WO2012137483A1 - Business assistance device, business assistance system, and various devices using same - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a business assistance device and business assistance system capable of managing a history of customer actions. [Solution] The present invention assumes a business assistance device (100) for assisting business by a person in charge using bio-information extracted from a customer. This business assistance device (100) comprises a bio-information storage means (145), a credit information determination means (150), and a credit information update control means (170). The bio-information storage means (145) stores a customer's bio-information acquired by a bio-information acquiring device for acquiring bio-information of the customer. The credit information determination means (150) determines, as credit information, information that can be used by a third party to specify the customer from among information relating to the bio-information of the customer. The credit information update control means (170) manages the history of credit information determined by the credit information determination means (150).

Description

Business support device, business support system, and various devices using them

The present invention relates to a business support apparatus and a business support system. By providing customer information to the person in charge of business (for example, sales business) and providing WEB services, the reliability of registered customers, such as ensuring the reliability of registered customers, is selected. A business support device and a business support system for supporting business.

As the information for identifying customers, web service technology that performs authentication by so-called ID and password is widely used. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a web service technique for performing authentication using the ID and password. The web service technology refers to a technology for transmitting and receiving messages using a certain protocol by applying Internet-related technology, or a service to which the technology is applied. For example, it refers to a portal site capable of sending and receiving e-mail and searching. Here, the portal site is a huge Web site that serves as an entrance to the Internet. Information services such as news and stock prices, Web mail services that can be used from browsers, and electronic bulletin boards centered on search engines and links. This is a site that provides all the functions that customers need on the Internet, such as chat, to increase the number of users and earn income through advertising and electronic commerce brokerage services. By applying the authentication technology to the portal site, it is possible to configure a portal site that can be used only by a specific customer.

Furthermore, at present, a technology called a social network is known, and a social network that performs authentication using the ID and password is common. Here, the social network is a service for building a social network on the Internet. Furthermore, it is a community-type membership system service that promotes and supports connections between people. It also includes websites that provide such services.

Furthermore, customer management systems using ID cards are widely used. For example, the following patent document discloses a system for managing customer information using an ID card in which customer information (for example, customer identification number) is registered. By presenting the ID card at the time of accounting, it becomes possible to browse customer information (such as a product history purchased in the past). Customer management using the ID card is used in various fields. For example, the customer management system using the IC card is used as a membership card for a shopping center or a hotel.

JP 2010-224700 A JP 2009-87314 A

As described above, a web service that performs authentication using an ID and a password makes it possible for the same customer to use different IDs. Since the ID is information for identifying an individual, from the viewpoint of a third party, a customer who uses a different ID is mistaken as a different person. Therefore, as a result of misidentification as described above, there is a possibility that a person who does not want to access from a specific customer in the past may access.

Since services that can be used on portal sites such as bulletin boards are often used anonymously, false information is distributed and information that is annoying to users is often flooded. In order to solve this problem, the anonymity of the user is eliminated, the user is selected, and the participation qualification in the portal site is made strict. For example, it may be possible to adopt a configuration in which participation qualifications are given only to persons belonging to a specific workplace or a specific school. Alternatively, it may be possible to adopt a configuration that requires presentation of an identification card as a participation qualification.

However, if the portal site or social network has strict participation qualifications, it is clear that the willingness to join the site will decline. Participation qualifications were loose, and portal sites and social networks that allowed participants to send information with peace of mind were desired.
Furthermore, as an example of business support, customer management using an ID card requires the customer to present the ID card. If the ID card is not carried, the customer's information (for example, a store accountant) cannot be grasped. Furthermore, personal information may be leaked due to the theft of the ID card. In addition, in the case of customer management using an ID card, there is a customer who refuses registration because it strongly recognizes that he / she is managed. Therefore, an authentication service that does not allow different IDs to the same person, a customer management device that does not require an ID card and does not allow the customer to recognize that it is managed, and a customer management system are desired. It was.

The present invention has been made under such a background. Member services such as customer management in stores and the like, and portal sites and social networks provide services that prevent customers from recognizing customer management with a simple configuration. It is intended to provide a business support device and a business support system that can be provided and that can constitute a portal site and a social network that can be used with peace of mind by participating members.

The present invention for achieving the above object is premised on a business support device that supports the work of a person in charge using biological information extracted from a customer. The business support apparatus of the present invention includes biometric information storage means, credit information determination means, and credit information update control means.
The biometric information storage means stores the biometric information of the customer acquired by the biometric information acquisition device that acquires the biometric information of the customer. The credit information determining means determines, as credit information, information that allows a third party to identify the customer among information related to the biological information of the customer. The credit information update control means manages the history of credit information judged by the credit information judgment means.

With the above configuration, the history of information (credit information) determined by the credit information judging means to be credit information is managed. Credit information is information that can be stored by associating third-party information with the customer's biometric information, so that a third party can identify the customer. Can be managed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts and dishonest acts performed by customers in relation to third parties. By configuring the credit information history so that it cannot be deleted from the customer, it is possible to further suppress fraud and dishonest behavior of the customer. Furthermore, the person in charge who wants customer information can acquire the customer information of the customer by imaging the face of the target customer with a camera or the like, and a device that supports the work of the person in charge can be configured.

