JP7464232B1 - Facility management method, information processing device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technology that can reduce the amount of work required by users to use equipment and reduce the burden on equipment managers in managing the use of equipment. [Solution] The equipment management method includes an authentication information acquisition step in which a user terminal 50 carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use a store 2 serving as equipment from a display device 4 serving as an authentication device installed on the store 2 side, or a reading device 6 serving as an authentication device acquires authentication information from the user, the authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the equipment, and a determination step in which, after the authentication information is acquired, if the SNS information relating to the SNS registered by the user contains information permitting the user to use the equipment, a process is performed to cause the store 2 (automatic door 3) to execute an operation to permit use. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Patent Law Article 30, Paragraph 2 applied Published date: March 15, 2023 Published address: https://www. tohan. jp Published date: March 15, 2023 Published address: https://nebraska-tech. co. jp/ Test date: March 20, 2023 Test location: Yamashita Bookstore Setagaya store Interview date: March 27, 2023 Interview location: Yamashita Bookstore Setagaya store Other 15

This disclosure relates to a facility management method, an information processing device, and a program.

Conventionally, there is known technology that determines whether or not each user is permitted to use facilities such as stores and devices. For example, Patent Document 1 describes this type of technology.

Patent Document 1 relates to an unmanned store system. It describes an unmanned store system that includes an authentication device that acquires personal information from a part of the user's body, transmits the personal information to a first server, and receives authentication of the personal information from the first server; a gate control device that opens the gate to allow the user to enter or exit the store when the authentication device receives authentication; and an unmanned cash register that acquires personal information from a part of the user's body, transmits the personal information to a second server, and settles the product price when authentication of the personal information is received from the second server.

JP 2019-021283 A

In order to determine whether or not to permit the use of facilities, it is necessary to register personal information about users in advance. Registering personal information requires users to input their name, phone number, address, etc., which is a cumbersome task for users. It is also a heavy burden for facility administrators, who must independently build an interface for accepting the input of personal information and a system for managing personal information.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide technology that can reduce the amount of work required by users to use equipment and reduce the burden on equipment managers when managing equipment usage.

One aspect of the present invention is a method for managing equipment by using a computer to manage permission to use the equipment for a user, the method including: an authentication information acquisition step in which a user terminal carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the equipment from an authentication device installed on the equipment side, or the authentication device acquires the authentication information from the user; and a determination step in which, after acquiring the authentication information, if SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the equipment, a process is performed to permit the user to use the equipment.

The equipment management method may further include a display step in which the authentication device displays an identification code, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the user terminal may acquire the authentication information by reading the identification code from the authentication device.

In the display step, the identification code that changes depending on the time is displayed, and in the determination step, if the identification code acquired by the user terminal is within a valid period and the SNS information includes information permitting the user to use the facility, a process may be performed to execute an operation to permit use of the facility.

The equipment management method may further include a display step in which the user terminal displays an identification code, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the authentication device may acquire the authentication information by reading the identification code from the user terminal.

In the authentication information acquisition step, the authentication information may be acquired by the authentication device reading biometric information of the user or identification information of the user stored in a storage medium.

In the determination step, if the SNS information does not include information permitting the user to use the facility, a process may be executed to transmit additional information to the user terminal or the authentication device to cause the user terminal to execute a process to add information permitting the user to use the facility.

The facility management method may further include a user information storage step of storing usage information regarding the use of the facility after the determination step in association with the user.

The facility management method may further include a presentation step of presenting at least one of advertising information and usage-related information about the facility based on the usage information to the user terminal or the authentication device.

At least one of the advertising information and the usage-related information may be presented to the user terminal or the authentication device based on the usage time of the facility.

Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that includes a communication processing unit that acquires, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to use equipment, from an authentication device installed on the equipment side by a user terminal carried by the user, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user, and a determination unit that, after acquiring the authentication information, performs processing to cause the equipment to execute an operation to permit use of the equipment if SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the equipment.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a communication processing function that acquires, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to use equipment, from an authentication device installed on the equipment side, information indicating that the user terminal carried by the user has acquired the authentication information, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user, and a determination function that, after acquiring the authentication information, if SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the equipment, performs processing to cause the equipment to execute an operation permitting use.

