JP7828655B2 - Server equipment and door unlocking system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a server device and a door unlocking system.

Conventionally, a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed at the entrance of apartment buildings, and a server device capable of communicating with it, are known.

As an example of such a server device, Patent Document 1 discloses a server device that receives an unlocking request from a door control device, including the device ID of the door control device and a service number set by the service provider; performs authentication based on the information included in the unlocking request and the stored information; and transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device if authentication is successful.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-88919

However, the service number can be obtained not only by legitimate delivery companies with the right to perform delivery services associated with that service number, but also by improper individuals who do not possess that right. Therefore, in the server device disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if an improper individual who has obtained the service number impersonates a delivery company and inputs the service number into the door control device, there is a risk that the door could be unlocked due to successful authentication based on the service number.

This invention was made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a server device and door unlocking system that can deter unauthorized individuals from impersonating contractors and unlocking doors.

A server device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a door control device and a service provider server that control the locking and unlocking of a door installed at the entrance of an apartment building. The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving an unlocking request from the door control device, which includes identification information of the door control device and a service number set by the service provider; a request means for transmitting a request containing the information included in the unlocking request to the service provider server; and an unlocking means for the service provider server, upon receiving the request, identifying the service provider's terminal associated with the service number, and, if authentication based on information obtained from the identified service provider terminal is successful, transmitting an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request.

In the server device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the information acquired from the vendor terminal is information indicating whether or not a predetermined input operation has been performed on the vendor terminal, and the unlocking means transmits the unlocking instruction when the input operation has been performed.

In the server device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the information acquired from the vendor terminal is information indicating the location of the vendor terminal, and the unlocking means transmits the unlocking instruction when the location of the vendor terminal is within a predetermined range from the location indicated by the delivery destination address associated with the service number.

In the server device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the information acquired from the vendor terminal is authentication information output to the vendor terminal. The receiving means further receives the authentication information from the door control device. The unlocking means transmits the unlocking instruction when the authentication, based on the authentication information received by the receiving means and pre-stored information, is successful.

In a server device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the unlocking means further comprises a registration means that, upon successful authentication, receives an authentication result including the delivery address associated with the service number, identifies the room number associated with the service number based on the delivery address included in the authentication result, and registers the identified room number associated with the service number.

A door unlocking system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a first server 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 a second server capable of communicating with the first server and a service provider's terminal. The first server comprises: a receiving means for receiving an unlocking request from the door control device, including identification information of the door control device and a service number set by the service provider; a request means for transmitting a request containing the information included in the unlocking request to the second server; and an unlocking means for transmitting an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request, if authentication is successful based on information obtained from the service provider's terminal identified by the second server that received the request. The second server comprises a storage means for storing delivery information, including the service number, for each service provider's terminal, and an identification means for identifying the service provider's terminal associated with the service number based on the service number included in the request.

According to this invention, it is possible to deter unauthorized individuals from impersonating legitimate service providers and unlocking doors.

This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a door unlocking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the door control device. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. This is a block diagram showing an example of a functional means of a door unlocking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows an example of a user management table. This figure shows an example of a delivery management table. This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in a door unlocking system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes in detail a door unlocking system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "this embodiment") with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for identical components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

<Overall Structure>
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the door unlocking system 1 according to this embodiment.

As shown in Figure 1, the door unlocking system 1 comprises one or more door control devices 10, one or more server devices 12 (first server), one or more delivery service server 14 (second server), one or more delivery service terminals 16, and one or more user terminals 18. These devices can communicate with each other via a communication network NT, such as the Internet or a telephone line.

The door control device 10 is installed near the entrance (lobby) of a multi-unit residential building M, such as an apartment building, condominium, or dormitory. The door control device 10 controls the locking and unlocking of the auto-locking door 11 installed at the entrance of the multi-unit residential building M. For example, the door control device 10 consists of a pair of intercoms, with one intercom installed near the entrance of the multi-unit residential building M and the other intercom installed in each room of the multi-unit residential building M. A delivery person can use one intercom to communicate with a resident on the other intercom, and the resident can remotely unlock the door 11, allowing the delivery person to enter the multi-unit residential building M. Furthermore, the door control device 10 has an authentication-based door control function in addition to the intercom's functionality. This allows the delivery person to unlock the door 11 and enter the multi-unit residential building M even when the resident is absent and communication is impossible.

The server device 12 is an information processing device that performs various types of processing. The server device 12 transmits locking or unlocking instructions for the door 11 to the door control device 10. Furthermore, the server device 12 manages various information necessary for the control of the door 11 by the door control device 10, such as the device ID and service number, which are identification information for the door control device 10.

A service number is a service-related number set by a service provider, such as a delivery company. Examples of service numbers include the tracking number, package number, or package code for a package received by a delivery company.

The delivery company server 14 is an information processing device that performs various types of processing. The delivery company server 14 manages information related to deliveries. This information includes, for example, the service number, recipient and sender information (name, phone number, address, etc.), delivery status, and package type (regular package, perishable goods, valuables, heavy items, frozen goods, refrigerated goods, unattended delivery, cash on delivery, etc.).

