WO2024057468A1

WO2024057468A1 - Server device, server device control method, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2024057468A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/034494
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雅典小林; 翼荻窪
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2022-09-15
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2024-03-21

Abstract

Provided is a server device which further contributes to the spread of biometric authentication. The server device comprises a target management means and a privileged control means. The target management means acquires an authentication method selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket for entering a prescribed facility when the ticket purchaser enters the prescribed facility. The privileged control means gives the privilege to a first ticket purchaser so as to more favorably treat the first ticket purchaser who has selected the biometric authentication than a second ticket purchaser who has selected another authentication method.

Description

Server device, control method for server device, and storage medium

The present invention relates to a server device, a method of controlling the server device, and a storage medium.

There are technologies related to user authentication.

For example, Patent Document 1 states that it provides a user passage permission system, an automatic ticket gate system, and a user passage permission method that can perform ticket gate processing using an authentication function that is easier for users. has been done. The system of Patent Document 1 includes a storage device, an automatic ticket gate, a biometric information acquisition device, and a control device. The storage device stores in advance authentication information of a plurality of users and pass permission information of the users in association with each other. Automatic ticket gates restrict the ability of users to pass. The biometric information acquisition device obtains biometric information of users passing through the automatic ticket gate. The control device compares the specific information of the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition device with the authentication information stored in the storage device. The control device determines whether the user is allowed to pass based on the traffic permission information stored in correspondence with the authentication information derived based on the verification result. The control device outputs a traffic permission signal to the automatic ticket gate when the vehicle is allowed to pass.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-047672

As disclosed in Patent Document 1, biometric information is sometimes used for user authentication. There is also code authentication using a two-dimensional barcode or the like as a method for authenticating users. Here, biometric authentication has the advantage of not requiring special equipment and having a high level of security. Furthermore, for users, biometric authentication has the advantage of being able to authenticate through a walk-through without displaying a two-dimensional barcode on the terminal.

As described above, biometric authentication is a method with many advantages, but it cannot be said to be sufficiently popular. Therefore, it is necessary to further popularize biometric authentication.

Note that even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, this requirement cannot be met. This is because the disclosure of Patent Document 1 is limited to applying biometric authentication to automatic ticket gates.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a server device, a control method for the server device, and a storage medium that contribute to the further spread of biometric authentication.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ticket management means acquires an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility; a benefit control means for granting a benefit to the first ticket purchaser so as to give preferential treatment to the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication over a second ticket purchaser who has selected other authentication methods; A server device is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the server device obtains an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility, and Provided is a method for controlling a server device that provides a benefit to a first ticket purchaser so that a first ticket purchaser who has selected authentication is treated more favorably than a second ticket purchaser who has selected another authentication method. be done.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket for entering a predetermined facility is stored in a computer installed in a server device. and a process of granting benefits to the first ticket purchaser so that the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication is treated more favorably than the second ticket purchaser who has selected other authentication methods. A computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a program for executing the following.

According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for the server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to further popularization of biometric authentication. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above. According to the present invention, other effects may be achieved instead of or in addition to the above effects.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the payment terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the payment terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the payment terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the ticket purchaser management database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the privilege control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the server device according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the disclosure of the present application. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the disclosure of the present application.

First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the drawing reference numerals added to this summary are added 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. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks depicted in each drawing represent the configuration of functional units rather than the configuration of hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional connections. The unidirectional arrows schematically indicate the main signal (data) flow, and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that, in this specification and the drawings, elements that can be explained in the same manner may be designated by the same reference numerals, so that redundant explanation can be omitted.

The server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a ticket management means 101 and a privilege control means 102 (see FIG. 1). The ticket management means 101 acquires an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket for entering the predetermined facility (step S1 in FIG. 2). The benefit control means 102 provides a benefit to the first ticket purchaser so that the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication is treated more favorably than the second ticket purchaser who has selected other authentication methods (step S2).

The server device 100 gives benefits to users who select biometric authentication so as to give them preferential treatment. For example, the server device 100 gives more points to a user who selects biometric authentication than to a user who selects code authentication using a two-dimensional barcode or the like. As a result, the number of users choosing biometric authentication will increase, making biometric authentication even more popular.

Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail using the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system (authentication system) according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system includes a server device 10, an authentication terminal 20, and a payment terminal 21.

The information processing system according to the first embodiment provides an authentication service at a large-scale event (for example, a rock festival) held at a stadium in the suburbs, for example. Users who wish to participate in the event purchase tickets in advance.

The server device 10 is a server that manages and controls the authentication service and ticket purchase. Although not particularly limited, the server device 10 may be managed and operated by an event planning company or the like. Alternatively, the server device 10 may be managed and operated by a company or the like commissioned by an event planning company. The server device 10 may be installed in a building of an event planning company, or may be installed on a network (on a cloud).