This disclosure provides technology that can reduce the amount of work required by users to use equipment and reduce the burden on equipment managers when managing equipment usage.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an equipment management system to which an equipment management method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus according to the first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a facility management system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in a case where SNS linkage has been completed in the equipment management method of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in a case where SNS linkage is not performed in the equipment management method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for collecting marketing information in the equipment management method according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a marketing process in the equipment management method of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an equipment management system to which a second embodiment of the equipment management method is applied. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in a case where SNS linkage has been completed in the equipment management method of the second embodiment.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the second and subsequent embodiments, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components common to the first embodiment, and descriptions of such components will be omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a facility management system 1 to which a facility management method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The facility management system 1 uses a computer to manage facility use permission for users. The facility to be managed by the facility management system 1 may be a space such as a store, a rental conference room, a gym, etc., or may be an opening/closing device such as an automatic door or a ticket barrier-type gate, an electronic lock for the opening/closing device, a rental computer, exercise equipment, etc. In this way, the facility is not particularly limited in the present invention. In the following, an unmanned store 2 and an automatic door 3 will be described as an example of the facility. The store 2 is not limited to an unmanned store, and may be a manned store with staff on-site.

The facility management system 1 of the first embodiment includes an automatic door 3 installed at the entrance of the store 2, a display device 4 which is an authentication device, an accounting device 5 installed in the store 2, and a management device 10 which manages usage authorization.

The automatic door 3 is an opening and closing device installed in the store 2. When the automatic door 3 receives an operation command indicating that the door should be opened, it transitions from a closed state to an open state. Users using the store 2 can use the store 2 when the automatic door 3 switches to an open state. In the first embodiment, a computer with a communication function (not shown) is connected to the automatic door 30, and when the computer receives information indicating permission from the management device 10, it transmits an operation command to the automatic door 3.

The display device 4 is a digital signage that outputs information for using the store 2 to a user terminal 50 carried by a user. A program that displays an identification code 100 for entering the store 2 runs on the display device 4. The user terminal 50 in this embodiment is a portable computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch that has a communication function, an image reading function, a display function, etc.

The accounting device 5 is a cash register where a user who has purchased an item at the store 2 can make a payment. The accounting device 5 may be a self-checkout type where the user can make the payment themselves, or a type where a store clerk can make the payment.

The management device 10 is a server that has a facility management function that grants users permission to use the store 2, and a marketing processing function that encourages users to use the facilities.

<Hardware Configuration>
Here, a hardware configuration for realizing the management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the management device 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the management device 10 includes a processor 11, a read-only memory (ROM) 12, a random-access memory (RAM) 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, a communication I/F (interface) 15, an input device 16, and an output device 17. Each part of the hardware constituting the management device 10 is connected by a bus or the like.

The processor 11 is the central part of the computer that performs calculations, control, and other processes necessary for the operation of the management device 10, and performs various calculations and processes. The processor 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 11 is a combination of two or more of these. The processor 11 may also be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator, etc.

The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 12 or the auxiliary storage device 14. The processor 11 also executes the processes described below based on the programs. Note that some or all of the programs may be incorporated into the circuitry of the processor 11.

ROM 12 and RAM 13 are the main storage devices of the computer with processor 11 at its core. ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 12 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. ROM 12 also stores data used by processor 11 when performing various processes. RAM 13 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 13 is used as a work area or the like for storing data temporarily used by processor 11 when performing various processes. RAM 13 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 14 is, for example, an EEPROM (electrical erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 14 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. The auxiliary storage device 14 also stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 11, various setting values, etc.

The communication I/F 15 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the user terminal 50. The input device 16 is a means for accepting user operations and is configured with a keyboard, touch panel, etc. The output device 17 is a means for outputting various information to the user and is configured with a display. The input device 16 and the output device 17 may be configured with a touch panel display.

The management device 10 may be configured as a single computer or multiple computers. For example, the computer performing the equipment management function and the computer performing the usage information management function may be independent of each other. Furthermore, the management device 10 may be a server built on a cloud computing service implemented by a third party's computer.

<Functional configuration>
The management device 10 realizes various functions by the above-mentioned hardware configuration. Among the functional parts realized by the management device 10, functions related to the facility management function and the usage information management function will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the facility management system 1.

The management device 10 of this embodiment includes, as functional units realized on the processor 11, a communication processing unit 31, an authentication information management unit 32, a determination unit 33, an equipment operation unit 34, a user information management unit 35, a presentation information generation unit 36, and a presentation information management unit 37.

The communication processing unit 31 executes a process of communicating with an external computer to send and receive information. In this embodiment, the communication processing unit 31 sends and receives various information to and from each of the automatic doors 3, the display device 4, the accounting device 5, and the user terminal 50 through communication processing. The communication processing unit 31 sends and receives various information using, for example, an API (application programming interface). Each of the automatic doors 3, the display device 4, and the accounting device 5 may communicate directly with the communication processing unit 31, or indirectly via another computer.