The delivery company server 14, in response to a confirmation request from the server device 12, checks the delivery status of the package linked to the service number and transmits the confirmation result to the server device 12. Furthermore, the delivery company server 14, in response to an authentication request from the server device 12, performs authentication based on the device ID and service number of the door control device 10 and transmits the authentication result to the server device 12.

The delivery company terminal 16 is a communication terminal device operated by the delivery company. For example, the delivery company sets a service number when receiving a package from the sender or after receiving it. The delivery company then notifies the sender of the set service number. The sender, in turn, notifies the recipient user of the service number. The recipient user transmits the notified service number, along with their user ID, to the server device 12. The server device 12 stores the received service number, linking it to the receiving user ID. Examples of delivery company terminals 16 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and personal computers.

The user terminal 18 is a communication terminal device operated by the user. Examples of user terminals 18 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, and personal computers.

<Hardware Configuration>

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the door control device 10 shown in Figure 1.

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

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

Memory 22 stores, for example, the device ID and program of the door control device 10.

The communication device 24 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication device 24 sends and receives various information or data with the server device 12.

The display device 26 displays the name of the person being called.

The communication device 28 is equipped with an input device, and is configured to allow delivery personnel to communicate with the resident whose room number is entered using the input device.

Camera 30 captures images in front of the door control device 10.

The light source 32 is controlled by the CPU 20 to determine whether or not it emits light. Examples of light sources 32 include diodes and lamps.

The locking mechanism 34 locks and unlocks the door 11.

The power supply 36 supplies power to the CPU 20, memory 22, etc. A battery is preferred as the power supply 36.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 12 shown in Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 3, the server device 12 comprises a control device 40, a communication device 42, and a storage device 44. The control device 40 mainly consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 46 and memory 48.

The control device 40 functions as various functional means by having the CPU 46 execute a predetermined program stored in the storage device 44 or memory 48, etc. Details of these functional means will be described later.

The communication device 42 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication device 42 transmits and receives various information or data with the door control device 10, the delivery service server 14, and the user terminal 18.

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 processing in the control device 40, as well as information on processing results.

The server device 12 can be implemented using a dedicated or general-purpose server computer or other information processing device. Furthermore, the server device 12 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed on the communication network NT. Also, Figure 3 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 12; the server device 12 may have other configurations generally found in servers. The hardware configuration of the delivery service server 14 may be similar to that of the server device 12. The hardware configuration of the delivery service terminal 16 and the user terminal 18 may also be similar to that of the server device 12, except for the inclusion of a GPS receiver that receives GPS (Global Positioning System) signals via operating means, display devices, antennas, etc., to determine their own location.

<Functional means>
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional means of the door unlocking system 1 according to this embodiment.

<Door control device 10>
As shown in Figure 4, the door control device 10 in the door unlocking system 1 includes, as functional means, an acquisition means 50, a request means 52, and a control means 54. Each of these functional means is realized by the CPU 20 executing a program stored in the memory 22.

The acquisition means 50 obtains the service number set by the delivery company. The acquisition means 50 obtains the service number by accepting the delivery company's input operation for the service number.

The requesting means 52 transmits an unlocking request to the server device 12, including the device ID of the door control device 10 and the service number acquired by the acquisition means 50.

The control means 54, upon receiving an unlocking instruction from the server device 12, controls the locking mechanism 34 to automatically unlock the door 11. Furthermore, after unlocking, the control means 54 opens and closes the door 11 and then locks it.

<Server device 12>
The server device 12 in the door unlocking system 1 includes, as functional means, a storage means 58, a reception means 60, a confirmation request means 62, an authentication request means 64 (request means), an unlocking means 66, and a registration means 68. Each of these functional means is realized by the CPU 46 executing a program stored in the storage device 44.

The storage means 58 stores the service number set by the delivery company for each user. For example, the storage means 58 stores the user management table 58A.

Figure 5 shows an example of the user management table 58A. As shown in Figure 5, the user management table 58A registers the device ID of the door control device 10, the service number, and the room number, all linked to each other, for each user ID. The user ID is the user's identification information and may be pre-registered for each user, or registered linked to the service number when the service number is registered. The device ID of the door control device 10 is the identification information of the door control device 10 and is registered linked to the user ID by receiving it, for example, from a user terminal 18. The service number is registered linked to the user ID by receiving it, for example, from a delivery company terminal 16 or user terminal 18. The room number is the room number of the room where the user lives and is identified, for example, by the registration means 68 described later, and registered linked to the user ID and service number. Note that the room number may be pre-registered, linked to at least the user ID, by receiving it, for example, from a user terminal 18.

Returning to Figure 4, the reception means 60 receives an unlocking request from the door control device 10, which includes the device ID of the door control device 10 and the service number set by the delivery company. Specifically, the reception means 60 receives the unlocking request by receiving the unlocking request transmitted by the request means 52 of the door control device 10. The reception means 60 outputs the information contained in the received unlocking request to the confirmation request means 62 and the authentication request means 64.

