JP7476543B2 - PHOTO PICTURE SYSTEM, SERVER, PHOTO PICTURE DEVICE, BILLING PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a photography system, a server, a photography device, a billing processing method, and a program, and more specifically to billing processing in a photography device that takes and prints passport photographs, etc.

There is a known ID photo-taking device that takes a picture of a person to be photographed inside a photo booth and prints the image as an ID photo (Patent Document 1). Such photo-taking devices are installed around town, such as at stations and stores, so that users can easily use them. Photo-taking devices that offer discounts on usage fees as a service to users have also been developed. For example, the photo-taking device of Patent Document 2 stores coupon data in a memory unit that associates discount coupon information with a discount amount, and determines the discount amount corresponding to the coupon information obtained from a two-dimensional code image to determine the amount to be charged.

JP 2007-241793 A JP 2017-208730 A

However, conventional discount services often issue discount coupons only when certain conditions related to the usage fee are met, such as purchasing more than a certain amount. This makes it difficult for users to receive discount services, as they have to purchase expensive products or take the trouble to use services that they do not particularly need. In addition, operators of photography equipment have had to face the challenge of increasing the number of customers who use the service multiple times (repeat customers).

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a photography system etc. that can attract repeat customers to the photography device and provide a service that is easy for users to use repeatedly.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention is a photography system in which a photography device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the photographed image as a photo and a server are connected to each other via a network, the server comprising: a storage means that stores a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photography device and discount identification information issued at the time of initial photography; a determination means that extracts a face image or face authentication feature data from an image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photography device, and determines that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount if the face image or face authentication feature data of the same person as the person to be photographed is stored in the storage means; and a determination result that the person is eligible for a discount and a discount code that indicates the discount code. a transmitting means for transmitting quotation identification information to the photographing device, the photographing device being equipped with a determination requesting means for transmitting a determination request as to whether or not the subject is eligible for a discount to the server along with an image of the subject , a receiving means for receiving the discount identification information from the server along with the determination result that the subject is eligible for the discount, an input means for accepting input of the discount identification information from the subject , and a charging means for discounting the fee and processing the charging process when the server determines that the subject is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information received by the receiving means matches the discount identification information input by the input means .

According to the photography system of the first invention , it is possible to provide discount services based on face authentication of the person to be photographed, so that the operator of the photography device can expect to acquire customers who use the system repeatedly (repeaters). Also, the user can receive discount services by using the system repeatedly.

In addition, if the server determines in the judgment means that a facial image or facial authentication feature data of the same person as the photographed person is stored in the storage means, the server may rewrite the facial image or the facial authentication feature data with a facial image or facial authentication feature data extracted from an image of the photographed person transmitted by the judgment request means of the photographing device.
In addition, the photographing device may further include a first selection means for, when the server determines that the subject is eligible for a discount, notifying the subject that he or she is eligible for the discount and allowing the subject to choose whether or not to use the discount, and a second selection means for allowing the subject to choose whether or not to use the discount on subsequent occasions, and the billing means may, when the first selection means selects that the discount is to be used, discount the fee and perform billing processing, and, when the second selection means selects that the discount is not to be used on subsequent occasions, the storage means of the server may erase the stored facial image or the facial authentication feature data.

In addition, the storage means may store the date and time of photography in association with the discount identification information , and the determination means may determine that the photographed person is eligible for a discount if a facial image or facial authentication feature data of the same person as the photographed person is stored in the storage means and there is a history of photography within a specified period of time in the past.

In addition, the storage means of the server may store the number of times the photographed person has used the service in association with the discount identification information , and the billing means of the photography device may determine a discounted fee based on the number of times the photographed person has used the service stored in the storage means of the server.