The authentication terminal 20 is a terminal installed at the entrance of an event venue, etc. For example, the authentication terminal 20 is a terminal (device) equipped with a gate. The authentication terminal 20 performs processing related to authentication of visitors who wish to enter the event venue. If the visitor is qualified to enter the event venue, the authentication terminal 20 opens the gate and allows the visitor to enter.

Note that the authentication terminal 20 does not need to include a gate. The authentication terminal 20 may notify an attendant waiting nearby of the authentication result. The person in charge may allow those who have successfully authenticated to enter the event venue, and may deny those who have failed authentication from entering the event venue.

The payment terminal 21 is a terminal installed at a business operator such as a retail store or a restaurant. For example, the payment terminal 21 is a tablet-type terminal. The payment terminal 21 performs control, operations, etc. related to payment of product payments and the like.

A user (event participant) has a terminal 30.

The devices shown in FIG. 3 are interconnected. Specifically, the server device 10, the authentication terminal 20, and the payment terminal 21 are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

The configuration of the information processing system shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, the information processing system may include a plurality of server devices 10. Furthermore, the number of authentication terminals 20 installed at the event venue is not limited to one. Furthermore, the number of payment terminals 21 included in the system is not limited to two.

[Overview of operation]
Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

<Purchase tickets>
As mentioned above, users who wish to participate in the event must purchase a ticket. A user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10. A user (person who wishes to participate in the event) purchases a ticket on a WEB page provided by the server device 10.

When the server device 10 sells a ticket to a user, it issues a user ID for identifying the user. The server device 10 associates the user ID with information regarding the sold ticket (ticket information) and stores it in the ticket purchaser management database. Details of the ticket purchaser management database will be described later.

When purchasing a ticket, the user selects the authentication method for entering the event venue. Specifically, the user can select whether to enter the event venue using biometric authentication or another authentication method (for example, code authentication).

If biometric authentication is selected, the user registers his or her biometric information in the server device 10. The server device 10 stores the biometric information acquired from the user in a ticket purchaser management database.

Examples of biometric information include data (feature amounts) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, a fingerprint, a voice print, a vein, a retina, and a pattern of the iris of the eye. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or a fingerprint image. The biometric information may be anything that includes the user's physical characteristics as information. In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which biometric information (a face image or a feature amount generated from a face image) regarding a person's "face" is used.

If code authentication is selected, the server device 10 generates an authentication code that uniquely defines the user (ticket purchaser). For example, the server device 10 converts the user ID issued to the ticket purchaser into a format such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark, hereinafter the same) and generates an authentication code. The server device 10 transmits the generated authentication code to the user's terminal 30.

The terminal 30 stores the received authentication code (two-dimensional barcode).

<Granting benefits>
Here, in order to further popularize biometric authentication, the server device 10 takes measures to give preferential treatment to users who have selected biometric authentication as an authentication method for entering the event venue. For example, the server device 10 grants a benefit to a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket for an event, but handles the given benefit differently depending on whether the person selects biometric authentication or the person who selects code authentication.

By making this fact known to users before they purchase tickets, in the first embodiment, it is expected that the number of users who choose biometric authentication will increase. For example, the fact is made known to those who wish to participate in the event through a poster of a large-scale event, a web page, or the like. That is, it is desirable that the method of awarding points by the server device 10 (method of giving preferential treatment to ticket purchasers who select biometric authentication and giving benefits) is made known to participants using event advertisements, pamphlets, and the like.

For example, the server device 10 gives many points (high return rate) to those who choose biometric authentication. On the other hand, the server device 10 gives fewer points (lower return rate) to those who choose code authentication.

The server device 10 can also issue points for the purpose of revitalizing the local economy around the event venue. Specifically, the server device 10 can issue "region-limited points" that can be used at retail stores and the like operating in the local government where the event is held. In other words, region-limited points are points that can only be used in certain regions.

Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the server device 10 gives region-limited points to a ticket purchaser.

For example, when a large-scale event is held in City A, the server device 10 provides the ticket purchaser with region-limited points that can be used only at restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. that operate in City A. Note that the payment terminal 21 is installed at a store that is determined to be a business that can use area-limited points based on the store's address or the like.

<Enter the event venue>
On the day of the event, event participants enter the event venue by passing through an authentication terminal 20 installed at the event venue.

The participant who has selected biometric authentication stops once in front of the authentication terminal 20. The authentication terminal 20 acquires biometric information of an entrant (person to be authenticated) standing a predetermined distance away from the authentication terminal 20 . The authentication terminal 20 transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information and the terminal ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

The terminal ID is an ID for identifying the terminals (authentication terminal 20, payment terminal 21) included in the system. A MAC (Media Access Control) address or an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the authentication terminal 20 or the like can be used as the terminal ID.

