CN115244263A - Locker system, locker management method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A locker system is provided in which utility to the locker user is increased. The locker system includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a locker control unit. The acquisition unit acquires biological information about the user. The determination unit determines a request related to the user's locker usage. The locker control unit opens the specified locker based on a request related to the use of the locker by the user specified by the comparison process using the biological information.

Description

Locker system, locker management system, locker management method and storage medium

technical field

The invention relates to a locker system, a locker management system, a locker management method and a storage medium.

Background technique

Various ways of working have been promoted in recent years. For example, a "free address" was promoted, which does not need to identify a specific desk and works through the free use of vacant seats. Here, employees belonging to a specific department can use a floor that supports free addresses, but an unspecified number of users across departments and companies can use the floor.

The user can temporarily leave the floor. In the case of an unspecified number of users on the same floor, users who temporarily leave the floor need to store their luggage in lockers.

Patent Document 1 describes providing a locker system capable of realizing an authentication process of a user through a remote operation and preventing human error operations in emergency retrieval of stored luggage. In the locker system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the locker box is temporarily locked, the imaging unit is driven to image the user until the payment processing is completed using the operation display unit. The locker system performs master locking by storing one or more of the captured images at a predetermined timing as the first image associated with the locker box number. The locker system responds to the baggage receiving operation on the operation display unit, captures an image through the imaging unit, and in response to the reception operation, sends the unlock request together with the second image, the first image and the captured locker box number to the management center. The locker system unlocks the locker associated with the locker box number based on the unlocking instruction sent from the management center, wherein the unlocking instruction is the management center according to the unlock request based on the first image and the second image. The comparison results are sent.

【Citation List】

【Patent Literature】

[Patent Document 1] JP 2019-200593 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

【technical problem】

As described above, lockers (locker boxes) are required for free address floors and the like. When using an existing locker, the user pays a fee on the locker and locks the locker where the luggage is stored with a physical key. This locker locked with a physical key is not suitable for temporary storage (storage) of luggage on the free address floor. This is because the user needs to pay and lock the key every time he leaves the free address floor temporarily.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a locker system, a locker management system, a locker management method, and a storage medium that contribute to improving the usability of the locker user.

【Problem solution】

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locker system, comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire biometric information of a user; a determination unit configured to determine a request related to the user's locker usage; and A locker control unit configured to unlock a locker designated based on a request related to the use of the locker by the user designated by the comparison process using the biometric information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locker management system, comprising: a server device; and a locker system connected to the server device. The locker system includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of a user; a determination unit configured to determine a request related to the user's locker usage; a request unit configured to send the locker to a server device an unlock request, the locker unlock request including biometric information and a request related to use of the locker; and a locker control unit configured to unlock the locker based on the response obtained from the server device. The server device specifies a user through a comparison process using biometric information included in the locker unlock request, specifies a locker to be unlocked based on the request related to locker use included in the locker unlock request, and The locker ID of the specified locker is included in the response to the locker unlock request.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locker management method performed in a locker system, comprising: acquiring biometric information of a user; determining a request related to the user's locker usage; and Use the comparison of biometric information to process the specified user-related locker usage-related request to unlock the specified locker.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer installed on a locker system to perform the following processes: acquiring biological information of a user; determining a locker related to the user a usage-related request; and unlocking a designated locker based on a request related to the locker usage of the user designated by the comparison process using the biometric information.

[Beneficial effects of the invention]

According to various aspects of the present invention, there are provided a locker system, a locker management system, a locker management method, and a storage medium that contribute to improving the usability of a locker user. The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above. According to the present invention, other effects can also be exhibited in place of or in addition to these effects.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the biometric authentication-compatible locker according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the biometric authentication-compatible locker according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the biometric authentication-compatible locker according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the biometric authentication-compatible locker according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the server apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user registration unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the user information acquisition unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user database according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an entrant management database according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the locker management database according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the biometric authentication-compatible locker according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the portal management terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the locker management database according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the user request determination unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the user request determination unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a biometric authentication-compatible locker according to the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the door control unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the door control unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the equipment management unit according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an equipment management database according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a locker management database according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the user request determination unit according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the user request determination unit according to the sixth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the user request determination unit according to the sixth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example of a hardware configuration of a server apparatus.

Detailed ways

First, the outline of an exemplary embodiment will be described. Reference numerals in the drawings attached to this summary are attached to each element for convenience, as an example to aid understanding, and the description of this summary is not intended to be limiting in any way. Unless otherwise specified, the blocks described in each drawing do not represent the configuration of hardware units, but represent the configuration of functional units. The connecting lines between the blocks in each figure include bidirectional lines and unidirectional lines. The unidirectional arrows schematically represent the flow of the main signal (data) and do not preclude bidirectionality. In this specification and the drawings, elements that can be similarly described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions can be omitted.

The locker system 100 according to an example embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101 , a determination unit 102 and a locker control unit 103 (see FIG. 1 ). The acquisition unit 101 acquires biological information about the user. The determination unit 102 determines a request related to the user's locker usage. The locker control unit 103 unlocks the locker specified based on the request related to the use of the locker with respect to the user specified by the comparison process using the biometric information.

The locker system 100 obtains the user's biometric information (eg, facial images) and determines requests related to the user's locker usage (eg, storage and retrieval of luggage). The locker system 100 transmits the biological information and the request related to the locker usage to a control device that manages and controls the locker usage, for example. The server device specifies the locker user by making a comparison using the acquired biological information. The server device specifies the locker to be unlocked according to the request of the specified locker user, and sends the ID of the specified locker to the locker system 100 . The locker system 100 unlocks the locker associated with the acquired locker ID. As described above, since the locker management system includes the locker system 100 that unlocks the locker through the user's biometric authentication, the utility of the locker user is improved. That is, the locker user does not need to put in the fees (coins) required for the existing locker system, lock the locker with a physical key, and the like. The locker system 100 can realize the function of the server device through the present device without sending the biological information and the request related to the use of the locker to the server device. That is, the locker system 100 may store biometric information of users who can use the locker, and compare (designate) users using the stored biometric information.

Hereinafter, specific example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First exemplary embodiment]

The first example embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2 , the locker management system includes a biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 , a server device 20 , an entrance management terminal 30 - 1 , an exit management terminal 30 - 2 , and a camera device 40 .

The devices shown in Figure 2 are interconnected. For example, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the server device 20 are connected by wired or wireless communication means, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other. Although FIG. 2 shows connection lines between the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the server device 20 , other components (the entrance management terminal 30 - 1 , the exit management terminal 30 - 2 , the camera device 40 ) are also connected to the server device 20 . In addition, a stationary personal computer (PC) installed in the floor is also connected to the server device 20 .

In the following description, when there is no particular reason to distinguish the entry management terminal 30-1 and the exit management terminal 30-2, they are simply referred to as "terminal 30".

The server device 20 may be installed in the same building as the biometric authentication compatible locker 10, or may be installed on the network (on the cloud).

The floor shown in Figure 2 is a so-called free address floor, and employees can freely choose vacancies to work. Biometric authentication compatible lockers 10 are installed on the free address floor. However, the installation place of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the present disclosure is of course not limited to the free address floor. Biometric-compatible lockers 10 may be installed in places visited by an unspecified number of users, such as stations or airports.

The biometrics-compatible locker 10 is a locker system for storing items of a floor user (eg, clothes, laptops, writing implements, etc.). The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 specifies a user through biometric authentication, and performs operations according to the specified user. For example, the biometrics compliant locker 10 uses the user's "face" to designate the user. In the present disclosure, the case of processing a "face image" or "feature amount generated from a face image" as biological information will be mainly described. However, the biometric information is not limited to "face image" or the like, and other biometric information (eg, iris, etc.) may be used for authentication.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance (front view) of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 includes a plurality of lockers (8 locker boxes in the example of FIG. 3 ), a display panel 11 and a camera 12 . The biometrics-compatible locker 10 includes lockers with different sizes (different storage capacities for luggage, etc.). Letters and numbers written on the upper left of each locker shown in FIG. 3 indicate the number (locker number) of each locker.

The display panel 11 provides various types of information to the user. The display panel 11 is integrated with an operation device such as a touch panel. The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 receives the user's operation via the touch panel. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided to the user through the display panel 11 and the touch panel.

The camera 12 is mounted so as to be able to image a user standing in front of the device (the biometrics compatible locker 10).

The server device 20 shown in FIG. 2 is a device that controls and manages various devices in the floor including the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . For example, the server device 20 controls the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 .

The entrance management terminal 30-1 is a terminal installed at the entrance of the free address floor. The entrance management terminal 30 - 1 is connected to the door 31 . When the floor visitor is successfully authenticated, the entrance management terminal 30-1 opens the door 31 to allow the visitor to enter the free address floor.

The exit management terminal 30-2 is a terminal installed at the exit of the free address floor. The exit management terminal 30-2 is also connected to the door 31 similarly to the entrance management terminal 30-1. The exit management terminal 30-2 opens the door 31 when the authentication of the exiter is successful (designation of the exiter).

FIG. 2 illustrates a case where floor visitors are managed by the terminals 30 (the entrance management terminal 30 - 1 , the exit management terminal 30 - 2 ) and the door 31 . However, as described above, in the case where the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is installed in a place such as a station or an airport, the above-mentioned equipment is not necessary. That is, in the locker management system of the present disclosure, the terminal 30 and the door 31 may not be installed.

The server device 20 manages the entrance and exit of floor users using the entrance management terminal 30-1 and the exit management terminal 30-2.

