JP2002024663A - Service providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and safely provide a user with a service according to use history. SOLUTION: This system comprises a plurality of terminal equipments 100 and a host device 200 performing transmission and reception of information by being connected with the terminal equipments 100, and has a user data base 204 for preserving user living body feature data for every user and data of the use history up to now, an individual collating means 102 constituted of a living body feature acquiring part 101 for taking in the living body feature data of the user and specifying the user by using the data, a living body feature extracting part 102 and a living body feature collating part 201 and service providing means constituted of a service deciding part 203 for providing service based on the use history up to now of the user, a service storing part 107 and a service control part 106.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system comprising a plurality of terminal devices and a host device connected to these terminal devices for transmitting and receiving information. The present invention relates to a service providing system capable of performing settings.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an explanation of the prior art, an example in which a game machine installed in an amusement facility such as a game center is used as an information terminal will be described. Traditionally, if a store wants to serve frequently used customers,
We have our own stamp card. When a customer (hereinafter, a user) comes to the store or plays a game, he / she presses a seal on the card, and when the points are accumulated, the clerk provides a service ticket such as a credit service or a drink ticket to the user. .

[0003]

However, in the conventional method, if the customer does not carry or loses the point card, the points cannot be increased, and the customer misses the opportunity to receive the service. There was a problem. There is also a problem that a third party may use a reward card, a provided service ticket, and the like improperly.

Further, in the method using a point card,
Although it is possible to keep a history of the number of visits and the usage amount, it is difficult to keep a history of each game machine, such as which game machine has been used many times. There is a problem that there is a problem in providing appropriate services.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention comprises a plurality of terminal devices and a higher-level device connected to these terminal devices for transmitting and receiving information. A user database containing data of usage history up to now, a user database creating means for creating / updating the user database, and taking in biometric characteristic data of the user and specifying the user using the data. It is characterized by having personal verification means and service providing means for providing services based on the usage history of the user so far.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Here, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described based on a case where a game machine installed in an amusement facility such as a game center is an information terminal. First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a first embodiment. Reference numeral 100 denotes a terminal device, for example, a game machine set in a game center or the like. Reference numeral 200 denotes a host device as a higher-level device connected to a plurality of the terminal devices 100 to transmit and receive information. In the present embodiment, the host device 200 is a network server installed at a base, and the biometric characteristics (iris, fingerprint, voiceprint, face,
It stores data such as the usage history (number of visits, amount of use, number of uses for each game machine, amount of use for each game machine) and the like, along with palm shapes and handwriting. FIG. 2 shows an external view of the game machine, and FIG. 3 shows a connection example between the terminal device 100 and the host device 200.

First, an internal configuration of the terminal device 100 will be described. The biometric feature acquisition unit 101 is a device that acquires a biometric feature unique to an individual (such as an iris, fingerprint, voiceprint, face, palm shape, or handwriting) from a user. When the iris is adopted as the biometric feature, the biometric feature acquisition unit 101 is configured by, for example, an electronic camera that captures an iris, and outputs an eye image including the iris. When a fingerprint is adopted as a biometric feature, the biometric feature acquisition unit 101 becomes an electronic scanner,
An image with the fingerprint pattern is output.

The biometric feature extraction unit 102 is a biometric feature acquisition unit 1
A process for extracting information (biological feature data) necessary for determining an individual from the data obtained in step 01 is performed. For example, in the case of an iris, it is data obtained by binarizing a change in shading of an iris pattern from an eye image including the iris. In the case of a fingerprint, it is data obtained by extracting features of a fingerprint pattern (such as fine points, branch points, and line directions of a fingerprint line).

The operation system input unit 103 is a joystick or a button for a user to operate a game or the like. The image / sound output unit 104 is a device that outputs a game screen, a sound effect, and an image / sound for giving an operation instruction to a user. The terminal device main control unit 105 is a device that controls the entire terminal device 100.

The service control unit 106 is a service storage unit 1
Based on the service contents for the user stored in 07, the respective parts are controlled to execute the service. The service storage unit 107 stores the service contents and level (for example,
In the case of performing a charge service, this is a memory for storing up to that amount).

The data transmitting / receiving unit 108 is connected to the host device 200
This is a device that communicates with the device. Each process from the biometric feature extraction unit 102 to the data transmission / reception unit 108 is connected to the terminal device internal bus 109, and data flows between the processing units. FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the terminal device 100. FIG. 2 shows an example in which an iris is used as a biological feature. FIG. 2A shows an example in which a camera for photographing an iris is incorporated in a terminal body.
The user obtains an eye image by looking into a camera incorporated in the main body. FIG. 2B is an example in which a camera for photographing an iris is separated from a main body.

An eye image is acquired by a user holding a camera in his hand and adjusting his / her eyes. Next, the host device 200
Will be described. The biometric feature matching unit 201 performs a process of identifying a user by comparing biometric feature data transmitted from the terminal device with registered biometric feature information of all users in the user database 204.

The host device main control unit 203 is a host device 2
00 is a device that controls the entire system. Service determination unit 203
Then, the use history of the user collated from the result of the biometric feature collation unit 201 is searched from the user database 204,
The service content is determined based on the information. The database 204 stores registered biometric feature information of all users, and usage history of game centers and game machines for each user.

The data transmission / reception unit 205 is a device for communicating with the terminal device 100. Each processing is connected to the terminal device internal bus 206, and data flows between the processing units. FIG. 3 shows a connection example between the terminal device 100 and the host device 200. In contrast to the terminal device 100 in the game center, the host terminal device 200 is installed in the game center or in an external building. Between the terminal device 100 and the host device 200,
They are connected by LAN or Internet.

The operation of the first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In this description, a case will be described in which a fee is discounted as a provided service based on a case where a game machine installed in an amusement facility such as a game center is used as an information terminal. FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure according to the present invention. In order for a user to play a game, it is necessary to first confirm the identity of the user at the game machine.

In S101, first, an iris image is obtained. The iris of the user is acquired automatically or by a user's intentional operation by the biometric feature acquisition unit 101 (the iris photographing camera in the present embodiment). S102
Then, based on the iris image acquired by the biometric feature acquisition unit 101, the biometric feature extraction unit 102 codes the image into an iris code.

In S103, the iris code coded in S102, the ID number of the game machine, or the ID number of the game content (hereinafter, game ID) is sent to the data transmission / reception unit 108 via the terminal internal bus 109, and further, the host computer Transmit to the device 200. In S104, Sl
The data transmission / reception unit 205 of the host terminal device 200 receives the user's iris code transmitted in 03.

In S105, the biometric feature collation unit 201 performs collation based on the iris code received in S104. The iris code of the registrant, which is a dictionary in this case, is stored in the user database 204, and as a result of the collation, a determination is made as to who is the user. Sl0
At 6, the next process is determined based on the result of S105. If the user is already registered, proceed to SI 07,
If it is a new user who has not been registered, the process proceeds to Sl08.

In step S07, the history of the registrant verified in step S105 is confirmed. The user history is stored in the user database 204, and the structure of this database is shown in FIG. Here, in addition to the store visit record and the total usage fee, a game ID, the number of times of use and the usage fee for each game machine or game content (hereinafter, game) are stored. By storing the history for each game, it is possible to set a service for each game as well as a service according to the use of the store.

In step S08, the service determining unit 203 determines the service to be provided based on the history of the user.
Here, only those who use a lot of specific games,
If service contents such as providing a half price service are set, it is determined based on the transmitted game ID and the user's past history whether the user satisfies the conditions for receiving the service. Done.

In Sl09, the result determined in Sl08 is transmitted to the data transmitting / receiving unit 20 through the host device internal bus 206.
5 and then to the terminal device 100. S110
Then, the service determination result transmitted in Sl09 is received by the data transmission / reception unit 108 of the terminal device, and the service storage unit 10
Save to 7. In S111, the service according to the service content stored in the service storage unit 107 is executed by the service control unit 106. For example, when a service with a half price is set, the service control unit 106 displays the fee in the image / audio output unit 104 and instructs the game control unit 110 to start the game at a half price. .

In S112, the game is started when the user inputs a half price in the game control section 110. In S113, the game control unit 110 confirms the end of the game. In S114, when the game is over,
The game ID and the game usage content of the user are transmitted from the data transmitting / receiving unit 108 to the host device 200.

At S115, the game ID transmitted at S114 and the contents of the game usage of the user are stored in the host device 2.
00 in the data transmission / reception unit 205. In S116, the use history for each game machine stored in the user database 204 is updated based on the game ID received in S115 and the game use content of the user.

In this way, it is possible to provide individual services for each game machine or content by referring to the past usage history of the individual based on the collation result using the biometric characteristics of the user. In addition, the same service can be implemented for all game machines or contents based on the number of visits to the store and the total usage fee.

In the first embodiment, an example in which an iris is used as an example of a biological feature has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a feature that can identify an individual, such as a fingerprint, a voiceprint, a face, and a handwriting. In addition, the terminal device 100
Data flowing between the host and the host device 200 may be encrypted to enhance security.

Further, in the first embodiment, a game machine installed in a game center or the like has been described as an example of a terminal device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pachinko machine, a KIOSK terminal, a POS terminal, etc. Can also be applied.
In the case of pachinko, service for each pachinko model, KI
In the case of an OSK terminal or a non-POS terminal, a service for each product can be provided.

In the first embodiment, the fee service is described as a service to be provided. However, other services such as a service for increasing one game and distribution of various service tickets such as a drink ticket are provided. Can also be applied. Second Embodiment FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 310 denotes a personal characteristic information acquisition unit. 320 is a game machine as a terminal device. 330
Is a host device that manages the entire service. 340
Is a database that stores information such as service contents, and includes a user database in the present embodiment. That is, reference numeral 341 denotes a personal information table having information on individuals such as ID, name, and biometric characteristic information. 34
Reference numeral 2 denotes a service information table having information such as specific service contents.

The personal characteristic information acquiring section 310 is a game machine 3
20 or connected to the game machine 320. A plurality of game machines 320 are connected to a host device 330 via a network. The host device 330 has the database 340 therein, and the database 340 has two types of information, a personal information table 341 and a service information table 342, as described above.

The personal information table 341 includes ID, name,
It has information such as biometric feature information and usage points. I
D is an identification number given to each user by the service provider. The name is the name of the user. The usage point is a value calculated by weighting the number of times the game device has been used (cumulative amount), the score obtained in the game, and the like. Depending on the type of service, attribute information such as gender and age can be added in addition to the above information.

The service information table 342 has service contents corresponding to the use points. Depending on the form of the service, the service content can be changed to an appropriate one according to the attribute information of the user. The user
First, biometric feature information is input using the personal feature information input unit 310. The input personal characteristic information includes an iris, a fingerprint, a voiceprint, a face, a palm shape, and a handwriting. The input data is coded by the personal characteristic information input unit 310 to prevent unauthorized use, and then sent to the host device 330 via the game machine 320.

The host device 330 searches the personal information table 341 for personal information corresponding to the transmitted code. When the personal information corresponding to the code is found,
D. The name is taken out and displayed on the game device 320 for confirmation. The user starts the game if the displayed contents are correct. If wrong, enter the personal characteristic information again.

By giving the user an opportunity to check the collation result, more accurate service can be provided. For each game, information on the usage points such as the usage amount and the game score held in the storage unit inside the game machine 20 is updated. When the user finishes the game on the game device, the use point information stored in the storage unit is sent to the host device 330, and the contents of the personal information table 341 are updated.