In the above configuration, it is desirable to adopt a configuration further comprising means for registering a person in charge based on biometric information acquired from a person in charge of managing customer credit information. The person in charge who manages the credit information can be clarified by the registered person in charge managing the credit information of the customer. The biological information may be in any form as long as it can identify an individual and can be extracted from the person (identification information). For example, it is possible to employ biometric information combining one or more of face information, fingerprint information, palm shape information, retina information, iris information, blood vessel information, audio information, and ear shape information.

The portal site providing system using the business support apparatus having the above-described configuration can be configured by making the credit information information that can identify the customer among the information updated by the customer. Further, the credit information is information that can identify the customer among the information created and updated by the customer, thereby configuring a social network site providing system using the business support device having the above configuration. Is possible.

Customers using portal sites and social networks often have their own data such as profiles and blogs. By managing the creation and update of such data as credit information, it is possible to add some restrictions to customer behavior within the portal site and social network. In other words, if it is known in advance that the created and updated data is managed and will be viewed by the administrator in a given case, the customer will pay attention to the contents of the data to be created and updated. I will. Therefore, the act of lacking in sincerity and the effect of suppressing fraud are produced. In the portal site and social network, it is necessary to register biometric information such as face information, but it is up to the customer to disclose the registered face information on the social network. Whether or not to register with a real name when registering is up to the customer. By registering face information, it is possible to confirm with a third party that there is an actually registered person, and an effect of deterring sincerity or fraudulent acts against customers is produced.

In the above configuration, it is possible to configure an entrance / exit monitoring device using the business support device having the above configuration by assuming that the purpose of entering the facility by the visitor is credit information. In many facilities, such as companies, where outside third parties enter and leave, they have reception desks. In the present invention, the third party can be managed by setting the purpose of entering the third party as credit information.

In the above configuration, there is provided a pet breeding device main body that can be controlled via a network so that pets can eat the food stored in the device, and the credit information is connected to the pet breeding device main body via the network. By using the information, it is possible to configure a pet breeding apparatus using the business support apparatus having the above configuration. Devices that automatically feed pets are known. In the present invention, when connecting to a network, face information of an owner or a person who needs to raise the pet is registered. Thereby, it becomes possible to feed the pet by controlling the breeding apparatus while connected to the network.

In the above configuration, when third party face information is acquired, it is possible to connect to a pre-registered customer via the network and change the key from the closed state to the open state based on the pre-registered customer's judgment It is possible to configure a key opening / closing device using the business support device having the above-described configuration by providing a key opening / closing device and the credit information is history information obtained from third-party face information. It is.

The customer's face information is registered and connected to the network by the camera provided in the mobile terminal, and when the camera provided in the key device acquires the face information of a third party, the face information is notified to the mobile terminal. Then, by making it possible to control the keying switch from the closed state to the open state based on the judgment of the registered customer, even if the registered customer is out, the person desired by the customer (above It is possible to place a third party) in the residence.

Suppose that the credit information is the setting of the electrical appliance desired by the customer, so that it is possible to configure an electrical appliance controller using the business support apparatus having the above configuration. By providing the appliance controller with a camera that acquires face information, it is possible to register the face information and settings of the customer. As a result, the camera provided in the controller acquires the customer's face information, so that the appliance can be controlled by the setting of the customer.

In the above configuration, it is possible to configure an amusement facility providing system using the business support device having the above configuration by assuming that the credit information is information recording the customer's actions. In amusement facilities where money and other products can be received in accordance with the outcome, there may be customers who cheat. When the facility staff finds such a fraudulent activity, biometric information such as the customer's face information is registered, the customer's fraudulent activity is used as credit information, and the registered customer is prepared at the facility staff or the facility. By detecting with a camera or the like, it is possible to prevent the customer from performing similar actions at other stores.

In the above configuration, assuming that the credit information is the order history of the customer, it is possible to configure a service facility providing system using the business support device having the above configuration. In service facilities such as restaurants, biometric information such as customer face information is registered, and the customer's order history is managed as credit information. The person in charge will be able to serve customers after knowing products such as food.

Further inventions for achieving the above-described problems are premised on a business support system that supports the work of a person in charge using biological information extracted from a customer. The business support system of the present invention includes a server that can be connected to a plurality of business support devices configured as described above via a network. Then, each business support apparatus transmits the biological information stored in the biological information storage unit to the server. Further, a configuration is adopted in which the server transmits each received biological information to biological information storage means provided in a plurality of business support apparatuses.

The business support apparatus of the present invention is premised on a business support apparatus that supports the business of a person in charge using biometric information extracted from a customer. The business support apparatus of the present invention includes a biometric information acquisition apparatus, biometric information storage means, credit information judgment means, and credit information update control means.
The biometric information acquisition apparatus acquires biometric information of a customer. The biometric information storage means stores the biometric information of the customer acquired by the biometric information acquisition device. The credit information determining means determines, as credit information, information that allows a third party to identify the customer among information related to the biological information of the customer. The credit information update control means manages the history of credit information judged by the credit information judgment means.