The confirmation request means 62 transmits a confirmation request, including the service number included in the unlocking request received by the reception means 60, to the delivery company server 14. This prompts the confirmation request means 62 to request the delivery company server 14 to confirm the delivery status of the package associated with that service number.

The authentication request means 64 transmits an authentication request, including the service number and the device ID of the door control device 10, received by the reception means 60, to the delivery company server 14. Based on this, the authentication request means 64 requests the delivery company server 14 to authenticate the unlocking of the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID, based on the service number. In this embodiment, the authentication request means 64 transmits an authentication request to the delivery company server 14 when it receives a confirmation result from the delivery company server 14 indicating that the delivery associated with the service number is in transit, as a response to a confirmation request from the confirmation request means 62. As will be described in detail later, the delivery company server 14, upon receiving the authentication request, identifies the delivery company terminal 16 associated with the service number included in the authentication request.

The unlocking means 66, based on authentication obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the delivery company server 14, transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request if the authentication is successful.

The information acquired from the delivery terminal 16 may, for example, indicate whether a predetermined input operation has been performed on the delivery terminal 16. This predetermined input operation is an operation to instruct unlocking, and may include, for example, tapping an unlock button displayed on the display screen of the delivery terminal 16, or inputting predetermined authentication information (password, biometric information, voice information, etc.) necessary for unlocking. The unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 when a predetermined input operation is performed on the delivery terminal 16. Furthermore, the information acquired from the delivery terminal 16 may also include, for example, information indicating the location of the delivery terminal 16. In this case, the unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 when the location of the delivery terminal 16 is within a predetermined range of the location indicated by the delivery address associated with the service number.

In this embodiment, an example in which authentication based on information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 is performed in the delivery company server 14 will be specifically described. When the unlocking means 66 receives an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the delivery company server 14 as a response to the authentication request, it sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10. For example, if the delivery company server 14 determines that it has received an instruction to unlock from the delivery company terminal 16 based on the information obtained from the identified delivery company terminal 16, the delivery company server 14 sends an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the server device 12. This authentication result may include the device ID of the door control device 10 and the delivery destination address associated with the service number. When the unlocking means 66 receives the authentication result, it sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the authentication result (the device ID included in the unlocking request). In contrast, the unlocking means 66 does not send an unlocking instruction if it does not receive an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the delivery company server 14 within a predetermined time, or if it receives an authentication result indicating failure.

If the authentication result from the delivery company server 14 indicating successful authentication includes the destination address, the registration means 68 identifies the room number associated with the service number based on that destination address. The destination address usually includes the room number at the end. The registration means 68 identifies the room number listed at the end of this destination address as the room number associated with the service number (the room number of the user at the destination of the package). Then, the registration means 68 associates the identified room number with the service number included in the authentication request and registers it in the user management table 58A. In this case, if the user management table 58A contains other service numbers for users who have registered room numbers associated with service numbers, and there are unregistered room numbers associated with those other service numbers, the registration means 68 may, if necessary, register the same room number as the identified room number in those unregistered fields.

<Delivery company server 14>
The delivery service server 14 in the door unlocking system 1 includes a storage means 70, a confirmation means 72, an authentication means 74, an acquisition means 76 (specification means), and a reception instruction means 78. Each of these functional means is realized in the same way as the functional means in the server device 12, by the CPU of the delivery service server 14 executing a program stored in the memory of the delivery service server 14.

The storage means 70 stores information related to delivery, including the service number, for each delivery company terminal 16. For example, the storage means 70 stores the delivery management table 70A.

Figure 6 shows an example of a delivery management table 70A. As shown in Figure 6, the delivery management table 70A registers the service number, the device ID of the door control device 10, the destination address, and the delivery status, all linked to each other, for each terminal ID of the delivery company terminal 16. This information is registered, for example, when a delivery company uses the delivery company terminal 16 to scan information about a package to be delivered and transmits the scanned information to the delivery company server 14. The terminal ID is the identification information of the delivery company terminal 16 and is pre-registered for each terminal, for example. The service number is registered, for example, by being received from the delivery company terminal 16, etc., and linked to the terminal ID. The device ID of the door control device 10 is pre-registered, for example, by receiving the device ID linked to the service number from the server device 12, and linked to the service number. The destination address is the delivery destination address linked to the service number and is registered, for example, by being received from the delivery company terminal 16, etc., along with the service number, and linked to the service number. The delivery status is information indicating the delivery status of a package linked to a service number, and is managed so that information corresponding to the delivery status is registered. For example, if the package is in transit, "In Transit" is registered, and if it is not in transit, "Not Delivered" is registered.

Returning to Figure 4, when the verification means 72 receives a verification request from the verification request means 62 of the server device 12, it checks the delivery status of the delivery associated with the service number included in the verification request. For example, the verification means 72 refers to the delivery management table 70A and extracts information indicating the delivery status of the delivery associated with the service number. Then, if the delivery status is "in transit," the verification means 72 sends a verification result indicating that the delivery is in transit to the server device 12. Conversely, if the delivery status is "not delivered" or if there is no information indicating the delivery status, it sends a verification result indicating that the delivery is not delivered to the server device 12.