A second invention is a server in a photography system connected to a photography device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the photographed image as a photograph via a network , the photography device having a determination request means for transmitting a determination request as to whether the person is eligible for a discount to the server together with an image of the person to be photographed, a receiving means for receiving discount identification information from the server together with a determination result that the person is eligible for a discount, an input means for accepting input of the discount identification information from the person to be photographed, and a printout of the discount identification information received by the receiving means and the discount identification information input by the input means when the server determines that the person is eligible for a discount. and a billing means for discounting the fee and processing the billing process if the information matches, and the server is characterized in that it comprises: a storage means for storing a facial image or facial authentication feature data of the person photographed using the photographing device, and discount identification information issued at the time of the first photographing; a determination means for extracting a facial image or facial authentication feature data from an image of the person photographed transmitted from the photographing device, and determining that the person photographed is eligible for the discount if the facial image or facial authentication feature data stored in the storage means is the same person as the person photographed; and a transmission means for transmitting the discount identification information to the photographing device together with the determination result that the person is eligible for the discount .

According to the second invention, a server can be provided for the photography system of the first invention.

A third invention is a photographing device in a photographing system, which is provided with a means for photographing a person to be photographed and printing the photographed image as a photograph, and is communicatively connected to a server via a network, the server comprising: a storage means for storing a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photographing device, and discount identification information issued at the time of first photographing; a determination means for extracting a face image or face authentication feature data from an image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photographing device, and determining that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount if a face image or face authentication feature data of a person identical to the person to be photographed is stored in the storage means; and a determination result indicating that the person is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information. a transmitting means for transmitting identification information to the photographing device, the photographing device comprising: a determination requesting means for transmitting a determination request as to whether or not the subject is eligible for a discount to the server along with an image of the subject ; a receiving means for receiving the discount identification information from the server along with the determination result that the subject is eligible for the discount; an input means for accepting input of the discount identification information from the subject; and a charging means for discounting the fee and processing the charging process when the server determines that the subject is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information received by the receiving means matches the discount identification information input by the input means .

According to the third invention, a photography device can be provided for the photography system of the first invention.

A fourth invention is a billing processing method in a photography system in which a photography device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the photographed image as a photograph and a server are connected to each other via a network , the server storing in a storage means a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photography device and discount identification information issued at the time of first photographing, the server including a step of a control device of the photography device transmitting to the server a request for determining whether or not the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount together with an image of the person to be photographed , and a step of the server extracting a face image or face authentication feature data from the image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photography device, and detecting whether or not the face image or face authentication feature data of the same person as the person to be photographed is the same as the person to be photographed. This billing method includes the steps of: determining that the photographed person is eligible for a discount if the photographed person is stored in the storage means ; the server transmitting the discount identification information to the photographing device along with the determination result that the photographed person is eligible for the discount ; the control device of the photographing device receiving the discount identification information from the server along with the determination result that the photographed person is eligible for the discount; the control device of the photographing device accepting input of the discount identification information; and the control device of the photographing device discounting the fee and performing billing processing if the server determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount and the received discount identification information matches the input discount identification information.

According to the billing method of the fourth invention , it is possible to provide discount services based on face authentication of the photographed person, so that operators of photography devices can expect to acquire customers who use the device repeatedly (repeaters). Also, users can receive discount services by using the device repeatedly.

A fifth invention is a program for causing a computer communicatively connected via a network to a photographing device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the image as a photograph, to function as the server of the second invention .

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as the server according to the second aspect of the invention.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer connected to a server via a network to function as the photographing device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention .

According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to cause a computer to function as the photographing device according to the third aspect.

The present invention makes it possible to acquire repeat customers of photography equipment, and to provide a photography system etc. that can provide a service that is easy for users to use repeatedly.

FIG. 1 shows a photographing system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the photographing device 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the photographing device 2. FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of a control device 20. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a computer functioning as the server 3. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the photography system 1. FIG. 1 shows an example of the data configuration of (a) face authentication data 31 and (b) number-of-use data 32. A flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the photographing device 2. A flowchart showing the flow of a process executed by the server 3 to determine whether or not a product is eligible for a discount. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a discount notification screen 51. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a discount identification information input screen 56.