With the above configuration, the history of information (credit information) determined by the credit information judging means to be credit information is managed. Credit information is information that can be stored by associating third-party information with the customer's biometric information, so that a third party can identify the customer. Can be managed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts and dishonest acts performed by customers in relation to third parties. By configuring the credit information history so that it cannot be deleted from the customer, it is possible to further suppress fraud and dishonest behavior of the customer. Furthermore, the person in charge who wants customer information can acquire the customer information of the customer by imaging the face of the target customer with a camera or the like, and a device that supports the work of the person in charge can be configured.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the work support apparatus and work support system which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the business support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the work support process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the table memorize | stored in the biometric information storage means which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of a business support apparatus and a business support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the work support process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the work support process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the work support process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the work support process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the work support process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the biometric information acquisition apparatus which can be used with the work assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
<Business support device>
The configuration of the control system hardware of the business support device 100 and the business support system 200 (a system in which the business support device 100 and the biological information acquisition device 300 are connected via a network) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of the control system hardware of the business support device 100, the biological information acquisition device 300, and the server 400 that constitute the business support system 200. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

First, the control circuit of the business support apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and a driver corresponding to each drive unit. 105, a communication interface 107 is connected by an internal bus 106. The CPU 101 uses, for example, the RAM 103 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 102, the HDD 104, and the like, and sends data and instructions from the driver 105 and the biological information acquisition apparatus 300 based on the execution result. Exchanges and controls operation | movement of each drive part (not shown) etc. The server 400 can be connected to the network 108 via the communication interface 107, and the CPU of the server 400 and the business support apparatus 100 connected to the network 108 via the communication interface of the server 400 and biometric information acquisition Data is exchanged with the device 300.

The server 400 according to the present invention includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, a driver corresponding to each drive unit, a communication interface, and the like (not shown) as in the business support apparatus 100. Then, each means (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) described later is realized by the CPU executing the program. Similarly to the business support apparatus 100, the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 that can be connected to a network also includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, drivers corresponding to each drive unit, communication interfaces, and the like (not shown). Each means described later is realized by the CPU executing the program. Note that the present invention is a face recognition system (a computer application for automatically identifying a human face from a digital image. By extracting a part that appears to be a face in a captured image and comparing it with a face image database. A system for performing identification (which may use data obtained by performing a predetermined operation on a facial image), and the business support apparatus 100 and the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 include the face recognition. Possible facilities are provided. For example, a camera capable of capturing a customer's face image, application software for recognizing a face portion from the face image, and input means for registering the customer's name when recognizing the customer (for example, displayed on a touch panel or the like) Keyboard), display means (display panel, etc.) that can display customer information including registered names on each person in charge (for example, a person in charge of customer information such as an accountant or a customer service representative) ) Needless to say, You may employ | adopt the structure provided with the speaker which transmits a customer's name.

It is also possible to employ an ear-mounted biological information acquisition apparatus 300 shown in FIG. For example, a camera 330 for imaging the customer's face is provided in an ear hook that can be put on a person's ear. By adopting this configuration, when the person in charge visually recognizes the customer's face, the customer's face image can be captured. The customer information may be configured to be notified by voice to the biometric information acquisition device, or the customer information may be displayed on a small terminal.

<Business support processing>
Next, business support processing in the business support apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the business support apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the business support process of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an example of a database used in the present invention. For example, a web service or a social network system is preferably used as the business support process. In addition, the alphabet "S" attached | subjected before the number in a flowchart means a step.

The biometric information used in the present invention may be information combining one or more of face information, fingerprint information, palm shape information, retina information, iris information, blood vessel information, audio information, and ear shape information. Absent. Hereinafter, a configuration for recognizing face information (referred to as digital information about a portion recognized as a customer's face; the same applies hereinafter) as the biological information will be described. The present invention includes a biological information acquisition apparatus 300 for acquiring customer face information. A plurality of the biological information acquisition devices 300 may be provided, or a configuration may be adopted in which a single biological information acquisition device 300 acquires facial information of a plurality of customers. Hereinafter, a customer to be authenticated is referred to as a target customer. Further, the website applied in the present embodiment includes a social network system.

First, the target customer starts a login procedure to the website (FIG. 3: START → S101). For example, the login procedure is started when the connection to the website is established. In addition, the login procedure can be started when a predetermined button is clicked after connecting to the website. When the login procedure is started as described above, the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 starts extracting the target customer's face information and extracts the target customer's face information (FIG. 3: S102). A configuration may be adopted in which the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 includes a start switch for starting face information extraction processing and the face information extraction processing is started when the start switch is pressed by the target customer. Absent. As the switch, a touch panel (corresponding to the display receiving unit 310) displayed on the screen of the biological information acquisition apparatus 300 can be adopted. For example, you may employ | adopt the structure which extracts the said customer's face information with the camera (corresponding to the said biometric information acquisition means 320) with which the personal computer or the portable terminal was equipped.