When the authentication means 74 receives an authentication request from the authentication request means 64 of the server device 12, it executes an authentication process to unlock the door 11 using the door control device 10 in response to the authentication request.

First, the authentication means 74 determines, based on the service number and device ID included in the authentication request, whether the unlocking request has been made from the appropriate destination door control device 10. Specifically, the authentication means 74 refers to the delivery management table 70A and extracts the device ID associated with the service number included in the authentication request. Then, based on whether the device ID included in the authentication request matches the extracted device ID, the authentication means 74 determines whether the door control device 10 sending the unlocking request is the appropriate destination door control device 10.

If the device ID included in the authentication request matches the extracted device ID, the authentication means 74 affirms that the door control device 10 sending the unlocking request is the appropriate door control device 10 at the correct destination address. The authentication means 74 then proceeds to authentication based on information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the acquisition means 76 (information indicating whether or not an unlocking instruction was received from the delivery company terminal 16). Conversely, if the device ID included in the authentication request does not match the extracted device ID, the authentication means 74 denies that the door control device 10 sending the unlocking request is the appropriate door control device 10 at the correct destination address and transmits an authentication failure result to the server device 12.

Furthermore, when the authentication means 74 receives an authentication request, it performs authentication based on information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the acquisition means 76. More specifically, the authentication means 74 determines, based on the information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16, whether or not it has received an instruction to unlock the door. If the authentication means 74 determines that it has received the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16, it considers the authentication successful and transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the server device 12. This authentication result includes the device ID of the door control device 10 included in the unlock request and the destination address obtained by the acquisition means 76. Conversely, if the authentication means 74 determines that it has not received the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16, it considers the authentication failed and transmits an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the server device 12.

An instruction to unlock from the delivery company terminal 16 is determined to have been received, for example, when the delivery company performs a predetermined input operation to the delivery company terminal 16. If the authentication means 74 obtains information from the delivery company terminal 16 indicating that the predetermined input operation has occurred, it affirms that the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 has been received. Conversely, if the authentication means 74 does not obtain information from the delivery company terminal 16 indicating that the predetermined input operation has occurred within a predetermined period, it denies that the instruction from the delivery company terminal 16 has been received.

Furthermore, the instruction from the delivery terminal 16 may be deemed accepted if, when the authentication request is sent to the delivery server 14, the location of the delivery terminal 16 is within a predetermined range relative to the location indicated by the delivery destination address associated with the service number. For example, the authentication means 74 affirms that the instruction from the delivery terminal 16 has been accepted if the location of the delivery terminal 16, as obtained by transmission from the delivery terminal 16, is within a predetermined range relative to the location indicated by the destination address obtained by the acquisition means 76. The predetermined range is, for example, a range within a radius of several meters from the location indicated by the destination address, and represents a range so close that the location of the delivery terminal 16 can be considered approximately the same as the location indicated by the destination address obtained by the acquisition means 76. Conversely, if the location of the delivery terminal 16 is outside the predetermined range relative to the location indicated by the destination address obtained by the acquisition means 76, the authentication means 74 denies that the instruction from the delivery terminal 16 has been accepted.

When the acquisition means 76 receives an authentication request from the authentication request means 64 of the server device 12, it acquires the terminal ID and destination address of the delivery company terminal 16 associated with the service number included in the authentication request. The acquisition means 76 outputs the acquired terminal ID and destination address to the authentication means 74. By acquiring the terminal ID in this way, the acquisition means 76 identifies the delivery company terminal 16 indicated by the acquired terminal ID (the delivery company terminal 16 associated with the service number included in the authentication request). The acquisition means 76 also outputs the acquired terminal ID to the reception instruction means 78. Note that the acquisition means 76 may also acquire the terminal ID and destination address if the authentication means 74 determines that an unlocking request has been made from the appropriate destination door control device 10.

The reception instruction means 78 transmits instruction information to the delivery company terminal 16, indicated by the terminal ID acquired by the acquisition means 76, instructing it to accept a predetermined input operation from the delivery company as an instruction for unlocking. Examples of instruction information include information to display an unlock button on the display screen of the delivery company terminal 16, which will accept a tap operation from the delivery company.

<Delivery company terminal 16>
The delivery service terminal 16 in the door unlocking system 1 includes a location acquisition means 80, a notification means 82, and a reception means 84. Each of these functional means is realized in the same way as the functional means in the door control device 10, by the CPU of the delivery service terminal 16 executing a program stored in the memory of the delivery service terminal 16.

The location acquisition means 80 acquires the location information (current location) of the delivery company terminal 16. The location acquisition means 80 acquires the location information of the delivery company terminal 16 based on GPS signals received by the GPS receiver unit of the delivery company terminal 16, for example. The location acquisition means 80 acquires the location information of the delivery company terminal 16 periodically, for example, at predetermined intervals. The location acquisition means 80 transmits the acquired location information to the delivery company server 14 each time it is acquired or at a predetermined timing. Note that the location information of the delivery company terminal 16 may be acquired not only by the GPS signal-based acquisition method, but also by other methods such as IP address-based location measurement or Wi-Fi base station-based location measurement.

