operation of an electric lock installed at an entrance/exit of the facility within a predetermined period after the notification is acquired, and a process of outputting second information to the security system in response to a mobile terminal carried by a user of the facility moving away from the facility by a predetermined distance or more within a predetermined period after the notification is acquired ,
When the security system acquires the first information or the second information, the security system activates the alert mode within the predetermined period.
Control method. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 11 .