When the face information is extracted as described above, the extracted face information is sent to the business support apparatus 100 via the communication means (the biological information acquisition apparatus side communication means 330 and the communication means 110). Then, the information selection unit 120 determines whether or not the extracted face information matches the previously registered face information (FIG. 3: S103). In the business support apparatus 100 of the present invention, once registered face information is not deleted without the administrator's permission. Therefore, the same person is not re-registered with different IDs. The information selection unit 120 refers to the biometric information storage unit 145, and when face information that matches the extracted face information exists (that is, the biometric information search unit 140 stores the face information stored in the biometric information storage unit 145). The customer login is completed (FIG. 3: S103 YES → S104).

On the other hand, when face information that matches the extracted face information is not stored in the biometric information storage means, the information selection means determines that it is a new registration. Then, the information selection means notifies the biometric information registration means that it is a new registration. As described above, when the target customer is a new registration (FIG. 3: S103 NO → S104 YES), the display receiving means 310 provided in the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 inputs the customer information necessary for the new registration to the target customer. Adopt an incentive structure. Or you may employ | adopt the structure which asks an object customer about the said customer information. For example, the display accepting means 310 displays a screen saying “Please enter a name” or outputs a voice asking the name of the target customer from a speaker provided in the display accepting means 310, and the person in charge described later You may employ | adopt the structure which can input the customer information of an object customer into the work assistance apparatus 100. FIG.

In the above case, the information selection unit 120 notifies the biometric information registration unit 130 that the target customer and customer information (for example, name) of the target customer are associated and stored in the biometric information storage unit 145. In response to this, the biometric information registration unit 130 associates the target customer with the customer information of the target customer and stores it in the biometric information storage unit 145, thereby completing the login (new registration) of the target customer (FIG. 3). S105 → S106). In addition, you may employ | adopt the structure which the display reception part 310 of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 emits customer information, such as a name registered at this time, as a sound. For example, a voice “Mr. A, welcome” may be output.

The biometric information registration unit 130 stores the face information in which the customer information is set in the customer data table 400 (see FIG. 4A) of the biometric information storage unit 145. In the customer data table 400, a customer ID 410 that is an identification number of each customer and customer information 420 that is information such as a name are stored in association with each other. Needless to say, the biometric information storage unit 145 stores face information corresponding to the customer ID 420 (customer biometric information 430 acquired from the customer). As will be described later, credit information (for example, purchase history of products, etc.) related to the customer is stored in association with the customer data table 400.

顧客 Customers who have logged in as described above will create their own data before logout is completed. For example, if it is a record on a web (so-called blog), the record is updated (referred to as user operation) such as creation and deletion (FIG. 3: S107 NO → S108). Among the above user operations, operations that need to be recorded are determined in advance. As such an operation, for example, an operation related to information used for identifying the customer such as a name change or information indicating an action between the customer and a third party such as an email history can be considered. In this way, information capable of investigating what actions the customer has performed in the past is referred to as credit information in the present invention. A predetermined operation is stored in the credit information rule storage unit 155 as an operation related to credit information, and the credit information determination unit 150 determines whether the operation performed by the customer is an operation related to credit information (FIG. 3: S108 YES → S109). ). When the credit information determination unit 150 determines that the operation is related to credit information, the credit information determination unit 150 notifies the credit information update control unit 170 to that effect. The credit information update control means 170 causes the credit information storage means 175 to store the data created by the above operation in a state in which the credit information update control means 170 is not deleted in the future update (FIG. 3: S110). It goes without saying that the credit information is stored in association with customer face information. When the credit information determining unit 150 determines that the operation should not be left in the history, the above operation is repeated until logout (FIG. 3: S109 NO).

As described above, the data created by the operation related to the credit information is stored in the credit information storage unit 175 as the credit information. In principle, the credit information stored in the credit information storage unit 175 is not deleted except for deletion based on the judgment of the administrator described later. Thereby, the same person does not own different IDs, and the safety of a third party can be ensured. As described above, after the data update is repeated by the operation of the customer, the customer performs a logout procedure (FIG. 3: S107 YES → End).

The credit information stored as described above is processed by the administrator. An administrator is a person who is in a position to manage the credit information stored as described above. Administrator face information is also registered in advance. That is, the administrator's biometric information acquisition device 300 (hereinafter referred to as “administrator-side biometric information acquisition device 300”) extracts the administrator's face information that satisfies a predetermined standard, and acquires the administrator's face information (FIG. 3). START → S121 → S122 YES). Then, the administrator-side biometric information acquisition device 300 notifies the biometric information search unit 140 of the acquired face information. The biometric information search unit 140 determines whether or not the acquired face information matches the face information of the administrator registered in advance. For example, it is determined whether or not the face information stored in the biological information storage unit 145 matches the acquired face information.

If they match, the biometric information search unit 140 notifies the administrator-side biometric information acquisition device 300 that the face information matches, thereby completing the login of the administrator (FIG. 3: S123). The administrator's face information is stored in the administrator data table 450 of the biometric information storage unit 145. Similar to the customer face information, the administrator ID 460 and the administrator biometric information 470 are stored in association with each other. When the administrator login is completed, the logged-in administrator refers to the credit information as necessary (FIG. 3: S124 NO → S125 YES → S126). Of course, in exceptional cases such as the death of the customer, the credit information may be deleted at the discretion of the manager.