When the user wants to refer to the service contents that can be received at his / her current point of use, a reference instruction is issued from input means (not shown) of the game machine 320. Upon receiving the reference instruction, the host device 330 refers to the service information table 342 and sends back information on service contents corresponding to the usage points to the game machine 320. The user selects and determines a service to be received from service information presented on a display unit (not shown) of the game machine.

In this way, the user is provided with an opportunity to check the contents of the service, and the options of the service are broadened.
Providing the opportunity to reflect the user's will in the selection decision further enhances the range of services. When determining the service to be used, the personal identification is performed again using the personal characteristic information acquisition unit 310. The service is executed only when the user who has determined the service is confirmed to be the user.

By performing the authentication twice before the game and when determining the service to be used, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the service.

[0037]

According to the present invention described in detail above, a plurality of terminal devices and a higher-level device connected to these terminal devices for transmitting and receiving information are provided. A user database that stores data of the usage history up to now, a database creation unit that creates and updates the user database, and a personal verification that takes in the user's biometric characteristic data and uses it to identify the user Means and service providing means for providing services based on the usage history of the user so that biometric feature extraction processing, biometric feature matching processing, personal history reference processing, and service determination processing can be performed automatically. .

As a result, the user can receive a service in accordance with the usage history even if he does not have a point card, which has the effect of increasing convenience. In addition, by storing the usage history for each user (registrant) and each information terminal, there is an effect that services can be easily performed for each game machine. Furthermore, since the service provision procedure is managed by the host device, there is an effect that the procedure can be prevented from being misunderstood and unauthorized use can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a device configuration diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an example of an iris photographing camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a connection example between a terminal information device and a host device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a user database according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing information of a personal information table according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing information of a service information table according to the second embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 terminal device 101 biometric feature acquisition unit 102 biometric feature extraction unit 103 operation system input unit 104 image / voice output unit 105 terminal device main control unit 106 service control unit 107 service storage unit 108 data transmission / reception unit 109 terminal device internal bus 110 game control Unit 201 biometric feature matching unit 202 host device main control unit 203 service determination unit 204 user database 205 data transmission / reception unit 206 host device internal bus 205 data transmission / reception unit 310 personal characteristic information acquisition unit 320 game machine 330 host device 340 database 341 personal information Table 342 Service information table

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/30 170 G06F 17/30 170Z 340 340B H04L 9/32 H04L 9/00 673D 673A F term (reference) 5B049 AA06 EE05 EE08 EE10 GG02 5B075 ND20 PR03 5B085 AA08 AE25 5J104 AA07 KA01 KA16 KA17 KA18 KA19 PA10

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A system comprising: a plurality of terminal devices; and a higher-level device that transmits and receives information by connecting to the terminal devices. For each user, the biometric characteristic data of the user and the data of the usage history so far are stored. A stored user database, a user database creating means for creating / updating the user database, a personal matching means for capturing the user's biometric data and using the data to identify the user, A service providing system comprising a service providing means for providing a service based on a usage history up to now. 2. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the user database creation unit determines the number of visits to the store based on usage information such as the number of usages and usage fees for each terminal device or content used by the user. A service providing system for creating or updating a database composed of usage history information such as a total usage fee, the number of times of use for each terminal device or content, and a usage fee. 3. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the service providing means uses the number of times the user has visited the store, the total usage fee, the number of usages for each terminal device or content used, the usage fee, and the like. Based on the history information,
A service providing system for selecting and providing the content of a service to be provided. 4. The service providing system according to claim 1, further comprising a matching result confirming means for allowing a user to confirm a matching result of said personal matching means. 5. The service providing system according to claim 1, further comprising a service content confirming unit for confirming the service content applied by the user. 6. The service providing system according to claim 5, wherein the terminal device has a service selection determining means for selecting and determining a service to be applied in the terminal device. 7. The service providing system according to claim 6, wherein whether or not the user who has selected and determined the service is himself / herself is determined.
A service providing system, wherein the service is executed again by the individual verification means, and the service is executed only when it is confirmed that the user is the principal.