At least one or more camera devices 40 are installed on the floor shown in FIG. 2 . The camera device 40 is installed so as to overlook the entire floor. Although one camera device 40 is shown in FIG. 2 , in a case where a plurality of camera devices 40 are required to obtain an image looking down on the entire floor, a plurality of camera devices 40 are installed for this purpose.

【Summary of system operation】

An outline of the operation of the locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

When a visitor on the floor moves to the front of the entrance management terminal 30-1, the entrance management terminal 30-1 acquires a face image of the visitor. The entrance management terminal 30-1 transmits the acquired face image to the server device 20, and requests authentication processing of the visitor. When the authentication of the visitor is successful, the server device 20 notifies the portal management terminal 30-1 that the authentication is successful. When the entrance management terminal 30-1 receives the notification, the door 31 is opened to allow the visitor to enter.

The server device 20 manages the entrants of the floor based on the result of the authentication process.

When the entrant in the floor moves to the front of the exit management terminal 30-2, the exit management terminal 30-2 acquires the face image of the entrant. The exit management terminal 30-2 transmits the acquired face image to the server device 20, and requests authentication processing of the entrant. When the authentication of the entrant is successful, the server device 20 notifies the exit management terminal 30-2 that the authentication is successful. Upon receiving the notification, the exit management terminal 30-2 opens the door 31 and allows the entrant to exit the venue.

In the case of temporarily leaving the free address floor, the entrant stores luggage (items, things) in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The locker user moves to the front of the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 (specifically, the front of the camera 12).

Upon confirming the user's existence, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 provides the user with a GUI that accepts operations related to the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage). For example, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 performs a display as shown in FIG. 4 and comprehends the user's request.

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires an image of the face of the user standing in front. For example, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires a facial image while making it clear to the user that the facial image is acquired through the display as shown in FIG. 5 .

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 transmits the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) and the "locker unlock request" including the user's facial image to the server device 20 .

The server device 20 extracts a face image from the acquired locker unlock request, and performs comparison processing using the face image. The server device 20 specifies a locker user from among floor visitors by executing a comparison process.

For a designated locker user, the server device 20 controls and manages the locker according to the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) included in the locker unlock request.

Specifically, if the user's request is "storage luggage", the server device 20 selects an empty locker in which luggage is not stored, and stores the selected locker and the user in association with each other. The server device 20 transmits a response including information specifying the selected locker (for example, a locker number), a user's request (storage of luggage), and the like to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 .

If the user's request is "claim luggage", the server device 20 designates a locker in which luggage of the designated user is stored. The server device 20 transmits a response including the designated locker number, the user's request (claiming luggage), and the like to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 .

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 that receives the response to the locker unlock request performs an operation according to the response. For example, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 that has received the locker number and "storage luggage" performs a display as shown in FIG. 6( a ), and opens the corresponding locker. Alternatively, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 that has received the locker number and "claim baggage" performs a display as shown in Fig. 6(b), and opens the corresponding locker.

When it is detected that the open locker is closed, the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 detects whether there is luggage in the locker. When the detection process is completed, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 transmits "baggage presence/absence information" to the server device 20 . The luggage presence/absence information includes the locker number of the closed locker and information on the presence or absence of luggage in the locker (baggage status).

The server device 20 ensures consistency between the management status of the locker and the actual status (presence or absence of luggage) in the locker based on the luggage presence/absence information acquired from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 .

【Preliminary preparations】

System users (users on the free address floor) need to make preliminary preparations. This preliminary preparation will be described below.

The user registers attribute values such as the user's biological information and profile in the system. Specifically, the user inputs the face image to the server device 20 . The user inputs the user's profile (eg, name, employee number, work location, department to which the employee belongs, job title, contact address, etc.) to the server device 20 .

Any method can be used to enter information, such as biological information and profiles. For example, the user takes an image of the user's face using a terminal such as a smartphone. Furthermore, the user generates a text file or the like describing the profile using the terminal. The user operates the terminal to transmit information (face image, profile) to the server device 20 . Alternatively, the user may input necessary information to the server device 20 using an external storage device such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) in which the information is stored.

Alternatively, the server device 20 may have a function as a World Wide Web (WEB) server, and the user may input necessary information through a form provided by the server. Alternatively, a terminal for inputting information may be provided outside the floor, and the user inputs necessary information to the server device 20 from the terminal. Alternatively, the user can also input necessary information to the server device 20 from the portal management terminal 30-1.

The server device 20 uses the acquired user information (biological information, profile, etc.) to update the database that manages users of the system. Details about the database update will be described later, but the server device 20 roughly updates the database by the following operations. In the following description, a database for managing users using the system of the present disclosure will be referred to as a "user database".

When the person associated with the acquired user information is a new user who has not been registered in the user database, the server device 20 assigns an identifier (ID) to the user. The server device 20 generates feature quantities that characterize the acquired face image.

The server device 20 adds an entry including the ID assigned to the new user, the feature amount generated from the facial image, the facial image of the user, the profile, and the like to the user database. When the server device 20 registers user information, the user can enter the free address floor.

Next, the details of each device included in the locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described.

【Server Equipment】

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server apparatus 20 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 7 , the server device 20 includes a communication control unit 201 , a user registration unit 202 , a comparison unit 203 , a user management unit 204 , a locker management unit 205 , and a storage unit 206 .

The communication control unit 201 is a device that controls communication with other devices. Specifically, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The communication control unit 201 transmits the data to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The communication control unit 201 transfers data received from another device to another processing module. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from another processing module to another device. In this way, the other processing module transmits and receives data to and from other devices through the communication control unit 201 .

The user registration unit 202 is a device for realizing the above-mentioned system user registration. The user registration unit 202 includes a number of sub-modules. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the user registration unit 202 . 8 , the user registration unit 202 includes a user information acquisition unit 211 , an ID generation unit 212 , a feature amount generation unit 213 , and an entry management unit 214 .

The user information acquisition unit 211 is a device for acquiring the above-mentioned user information. The user information acquisition unit 211 acquires biometric information and profiles of each of a plurality of users who use the locker management system. More specifically, the user information acquisition unit 211 acquires biometric information (eg, facial image) and profile (eg, name, affiliation, etc.) of the system user. The system user may input information to the server device 20 from the user terminal, or may operate the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 to input the information.

The user information acquisition unit 211 may provide a GUI or a form for inputting information. For example, the user information acquisition unit 211 displays an information input form as shown in FIG. 9 on the terminal operated by the user.

The system user enters the information shown in Figure 9. The system user chooses whether to newly register the user in the system or update the already registered information. After entering all the information, the system user presses the "Send" button and enters the biological information and profile to the server device 20 .

The user information acquisition unit 211 stores the acquired user information in the storage unit 206 .

The ID generation unit 212 is means for generating IDs to be assigned to system users. When the user information input by the system user is information related to new registration, the ID generation unit 212 generates an ID for identifying the new user. For example, the ID generation unit 212 may calculate a hash value of the acquired user information (face image, profile) and use the hash value as an ID to be assigned to the user. Alternatively, the ID generation unit 212 may assign a unique value and use the assigned value as the ID every time user registration is performed. In the following description, the ID (ID for identifying the user of the system) generated by the ID generating unit 212 is referred to as "user ID".

The feature amount generating unit 213 is a device that generates a feature amount (a feature vector including a plurality of feature amounts) that characterizes the face image from the face image included in the user information. Specifically, the feature amount generating unit 213 extracts feature points from the acquired face image. Existing techniques are available for the feature point extraction process, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the feature amount generating unit 213 extracts eyes, nose, mouth, etc. as feature points from the face image. Thereafter, the feature amount generating unit 213 calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between the feature points as feature amounts, and generates a feature vector (vector information characterizing the face image) including a plurality of feature amounts.

The entry management unit 214 is means for managing entries of the user database. When a new user is registered in the database, the entry management unit 214 adds an entry to the user database including the user ID generated by the ID generation unit 212, the feature amount generated by the feature amount profile.

When updating the information of a user already registered in the user database, the entry management unit 214 specifies an entry to be updated with information based on employee numbers and the like, and updates the user database using the acquired user information. At this time, the entry management unit 214 may update the difference between the acquired user information and the information registered in the database, or may overwrite each item of the database with the acquired user information. Similarly, regarding the feature amount, the entry management unit 214 may update the database when there is a difference in the generated feature amount, or may overwrite the existing feature amount with the newly generated feature amount.

The user registration unit 202 operates to construct a user database as shown in FIG. 10 (a database in which user IDs for identifying users of the system, biological information, and profiles are stored in association with each other). It goes without saying that the content registered in the user database shown in FIG. 10 is an example, and is not intended to limit the information registered in the user database. The user database may store at least a user ID for identifying a user and biometric information in association with each other.

The description returns to FIG. 7 . The comparison unit 203 is a device that performs comparison processing using biological information (face image). When the face image is acquired from the terminal 30 or the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the comparison unit 203 performs comparison processing using the acquired image.

For example, the comparison unit 203 receives an authentication request from the portal management terminal 30-1. Since the authentication request includes the facial image of the visitor (person to be authenticated), the comparison unit 203 extracts the facial image from the authentication request. The comparison unit 203 calculates a feature amount from the acquired face image.

The comparison unit 203 sets the feature amount calculated based on the face image acquired from the entrance management terminal 30-1 as a comparison target, and performs a comparison process with the feature amount registered in the user database. Specifically, the comparison unit 203 sets the calculated feature amount (feature vector) as a comparison target, and performs a pair of N (N is a positive integer, the same below) comparison with a plurality of feature vectors registered in the user database.