In the case of a new administrator registration, the biometric information registration means 130 stores the administrator's face information in the biometric information storage means 145. By applying the business support apparatus 100 of the present invention to a social network site, it becomes clear from a third party that there is a certain person who has joined the social network. That is, in order to join the social network, it is necessary to acquire face information of customers (members) that actually exist, so that the customers who are subscribed are surely present.

Furthermore, the present invention employs a configuration in which information that allows a third party to identify each customer, for example, a user name (may be a real name) or information transmitted by the customer is stored as credit information. The credit information is managed by the administrator. The third party can confirm the credit of the customer by contacting the administrator in order to confirm the credit of the customer. Furthermore, since the credit information is managed by the administrator, the customer's dishonest behavior and fraud are suppressed. Therefore, by applying the business support apparatus of the present invention to a social network, the number of customers who intentionally create false information is considerably reduced.

As shown in FIG. 4, the business support system 200 can be configured by providing a plurality of the business support devices 100 of this embodiment and providing the biometric information storage unit 145 in each business support device 100 and the server 400. It becomes. That is, the server 400 includes the server-side biometric information storage unit 450, and the face information of the target customer stored in the biometric information storage unit 145 on the business support device 100 side is converted to the biometric information on the server side for every elapse of a predetermined period. It is transmitted to the storage means 450. For example, when a predetermined time elapses, the transmission biometric information acquisition unit 170 provided in the business support apparatus 100 refers to the biometric information storage unit 145 on the business support apparatus 100 side, and communicates the face information to be transmitted to the server 400. This is transmitted to the server 400 via the means 110. A configuration in which the transmission biometric information acquisition unit 170 transmits only update information to the server 400 may be adopted.

The server-side biological information storage unit 450 includes a server-side biological information acquisition unit 420 that receives the face information via the server-side communication unit 410 and a server-side biological information that stores the received biological information in the server-side biological information storage unit 450. Information registration means 440 is provided. A configuration may be employed in which the server-side biometric information acquisition unit 430 transmits the face information stored in the server-side biometric information storage unit 450 to the biometric information storage unit 145 of each business support device 100 every predetermined time. A configuration in which the business support apparatus 100 that transmits the face information stored in the server-side biometric information storage unit 450 may be determined in advance. For example, the address information of the facility where the business support apparatus 100 is installed is stored in advance, and the facility is installed in a neighboring area of each address (can be determined in units of addresses such as for each prefecture and for each city). A configuration may be adopted in which the face information is transmitted so that the same information is stored in the business support apparatus 100.
(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the business support apparatus of the present invention is applied to a web service. Next, an example will be described in which the business support apparatus is applied to a reception apparatus provided for reception by a company or the like. The above processing will be described with reference to each of the above drawings and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the acceptance process of the present invention. Since the process of acquiring the target customer's face information is the same as in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

The reception apparatus to which the business support apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is applied is preferably used in a facility where a third party such as a factory or a company often enters. First, when the facility operates (the reception device is turned on), the entrance camera and the exit camera as the biological information acquisition device 300 are activated (FIG. 6: START → S201). When the entrance camera and the exit camera are activated, a configuration is adopted in which authentication is performed based on the face information of the person in charge of reception. That is, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the entrance camera and the exit camera operate when the face information of the person in charge of reception is registered in advance and the face information of the person in charge of reception registered is searched.

When the entrance camera is activated and the visitor comes, the entrance camera acquires the face information of the visitor (FIG. 6: S202 NO → S203 YES → S204). At this time, the credit information judging means 150 stores the purpose of the visitor entering the facility (for example, the name of the visitor, the meeting partner, the department, etc.) as the credit information of the visitor (FIG. 6: S205). The above purpose may be configured such that the person in charge asks the visitors at the time of reception. Or you may employ | adopt the structure filled in a predetermined | prescribed paper. Furthermore, you may employ | adopt the structure provided with credit information input means, such as a touchscreen which described the name of the said department or an employee. Of course, the biometric information retrieval unit 140 may retrieve the acquired face information from the biometric information storage unit 145 and issue the name of the attendee as necessary. As in the first embodiment, the credit information is stored in association with the face information.

Next, when the attendee leaves, the exit camera acquires the information on the face of the leaver (FIG. 6: START → S211 → S212NO → S213YES → S214). At this time, the facial information acquired by the exit camera is retrieved from the biological information storage unit by the biological information retrieval unit 140 via the information selection unit. And the structure which the information selection means 120 judges whether an exit person corresponds with an attendant is employ | adopted. If they match, the normal process is performed and the face information of the next exit person is acquired (FIG. 6: S215 YES). On the other hand, when the visitors and the exits do not match, a configuration is adopted in which an abnormality notification is given to the receptionist (FIG. 6: S215NO → S216).
(Embodiment 3)
Next, an example in which the business support apparatus 100 is applied to a breeding apparatus for pets (for example, dogs and cats) raised in the home or the like will be described. The above process will be described with reference to the above drawings and FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the pet breeding process of the present invention. Since the process of acquiring the target customer's face information is the same as in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

Devices that feed pets at a given time are known. That is, the apparatus main body stores a large amount of pet food, and the pet can eat the food stored in the apparatus at a predetermined time of the pet. For example, a lid that opens and closes at regular time intervals may be provided so that pets can eat by opening and closing the lid. In the present embodiment, the pet breeding apparatus is configured such that pets can eat from a remote location. That is, the pet breeding apparatus is connected to a network and can be controlled so that pets can eat from the outside. For example, the lid may be opened and closed by being connected to a network.

