Patent Description:
Conventionally, there is known a door unlock system that unlocks a locked door by performing a remote control or the like.

With the system disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> or <NUM>, however, it is necessary for the user to permit unlocking of the door in advance at the time of purchasing the product, or the like. Therefore, when receiving a package from a third party, for example, this system cannot be used until the third party informs the user in advance that a package has been shipped out.

The present invention is designed in view of the foregoing circumstances, and it is an object thereof to provide a server device and a door control device capable of allowing a service provider such as a courier to unlock a door without a permission of the user.

In order to overcome the forgoing issue, a server device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a server device configured to communicate with a door control device that controls locking and unlocking of a door installed at an entrance of a multifamily residential. The server device includes: storage means that stores, for each user, a service number set by a service provider; request reception means that receives, from the door control device, an unlock request including a device ID of the door control device and the service number; authentication means that executes an authentication based on information included in the unlock request received by the request reception means and information stored in the storage means; and unlock instruction means that transmits an unlock instruction to the door control device, when the authentication is succeeded; wherein the server device further comprises: <NUM> notification means that notifies the door control device when the authentication is failed, wherein:- when there is a notification from the notification means, the request reception means receives, from the door control device, a re-unlock request including identification information of the user as a resident of the multifamily residential, the identification information being different from the service number; and- the authentication means re-executes the authentication based on the information included in the reunlock request received by the request reception means and the information stored in the storage means.

Furthermore, in the server device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the service number includes a tracking number of a package.

Furthermore, in the server device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the identification information includes a phone number of the user.

Furthermore, in the server device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention: the server device is configured to communicate with a terminal of the service provider; the notification means makes an inquiry to the terminal about validity of the service number, when the authentication is failed; and when the request reception means receives the reunlock request, the unlock instruction means transmits an unlock instruction to the door control device only when a result of the inquiry indicates as being valid.

Furthermore, a door control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a door control device configured to control locking and unlocking a door installed at an entrance of a multifamily residential and capable of communicating with a server device. The door control device includes: acquisition means that acquires a service number set by a service provider; unlock request means that transmits, to the server device, an unlock request including a device ID of the door control device and the service number acquired by the acquisition means; and control means that automatically unlocks the door, when an unlock instruction is received from the server device; wherein when there is a notification from notification means of the server device to the door control device that the unlock request is failed, the unlock request means transmits, to the server device, a re-unlock request including identification information of a user as a resident of the multifamily residential, the identification information being different from the service number; and- the control means automatically re-unlocks the door, when an unlock instruction based on the information included in the re-unlock request transmitted by the unlock request means.

According to the present invention, the service provider such as the courier can unlock the door without a permission of the user.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (also referred to as "the embodiment" hereinafter) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For promoting easy understanding, same reference signs are applied to the same components and steps in each of the drawings as much as possible to avoid duplicated explanations.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a door unlock system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door unlock system <NUM> includes a single or a plurality of door control devices <NUM>, a server device <NUM>, a courier terminal <NUM>, and a user terminal <NUM>. Those devices are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet or a phone line.

The door control device <NUM> is set near an entrance of a multifamily residential M such as a condominium, an apartment, or a dormitory. The door control device <NUM> controls locking and unlocking of an autolocking-type door <NUM> installed at the entrance of the multifamily residential M. For example, the door control device <NUM> is configured with a pair of intercoms, and one of the intercoms is installed near the entrance of the multifamily residential M while the other intercom is installed at each room of the multifamily residential M. The courier can have a conversation with a resident on the other intercom side by using the pair of intercoms, and can enter the multifamily residential M by having the resident unlock the door <NUM> by a remote operation. However, when the resident is absent, it is not possible to have a conversation so that the door <NUM> cannot be unlocked. Therefore, it is not possible to enter the multifamily residential M, so that it is not possible to put a package into a delivery locker or pick up a package from the delivery locker in the multifamily residential M. Thus, the door control device <NUM> is configured by providing a door control function to the function of the intercoms.

The server device <NUM> is configured with a first server device 12A and a second server device 12B, for example. The first server device 12A transmits a locking instruction and an unlocking instruction of the door <NUM> to the door control device <NUM>. The second server device 12B manages the service numbers, and performs an authentication of the courier that is requesting unlocking of the door <NUM> by using the service numbers.

The courier terminal <NUM> is a communication terminal device operated by the courier. The courier sets (determines) the service number, particularly a tracking number of the package, at the time of or after receiving the package directed to a user from a third party (sender). Then, the courier informs the set tracking number to the sender. The sender informs the tracking number to the user as the recipient (consignee). The user as the recipient transmits the informed tracking number along with the user ID of the user to the second server device 12B, and the server device <NUM> stores the received tracking number in association with the received user ID. Examples of the courier terminal <NUM> may be a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a personal computer, and the like.

