WO2022091237A1

WO2022091237A1 - Server device, information providing system, information providing method, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2022091237A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/040354
Authority: WO
Inventors: 翼荻窪
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2020-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2022-05-05
Also published as: JPWO2022091237A1

Abstract

Provided is a server device for providing information that is more beneficial to users. This server device is provided with a user registration unit, a determining unit, a recommendation information generating unit, and a transmitting unit. The user registration unit registers, in a first database, biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users. The determining unit determines whether biometric information of a person photographed by signage is registered in the first database. When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, the recommendation information generating unit generates recommendation information on the basis of the hometown information of the registrant. The transmitting unit transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage.

Description

Server device, information provision system, information provision method and storage medium

The present invention relates to a server device, an information providing system, an information providing method, and a storage medium.

In recent years, various services using biometric information have begun to spread. For example, face recognition is used for hotel check-in procedures.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an information display device capable of identifying surrounding individuals and displaying individual information to a plurality of individuals at the same time is provided. The information display system of Patent Document 1 includes an information display device and a server. The information display device includes an imaging unit that captures a user's face image and a display unit that displays an individual display screen according to the user. The server generates an individual display screen based on the user authentication unit that authenticates the user based on the face image, the individual information acquisition unit that acquires individual information from the registered user terminal, and the information related to the acquired individual information. It has a display screen generation unit and a display screen generation unit.

In recent years, digital signage that provides information to users using images and images has become widespread (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2018-017924 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-049003

As mentioned above, information may be provided to users using digital signage. At that time, if the user can be identified by biometric authentication, it is possible to provide more useful information to the user. However, under the present circumstances, it is often the case that the user's name or the like is specified by biometric authentication and a message or the like welcoming the user's visit is output based on the specified name.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, an information providing system, an information providing method, and a storage medium, which contribute to providing more useful information to the user.

According to the first viewpoint of the present invention, the user registration unit that registers the biometric information and the birthplace information of each of the plurality of users in the first database, and the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage are described above. If the determination unit that determines whether or not the information is registered in the database 1 and the person photographed by the signage are registrants registered in the first database, the recommendation information is based on the hometown information of the registrant. A server device is provided that includes a recommendation information generation unit that generates the information, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the server device includes a signage and a server device connected to the signage, and the server device stores biometric information and hometown information of each of a plurality of users in a first database. The user registration unit to be registered, the determination unit for determining whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database, and the person photographed by the signage are the first. In the case of a registrant registered in the database, a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant and a transmission unit that transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage. An information provision system is provided, including.

According to the third viewpoint of the present invention, in the server device, the biometric information and the birthplace information of each of the plurality of users are registered in the first database, and the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is the first. It is determined whether or not it is registered in the database, and if the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, recommendation information is generated based on the hometown information of the registrant, and the generation is performed. An information providing method for transmitting the recommended recommendation information to the signage is provided.

According to the fourth viewpoint of the present invention, the process of registering the biometric information and the birthplace information of each of a plurality of users in the first database in the computer mounted on the server device, and the living body of the person photographed by the signage. Based on the process of determining whether or not the information is registered in the first database and the hometown information of the registrant when the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database. Provided is a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for executing a process of generating recommendation information and a process of transmitting the generated recommendation information to the signage.

According to each viewpoint of the present invention, a server device, an information providing system, an information providing method, and a storage medium that contribute to providing more useful information to the user are provided. The effect of the present invention is not limited to the above. According to the present invention, other effects may be produced in place of or in combination with the effect.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the schematic structure of the information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the signage which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the signage which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing configuration of the server apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the user registration part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the registrant information database which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the table information which associated the postal code and store information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing structure of the signage which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the schematic structure of the information provision system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the signage which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the signage which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing configuration of the server apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reservation information database which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing configuration of the authentication terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the authentication terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the authentication terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the authentication terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the information provision system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing configuration of the server apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the recommendation information management database which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the recommendation result evaluation information which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. It is a figure which shows an example of the schematic structure of the information provision system which concerns on the modification of the present disclosure. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the signage which concerns on the modification of the present disclosure.

First, the outline of one embodiment will be explained. It should be noted that the drawing reference reference numerals added to this outline are added to each element for convenience as an example for assisting understanding, and the description of this outline is not intended to limit anything. Further, unless otherwise specified, the blocks described in each drawing represent not the configuration of hardware units but the configuration of functional units. The connecting lines between the blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional. The one-way arrow schematically shows the flow of the main signal (data), and does not exclude bidirectionality. In the present specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals may be given to elements that can be similarly described, so that duplicate description may be omitted.

The server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a user registration unit 101, a determination unit 102, a recommendation information generation unit 103, and a transmission unit 104 (see FIG. 1). The user registration unit 101 registers the biometric information and the birthplace information of each of the plurality of users in the first database. The determination unit 102 determines whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database. If the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, the recommendation information generation unit 103 generates recommendation information based on the registrant's hometown information. The transmission unit 104 transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage.

The server device 100 generates recommendation information according to the place of origin of the user photographed by the signage. The server device 100 grasps in advance the stores and the like preferred by people from a specific area, and recommends the stores and the like that are likely to satisfy tourists seeking information. By visiting the recommended stores according to the recommended information, the user can use the stores according to his / her hobbies and tastes without knowing the characteristics of each store operating in the tourist destination of the travel destination. That is, the user can receive useful information from the information providing system.

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

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information providing system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the information providing system includes a server device 10 and a signage 20.

The information provision system is a system that provides information to tourists who visit tourist spots. Specifically, the information provision system provides information to tourists who visit tourist spots by means of transportation such as railroads and airplanes.

The server device 10 is a server managed and operated by a tourist association or the like in a tourist resort. Alternatively, the server device 10 may be managed and operated by a travel agency or the like. The server device 10 may be a server installed in a tourist association building or a server installed on the cloud.

Signage 20 is a terminal installed at stations, airports, ports, etc. near tourist spots. In the first embodiment, the signage 20 is described as a terminal installed in the premises of a station. The signage 20 operates as a digital signage that provides information to the user.

The server device 10 and the signage 20 are connected via a network. The server device 10 and the signage 20 are connected by a wired or wireless communication means.

The configuration of FIG. 2 is an example, and does not mean to limit the configuration of the information providing system disclosed in the present application. For example, the system may include two or more server devices 10 or may include two or more signage 20s. Alternatively, the functions of the server device 10 and the signage 20 may be integrated, and the service may be provided by the integrated device.