The notification means 82, upon receiving instruction information from the delivery company server 14's receiving instruction means 78, notifies the delivery company of an operation instruction to receive a predetermined input operation. The manner in which this operation instruction is notified is not particularly limited; it may be notified by voice or by screen display. For example, the notification means 82 may display an unlock button on the screen and instruct the delivery company to tap the unlock button to unlock the device. Note that the predetermined input operation is not limited to a tap operation.

The reception means 84 transmits information to the delivery company server 14 indicating that it has received an operation when the delivery company performs a predetermined input operation in response to an operation instruction notified by the notification means 82. For example, when the unlock button displayed by the notification means 82 is tapped by the delivery company, the reception means 84 transmits information to the delivery company server 14 indicating that it has received the tap operation.

<Processing Flow>
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the door unlocking system 1. Note that the content and order of the following processes can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP10)
The acquisition means 50 of the door control device 10 controls the camera 30 to photograph the code (two-dimensional code or three-dimensional code) presented by the delivery person. Subsequently, the acquisition means 50 analyzes the photographed code to obtain the service number. Then, the process moves on to step SP12.

(Step SP12)
The request means 52 of the door control device 10 sends an unlocking request to the server device 12, which includes the device ID of the door control device 10 and the service number obtained in the processing of step SP 10. Then, the process moves on to the processing of step SP 14.

(Step SP14)
The receiving means 60 of the server device 12 receives the unlocking request transmitted in step SP12. Then, the process proceeds to step SP16.

(Step SP16)
The confirmation request means 62 of the server device 12 sends a confirmation request, including the service number included in the unlocking request received in step SP14, to the delivery company server 14. Then, the process moves on to step SP18.

(Step SP18)
The confirmation means 72 of the delivery company server 14 checks the delivery status of the delivery based on the service number included in the confirmation request sent in the processing of step SP 16. The confirmation means 72 refers to the delivery management table 70A, extracts the delivery status associated with the service number, and sends the confirmation result including the extracted delivery status to the server device 12.

(Step SP20)
The unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 determines whether the confirmation result transmitted in step SP18 indicates that the delivery is in transit. If the unlocking means 66 determines this to be positive, the process proceeds to step SP22. On the other hand, if the unlocking means 66 determines this to be negative, the unlocking means 66 transmits information indicating that unlocking is not possible to the door control device 10, and the series of processes shown in Figure 7 ends.

(Step SP22)
The authentication request means 64 of the server device 12 sends an authentication request, including the device ID and service number included in the unlock request received in step SP14, to the delivery company server 14. Then, the process moves on to step SP24.

(Step SP24)
The authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 determines whether the door control device 10 that sent the unlocking request in step SP12 is the appropriate door control device 10 for the destination address. First, the authentication means 74 refers to the delivery management table 70A and extracts the device ID associated with the service number included in the authentication request sent in step SP22. Next, the authentication means 74 determines whether the device ID included in the authentication request sent in step SP22 matches the extracted device ID. If the authentication means 74 determines this to be true, the process proceeds to step SP26. On the other hand, if the authentication means 74 determines this to be false, the authentication means 74 sends an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the server device 12, and the series of processes shown in Figure 7 ends.

(Step SP26)
The acquisition means 76 of the delivery company server 14 acquires the destination address and the terminal ID of the delivery company terminal 16 based on the service number included in the authentication request transmitted in step SP22. The acquisition means 76 refers to the delivery management table 70A and extracts the destination address and terminal ID associated with the service number. Then, the process moves on to step SP28.

(Step SP28)
The delivery company server 14's reception instruction means 78 sends instruction information to the delivery company terminal 16, indicated by the terminal ID obtained in step SP26, instructing it to display the unlock button. Then, the process moves on to step SP30.

(Step SP30)
The notification means 82 of the delivery company terminal 16 displays an unlock button on the screen of the delivery company terminal 16. Then, the process proceeds to step SP32.

(Step SP32)
The reception means 84 of the delivery company terminal 16 determines whether or not a tap operation was performed on the unlock button displayed in the processing of step SP30. If a tap operation was performed on the unlock button within a predetermined period, the reception means 84 affirms the determination, and the process proceeds to the processing of step SP34. On the other hand, if no tap operation was performed on the unlock button within the predetermined period, the reception means 84 denies the determination, and either does not send any information to the delivery company server 14 or sends information to the delivery company server 14 indicating that the tap operation on the unlock button was not received. Then, the authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 sends an authentication result indicating authentication failure to the server device 12, and the series of processes shown in Figure 7 ends.

(Step SP34)
The receiving means 84 of the delivery company terminal 16 receives a tap operation on the unlock button as an instruction to unlock, and transmits information to the delivery company server 14 indicating that the instruction has been received. Then, the process proceeds to step SP36.