The user terminal <NUM> is a communication terminal device operated by the user. Examples of the user terminal <NUM> may be a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a personal computer, and the like. As the user terminal <NUM> in particular, it is preferable to be a mobile communication terminal device capable of being carried, such as a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the door control device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door control device <NUM> includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a communication device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, a conversation device <NUM>, a camera <NUM>, a light source <NUM>, a locking mechanism <NUM>, and a power source <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> controls various configurations of the door control device <NUM>, such as the camera <NUM>, the light source <NUM>, and the like, for example.

The memory <NUM> stores the device ID, the program, and the like of the door control device <NUM>, for example.

The communication device <NUM> is configured with a communication interface and the like for communicating with outside devices. The communication device <NUM> transmits/receives various kinds of information or various kinds of data to/from the first server device 12A, for example.

The display device <NUM> displays the other party while talking.

The conversation device <NUM> includes an input device, so that the courier can have a conversation with the resident of the room number input by using the input device.

The camera <NUM> captures an image in the front direction of the door control device <NUM>.

As for the light source <NUM>, emission of light is controlled by the CPU <NUM>. Examples of the light source <NUM> may be a diode, a lamp, and the like.

The locking mechanism <NUM> locks and unlocks the door <NUM>.

The power source <NUM> supplies the power to the CPU <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the like. As the power source <NUM>, it is preferable to use a battery, for example.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server device <NUM> (the first server device 12A and the second server device 12B) illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the server device <NUM> includes a control device <NUM>, a communication device <NUM>, and a storage device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> is configured by mainly including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) <NUM> and a memory <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> functions as various kinds of functional means by causing the CPU <NUM> to execute a prescribed program stored in the storage device <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, or the like. The detail of the functional means will be described later.

The communication device <NUM> is configured with a communication interface and the like for communicating with outside devices. The communication device <NUM> transmits/receives various kinds of information or various kinds of data to/from the user terminal <NUM>, for example.

The storage device <NUM> is configured with a hard disk or the like. The storage device <NUM> stores various kinds of programs as well as various kinds of information necessary for executing processing by the control device <NUM> and information of the processing result thereof.

Note that the server device <NUM> can be implemented by using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server, computer, or the like. Furthermore, the server device <NUM> may be configured with a single information processing device or may be configured with a plurality of information processing devices distributed on the communication network NT. It is also to be noted that <FIG> simply illustrates a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device <NUM>, and the server device <NUM> may also include other configurations that are generally provided to a server. Furthermore, the courier terminal <NUM> and the user terminal <NUM> can also have the same hardware configuration as that of the server device <NUM>, except that those terminals include operation means and the display device, for example.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating examples of the functional means of the door unlock system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, as the functional means, the door control device <NUM> in the door unlock system <NUM> includes first acquisition means <NUM>, unlock request means <NUM>, second acquisition means <NUM>, reunlock request means <NUM>, and control means <NUM>. The functional means is implemented when the CPU <NUM> executes the program stored in the memory <NUM>.

The first acquisition means <NUM> includes a function of acquiring the service number set by the courier.

The unlock request means <NUM> has a function of transmitting, to the first server device 12A, an unlock request including the device ID of the door control device <NUM> and the service number acquired by the first acquisition means <NUM>. Examples of the service number may be a tracking number of the package, the package number, the package code, and the like. The embodiment will be described by referring to a case where the service number is the tracking number.

The second acquisition means <NUM> has a function of acquiring identification information, from the user, of the user different from the service number when there is a notification from the first server device 12A, such as when there is a notification indicating a failure of a user authentication or when there is a notification requesting additional information for an unlock request, for example. Examples of the identification information may be the phone number of the user, the birth date, the individual number (the number for identifying a specific individual in administrative procedures), name of the user, the user ID, and the like. The embodiment will be described by referring to a case where the identification information is the phone number.

The reunlock request means <NUM> has a function of transmitting, to the first server device 12A, a reunlock request including the identification information acquired by the second acquisition means <NUM>.

The control means <NUM> has a function of automatically unlocking the door <NUM> by controlling the locking mechanism <NUM>, when an unlock instruction is received from the first server device 12A. Furthermore, the control means <NUM> also has a function of opening and closing the door after unlocking, and locking it.