The comparison unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature amount of the comparison target and each of the plurality of feature amounts on the registration side. Chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, etc. can be used as similarity. The longer the distance, the lower the similarity, and the shorter the distance, the higher the similarity.

The comparison unit 203 designates, from among the plurality of feature amounts registered in the user database, the feature amount whose degree of similarity to the feature amount of the comparison target is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and has the highest degree of similarity. The comparison unit 203 refers to the user database and reads the user ID associated with the specified feature amount.

The comparison unit 203 transmits the read user ID to the user management unit 204 . At this time, the comparison unit 203 notifies the user management unit 204 that the authentication request from the portal management terminal 30-1 has been processed.

The comparison unit 203 performs the same processing as above also on the facial image acquired from the exit management terminal 30-2 (the facial image of the exiter from the floor), and specifies the user ID associated with the facial image. The comparison unit 203 transmits the designated user ID to the user management unit 204 . At this time, the comparison unit 203 notifies the user management unit 204 that the authentication request from the exit management terminal 30-2 has been processed.

When the comparison process related to the facial image acquired from the terminal 30 fails, the comparison unit 203 notifies the terminal 30 of the failure. The terminal 30 (the entrance management terminal 30 - 1 , the exit management terminal 30 - 2 ) that has received the notification about the authentication failure does not open the door 31 . The terminal 30 notifies the user that the authentication fails, and prompts the user to take measures, such as contacting a predetermined contact address.

The comparison unit 203 also performs similar processing when receiving the locker unlock request from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The comparison unit 203 refers to the user database, and specifies the user ID associated with the biological information included in the locker unlock request. Specifically, the comparison unit 203 extracts the face image from the request, and performs comparison processing using the user database. The comparison unit 203 specifies the user ID of the corresponding person through the comparison process.

After that, the comparison unit 203 confirms that the specified user ID is included in the visitor management database. When the user ID is included in the database, the comparison unit 203 notifies the locker management unit 205 of the user ID specified by the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) included in the locker unlock request.

On the other hand, in the case where the user ID is not included in the entrant management database, the comparison unit 203 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 that the authentication has failed. By confirming that the user ID is included in the visitor management database, the comparison unit 203 restricts the use of the lockers to users who have entered the floor through an appropriate procedure. When the person whose face image is included in the locker unlock request is not registered in the user database, the comparison unit 203 also notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of authentication failure. Upon receiving the notification regarding the authentication failure, the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 notifies the user of the fact.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the case where the user of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is restricted to the admission person of the free address floor will be described. Therefore, the server device 20 manages the entrants in the floor through the entrant management database, however, in the case where the use of the locker is not limited to the entrants, the entrants may not be managed by the entrant management database.

The user management unit 204 is a device that manages users (entrancers and visitors in the floor) in the free address floor. The user management unit 204 manages the entrants using the user ID acquired from the comparison unit 203 .

The user management unit 204 manages the user ID and the date and time when the user enters the floor in association with each other. Specifically, the user management unit 204 manages the entrants using the entrant management database having fields for storing at least two pieces of information. For example, the user management unit 204 manages the entrants using the entrant management database shown in FIG. 11 .

When receiving a notification from the comparison unit 203 that "the authentication request from the entrance management terminal 30-1 is processed", the user management unit 204 adds an entry (an entry including a user ID and an entry date and time) to the entry management surface. When receiving a notification from the comparison unit 203 that "the authentication request from the exit management terminal 30-2 is processed", the user management unit 204 deletes the entry from the entrant management table.

The visitor management database shown in FIG. 11 is an example, and in addition to the date and time of admission, the status (work status) of the visitor can be managed. For example, when the attendee is in a meeting, the state of the attendee can be set to "in meeting", and when the attendee is working on a round table, etc., the state of the attendee can be set to "working normally" ". Whether an attendee is "in a meeting" may be determined by analyzing the images obtained from the camera device 40 .

The description returns to FIG. 7 . The locker management unit 205 is a device that manages each locker included in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The locker management unit 205 processes the "locker unlock request" received from the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 .

The locker management unit 205 manages each locker included in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 using the "locker management database". The locker management database stores locker IDs, locker attributes, and usage conditions in association with each other (see FIG. 12 ).

The locker ID is an ID for specifying each locker included in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . For example, the locker number is used as the locker ID. In FIG. 12, the locker number shown in FIG. 3 is used as the locker ID.

Attribute fields store attribute information, such as the characteristics of each locker. For example, the luggage storage capacity of each locker (the size of the locker) is used as the attribute value of the locker. Alternatively, the location of the locker can be used as an attribute value. In Figure 12(a), the size of each locker is set as an attribute value. In FIG. 12(b), the position of each locker (relative position in the biometric authentication compatible locker 10) is set as an attribute value.

The usage status field stores the usage status of each locker (bag is present or not; bag is present, bag is not present). If there is no luggage in the locker, this field sets nothing, and if there is luggage in the locker, sets the user ID associated with the user. The example of FIG. 12 shows that the locker of "R02" stores the luggage of the user whose "ID01" is assigned as the user ID.

It goes without saying that the description of FIG. 12 is an example and is not intended to limit the information stored in the locker management database. The locker management database may store at least the locker ID of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the use status of each locker in association with each other. Alternatively, the locker management database may store multiple attribute values (eg, the size and location of the locker).

In the case where the user's request is "to store luggage", the locker management unit 205 refers to the locker management database, and selects an available locker. The locker management unit 205 sets the user ID (the user ID specified by the comparison unit 203 through the comparison process) in the usage status field of the selected locker. The locker management unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the locker ID (locker number) of the selected locker, the user's request (luggage is present), and the like.

When the user's request is "claim luggage", the locker management unit 205 refers to the locker management database, and specifies the locker ID in which the user ID acquired from the comparison unit 203 is set in the usage status field. The locker management unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the designated locker ID (locker number), the user's request (luggage pickup), and the like.

In the case where the user's request is "storage luggage" and there is no empty biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, in response to the locker unlock request, the locker management unit 205 notifies an error. When the user's request is "claim luggage" and the user ID specified by the comparison unit 203 is not set in the usage status field, the locker management unit 205 notifies an error in response to the locker unlock request.

In the case where the biometrics-compliant locker 10 stores the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) set in the locker unlock request, the locker management unit 205 does not need to notify the biometrics-compliant locker 10 of the request . That is, the response sent from the server device 20 to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 (response to the locker unlock request) may not include the user's request.

As described above, in the case where the request related to the use of the locker (the user's request) is to store luggage, the locker management unit 205 selects the locker for storing the luggage. Further, the locker management unit 205 sets the specified user ID in the usage status field associated with the selected locker. The locker management unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the locker ID of the selected locker. When the request related to the use of the locker is to pick up luggage, the locker management unit 205 refers to the locker management database, and specifies the locker ID in which the specified user ID is set in the usage status column. The locker management unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the designated locker ID.

Upon receiving "baggage presence/absence information" from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the locker management unit 205 extracts the locker ID and information on the presence/absence of luggage (baggage status) from the received information ). When the luggage status is "no luggage", the locker management unit 205 sets "empty" in the corresponding usage status field of the locker ID.

When the luggage status is "baggage present", the locker management unit 205 confirms that the user ID is set in the corresponding usage status field of the locker ID. In the case where the luggage status is "baggage present" and the user ID is not set in the corresponding use status field of the locker ID, the locker management unit 205 notifies the administrator or the like of the fact. Since this does not occur in normal operation, administrators etc. check the situation and take appropriate action.

By transmitting and receiving "baggage presence/absence information" between the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the server device 20, it is possible to prevent a conflict between the status of each locker and the locker management database. For example, there is a situation where the user selects "store luggage" and opens the locker but closes the locker without storing any luggage. In this case, when the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is notified of the locker ID, the user ID is set in the usage status field. However, thereafter, since it is determined that the locker is empty according to the luggage presence/absence information, the locker management unit 205 may set the usage status of the corresponding locker to "empty". That is, the locker management unit 205 updates the locker management database with the luggage presence/absence information, thereby preventing a conflict between the state of the locker and the database.

The storage unit 206 is a device that stores information necessary for the operation of the server apparatus 20 .

【Biometric Authentication Compatible Locker】

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 13 , the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 includes a communication control unit 301 , a user detection unit 302 , a user request determination unit 303 , a face image acquisition unit 304 , an unlock request unit 305 , a locker control unit 306 , and a storage unit 307 .

The communication control unit 301 is a device that controls communication with other devices. Specifically, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 20 . The communication control unit 301 transmits data to the server device 20 . The communication control unit 301 transfers data received from another device to another processing module. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from another processing module to another device. In this way, another processing module transmits and receives data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301 .

The user detection unit 302 is a device for detecting whether a user (a locker user) is present in front of the device. The user detection unit 302 detects the presence or absence of a user by any means. For example, the user detection unit 302 controls the camera 12 and analyzes the acquired images to detect the user.

The user detection unit 302 controls the camera 12 to capture a frontal image of the device periodically or at a predetermined timing. The user detection unit 302 judges whether or not a facial image of a person is included in the acquired image, and sets "user presence" if the facial image is included. Alternatively, the user detection unit 302 may detect the presence or absence of the user using a human sensor or the like. When a user is detected, the user detection unit 302 notifies the user request determination unit 303 of the detection.