Note that the terminal ID is shared between the server device 10 and the terminals (authentication terminal 20, payment terminal 21) by any method. For example, an employee of an event planning company determines a terminal ID and sets the determined terminal ID in the authentication terminal 20. Further, the staff member notifies the operator of the server device 10 of the determined terminal ID and information regarding the authentication terminal 20. The operating company inputs the notified terminal ID and information regarding the authentication terminal 20 (for example, the name, contact information, address, etc. of the event venue) into the server device 10.

In addition, the clerk of the retail store or the like notifies the operator of the server device 10 of the terminal ID of the payment terminal 21 and information regarding the payment terminal 21, similarly to the authentication terminal 20. The operating company inputs the notified terminal ID and information regarding the payment terminal 21 (for example, store name, contact information, address, etc.) into the server device 10.

The participant who selected code authentication stops in front of the authentication terminal 20, similar to the participant who selected biometric authentication. The participant who has selected code authentication operates the terminal 30 to display the authentication code (two-dimensional barcode) notified from the server device 10. The participant brings the displayed authentication code close to the barcode reader included in the authentication terminal 20.

The authentication terminal 20 reads the authentication code. The authentication terminal 20 transmits an authentication request including the read authentication code and terminal ID to the server device 10.

The server device 10 identifies the visitor (person to be authenticated) standing in front of the authentication terminal 20 using authentication information (biometric information or authentication code) included in the authentication request. The server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful if the specified visitor has a valid ticket (if he has purchased a valid ticket).

The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication terminal 20. Upon receiving the successful authentication, the authentication terminal 20 opens the gate and allows the participant to enter.

<Use of points>
Before and after an event, event participants may engage in consumption behavior at surrounding facilities (surrounding stores) of the event venue. For example, participants purchase products at a retail store or eat at a restaurant. Store users use the payment terminal 21 to pay for products and meals.

At that time, the user can use points (region-limited points) given by the server device 10. For example, the payment terminal 21 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) as shown in FIG. 5 at the time of payment.

When a user wishes to use region-limited points (when the point use button is pressed), the payment terminal 21 acquires the authentication method selected by the user at the time of ticket purchase. For example, the payment terminal 21 uses a GUI as shown in FIG. 6 to obtain the authentication method selected by the user.

The payment terminal 21 acquires authentication information (biometric information, authentication code) corresponding to the authentication method selected by the user. Specifically, when biometric authentication is selected, the payment terminal 21 photographs the user in front of the user to obtain a facial image. Alternatively, if code authentication is selected, the payment terminal 21 obtains an authentication code (two-dimensional barcode) from the terminal 30 owned by the user.

The payment terminal 21 transmits a point notification request including the acquired authentication information (biometric information or authentication code) and terminal ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 7).

The server device 10 searches the ticket purchaser management database using the acquired authentication information as a key, and identifies users who wish to use points (users who pay among ticket purchasers). The server device 10 notifies the payment terminal 21 of the number of points owned by the specified user and the user ID.

The payment terminal 21 notifies the user that the notified number of points can be used, and also acquires the number of points that the user wishes to use. For example, the payment terminal 21 uses a GUI as shown in FIG. 8 to obtain the number of points desired by the user. When the payment terminal 21 acquires the number of points desired by the user to use, it acquires the user's preference regarding the payment method for the remaining amount after using the points (2000 yen in the example of FIG. 8). For example, the payment terminal 21 uses a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 5 to obtain the payment method desired by the user and settles the balance.

The payment terminal 21 notifies the server device 10 of the number of points used, including the acquired number of points used and the user ID. The server device 10 subtracts the notified number of points from the points (area-limited points) possessed by the person who wishes to use the points.

Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[Server device]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the server device 10 includes a communication control section 201, a ticket management section 202, a privilege control section 203, an authentication section 204, and a storage section 205.

The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the authentication terminal 20. Furthermore, the communication control unit 201 transmits data to the authentication terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a reception unit that receives data from another device, and a function as a transmission unit that transmits data to the other device.

The ticket management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing tickets purchased by users. The ticket management unit 202 acquires an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility (event venue) selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility (event venue).

When a ticket purchaser (user) operates the terminal 30 to access the ticket purchase site, the ticket management unit 202 displays a GUI etc. on the terminal 30 for the user to purchase a ticket.

When the user completes payment for the ticket purchased using a credit card or the like, the ticket management unit 202 issues a user ID for identifying the user.

Note that the user ID may be any information as long as it can uniquely identify the user. For example, the ticket management unit 202 may assign a unique value to the user ID each time a ticket is sold.

After issuing the user ID, the ticket management unit 202 obtains the authentication method for entering the event venue desired by the user. For example, the ticket management unit 202 displays a GUI as shown in FIG. 10 on the terminal 30, and obtains an authentication method for the user to enter the event venue.

When a user wishes to enter using biometric authentication (when the face authentication button is pressed), the ticket management unit 202 acquires the user's biometric information. For example, the ticket management unit 202 acquires a facial image using a GUI as shown in FIG.