The face information of the owner who should raise the pet is stored in the biological information storage means 145. When the face information of the owner is acquired by the biological information acquisition device 300 provided in the terminal on the owner side and matches the face information of the owner stored in the biological information storage means, the owner side terminal A network connection is made to the breeding apparatus (FIG. 7: START → S301 → S302YES → S303YES → S304). In this embodiment, the name of the owner, the date and time when connected to the pet breeding device are stored in the credit information storage means 175 as credit information (FIG. 7: S305 NO → S306 YES → S307 → End). Furthermore, the structure which memorize | stores the name of the said pet and the photograph of a pet as trust information may be employ | adopted.

As described above, when the owner connects to the pet breeding apparatus, the face of the owner is displayed on the pet breeding apparatus. Further, the pet breeding apparatus is provided with a camera, and is configured to project a pet when the pet is near the pet breeding apparatus.
When the owner's face is projected on the pet breeding apparatus, the pet generally tends to approach the pet breeding apparatus to see the owner's face. Therefore, the pet is displayed on the camera provided in the pet breeding apparatus. Thus, the owner can comprehensively determine whether or not to feed from the pet's facial expression or gesture.

Of course, if it is determined that the pet is fed, the pet breeding apparatus is controlled to feed the pet by the owner's judgment. If the owner wants to refer to the credit information, the owner can also refer to the credit information as an administrator (FIG. 6: START → S310 → S311YES → S312 → S313NO → S314YES → S315 → End).
(Embodiment 4)
Next, an example in which the business support device 100 is applied to a key device provided in an entrance door such as a residence will be described. The above processing will be described with reference to each of the above drawings and FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing customer processing according to the present invention. Since the process of acquiring the target customer's face information is the same as in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

In the present invention, face information of a resident who lives in the residence is acquired in advance and stored in the biological information storage unit 145. Of course, when a new resident is added, the face information of the new resident is stored in the biological information storage unit 145. In the following description, it is assumed that there is only one resident.
The key device of the present invention is configured to open and close the key with face information that matches the registered face information. Furthermore, the key device according to the present embodiment can be connected to a network and can be opened / closed from an external terminal via the network. Here, the key device being closed means a state in which it cannot be opened without a key from the outside.

First, when the resident enters and exits the house, the face information of the resident is acquired by the biological information acquisition device 300 (FIG. 8: START → S401 → S402 YES). When the acquired face information matches the face information stored in the biological information storage means, the key device is configured to open (FIG. 8: S403 YES → S405 → End). In order to confirm that the key device is in the closed state, as described above, the key device may be configured to open when the open switch is pressed while the face information matches. Or you may employ | adopt the structure which further provides the control switch for not making the biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 acquire face information. A configuration may be adopted in which the key of the key device is closed when the door provided with the key device is closed.

Next, the processing when the resident acquaintance comes to the residence with the resident absent is described. The biometric information acquisition device 300 acquires the acquaintance's face information and determines whether the acquired face information matches the face information stored in the biometric information storage unit 145 (FIG. 8: START → S401 → S402 YES). ). In this case, since the face information of the acquaintance is not registered, the key device is not opened. In this case, the fact that the face information does not match is notified to the resident terminal (for example, mobile phone) via the network (FIG. 8: S403 NO → S404).

The face information that did not match is displayed on the display receiving means 310 provided in the resident's terminal. Thereby, the resident can comprehensively determine whether or not to put the acquaintance who acquired the face information into the residence by contacting the acquaintance's face information or the acquaintance. When the resident determines that the acquaintance who has acquired the face information is to enter the residence, the resident's determination is notified to the key device via the network. The key device that has received the above determination is opened, and an acquaintance can enter the residence (FIG. 8: S404 YES). In the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the acquaintance who acquired the face information or the information of a third party (the date and time when the face information was acquired, the name of the acquaintance) is stored as credit information in the credit information storage means (FIG. 8: S406). Of course, if the resident knows the acquired face information and decides not to enter the house, the key is not opened and the process ends (FIG. 8: S404 NO → End). Also in the case of this embodiment, the credential can be referred to by the resident as an administrator (FIG. 8: START → S411 → S412YES → S413 → S414NO → S415YES → S416 → End).
(Embodiment 5)
Next, a case will be described in which the business support apparatus is applied to a display reception apparatus that controls an appliance such as a remote controller of a television receiver. The above processing will be described with reference to each of the above drawings and FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the present invention. Since the process of acquiring the target customer's face information is the same as in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

Hereinafter, a remote controller of a television receiver will be described as an example. The controller is provided with a biological information acquisition apparatus 300 including the display receiving means 310 of the present invention. In the biometric information storage unit 145, face information of a customer who uses the controller and a program desired by the customer (referred to as a broadcast program that can be received by a television receiver) are stored in association with each other. In this embodiment, the program desired by the customer corresponds to the credit information. Of course, in the case of general electric appliances, it goes without saying that control values (temperature, frequency, rotation speed, etc.) that match each customer's preference correspond to credit information. The credit information is stored in the credit information storage means 175.

