JP2004362045A - Group identification system, server device, program, recording medium and group identification method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an appropriate service by identifying not only an individual user but also a group that the user joins. <P>SOLUTION: A user identification information input terminal 100 sends identification information about a plurality of input users to a user identification server 200. According to the user identification information, the user identification server refers to a user identification information database storing in advance user identification information data on users, to execute user identification on the plurality of input users. The user identification information input terminal 100 sends group identification information about the group of the plurality of users set by the users to a group identification server 300. According to the group identification information sent from the user identification information input terminal and user information about each user stored in a user information database connected via a communication network, the group identification server determines an attribute of the group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a group authentication system, a server device, a program, a recording medium, and a group authentication method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there is a system that provides various services by grouping a plurality of users using a network. As a method of grouping a plurality of users, for example, a method of registering members constituting the same community in advance is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-157492
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional system, the attributes of each member constituting a group are determined and services are provided to the individual members, and the attributes of the group are not automatically recognized. In addition, the user is not always acting alone, and may naturally act together with another person. At this time, when the user acts alone and when the user acts in a group together with other people, the desire for the service changes, but there are systems that provide suitable services to the group. Did not. Furthermore, as a feature of the network, there are groups in which people who are not in the same place act together as seen in network games, etc., but in such a case, the group that has the same action is authenticated. The system did not exist.
[0005]
In the past, there was a system that provided recommended information to individual users based on personal preferences and action histories. However, since it is intended only for individual users, it can be recommended information for groups. Did not. This is because the user's desire for action usually changes when the person with whom the user changes changes. For example, when a girlfriend is with a lover, an action desire to go to a splendid restaurant occurs. For example, when a friend is unable to care, an action desire to easily drink at a pub or the like occurs. However, in the conventional system, it has not been possible to grasp the group in which the user acts together.
[0006]
Furthermore, when comparing individual behavior with group behavior, the required information varies greatly depending on the attributes of the group, the number of people, time, and the activity area, but in the past, information suitable for group behavior was automatically generated. And there was no system that could deliver it in real time.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved group authentication system, server device, program, recording medium, group authentication method, and the like that can authenticate not only an individual user but also a group with which a user is acting. Is to provide. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved group authentication system, server device, program, recording medium, group authentication method, and the like that can provide a suitable service to a group of authenticated users. To provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, according to a first aspect of the present invention, at least a user authentication information input terminal, a user authentication server, and a group authentication server are connected via a communication network. An information input terminal for inputting authentication information of a plurality of users as one group authentication information, transmitting the user authentication information to the user authentication server, and transmitting the group authentication information to the group authentication server; The user authentication server, the user authentication server stores user authentication information data of each user, the transmitted user authentication information and the user authentication information data. A user authentication unit for performing user authentication based on the user information, and a user information storing user information including information on the user. A group authentication server, wherein the group authentication server, when group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal, requests the user authentication server to receive the user information; A group authentication unit that determines group attributes based on the received user information and creates group information.
[0009]
In the above-described invention, since the individual authentication of each member constituting the group is performed in association with each other, it is possible to easily and easily recognize the number of members constituting the group and the type of the group.
[0010]
The user authentication information input terminal is composed of a plurality of different input terminals, and an input terminal server is connected to the communication network, and the input terminal server is connected to the plurality of different user authentication information. In such a configuration, a plurality of user authentication information input from the input terminal is aggregated as one group authentication information and transmitted to the user authentication server, so that the authentication page can be shared among members by making use of the characteristics of the network. Therefore, authentication as a group can be performed even if the terminals are not the same. As a result, customization by a group of network services becomes possible.
[0011]
The communication network further includes a service information recording unit that records service information to be provided to the user authentication information input terminal, and a service that extracts service information in association with the group information transmitted from the group authentication server. If an information providing server having an information extracting unit and a service information transmitting unit for transmitting the extracted service information to a user information input terminal is connected, useful information for an authenticated group is provided. Can be provided. That is, for example, when together with a lover, it is possible to provide information on a spoiled restaurant, and when, for example, together with a friend who cannot care, it is possible to provide information on a pub.
[0012]
Further, the service information extracting unit of the information providing server includes: personal information relating to the user; personal history information relating to the user's service use; group number information; group attribute information; group history information relating to service use as a group; It is preferable that the service information is extracted in association with one or more pieces of information selected from the group consisting of time information.
[0013]
Further, the input of the user authentication information is performed by using a card in which the user authentication information is stored in advance. In such a configuration, the personal authentication of the user is performed using, for example, a non-contact IC card. As compared with the personal authentication method by inputting the password, the personal authentication of the user can be performed more easily, and the trouble of the user can be reduced.
[0014]
Further, if the group authentication server is formed integrally with at least one or both of the user authentication server and the information providing server, the number of servers to be installed can be reduced, so that the number of installed servers can be reduced. This system can be realized at a low cost.
[0015]
In order to solve the above problem, in a second aspect of the present invention, at least a group connected via a communication network to a user authentication information input terminal capable of inputting authentication information of a plurality of users as one group authentication information. An authentication server, wherein the group authentication server receives user information stored in a user information database connected via the communication network when group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal. A group authentication server is provided, comprising: a receiving unit; and a group authentication unit that determines group attributes based on the received user information and creates group information.
[0016]
In the above-described invention, since the individual authentication of each member constituting the group is performed in association with each other, it is possible to easily and easily recognize the number of members constituting the group and the type of the group.
[0017]
In addition, if the user information database is provided in the group authentication server, the number of servers to be installed can be reduced, so that the present system can be realized at low cost.