The user request determination unit 303 is means for determining a locker user's request (request related to the use of the locker; for example, storing and claiming luggage, etc.). Upon receiving a notification of "user presence" from the user detection unit 302, the user request determination unit 303 generates, for example, a GUI as shown in FIG. 4 . The user request determination unit 303 transmits the request (storage and retrieval of luggage) acquired through the GUI to the facial image acquisition unit 304 .

The facial image acquisition unit 304 is a device that controls the camera 12 and acquires a facial image (biological information) of a visitor in front. When acquiring the user's request from the user request determining unit 303, the face image acquiring unit 304 images the user in front. The face image acquisition unit 304 extracts the face image from the image data. The face image acquisition unit 304 notifies the unlock request unit 305 of the face image and the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage). The facial image acquisition unit 304 desires to perform the display shown in FIG. 5 in such a way that the user can recognize that the facial image is acquired.

Since the related art can be used for the face image detection processing of the user detection unit 302 and the face image extraction processing of the face image acquisition unit 304, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the face image acquisition unit 304 or the like can extract a face image (face region) from image data by using a learning model learned by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Alternatively, the face image acquisition unit 304 or the like may extract the face image using a method such as template matching.

The unlock request unit 305 is means for requesting the server apparatus 20 to notify the ID of the locker to be unlocked. The unlock request unit 305 transmits the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) and the "locker unlock request" including the user's face image to the server device 20 .

The unlock request unit 305 receives a response to a request from the server device 20 (a user's request, a response including the locker ID of the locker to be unlocked). The unlock request unit 305 transmits the acquired response to the locker control unit 306 .

The locker control unit 306 is a device that controls and manages the lockers included in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The locker control unit 306 controls the unlocking and locking of each locker. For example, an electromagnetic lock is attached to each locker, and the locker control unit 306 controls unlocking and locking of each locker by controlling energization of the electromagnetic lock.

For example, weight sensors are attached to each locker. The locker control unit 306 may determine whether luggage is stored in each locker based on the output of the weight sensor. Any means may be used by the locker control unit 306 as a method of determining the presence or absence of luggage. For example, a small camera may be installed in each locker, and the locker control unit 306 may determine the presence or absence of luggage by analyzing the images obtained from the cameras.

The locker control unit 306 unlocks the locker based on the response acquired from the server device 20 . Specifically, the locker control unit 306 unlocks the locker associated with the locker ID acquired from the unlock request unit 305 . At this time, the locker control unit 306 performs display according to the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage). For example, the locker control unit 306 performs displays as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

The locker control unit 306 detects that the user has closed the locker by any method. For example, the locker control unit 306 detects that the locker is closed using a contact sensor or the like.

When the locker is closed, the locker control unit 306 checks the status of the locker (presence or absence of luggage). The locker control unit 306 generates “baggage presence/absence information” including the presence/absence of luggage (baggage status), and transmits the luggage presence/absence information to the server device 20 . Specifically, if there is no luggage in the closed locker, the locker control unit 306 sets "no luggage; no luggage" in the luggage status, and will present/absent the luggage including the locker ID and luggage status The information is sent to the server device 20 . If there is luggage in the closed locker, the locker control unit 306 sets "baggage present; luggage exists" in the luggage status, and transmits the luggage presence/absence information including the locker ID and the luggage status to the server device 20.

The storage unit 307 is a device that stores information required for the operation of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 .

【Entrance management terminal】

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the portal management terminal 30-1. Referring to FIG. 14 , the entrance management terminal 30 - 1 includes a communication control unit 401 , a face image acquisition unit 402 , a door control unit 403 , and a storage unit 404 .

The basic functions and operations of the communication control unit 401 , the face image acquisition unit 402 , and the storage unit 404 of the entrance management terminal 30 - 1 may be the same as the corresponding processing modules of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 , so detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The door control unit 403 is a device that controls the opening and closing of the door 31 according to the authentication result from the server device 20 .

The processing configuration (processing module) of the exit management terminal 30-2 can be the same as that of the entry management terminal 30-1, and therefore the description corresponding to FIG. 14 is omitted.

【Operation of locker management system】

Next, the operation of the locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating one example of system operation in the case where the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 is used. It is assumed that the system user is pre-registered before the operation of FIG. 15 .

The biometric authentication compatible locker 10 detects the user (step S01).

When the presence of the user is detected, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 determines the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) (step S02).

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires the user's biometric information (face image) (step S03).

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 sends a locker unlock request including the user's request and the biometric information to the server device 20 (send unlock request; step S04).

The server device 20 extracts biological information from the locker unlock request, and performs a comparison process using the extracted biological information (step S11).

The server device 20 selects a locker to be unlocked using the user ID, the locker management database, and the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) specified by the comparison process (step S12).

The server device 20 transmits a response including the locker ID of the selected locker and the user's request to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 (step S13).

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 extracts the locker ID from the acquired response, and unlocks the locker associated with the locker ID (step S05).

When detecting that the unlocked locker is closed, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 confirms the presence or absence of luggage in the locker, and transmits luggage presence/absence information to the server device 20 (step S06).

The server device 20 updates the locker management database based on the luggage presence/absence information (step S14).

As described above, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment acquires the face image of the locker user, and transmits the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) and the face image to the server device 20 as the locker Unlock requirement. The server device 20 specifies a locker user through a comparison process using the biological information included in the locker unlock request, and specifies a locker to be unlocked based on the user's request included in the locker unlock request. The server device 20 includes the locker ID of the designated locker in the response to the locker unlock request, and transmits the response to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . The biometric compatible locker 10 unlocks the locker associated with the acquired locker ID. As described above, since the locker management system according to the first exemplary embodiment unlocks the locker through the biometric authentication of the user, the utility of the locker user is improved. This is because the locker user does not need to enter the fee (coins) required by the existing locker system, lock the locker by a physical key, etc. every time he temporarily leaves the free address floor.

[Second exemplary embodiment]

Next, the second exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the case where the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) has been described. When the method described in the first exemplary embodiment (method of acquiring the user's request) is employed, the user needs to touch the display panel 11 of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . Where the user intends to store small pieces of luggage in the locker, information can be entered into the biometrics-compatible locker 10 with one hand. However, where large luggage is considered to be stored in the locker, the user's hands are usually used. In this case, it is difficult for the user to input information into the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 .

In the second exemplary embodiment, the case where the user does not directly touch the display panel 11 of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the system determines the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) will be described.

Since the configuration of the locker management system according to the second exemplary embodiment can be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted. Since the processing configurations of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the server device 20, and the like according to the second exemplary embodiment can also be the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment, descriptions thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the differences between the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment will be mainly described.

The user request determination unit 303 according to the second exemplary embodiment determines a request related to the use of the locker based on the action of the locker user (the characteristic action of the user predetermined by the system). For example, the user request determination unit 303 determines the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) by analyzing the facial image obtained by imaging the user in front.

The user request determination unit 303 determines the user's request based on the change related to the face of the locker user. For example, the user request determination unit 303 determines the user's request according to the user's closed eyes. For example, the user request determination unit 303 determines to "store luggage" when the right eye is closed, and determines to "receive luggage" when the left eye is closed. At this time, for example, the user requests the determination unit 303 to perform the display as shown in FIG. 16 .

The user request determination unit 303 controls the camera 12 to image the user. The user request determination unit 303 analyzes the obtained image and determines which eye the user closes. The user request determination unit 303 determines using, for example, a template or the like, and acquires the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage).

Alternatively, the user request determination unit 303 may determine the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) according to the user's face direction (right direction, left direction; up, down).

[Modification according to the second exemplary embodiment]

The user request determination unit 303 may determine the request (storage and retrieval of luggage) based on the user's larger actions. For example, the user request determination unit 303 may determine the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) based on the direction in which the user walks toward the device.

The user request determination unit 303 analyzes the image acquired from the camera 12 and calculates a trajectory when the user moves. Specifically, the user request determination unit 303 extracts a plurality of face images related to the same person from a moving image or a plurality of still images. The user request determination unit 303 extracts an image related to the same person from each of a plurality of frame images forming a moving image, using a known image processing algorithm for tracking the same object (person) on different frames. The user request determination unit 303 specifies the movement direction of the extracted same person according to the position change in the image. The user request determination unit 303 determines the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) based on the specified moving direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , in the case where the user moves from the right side of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the user request determination unit 303 determines that the user's request is "storage luggage". On the other hand, in the case where the user moves from the left side of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the user request determination unit 303 determines that the user's request is "claim luggage".

The correspondence between the user's movement direction and the request (storage and retrieval of luggage) may be determined according to the positional relationship between the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and other components (floor components; eg, doorway, desk, conference room, etc.). For example, in the case of moving from the direction of the desk, it is assumed that luggage is stored in many cases, so the moving direction is determined as "storage luggage". On the other hand, in the case where the user moves from the doorway, it is assumed that the luggage stored in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is frequently picked up, and therefore, the moving direction is determined to be "baggage pickup".

In the case where the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) is automatically determined according to the direction of movement, it is desirable to provide a mechanism by which the user can correct the result of the automatic determination.

The determination about the moving direction of the user may be performed by the server device 20 . The server device 20 analyzes the image obtained from the camera device 40 looking down on the entire floor to calculate in real time the movement related to the user in the floor. When the server device 20 grasps the user who has moved to the biometrics authentication-compatible locker 10 among the users moving on the floor, the server device notifies the biometrics authentication-compatible locker 10 of the moving direction of the user. The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) according to the notification.