Furthermore, as the functional means, the server device <NUM> in the door unlock system <NUM> includes storage means <NUM>, request reception means <NUM>, authentication means <NUM>, notification means <NUM>, and unlock instruction means <NUM>. The functional means is implemented when the CPU <NUM> executes the program stored in the storage device <NUM>. While the embodiment is described by referring to a case where the functional means is provided in the second server device 12B, a part of the functional means such as the unlock instruction means <NUM> and the like may be provided in the first server device 12A.

The storage means <NUM> has a function of storing, for each user, the service number set by the courier and the identification information of the user different from the service number. Specifically, the storage means <NUM> stores a box management table 70A and a user management table 70B. In the box management table 70A, the device ID and the box ID, for example, are registered in an associated manner. In the user management table 70B, the box ID, the service number, and the identification information of the user are registered for each user (each user ID). Note that the box management table 70A and the user management table 70B may be integrated as a single table.

<FIG> is a chart illustrating an example of the box management table 70A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the box management table 70A, the device ID of the door control device <NUM> and the box IDs of a plurality of delivery boxes are registered in an associated manner.

<FIG> is a chart illustrating an example of the user management table 70B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the user management table 70B, the box ID, the tracking number as the service number, the phone number as the identification information, and the birth date are registered in an associated manner for each user ID.

Returning to <FIG>, the request reception means <NUM> has a function of receiving, from the door control device <NUM>, an unlock request including the device ID of the corresponding door control device <NUM> and the service number. In the embodiment, the request reception means <NUM> receives the unlock request from the door control device <NUM> via the first server device 12A. Furthermore, when there is a notification from the notification means <NUM> to be described later, the request reception means <NUM> receives, from the door control device <NUM>, a reunlock request including the identification information different from the service number, which is the identification information (phone number or the like) of the user from which a package is to be picked up or to which a package is to be put in.

The authentication means <NUM> has a function of executing an authentication based on the information included in the unlock request received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>. Furthermore, the authentication means <NUM> re-executes an authentication based on the information included in a reunlock request received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>.

The notification means <NUM> has a function of notifying the door control device <NUM>, when an authentication executed by the authentication means <NUM> is failed. In the embodiment, the notification means <NUM> notifies the door control device <NUM> via the first server device 12A.

The unlock instruction means <NUM> has a function of transmitting an unlock instruction to the door control device <NUM>, when the authentication executed by the authentication means <NUM> is succeeded. In the embodiment, the unlock instruction means <NUM> transmits the unlock instruction to the door control device <NUM> via the first server device 12A.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of the processing executed by the door unlock system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the courier enters the multifamily residential M. Note that the content and the order of the following processing may be changed as appropriate.

The first acquisition means <NUM> of the door control device <NUM> controls the camera <NUM> to capture a code (two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code) presented by the courier. Subsequently, the first acquisition means <NUM> analyzes the captured code to acquire the tracking number. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP12.

The unlock request means <NUM> of the door control device <NUM> transmits an unlock request including the device ID of the door control device <NUM> and the tracking number acquired by the first acquisition means <NUM> to the first server device 12A. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP14.

The first server device 12A receives the unlock request from the door control device <NUM>. In response, the first server device 12A transfers the unlock request to the second server device 12B. When the first server device 12A has the box management table 70A stored therein, a plurality of box IDs associated with the device ID included in the unlock request in the box management table 70A may be acquired, and the acquired box IDs may be added to the unlock request. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP16.

The request reception means <NUM> of the second server device 12B receives (accepts) the unlock request from the door control device <NUM> via the first server device 12A. In response, the authentication means <NUM> executes a user authentication (authentication of the tracking number) of the courier based on the information included in the unlock request received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>. Specifically, the authentication means <NUM> refers to the box management table 70A, and specifies a plurality of box IDs from the device ID included in the unlock request. Subsequently, the authentication means <NUM> determines whether there is a tracking number matching the tracking number included in the unlock request, among the tracking numbers each being associated with a plurality of specified box IDs in the user management table 70B. Subsequently, the authentication means <NUM> determines that the user authentication is succeeded when the determination is affirmative, and determines that the user authentication is failed when the determination is negative. When the unlock request includes a plurality of box IDs, the authentication means <NUM> determines whether there is a tracking number matching the tracking number included in the unlock request, among the tracking numbers each being associated with a plurality of box IDs included in the unlock request in the user management table 70B. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP18.

The notification means <NUM> of the second server device 12B determines whether the user authentication is succeeded. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP20 when the determination is affirmative, and the processing is shifted to processing of step SP26 when the determination is negative.

The unlock instruction means <NUM> of the second server device 12B transmits, to the first server device 12A, an unlock instruction of the door control device <NUM> requesting the unlock request or the reunlock request to be described later. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP22.