The ticket management unit 202 generates a feature quantity (a feature vector made up of a plurality of feature quantities) that characterizes the obtained face image from the obtained face image.

Note that existing technology can be used for feature value generation processing, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. For example, the ticket management unit 202 extracts eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Thereafter, the ticket management unit 202 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature quantities, and generates a feature vector (vector information characterizing the face image) consisting of a plurality of feature quantities.

The ticket management unit 202 associates the user ID, ticket information regarding the ticket sold to the user, and the generated feature amount (biometric information) and stores them in the ticket purchaser management database (see FIG. 12). A user whose electronic ticket field is marked with a circle shown in FIG. 12 indicates a user who has been issued an electronic ticket.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 12, the valid date and event venue of the ticket purchased by the user are stored in the ticket purchaser management database as ticket information.

Furthermore, the ticket purchaser management database shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, the ticket purchase date may be registered in the ticket purchaser management database.

When the user selects code authentication (when the code authentication button is pressed), the ticket management unit 202 generates an authentication code to be sent to the user's terminal 30. For example, the ticket management unit 202 converts the generated user ID into a format such as a two-dimensional barcode, and generates an authentication code. The ticket management unit 202 transmits the generated authentication code to the terminal 30 of the ticket purchaser.

Furthermore, after storing the ticket information etc. in the ticket purchaser management database, the ticket management section 202 notifies the privilege control section 203 of the ticket purchaser's user ID.

The benefit control unit 203 is a means for granting benefits to ticket purchasers. The benefit control unit 203 provides a benefit to the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication so as to give preferential treatment to the first ticket purchaser who has selected other authentication methods.

For example, the benefit control unit 203 grants at least points (region-limited points) to the biometric authentication selector for receiving a discount on the payment amount, etc. At this time, the benefit control unit 203 gives points to give preferential treatment to users who have selected biometric authentication as the authentication method for entering the event venue.

For example, regarding region-limited points that can be discounted as 1 point = 1 yen, the benefit control unit 203 grants 1000 points to a user who selects biometric authentication, and 500 points to a user who selects code authentication. Give.

The benefit control unit 203 stores the awarded points (region-limited points) in the ticket purchaser management database. More specifically, the benefit control unit 203 stores the awarded points in the entry of the ticket purchaser corresponding to the user ID notified from the ticket management unit 202.

Additionally, the benefit control unit 203 processes point notification requests and notifications of the number of points used received from the payment terminal 21.

When a points notification request is received, the privilege control unit 203 attempts to identify the ticket purchaser who wishes to use the points using the authentication information (biometric information or authentication code) included in the points notification request.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the privilege control unit 203 according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 13, the operation of the privilege control unit 203 when the authentication information is biometric information will be described.

If the authentication information is biometric information (facial image), the privilege control unit 203 generates a feature amount from the acquired facial image (step S101).

The benefit control unit 203 sets the generated feature amount as a comparison target, and performs a matching process with the feature amount registered in the ticket purchaser management database (step S102). More specifically, the benefit control unit 203 sets the generated feature quantity (feature vector) as a matching target, and compares it with a number of feature quantities registered in the ticket purchaser management database by 1:N ( N is a positive integer, the same applies hereafter).

The benefit control unit 203 calculates the degree of similarity between the feature quantity to be matched and each of the plurality of feature quantities on the registration side. Chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, etc. can be used for the similarity. Note that the farther the distance, the lower the degree of similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the degree of similarity.

The benefit control unit 203 succeeds in the matching process if there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be matched is equal to or higher than a predetermined value among the plurality of feature amounts registered in the ticket purchaser management database. It is determined that the If the above characteristics do not exist, the privilege control unit 203 determines that the verification process has failed.

If the verification process fails (step S103, No branch), the benefit control unit 203 notifies the payment terminal 21 that the user corresponding to the authentication information included in the point notification request does not hold points. Specifically, the benefit control unit 203 transmits a negative response as a response to the point notification request (step S104).

If the matching process is successful (step S103, Yes branch), the benefit control unit 203 purchases a ticket based on the number of points held by the user (ticket purchaser corresponding to the feature with the highest degree of similarity) identified by the matching process. read from the user management database.

The benefit control unit 203 transmits an affirmative response including the read point number and user ID (the user ID of the user identified by the verification process) to the payment terminal 21 (step S105).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the privilege control unit 203 when the authentication information is biometric information. When the authentication information is an authentication code, the benefit control unit 203 operates as follows.

If the authentication information is an authentication code (two-dimensional barcode), the benefit control unit 203 decodes the authentication code and obtains the user ID.

If the acquired user ID is not registered in the ticket purchaser management database, the benefit control unit 203 notifies the payment terminal 21 that the user corresponding to the authentication information included in the point notification request does not hold points. do. Specifically, the benefit control unit 203 transmits a negative response as a response to the point notification request.