As described above, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment estimates the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage) based on the user's action (the user's characteristic action). Therefore, a user with large luggage can send his/her request to the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 without touching the locker. Therefore, the usability of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is further improved.

[Third exemplary embodiment]

Next, the third exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the case where the server device 20 selects any available locker has been described. In the third exemplary embodiment, the case where the server device 20 selects a locker suitable for the user from among a plurality of available lockers will be described. The third exemplary embodiment is a mode of selecting a locker for storing luggage from available lockers. Therefore, in the third exemplary embodiment, the case where the user's request is "storage luggage" will be described.

Since the configuration of the locker management system according to the third exemplary embodiment can be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted. Since the processing configuration of the server device 20 and the like according to the third exemplary embodiment can also be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the differences between the first exemplary embodiment and the third exemplary embodiment will be mainly described.

When sending a locker unlock request, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment includes incidental information on the user in the request. Examples of incidental information included in the locker unlock request include information about the user's height and the user's luggage.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the biometrics authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 18 , an incidental information generating unit 308 is added to the configuration of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

The incidental information generating unit 308 generates incidental information about the user (locker user). For example, the incidental information generating unit 308 generates "information on the height of the user" as the incidental information. The incidental information generating unit 308 estimates the height of the user using an arbitrary method. For example, the incidental information generating unit 308 may estimate the height of the user by analyzing the image obtained from the camera 12 . In this case, the incidental information generating unit 308 estimates the height of the user from the position of the face region in the entire image data. Specifically, if the face region is included in the upper region of the image data, the incidental information generating unit 308 estimates that the user is "tall". On the other hand, when the face area is included in the lower area of the image data, the incidental information generating unit 308 estimates that the user is "short stature".

Alternatively, a plurality of distance sensors may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and the plurality of distance sensors may be used to estimate (measure) the height. That is, the incidental information generating unit 308 can estimate the height based on the output of the distance sensor. The incidental information generating unit 308 monitors the output of each of the plurality of sensors and measures the height of the user according to the difference in the output value of each sensor. If the user is tall, the number of sensors responding to the user is low, and if the user is tall, the number of sensors responding to the user is high. The incidental information generating unit 308 estimates the height of the user from the change in the output of the sensor caused by the difference in the height of the user.

The incidental information generation unit 308 transmits information on the height of the user to the unlock request unit 305 .

The unlock request unit 305 transmits a locker unlock request including the accompanying information to the server device 20 .

The locker management unit 205 of the server device 20 refers to the incidental information included in the locker unlock request, and selects a locker provided to the user. At this time, the locker management unit 205 selects a locker with reference to the attribute field and the incidental information of the locker management database.

Specifically, the locker management unit 205 selects a locker based on the information on the height of the user. For example, if the user is estimated to be high, the locker management unit 205 preferentially selects the locker located on the upper floor from the empty lockers. In the example of FIG. 12( b ), the locker whose locker ID is “R01” or “R04” is preferentially selected.

[Modification according to the third exemplary embodiment]

The biometric authentication compatible locker 10 may select the locker according to the size of the luggage that the user wants to store in the locker.

The incidental information generating unit 308 analyzes the images showing the user and the luggage and estimates the size of the luggage. For example, the incidental information generating unit 308 estimates the size of the luggage by a method such as template matching. The incidental information generating unit 308 may estimate the size of the luggage using a learning model generated through machine learning such as artificial intelligence (AI).

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 transmits to the server device 20 a locker unlock request including information on the size of the luggage (information on the size of the luggage owned by the user) as incidental information.

The locker management unit 205 refers to the locker management database, and selects a locker of a storage size suitable for luggage. For example, in the case of acquiring the incidental information indicating that the size of the luggage is "small", the locker management unit 205 preferentially selects a locker having an attribute value of "small size" from the empty lockers. In the example of FIG. 12( a ), the locker whose locker ID is “R01” or “R04” is preferentially selected.

The biometric compliant locker 10 may provide the user with an interface capable of entering information regarding luggage dimensions. That is, the server device 20 may select the locker based on the incidental information generated by the user's self-report (report on the size of the luggage).

The server device 20 selects the locker only when the user's request is "storage luggage". Therefore, it is sufficient for the incidental information generating unit 308 to generate incidental information only when the user's request is "to store luggage".

As described above, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment generates the user's incidental information and transmits the incidental information to the server device 20 . The server device 20 uses the received incidental information as a clue to grasp the status, characteristics, etc. of the locker user, and selects a locker suitable for the locker user. The biometric authentication compatible locker 10 unlocks the locker (the locker selected by the server device 20 using the accompanying information).

Therefore, the usability of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is further improved.

[Fourth exemplary embodiment]

Next, the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment, when the entrant leaves the free address floor, the case where the luggage is still stored in the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 and the user is notified of the fact will be described.

Since the configuration of the locker management system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment can be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted. Since the processing configurations of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the server device 20, and the like according to the fourth exemplary embodiment can also be the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment, descriptions thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the differences between the first exemplary embodiment and the fourth exemplary embodiment will be mainly described.

When acquiring the authentication request from the exit management terminal 30-2, the user management unit 204 of the server device 20 determines whether or not the user ID specified by the authentication has been registered in the locker management database.

In a case where the user ID has been registered in the locker management database, the user management unit 204 notifies the exit management terminal 30-2 of this fact.

The door control unit 403 of the exit management terminal 30 - 2 that has received the notification notifies the exiter that luggage exists in the locker before opening the door 31 . For example, the door control unit 403 performs the display as shown in FIG. 19 and notifies the exit person of the luggage stored in the locker.

In the case of temporarily leaving the floor, the exiter ignores the notice and exits the floor. In a case where the exiter determines that the luggage is mistakenly placed in the biometrics-compatible locker 10, the exiter returns to the biometrics-compatible locker 10 and picks up the luggage.

Alternatively, the exit management terminal 30-2 may display a GUI for confirming the user's intention, and may control the opening and closing of the door 31 based on information obtained from the GUI. For example, the door control unit 403 performs the display as shown in FIG. 20 . When the user selects a temporary exit, the door control unit 403 opens the door 31 .

As described above, the locker management system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment utilizes the exit management terminal 30-2 that controls the door that restricts the exit of the user. The exit management terminal 30 - 2 transmits the biological information of the exiter (exiter from the floor) to the server device 20 . The server device 20 specifies the user ID of the exit person through a comparison process using the biometric information of the exit person. In the case where the user ID of the designated exiter is set in the usage status field, the server device 20 notifies the exit management terminal 30-2 of misplacement of luggage. As a result, the exiters return home without storing their luggage in the locker (unintentional homecoming). Therefore, the practicality of the locker management system is further improved.

[Fifth exemplary embodiment]

Next, the fifth exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, a case where equipment is stored in the locker of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 will be described.

Since the configuration of the locker management system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment can be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted. Since the processing configuration of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the like according to the fifth exemplary embodiment can be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the differences between the first exemplary embodiment and the fifth exemplary embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server apparatus 20 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 21 , an equipment management unit 207 is added to the configuration of the server device 20 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

The equipment management unit 207 is a device that manages the equipment stored in the locker. The equipment management unit 207 acquires reservation information on equipment usage by any means. For example, the equipment management unit 207 displays an information input form as shown in FIG. 22 on the terminal operated by the user.

The equipment reservation person inputs the information shown in FIG. 22 . The equipment management unit 207 updates the equipment management database based on the information (equipment reservation information) acquired from the subscriber. Specifically, the equipment management unit 207 searches the user database using the reservation person's name and employee number as keywords, and specifies the corresponding user ID. The equipment management unit 207 adds an entry including the designated user ID, the department to which he belongs, the equipment (reserved equipment), and the usage period to the equipment management database. For example, an equipment management database as shown in FIG. 23 is constructed.

The locker management database according to the fifth exemplary embodiment stores lockers in which equipment is stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , in the locker management database, the equipment and the locker ID of the locker in which the equipment is stored are stored in association with each other.

The equipment management unit 207 checks the equipment management database periodically or at predetermined times. More specifically, the equipment management unit 207 checks the expiration date field of the database, and specifies a reservation (entry) whose expiration date is coming. For example, the equipment management unit 207 specifies an entry whose usage period starts after a predetermined time (for example, after 5 minutes) has elapsed. The equipment management unit 207 sets the ID of the reservation person in the usage status field of the locker storing the equipment of the specified item (a field of the locker management database). For example, in the example of FIG. 23, when the use start time of the equipment "B01" is approaching, "ID 21" which is the user ID of the reservation person is set in the use status field of the locker in which the equipment "B01" is stored (see first row of Figure 24).

When the user's request is "storage luggage", the locker management unit 205 does not select a locker for storing equipment, but selects a locker that does not store equipment. In the example of FIG. 24, the locker whose locker ID is "R04" is selected.

When the user's request is "claim luggage", the locker management unit 205 designates the locker of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 to be notified, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the locker management unit 205 specifies the usage status field in which the user ID specified by the comparison process is stored, and notifies (responds to) the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the corresponding locker ID. Therefore, when the reservation person inputs an operation related to "claim luggage" to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the locker storing the equipment is opened.

When the usage period of the reservation information has elapsed, the locker management unit 205 deletes the user ID set in the usage status field. Even if the reservation person tries to use the equipment after the expiration date, the user ID of the user is deleted, and therefore, the locker storing the equipment is not opened.

The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 may provide the user with an interface that differentiates between normal baggage claim and claim reservation equipment. For example, the user request determination unit 303 may acquire the user's request (storage, extraction, and extraction of equipment) using the interface shown in FIG. 25 .