The first server device 12A receives the unlock instruction from the second server device 12B. In response, the first server device 12A transmits (transfers) the received unlock instruction to the corresponding door control device <NUM>. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP24.

The door control device <NUM> receives the unlock instruction from the first server device 12A. In response, the control means <NUM> controls the locking mechanism <NUM> to automatically unlock the door <NUM> in a locked state. Thereby, the courier can enter the multifamily residential M from the door <NUM>, and put a package into the delivery box placed in front of each room or pick up a package from the delivery box.

When determined as negative in step SP18, the notification means <NUM> of the second server device 12B notifies an error to the first server device 12A. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP28 and step SP30, respectively.

The notification means <NUM> makes an inquiry to the courier terminal <NUM> (the server device of the courier) about the validity of the tracking number included in the unlock request via the communication network NT. Specifically, the notification means <NUM> communicates with the courier terminal <NUM> to inquire whether the package related to the tracking number is being shipped.

The first server device 12A receives the notification from the second server device 12B. In response, the first server device 12A specifies the door control device <NUM> giving the unlock request, and transfers the received notification to the door control device <NUM>. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP32.

The door control device <NUM> receives the notification from the first server device 12A. In response, the second acquisition means <NUM> of the door control device <NUM> requests the courier to input the phone number. As for a requesting method, it may be indicated so on the display device <NUM> or may be indicated so by a voice through a speaker, not illustrated, for example. In response to the request, the courier operates the door control device <NUM> to input the phone number of the cellular phone or the landline phone of the resident (user). Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP34.

The second acquisition means <NUM> receives the input operation of the courier to acquire the phone number. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP36.

The reunlock request means <NUM> of the door control device <NUM> transmits the reunlock request including the phone number acquired by the second acquisition means <NUM> to the first server device 12A. The reunlock request may or may not include the device ID. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP38.

The first server device 12A receives the reunlock request from the door control device <NUM>. In response, the first server device 12A transfers the received reunlock request to the second server device 12B. When the first server device 12A has the box management table 70A stored therein, a plurality of box IDs associated with the device ID included in the reunlock request in the box management table 70A may be acquired, and the acquired box IDs may be added to the unlock request. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP40.

The request reception means <NUM> of the second server device 12B receives (accepts) the reunlock request from the first server device 12A. Subsequently, the unlock instruction means <NUM> determines whether the result of the inquiry in step SP28 indicates that "the tracking number is valid". Specifically, the unlock instruction means <NUM> determines whether the result of inquiry is "being shipped". Then, when the determination is affirmative, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP42. When the determination is negative, an error is notified to the door control device <NUM> via the first server device 12A, and a series of processing illustrated in <FIG> is ended. Note that this step may be executed after step SP42 and step SP44. That is, when the request reception means <NUM> receives the reunlock request, the unlock instruction means <NUM> transmits the unlock instruction to the door control device <NUM> only when the result of inquiry indicates as being valid.

The authentication means <NUM> of the second server device 12B re-executes a user authentication based on the information included in the reunlock request received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>. Specifically, the authentication means <NUM> refers to the box management table 70A, and specifies the user ID from the box ID included in the reunlock request (or the initial unlock request). Subsequently, it is determined whether the phone number associated with the specified user ID in the user management table 70B matches the phone number included in the unlock request. Subsequently, the authentication means <NUM> determines that the user authentication is succeeded when the determination is affirmative, and the authentication means <NUM> determines that the user authentication is failed when the determination is negative. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP44.

The notification means <NUM> of the second server device 12B determines whether the user authentication is succeeded or failed. Then, when the determination is affirmative, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP46. When the determination is negative, an error is notified to the door control device <NUM> via the first server device 12A indicating that the authentication is failed twice, and a series of processing illustrated in <FIG> is ended.

The authentication means <NUM> registers the tracking number included in the unlock request to the user management table 70B in association with a specific user ID. Then, the processing is shifted to processing of step SP20.

As described above, in the embodiment, the server device <NUM> is capable of communicating with the door control device <NUM> that controls locking and unlocking of the door <NUM> installed at the entrance of the multifamily residential. Furthermore, the server device <NUM> includes: the storage means <NUM> that stores the service number set by the courier for each user; the request reception means <NUM> that receives, from the door control device <NUM>, the unlock request including the device ID of the door control device <NUM> and the service number; the authentication means <NUM> that executes an authentication based on the information included in the unlock request received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>; and the unlock instruction means <NUM> that transmits the unlock instruction to the door control device <NUM> when the authentication is succeeded.