[0018]
In addition, the group authentication server includes a user authentication information database storing user authentication information data of each user, and user authentication information transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal and user authentication information data based on the user authentication information data. And a user authentication unit that performs the above operation, the number of servers to be installed can be reduced, so that the present system can be realized at low cost.
[0019]
The group authentication server further includes a service information recording unit that records service information to be provided to the user authentication information input terminal, and a service that extracts service information in association with the group information transmitted from the group authentication server. With the information extracting unit and the service information transmitting unit for transmitting the extracted service information to the user authentication information input terminal, it is possible to provide useful information to the authenticated group. That is, for example, when together with a lover, it is possible to provide information on a spoiled restaurant, and when, for example, together with a friend who cannot care, it is possible to provide information on a pub. Furthermore, since the number of servers to be installed can be reduced, the present system can be realized at low cost.
[0020]
The service information extracting unit is a group comprising personal information on the user, personal history information on the user's service usage, group number information, group attribute information, group history information on service usage as a group, and time information. It is preferable to extract service information in association with one or more pieces of information selected from.
[0021]
In order to solve the above problems, in a third aspect of the present invention, when group authentication information is transmitted from a user authentication information input terminal connected via a communication network to a computer, the computer transmits the group authentication information via the communication network. A receiving unit that receives user information stored in a user information database connected to the user, and a group authentication unit that determines group attributes based on the received user information and creates group information. A program is provided.
[0022]
In order to solve the above problems, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, when group authentication information is transmitted from a user authentication information input terminal connected via a communication network to a computer, the computer transmits the group authentication information via the communication network. A receiving unit that receives user information stored in a user information database connected to the user, and a group authentication unit that determines group attributes based on the received user information and creates group information. And a computer-readable recording medium on which a program characterized by the following is recorded.
[0023]
In order to solve the above problems, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least a user authentication information input terminal, a user authentication information input terminal, and a group authentication server are connected via a communication network. The user authentication information input terminal transmits authentication information of each user input by a plurality of users to a user authentication server, and the user authentication server performs user authentication on the user based on the received user authentication information. Referring to a user authentication information database in which information data is stored in advance, the user authentication of each of the inputted users is executed, and the user authentication information input terminal authenticates the plurality of pieces of user authentication information into one group authentication. The user authentication information is transmitted to the group authentication server. A group authentication method for requesting the user information from the user authentication server when the authentication information is transmitted, and determining an attribute of the group based on the acquired user information. .
[0024]
In the above-described invention, since the individual authentication of each member constituting the group is performed in association with each other, it is possible to easily and easily recognize the number of members constituting the group and the type of the group.
[0025]
The user authentication information input terminal is composed of a plurality of different input terminals, and an input terminal server is connected to the communication network, and the input terminal server is connected to the plurality of different user authentication information. In such a configuration, a plurality of user authentication information input from the input terminal is aggregated as one group authentication information and transmitted to the user authentication server, so that the authentication page can be shared among members by making use of the characteristics of the network. Therefore, authentication as a group can be performed even if the terminals are not the same. As a result, customization by a group of network services becomes possible.
[0026]
Further, an information providing server for providing service information to the user information input terminal is connected to the communication network, and the information providing server responds to a request from the user authentication information input terminal by the group authentication server. By extracting service information based on the information and providing it to the user authentication information input terminal, useful information can be provided to the authenticated group. That is, for example, when together with a lover, it is possible to provide information on a spoiled restaurant, and when, for example, together with a friend who cannot care, it is possible to provide information on a pub.
[0027]
The extraction of the service information includes a group consisting of personal information on the user, personal history information on the service use of the user, group number information, group attribute information, group history information on service use as a group, and time information. It is preferable to perform the processing in association with one or more pieces of information selected from.
[0028]
In addition, the input of the user authentication information is executed by a card in which the user authentication information is stored in advance. With such a configuration, the personal authentication of the user is performed using, for example, a non-contact IC card. As compared with a personal authentication method by inputting an ID and a password, personal authentication of the user can be performed more easily, and the user's labor is reduced.
[0029]
Further, if the group authentication server is configured integrally with at least one or both of the user authentication server and the service providing server, the number of servers to be installed can be reduced, so that the number of installed servers can be reduced. The method can be realized at cost.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
[0031]
(First Embodiment)
First, a configuration of a group authentication system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a group authentication system 10 according to the present embodiment. In the first embodiment, a case where group authentication is performed between members at the same place will be described. In the following, an example in which information corresponding to a group is provided by group authentication will be described, but various services can be provided.
[0032]
In the group authentication system 10 according to the present embodiment, a user authentication information input terminal 100, a user authentication server 200, a group authentication server 300, an information providing server 400, and a service providing server 500 are connected to a public line network 600. Connected through.
[0033]
Note that the user authentication information input terminal 100 is a terminal device to which the users A, B, and C input authentication information. Further, in the present embodiment, each of the users A, B, and C uses a card 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, such as a non-contact IC card, in which each user authentication information is stored. Personal authentication can be performed.
[0034]
The user authentication server 200 is a server device that performs individual authentication (user authentication) of each user based on the user authentication information input from the user authentication information input terminal 100. Further, the group authentication server 300 is a server device that executes group authentication of a group including the users A, B, and C when group authentication is selected at the user authentication information input terminal.
[0035]
The information providing server 400 is a server device that acquires group information from the group authentication server 300, extracts service information in association with the group information, and provides the service information to the user authentication information input terminal 100. The service information may be, for example, service information on a real shop such as restaurant information, or virtual service information such as a game performed using a mobile terminal device (also serving as a user authentication information input terminal). The service providing server 500 is provided in association with a store such as a restaurant, for example, and is a server device that transmits information about the restaurant as service information.