When the customer picks up the controller, the biological information acquisition device 300 provided in the controller acquires the face information of the customer (FIG. 9: START → S501 YES). If it matches the face information stored in advance in the biometric information storage means 145, the program received by the television receiver is adjusted to the credit information (program desired by the customer) associated with the acquired face information. (FIG. 8: S502 YES → S505 → S506 YES → End).

In addition, since the program broadcast by the television receiver is often broadcast in a predetermined time zone, the program corresponding to the broadcast time may be selected. For example, the program is stored in association with the broadcast time (which may be the broadcast date and time). And you may employ | adopt the structure which selects the program which a customer desires with reference to the clock in the said controller or a television receiver. It is also possible to provide a new registration function for a new customer (FIG. 8: S502 NO → S503 YES → S504).
(Embodiment 6)
Next, an example in which the business support device is applied to an amusement facility will be shown. In particular, an example applied to a facility such as a game center that can obtain a prize or cash when a game is won will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing customer processing in the amusement facility of the present invention. The process of acquiring the target customer's face information and the method of referring to the credit information are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted.

First, when the amusement facility is in operation, the staff camera as the biological information acquisition device 300 is activated. For example, it is possible to employ an ear-mounted biological information acquisition apparatus 300 shown in FIG. A staff wearing the ear-hook type biological information acquisition apparatus 300 is arranged for monitoring in the amusement facility. In addition, you may employ | adopt a surveillance camera instead of a staff. When the staff camera and the surveillance camera are activated, a configuration in which authentication is performed based on the face information of the staff is employed. That is, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which staff face information is registered in advance, and when the registered staff face information is searched, the staff camera and the monitoring camera perform customer identification processing (FIG. 10). : START-> S601-> S602 YES-> S603 YES-> S604).

The above staff constantly monitors whether customers in the amusement facility are cheating. If a fraudulent or suspected fraudulent customer (hereinafter referred to as a specific customer) is found, the specific customer is identified from other customers by obtaining the customer face information. It will be. At this time, the acquired face information is stored in the biometric information storage unit 145 and the credit information storage unit 175 together with the method of cheating the specific customer. In the present embodiment, the fraudulent acts become customer credit information (FIG. 10: S605 NO → S606 YES → S607).

Further, by providing a monitoring camera near the entrance to obtain the face information of the visitors of the play facility, when the specific customer enters again, the face information of the specific customer stored in the biological information storage means 145 When the biometric information search means 140 searches, it is discovered that the specific customer re-enters. The staff will be notified that a specific customer has re-entered. Therefore, each staff can refuse entry of a specific customer and can strictly monitor a specific customer. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the specific customer to be fraudulent or to be suspected of fraud again.

The above-mentioned face information and fraudulent behavior of the specific customer can be referred to by an administrator. That is, the administrator's face information is acquired by the administrator-side terminal, and the login is completed when it matches the pre-registered administrator's face information. The logged-in administrator can refer to the face information and credit information of the specific customer (FIG. 10: START → S611 → S612YES → S613 → S614NO → S615YES → S616 → End).

It is also possible to apply the business support apparatus to a service providing facility such as a restaurant. The above processing will be described with reference to the above drawings. It may be a service providing facility such as an amusement park other than a restaurant.
When the service providing facility operates, the staff camera as the biological information acquisition device 300 is activated. For example, it is possible to employ an ear-mounted biological information acquisition apparatus 300 shown in FIG. The staff wearing the ear-hook type biometric information acquisition apparatus 300 is arranged to provide a service to customers in the service providing facility. In addition, you may employ | adopt a surveillance camera instead of a staff. When the staff camera and the surveillance camera are activated, a configuration in which authentication is performed based on the face information of the staff is employed. That is, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the staff camera and the surveillance camera operate when the staff face information is registered in advance and the registered staff face information is searched. Hereinafter, a case of a staff camera will be described as an example.

In the case of the present embodiment, the staff in the service providing facility provides the service desired by the customer (corresponding to an order at a restaurant). At that time, the face information of the customer is acquired by the biometric information acquisition device 300 worn by the staff, and stored in the biometric information storage means 145 and the credit information storage means 175 together with the service desired by the customer. In this embodiment, the service desired by the customer corresponds to credit information.

When the customer visits again, when the customer's face information is acquired, the customer's credit information is retrieved from the biometric information storage means 145 and the credit information storage means 175, and the service contents provided previously (ie, credit information) ) Is displayed on the staff. Therefore, each staff can provide a service to the customer after knowing the service content of the customer.
(Other)
The ear-mounted biological information acquisition apparatus 300 may adopt a configuration that always captures customer face information, or a configuration that captures customer face information desired by the person in charge, such as the switch. It doesn't matter.

In the present invention, face information is searched based on digital information that can uniquely identify a target customer. Therefore, although face information that matches the target customer may not be searched, there is little possibility that face information of a customer different from the target customer will be searched (hereinafter referred to as erroneous search). However, by adopting the following configuration, it becomes possible to identify the target customer in the case of the erroneous search.
For example, the voice information of the target customer is stored in advance, and when the target customer cannot be searched, the voice of the target customer is input. Then, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the voice analysis means confirms that the inputted voice of the target customer matches the voice information stored in advance and is the target customer. That is, the voice information that the target customer pronounced the keyword specified by the target customer is stored in the biometric information storage means. Then, the voice analysis means determines whether the target customer himself has pronounced the keyword by comparing the voice information for the keyword pronounced by the target customer with the voice information stored in the biological information storage means. A configuration in which the authentication unit authenticates the target customer when the voice analysis unit determines that the target customer himself has pronounced the keyword can be adopted.

The business support apparatus of the present invention comprises biometric information storage means, customer confirmation means, biometric information registration means, and communication means. The biological information storage means stores the biological information extracted from the customer in association with the customer information for specifying the customer. The customer confirmation unit receives a determination as to whether or not the biometric information extracted from the customer matches the customer, and confirms the customer. When the customer is confirmed by the customer confirmation unit, the biometric information registration unit associates the biometric information extracted from the customer with the corresponding customer information of the customer and stores it in the biometric information storage unit. Furthermore, the communication means notifies the customer information of the customer registered by the biometric information registration means.

With the above-described configuration, the biometric information extracted from the customer receives a determination as to whether or not it matches the customer, and the biometric information is obtained by associating the confirmed biometric information of the customer with the customer information of the corresponding customer. It memorize | stores in a memory | storage means. Then, it is possible to configure a business support apparatus that determines whether or not the customer's biometric information matches and is notified of the confirmed customer's customer information. For example, when a customer's face is imaged with a predetermined camera, the customer's face information can be acquired, and the customer information can be stored in association with customer information such as a name. Therefore, the person in charge who wants customer information can acquire the customer information of the customer by imaging the face of the target customer with a camera or the like, and can configure a device that supports the work of the person in charge. The above availability is great.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Business support apparatus 110 Communication means 120 Information selection means 130 Biometric information registration means 140 Biometric information search means 145 Biometric information storage means 150 Trust information judgment means 155 Trust information rule storage means 160 Data update means 165 User update information storage means 170 Trust information Update control means 175 Credit information storage means 300 Biometric information acquisition device 310 Display acceptance means 320 Biometric information acquisition means 400 Server 420 Server-side biometric information acquisition means 430 Server-side biometric information acquisition means 440 Server-side biometric information registration means 450 Server-side biometrics Information storage means

Claims (13)

1. In the business support device that supports the work of the person in charge using the biological information extracted from the customer,
   Biometric information storage means for storing the biometric information of the customer acquired by the biometric information acquisition device that acquires the biometric information of the customer;
   Among the information related to the customer's biometric information, a credit information determination means for determining, as credit information, information by which a third party can identify the customer;
   A business support apparatus comprising credit information update control means for managing a history of credit information judged by the credit information judgment means.
2. The business support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the credit information history is configured not to be deleted from a customer.
3. 3. The business support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for registering the person in charge based on biometric information acquired from a person in charge of managing the credit information of the customer.
4. The biological information is information obtained by combining one or more of face information, fingerprint information, palm shape information, retinal information, iris information, blood vessel information, audio information, and ear shape information. 3. The business support apparatus according to any one of 3 above.
5. A portal site providing system using the business support device,
   The portal site providing system using the business support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is information that can identify the customer among information created and updated by the customer.
6. A social network site providing system using the business support device,
   The social network site providing system using the business support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is information that can identify the customer among information created and updated by the customer. .
7. An entrance / exit monitoring device using the business support device,
   The entrance / exit monitoring apparatus using the work support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the purpose of the entrance to the facility is the credit information.
8. A pet breeding device using the business support device,
   It has a pet breeding device body that can be controlled via a network so that pets can eat the food stored in the device,
   The pet breeding apparatus using the business support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is history information connected to the main body of the pet breeding apparatus via a network.
9. A key opening and closing device using the business support device,
   When you get third party face information, you connect to a pre-registered customer via the network,
   A key opening and closing device capable of changing the key from the closed state to the open state based on the judgment of the customer registered in advance,
   The key opening / closing apparatus using the business support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is history information obtained by acquiring face information of a third party.
10. A controller of an electrical appliance using the business support device,
    The appliance controller using the business support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is a setting of the appliance desired by the customer.
11. A play facility providing system using the business support device,
    The amusement facility providing system using the business support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is information in which an action of the customer is recorded.
12. A service facility providing system using the business support device,
    The service facility providing system using the business support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the credit information is an order history of the customer.
13. In the business support system that supports the work of the person in charge using the biometric information extracted from the customer,
    A server connectable with a plurality of business support devices according to any one of claims 1 to 4 via a network;
    Each business support device transmits the biological information stored in the biological information storage means to the server,
    A business support system in which the server transmits each received biometric information to a biometric information storage unit included in the plurality of business support devices.
    
    

Images