(Step SP36)
The authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14 determines that authentication is successful when it receives information indicating that it has received an instruction to unlock during the processing of step SP34. Subsequently, the authentication means 74 transmits an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the server device 12. This authentication result includes the device ID included in the unlock request and the destination address obtained during the processing of step SP26. Then, the process moves on to the processing of step SP38.

(Step SP38)
The registration means 68 of the server device 12 identifies the room number from the destination address included in the authentication result transmitted in step SP36. Subsequently, the registration means 68 associates the identified room number with the service number included in the authentication request transmitted in step SP22 and registers it in the user management table 58A. Then, the process moves on to step SP40.

(Step SP40)
The unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 sends an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the authentication result transmitted in step SP36. Then, the process moves on to step SP42.

(Step SP42)
The control means 54 of the door control device 10 unlocks the door 11 for which an unlocking instruction has been sent in step SP40. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 7 is completed.

<Effects and Effects>
As described above, the server device 12 according to this embodiment is a server device 12 capable of communicating with a door control device 10 that controls the locking and unlocking of a door 11 installed at the entrance of an apartment building M and a delivery service server 14 (service provider server), and comprises: a receiving means 60 that receives an unlocking request from the door control device 10 including a device ID as identification information for the door control device 10 and a service number set by the delivery service provider (service provider); an authentication request means 64 (request means) that transmits an authentication request (request) including the information contained in the unlocking request to the delivery service server 14; and an unlocking means 66 that, upon receiving the authentication request, identifies a delivery service terminal 16 associated with the service number, and if the authentication is successful based on the information obtained from the identified delivery service terminal 16, transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request.

Furthermore, the door unlocking system 1 according to this embodiment includes a server device 12 as a first server capable of communicating with a door control device 10 that controls the locking and unlocking of a door 11 installed at the entrance of an apartment building M, and a delivery service server 14 as a second server capable of communicating with the server device 12 and the delivery service terminal 16. The server device 12 includes a receiving means 60 that receives an unlocking request from the door control device 10, which includes the device ID of the door control device 10 and a service number set by the delivery service, and an authentication request that includes the information contained in the unlocking request, which is then received by the delivery service server 14. The system includes an authentication request means 64 for sending an authentication request, and an unlocking means 66 for sending an unlocking instruction to a door control device 10 indicated by a device ID included in an unlocking request, if the authentication is successful based on the information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 identified by the delivery company server 14 that received the authentication request. The delivery company server 14 includes a storage means 70 for storing delivery-related information, including a service number, for each delivery company terminal 16, and an acquisition means 76 (identification means) for identifying the delivery company terminal 16 associated with a service number based on the service number included in the authentication request.

According to these server devices 12 and door unlocking system 1, when a delivery person enters a service number into the door control device 10, an unlocking request including the device ID and service number of the door control device 10 is received, and an authentication request including the information contained in the unlocking request is sent to the delivery person server 14. Next, the delivery person server 14, which received the authentication request, identifies the delivery person terminal 16 associated with the service number, and performs authentication based on the information obtained from the identified delivery person terminal 16. If the authentication is successful, an unlocking instruction is sent to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request. Thus, in order to perform this authentication, information obtained from the delivery person terminal 16 associated with the service number, that is, from a delivery person terminal 16 that has the legitimate right to perform delivery work associated with the service number, is required. Therefore, unless information is obtained from the delivery person terminal 16 that has the legitimate right during authentication, the door 11 will not be unlocked, and it is possible to deter an unauthorized person who does not have the legitimate right from impersonating a delivery person and unlocking the door 11 by knowing the service number.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information acquired from the delivery terminal 16 indicates whether or not a predetermined input operation has been performed on the delivery terminal 16. The unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction when such an input operation has occurred.

According to this configuration, during authentication based on information obtained from the identified delivery company terminal 16, if, for example, a tap is performed on the unlock button displayed on the delivery company terminal 16, the authentication is successful and an unlock instruction is sent. Therefore, the door 11 will not unlock unless the delivery company possessing the delivery company terminal 16, which has the legitimate right to perform delivery duties linked to the service number, performs the prescribed input operation. This ensures that the above effects are properly achieved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information acquired from the delivery company terminal 16 is information indicating the location of the delivery company terminal 16. The unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction when the location of the delivery company terminal 16 is within a predetermined range from the location indicated by the delivery address associated with the service number.

According to this configuration, during authentication based on information obtained from the identified delivery company terminal 16, if the location of the delivery company terminal 16, which has the legitimate right to perform delivery duties linked to the service number, is within a predetermined range that can be considered to be approximately the same as the location indicated by the delivery destination address, then the authentication is successful and an unlocking instruction is sent. Therefore, the door 11 will not be unlocked unless the delivery company terminal 16, which has the legitimate right to perform delivery duties linked to the service number, is located within a range that can be considered to be approximately the same as the location indicated by the delivery destination address. This effectively achieves the above-mentioned effect. Furthermore, since information for authentication is obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 without the delivery company having to perform any predetermined input operations on the delivery company terminal 16, the effort required of the delivery company is reduced.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the unlocking means 66, upon successful authentication, receives an authentication result from the delivery company server 14, including the delivery destination address associated with the service number. Based on the destination address included in the authentication result, it identifies the room number associated with the service number, and registers the identified room number associated with the service number.