[0036]
In the group authentication system according to the present embodiment, individual authentication of each member of the group is performed in association with each other, so that it is possible to recognize who and how many users are together. In addition, useful information can be provided to the recognized groups.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2, the user authentication information input terminal 100 according to the present embodiment includes an input unit 110, a reader / writer unit 120, a card authentication unit 130, a communication control unit 140, a display 150, a printing unit 160, and the like. You.
[0038]
The input unit 110 is for inputting various data such as information data (for example, user authentication information), and includes, for example, an input unit using a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like. The user can input user authentication information from the input unit and set a plurality of users into one group.
[0039]
The reader / writer unit 120 has a function of writing information on the card 102 owned by each user and reading information. The reader / writer unit 120 reads out user authentication information such as a card number stored in an information recording unit (an IC chip or a magnetic stripe) in the card and provides the user authentication information to the user authentication server 200. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the user authentication information is input using a card storing the user authentication information, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a user ID, a password, and the like can be input from the input unit 110 of the user authentication information input terminal 100. Further, by performing personal authentication of a user using a card such as a non-contact IC card, for example, user authentication can be performed more easily than a user authentication method by inputting an ID and a password. The user's labor is reduced.
[0040]
The card authentication unit 130 authenticates the user's card 102 based on the card number read by the reader / writer unit 120. Only when the card is authenticated by the card authentication unit 130 as a genuine card, the user authentication server 200 is requested to perform user authentication.
[0041]
The communication control unit 140 controls communication with the user authentication server 200, the group authentication server 300, and the information providing server 400. The display 150 displays contents (for example, various input screens, user authentication results, group authentication results, provided service information, and the like) transmitted from the user authentication server 200, the group authentication server 300, and the information providing server 400. The printing unit 160 can print the provided service information on a predetermined sheet and provide the service information to the user.
[0042]
In the user authentication information input terminal 100 having the above configuration, the user authentication information input by the user is transmitted to the user authentication server and transmitted to the user authentication server. Further, when a plurality of users input authentication information and select group authentication, each user authentication information is transmitted to the group authentication server as one group. The user authentication information input terminal 100 corresponds to a terminal having a communication function such as a mobile phone having an i-mode (trade name) function and a palm, in addition to a desktop computer, a notebook personal computer, and a portable user terminal device.
[0043]
Next, the user authentication server 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user authentication server 200 according to the present embodiment.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 3, the user authentication server 200 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 210, a communication unit 220, a memory 230, a user authentication information database 240, a user information database 250, a content database 260, and the like.
[0045]
The CPU 210 executes overall control of the user authentication server 200. Further, the CPU 210 performs personal authentication of the user based on the user authentication information and the user authentication information data. The communication unit 220 is a unit that controls communication with the outside via a telephone line or the Internet, for example. The memory 230 stores programs and data to be accessed by the CPU 210, and is read from various databases 240, 250, and 260 and stored as needed.
[0046]
The user authentication information database 240 stores user authentication information data 242 for authenticating the user authentication information input from the user authentication information input terminal 100. The user authentication information data 242 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 4, the user authentication information data 242 includes a serial number 2421, a name 2422, a card number 2423, a user ID 2424, a password 2425, and the like.
[0048]
The serial number 2421 is a serial number of the user authentication information data. The name 2422 is the name of a user who uses the present system. The card number 2423 is a number such as a credit card, for example, and is an identification number for identifying a user. The card number is referred to when the user authentication information is input by a card.
[0049]
The user ID 2424 is an identification number for specifying a user, and is given at the same time as joining this system. The password 2425 is a password associated with the user ID 2424 and can be specified by the user.
[0050]
Next, the user information database 250 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user information database 250 according to the present embodiment.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 5, the user information database 250 includes a personal information storage area 2, a preference information storage area 254, and a history storage area 256. In the following, information about a user including personal information, preference information, and history information is referred to as user information.
[0052]
In the personal information storage area 252, information on the user's "address", "name", "age", "sex", "occupation", and the like can be stored. When constructing an information providing system that requires anonymity, “name” can be an optional entry item.
[0053]
In the preference information storage area 254, information on the user's “favorite food”, “disliked food”, “favorite things”, “dislike things”, “interesting things”, “not interested”, etc. Can be stored.
[0054]
The history storage area 256 is information on how and in what pattern a group constituted by the same constituent members or substantially the same constituent members performed group activities in the past. User's service usage history (personal history information), such as "accessed information", "classification of service used", "service usage location", "service usage time", "group member", "group type", etc. Information can be stored.
[0055]
In the above description, an example in which the user information database is provided in the user authentication server has been described. However, the user information database may be provided in the group authentication server. It is also possible to store user information in a divided manner as necessary, such as storing personal information of user information in a database of a user authentication server and storing preference information and history information in a database of a group authentication server. it can.
[0056]
The content database 260 stores contents such as HTML files, graphical icon files (GIF files, etc.) provided by the user authentication server, and hypertext objects such as audio and image objects. An object is provided to each terminal.
[0057]
The user authentication server 200 configured as described above can perform personal authentication of a user based on the user authentication information transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal 100. Further, in response to a request from the group authentication server 300, user information such as personal information is transmitted to the group authentication server.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the user authentication server 200 is configured differently from a group authentication server 300 described later. However, the user authentication server 200 and the group authentication server 300 may be configured as the same system server. It is.
[0059]
Next, the group authentication server 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the group authentication server 300 according to the present embodiment.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 5, the group authentication server 300 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 310, a communication unit 320, a memory 330, a group authentication unit 340, a content database 350, and the like.
[0061]
The CPU 310 performs overall control of the group authentication server 300. The communication unit 320 is a unit that controls external communication via, for example, a telephone line or the Internet. The memory 330 stores programs and data to be accessed by the CPU 310, and is read from various databases 350 and stored as needed.
[0062]
When group authentication information including a plurality of pieces of user authentication information transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal 100 is transmitted, the group authentication unit 340 transmits the personal information of each user from the user information database 252 of the user authentication information server 200. The preference information and the history information are acquired, and the attribute of the group is determined to create the group information. The group information is transmitted to the information providing server 400.
[0063]
The group information can include group number information, group attribute information, group history information, and the like. The group attribute information is information on a group type specified by members of the group such as a group of men only, a mature couple, friends, and lovers. Further, the group history information is history information on how and in what pattern a group constituted by the same constituent members or almost the same constituent members has performed in the past. The details of the group authentication method will be described later.
[0064]
When the group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal, the group authentication server having the above configuration requests the user information of the user authentication server, determines the group attribute based on the user information, and performs the group authentication. Can be.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, since the individual authentication of each member constituting the group is performed in association with each other, it is possible to easily and easily recognize the number of members constituting the group and the type of the group. Further, in the present embodiment, an information providing server is connected to the public line network, so that suitable service information can be provided to the authenticated group.
[0066]
Hereinafter, the information providing server 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information providing server 400 according to the present embodiment.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 7, the information providing server 400 according to the present embodiment records at least a group information acquisition unit 410 for acquiring group information from the group authentication unit 340 and service information to be provided to the user authentication information input terminal 100. A service information database 420, a service information extracting unit 430 for extracting service information in association with the acquired group information, a service information transmitting unit 440 for transmitting the extracted service information to a predetermined portable terminal device, and a charging processing unit 450. , Etc.
[0068]
The group information acquisition unit 410 transmits the group information transmitted from the group authentication server 300 to the service information extraction unit 430. The service information database 420 stores service information accessed from the service providing server 500 and provided to the user authentication information input terminal 100. The details of the service information database 420 will be described later.
[0069]
The service information extracting unit 430 refers to the service information database 260 based on the group information acquired from the group authentication server 300 and extracts recommended service information to be provided to the corresponding group in association with the group information.
[0070]
The service information extraction unit 430 selects from the group consisting of personal information about the user, personal history information about the user's service use, group number information, group attribute information, group history information about the service use as a group, and time information. Service information can be extracted in association with one or more pieces of information to be provided.
[0071]
The service information transmitting unit 440 transmits the service information extracted by the service information extracting unit 430 to the user authentication information input terminal 100. As for the timing at which the service information transmitting unit 440 transmits the service information, the time information can be referred to. For example, at a late time after the end of the first party, if a second party venue such as a karaoke box is provided as service information, more useful information can be provided to the group.
[0072]
The billing processing unit 450 has a function of billing the service providing server 500 described later. By using this system, the service providing server 500 can guide a group user with a high probability and a high unit price. Therefore, the service providing server 500 pays the price of the user guidance to the charging processing unit 450. Regarding the billing process, it is also possible to adopt a success reward system that pays when a group user is actually guided, or to pay a fixed amount of service fee regardless of the number of users. is there. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure a variation method that varies according to the amount of service information to be registered.
[0073]
Next, the configuration of the service information database 420 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the service information database 420 according to the present embodiment.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 8, the service information database 420 according to the present embodiment includes a service information storage area 422, an information provision target information storage area 424, and a real-time information storage area 426.
[0075]
In the service information storage area 422, basic information “address”, “store name”, “classification”, “business hours”, “number of seats”, “comments” of service providers such as stores to which the service providing server 500 is related. Is stored. The information providing server 400 can extract so-called default service information from the service information storage area 422.
[0076]
In the information provision target information storage area 424, for example, “target group type” such as “20's female group” and “mature couple”, “target area” such as “Shibuya area” and “Shinjuku area”, “ Information such as “target time” such as “after 9:00 pm” and “until 7:00 pm” is stored. By referring to the information provision target information storage area 424, the information provision server 400 can extract recommended service information with higher accuracy and a higher customer guidance rate.
[0077]
The real-time information storage area 426 stores real-time service information provided to the user authentication information input terminal 100 in real time, for example, information such as “number of vacant seats”, “issue coupon”, and “comment”. By registering the real-time service information in the real-time information storage area 426, the service providing server 500 can improve the store turnover rate and improve the profit margin.
[0078]
The information providing server 400 configured as described above can extract suitable service information based on the group information created by the group authentication server, and can provide highly satisfactory service information to a predetermined group. In the present embodiment, the information providing server 400 has a different configuration from the group authentication server 300. However, the information providing server 400 and the group authentication server 300 can be configured as the same system server. .
[0079]
Next, the configuration of the service providing server 500 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the service providing server 500 according to the present embodiment. The service providing server 500 according to the present embodiment is a server related to a store that provides services such as restaurants and karaoke. The service providing server 500 includes an information terminal device such as a computer provided in association with a store.
[0080]
First, as shown in FIG. 9, the service providing server 500 includes a service information input unit 510, a service information transmission unit 520, a charging processing unit 530, and the like.
[0081]
The service information input unit 510 inputs service information that the owner of the service providing server 500 can provide to the user authentication information input terminal through a store or the like. As input items, in addition to the service information, for example, incidental information such as group position information, group number information, group attribute information, time information, acceptable number of people information, and vacant seat information can be input. The service information of the service providing server 500 may be registered in advance as default service information, or may be registered in real time as real-time service information, for example, when a vacant seat is created or when a service time is reached. You may.
[0082]
The service information transmitting unit 520 specifies service information (including both default service information and real-time service information) that can be provided to the user authentication information input terminal by the owner of the service providing server 500 through a store or the like. Then, the information is transmitted to the information providing server 400.
[0083]
The charging unit 530 pays for the service provided by the information providing server 400 in cooperation with the charging unit 450 of the information providing server 400. According to the information providing system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to guide a plurality of users to a store related to the service providing server 500 with much higher accuracy than for an individual. A system for paying for such added value may be established. The service providing server 500 can settle the price for using the present system via the charging processing unit 530 by a success reward method or a fixed amount method.
[0084]
The service providing server 500 is provided in association with a restaurant such as a restaurant, and can transmit information about the restaurant as service information. The service information provided by the service providing server 500 may be service information on a real shop such as restaurant information or virtual service information such as a game performed using a portable terminal device.
[0085]
Next, a group authentication method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining the group authentication method according to the present embodiment. In the following, the service information provided from the service providing server 500 is described as being stored in advance in the service information database of the information providing server 400, and the service information is provided from the service providing server 500. The description is omitted.
[0086]
First, in step S100, the user A inputs the user authentication information by holding the card over the reader / writer unit 120 of the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S100). In the present embodiment, the user authentication information of the user A can be input by using a card number stored in a credit card, for example. When the user does not have a card or forgets the card, the user authentication information can be input by inputting a user ID, a password, and the like from the input unit 110 of the user authentication information input terminal 100. Also, by inputting user authentication information using, for example, a non-contact IC card or the like, user authentication can be performed more easily as compared with a user authentication information input method by inputting a user ID and a password, for example. The user's labor is reduced.
[0087]
Next, in step S102, the user authentication server 200 performs personal authentication of the user A with reference to the user authentication information data 242 stored in the user authentication information database 240 based on the user authentication information (step S102). .
[0088]
Then, in step S104, after the fact that the personal authentication of the user A has been performed is displayed on the user authentication information input terminal 100, the user A selects to perform the group authentication (step S104).
[0089]
Further, in step S106, the user B inputs the user authentication information by holding the card over the reader / writer unit 120 of the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S106). Note that, as in the case of the user A, the user authentication information can be input using, for example, a card number stored in a credit card. When the user does not have a card or forgets the card, the user authentication information can be input by inputting a user ID, a password, and the like from the input unit 110 of the user authentication information input terminal 100.
[0090]
Next, in step S108, the user authentication server 200 performs personal authentication of the user B with reference to the user authentication information data 242 stored in the user authentication information database 240 based on the user authentication information (step S108). .
[0091]
Thereafter, in step S110, the user C holds the card over the reader / writer unit 120 of the user authentication information input terminal 100 and inputs the user authentication information (step S106). Note that, similarly to the case of the user A and the user B, the user authentication information can be input by using a card number stored in a credit card, for example. When the user does not have a card or forgets the card, the user authentication information can be input by inputting a user ID, a password, and the like from the input unit 110 of the user authentication information input terminal 100.
[0092]
Next, in step S112, the user authentication server 200 performs personal authentication of the user C with reference to the user authentication information data 242 stored in the user authentication information database 240 based on the user authentication information (step S112). .
[0093]
Thereafter, in step S114, after all the users (that is, users A, B, and C) have been individually authenticated, the user requests the group authentication server from the user authentication information input terminal 100 for group authentication (step S114). ). The request for group authentication can be made only when all users have been authenticated individually.
[0094]
Further, in step S116, the group authentication server 300 requests the user information of the users A, B, and C from the user authentication server 200 in response to the group authentication request from the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S116). . That is, the group authentication server 300 requests the user information, such as personal information of the user, to the user authentication server 200 because only the information on the number of members of the group is obtained at the time of receiving the group authentication information.
[0095]
Next, in step S118, the user authentication server 200 transmits the user information of the users A, B, and C to the group authentication server 300 (step S118).
[0096]
Thereafter, in step S120, the group authentication unit 340 of the group authentication server 300 determines the attributes of the group by combining the user information (for example, attribute data such as the ratio of male and female, the age structure, and preference data), and determines the group information. create.
[0097]
That is, the group authentication section 340 of the group authentication server 300 refers to the personal information among the pre-registered user information and guess what kind (attribute of the group) the group belongs. Here, the personal information is name, gender, age, address, occupation, and the like. In order to simplify the description, personal information of the user A and the user B will be described as an example. For example, as shown in FIG. The type of the group (group attribute information) can be specified. The type of group referred to here is information on human relationships such as a couple, a parent and child, a family, a lover, and a friend. In the example shown in FIG. 12, since the occupation is a student and the ages match, it can be inferred that the user A and the user B are friends.
[0098]
Further, in step S122, a group authentication result (not shown) is displayed on the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S122).
[0099]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to recognize who and how many users are in a group by linking individual authentication of each of the members constituting the group.
[0100]
Further, in the present embodiment, after the group is authenticated by the group authentication method, various services can be provided to the authenticated group. Hereinafter, an example of providing suitable restaurant information to an authenticated group will be described with reference to FIG.
[0101]
Subsequent to step S122, in step S124, the group of users A, B, and C requests restaurant information suitable for the group from the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S124).
[0102]
Next, in step S126, the group authentication server 300 transmits the created group information to the information providing server 400 in response to a request from the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S126).