With this configuration, when the courier arrives at the entrance of the multifamily residential and provides the door control device <NUM> with the service number, an authentication is performed by the server device <NUM> and the door <NUM> is unlocked by the door control device <NUM>. As a result, the courier can unlock the door <NUM> without a permission of the user.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the service number includes the tracking number of the package.

With this configuration, the courier can unlock the door <NUM> easily with the tracking number indicated in a two-dimensional code or the like pasted on the package.

Furthermore, the embodiment includes the notification means <NUM> that notifies the door control device <NUM> when the authentication is failed. When there is a notification from the notification means <NUM>, the request reception means <NUM> receives, from the door control device <NUM>, the reunlock request including the identification information different from the service number, which is the identification information of the user from which a package is picked up or to which a package is put in, and the authentication means <NUM> re-executes an authentication based on the information included in the reunlock request received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>.

With this configuration, even in a case where the user does not know the service number and the service number is not registered in the server device <NUM>, the courier can unlock the door <NUM> based on the identification information of the user the courier is supposed to know.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the identification information includes the phone number of the user.

With this configuration, even in a case where the user does not know the service number and the service number is not registered in the server device <NUM>, the courier can unlock the door <NUM> by using the phone number since the courier is supposed to know the phone number of the user (the consignee or the like).

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the server device <NUM> is capable of communicating with the courier terminal <NUM> of the courier. The notification means <NUM> makes an inquiry to the courier terminal <NUM> about the validity of the service number when the authentication is failed. When the reunlock request is received by the request reception means <NUM>, the unlock instruction means <NUM> transmits the unlock instruction to the door control device <NUM> only when the result of inquiry indicates as being valid.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the door control device <NUM> from being unlocked by a third party who knows the phone number of the user as the consignee by simply using a random code.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the door control device <NUM> controls locking and unlocking of the door <NUM> installed at the entrance of the multifamily residential, and it is capable of communicating with the server device <NUM>. Moreover, the door control device <NUM> includes: the first acquisition means <NUM> that acquires the service number set by the courier; the unlock request means <NUM> that transmits, to the server device <NUM>, the unlock request including the device ID of the door control device <NUM> and the service number acquired by the first acquisition means <NUM>; and the control means <NUM> that automatically unlocks the door when the unlock instruction is received from the server device <NUM>.

For example, the above embodiment is described by referring to the case where a user authentication using the phone number is executed after executing a user authentication using the service number. However, it is also possible to execute the user authentication using the service number after executing the user authentication using the phone number. Furthermore, an unlock instruction may be issued, when the user authentication using the service number and the user authentication using the phone number are both succeeded.

Furthermore, when the user authentication using the phone number is failed, the request reception means <NUM> may further receive the identification information different from the phone number, and the authentication means <NUM> may execute the user authentication using the identification information different from the phone number. In that case, the reliability of being the courier is low (may not be the courier), so that the request reception means <NUM> may receive two types of identification information (for example, the birth date and the courier ID) different from the phone number, and the authentication means <NUM> may execute the user authentication based on the two types of identification information received by the request reception means <NUM> and the information stored in the storage means <NUM>.

Furthermore, when the user authentication using the service number is failed, the second acquisition means <NUM> of the door control device <NUM> may have the courier select either one from input of the phone number and input of the identification information of the user other than the phone number.

Claim 1:
A server device (<NUM>) configured to communicate with a door control device (<NUM>) configured to control locking and unlocking a door (<NUM>) installed at an entrance of a multifamily residential (M), the server device (<NUM>) comprising: storage means (<NUM>) configured to store, for each user, a service number set by a service provider;
request reception means (<NUM>) configured to receive, from the door control device (<NUM>), an unlock request including a device ID of the door control device (<NUM>) and the service number;
authentication means (<NUM>) configured to execute an authentication based on information included in the unlock request received by the request reception means (<NUM>) and information stored in the storage means (<NUM>); and unlock instruction means (<NUM>) configured to transmit an unlock instruction to the door control device (<NUM>), when the authentication is succeeded; characterized in that the server device (<NUM>) further comprising:
notification means (<NUM>) configured to notify the door control device (<NUM>) when the authentication is failed, wherein: when there is a notification from the notification means (<NUM>), the request reception means (<NUM>) is configured to receive, from the door control device (<NUM>), a reunlock request including identification information of the user as a resident of the multifamily residential (M), the identification information being different from the service number; and
the authentication means (<NUM>) is configured to reexecute the authentication based on the information included in the reunlock request received by the request reception means (<NUM>) and the information stored in the storage means (<NUM>).