If the acquired user ID is registered in the ticket purchaser management database, the benefit control unit 203 reads the number of points of the entry corresponding to the user ID from the ticket purchaser management database.

The benefit control unit 203 transmits an affirmative response including the read point number and user ID to the payment terminal 21.

Upon receiving the notification of the number of points used from the payment terminal 21, the benefit control unit 203 subtracts the number of points used from the points held by the user (ticket purchaser, event participant) corresponding to the user ID included in the notification. and stored in the ticket purchaser management database.

In this way, the benefit control unit 203 receives a point notification request including the authentication information (biometric information or authentication code) of the paying user from the payment terminal 21 for making the payment. The benefit control unit 203 identifies the user who will pay the price (the user who purchased the ticket in advance) using the authentication information included in the point notification request and the authentication information stored in the ticket purchaser management database. The benefit control unit 203 notifies the payment terminal 21 of the number of points held by the identified user.

The authentication unit 204 is a means for processing an authentication request received from the authentication terminal 20.

The authentication unit 204 identifies the person to be authenticated using the authentication information included in the authentication request. Note that the process of identifying the person to be authenticated using authentication information (biometric information or authentication code) can be the same as the corresponding process of the privilege control unit 203, so further explanation will be omitted.

If the identification of the person to be authenticated fails, the authentication unit 204 transmits a negative response to the authentication terminal 20 indicating that the person to be authenticated cannot enter the event venue.

When the authenticated person is successfully identified, the authentication unit 204 determines whether or not the identified authenticated person possesses a valid ticket. Specifically, the authentication unit 204 determines whether or not the person to be authenticated owns (purchases) a valid ticket based on the ticket validity date and the event venue that can be entered, etc. included in the ticket information of the identified person to be authenticated. Determine whether

Note that the authentication unit 204 identifies the event venue that the person to be authenticated is attempting to enter based on the terminal ID included in the authentication request.

If the authenticated person does not possess (purchase) a valid ticket, the authentication unit 204 transmits a negative response to the authentication terminal 20 indicating that the authenticated person cannot enter the event venue.

If the person possesses (purchases) a valid ticket, the authentication unit 204 sends an affirmative response to the authentication terminal 20 indicating that the person to be authenticated can enter the event venue.

The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. A ticket purchaser management database is constructed in the storage unit 205. The ticket purchaser management database is a database that stores authentication information according to the authentication method selected by the ticket purchaser and the number of points given to the ticket purchaser in association with each other.

[Authentication terminal]
A detailed explanation regarding the processing configuration and operation of the authentication terminal 20 will be omitted. The authentication terminal 20 acquires authentication information (biometric information or authentication code) of an event participant who is attempting to enter the event venue. The authentication terminal 20 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the authentication request. When receiving a positive response indicating successful authentication, the authentication terminal 20 opens the gate and allows the person to be authenticated to pass through. When receiving a negative response indicating authentication failure, the authentication terminal 20 closes the gate and refuses the person to be authenticated.

[Payment terminal]
A detailed explanation regarding the processing configuration and operation of the payment terminal 21 will be omitted. When a user (ticket purchaser, event participant) wishes to use region-limited points, the payment terminal 21 acquires the authentication method selected by the user at the time of ticket purchase. The payment terminal 21 acquires authentication information (facial information, authentication code) according to the acquired authentication method, and transmits a point notification request including the acquired authentication information to the server device 10. The payment terminal 21 presents the user with the points that the user has, which are notified from the server device 10. The payment terminal 21 notifies the server device 10 of the number of points used that has been input by the user.

[System operation]
Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 14, the authentication operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment when a user enters an event venue will be described.

The authentication terminal 20 acquires authentication information of the user (person to be authenticated) (step S01).

The authentication terminal 20 transmits an authentication request including authentication information and a terminal ID to the server device 10 (step S02).

In response to receiving the authentication request, the server device 10 executes authentication processing (step S03). Specifically, the server device 10 identifies the person to be authenticated using the authentication information, and determines whether the ticket information of the identified person to be authenticated is valid.

The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication terminal 20 (step S04).

The authentication terminal 20 executes processing according to the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) (step S05).

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment regarding the use of points when a user makes a payment at a store or the like near the event venue will be described.

The payment terminal 21 acquires authentication information corresponding to the authentication method selected by the user when purchasing the ticket after paying the price (step S11).

The payment terminal 21 transmits a point notification request including the authentication information and the terminal ID to the server device 10 (step S12).

The payment terminal 21 uses the authentication information to identify the user who wishes to use points, and notifies the payment terminal 21 of the number of points held by the user (step S13).

The payment terminal 21 presents the number of points held by the user to the user and acquires the number of points to be used from the user (step S14).

The payment terminal 21 transmits a usage point number notification including the acquired usage point number to the server device 10 (step S15).

The server device 10 updates the number of points held by the user using the number of points included in the notification of the number of points used (step S16).