With this configuration, even if the user does not register the room number in advance, upon successful authentication for unlocking the door, the room number identified based on the destination address included in the authentication result is registered and linked to the service number. Therefore, various processes to prevent misdelivery of packages can be performed using the room number linked to this service number. For example, the unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 may receive room number input from the delivery company at the door control device 10, perform authentication for unlocking the door based on whether the received room number matches the registered room number, and send an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 only if they match. As a result, if the delivery company enters an incorrect room number, the door 11 will not be unlocked, thus preventing misdelivery to the wrong room. Alternatively, by sending the identified room number to the door control device 10 and displaying it on the door control device 10, the delivery company may be notified of the room number to be delivered to and reminded to check whether the room number they are trying to deliver to is correct. Alternatively, the identified room number may be transmitted to the elevator control device installed in the apartment building M, and the elevator may be controlled to automatically move to the floor corresponding to the identified room number if the door control device 10 successfully unlocks the door 11.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a confirmation request means 62 is provided for sending a confirmation request including a service number to the delivery company server 14. The authentication request means 64, in response to the confirmation request, sends an authentication request to the delivery company server 14 when it receives a confirmation result from the delivery company server 14 indicating that the delivery associated with the service number is in transit.

This configuration allows for authentication requests to be sent only to deliveries that are in transit, by first requesting confirmation from the delivery company server 14 whether the delivery associated with the service number is currently in transit, prior to the authentication request. This reduces the processing load.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which authentication for unlocking the door 11 is performed in the delivery company server 14 in response to an authentication request from the server device 12. However, this authentication may be performed in a location other than the delivery company server 14. For example, authentication based on information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 may be performed in the server device 12. Furthermore, the information obtained from the delivery company terminal 16 is not limited to the example described in the above embodiment; for example, it may be authentication information output to the delivery company terminal 16. Examples of such authentication information include passwords.

In this case, more specifically, the delivery company server 14, upon receiving the authentication request, instructs the delivery company terminal 16, identified by the acquisition means 76, to output a password via voice or display, etc., and the delivery company terminal 16 outputs the password in response to this instruction. This allows authentication based on the password to be performed using the password as information acquired from the identified delivery company terminal 16. For example, when a delivery company obtains (recognizes) the password output from the delivery company terminal 16 and inputs the password into the door control device 10, the acquisition means 50 of the door control device 10 receives the password, and the request means 52 of the door control device 10 transmits the received password to the server device 12. The receiving means 60 of the server device 12 receives not only the unlocking request described above but also the password from the door control device 10. The storage means 58 of the server device 12 stores the password to be used for authentication in advance, and the server device 12 is equipped with authentication means to perform authentication based on the password. This authentication means performs authentication based on the password received by the receiving means 60 and the password stored in the storage means 58. If the authentication is successful, the unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10.

According to this configuration, the door 11 cannot be unlocked unless the password output to the identified delivery terminal 16 is obtained. The person who can obtain this password is the delivery company possessing the delivery terminal 16, that is, the delivery company with the legitimate right to perform the delivery service linked to the service number. Therefore, similar to the above embodiment, this configuration effectively prevents unauthorized individuals without the legitimate right from impersonating a delivery company and unlocking the door 11.

Furthermore, the door unlocking system 1 is not limited to unlocking the door 11 for delivering packages to residents of the apartment building M. It can also be applied to unlocking the door 11 for placing packages into delivery boxes installed in the apartment building M, or for a delivery company to collect packages placed in the delivery boxes by a user. Additionally, the door unlocking system 1 is not limited to the above configuration and may include an elevator installed within the apartment building M, an elevator control device for controlling the elevator, and delivery boxes installed within the apartment building M.

Furthermore, the user management table 58A stored in the storage means 58 of the server device 12 may contain information not limited to the above, such as the box ID of the delivery box, telephone number, and date of birth, linked to each user. Also, the storage means 58 may store a box management table, linked to the device ID of the door control device 10 and the box ID of the delivery box, in addition to the user management table 58A. In this case, the user management table 58A and the box management table may be combined into a single table.

Furthermore, the information included in the unlocking request received by the server device 12's receiving means 60 is not limited to the device ID and service number of the door control device 10. For example, the unlocking request does not necessarily have to include the device ID of the door control device 10, and may include various other information such as room number, delivery company name, and telephone number, in addition to the device ID and service number. This various information included in the unlocking request is linked to the service number, and authentication for unlocking the door 11 may be performed using at least one of this information.

Furthermore, the authentication request means 64 of the server device 12 may send an authentication request to the delivery company server 14 not only when it receives a confirmation result from the delivery company server 14 indicating that the delivery associated with the service number is in transit, but also without receiving such a confirmation result. In this case, the server device 12 does not need to have a confirmation request means 62.