The request is sent to the server device 20 . The locker management unit 205 of the server device 20 may designate the locker to be unlocked according to the user's request (extraction, and extraction equipment). For example, in the case where the reservation person reserves the equipment and stores his/her luggage in the locker, the designation of the locker by the request is valid. Specifically, in the case where the same user ID is set in the usage status field of the locker management database, the locker without storing equipment is unlocked in the case of normal "claim luggage". On the other hand, if the request obtained from the biometrics-compatible locker 10 is "fetch equipment", the locker storing the equipment is unlocked.

[Modification according to the fifth exemplary embodiment]

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, the case where the reservation person inputs “equipment reservation information” into the server device 20 has been described. In the modification according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the case where the server apparatus 20 manages a user (equipment borrower) who picks up equipment from a locker will be described.

In the fifth example embodiment, it is assumed that the locker in which the equipment is stored is not locked.

When the locker in which the equipment is housed is opened, the facial image acquisition unit 304 of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires the facial image of the person who opened the locker. The facial image acquisition unit 304 transmits the acquired facial image to the locker control unit 306 .

The locker control unit 306 transmits an "equipment management request" including the locker ID of the locker opened by the equipment borrower and the acquired face image to the server device 20 .

The comparison unit 203 of the server device 20 receives the equipment management request and performs comparison processing using the acquired face image. The comparison unit 203 specifies the user ID of the equipment borrower specified by the comparison process, and transmits the locker ID included in the equipment management request to the equipment management unit 207 .

The equipment management unit 207 searches the locker management database using the locker ID as a key, and specifies the equipment stored in the locker opened by the equipment borrower. The equipment management unit 207 manages the specified equipment and the user ID of the equipment borrower in association with each other. For example, the equipment management unit 207 manages equipment rental using an equipment rental database storing equipment and user IDs.

As described above, in the modification according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, it is possible to specify a user who extracts equipment from an image captured by the camera 12 and manage the rental of the equipment through the rental table (equipment rental database).

As described above, the server device 20 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment includes the equipment management unit 207 that manages the equipment stored in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, and the equipment management database. The equipment management database stores the user ID of the user who has reserved equipment, the reserved equipment, and the usage period of the reserved equipment in association with each other. Before the expiration date of the reserved equipment comes, the equipment management unit 207 sets the user ID of the user who has reserved the equipment in the usage status field of the locker storing the reserved equipment. In this way, since the locker user can rent equipment through the operation described in the first exemplary embodiment, the usability of the locker management system is improved.

In the locker management system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the unlocking of the locker is controlled in conjunction with the usage period of the equipment, and thus the equipment can be prevented from being used outside the reserved time.

[Sixth exemplary embodiment]

Next, the fifth exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the sixth exemplary embodiment, a case where a user who deposits luggage (hereinafter referred to as a luggage storer) and a user who collects luggage (referred to as a luggage claimer) are different will be described.

Since the configuration of the locker management system according to the sixth exemplary embodiment can be the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description corresponding to FIG. 2 is omitted. Since the processing configurations of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the server device 20, and the like according to the sixth exemplary embodiment can also be the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment, descriptions thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the differences between the first exemplary embodiment and the sixth exemplary embodiment will be mainly described.

The user request determination unit 303 of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 can acquire information of a baggage claimer in addition to the above-mentioned user request. Specifically, the user request determination unit 303 performs a display as shown in FIG. 26 to enable the user to appoint a baggage claimer.

For example, when the user presses the "deposit by the extractor" button, the user request determination unit 303 executes the display shown in FIG. 27 . The user who is in contact with the screen shown in FIG. 27 enters the name of the person who can pick up the luggage into the character input area. After entering the baggage claimer's name, the user presses the confirm button.

In the case where the user desires "retriever-authorized storage", the user request determination unit 303 sets the user's request to "retriever-authorized storage", and notifies the unlocking requesting unit of the request together with the name of the authorized baggage reclaimer 305.

The unlocking request unit 305 transmits a locker unlocking request including the baggage depositor's facial image, the user's request (collector-authorized deposit), and the baggage claimer's name to the server device 20 .

The comparison unit 203 of the server device 20 acquires the face image from the locker unlock request and performs comparison processing. The comparison unit 203 notifies the locker management unit 205 of the user ID (user ID of the luggage stoker) designated by the comparison process, the user's request (storage authorized by the fetcher), and the name of the luggage fetcher.

When the user's request is "extractor-authorized deposit", the comparison unit 203 may not notify the locker management unit 205 of the user ID specified by the comparison process. This is because the comparison processing by the comparison unit 203 is processing for ensuring that the person who will store luggage in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is registered in the system. In other words, in the case where a user who is not registered in the system is allowed to use the locker, the comparison process using the user's face image is unnecessary.

When the user's request is "storage delegated by the picker", the locker management unit 205 searches the user database using the name of the baggage picker as a key, and specifies the corresponding user ID. The locker management unit 205 refers to the locker management database, and selects a locker for storing luggage from among the empty lockers. The locker management unit 205 sets the user ID associated with the name of the baggage picker in the usage status field of the selected locker.

When the baggage recipient (the user designated as the baggage recipient) moves in front of the biometrics compatible locker 10, the biometrics compatible locker 10 unlocks the locker including the user's face image and "claim luggage" The request is sent to the server device 20 . The server device 20 specifies a user ID by a comparison process using facial images, and specifies a locker to be unlocked. Since the entry storing the user ID of the baggage claimer exists in the locker management database, the server device 20 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the locker ID of the entry. The biometrics compliant locker 10 unlocks the locker with the notified locker ID. Baggage claimants can claim luggage from lockers.

As described above, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment transmits the locker unlock request to the server device 20, the locker unlock request including a luggage) information. The server device 20 determines the user ID of the baggage picker based on the baggage picker's information, and sets the user ID of the baggage picker in the usage status field associated with the locker in which the baggage is stored. Therefore, when the baggage handler moves to the front of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the authentication process using the facial image of the baggage handler succeeds. Baggage claimants can claim goods stored by others (baggage storers). Therefore, luggage with a time difference can be transported, improving the practicability of the locker management system.

Next, the hardware of each device constituting the entry/exit management system will be described. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 20 .

The server device 20 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration shown in FIG. 28 . For example, the server device 20 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input/output interface 313, a communication interface 314, and the like. Components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

However, the configuration shown in FIG. 28 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 20 . The server device 20 may include hardware (not shown) or may not include the input/output interface 313 as required. The number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 20 is not limited to the example of FIG. 28 , for example, the server device 20 may also include a plurality of processors 311 .

The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 is configured to execute various programs including an operating system (OS).

The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like. The memory 312 stores OS programs, application programs, and various data.

The input/output interface 313 is an interface of a display device or an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like. The input device is, for example, a device that receives user operations such as a keyboard or a mouse.

Communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with another device. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC) or the like.

The functions of the server device 20 are realized by various processing modules. The processing module is implemented, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312 . The program can be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be a non-transitory (non-transitory) medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention may also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded over the network or updated using the storage medium on which the program is stored. Further, the processing module may be implemented by a semiconductor chip.

The basic hardware configuration of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 , the terminal 30 , and the like is not different from that of the server device 20 , so the description is omitted. For example, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 may include a display panel 11, a camera 12, and the like.

The server device 20 is equipped with a computer, and by causing the computer to execute a program, the functions of the server device 20 can be realized. Similarly, the biometric authentication-compliant locker 10 is equipped with a computer, and by causing the computer to execute a program, the functions of the biometric authentication-compliant locker 10 can be realized. The server device 20 and the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 may execute the locker management method cooperatively, or the biometric authentication-compliant locker 10 may independently execute the locker management method.

【Revise】

The configuration, operation, and the like of the locker management system described in the above-described exemplary embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration and the like of the system.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the case where the server device 20 stores the biological information and specifies the locker user has been described. However, the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 can store biometric information and designate the locker user. That is, part or all of the functions of the server device 20 may be implemented by the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 .

The profile of the system user (the user's attribute value) can be entered using a scanner or the like. For example, the user inputs an image related to his/her business card into the server device 20 using a scanner. The server device 20 performs optical character recognition (OCR) processing. The server device 20 may determine the user's profile based on the obtained information.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the case where the biometric information related to the "face image" is transmitted from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and the terminal 30 to the server device 20 has been described. However, the biometric information related to the "feature amount generated from the face image" may be transmitted to the server device 20 from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 or the like. The server device 20 can perform a comparison process using the acquired feature amount (feature vector) and the feature amount registered in the user database.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, it has been described that the user who leaves the free address floor while storing the luggage in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 is notified of this fact. In this case, the server device 20 may transmit an e-mail describing that the luggage is left in the locker to the user who checked out (has already checked out) while storing the luggage in the locker.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, a case where a user reserves equipment has been described. However, equipment can be reserved in groups. For example, an equipment orderer may enter his/her department into the server device 20 as an "equipment orderer". In this case, the server device 20 refers to the user database and specifies the user ID (at least one or more user IDs) of the department to which the input server device belongs. The server device 20 sets the designated at least one or more user IDs in the "user ID" field of the equipment management database. When the use period of the device is approaching, the server device 20 sets one or more user IDs set in the user ID field in the use status field of the locker management database (see FIG. 24 ). Multiple user IDs (multiple user IDs of users with the same department) are set in the usage status field. If the user ID specified by biometric authentication is included among the plurality of user IDs, the server device 20 instructs the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 to unlock the corresponding locker. Therefore, equipment can be rented even if the equipment reservation person and equipment user (borrower) are different. That is, equipment rentals are managed by group (by department) and only employees of approved departments can use the equipment.