[Overview of system operation]
A user who is planning to visit a tourist spot inputs information (user registration, system registration) to the server device 10. The user inputs his / her own "personal information" into the server device 10 by using a terminal such as a smartphone or a personal computer owned by the user. Specifically, the user inputs information such as a name, gender, age, and contact information (for example, a telephone number and an e-mail address) into the server device 10.

In addition, the user inputs information about his / her hometown (hereinafter referred to as hometown information) into the server device 10. Examples of the place of origin information include an address of the place of origin, a part of the address (prefecture name, city name, etc.), a zip code, and a local name (for example, Kanto, Kansai). In the first embodiment, the postal code is treated as hometown information and explained.

Further, the user registers his / her own biometric information in the server device 10. The biometric information of the user exemplifies data (feature amount) calculated from physical characteristics peculiar to an individual such as a face, a fingerprint, a voice print, a vein, a retina, and an iris pattern (pattern) of the pupil. Alternatively, the biometric information of the user may be image data such as a face image and a fingerprint image. The biometric information of the user may be any information that includes the physical characteristics of the user. In the first embodiment, a face image or a feature amount generated from the face image will be described as biometric information.

The server device 10 stores the user's biological information and personal information (personal information including hometown information) in association with each other.

Tourists arriving at the station move in front of the signage 20 installed on the premises of the station. The signage 20 photographs the tourist and transmits biometric information to the server device 10.

The server device 10 determines whether or not the tourist standing in front of the signage 20 (the tourist photographed by the signage 20) is a user who has input information to the server device 10 in advance. Specifically, the server device 10 makes the above determination by collation processing using the acquired biometric information. The server device 10 determines whether or not the tourist standing in front of the signage 20 is a person who has registered personal information in the server device 10 in advance by collation processing.

In the following description, the user who has registered personal information or the like in the server device 10 will be referred to as a "registrant". A user who has not registered personal information or the like in the server device 10 is referred to as a "non-registered person".

If the tourist standing in front of the signage 20 is a registrant, the server device 10 generates "recommendation information" based on the hometown information of the registrant. For example, if the registrant is from Kansai, the server device 10 generates recommendation information including information on a store that provides a hobby, a meal, etc. that suits the hobby of the person from Kansai. Similarly, if the registrant is from Kanto, the server device 10 generates recommendation information including information on a store that provides a service suitable for the person from Kanto. The recommendation information may include other information in addition to the store information. For example, the name of the registrant, the place of origin information, and the like may be included in the recommendation information. Alternatively, the recommendation information may include a brief description of the recommended store (for example, the content of the meal to be provided; a sushi restaurant, a steak restaurant, etc.) and PR (Public Relations) information of the recommended store.

The server device 10 transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage 20.

Signage 20 provides information based on the received recommendation information. The signage 20 displays, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 to the registrant. When the signage 20 receives the postal code as hometown information, the signage 20 identifies the corresponding prefecture name or the like from the postal code and displays it as shown in FIG. The signage 20 may also display a brief description of the recommended store and PR information acquired from the server device 10.

If the tourist standing in front of the signage 20 is a non-registered person, the server device 10 transmits general-purpose recommendation information (predetermined information) to the signage 20. In this case, the signage 20 displays, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 provides routine tourist information and the like to tourists who have not registered in advance. For example, the signage 20 displays information about tourist facilities and the like as shown in FIG.

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

[Server device]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a user registration unit 202, a determination unit 203, a recommendation information generation unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the signage 20. Further, the communication control unit 201 transmits data to the signage 20. The communication control unit 201 passes the data received from the other device to the other processing module. The communication control unit 201 transmits the data acquired from the other processing module to the other device. In this way, the other processing module transmits / receives data to / from the other device via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 includes a function as a receiving unit for receiving biometric information from the signage 20 and a function as a transmitting unit for transmitting the generated recommendation information to the signage 20.

The user registration unit 202 is a means for pre-registering users (tourists to tourist spots). The user registration unit 202 registers the biometric information and the place of origin information of each of the plurality of users in the registrant information database (first database).

The user registration unit 202 acquires personal information including hometown information and biometric information from the user. The user registration unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for acquiring personal information and biometric information, an input form, and the like on the terminal according to the access from the terminal used by the user.

For example, the user registration unit 202 uses a GUI as shown in FIG. 6 to provide personal information (for example, name, gender, date of birth, telephone number, e-mail address, hometown information), and biometric information (for example) of the user. For example, a face image) is acquired. Regarding the registration of biometric information (face image), a file may be selected as shown in FIG. 6, or the user operates the terminal to acquire his / her own face image (so-called self-portrait) and the server. It may be transmitted to the device 10.

The user registration unit 202 generates a feature amount (feature vector composed of a plurality of feature amounts) from the acquired face image.

Specifically, the user registration unit 202 extracts feature points from the acquired face image. Since existing techniques can be used for the feature point extraction process, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the user registration unit 202 extracts eyes, nose, mouth, and the like as feature points from the face image. After that, the user registration unit 202 calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as a feature amount, and generates a feature vector (vector information that characterizes the face image) composed of a plurality of feature amounts.

When the feature amount is generated, the user registration unit 202 adds a new entry to the registrant information database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a registrant information database. As shown in FIG. 7, the registrant information database includes fields for storing registrant ID, biometric information (feature amount), and personal information (name, e-mail address, zip code, etc.). The registrant ID is numbered when a new entry is added to the registrant information database. The registrant is uniquely identified by the registrant ID. Note that FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which a zip code is stored as hometown information.

The registrant information database shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and does not mean to limit the information stored in the registrant information database. For example, the face image may be stored in the registrant information database in place of or in addition to the feature amount.

The determination unit 203 is a means for determining whether or not the person photographed by the signage 20 is a registrant. The determination unit 203 determines whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage 20 is registered in the registrant information database. The determination unit 203 receives biometric information (face image) from the signage 20. The determination unit 203 generates a feature amount from the received biological information.

The determination unit 203 sets the generated feature amount as the feature amount on the collating side and the feature amount stored in the registrant information database as the feature amount on the registered side, and executes one-to-N matching (N is positive). Integer, the same below). Specifically, the determination unit 203 calculates the degree of similarity between the matching side and the feature quantities of each of the plurality of registered sides. For the similarity, a chi-square distance, an Euclidean distance, or the like can be used. The farther the distance is, the lower the similarity is, and the closer the distance is, the higher the similarity is.

The determination unit 203 determines whether or not there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be collated is equal to or higher than a predetermined value among the plurality of feature amounts registered in the registrant information database. When such a feature amount does not exist, the determination unit 203 determines that the person photographed by the signage 20 is not a registrant (determines as a non-registrant).

When the above-mentioned feature amount exists, the determination unit 203 determines that the person photographed by the signage 20 is a registrant. In this case, the determination unit 203 identifies the entry having the highest degree of similarity among the entries in the registrant information database.