Furthermore, the unlocking means 66 of the server device 12 may, in addition to authentication based on instructions from the delivery company terminal 16, determine whether or not a package can be delivered based on the package information, and if the determination is positive, send an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10. In this case, for example, the storage means 58 of the server device 12 stores not only the above-mentioned information, but also delivery information regarding the feasibility of delivery set by the user for each type of package, and room numbers registered in advance by the user, for each user. The storage means 58 also stores the device ID of the door control device 10, the box ID of the delivery box, and delivery feasibility information indicating whether or not it is possible to deliver a package to the delivery box, linking them together. Furthermore, the storage means 70 of the delivery company server 14 stores not only the above-mentioned information, but also package information indicating the type of package and room numbers, linking them to the service number. The authentication means 74 of the delivery company server 14, upon successful authentication, obtains package information and room number associated with the service number included in the authentication request, and transmits the authentication result, including the obtained package information and room number, to the server device 12. The unlocking means 66 of the server device 12, upon receiving an authentication result indicating successful authentication from the delivery company server 14, refers to the delivery information stored in the storage means 58 based on the package information and room number included in the authentication result, and determines whether the package can be delivered. If the determination is positive, the unlocking means 66 transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device 10 indicated by the device ID included in the unlocking request.

Furthermore, the authentication result indicating successful authentication transmitted from the delivery company server 14 does not necessarily have to include the destination address, and the server device 12 does not need to identify and register the room number based on the destination address. In this case, the server device 12 does not need to have a registration means 68. The acquisition means 76 of the delivery company server 14 does not need to acquire the destination address associated with the service number.

Furthermore, the delivery server 14 may perform authentication based on information obtained from the delivery terminal 16 without checking the delivery status of the package. In this case, the delivery server 14 does not need to have a verification means 72. Also, the authentication means 74 of the delivery server 14 may perform authentication based on instructions from the delivery terminal 16 without determining whether the door control device 10 sending the unlocking request is the appropriate door control device 10 for the destination address.

Furthermore, instructions from the delivery company terminal 16 may be accepted only if a predetermined input operation is performed on the delivery company terminal 16, regardless of the terminal's location. In this case, the delivery company terminal 16 does not need to be equipped with a location acquisition means 80. Also, instructions from the delivery company terminal 16 may be accepted only if the delivery company terminal 16's location is within a predetermined range relative to the destination address, regardless of whether the predetermined input operation by the delivery company has been received. In this case, the delivery company server 14 does not need to be equipped with an acceptance instruction means 78, and the delivery company terminal 16 does not need to be equipped with a notification means 82 and an acceptance means 84. In addition to, or instead of, a predetermined input operation on the delivery company terminal 16, the orientation and tilt of the delivery company terminal 16 may be detected based on various information acquired by, for example, an acceleration/orientation sensor equipped on the delivery company terminal 16, and an instruction for unlocking may be accepted if the detected orientation or tilt is a predetermined orientation or tilt.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment described a delivery company's server and terminal, the type of company is not limited to delivery companies. Any company that can provide delivery-related services (service provider), such as online supermarkets or dry cleaners, is acceptable.

1: Door unlocking system, 10: Door control device, 12: Server device (first server), 14: Delivery company server (delivery company server, second server), 16: Delivery company terminal (delivery company terminal), 60: Reception means, 64: Authentication request means (request means), 66: Unlocking means, 68: Registration means, 76: Acquisition means (identification means)

Claims (4)

A door control device for controlling the locking and unlocking of doors installed in an apartment building , and a server device capable of communicating with a service provider's server,
A receiving means for receiving an unlocking request that includes the identification information of the door control device and a service number set by the contractor,
A request means for sending a request containing the information included in the unlocking request to the vendor server,
The unlocking means, upon receiving the aforementioned request, identifies the vendor's vendor terminal associated with the service number, and if the authentication is successful based on the information obtained from the identified vendor terminal, transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request.
A server device equipped with the following features. The aforementioned company is a delivery company,
The unlocking means transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device when, in addition to the successful authentication based on the information obtained from the identified carrier terminal, the determination of whether or not the package can be delivered based on the delivery package information is affirmative.
The server device according to claim 1. A door unlocking system comprising a first server capable of communicating with a door control device that controls the locking and unlocking of doors installed in an apartment building , and a second server capable of communicating with the first server and the contractor's terminal,
The first server is,
A receiving means for receiving an unlocking request that includes the identification information of the door control device and the service number set by the contractor,
A request means for sending a request containing the information included in the unlocking request to the second server,
Unlocking means that, upon successful authentication based on information obtained from the vendor terminal identified by the second server that received the request, transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device indicated by the identification information included in the unlocking request.
Equipped with,
The second server is,
A storage means for storing information related to delivery, including the aforementioned service number, for each of the carrier terminals,
A means for identifying the vendor terminal associated with the service number based on the service number included in the request,
Equipped with,
Door unlocking system. The aforementioned company is a delivery company,
The unlocking means transmits an unlocking instruction to the door control device when, in addition to the successful authentication based on the information obtained from the identified carrier terminal, the determination of whether or not the package can be delivered based on the delivery package information is affirmative.
The door unlocking system according to claim 3.