In the above-described example embodiments, rental of equipment through lockers has been described. Equipment leasing and billing processing related to equipment leasing can be linked. For example, the server device 20 may charge a subscriber or equipment borrower who has reserved the equipment a fee related to the use of the equipment. For example, when a user performs system registration, the user registers information about a payment method (eg, information about a credit card). The server device 20 refers to the user database, and determines the billing destination of the equipment usage fee from the user ID of the equipment borrower or the like. The server device 20 performs necessary charging processing for the specified appeal destination.

Alternatively, billing associated with the use of equipment may be done on a department-by-department basis. The server device 20 refers to the user database and specifies the department to which the equipment borrower belongs. Server device 20 may charge designated affiliates a fee associated with equipment usage. In this case, the server device 20 can refer to, for example, table information in which the department to which the server device belongs and its charging destination are stored, and can perform necessary charging processing.

The server device 20 can control the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 to be available only to users who have reserved a conference room set on the free address floor. Specifically, the server device 20 may acquire the information of the conference participants (names of the conference participants, etc.), and set the user IDs of the conference participants in the usage status field of the locker management database.

The server device 20 may manage equipment rental and the like in conjunction with conference room reservation and the like. For example, the server device 20 acquires detailed information of a conference held in a conference room on a free address floor. For example, the server device 20 acquires information on conference participants, conference room numbers, conference duration, conference subject, and the like. For example, the server device 20 specifies equipment according to the theme of the meeting, and sets the user ID of the meeting participant to the user of the specified equipment (the user ID field of the equipment management database). The server device 20 sets the duration of the meeting in the expiration date field of the database. Through such a response, equipment that fits the theme of the meeting is reserved immediately before the meeting time, and when one of the meeting participants goes to the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10, the necessary equipment can be taken out. That is, the locker management system of the present invention automatically reserves equipment suitable for the theme (agenda) of the conference for use by conference participants. Meeting participants do not need to make both meeting room reservations and equipment reservations, and can easily borrow necessary equipment.

The server device 20 may perform billing processing for consumables used in the conference or food and beverages (eg, tea, sweets, etc.) to be provided to the visitors. For example, the server device 20 determines a person who has opened a locker storing sweets and the like through face authentication (designation of a user ID). The server device 20 charges a designated user or a department to which the user belongs for candy or the like.

The server device 20 can link the use of the locker or the use of the reserved PC (PC installed on the free address floor) of the conference room. The server device 20 refers to the locker management database, and specifies the user whose user ID is set in the usage status column. The server device 20 may acquire a login request from the PC and allow the user to use the PC when the ID included in the login request matches the specified user ID (the login request may be approved). The server device 20 can similarly allow a user who has reserved a conference room to use the PC.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the case of appointing a user who can pick up luggage stored in the locker has been described. However, multiple baggage claimers can be appointed. Alternatively, the Baggage Storer may be appointed as the "Department" as the "Baggage Collector". In this case, the server device 20 may set the user ID of the user belonging to the designated department in the usage status field of the locker management database. Alternatively, meeting participants may be appointed as baggage claimers. In this case, the server device 20 may check the information of the conference, and set the user IDs of the participants who participated in the same conference in the usage information field of the locker management database. In this way, the luggage stoker can make the assignment based on the attributes of the luggage collector and the like, and the labor of the luggage stoker can be reduced.

By allowing the luggage storer and the luggage collector to be different, it is conceivable to use the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 to provide and implement various applications and services. For example, a user requests a restaurant or the like to provide a lunch box, tea, etc., and a staff member of the restaurant appoints the orderer as a baggage claimer. With such a response, delivery of bento boxes and the like can be made through lockers. Alternatively, the billing process (payment) can be done in conjunction with the transfer. Alternatively, restaurants, retail stores, etc. may periodically store predetermined products, etc. in the locker and deliver the product to the locker user.

Alternatively, a home delivery agent or the like may be appointed as a baggage claimer. In this case, there is no need to contact the postman, etc. when the entrants on the free address floor deliver their luggage to the house. The home delivery agent picks up the luggage from the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 and delivers the luggage to the luggage storer's home (delivery destination). Information can be exchanged between floor entrants and home delivery agents using email. Floor entrants send an email requesting a home delivery agent to pick up their luggage. Home delivery agents can specify the sender from the address from which the mail was sent and set home as the delivery destination of the bag. Alternatively, the entrant can directly appoint the destination of the luggage via email. Alternatively, the home delivery agent may specify the user's address and determine the delivery destination of the luggage from the received mail. For example, a home delivery agent could set the delivery destination of the bag to "home" where the email was sent from an individual user's account, and could send the bag's The delivery destination is set to "Company".

As a specific problem when using the free address floor, each person's desk is uncertain in the free address floor, and the deliveryman of the baggage cannot grasp the detailed delivery destination of the baggage (more detailed delivery destination than the free address) . The locker management system of the present disclosure is also effective for such a problem. That is, the locker management system disclosed in the present disclosure is effective for temporarily storing luggage addressed to employees (individuals) who use the free address floor. Specifically, the luggage deliveryman (the luggage deliveryman on the free address floor) stores the luggage on the arrival floor in the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 . At this time, the biometrics-compatible locker 10 provides the deliveryman with a GUI for appointing a baggage claimer. For example, the user request determination unit 303 of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 makes a GUI for acquiring a "temporary storage" request. When the escrow is delegated, the user request determination unit 303 generates a GUI for inputting information (eg, name, etc.) of the baggage recipient (GUI for the deliveryman to input the name of the baggage recipient). When the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires the baggage recipient's information (eg, name), it transmits the information to the server device 20 . The server device 20 refers to the user database, and specifies the user ID of the baggage recipient. After determining the locker in which the luggage is temporarily stored, the server device 20 notifies the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 of the locker ID of the determined locker. At this time, the server device 20 sets the user ID of the luggage receiver in the determined usage status field of the locker. With such a response, the floor user (baggage receiver) can retrieve the luggage from the biometric authentication compatible locker 10 . It is desirable for the server device 20 to notify the luggage recipient that the luggage has been temporarily stored, eg, when a locker for temporary storage of luggage is designated. For example, the server device 20 notifies the baggage recipient of the above-mentioned information using e-mail or the like.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires a request related to the user's locker usage, and the server device 20 determines the locker to be unlocked based on the request. However, in the locker management system disclosed in the present disclosure, the locker to be unlocked may not be specified using a request related to locker usage. That is, for the user's request (storage and retrieval of luggage), the locker management system can determine the user's request through facial authentication. Specifically, the facial image acquisition unit 304 of the biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 acquires the facial image of the user in front of the user. The facial image acquisition unit 304 transmits the facial image to the server device 20 . The comparison unit 203 of the server device 20 specifies the user ID of the user based on the acquired face image. The locker management unit 205 refers to the locker management database, and determines that the luggage is stored when the designated user ID is not set in the usage status field of the database. On the other hand, if the designated user ID is set in the usage status field of the database, the locker management unit 205 determines that the luggage is picked up. Through such a response, the server device 20 can specify the locker to be unlocked without acquiring the user's request. The biometric authentication-compatible locker 10 can also manage the usage status of each locker, and in the case that the user further wants to store luggage, can provide the user with a GUI for confirming the presence or absence of a request for additional luggage storage .

In the flowcharts (flowcharts and timing charts) used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps performed in the example embodiments is not limited to the described order. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the order of the illustrated steps may be changed within the range that there is no problem in terms of content, for example, each process is performed in parallel.

The above-described example embodiments have been described in detail for ease of understanding of the present disclosure, and it does not mean that all the above-described configurations are necessary. While multiple example embodiments have been described, each example embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, a portion of the configuration of an example embodiment may be replaced with the configuration of another example embodiment, or the configuration of another example embodiment may be added to the configuration of an example embodiment. Furthermore, other configurations may be added, deleted, and substituted for some of the configurations of the example embodiments.

Although the industrial applicability of the present invention is obvious from the above description, the present invention can be suitably applied to a locker management system or the like implemented on a free address floor of a company or the like.

All or part of the example embodiments disclosed above may be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary descriptions.

【Supplementary Note 1】

A locker system comprising:

an acquisition unit, configured to acquire the biological information of the user;

a determination unit configured to determine a request related to the user's locker usage; and

A locker control unit configured to unlock a designated locker based on a request related to the use of the locker by the user designated by the comparison process using the biometric information.

【Supplementary Note 2】

The locker system according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising:

The requesting unit is configured to send a locker unlock request to the server device, the locker unlock request including the biometric information and a request related to use of the locker, wherein

The server device specifies a locker user through a comparison process using the biological information included in the locker unlock request, based on the request designation related to the use of the locker included in the locker unlock request the locker to be unlocked and including the locker ID of the locker specified in the response to the locker unlock request, and

The locker control unit unlocks the locker based on the response obtained from the server device.

【Supplementary Note 3】

The locker system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the determination unit determines the request related to the use of the locker based on the action of the user.

【Supplementary Note 4】

The locker system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the determination unit determines the request related to the use of the locker based on a change related to the user's face.

【Supplementary Note 5】

The locker system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the determination unit determines the request related to the use of the locker based on the moving direction of the user.