[0103]
Thereafter, in step S128, the service information extraction unit 430 of the information providing server 400 extracts service information by referring to the service information database 420 based on the group information.
[0104]
That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when user preference information is registered in the user information database 230 in advance, it is possible to narrow down recommended service information. The user's preference information includes favorite foods, hobbies, disliked foods and hobbies, and the like. By multiplying the preference information of the user A and the user B, it is possible to provide common recommended service information to the user A and the user B. This can be a recommendation for the group
[0105]
Further, as shown in FIG. 15, from the common preference information of the user A and the user B, “Ramen”, “Italian”, “Japanese food”, and “Gyoza” are provided for the group of the users A and B. Can be provided as recommended information. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to send optimal recommended service information to a group based on information such as time, place, group type, and group preference. The recommended information selected on a group basis can be expected to have much higher accuracy than conventional recommended service information on an individual basis.
[0106]
Further, in step S130, the user authentication information input terminal 100 displays the extracted service information (step S130). At this time, the printing unit 160 of the user authentication information input terminal 100 can print the service information on a predetermined sheet.
[0107]
As described above, in the group authentication system according to the present embodiment, for example, the characteristics of a place, the attributes of a group (whether a couple, a friend, or a family), the number of members of the group, and the time information are multiplied together. , Useful information can be provided to the user, and a service that is highly convenient for the user can be provided. For example, when you are with a lover, you can provide information about a sprawling restaurant, for example, when you are with a careless friend, you can provide information about an izakaya, Many shops can be provided as recommended service information.
[0108]
In addition, since humans tend to spend more money when they are in groups than when they are individuals, it is extremely important for service providers to recognize groups and provide services. In this way, the service providing server can also provide effective advertisement by providing useful service information to the group. Further, by following the action history as a group, it is possible to carry out marketing that is difficult in the past by multiplying the area with the group.
[0109]
As shown in FIG. 16, if the history of whether or not the user has utilized the recommended service information is collected and stored in the service information database 420, the accuracy of the recommended service information for the group is further improved. be able to. Note that, unlike the personal history, the group history can be held as information that is used only when the user A and the user B are together as a group.
[0110]
Also, as shown in FIG. 17, even when a new group having a member different from the members of the conventional group is detected, the members remaining in the history and the members of the new group are fixed. If they match at or above the ratio, the history information can be used even if they are not perfect matches. In this way, by accumulating the action history of the group, it can be sufficiently utilized for marketing such as research. For example, by knowing what groups and individuals have behaved and how they have behaved at a certain place for each day of the week and time, it can be used as a reference for opening a store.
[0111]
(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, all users input user authentication information at the same user authentication information input terminal at the same place. However, each user uses a different user authentication information input terminal at a different place. To enter user authentication information. In the present embodiment, an example in which a mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone) owned by each user is used as a user authentication information input terminal will be described below.
[0112]
First, the configuration of the group authentication system 10 'according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the group authentication system 10 'according to the present embodiment. In the following, an example in which information corresponding to a group is provided by group authentication will be described, but various services can be provided.
[0113]
The group authentication system 10 ′ according to the present embodiment includes a user authentication information input terminal (for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone) 100 owned by each user, a user authentication server 200, a group authentication server 300, and an information providing server 400. The service providing server 500 and the input terminal server 700 are connected via the public line network 600.
[0114]
In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, an input terminal server 700 that aggregates user authentication information input from a plurality of user authentication information input terminals 100 into an input page (authentication page) as a group is connected. Is different. By connecting the input terminal server 700, even when a user uses a different input terminal in a different place, a group constituted by each user can be recognized. In the following, a user authentication information input terminal (for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone) 100, a user authentication server 200, a group authentication server 300, an information providing server 400, and a service providing server 500 are described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the input terminal server 700 will be described.
[0115]
As shown in FIG. 19, the input terminal server 700 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 710, a communication unit 720, a memory 730, an input page database 740, a content database 750, and the like.
[0116]
The CPU 710 executes overall control of the group authentication server 700. The communication unit 720 is a unit that controls communication with the outside via a telephone line or the Internet, for example. The memory 730 stores programs and data to be accessed by the CPU 710, and is read and stored from various databases 740 and 750 as necessary.
[0117]
The input page database 740 stores input pages that are shared by users of the same group and input user authentication information. The content database 750 stores contents such as HTML files, graphical icon files (GIF files, etc.) provided by the input terminal server 700, and hypertext objects such as audio and image objects. These objects are provided to each terminal device.
[0118]
In the group authentication system 10 having the above configuration, an input page (authentication page) can be shared between members by making use of the characteristics of the network. Therefore, each user can input user authentication information without using the same input terminal. Even when user authentication information is input at different places using different user authentication information input terminals, authentication as a group can be performed. As a result, customization by a group of network services becomes possible.
[0119]
Next, a group authentication method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts for explaining the group authentication method according to the present embodiment.
[0120]
First, in step S200, the user A inputs a user ID and a password from the owned user authentication information input terminal (for example, a mobile terminal) 100 and inputs user authentication information (step S200). In the present embodiment, the user authentication information is input by inputting a user ID, a password, and the like. However, the user authentication information can be input using a card number stored in a credit card, for example. For example, by performing personal authentication of a user using a non-contact IC card or the like, personal authentication of a user can be performed more easily as compared with a personal authentication method using, for example, input of an ID and a password. It is reduced.
[0121]
Next, in step S202, the user authentication server 200 performs personal authentication of the user A with reference to the user authentication information data stored in the user authentication information database based on the user authentication information (step S202).
[0122]
Thereafter, in step S204, after the user authentication information input terminal 100 is notified that the user A has been authenticated, the user A selects the group authentication (step S204).
[0123]
Further, in step S206, the input terminal server 700 assigns the input page to the group, and transmits the URL of the assigned input page to the user authentication information input terminal 100 of the user A. (Step S206) Accordingly, an input page for inputting user authentication information by other users B and C together with the user A is provided. As a method of presenting the input location, an arbitrary number, a character string, or the like can be used in addition to the URL of the input page.
[0124]
Next, in step S208, the user A notifies the URL of the input page to the users B and C (step S208).
[0125]
Then, in step S210, the users B and C input a user ID, a password, and an input page URL from each mobile terminal (user authentication information input terminal) 100, and input user authentication information (step S210). Note that, as in the case of the user A, the user authentication information is input by inputting a user ID, a password, and the like. However, the user authentication information can be input using, for example, a card number stored in a credit card. . For example, by performing personal authentication of a user using a non-contact IC card or the like, personal authentication of a user can be performed more easily as compared with a personal authentication method using, for example, input of an ID and a password. It is reduced.
[0126]
Next, in step S214, the input terminal server 700 transmits the user authentication information of the users B and C to the user authentication server 200 (step S214).
[0127]
Then, in step S216, the user authentication server 200 refers to the user authentication information data 242 stored in the user authentication information database 240 based on the user authentication information of the users B and C, and Authentication is performed (step S216).
[0128]
Next, in step S218, the input terminal server 700 receives the personal authentication results of the users B and C, and transmits the personal authentication results to the mobile terminals 100 of the respective users (that is, the users A, B, and C). (Step S218).
[0129]
Thereafter, in step S220, the portable terminals (user authentication information input terminals) 100 of all users (that is, users A, B, and C) display the user authentication result (step S220). That is, after the input of the input location of all the users and the personal authentication are input, all the inputs are confirmed on the input screen.
[0130]
Further, in step S222, the group requests the group authentication server 300 for group authentication from the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S222).
[0131]
Next, in step S224, in response to a request for group authentication from the user authentication information input terminal 100, the user authentication server 200 is requested for user information of users A, B, and C (step S224). That is, the group authentication server 300 requests the user authentication server 200 for the personal information of the user, since only the information on the number of members of the group is obtained at the time of receiving the group authentication information.
[0132]
Next, in step S226, the user authentication server 200 transmits the user information of the users A, B, and C to the group authentication server 300 (step S226).
[0133]
Thereafter, in step S228, the group authentication unit 340 of the group authentication server 300 combines the user information (for example, attribute data and preference data such as the ratio of men and women, age structure, and the like) to determine the attributes of the group and create group information. I do.
[0134]
That is, the group authentication section 340 of the group authentication server 300 refers to the personal information among the pre-registered user information and guess what kind (attribute of the group) the group belongs. Here, the personal information is name, gender, age, address, occupation, and the like. In order to simplify the description, personal information of the user A and the user B will be described as an example. For example, as shown in FIG. The type of the group (group attribute information) can be specified. The type of group referred to here is information on human relationships such as a couple, a parent and child, a family, a lover, and a friend. In the example shown in FIG. 12, since the occupation is a student and the ages match, it can be inferred that the user A and the user B are friends.
[0135]
Further, in step S230, the group authentication result is displayed on the user authentication information input terminal 100 (step S230).
[0136]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the authentication page can be shared among members by making use of the characteristics of the network, so that authentication as a group can be performed even if the terminals are not the same. As a result, customization by a group of network services becomes possible. In this way, even when different user information input terminals are used in different places, the personal authentication of each member of the group is performed in association with each other. Group can be recognized.
[0137]
Although the preferred embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Those skilled in the art can envisage various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and those modifications and alterations are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it is included in.
[0138]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the user information database is provided in the user authentication server has been described. It is also possible to store user information in a divided manner as necessary, such as storing personal information of user information in a database of a user authentication server and storing preference information and history information in a database of a group authentication server. it can.
[0139]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example has been described in which the group authentication server has only the function of group authentication. It may be configured to be integrally formed with at least one or both of the user authentication server and the information providing server. With this configuration, the number of servers to be installed can be reduced, so that the present system can be realized at low cost.
[0140]
Further, in the second embodiment, the configuration in which the user authentication information is input from the portable terminal owned by the user has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, user authentication information can be input from a different user authentication information input terminal fixedly installed at a predetermined place. It can be used not only from a mobile phone but also from a personal computer.
[0141]
【The invention's effect】
Since the individual authentication of each member constituting the group is performed in association with each other, the number of members constituting the group and the type of the group can be easily and easily recognized. Furthermore, various services that have been customized according to personal preferences in the past are group-authenticated on the network, and can be customized in groups. This provides many benefits for services where group use is more desirable than individual use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a group authentication system 10 according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a user authentication information input terminal 100 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a user authentication server 300 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of user authentication information data according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a user information database according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a group authentication server according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an information providing server according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a service information providing server according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration of a service providing server according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a group authentication method in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a group authentication method in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of determining a group attribute to which a user belongs according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an information providing method in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of creating recommended information for a group in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of creating recommended information for a group in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of adding a group history in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of referring to a group use history in the group authentication system according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a group authentication system 10 ′ according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input terminal server 700 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a group authentication method in the group authentication system according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a group authentication method in the group authentication system according to the second embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
10,10 'user authentication system
100 User authentication information input terminal
110 Input unit
120 Reader / writer section
130 Card Authentication Department
140 Communication control unit
150 display
160 printing section
200 user authentication server
210 CPU
220 communication unit
230 memory
240 user authentication information database
242 User authentication information data
250 User information database
252 Personal information storage area
254 preference information storage area
256 history storage area
260 Content Database
300 group authentication server
340 Group Authentication Department
400 Information server
410 Group information acquisition unit
420 service information database
422 Service information storage area
424 Information provision target information storage area
426 Real-time information storage area
430 Service information extractor
440 Service information transmission unit
450 Billing unit
500 Service provider server
510 Service information input section
520 Service information transmission unit
530 Accounting section
600 public network
700 Input terminal server
740 input page database

Claims (19)

At least a user authentication information input terminal, a user authentication server, and a group authentication server are connected via a communication network,
The user authentication information input terminal includes an input unit that can input authentication information of a plurality of users as one group authentication information, transmits the user authentication information to the user authentication server, and transmits the group authentication information to the user authentication server. And a transmitting unit for transmitting to the group authentication server.
A user authentication information database that stores user authentication information data of each user; a user authentication unit that performs user authentication based on the transmitted user authentication information and the user authentication information data; A user information database in which user information including information about the user is stored.
The group authentication server, when group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal, a receiving unit that requests the user authentication server to receive the user information, based on the received user information. A group authentication unit that determines group attributes and creates group information.
A group authentication system, characterized in that: The user authentication information input terminal includes a plurality of different input terminals, and an input terminal server is connected to the communication network.
The input terminal server aggregates a plurality of pieces of user authentication information input from the plurality of different user authentication information input terminals as one group authentication information and transmits the group authentication information to the user authentication server.
The group authentication system according to claim 1, wherein: The communication network further comprises:
A service information recording unit that records service information to be provided to the user authentication information input terminal; a service information extraction unit that extracts service information in association with the group information transmitted from the group authentication server; An information providing server having a service information transmitting unit that transmits a service information to a user information input terminal;
The group authentication system according to claim 1, wherein: The service information extraction unit of the information providing server includes personal information on the user, personal history information on the user's service use, group number information, group attribute information, group history information on service use as a group, and time information. 4. The group authentication system according to claim 3, wherein service information is extracted in association with one or more pieces of information selected from the group consisting of: The group authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the input of the user authentication information is performed by a card in which the user authentication information is stored in advance. The group authentication system according to claim 4, wherein the group authentication server is formed integrally with at least one or both of the user authentication server and the information providing server. At least a group authentication server connected via a communication network to a user authentication information input terminal capable of inputting authentication information of a plurality of users as one group authentication information,
The group authentication server,
A receiving unit configured to receive user information stored in a user information database connected via the communication network when group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal, based on the received user information; A group authentication unit for determining group attributes and creating group information. The group authentication server according to claim 7, wherein the user information database is provided in the group authentication server. The group authentication server performs user authentication based on a user authentication information database storing user authentication information data of each user, and user authentication information transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal and the user authentication information data. The group authentication server according to claim 7, further comprising: a user authentication unit. The group authentication server further includes a service information recording unit that records service information provided to the user authentication information input terminal, and a service information extraction unit that extracts service information in association with the group information transmitted from the group authentication server. And a service information transmitting unit that transmits the extracted service information to the user authentication information input terminal.
The group authentication server according to claim 7, wherein: The service information extraction unit selects from a group consisting of personal information on the user, personal history information on the user's service use, group number information, group attribute information, group history information on service use as a group, and time information. The group authentication server according to claim 10, wherein service information is extracted in association with one or more pieces of information to be performed. Receiving the user information stored in the user information database connected via the communication network when the group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal connected via the communication network to the computer. And a group authentication unit that determines group attributes based on the received user information and creates group information. Receiving the user information stored in the user information database connected via the communication network when the group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal connected via the communication network to the computer. And a group authentication unit that determines group attributes based on the received user information to create group information and functions as a group authentication unit. . At least a user authentication information input terminal, a user authentication information input terminal, and a group authentication server are connected via a communication network,
The user authentication information input terminal transmits authentication information of each user input by a plurality of users to a user authentication server,
The user authentication server executes, based on the received user authentication information, a user authentication information database in which user authentication information data relating to the user is stored in advance, and performs the user authentication of each of the input users. And
The user authentication information input terminal transmits the plurality of user authentication information as one group authentication information to a group authentication server,
The group authentication server requests the user information from the user authentication server when the group authentication information is transmitted from the user authentication information input terminal, and determines an attribute of the group based on the obtained user information. ,
A group authentication method characterized in that: The user authentication information input terminal includes a plurality of different input terminals, and an input terminal server is connected to the communication network.
The input terminal server aggregates a plurality of pieces of user authentication information input from the plurality of different user authentication information input terminals as one group authentication information and transmits the group authentication information to the user authentication server.
The group authentication method according to claim 14, wherein: The communication network further comprises:
An information providing server for providing service information is connected to the user information input terminal,
The information providing server, in response to a request from the user authentication information input terminal, extracts service information based on the group information, and provides the service information to the user authentication information input terminal.
The group authentication method according to claim 14, wherein: The service information is extracted from a group consisting of personal information on the user, personal history information on the user's service use, group number information, group attribute information, group history information on service use as a group, and time information. 17. The group authentication system according to claim 16, wherein the authentication is performed in association with one or more pieces of information to be performed. The group authentication system according to claim 14, wherein the input of the user authentication information is executed by a card in which the user authentication information is stored in advance. 17. The group authentication method according to claim 16, wherein the group authentication server is formed integrally with at least one or both of the user authentication server and the service providing server.

Images