The following describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a photography system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the photography system 1 of this embodiment is configured with a photography device 2 and a server 3. The photography device 2 and the server 3 are connected for communication via a network 4.

The photographing device 2 is a device equipped with a camera (photographing unit 23) and a printer (printing unit 25), and may be, for example, a photo booth installed on the street for taking ID photos. The photographing device 2 has a function (photographing service) of taking a photo of a person to be photographed (user) in a photo booth and printing the image as an ID photo. In the present invention, the photographing device 2 has a function of discounting the fee based on the user's photography history. The discount function will be described in detail later.

Figure 2 shows the external appearance of the photographic device 2, and Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the photographic device 2.

The photography device 2 has a box-like appearance where the user enters to take pictures, and includes a control device 20, a display unit 21, a billing unit 22, a photography unit 23, a lighting unit 24, a printer (printing unit) 25, a communication unit 26, an entrance sensor 27, a print removal port 28, and a curtain 30.

The control device 20 is provided inside the photographic device 2 and controls the overall processing of the photographic device 2.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the control device 20. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 20 can be realized by a computer configured by connecting, for example, a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, an input unit 203, a communication control unit 204, etc. via a bus 209, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used as appropriate.

The control unit 201 of the control device 20 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU loads programs related to the processing of the control device 20 stored in storage media such as the memory unit 202 and ROM into a work area on the RAM and executes them. The ROM is a non-volatile memory, and permanently stores programs such as the boot program and BIOS, data, etc. The RAM is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores programs and data loaded from the memory unit 202, ROM, etc., and has a work area that the control unit 201 uses to perform various processes.

The storage unit 202 is a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, etc., and stores the programs executed by the control device 20 during the processing described below, data necessary for program execution, the OS, etc. These programs and data are read and executed by the control unit 201 as necessary.

The input unit 203 inputs various information to the control device 20 .
The communication control unit 204 controls the communication performed by the communication unit 26 via the network 4 .

Returning to the explanation of Figures 2 and 3, the display unit 21 is realized by a touch panel display or the like that also serves as an input unit for the photography device 2. The display unit 21 displays various screens related to user operations and selections, and accepts user input of instructions, etc., via touch operations on the screen.

The billing unit 22 is equipped with slots for coins and bills, a change return slot, a receipt outlet, a receipt printer, etc., and manages billing from users and the issuance of receipts.

The photographing unit 23 is a device that includes a camera or the like that is provided inside a photographing window. For example, a high-resolution digital camera is used as the camera, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The lighting unit 24 is a light that illuminates the entire interior of the photography device 2, including the user. The lighting unit 24 is, for example, a surface light source that emits white light, and is provided above the photography unit 23, but is not limited to this. A strobe light source for flash during photography is also provided within the photography device 2.

The printing unit (printer) 25 is a device that prints images, and is provided inside the photography device 2. Printed matter with images or the like printed thereon is discharged from the print outlet 28. There is no particular restriction on the type of printing unit (printer) 25 or the number of units that may be installed.

The communication unit 26 is a communication interface that mediates communication via the network 4, and is a local area network (LAN).
The communication unit 26 includes a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) access point, which is a communication interface for communication with a terminal such as a user's smartphone, a public communication line such as the Internet, etc., and a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

The entrance sensor 27 is a sensor that detects a user (person to be photographed) who enters the photography room of the photography device 2. The entrance sensor 27 is, for example, an infrared sensor, but is not limited to this.
The bus 29 is a path that mediates the transmission and reception of control signals, data signals, etc. between the devices.

The curtain 30 shields the inside of the photography device 2 from the outside.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The server 3 is a computer that determines whether a user (person to be photographed) who is trying to use the photography device 2 is eligible for a discount, and also stores and manages the user's (person to be photographed) photography history (number of times of use data 32) and face authentication data 31.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a computer functioning as server 3. As shown in Figure 5, server 3 is configured by connecting a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, etc. via a bus 309, etc. However, this is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used as appropriate.

The functions of the control unit 301, memory unit 302, and communication unit 303 are substantially the same as those of the control unit 201, memory unit 202, and communication control unit 204 described above.

The storage unit 302 stores a program for causing the server 3 to execute the processes described below. The server 3 may also include an input unit such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a numeric keypad, and a display unit such as a display that displays data input from the control unit 301.

Next, the functional configuration of the photography system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the server 3 of the photography system 1 includes a judgment unit 305, a transmission unit 307, a storage unit 302, an identification information issuing unit 306, etc. The photography device 2 includes the photography unit 23, the billing unit 22, the printing unit 25, the input unit 203, as well as a judgment request unit 206 and a selection unit 205. Data is transmitted and received between the photography device 2 and the server 3 via the communication unit 26 of the photography device 2 and the communication unit 303 of the server 3.

The judgment request unit 206 of the photographing device 2 sends a judgment request as to whether or not the photographed person is eligible for a discount to the server 3 together with the captured image. The server 3 sends the received image to the judgment unit 305.

When the determination unit 305 of the server 3 receives a determination request from the photographing device 2, it determines whether or not the person is eligible for a discount based on the photographing history of the person to be photographed. Specifically, the determination unit 305 extracts a face image 312 or face authentication feature data 314 from the image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photographing device 2, and executes face authentication processing for the person to be photographed. Then, when the face image 312 (face authentication data 31) of the same person is stored in the storage unit 302 of the server 3, it determines that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount. Alternatively, the determination unit 305 may determine that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount when the face authentication data 31 of the same person as the person to be photographed is stored in the storage unit 302 and there is a photographing history within a predetermined period of time in the past. The transmission unit 307 transmits the determination result by the determination unit 305 to the photographing device 2.

The memory unit 302 stores face authentication data 31 and usage count data 32 of the person to be photographed who used the photographing device 2.

When the subject is photographed for the first time, the identification information issuing unit 306 issues discount identification information 311, which is identification information for providing discounts from the next time onwards.

Now, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the face authentication data 31 and usage count data 32 stored in the memory unit 302.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), the facial authentication data 31 stores discount identification information 311, facial image 312, shooting date and time 313, and facial authentication feature data 314, etc., in association with each other. The discount identification information 311 is identification information issued when the subject is photographed for the first time, and is used for subsequent photographs. The discount identification information 311 is assigned to each person identified by the facial authentication process. The facial image 312 is facial image data extracted from the photographed image of the subject. The shooting date and time 313 is information on the date and time when the facial image 312 was photographed, and is transmitted from the photographing device 2 together with the photographed image. The facial authentication feature data 314 is facial feature data extracted from the facial image 312, and is used for the facial authentication process. In addition, if the control unit 301 of the server 3 determines, as a result of the face recognition process in the determination unit 305, that face recognition data 31 of the same person is stored in the storage unit 302, it is desirable to rewrite the contents of the face image 312, the shooting date and time 313, and the face recognition feature data 314 to the latest contents (the face image 312, the shooting date and time 313, and the face recognition feature data 314 used in the face recognition process extracted from the received captured image).

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the usage count data 32 is data that records the number of times the photography device 2 has been used for each person to be photographed. The date of each photographing and the accumulated number of times of use are stored in association with the discount identification information 311.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
When the accounting unit 22 of the photography device 2 receives a determination result from the transmission unit 307 of the server 3 indicating that the photographed person is eligible for the discount, the accounting unit 22 performs accounting by discounting the fee from the normal fee. When the accounting unit 22 receives a determination result indicating that the photographed person is not eligible for the discount, the accounting unit 22 performs accounting at the normal fee without discount.

Furthermore, the photographing device 2 accepts input of discount identification information 311 issued at the time of the first photographing at the input unit 203. When the determination unit 305 of the server 3 determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information 311 is correctly input to the input unit 203, it is desirable for the billing unit 22 to perform billing processing with a discount. In this way, by combining authentication of a person by face recognition processing and authentication by the discount identification information 311, it is possible to prevent fraudulent use due to erroneous recognition in the face recognition processing.

The billing unit 22 may set the discount amount to a uniform amount, or may determine the discount amount based on the usage count data 32 stored in the storage unit 302. For example, the more the usage count, the larger the discount rate.

The selection unit 205 allows the person to select whether or not to use the discount service from the second time onwards at the time of the first photographing. If the selection unit 205 selects not to use the discount service from the second time onwards, the control unit 301 of the server 3 will not store the face authentication data 31 of the person to be photographed in the storage unit 302. In this case, the server 3 will also not issue the discount identification information 311. This allows the person to decide at their own will whether or not to use (save) the face authentication data 31, which includes personal information, for a discount.

Furthermore, the selection unit 205 allows the person to select whether or not to use the discount service from the next time onwards when taking pictures from the second time onwards. If the selection unit 205 selects not to use the discount service from the next time onwards when taking pictures from the second time onwards, the control unit 301 of the server 3 erases information about the person to be photographed (face authentication data 31 and number of uses data 32) stored in the storage unit 302. This allows the face authentication data 31 and the like that have been stored to be erased at the desired timing of the person to be photographed.

The printing unit 25 prints the image captured by the photographing unit 23 as a photograph.

Next, the flow of processing executed by the photography system 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the photography system 1.

When the photographing device 2 detects the entry of the person to be photographed by the entrance sensor 27 (step S101; Yes), the control device 20 of the photographing device 2 starts acquiring (taking) an image of the person to be photographed by the photographing unit 23 (step S102). The control device 20 of the photographing device 2 also displays a menu screen (not shown) on the display unit 21 (step S103). The menu screen accepts selection of the purpose of the photographs, the size, layout, number of photographs, etc. (step S104).

In parallel with the display of the menu screen and the processing of menu selection, the control device 20 of the photography device 2 determines whether the photographed person is eligible for a discount. Specifically, the control device 20 requests the server 3 to determine whether the photographed person is eligible for a discount (step S105). In step S105, the control device 20 of the photography device 2 sends a request to the server 3 to determine whether the photographed person is eligible for a discount, together with the photographed image of the photographed person and the photographing date and time 313 acquired in step S102.

The determination process in the server 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9. When the server 3 receives the determination request, the photographed image, and the photographing date and time 313 sent from the photography device 2 (step S201), the control unit 301 (determination unit 305) first performs face recognition processing on the image of the photographed person (photographed image). The control unit 301 (determination unit 305) determines whether face recognition data 31 of the same person is stored in the memory unit 302 (step S202).

If it is determined that the facial authentication data 31 of the same person is stored in the storage unit 302, the control unit 301 of the server 3 then determines whether or not there is a photography history of the photographed person during a predetermined period in the past (step S203). In step S203, the control unit 301 refers to the usage count data 32 stored in the storage unit 302, and determines that the person is eligible for a discount if the past photography date and time 313 is within a predetermined period (step S203; Yes). The control unit 301 transmits the determination result that the person is eligible for a discount to the photography device 2 (step S204), and also obtains and transmits the discount identification information 311 of the photographed person from the facial authentication data 31 (step S205).

On the other hand, if it is determined in the face recognition process of step S202 that face recognition data 31 of the same person is not stored in the memory unit 302 (step S202; No), or if it is determined in step S203 that the past shooting date and time 313 is not within a predetermined period (step S203; No), it is determined that the discount is not applicable. The control unit 301 transmits the determination result indicating that the discount is not applicable to the photography device 2 (step S206).

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
When the server 3 determines that the photograph is eligible for the discount (step S106; Yes), the control device 20 of the photographing device 2 receives the discount identification information 311 from the server 3 (step S107). The control device 20 of the photographing device 2 notifies the photographed person that the photograph is eligible for the discount (step S108). In step S108, the control device 20 of the photographing device 2 causes the display unit 21 to display, for example, a discount notification screen 51 as shown in FIG. 10.

The discount notification screen 51 displays a message 52 announcing the discount, such as "Discount service is available," and a discount amount 53, such as "Discount: -200 yen," along with a "Yes" button 54 and a "No" button 55. The "Yes" button 54 is selected when using the discount service, and the "No" button 55 is selected when not using the discount service.

When the "Yes" button 54 is selected on the discount notification screen 51 and it is selected to use the discount (step S109; Yes), the control device 20 of the photography device 2 then displays a discount identification information input screen 56 as shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 21 and accepts input of the discount identification information 311 (step S110).

The discount identification information input screen 56 displays a message 57 such as "Please enter the number issued when the photo was taken for the first time," along with a keyboard 58 for inputting numbers and letters. Note that instead of inputting a value on the discount identification information input screen 56, for example, a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) representing the discount identification information 311 printed on a receipt or displayed on the user's mobile terminal may be read by a code reader (not shown) provided in the photography device 2.

When the discount identification information 311 is input by the subject (step S110), the control device 20 of the photographing device 2 judges whether the input discount identification information 311 is correct (step S111). If the discount identification information 311 received from the server 3 in step S107 matches the discount identification information 311 input in step S110, it is judged that the input discount identification information 311 is correct (step S111; Yes). The control device 20 of the photographing device 2 determines the discount rate (step S112) and performs billing processing (step S113).

On the other hand, if the server 3 determines that the discount is not applicable (step S106; No), if the "No" button 55 is selected on the discount notification screen 51 to choose not to use the discount (step S109; No), or if the discount identification information 311 entered on the discount identification information input screen 56 is incorrect (step S111; No), the control device 20 of the photography device 2 does not implement the discount service and performs charging processing at the normal rate (step S113).

When a predetermined fee is deposited in the charging unit 22, the photographing device 2 starts the photographing process (step S114). In the photographing process, the photographing device 2 takes a photograph using the photographing unit 23. In the photographing process, photographing is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, three times in succession. During photographing, the control device 20 may display the camera image being taken by the photographing unit 23 and the photographed image (photographed image) side by side on the display unit 21. When a predetermined number of photographed images are generated, the control device 20 generates photographic data from the photographed images according to the contents selected on the menu screen (size, layout, number of images, etc.). The control device 20 displays a preview screen (not shown) for selecting photographic data to be printed and accepts the user's selection. The user selects the photographic data to be output from the multiple photographic data displayed on the preview screen and presses the OK button. The control device 20 outputs the photographic data selected by the user to the printing unit 25 and prints it on a predetermined paper.

The control device 20 of the photographing device 2 displays on the display unit 21 a screen that allows the photographed person to select whether or not to use the discount service from the next time onwards, and accepts the selection (step S115). If the person selects to use the discount service from the next time onwards (step S115; Yes), the control device 20 requests the server 3 to link the face image 312, shooting date and time 313, and face authentication feature data 314 from the current shooting with the discount identification information 311 and store them (step S116). If the current shooting is the first time, the server 3 links the face image 312, shooting date and time 313, and face authentication feature data 314 from the current shooting with the discount identification information 311 and stores them. If the current shooting is the second or subsequent shooting, the face image 312, shooting date and time 313, and face authentication feature data 314 of the face authentication data 31 stored in the storage unit 302 are updated and stored to the face image 312, shooting date and time 313, and face authentication feature data 314 acquired in the current shooting.

Next, the control device 20 of the photography device 2 outputs the discount identification information 311 acquired in step S107. The output may be displayed on the display unit 21, or may be printed by the printing unit (printer) 25 or a receipt printer. The discount identification information 311 may also be converted into the form of a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) and displayed on the display unit 21 to be read by the user's mobile terminal, or printed by the printing unit (printer) 25 or a receipt printer.

If it is selected in step S115 that the discount service will not be used from the next time onwards (step S115; No), and if this is the first time the photograph is taken, the facial authentication data 31 is not stored. If this is the second or subsequent time the photograph is taken, the facial authentication data 31 (facial image 312, facial authentication feature data 314) and the number of uses data 32 relating to the person to be photographed are stored in the memory unit 302 of the server 3. For this reason, the control device 20 of the photographing device 2 requests the server 3 to erase information relating to the person to be photographed (the facial authentication data 31 and the number of uses data 32) (step S118). The server 3 erases the facial authentication data 31 and the number of uses data 32 of the person to be photographed stored in the memory unit 302. The photographing device 2 then ends the process.

As explained above, the photography system 1 according to the present invention provides discounts on fees based on the photography history of the person being photographed. This allows users to receive discounts if they have a history of photography in the past, even if they do not use expensive products or unnecessary services. Discounts are particularly easy to receive for people who need a large number of ID photos in a short period of time for entrance exams, employment exams, etc. Furthermore, operators of the photography system 1 can expect to gain customers who use the system multiple times (repeat customers).

In the above embodiment, a box-type photographing device 2 as shown in FIG. 1 has been described, but the form of the photographing device 2 is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to an open-type or stand-type photographing device 2. The display and data configuration of each screen shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to this, and can be in any form. In the above embodiment, the photograph of the person to be photographed is taken as soon as the person enters the photographing device 2, face recognition processing is performed, and if the person is eligible for a discount, input of discount identification information 311 is accepted, but the order of input of discount identification information 311 and determination of whether or not the person is eligible for a discount through face recognition processing may be reversed.

The photographing device 2 used for the first photograph may be different from the photographing device 2 used for the second and subsequent photographs. Whether or not a discount is applicable is determined by the server 3, so that any photographing device 2 used from the second time onwards and connected to the server 3 can receive the discount if the conditions are met. In addition to photographing, the use of an image printing service (a service that prints images read from a user terminal or downloaded images) may also be counted as part of the photographing history (number of uses).

The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed in this application, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

1: Photography system 2: Photography device 3: Server 4: Network 20: Control device 21: Display unit 22: Accounting unit 23: Photography unit 24: Lighting unit 25: Printing unit (printer)
26: Communication unit 27: Entrance sensor 28: Print outlet 29: Bus 31: Face authentication data 32: Number of uses data 51: Discount notification screen 56: Discount identification information input screen 203: Input unit 205: Selection unit 206: Judgment request unit 301: Control unit 302: Storage unit 303: Communication unit 305: Judgment unit 306: Identification information issuing unit 307: Transmission unit

Claims (10)

A photography system in which a photography device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the photographed image as a photograph and a server are communicatively connected via a network,
The server,
a storage means for storing a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photographing device, and discount identification information issued at the time of first photographing;
a determination means for extracting a face image or face authentication feature data from an image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photographing device, and determining that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount if the face image or face authentication feature data of a person identical to the person to be photographed is stored in the storage means ;
a transmission means for transmitting the discount identification information to the photographing device together with a result of the determination that the photographing device is eligible for a discount ;
The photographing device is
a determination request means for transmitting a determination request to the server as to whether or not the photographed person is eligible for a discount together with an image of the photographed person ;
a receiving means for receiving the discount identification information together with a determination result indicating that the discount is applicable from the server;
an input means for receiving discount identification information from the person to be photographed;
a billing means for performing a billing process by discounting the fee when the server determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information received by the receiving means matches the discount identification information input by the input means;
A photography system comprising: The server,
In the case where the facial image or facial authentication feature data of the same person as the photographed person is stored in the storage means, the determination means rewrites the facial image or the facial authentication feature data to a facial image or facial authentication feature data extracted from an image of the photographed person transmitted by the determination request means of the photographing device.
2. The photographing system according to claim 1 . The photographing device is
a first selection means for notifying the subject of the photograph that the subject is eligible for the discount when the server determines that the subject is eligible for the discount and allowing the subject to select whether or not to use the discount;
and a second selection means for allowing the person to select whether or not to use a discount for the next or subsequent photographs,
the billing means, when the first selection means selects to use the discount, performs billing processing by discounting the fee;
The photographing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, when the second selection means selects not to use the discount for the next time onwards, the storage means of the server erases the stored face image or the stored feature data for face authentication . The storage means stores the photographing date and time in association with the discount identification information ,
The photographing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination means determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount if a facial image or facial authentication feature data of the same person as the photographed person is stored in the storage means and there is a photographing history within a specified period of time in the past. The storage means of the server comprises:
storing the number of times the photographed person has used the service in association with the discount identification information ;
The billing means of the photographing device includes:
5. The photographing system according to claim 1, wherein the discounted fee is determined based on the number of times of use stored in the storage means of the server. A server in a photography system communicatively connected via a network to a photography device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the photographed image,
The photographing device is
a determination request means for transmitting a determination request to the server as to whether or not the photographed person is eligible for a discount together with an image of the photographed person;
a receiving means for receiving discount identification information together with a determination result indicating that the discount is applicable from the server;
an input means for receiving discount identification information from the person to be photographed;
a billing means for performing a billing process by discounting the fee when the server determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information received by the receiving means matches the discount identification information input by the input means,
The server,
a storage means for storing a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photographing device, and discount identification information issued at the time of first photographing;
a determination means for extracting a face image or face authentication feature data from an image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photographing device, and determining that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount if the face image or face authentication feature data of a person identical to the person to be photographed is stored in the storage means ;
a transmission means for transmitting the discount identification information to the photographing device together with a result of the determination that the photographing device is eligible for a discount ;
A server comprising: A photographing device in a photographing system , comprising a means for photographing a person to be photographed and printing the photographed image as a photograph, and connected to a server via a network for communication therewith,
The server,
a storage means for storing a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photographing device, and discount identification information issued at the time of first photographing;
a determination means for extracting a face image or face authentication feature data from an image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photographing device, and determining that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount if the face image or face authentication feature data of a person identical to the person to be photographed is stored in the storage means;
a transmission means for transmitting the discount identification information to the photographing device together with a result of the determination that the photographing device is eligible for a discount;
The photographing device is
a determination request means for transmitting a determination request to the server as to whether or not the photographed person is eligible for a discount together with an image of the photographed person ;
a receiving means for receiving the discount identification information together with a determination result indicating that the discount is applicable from the server;
an input means for receiving discount identification information from the person to be photographed;
a billing means for performing a billing process by discounting the fee when the server determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount and the discount identification information received by the receiving means matches the discount identification information input by the input means;
A photographing device comprising: A billing method for a photography system in which a photography device that photographs a person to be photographed and prints the photographed image as a photograph and a server are communicatively connected via a network, comprising:
the server stores in a storage means a face image or face authentication feature data of the person to be photographed using the photographing device, and discount identification information issued at the time of first photographing;
a control device of the photographing device transmitting a request to the server to determine whether or not the photographed person is eligible for a discount together with an image of the photographed person ;
the server extracts a face image or face authentication feature data from the image of the person to be photographed transmitted from the photographing device, and if the face image or face authentication feature data of the same person as the person to be photographed is stored in the storage means, determines that the person to be photographed is eligible for a discount;
a step of the server transmitting the discount identification information to the photographing device together with a result of the determination that the photographing device is eligible for a discount ;
a control device of the photographing device receiving the discount identification information together with a determination result indicating that the photographing device is eligible for a discount from the server;
a control device of the photographing device receiving input of discount identification information;
a control device of the photographing device performing a charging process by discounting the fee when the server determines that the photographed person is eligible for a discount and the received discount identification information matches the input discount identification information;
A billing method comprising: 7. The server according to claim 6, further comprising a computer connected to a photographing device for photographing a person to be photographed and printing the photographed image via a network.
A program to function as a 8. The photographing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising a computer communicatively connected to a server via a network.
A program to function as a

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