【Supplementary Note 6】

The locker system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5, further comprising:

A generating unit configured to generate incidental information related to the user, wherein:

The requesting unit sends a locker unlock request including the generated incidental information to the server device, and

The locker control unit unlocks the locker selected by the server device using the incidental information.

【Supplementary Note 7】

The locker system according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the generating unit generates information on the height of the user as the incidental information.

【Supplementary Note 8】

The locker system according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the generating unit generates information on the size of the luggage carried by the user as the incidental information.

【Supplementary Note 9】

A locker system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein:

the determination unit does not determine the request related to the use of the locker by the user,

the requesting unit sends the locker unlock request including the biological information to the server device, and

The server device specifies the user through a comparison process using the biometric information included in the locker unlock request, and specifies a locker to be unlocked based on whether the specified user uses the locker.

【Supplementary Note 10】

A locker management system, comprising:

server equipment; and

A locker system connected to the server equipment, wherein:

The locker system includes:

an acquisition unit, configured to acquire the biological information of the user;

a determination unit configured to determine a request related to the user's locker usage;

a requesting unit configured to send a locker unlock request to the server device, the locker unlock request including the biometric information and a request related to use of the locker; and

The locker control unit is configured to unlock the locker based on the response obtained from the server device; and

The server device specifies the user through a comparison process using the biometric information included in the locker unlock request, and specifies to be The locker that is unlocked, and the locker ID of the specified locker is included in the response to the locker unlock request.

【Supplementary Note 11】

The locker management system according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein:

The server equipment includes:

a user database configured to store at least a user ID and biometric information for identifying the user in association with each other;

a locker management database configured to store at least a locker ID of each locker of the locker system and a usage state of each locker in association with each other;

a comparison unit configured to: refer to the user database and specify the user ID associated with the biometric information included in the locker unlock request; and

A locker management unit configured to select a locker for storing luggage if the request related to the use of the locker is to store luggage, and select a locker associated with the selected locker set the specified user ID in the usage status field of the locker management database, and

The locker management unit is configured to notify the locker system of the locker ID of the selected locker.

【Supplementary Note 12】

The locker management system according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the locker management unit refers to the locker management database, specifies the locker ID in which the specified user ID is set in the usage status field, and When the request related to the use of the locker is to claim luggage, the locker system is notified of the locker ID designated.

【Supplementary Note 13】

The locker management system according to Supplement 11 or 12, further comprising:

The exit management terminal is configured to control gates that restrict user exits, where

The exit management terminal sends the biological information of the exit person to the server device,

The comparison unit specifies the user ID of the exit person through a comparison process using the biometric information of the exit person, and

The locker management unit notifies the exit management terminal of misplacement of luggage when the user ID of the designated exit person is set in the usage status field.

【Supplementary Note 14】

The locker management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 13, wherein

The server device further includes an equipment management unit configured to manage equipment stored in the locker system; and

an equipment management database configured to store user IDs of users who have reserved equipment, the reserved equipment, and a period of use of the reserved equipment in association with each other, and

The equipment management unit is configured to set the user ID of the user who has reserved the equipment in the usage status field of the locker in which the reserved equipment is stored before the expiration date of the reserved equipment comes.

【Supplementary Note 15】

The locker management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 14, wherein

the requesting unit sends a locker unlock request including information on a baggage claimant who can pick up the luggage stored in the locker to the server device, and

The locker management unit designates a user ID of a baggage picker based on information about the baggage picker, and sets the user ID of the baggage picker in a usage status field associated with a locker storing luggage.

【Supplementary Note 16】

A locker management method performed in a locker system, comprising:

Obtain the user's biometric information;

Determine requests related to the user's locker usage; and

The specified locker is unlocked based on a request related to locker usage by the user specified by the comparison process using the biometrics.

【Supplementary Note 17】

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer installed on a locker system to perform the following processes:

Obtain the user's biometric information;

Determine requests related to the user's locker usage; and

The specified locker is unlocked based on a request related to locker usage by the user specified by the comparison process using biometrics.

The disclosures of the cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these example embodiments are exemplary only and that various changes are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention includes various modifications and corrections that can be made by those skilled in the art based on the entire disclosure including claims and technical ideas.

【List of reference numerals】

10 Biometric Compatible Lockers

11 Display panel

12 cameras

20 server equipment

30-1 Entrance management terminal

30-2 Export Management Terminal

31 doors

40 Camera Equipment

100 Locker System

101 Acquisition Unit

102 Determine the unit

103, 306 Locker Control Unit

201, 301, 401 Communication Control Unit

202 User Registration Unit

203 Comparison unit

204 User snap-in

205 Locker Snap-in

206, 307, 404 storage units

207 Equipment Management Unit

211 User information acquisition unit

212 ID Generation Unit

213 Feature generation unit

214 Item snap-in

302 User Detection Unit

303 User request determination unit

304, 402 facial image acquisition unit

305 Unlock request unit

308 Incidental information generation unit

311 processor

312 memory

313 input/output interface

314 communication interface

403 Door Control Unit.

Claims (17)

1. A locker system comprising:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of a user;

a determination unit configured to determine a request related to locker use by the user; and

a locker control unit configured to unlock a designated locker based on a request related to locker usage related to a user designated by a comparison process using the bio information.

2. The locker system of claim 1, further comprising:

a request unit configured to send a locker unlock request to a server device, the locker unlock request comprising the biometric information and a request related to use of the locker, wherein

The server device specifies the user through a comparison process using biometric information included in the locker unlock request, specifies a locker to be unlocked based on a request related to use of the locker included in the locker unlock request, and includes a locker ID of the locker specified in a response to the locker unlock request, and

the locker control unit unlocks the locker based on the response obtained from the server device.

3. The locker system of claim 2, wherein the determining unit determines the request relating to use of the locker based on an action of the user.

4. The locker system of claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the request relating to use of the locker based on a change relating to the user's face.

5. The locker system of claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the request relating to use of the locker based on a moving direction of the user.

6. The locker system of any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:

a generating unit configured to generate incidental information related to the user, wherein

The requesting unit sends a locker unlocking request including the generated incidental information to the server apparatus, an

The locker control unit unlocks the locker selected by the server device using the incidental information.

7. The locker system of claim 6, wherein the generating unit generates information regarding the user's height as the incidental information.

8. The locker system of claim 6, wherein the generating unit generates information on a size of luggage carried by the user as the incidental information.

9. The locker system of claim 2, wherein:

the determination unit does not determine a request related to the locker use of the user,

the request unit transmits a locker unlocking request including the bio-information to a server device, an

The server apparatus specifies the user through a comparison process using biometric information included in the locker unlocking request, and specifies a locker to be unlocked based on whether the specified user uses the locker.

10. A locker management system comprising:

a server device; and

a locker system connected to the server device, wherein

The locker system comprising:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of a user;

a determination unit configured to determine a request related to locker use by the user;

a request unit configured to transmit a locker unlock request to a server device, the locker unlock request comprising the biometric information and a request relating to use of the locker; and

a locker control unit configured to unlock a locker based on a response obtained from the server device; and

the server device specifies the user through a comparison process using biometric information included in the locker unlock request, specifies a locker to be unlocked based on a request related to the locker usage included in the locker unlock request, and includes a locker ID of the specified locker in a response to the locker unlock request.

11. The locker management system of claim 10, wherein:

the server device includes:

a user database configured to store at least a user ID for identifying a user and biometric information in association with each other;

a locker management database configured to store at least a locker ID of each locker of the locker system and a use status of each locker in association with each other;

a comparison unit configured to: referencing the user database and specifying the user ID associated with biometric information included in the locker unlock request; and

a locker management unit configured to: in the case where the request related to the locker use is to deposit luggage, selecting a locker for depositing luggage and setting a specified user ID in a use status field of the locker management database associated with the selected locker, and

the locker management unit configured to notify the locker system of the locker ID of the selected locker.

12. The locker management system of claim 11, wherein the locker management unit specifies a locker ID having a specified user ID set in a use status field with reference to the locker management database, and notifies the locker system of the specified locker ID in case the request for use of the locker is to take out luggage.

13. The locker management system of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising:

an exit management terminal configured to control a door limiting a user's exit, wherein

The exit management terminal transmits the bio-information of the person leaving the hall to the server apparatus,

the comparing unit specifies the user ID of the panelist by a comparison process using the biological information of the panelist, an

In the case where a user ID designating a person who leaves is set in the use state field, the locker management unit notifies the exit management terminal of the misplacement of the luggage.

14. The locker management system of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein

The server device further includes:

an equipment management unit configured to manage equipment stored in the locker system; and

an equipment management database configured to store a user ID of a user who has reserved equipment, the reserved equipment, and a lifetime of the reserved equipment in association with each other, and

the equipment management unit is configured to set a user ID of a user who has reserved the equipment in a use state field of a locker storing the reserved equipment before a use period of the reserved equipment comes.

15. The locker management system of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein

The request unit transmits the locker unlock request including information on a baggage extractor capable of extracting baggage stored in a locker to the server apparatus, and

the locker management unit specifies a user ID of the baggage extractor based on information on the baggage extractor, and sets the user ID of the baggage extractor in a use state field associated with a locker storing baggage.

16. A locker management method performed in a locker system, comprising:

acquiring biological information of a user;

determining a request related to a locker use by a user; and

unlocking the designated locker based on a request related to locker usage by the user designated by the comparison process using the biometric information.

17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a locker system to execute:

acquiring biological information of a user;

determining a request related to a locker use by a user; and

unlocking the designated locker based on a request related to locker usage by the user designated by the comparison process using the biometric information.

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