<Modification example according to the first embodiment>
The server device 10 may determine whether the ticket purchaser can use points based on the address of the store where the payment terminal 21 is installed. That is, the benefit control unit 203 of the server device 10 determines whether or not a user who pays at a store can use region-limited points based on the address of a predetermined facility (event venue) and the address of the installation location of the payment terminal 21. It may be determined whether For example, the benefit control unit 203 may send a negative response to the point notification request received from the payment terminal 21 if the user who pays the price cannot use the region-limited points.

For example, the benefit control unit 203 responds with the number of points held by the user in response to a point notification request from the payment terminal 21 installed at a store operating in the same municipality as the event venue. On the other hand, the benefit control unit 203 sends a notification that points cannot be used (a negative response) regardless of the user's points in response to a point notification request from a payment terminal 21 installed at a store operating in a municipality different from the event venue. do.

For example, in the example of FIG. 16, the benefit control unit 203 responds to point notification requests from the payment terminals 21-1 and 21-2 installed at stores operating in city A where the event is held. The number of points held is notified to these payment terminals 21. On the other hand, in response to point notification requests from payment terminals 21-3 and 21-4 installed at stores operating in City B, the benefit control unit 203 sends a negative response regardless of the number of points held by the user. do. Alternatively, the benefit control unit 203 sets the number of points held to zero and responds to the payment terminal 21.

Additionally, the benefit control unit 203 determines whether the ticket purchaser is eligible based on the address of the event venue entered in advance and the installation location (store address) of the payment terminal 21 obtained from the terminal ID included in the point notification request. All you have to do is decide whether you can use the points or not. Specifically, the benefit control unit 203 may determine whether the address of the store where the payment terminal 21 obtained from the terminal ID is installed is included in the city, town, or village where the event is held.

Alternatively, the benefit control unit 203 may enable the use of region-limited points for ticket purchasers who perform consumption behavior at a store that operates between an event venue and a station closest to the event venue. In this case, the benefit control unit 203 uses the terminal ID to identify the payment terminal 21 installed at a store that operates between the event venue and the nearest station (a store that operates in a predetermined area), and It is sufficient to notify the payment terminal 21 of the points held by the user.

In this way, the server device 10 allows the ticket purchaser to use the region-limited points held by the ticket purchaser at a store operating in the same city, town, village, etc. as the event venue using the address information of the store, etc. With the area-limited points, users who participated in the event will spend money at nearby restaurants, etc. after the event ends. As a result, the area surrounding the event venue can be expected to be revitalized.

As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment gives preferential treatment to ticket purchasers who use biometric authentication to enter the event venue. As a result, we can expect an increase in the number of users choosing biometric authentication, and biometric authentication will become even more popular. Additionally, the server device 10 provides the ticket purchaser with region-specific points, which can be used only in limited locations, as a benefit. As a result, many users who participate in events (festivals, festivals, etc.) engage in consumption behavior at facilities surrounding the event venue. The economy of the local government, tourist destination, etc. where the event is held will be revitalized by a large amount of consumption at facilities surrounding the event venue. In other words, town revitalization using biometric authentication is realized.

Additionally, the server device 10 controls payments at retail stores and the like in the area surrounding the event venue using authentication information (biometric information, authentication code) corresponding to the authentication method selected at the time of ticket purchase. As a result, the server device 10 can appropriately manage the use of points at facilities surrounding the event venue. For example, the server device 10 can limit the number of discounts offered at nearby facilities (for example, once per person) by collecting biometric authentication logs.

Next, the hardware of each device that makes up the information processing system will be explained. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input/output interface 313, a communication interface 314, and the like. The 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. 17 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware that is not shown, and may not include the input/output interface 313 if necessary. Further, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 17; for example, a plurality of processors 311 may be included in the server device 10.

The processor 311 is, for example, a programmable device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

The memory 312 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The memory 312 stores OS programs, application programs, and various data.

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

The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card).

The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing module is realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. Further, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transitory, such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. That is, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer program product. Furthermore, the above program can be updated via a network or by using a storage medium that stores the program. Furthermore, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip.

Note that the authentication terminal 20 and the payment terminal 21 can also be configured by an information processing device in the same way as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration thereof is not different from the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. For example, the authentication terminal 20 may include a camera device or a gate for photographing the person to be authenticated.

The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the server device 10 can be realized by having the computer execute a program. Further, the server device 10 executes the control method for the server device 10 using the program.

[Modified example]
Note that the configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

In the above embodiment, code authentication was explained as an example of an authentication method different from biometric authentication. However, other methods other than code authentication may be used. For example, password authentication using a password may be used as an authentication method different from biometric authentication.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a two-dimensional barcode into which a user ID is converted is used as an authentication code. However, a two-dimensional barcode obtained by converting the ticket information purchased by the ticket purchaser may be used as the authentication code. For example, if seats are designated and ticket information is different for each ticket purchaser, the server device 10 can also use the ticket information as the ticket purchaser's ID.