The authentication information management unit 32 executes a process for managing an identification code 100 as authentication information. The identification code 100 is, for example, a code to be read by a camera, such as a QR code (registered trademark). Note that the identification code 100 is not limited to a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). It is sufficient for the code to be one from which predetermined information can be read by image processing, and it may also be one that uses a one-dimensional barcode.

When the authentication information management unit 32 receives an identification code request requesting an identification code 100 from the display device 4, it references the display device database 41, generates the identification code 100 to be displayed in the store 2, and transmits it to the display device 4 of the store 2.

The display device database 41 is constructed using the auxiliary storage device 14, an external computer, etc. The display device database 41 registers information about a number of stores 2. The information about the store 2 includes information for identifying the store 2 in which the display device 4 is installed, information indicating the position of the automatic door 3, etc. Each functional unit, such as the authentication information management unit 32 and the determination unit 33, can use the information registered in the display device database 41 to identify which store 2 the automatic door 3, display device 4, and accounting device 5 used by the user belong to.

The determination unit 33 executes a determination process to determine whether or not the user is permitted to use the store 2. The determination unit 33 determines whether or not the user is permitted to use the store 2 based on the user to be determined and the user's registration information for a social networking service (SNS). Examples of SNS include LINE (registered trademark), Facebook (registered trademark), Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), TikTok (registered trademark), and YouTube (registered trademark).

The SNS registration information that serves as the judgment criterion can be set to predetermined information as appropriate. In this embodiment, the judgment criterion is that the user's SNS registration information includes related information that associates the store 2 and does not fall under the blacklist. The related information is, for example, information indicating that the user has registered an account for store 2. The related information may be a friend registration of the store 2 account on LINE (registered trademark) or Facebook (registered trademark), or a following of the store 2 account on Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), TikTok (registered trademark), or the like. The blacklist is a list of users that are not permitted to use the service and is registered in advance.

The equipment operation unit 34 controls the open/close state of the automatic door 3 based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 33. If the judgment result indicates that the user is permitted to use the door, the equipment operation unit 34 switches the automatic door 3 from a closed state to an open state. This allows the user to access the store 2.

The user information management unit 35 registers usage information regarding the user's use of the store 2 in the user information database 42. The user information database 42 is constructed using the auxiliary storage device 14, an external computer, etc. The usage information registered in the user information database 42 includes the user's registration information, store entry history information, purchase history information, and behavioral information indicating the user's behavior, etc.

The user's registration information is, for example, personal information entered by operating the user terminal 50. The store entry history is information indicating that the store 2 (automatic door 3) was used. The store entry history includes, for example, information identifying the store 2 used and the date and time of use. The purchase history is information regarding the user's purchases, such as the products and number of products purchased using the accounting device 5. The behavior information is, for example, information indicating the user's behavior captured by a surveillance camera installed in the store 2.

The presentation information generation unit 36 generates presentation information to be presented to the user based on the collected user information. The presentation information includes advertising information indicating product information to be presented to the user, product reviews, usage-related information indicating the opening hours of the store 2, etc.

The presentation information management unit 37 transmits presentation information including advertisement information and usage-related information to the user based on the timing determined based on the usage information. The destination of the advertisement information is, for example, an SNS or a user terminal 50 registered by the user.

<Authentication process>
Next, an example of authentication processing in the case where an account of the store 2 has already been registered in the SNS to which the user is to register in the equipment management method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in the case where SNS linkage has been completed in the equipment management method of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, in step S1, the display device 4 transmits an identification code request to the management device 10 at any time to display the identification code 100. As a result, the management device 10 receives the identification code request transmitted by the display device 4. The identification code request is transmitted from the display device 4 to the management device 10 at any time, for example.

The authentication information management unit 32 of the management device 10 generates an identification code 100 based on the identification code request in step S2, and transmits the generated identification code 100 to the display device 4 in step S3. Note that the identification code 100 transmitted and received in steps S2 and S3 may be the image of the identification code 100 itself to be displayed, or may be indirect information for displaying the identification code 100.

In step S4, the display device 4 executes a process of displaying the identification code 100 based on the information received from the management device 10. This updates the identification code 100 that was previously displayed. In this way, the display device 4 transmits an identification code request to the management device 10, which is the server, at any desired time intervals, and executes a process of acquiring and updating the identification code 100.