If the determined person (the person photographed by the signage 20) is the registrant, the determination unit 203 passes the information of the entry of the specified registrant information database to the recommendation information generation unit 204. On the other hand, if the determined person is not a registrant, the determination unit 203 notifies the recommendation information generation unit 204 to that effect.

In this way, the determination unit 203 performs a collation process in which the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage 20 is set on the collation side and a plurality of biometric information registered in the registrant database is set on the registrant side, and the determined person is the registrant. Judge whether or not. When the determined person is a registrant, the determination unit 203 delivers the information (personal information) of the registrant to the recommendation information generation unit 204.

The recommendation information generation unit 204 is a means for generating recommendation information. If the person photographed by the signage 20 is a registrant registered in the registrant information database, the recommendation information generation unit 204 generates recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant.

For example, the recommendation information generation unit 204 selects a recommended store based on the place of origin information from a plurality of stores participating in the information provision system. More specifically, the recommendation information generation unit 204 selects a store that is expected to suit the hobby and taste of the registrant from the stores in the tourist resort. The recommendation information generation unit 204 uses the hometown information of the registrant to select the store.

The recommendation information generation unit 204 selects a store to be recommended to the registrant by an arbitrary method using the place of origin information. For example, the recommendation information generation unit 204 may select a store to be recommended by referring to the table information in which the zip code and the store information are associated, as shown in FIG. The store information includes a store ID, map information that clearly indicates the location of the store, homepage address information, a telephone number, an e-mail address, and the like. The store ID is identification information that uniquely identifies a store that participates in the information providing system. The store ID is shared between the server device 10 and each store participating in the information providing system. In FIG. 8 and the like, the store name is described as the store ID for easy understanding.

The system administrator or the like generates table information as shown in FIG. 8 in advance in consideration of the tastes of people from a specific area and the characteristics of each store. For example, the system administrator selects a store that offers a lightly seasoned meal because people from Kansai prefer a light taste, and a store that offers a strong seasoned meal because people from Kanto prefer a strong taste. Generate table information.

Alternatively, each store may provide the system with regional information of the customer who is the main target of the store. For example, the store A itself may provide information such as "Store A is for the Kanto region" to the system. The system administrator or the like may generate table information as shown in FIG. 8 using the provided information.

Alternatively, the recommendation information generation unit 204 may select a store to recommend to the registrant using a learning model obtained by machine learning. For example, the system administrator conducts a questionnaire to the users of each store. At that time, the system administrator acquires the hometown information of the questionnaire respondent and the evaluation (satisfied, normal, dissatisfied) of the store. The system administrator treats the hometown information and the answer result (store name) of the questionnaire respondents who answered "satisfied" as teacher data, causes the computer to perform machine learning, and generates a learning model. The system administrator implements the generated learning model on the server device 10.

The recommendation information generation unit 204 may acquire the store recommended to the registrant by inputting the hometown information of the registrant into the learning model. Any algorithm such as a support vector machine, boosting, or a neural network can be used to generate the learning model. Since known techniques can be used for algorithms such as the support vector machine, the description thereof will be omitted.

The recommendation information generation unit 204 generates recommendation information including store information (store ID, map information, etc.) of the selected store and information about the registrant (name, registrant ID, etc.).

The recommendation information generation unit 204 generates recommendation information including predetermined standard information if the person to be judged is not a registrant. For example, as the standard information, tourist information on scenic spots and the like, information on stores operating in tourist spots, and the like are exemplified. As described above, the recommendation information generation unit 204 may generate recommendation information including tourist information when the person photographed by the signage 20 is a non-registered person who is not registered in the registrant information database.

The recommendation information generation unit 204 transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage 20 via the communication control unit 201.

The storage unit 205 stores information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. A registrant information database is constructed in the storage unit 205.

[signage]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the signage 20 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the signage 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a biometric information acquisition unit 302, a message output unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. Further, the communication control unit 301 transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes the data received from the other device to the other processing module. The communication control unit 301 transmits the data acquired from the other processing module to the other device. In this way, the other processing module transmits / receives data to / from other devices via the communication control unit 301.

The biometric information acquisition unit 302 is a means for controlling the camera and acquiring the biometric information (face image) of the user. The biological information acquisition unit 302 images the front of the own device at regular intervals or at predetermined timings. The biological information acquisition unit 302 determines whether or not the acquired image includes a human face image, and if the acquired image includes a face image, extracts the face image from the acquired image data.

Since the existing technique can be used for the face image detection process and the face image extraction process by the biological information acquisition unit 302, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the biological information acquisition unit 302 may extract a face image (face region) from the image data by using a learning model learned by CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the biological information acquisition unit 302 may extract a face image by using a technique such as template matching.

The biometric information acquisition unit 302 transmits the extracted face image to the server device 10 via the communication control unit 301.

The message output unit 303 is a means for outputting various messages to users (registrants, non-registrants). For example, when the message output unit 303 acquires the recommendation information regarding the registrant, the message output unit 303 displays as shown in FIG. Further, when the message output unit 303 acquires the recommendation information regarding the non-registered person, the message output unit 303 displays as shown in FIG.

The storage unit 304 stores information necessary for the operation of the signage 20.

[System operation]
Subsequently, the operation of the information providing system according to the first embodiment will be described. The operation will be described when information is provided to the user. The explanation of the system operation related to user registration is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing system according to the first embodiment.

The signage 20 acquires the biometric information of the user in front of him and transmits the biometric information to the server device 10 (step S01).

The server device 10 uses the acquired biometric information to execute a determination process regarding whether or not the person photographed by the signage 20 is a registrant who has registered as a user in advance (step S02).

The server device 10 generates recommendation information to be transmitted to the signage 20 (step S03). Specifically, if the person to be determined (the user photographed by the signage 20) is a registrant, the server device 10 generates recommendation information based on the place of origin of the registrant. If the subject is not a registrant, the server device 10 generates recommendation information including predetermined standard information.

The server device 10 transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage 20 (step S04).

The signage 20 provides information based on the received recommendation information (step S05). When the recommendation information regarding the registrant is received, the signage 20 provides the information as shown in FIG. When the recommendation information regarding the non-registered person is received, the signage 20 provides the information as shown in FIG.

As described above, in the information providing system according to the first embodiment, the server device 10 generates recommendation information according to the birthplace of the user (tourist) photographed by the signage 20. The server device 10 grasps in advance the stores preferred by people from a specific area by using the table information and learning model shown in FIG. 8, and recommends stores that are highly likely to satisfy tourists seeking information. By visiting the recommended stores according to the recommended information, tourists can use the stores according to their own hobbies and tastes without knowing the characteristics of each store operating in the tourist destination of the destination. That is, the user can receive useful information from the information providing system.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the first embodiment, the case where the signage 20 provides information to the user (registrant, non-registered person) based on the recommendation information received from the server device 10 has been described.