Additionally, the server device 10 may support three or more authentication methods such as biometric authentication, code authentication, and password authentication. Even in this case, the server device 10 only needs to provide benefits to ticket purchasers so as to give the most preferential treatment to users who select biometric authentication.

Alternatively, the server device 10 may be compatible with multiple types of biometric authentication. For example, the server device 10 may support face authentication and fingerprint authentication (the ticket purchaser may be able to select face authentication or fingerprint authentication as the authentication method). In this case, the server device 10 may determine the benefits to be given to the ticket purchaser so as to give preferential treatment to a predetermined authentication method among the plurality of biometric authentication methods. For example, the server device 10 may provide a benefit to a ticket purchaser who selects face authentication rather than a ticket purchaser who selects fingerprint authentication. The server device 10 may provide benefits so as to give preferential treatment to ticket purchasers who select an authentication method that is desired to be more popular.

In order to give preferential treatment to ticket purchasers who have selected biometric authentication, the server device 10 does not need to provide benefits to ticket purchasers who have selected other authentication methods.

The server device 10 may employ differentiation based on the number of points awarded and differentiation based on the value of the awarded points as a method of giving preferential treatment to users who choose biometric authentication. For example, the server device 10 grants 1000 points to a user who selects biometric authentication, and grants 500 points to a user who selects code authentication. In this way, the server device 10 may determine the number of points to be given based on the authentication method selected by the user who purchased the ticket. Further, the server device 10 treats each point as 1 yen when a person who selects biometric authentication uses points, and treats each point as 0.5 yen when a person who selects code authentication uses points. In this manner, the server device 10 may determine the value of points (return rate of points) provided by the authentication method selected by the point user. In the above example, a user who selects biometric authentication is effectively treated four times more favorably than a user who selects code authentication.

If the same user purchases tickets for events held on different days, the server device 10 may provide benefits for each ticket purchase. Additionally, if the same ticket purchaser is identified using authentication information (biometric information, authentication code), the server device 10 processes the authentication request and point notification request using the ticket information of the identified ticket purchaser. do it. For example, if one of the plurality of ticket information owned by the user identified by the authentication information is valid, the server device 10 may determine that the user has been successfully authenticated.

After the event ends and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the server device 10 may delete the entry in the ticket purchaser management database regarding the ended event. For example, if an expiration date is set for region-limited points granted to a ticket purchaser, the server device 10 deletes entries including region-limited points granted after the expiration date from the ticket purchaser management database. You may. Alternatively, the server device 10 may limit the date and time when the awarded points can be used. For example, the server device 10 may allow points to be used only on the day of the event. By setting restrictions on the use of such points (setting the date of use of points, for example, points can only be used on the day of the event), it becomes possible to motivate users to use points and participate in events ( improve user motivation).

The server device 10 does not decide the number of points to be given to the ticket purchaser on the day the user purchases the ticket, but determines the number of points to be given according to the date and time when the ticket purchaser wishes to use the points. You may. For example, the server device 10 may grant a large number of region-limited points to the ticket purchaser on the day the event is held, and may grant a smaller number of region-limited points to the ticket purchaser the next day after the event is held. That is, the server device 10 may determine the number of points to be given to the ticket purchaser depending on the date and time when the user wishes to use the region-limited points. By executing such control regarding the use of points (for example, the number of usable points decreases as the distance from the event date increases), the server device 10 allows the user to use the points (consumption activities at the store) more quickly. Motivation may also be provided.

The authentication terminal 20 installed at the event venue may measure the temperature of the person to be authenticated. The server device 10 may store the body temperature of the person to be authenticated based on the authentication request. The stored body temperature (result of temperature measurement) may be shared with other surrounding facilities. As a result, temperature measurement at other surrounding facilities (retail stores, etc.) may be omitted. Further, a valid period may be set for a period during which temperature measurement can be omitted.

The server device 10 may notify the user of information on stores where the region-limited points given to the ticket purchaser can be used. At this time, the server device 10 may display stores, etc. where the region-limited points can be used in order of proximity to the current location of the terminal owned by the user (a location that can be determined from a GPS (Global Positioning System), etc.). Alternatively, if the server device 10 transmits the location information of a store that operates in the local government where the event venue is located and where regionally limited points can be used to the user's terminal, the terminal uses the notified location information and its own device. The location information may be displayed on the map (see FIG. 18). Alternatively, the server device 10 notifies users' terminals of location information of stores that operate between the event venue and transportation boarding locations (stations, airports) (return route) and where regionally limited points can be used. Good too. In this case, the terminal may perform a display as shown in FIG. 19 using the notified information.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the ticket purchaser management database is configured inside the server device 10, but the database may be configured in an external database server or the like. That is, some functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another server. More specifically, the above-described "privilege control section (privilege control means)", "authentication section (authentication means)", etc. may be implemented in any device included in the system.