In step S5, the user terminal 50 captures an image of the identification code 100 displayed on the display device 4 in response to a user operation, and reads the identification code 100. In step S6, the user terminal 50 connects to the management device 10 based on the information embedded in the identification code 100, and makes a request to confirm whether the identification code 100 is appropriate.

In step S7, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives an identification code confirmation request from the user terminal 50, the determination unit 33 executes a process to determine the validity of the identification code 100. In the first embodiment, the management device 10 determines whether the identification code 100 that is the basis of the confirmation request from the user terminal 50 is within the validity period. If the determination in step S7 is that the identification code 100 is within the validity period, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the management device 10 transmits to the user terminal 50 a code for confirming whether an account for the store 2 is registered with the user terminal 50. If the determination in step S7 is that the identification code 100 is outside the validity period, the management device 10 may transmit to the user terminal 50 a code indicating that the identification code 100 is not within the validity period, or may transmit to the user terminal 50 a code for instructing the user terminal 50 to obtain a new identification code 100, or may transmit to the user terminal 50 a code indicating that access is not possible.

In step S9, when the user terminal 50 receives a code indicating a store account confirmation request from the management device 10, it refers to the SNS registration information based on the code and checks whether it contains information indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered (information related to store 2).

In step S10, the user terminal 50 transmits the confirmation result to the management device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 4, an account for store 2 is registered as related information in the SNS information of the user terminal 50, and the user terminal 50 transmits information (authentication result) indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered to the management device 10.

In step S11, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives information from the user terminal 50 indicating that an account has been registered for store 2, the determination unit 33 executes a determination process to determine whether or not the user is a person on the blacklist. If the determination in step S11 is that the user is not a person on the blacklist, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 transmits information for operating the automatic door 3 of the corresponding store 2. Note that if the user is determined to be on the blacklist in step S12, information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 indicating that use of store 2 is not permitted.

In step S13, when a computer with a communication function (not shown) receives an operation request from the management device 10, the automatic door 3 switches from a closed state to an open state (or a state that can be opened) based on the operation command of the computer. This allows the user to use the store 2.

In step S14, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 executes a process of registering usage information, such as the date and time when the user visited the store 2, in the user information database 42.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, an example of authentication processing in a case different from that in FIG. 4 in the equipment management method of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in the equipment management method of the first embodiment when SNS linkage is not performed. Note that in the following description, the processing in steps S1 to S8 is assumed to be the same as the authentication processing in FIG. 4.

In the example of FIG. 5, in step S9, the user terminal 50 determines in the authentication process that the user's SNS registration information does not include information indicating that an account for store 2 is registered (related information for store 2). Then, in step S10, the user terminal 50 transmits information (authentication result) to the management device 10 indicating that an account for store 2 is not registered as related information in the SNS information.

In step S11, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives information from the user terminal 50 indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered, the determination unit 33 determines that the user is currently in an unlinked SNS state in which the store 2 account has not been registered, and is therefore not permitted to use store 2. Then, in step S21, the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 executes a process to have the user register an account for store 2. In this example, the management device 10 transmits information (addition information) to the user terminal 50 to redirect the user to a registration screen for registering an account for store 2.

In step S22, when the user terminal 50 receives information for redirecting to the registration screen from the management device 10, it executes a registration process that prompts the user to register an account for store 2. For example, a registration screen for the account of store 2 on the SNS is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50. In this example, in the registration process of step S22, the user performs an operation to register an account for store 2 according to the display on the user terminal 50. In step S23, when the user's registration operation is completed, the user terminal 50 transmits a registration result to the management device 10.

In step S24, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 registers the user information in the user information database 42 based on the registration result received from the user terminal 50. The user information includes, for example, information identifying the registered store 2 and the registration date and time. In step S25, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 transmits an operation request to the automatic door 3 of the corresponding store 2.

In step S26, when a computer having a communication function (not shown) receives an operation request from the management device 10, the automatic door 3 switches from a closed state to an open state (or a state that can be opened) based on the operation command of the computer. This allows the user to use the store 2.

Marketing Processing
Next, a marketing process for presenting advertisement information and usage-related information to a user will be described below. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a marketing information collection process in the facility management method according to the first embodiment.

In step S31, the accounting device 5 displays a login code in response to a user's operation instructing the user to purchase a product. In step S32, the user terminal 50 captures and acquires an image of the login code displayed on the accounting device 5 in response to the user's operation, and reads the login code.

In step S33, the user terminal 50 executes an authentication process to determine whether or not an account for store 2 is registered in response to an operation to start a program that displays an authentication code for the user. A process is executed to generate an authentication code based on the authentication result and user information. In this embodiment, the authentication result is sent to the management device 10 if an account for store 2 is registered in the user's SNS information.

In step S35, when the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 receives information from the user terminal 50 indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered, it executes a process to identify the user using the user terminal 50. For example, the user information management unit 35 compares the information included in the authentication result with the information registered in the user information database 42 to identify the user performing the accounting process. In step S36, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 sends an instruction to the accounting device 5 to display the user's login screen.

In step S37, the accounting device 5 displays a user login screen for making a transaction, and executes accounting processing to prompt the user to perform the transaction. In step S37, the user scans the product and selects a payment method according to the screen displayed on the accounting device 5.

In step S38, the accounting device 5 sends information including the products scanned during the accounting process and the payment method to the management device 10. In step S39, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 executes a process to register the product information and information including the payment method received from the accounting device 5 as user information in the user information database 42. As a result, the management device 10 registers information indicating which user is attempting to pay for which store 2 and how many products.

In step S40, the user terminal 50 executes accounting processing to make a payment in response to the user's operation. The user terminal 50 executes the payment processing, for example, by displaying an accounting code and having the accounting device 5 read the code. Note that the accounting processing may also use a credit card in a format other than that which displays a code.

In step S41, the accounting device 5 reads the image of the accounting code on the user terminal 50 and communicates with the payment server to perform accounting processing. In step S42, when the accounting processing is completed, the accounting device 5 sends information indicating the completion of payment to the management device 10. The management device 10 executes a process to register the accounting information indicating the completion of payment in the user information database 42.

Note that the above description with reference to Figures 4 to 6 is an example. For example, in steps S9 and S33 of the above embodiment, the process of checking the account registration status is executed on the user terminal 50, but this is not limited to this. The authentication process may be executed between the management device 10 and the SNS server that provides the SNS, and the result may be received by the user terminal 50. In this way, the process of checking the registration status may be executed on the client (e.g., the user terminal 50) side or on the server (e.g., the management device 10) side.

The determination unit 33 of the management device 10 also transmits information to the user terminal 50 to redirect the user to a registration screen for registering an account for the store 2 as a process for causing the user to register an account for the store 2, but is not limited to this configuration. The determination unit 33 of the management device 10 may also execute a process for transmitting information to the display device 4 to display an additional identification code (addition information) for displaying a registration screen on the user terminal 50 as a process for causing the user to register an account for the store 2.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of a self-checkout system using the accounting device 5 has been described, but this is not limited to the self-checkout system. For example, a system in which payment is made using a smartphone instead of the accounting device 5 may also be used. For example, accounting may be performed by scanning products using an image reading function of the smartphone.

Next, we will explain the process of presenting the information generated by the marketing process to the user. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the marketing process in the equipment management method of the first embodiment.

In step S101, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 collects information about the user to be used in marketing processing. The user information management unit 35 collects, for example, store entry history, purchase history, information indicating behavior in the store, and personal information of the user input via the user terminal 50, etc., which are registered in the user information database 42.

In step S102, the presentation information generation unit 36 executes a process for analyzing the collected information about the user. In the analysis process, a process is executed to determine the content of the advertising information and usage-related information to be presented to the user based on the store entry history, purchase history, and information indicating behavior in the store.

The advertising information is, for example, information about products, such as announcements of new products and products that the user is desired to purchase, which have been selected based on the user's usage analysis. The usage-related information is, for example, information encouraging the use of the store 2, such as requests for product reviews, store opening hours, and book reviews of specific products.

In the analysis process of step S102, a learning model constructed using machine learning can be used. The learning model can be constructed, for example, by learning a data set that combines information indicating store entry history, purchase history, and behavior in the store.

In step S103, the presentation information management unit 37 executes a process of presenting to the user presentation information including at least one of the advertising information and the usage-related information determined by the presentation information generation unit 36. The presentation information management unit 37 transmits, for example, a code for displaying the advertising information and the usage-related information in an SNS app to the user terminal 50.

The presentation process in step S103 is executed at a timing to encourage the user to use store 2 based on the user information. The presentation information management unit 37 changes the presentation information depending on, for example, whether or not the user is using store 2. The method of determining whether or not the user is using store 2 is not particularly limited. The presentation information management unit 37 may determine whether or not the user is using store 2 based on the store entry history or the time of day, or may determine whether or not the user is using store 2 by using location information of the user terminal 50.

In step S104, the presentation information management unit 37 acquires information on whether the advertising information and usage-related information presented to the user by the presentation process led to the use of the store 2 or the purchase of a product, and executes processing to reflect the information. After the processing of step S104, the processing returns to step S101, and marketing processing is executed after the feedback processing is reflected.

The above describes the marketing process using store 2 that sells books as an example, but this is merely one example. For example, the same marketing process can be performed in a store that sells food ingredients such as fresh produce.

An example of a store that handles food ingredients will be described. In this example, the presentation information generation unit 36 acquires the user's favorite dishes from user information, such as purchase history and store entry history. When the presentation information generation unit 36 detects purchase information in which the user has purchased ingredients for a favorite dish, it generates advertising information and usage-related information based on the purchase information. For example, if the favorite dish is mapo tofu, and the presentation information generation unit 36 detects that tofu was purchased yesterday, it generates sale information on minced meat, one of the ingredients of mapo tofu, as advertising information, and recipe information showing a mapo tofu recipe as usage-related information.

The presentation information management unit 37 presents the advertising information and usage-related information generated by the presentation information generation unit 36 to the user at a timing determined based on the store entry history, etc. For example, if the user frequently enters the store after 8 p.m. due to work or other reasons, the presentation information management unit 37 executes a process to present the advertising information and usage-related information at 7 p.m. This can effectively encourage the user to visit the store.

Second Embodiment
Next, an explanation will be given of an equipment management system 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an equipment management system 1a to which an equipment management method according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

The facility management system 1a shown in FIG. 8 further includes a reading device 6 in addition to the configuration of the facility management system 1 of the first embodiment. The reading device 6 is an authentication device with an image reading function that can read the identification code 200 displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50.

Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing when SNS linkage has been established in the equipment management method of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, in step S51, the user terminal 50 starts a program in response to an operation by a user who is attempting to enter the store 2, executes an authentication process, and displays an identification code 200. The program is, for example, an SNS app installed on the user terminal 50.

The authentication process in step S51 is a process for determining whether or not an account for store 2 is registered in the SNS information. In this example, since an account for store 2 is registered, the program in the user terminal 50 generates an identification code 200 for authentication. This identification code 200 includes user information and information indicating the authentication result by the user terminal 50.

In step S52, the reading device 6 reads the identification code 200 displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50. For example, when the display screen of the user terminal 50 held by the user comes within the reading range, the reading device 6 reads the identification code 200 by image processing.

In step S53, the reading device 6 transmits the user information and authentication result obtained from the identification code 200 to the management device 10.

In step S54, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives from the reading device 6 information indicating that an account has been registered for store 2 and user information, it executes a determination process to determine whether or not the user is a target of the blacklist. If the determination in step S54 is that the user is not a target of the blacklist, the process proceeds to step S55. In step S55, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 sends an operation request to the automatic door 3 of the corresponding store 2. Note that if it is determined in step S55 that the user is on the blacklist, information is sent to the user terminal 50 indicating that use of store 2 is not permitted.

In step S56, when a computer having a communication function (not shown) receives an operation request from the management device 10, the automatic door 3 switches from a closed state to an open state (or a state that can be opened) based on the operation command of the computer. This allows the user to use the store 2.

In step S57, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 executes a process of registering usage information, such as the date and time when the user visited the store 2, in the user information database 42.

In the second embodiment, the authentication process and marketing process when SNS is not linked are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
In the second embodiment, the identification code 200 displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50 is used as the authentication information, but the user may present the authentication information by another method. Next, a third embodiment will be described in which the authentication information is not the identification code 200.

The basic configuration and processing flow of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the reading device 6 reads the biometric information of the user as authentication information. The biometric information is, for example, face image authentication, fingerprint authentication, iris authentication, etc. In the following example, a face image is described as an example of biometric information. The reading device 6 acquires a face image as authentication information using an image reading function, and transmits it to the management device 10.

In the judgment process, the judgment unit 33 of the management device 10 judges whether the facial image matches a user registered in the user information database 42. In the judgment process, the judgment unit 33 also judges whether the user is not on the blacklist. If the facial image is registered in the user information database 42 and the user is not on the blacklist, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 executes a process to open the automatic door 3.

In the third embodiment, the authentication process and marketing process when SNS is not linked are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in which the authentication information is not an identification code. The basic configuration and processing flow of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the reading device 6 reads the user's identification information stored in a storage medium of the user terminal 50 carried by the user as the authentication information.

The reading device 6 of the fourth embodiment acquires user information from a user terminal 50 or an IC (integrated circuit) card by communication processing using, for example, near field communication (NFC) technology. The reading device 6 transmits the acquired user information to the management device 10. The determination processing by the determination unit 33 of the management device 10, the authentication processing when SNS linkage is not established, and the marketing processing are the same as those of the third embodiment.

As described above, the equipment management method of the above embodiments includes an authentication information acquisition step in which the user terminal 50 carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the store 2 as equipment from a display device 4 serving as an authentication device installed on the store 2 side (first embodiment), or the reading device 6 acquires the authentication information from the user (second to fourth embodiments), and a determination step in which, after the authentication information is acquired, if the SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user contains information permitting the user to use the equipment, a process is performed to cause the store 2 (automatic door 3) to execute an operation to permit use.

This allows users to use the SNS on which they register to determine whether or not they can use the facilities of store 2, etc., thereby reducing the amount of work required by users to use the facilities and reducing the burden on facility managers.

The facility management method of the first embodiment further includes a display step in which the display device 4 displays the identification code 100, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the user terminal 50 reads the identification code 100 from the display device 4 to acquire the authentication information.

By using the identification code 100, the user can more easily carry out the tasks required for authentication processing. Furthermore, since the store 2 only needs to display the identification code 100, the equipment required for authentication processing can be further simplified.

In addition, in the display step of the first embodiment, an identification code 100 that changes depending on the time is displayed, and in the determination step, if the identification code 100 acquired by the user terminal 50 is within the valid period and the SNS information includes information that permits the user to use the store 2, a process is performed to execute an operation to permit use of the store 2.

As a result, even if someone fraudulently or maliciously copies an image of the identification code 100 and attempts to operate the automatic door 3 of the store 2 at a location away from the store 2, they will not be allowed to use the store 2 if the identification code 100 is outside of its validity period. This improves the security level of the authentication process for users who are in a position where the store 2 can be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the determination step, if the SNS information does not include information permitting the user to use store 2, a process is executed to transmit additional information to the user terminal 50 or the display device 4 to cause the user terminal 50 to execute a process to add information permitting the user to use store 2.

This allows users to replace the tedious process of registering personal information with SNS information, making the registration process easier and faster. It also makes it possible to eliminate the costs of equipment required for the registration process on the part of facility administrators.

The second embodiment further includes a display step in which the user terminal 50 displays the identification code 200, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the reader 6 reads the identification code 200 from the user terminal 50 to acquire authentication information.

As a result, without having to execute a process that changes the display of the identification code 100 displayed on the display device 4 over time as in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether the user is in a position where they can use the store 2 by using the identification code displayed on the user terminal 50 by the reading device 6.

In the third and fourth embodiments, in the authentication information acquisition step, authentication information is acquired by reading the biometric information of the user as the authentication device or the user's identification information stored in a storage medium.

As a result, even without executing a process that changes the display of the identification code 100 displayed on the display device 4 over time as in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether the user is in a position where they can use the store 2 by using the facial image captured by the reading device 6 and the user's identification information stored in the storage medium.

The equipment management method of this embodiment further includes a user information storage step of storing usage information regarding the use of store 2 after the determination step in association with the user.

This shows that the user has actually used store 2 as a facility, and information that directly indicates the user's behavior can be used in marketing processes to encourage the use of store 2.

The equipment management method of this embodiment further includes a presentation step of presenting at least one of advertising information and usage-related information about the store 2 based on the usage information on the user terminal 50 or the display device 4.

This allows optimal marketing activities to be carried out through social media channels based on the user's thoughts.

In addition, the facility management method of this embodiment presents at least one of advertising information and usage-related information to the user terminal 50 or the display device 4 based on the usage time of the store 2.

This allows the usage time of store 2 as a facility to be reflected in the marketing process, making it possible to more effectively encourage users to use the facility.

The management device 10 as an information processing device of this embodiment also includes a communication processing unit 31 that acquires, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the store 2 as equipment, from a display device 4 as an authentication device installed on the store 2 side by a user terminal 50 carried by the user, or information indicating that the reading device 6 as an authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user, and a determination unit 33 that, after acquiring the authentication information, performs processing to execute an operation to permit use of the store 2 (automatic door 3) equipment if the SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the store 2.

This management device 10 can also use the SNS on which users register to determine whether or not they can use the facilities of store 2, etc., thereby reducing the amount of work required by users to use the facilities and reducing the burden on facility managers.

The program of this embodiment also causes the computer to execute a communication processing function that acquires, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the store 2 as a facility, from a display device 4 as an authentication device installed on the store 2 side by a user terminal 50 carried by the user, or information indicating that the reading device 6 as an authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user, and a determination function that, after acquiring the authentication information, if the SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the store 2, performs processing to permit use of the store 2 (automatic door 3).

This program also allows the availability of facilities at store 2 and other locations to be determined using the SNS on which the user registers, thereby reducing the amount of work required by users to use the facilities and reducing the burden on facility managers.

In addition, the components in the above embodiment may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-mentioned modifications may be combined as appropriate.

Although one embodiment of the present invention and its variations have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and further modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

The above-mentioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the above-mentioned functional blocks are merely examples and are not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient that a computer or system has the function to execute the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the above-mentioned example. The location of the functional block is also not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional block of the management device 10 may be transferred to another device, etc. Conversely, the functional block of the other device may be transferred to the management device 10. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of these.

When a series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer. When handling large amounts of data, technology such as quantum computing may be used. The recording medium containing the program may be a medium distributed separately from the device body in order to provide the program to users, or may be a recording medium provided to the facility manager in a state where it is pre-installed in the device body. Since the program can be distributed via a network, the recording medium may be mounted on or accessible to a computer connected to or connectable to the network.

In this specification, descriptions of programs include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are executed in parallel or individually.

Reference Signs List 1, 1a Facility management system 3 Automatic door 4 Display device 5 Accounting device 6 Reading device 10 Management device 50 User terminal

Claims (11)

A method for managing facility use permissions for users by a computer, comprising the steps of:
an authentication information acquisition step in which a user terminal carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use a switchgear installed in the facility from an authentication device installed on the facility side, or the authentication device acquires the authentication information from the user;
a determination step of performing a process for causing the facility to execute an operation of transitioning the opening and closing device from a closed state to an open state when SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the facility after the authentication information is acquired;
and how to manage the facilities, including:
The method further includes a display step in which the authentication device displays an identification code,
In the authentication information acquisition step, the user terminal acquires the authentication information by reading the identification code from the authentication device.
A method for managing the facility according to claim 1.
In the display step, the identification code that changes depending on time is displayed,
In the determination step, if the identification code acquired by the user terminal is within a valid period and the SNS information includes information permitting the user to use the opening/ closing device , a process is performed to cause the facility to execute an operation of transitioning the opening/closing device from a closed state to an open state .
A method for managing equipment according to claim 2.
The user terminal further includes a display step of displaying the identification code;
In the authentication information acquisition step, the authentication device reads the identification code from the user terminal to acquire the authentication information.
A method for managing the facility according to claim 1.
In the determining step,
When the SNS information does not include information permitting the user to use the facility, a process is executed to transmit additional information to the user terminal or the authentication device to cause the user terminal to execute a process for adding information permitting the user to use the facility.
A method for managing the facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .
The method further includes a user information storage step of storing usage information regarding the use of the facility after the determination step in association with the user.
A method for managing the facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .
The method further includes a step of presenting at least one of advertisement information and usage-related information regarding the facility based on the usage information to the user terminal or the authentication device.
The facility management method according to claim 6 .
presenting at least one of the advertisement information and the usage-related information to the user terminal or the authentication device based on a usage time of the facility;
The facility management method according to claim 7 .
storing usage information regarding the use of the facility after the determining step in association with the user;
registering information including the product information and the payment method received from the accounting device;
determining the content of advertising information or usage-related information to be presented to the user based on the information indicating the user's store visit history and purchase history;
Further comprising:
A method for managing the facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
a communication processing unit that acquires, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to utilize a switching device installed in a facility, from an authentication device installed on the side of the facility to a user terminal carried by the user, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user;
a determination unit that, after acquiring the authentication information, performs a process of causing the facility to execute an operation of transitioning the opening and closing device from a closed state to an open state when SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the facility;
An information processing device comprising:
a communication processing function for acquiring, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to utilize a switching device installed in a facility, from an authentication device installed on the side of the facility to a user terminal carried by the user, or acquiring information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user;
a determination function that, after the authentication information is acquired, performs a process of causing the facility to execute an operation of transitioning the opening and closing device from a closed state to an open state when SNS information related to the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the facility;
A program that causes a computer to execute the following.