In the second embodiment, the case where the registrant reserves the store recommended by the signage 20 will be described.

Since the processing configuration of the signage 20 according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the differences between the first and second embodiments will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information providing system according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the authentication terminal 30 is added to the system configuration according to the first embodiment.

The authentication terminal 30 is a terminal installed at the storefront of each store. The authentication terminal 30 requests the server device 10 to perform biometric authentication of the customer who has visited the store. More specifically, the authentication terminal 30 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information of the visitor to the server device 10.

Similar to the first embodiment, the server device 10 according to the second embodiment provides information to the user. When providing information to the registrant, the message output unit 303 of the signage 20 displays a GUI as shown in FIG.

The message output unit 303 uses a GUI as shown in FIG. 12 to acquire whether or not a tourist (registrant) wishes to make a reservation for a store recommended by the system. When the registrant wishes to make a reservation for the recommended store, the message output unit 303 acquires reservation information from the user using a GUI as shown in FIG.

If the message output unit 303 cannot detect the reservation request operation (pressing the reservation button) from the user within a predetermined period, the user handles that the user does not want to make a reservation for the recommended store. Alternatively, when the biometric information acquisition unit 302 acquires the biometric information of a person different from the user who recommended the store, the message output unit 303 states that the user does not want to reserve the recommended store. You may judge. Alternatively, the message output unit 303 may display a button (for example, a cancel button) in FIG. 12 that allows the user to input that he / she does not want to make a reservation. When the message output unit 303 determines that the user does not want to make a reservation for the recommended store, the message output unit 303 erases the GUI as shown in FIG. 12 and displays the initial setting screen and the like.

When the user wishes to reserve a recommended store, the message output unit 303 transmits a reservation registration request including the store ID of the store to be reserved, the registrant ID of the reservation person, and the acquired reservation information to the server device 10. (See FIG. 11).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the reservation management unit 206 is added to the configuration of the server device 10 according to the first embodiment.

The reservation management unit 206 is a means for managing and controlling the reservation status of each store. The reservation management unit 206 acquires a reservation registration request regarding the reservation of the recommended store from the signage 20 (the signage 20 that has received the recommendation information including the information about the recommended store), and manages the reservation of the recommended store.

The reservation management unit 206 manages the reservation status using the reservation information database. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation information database. When accepting a reservation for a recommended store, the reservation management unit 206 makes a reservation by associating the registrant ID of the registrant who reserved the recommended store with the reservation information (store ID, reservation date, reservation time zone, number of people) of the recommended store. Store in the information database (second database).

Referring to FIG. 15, the reservation information database includes a field for storing the store ID of the reserved store, the registrant ID of the reservation person, and the reservation information (reservation date, reservation time, number of reservations, etc.).

The reservation management unit 206 receives the reservation registration request from the signage 20. The reservation management unit 206 processes the reservation registration request. Specifically, the reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not to accept the reservation registration from the signage 20.

The reservation management unit 206 retrieves the store ID to be reserved, the registrant ID of the reservation person, and the reservation information from the reservation registration request. The reservation management unit 206 refers to the reservation information database and counts the number of reserved people in the reservation date and reservation time zone at the store to be reserved. For example, in the example of FIG. 15, the reservation date “Y1 / M1 / D1” of the store A and the reservation number of people in the reservation time zone 12: 00-14: 00 are counted as five people.

The reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not to make a reservation based on the number of people that can be accommodated in each store, the number of people reserved, and the number of people reserved in the reservation information obtained from the signage 20. If the total value of the reserved number of people and the acquired reserved number of people is less than or equal to the number of people that can be accommodated, the reservation management unit 206 determines that the reservation can be accepted. If the total value exceeds the number of people that can be accommodated, the reservation management unit 206 determines that the reservation cannot be accepted.

The system administrator or the like registers the number of people that can be stored in each store in the server device 10 in advance. The reservation management unit 206 may determine whether or not to accept the reservation by using the information input in advance.

When the reservation management unit 206 accepts the reservation registration request from the signage 20, the reservation information, the store ID, and the registrant ID included in the request are added to the reservation information database. When accepting the reservation, the reservation management unit 206 sends an acknowledgment to that effect to the signage 20. When the reservation is rejected, the reservation management unit 206 sends a negative response to that effect to the signage 20.

The message output unit 303 of the signage 20 displays according to the response (reservation acceptance, reservation refusal) to the reservation registration request. In the case of accepting a reservation, the message output unit 303 outputs a message such as "Reservation is completed." If the reservation is rejected, the message output unit 303 outputs a message such as "The reservation could not be made. Please select another date and time."

Further, the reservation management unit 206 processes the authentication request received from the authentication terminal 30. The reservation management unit 206 performs biometric authentication using the biometric information included in the authentication request. The reservation management unit 206 acquires the biometric information of the person to be authenticated from the authentication terminal 30 installed in the recommended store, and performs the biometric authentication of the person to be authenticated using the registrant information database and the reservation information database.

The reservation management unit 206 retrieves the biometric information (face image) included in the authentication request. The reservation management unit 206 generates a feature amount from the face image. The reservation management unit 206 sets the generated feature amount as the feature amount on the collation side and the feature amount stored in the registrant information database as the feature amount on the registration side, and executes one-to-N collation. Specifically, the reservation management unit 206 calculates the degree of similarity between the matching side and the feature quantities of each of the plurality of registered sides.

The reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be collated is equal to or higher than a predetermined value among the plurality of feature amounts registered in the registrant information database. If such a feature does not exist, the reservation management unit 206 determines that the authentication has failed. For example, when a tourist (non-registered person) who has not registered personal information or the like in the server device 10 is a person to be authenticated, the authentication failure may occur.

When the above-mentioned feature quantity exists, the reservation management unit 206 verifies the validity of the person to be authenticated regarding the visit to the store. In this case, the reservation management unit 206 identifies the entry having the highest degree of similarity among the entries in the registrant information database. The reservation management unit 206 retrieves the store ID from the authentication request. The reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not the combination of the retrieved store ID and the registrant ID of the specified entry is registered in the reservation information database. That is, the reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not the authenticated person has visited the reserved store.

If the above combination (store ID, registrant ID) is not registered in the reservation information database, the reservation management unit 206 determines that the person to be authenticated visits the store is unreasonable. In this case, the reservation management unit 206 sets the result of the authentication process to "authentication failure". Such an authentication failure may occur when a user who has registered the system reserves a recommended store, but visits a store different from the store where the reservation was actually made.

If the above combination is registered in the reservation information database, the reservation management unit 206 confirms the reservation information obtained from the corresponding entry in the reservation information database and the visit date and time of the authenticated person, and the reservation person visits the store at the correct reservation date and time. Judge whether or not it is done. That is, the reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not the visit time of the authenticated person is appropriate.

If the reservation person does not come to the store on the correct reservation date and time, the reservation management unit 206 determines that the person to be authenticated visits the store is unreasonable. In this case, the reservation management unit 206 sets the result of the authentication process to "authentication failure".

If the person who made the reservation came to the store on the correct reservation date and time, the reservation management unit 206 determines that the person to be authenticated has come to the store. In this case, the reservation management unit 206 sets the result of the authentication process to "authentication success".

In this way, the reservation management unit 206 identifies the registrant ID of the authenticated person using the registrant information database. The reservation management unit 206 identifies the reservation information of the authenticated person from the entry of the reservation information database corresponding to the specified registrant ID. The reservation management unit 206 determines whether or not the authenticated person visits the reserved store at the reserved date and time based on the specified reservation information. The reservation management unit 206 determines that the biometric authentication is successful when the visit of the person to be authenticated is appropriate (matches the reservation information).

The reservation management unit 206 transmits the authentication result to the authentication terminal 30.

If the authentication is successful, the reservation management unit 206 sends an acknowledgment including the name of the reservation person to the authentication terminal 30. The reservation management unit 206 may send an acknowledgment including the reservation information of the reservation person to the authentication terminal 30. The reservation management unit 206 can obtain the name and the like of the reservation person by searching the registrant information database using the registrant ID as a key.

If the authentication fails, the reservation management unit 206 sends a negative response to that effect to the authentication terminal 30. At that time, the reservation management unit 206 may include the factor determined to be the authentication failure in the negative response. For example, the reservation management unit 206 authenticates a negative response including factors such as "the person to be authenticated is not registered in the system", "visited a store other than the reserved store", and "visited a store on a date and time different from the reserved date and time". It may be transmitted to the terminal 30.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the authentication terminal 30 according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, the authentication terminal 30 includes a communication control unit 401, a biometric information acquisition unit 402, an authentication request unit 403, a message output unit 404, and a storage unit 405.

The communication control unit 401 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 401 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. Further, the communication control unit 401 transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 passes the data received from the other device to the other processing module. The communication control unit 401 transmits the data acquired from the other processing module to the other device. In this way, the other processing module transmits / receives data to / from other devices via the communication control unit 401.

The biometric information acquisition unit 402 acquires the biometric information (face image) of the user in the same manner as the biometric information acquisition unit 302 of the signage 20. The biological information acquisition unit 402 delivers the extracted face image to the authentication request unit 403.

The authentication request unit 403 is a means for requesting the user's authentication from the server device 10. Specifically, the authentication request unit 403 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information of the person to be authenticated to the server device 10. The authentication request unit 403 transmits an authentication request including a store ID corresponding to the store in which the own device is installed and a face image of the person to be authenticated to the server device 10.

The authentication request unit 403 passes the response (affirmative response, negative response) to the authentication request acquired from the server device 10 to the message output unit 404.

The message output unit 404 outputs a message or the like according to the authentication result.

For example, when the authentication result is successful, the message output unit 404 displays a message or the like that welcomes the visitor (reservation person) (see FIG. 17). On the other hand, when the authentication result is authentication failure, the message output unit 404 displays a message or the like asking the visitor to wait outside the store (see FIG. 18).

Regardless of the authentication result, it is desirable that the message output unit 404 notify the store clerk of the customer's visit. When notifying the store clerk of the message, the message output unit 404 may use a speaker or the like installed in the store.

The message output unit 404 may change the content of the message to be output based on the cause of the authentication failure included in the negative response. For example, the message output unit 404 outputs a message as shown in FIG. 18 when the cause of the authentication failure is "the person to be authenticated is not registered in the system" or "visited a store other than the reserved store". The message output unit 404 may output a message as shown in FIG. 19 when the cause of the authentication failure is "visited at a date and time different from the reserved date and time".

The storage unit 405 stores information necessary for the operation of the authentication terminal 30.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing system according to the second embodiment. The description of the operation related to the processing of the reservation registration request transmitted from the signage 20 will be omitted. The operation when processing the authentication request transmitted from the authentication terminal 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 20.

When the authentication terminal 30 takes a picture of the user in front of him, he / she transmits an authentication request including a face image of the user to the server device 10 (step S11).

The server device 10 determines whether or not the person to be authenticated is a registrant who has registered the system in advance (step S12). If the person to be authenticated is not pre-registered (step S12, No branch), the server device 10 sets the authentication result to authentication failure (step S15).

If the authenticated person is pre-registered (step S12, Yes branch), the server device 10 determines whether or not the authenticated person has visited the reserved store (step S13). If the person to be authenticated has not visited the reserved store (step S13, No branch), the server device 10 sets the authentication result to authentication failure (step S15).

If the authenticated person has visited the reserved store (step S13, Yes branch), the server device 10 determines whether the visited time of the authenticated person is appropriate (step S14). If the person to be authenticated does not come to the store at the reserved time and the time to visit the store by the person to be authenticated is unreasonable (step S14, No branch), the server device 10 sets the authentication result to authentication failure (step S15).

If the visit time of the authenticated person is appropriate (step S14, Yes branch; the authenticated person visits the store within the reserved time or a predetermined time before the reserved time), the server device 10 sets the authentication result to the authentication success. (Step S16).

The server device 10 transmits the authentication result to the authentication terminal 30 (step S17).

The authentication terminal 30 displays or the like according to the authentication result (step S18). For example, if the server device 20 succeeds in authentication, the authentication terminal 30 displays as shown in FIG. If the server device 20 fails to authenticate, the authentication terminal 30 displays as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

As described above, in the information providing system according to the second embodiment, it is possible to make a reservation for a recommended store at signage 20. As a result, it is not necessary for the user to contact the recommended store and make a reservation, which improves the convenience of the user.

[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the first embodiment, it was explained that a store or the like is recommended to a user who has registered the system in advance based on the area of origin of the user. In the second embodiment, it has been described that the user makes a reservation for the recommended store.

In the third embodiment, the evaluation of the recommended store will be described.

Since the configuration of the information providing system according to the third embodiment can be the same as the configuration of the information providing system according to the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Further, since the processing configuration of the signage 20 and the authentication terminal 30 according to the third embodiment can be the same as those of the first and second embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the differences between the first to third embodiments will be described.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 21, the evaluation information generation unit 207 is added to the configuration of the server device 10 according to the second embodiment.

When the recommendation information generation unit 204 of the server device 10 according to the third embodiment recommends a store to the user, the details are stored in the recommendation information management database.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation information management database. Referring to FIG. 22, the recommendation information management database includes a field for storing the registrant ID of the registrant who has received the recommendation of the store, and a field for storing the hometown information of the registrant. Further, the recommendation information management database includes a field for storing the store ID of the recommended store, a reservation field for indicating whether or not the recommended store has been reserved, a reservation result field for indicating whether or not the reserved store has been visited, and an evaluation field. Etc. are provided. The evaluation field is a field for storing the user's evaluation regarding the store that received the service (reserved store). For example, a three-level evaluation such as "good", "normal", and "bad" is stored in the field.

When the recommendation information generation unit 204 recommends a store to the user, the recommendation information generation unit 204 adds a new entry to the recommendation information management database. For example, when the store B is recommended to a person whose registrant ID is "ID_A41", the entry at the bottom is added to the recommendation information management database shown in FIG. That is, when the recommendation information generation unit 204 recommends a store, the recommendation information is associated with the registrant ID of the registrant, the hometown information used for generating the recommendation information, and the store ID of the recommended store. Store in the management database.

When the reservation management unit 206 receives the reservation registration request for the recommended store, it stores "reserved" in the reservation field of the corresponding entry in the recommendation information management database shown in FIG. In FIG. 22, "○" indicates that there is a reservation, and "x" indicates that there is no reservation.

When the reservation management unit 206 receives the authentication request from the authentication terminal 30 and returns an authentication success (affirmative response) to the request, the reservation manager 206 enters the reservation result field of the corresponding entry in the recommendation information management database. Remember the fact that he came to the store. In FIG. 22, the fact that the reservation person has visited the store is indicated by “◯”, and the state in which the reservation person has not visited the store is indicated by “−”.

If the authentication is successful, the reservation management unit 206 sends a questionnaire response request to the successful authentication person (the person to be authenticated who is determined to be successful in the authentication). Specifically, the reservation management unit 206 searches the registrant information database using the registrant ID of the successful authentication person as a key, and acquires the contact information (email address) of the successful authentication person. The reservation management unit 206 sends a questionnaire response request to the contact.

Upon receiving the questionnaire response request, the user's terminal displays the GUI as shown in FIG. 23 and obtains the user's evaluation. The user's terminal transmits the acquired evaluation result to the server device 10. Since a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like can be used as the user's terminal, the description of the configuration and the like will be omitted.

The reservation management unit 206 identifies the respondents to the questionnaire from the sender's e-mail address, etc., and stores the evaluation results in the evaluation field of the corresponding entry in the recommendation information management database. In this way, the reservation management unit 206 stores in the recommendation information management database whether or not the registrant has made a reservation for the recommended store and the evaluation of the registrant regarding the recommended store.

The evaluation information generation unit 207 is a means for generating recommendation result evaluation information for evaluating store recommendations by the server device 10. The evaluation information generation unit 207 refers to the recommendation information management database (third database) and generates recommendation result evaluation information for evaluating the recommendation information generated by the recommendation information generation unit 204.

The evaluation information generation unit 207 generates recommendation result evaluation information at an explicit request from a system administrator or the like, at regular intervals or at predetermined timings.

For example, the evaluation information generation unit 207 calculates the store reservation rate for each hometown information and the recommended store satisfaction rate for each hometown information by referring to the recommended information management database. The evaluation information generation unit 207 calculates at least one of the store reservation rate and the recommended store satisfaction rate.

For example, the evaluation information generation unit 207 calculates the ratio of reservations for recommended stores according to the place of origin information as the store reservation rate. In the example of FIG. 22, store A is recommended 10 times to 10 registrants with the zip code "001-00X1". Since the reservation is made 8 times out of the 10 recommendations, the evaluation information generation unit 207 calculates the store reservation rate as 80%.

In addition, the reservation person visited store A 7 times out of 8 reservations, and 6 answers were obtained for 7 questionnaire response requests. Of the 6 evaluation results, the evaluation result of "good" is 4, so the evaluation information generation unit 207 sets the recommended store satisfaction rate of the store A recommended according to the zip code "001-00X1" to 67%. calculate.

The evaluation information generation unit 207 repeats the above calculation for each place of origin information (zip code) and generates recommendation result evaluation information. The evaluation information generation unit 207 collectively generates recommendation result evaluation information by collecting the store ID, store reservation rate, and recommended store satisfaction of the recommended store for each place of origin information (see FIG. 24).

The evaluation information generation unit 207 provides the generated recommendation result evaluation information to the system administrator and the like. For example, the evaluation information generation unit 207 displays the information on a liquid crystal monitor or the like, or prints the information. Alternatively, the evaluation information generation unit 207 may send the information to a predetermined e-mail address or the like.

The system administrator, etc. refers to the provided recommendation result evaluation information and performs necessary improvement work. For example, the system administrator or the like performs work such as reviewing the recommended store for the hometown information having a low store reservation rate or recommended store satisfaction rate. The system administrator or the like reflects the result of reviewing the recommended stores in the table information as shown in FIG.

Alternatively, the learning model may be relearned based on the recommendation result evaluation information.

As described above, in the information providing system according to the third embodiment, the recommendation result evaluation information for evaluating the recommendation information is generated. By feeding back the evaluation information to the store recommendation, the system administrator or the like can recommend a store that is more suitable for the user's preference.

Next, the hardware of each device that constitutes the information provision system will be explained. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and includes the configuration illustrated in FIG. 25. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, a communication interface 314, and the like. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

However, the configuration shown in FIG. 25 does not mean to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware (not shown) or may not include an input / output interface 313 if necessary. Further, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not limited to the example of FIG. 25, and for example, a plurality of processors 311 may be included in the server device 10.

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

The memory 312 is a RAM (RandomAccessMemory), a ROM (ReadOnlyMemory), an HDD (HardDiskDrive), an SSD (SolidStateDrive), or the like. The memory 312 stores an OS program, an application program, and various data.

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

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

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

Note that the signage 20 and the authentication terminal 30 can also be configured by an information processing device like the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration thereof is not different from that of the server device 10, so the description thereof will be omitted. The signage 20 and the authentication terminal 30 may be provided with a camera device or the like for photographing the user.

The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the function of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. Further, the server device 10 executes the information providing method by the program.

[Modification example]
The configuration, operation, and the like of the information providing system described in the above embodiment are examples, and are not intended to limit the system configuration and the like.

In the above embodiment, the case where the server device 10 includes a registrant information database and the like has been described. However, the database may be built on a database server different from the server device 10. That is, the information providing system may include various means (user registration unit 202, determination unit 203, etc.) described in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the case where the biometric information related to the "face image" is transmitted from the signage 20 or the authentication terminal 30 to the server device 10 has been described. However, the biometric information related to the "feature amount generated from the face image" may be transmitted from the signage 20 or the authentication terminal 30 to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 does not need to generate the feature amount from the acquired face image.

In the above embodiment, the case where the signage 20 is installed in the premises of a station or the like has been described. However, the installation location of the signage 20 is not limited to the premises of the station or the like. For example, the signage 20 may be installed in a commercial facility near a hotel, a station, or the like, or in each store participating in an information providing system. That is, the recommendation information may be presented at each store (each service provider; restaurant, etc.) instead of the base such as an airport or a station. For example, the following recommended information (for example, a tourist spot) may be presented after the payment is completed. Even in such a case, the server device 10 may generate recommendation information based on the user's hometown information.

In the above embodiment, the case where the server device 10 manages the reservation information of each store has been described. However, a device different from the server device 10 may control and manage the reservation information. In this case, the information providing system may include the reservation server 40 (see FIG. 26). In this case, the server device 10 may transfer the reservation registration request acquired from the signage 20 and the authentication request acquired from the authentication terminal 30 to the reservation server 40 and request processing related to these requests.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 26, the server of each store makes a reservation for its own store, instead of centrally controlling and managing the reservation of the stores participating in the information providing system by one device. You may manage it.

Although the above embodiment has been described on the premise that information is provided to domestic tourists, information may be provided to foreign tourists. In this case, "nationality" may be registered as the hometown information of the user. That is, the server device 10 may determine a store to recommend to foreign tourists according to the country of origin.

In the above embodiment, the case of providing information based on the place of origin of the user (tourist) has been described. However, the information may be provided based on the place of departure of the user. For example, although the place of origin is Kansai, information may be provided to tourists who have lived in Kanto for a long period of time based on the place of departure (Kanto).

Alternatively, the server device 10 may generate recommendation information based on other information in place of or in addition to the hometown information. For example, when the server device 10 can obtain hotel reservation information (name of staying hotel), itinerary (number of days of stay), transportation means for return trip, reason for visiting a sightseeing spot, etc. from the user, the server device 10 can be used for such information. Recommendation information may be generated based on this.

When providing information to the user, the server device 10 may determine the recommendation information in consideration of the time zone and the like. For example, the server device 10 may change the recommended store between daytime and nighttime even if the information is the same as the place of origin.

The signage 20 may display a GUI for providing detailed information on the recommended store (see FIG. 27). When the "details" button shown in FIG. 27 is pressed, the signage 20 may display more detailed information (homepage, telephone number, PR information, recommended menu, etc.) of the recommended store.

In the above embodiment, the case where the server device 10 transmits the recommendation information to the signage 20 has been described. However, the server device 10 may transmit the recommendation information to the terminal possessed by the user (the user photographed by the signage 20) in place of or in addition to the signage 20. In this case, the server device 10 acquires image data from a camera device installed at a station, an airport, or the like, and whether or not a user registered in advance arrives at a tourist spot (the station or airport where the above camera is installed). Is determined. When the user arrives at a tourist spot, the server device 10 may transmit the recommendation information described above to the user's terminal.

In the above embodiment, the case where the user inputs information via the signage 20 has been described. The information input may be performed using a contact-type operation device such as a touch panel, or may be performed by a non-contact method using a microphone or the like. That is, all or part of the information input by the user may be performed by a non-contact method.

When the travel of a passenger visiting a tourist spot is a group trip or a business trip (entertainment trip, work trip), information of multiple users (biological information, hometown information, etc.) is collectively registered in the server device 10. May be done. The user may register the representative of the plurality of users in the server device 10. The server device 10 may store the companion and the representative in a distinguishable manner by, for example, adding a flag to the representative. When the server device 10 detects a companion for whom the representative flag is not set, the server device 10 may generate recommendation information based on the representative information (hometown information). For example, when user A and user B travel, user A is registered as a representative and user B is registered as a companion. For example, the representative is selected as the person to be entertained, and the companion is selected as the person to be entertained. Regardless of whether the server device 10 recognizes the user A or the user B, the server device 10 may generate the recommendation information based on the hometown information of the representative user A.

Companion information may be registered in the reservation of the recommended store shown in FIG. At that time, the signage 20 may acquire the face image of the companion and transmit it to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 and the authentication terminal 30 may be treated as a companion as a reservation person at the recommended store. That is, even if the companion visits the recommended store alone, if the visit time and the like are correct, the authentication is successful and the companion can enter the store.

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

In the flow chart (flow chart, sequence diagram) used in the above description, a plurality of processes (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the processes executed in the embodiment is not limited to the order of description. In the embodiment, the order of the illustrated processes can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents, for example, each process is executed in parallel.

The above embodiment has been described in detail in order to facilitate understanding of the disclosure of the present application, and is not intended to require all the configurations described above. Moreover, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of the embodiment. Further, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with another configuration.

Although the industrial applicability of the present invention is clear from the above description, the present invention is suitable for an information providing system that provides tourists with information about stores (restaurants, retail stores, accommodation facilities, etc.). Applicable to.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described, but not limited to:
[Appendix 1]
The user registration department, which registers the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database.
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant, and a recommendation information generation unit.
A transmission unit that transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage, and
Including server equipment.
[Appendix 2]
The server device according to Appendix 1, wherein the determination unit performs a collation process in which the biometric information of a person photographed by the signage is set on the collation side and a plurality of biometric information registered in the first database is set on the registration side.
[Appendix 3]
The server device according to

Appendix

1 or 2, wherein the recommendation information generation unit generates the recommendation information including tourist information when the person photographed by the signage is a non-registered person who is not registered in the first database. ..
[Appendix 4]
The recommendation information generation unit selects a recommended store based on the place of origin information from a plurality of stores participating in the information providing system, and generates the recommendation information including information on the selected recommended store. The server device according to any one of 3 to 3.
[Appendix 5]
The server according to Appendix 4, further comprising a reservation management unit, which acquires a reservation registration request regarding the reservation of the recommended store from the signage that has received the recommendation information including the information about the recommended store, and manages the reservation of the recommended store. Device.
[Appendix 6]
The first database stores the registrant IDs of each of the plurality of users, and stores the registrant IDs.
When accepting a reservation for the recommended store, the reservation management unit associates the registrant ID of the registrant who reserved the recommended store with the reservation information of the recommended store and stores the reservation information in the second database. The server device described in.
[Appendix 7]
The reservation management unit acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated from an authentication terminal installed in the recommended store, and performs biometric authentication of the person to be authenticated using the first database and the second database. The server device according to Appendix 6.
[Appendix 8]
The reservation management department
Using the first database, the registrant ID of the authenticated person is identified.
The reservation information of the authenticated person is specified from the entry of the second database corresponding to the specified registrant ID, and the reservation information is specified.
The server device according to Appendix 7, wherein it is determined that the biometric authentication has been successful when the person to be authenticated visits the store reserved by the person to be authenticated on the reserved date and time based on the specified reservation information.
[Appendix 9]
The server device according to Appendix 8, wherein the reservation management unit notifies the authentication terminal of the cause of the failure of the biometric authentication.
[Appendix 10]
The recommendation information generation unit stores the registrant ID of the registrant, the birthplace information used for generating the recommendation information, and the store ID of the recommended store in a third database in association with each other.
The reservation management unit stores in the third database whether or not the registrant has made a reservation for the recommended store and the evaluation of the registrant regarding the recommended store.
Any one of Supplementary note 5 to 9, further comprising an evaluation information generation unit, which generates recommendation result evaluation information for evaluating the recommendation information generated by the recommendation information generation unit with reference to the third database. The server device described in.
[Appendix 11]
The server device according to Appendix 10, wherein the evaluation information generation unit calculates the reservation rate of the recommended store for each place of origin information and / or the satisfaction rate of the recommended store for each place of origin information.
[Appendix 12]
The server device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 11, wherein the biometric information is a face image or a feature amount generated from the face image.
[Appendix 13]
The recommendation information generation unit generates the recommendation information based on at least one of the registrant's hotel reservation information, itinerary, return transportation means, and the reason for visiting a tourist spot. The server device described in Kaichi.
[Appendix 14]
With signage,
The server device connected to the signage and
Including
The server device is
The user registration department, which registers the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database.
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant, and a recommendation information generation unit.
A transmission unit that transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage, and
Information provision system including.
[Appendix 15]
In the server device
Register the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
It is determined whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database.
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, recommendation information is generated based on the hometown information of the registrant.
An information providing method for transmitting the generated recommendation information to the signage.
[Appendix 16]
For the computer installed in the server device,
The process of registering the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
The process of determining whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database, and
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, a process of generating recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant and a process of generating recommendation information.
The process of transmitting the generated recommendation information to the signage and
A computer-readable storage medium that stores programs for executing.

The disclosures of the above-mentioned prior art documents cited shall be incorporated into this document by citation. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely exemplary and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention includes all disclosure including claims, various modifications and modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the technical idea.

10, 100 Server device 20 Signage 30 Authentication terminal 40

Reservation server

101, 202

User registration unit

102, 203

Judgment unit

103, 204 Recommendation information generation unit 104

Transmission unit

201, 301, 401

Communication control unit

205, 304, 405 Storage unit 206 Reservation management unit 207 Evaluation

information generation unit

302, 402 Biometric

information acquisition unit

303, 404 Message output unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface 403 Authentication request unit

Claims

The user registration department, which registers the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database.
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant, and a recommendation information generation unit.
A transmission unit that transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage, and
Including server equipment.
The server device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs a collation process in which the biometric information of a person photographed by the signage is set on the collation side and a plurality of biometric information registered in the first database is set on the registration side. ..
The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recommendation information generation unit generates the recommendation information including tourist information when the person photographed by the signage is a non-registered person who is not registered in the first database. Device.
The recommendation information generation unit selects a recommended store based on the place of origin information from a plurality of stores participating in the information providing system, and generates the recommendation information including information on the selected recommended store. The server device according to any one of 1 to 3.
The fourth aspect of claim 4, further comprising a reservation management unit that acquires a reservation registration request regarding the reservation of the recommended store from the signage that has received the recommendation information including the information about the recommended store and manages the reservation of the recommended store. Server device.
The first database stores the registrant IDs of each of the plurality of users, and stores the registrant IDs.
When accepting a reservation for the recommended store, the reservation management unit associates the registrant ID of the registrant who reserved the recommended store with the reservation information of the recommended store and stores the reservation information in the second database. 5. The server device according to 5.
The reservation management unit acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated from an authentication terminal installed in the recommended store, and performs biometric authentication of the person to be authenticated using the first database and the second database. The server device according to claim 6.
The reservation management department
Using the first database, the registrant ID of the authenticated person is identified.
The reservation information of the authenticated person is specified from the entry of the second database corresponding to the specified registrant ID, and the reservation information is specified.
The server device according to claim 7, wherein it is determined that the biometric authentication has been successful when the person to be authenticated visits the reserved store on the reserved date and time based on the specified reservation information.
The server device according to claim 8, wherein the reservation management unit notifies the authentication terminal of the cause of the failure of the biometric authentication.
The recommendation information generation unit stores the registrant ID of the registrant, the birthplace information used for generating the recommendation information, and the store ID of the recommended store in a third database in association with each other.
The reservation management unit stores in the third database whether or not the registrant has made a reservation for the recommended store and the evaluation of the registrant regarding the recommended store.
Any of claims 5 to 9, further comprising an evaluation information generation unit that generates recommendation result evaluation information for evaluating the recommendation information generated by the recommendation information generation unit with reference to the third database. The server device according to paragraph 1.
The server device according to claim 10, wherein the evaluation information generation unit calculates the reservation rate of the recommended store for each place of origin information and / or the satisfaction rate of the recommended store for each place of origin information.
The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the biometric information is a face image or a feature amount generated from the face image.
The recommendation information generation unit generates the recommendation information based on at least one of the registrant's hotel reservation information, itinerary, return transportation means, and reason for visiting a tourist spot, according to claims 1 to 12. The server device according to any one.
With signage,
The server device connected to the signage and
Including
The server device is
The user registration department, which registers the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database.
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, a recommendation information generation unit that generates recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant, and a recommendation information generation unit.
A transmission unit that transmits the generated recommendation information to the signage, and
Information provision system including.
In the server device
Register the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
It is determined whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database.
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, recommendation information is generated based on the hometown information of the registrant.
An information providing method for transmitting the generated recommendation information to the signage.
For the computer installed in the server device,
The process of registering the biometric information and hometown information of each of multiple users in the first database,
The process of determining whether or not the biometric information of the person photographed by the signage is registered in the first database, and
When the person photographed by the signage is a registrant registered in the first database, a process of generating recommendation information based on the hometown information of the registrant and a process of generating recommendation information.
The process of transmitting the generated recommendation information to the signage and
A computer-readable storage medium that stores programs for executing.