The form of data transmission and reception between each device (server device 10, authentication terminal 20) is not particularly limited, but data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information and the like are transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable that encrypted data be transmitted and received.

Although a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order in the flowcharts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above description, the order in which the steps are executed in the embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In the embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not affect the content, such as executing each process in parallel, for example.

The above embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all the configurations described above are necessary. Further, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of the embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations.

The industrial applicability of the present invention is clear from the above description, and the present invention is suitably applicable to information processing systems that manage tickets and the like sold to users.

Part or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following additional notes, but are not limited to the following.
[Additional note 1]
Ticket management means for acquiring an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility;
a benefit control means for granting a benefit to the first ticket purchaser so as to give preferential treatment to the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication over a second ticket purchaser who has selected other authentication methods;
A server device comprising:
[Additional note 2]
The server device according to appendix 1, wherein the benefit control means provides at least the first ticket purchaser with points for receiving a discount on the payment price.
[Additional note 3]
The server device according to supplementary note 2, further comprising a database that stores authentication information corresponding to an authentication method selected by the ticket purchaser and the number of points given to the ticket purchaser in association with each other.
[Additional note 4]
The benefit control means includes:
Receive a point notification request including the authentication information of the user who pays the payment from a payment terminal for making payment,
The user who pays the price is identified using the authentication information included in the point notification request and the authentication information stored in the database, and the number of points held by the identified user is notified to the payment terminal. , the server device according to appendix 3.
[Additional note 5]
The server device according to appendix 4, wherein the benefit control means provides at least the first ticket purchaser with region-limited points that can be used in a limited region.
[Additional note 6]
The benefit control means determines whether the user who pays the fee can use the region-limited points based on the address of the predetermined facility and the address of the installation location of the payment terminal,
The server device according to appendix 5, wherein if the paying user cannot use the region-limited points, a negative response is sent to the point notification request.
[Additional note 7]
The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the other authentication method is code authentication using a two-dimensional barcode.
[Additional note 8]
In the server device,
Obtaining an authentication method for entering the predetermined facility selected by the ticket purchaser who purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility;
A control method for a server device, wherein a privilege is given to a first ticket purchaser so that a first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication is treated more favorably than a second ticket purchaser who has selected another authentication method.
[Additional note 9]
On the computer installed in the server device,
A process of acquiring an authentication method for entering the predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility;
a process of granting a benefit to the first ticket purchaser so as to give preferential treatment to the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication over a second ticket purchaser who has selected another authentication method;
A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing.

Furthermore, each disclosure of the cited prior art documents mentioned above shall be incorporated into this document by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are illustrative only and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention includes the entire disclosure including the claims and various modifications and modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the technical idea.

10 Server device 20 Authentication terminal 21 Payment terminal 21-1 Payment terminal 21-2 Payment terminal 21-3 Payment terminal 21-4 Payment terminal 30 Terminal 100 Server device 101 Ticket management means 102 Privilege control means 201 Communication control section 202 Ticket management section 203 Privilege control unit 204 Authentication unit 205 Storage unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input/output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

Ticket management means for acquiring an authentication method for entering a predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who has purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility;
a benefit control means for granting a benefit to the first ticket purchaser so as to give preferential treatment to the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication over a second ticket purchaser who has selected other authentication methods;
A server device comprising:
The server device according to claim 1, wherein the benefit control means provides at least the first ticket purchaser with points for receiving a discount on the payment price.
The server device according to claim 2, further comprising a database that stores authentication information corresponding to an authentication method selected by the ticket purchaser and the number of points given to the ticket purchaser in association with each other.
The benefit control means includes:
Receive a point notification request including the authentication information of the user who pays the payment from a payment terminal for making payment,
The user who pays the price is identified using the authentication information included in the point notification request and the authentication information stored in the database, and the number of points held by the identified user is notified to the payment terminal. , The server device according to claim 3.
5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the benefit control means provides at least region-limited points that can be used in a limited region to at least the first ticket purchaser.
The benefit control means determines whether the user who pays the fee can use the region-limited points based on the address of the predetermined facility and the address of the installation location of the payment terminal,
6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein if the paying user cannot use the region-limited points, a negative response is sent to the point notification request.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the other authentication method is code authentication using a two-dimensional barcode.
In the server device,
Obtaining an authentication method for entering the predetermined facility selected by the ticket purchaser who purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility;
A control method for a server device, wherein a privilege is given to a first ticket purchaser so that a first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication is treated more favorably than a second ticket purchaser who has selected another authentication method.
On the computer installed in the server device,
A process of acquiring an authentication method for entering the predetermined facility selected by a ticket purchaser who purchased a ticket to enter the predetermined facility;
a process of granting a benefit to the first ticket purchaser so as to give preferential treatment to the first ticket purchaser who has selected biometric authentication over a second ticket purchaser who has selected another authentication method;
A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing.