Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information processing apparatus includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires authentication subject information about an authentication subject; a determination unit that determines whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and a billing unit that charges a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technical fields of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium.Background Art

[0002] As this type of apparatus, for example, there is proposed an apparatus that performs facial recognition / authentication in which facial information on a person located in an authentication area is matched / compared to facial information on a registrant, based on an image capturing the authentication area, and that controls opening and closing of a passage door located in a passage based on a facial recognition result (see Patent Literature 1).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP2021-149257ASummaryTechnical Problem

[0004] It is an example object of the present disclosure to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium that aim to improve the techniques / technologies disclosed in Citation List.Solution to Problem

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an example aspect includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires authentication subject information about an authentication subject; a determination unit that determines whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and a billing unit that charges a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

[0006] An information processing method according to an example aspect includes: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

[0007] A recording medium according to an example aspect is a recording medium on which a computer program that allows a computer to execute an information processing method is recorded, the information processing method including: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an information processing apparatus. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration information database. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the first example embodiment. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a ticket gate system. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another example configuration of the information processing apparatus. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ticket gate area. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining person tracking processing. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID correspondence table. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is an example image illustrating a railway usage history. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example configuration of the information processing apparatus. [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an information processing apparatus according to a third example embodiment. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of alert information about a lost child. Description of Example Embodiments<First Example Embodiment>

[0009] An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium according to a first example embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. The following describes the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the first example embodiment, by using an information processing apparatus 10.

[0010] In FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, a billing processing unit 13, and a registration information database 14. Hereinafter, the registration information database 14 will be referred to as a "registration information DB 14" as appropriate.

[0011] The information processing apparatus 10 may charge a user for a usage fee at locations such as stations and theme parks where the usage fee is incurred for at least one of entry and exit.

[0012] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires authentication subject information about an authentication subject. Here, the authentication subject information is information used to be matched / compared to registration information registered in the registration information DB 14. The authentication subject information may be, for example, at least one of an image including the authentication subject (in other words, an image in which the authentication subject is captured), and identification information for identifying the authentication subject. The identification information may be optically readable information, such as, for example, a two-dimensional barcode. In this case, the identification information may be read from the image including the authentication subject. The identification information may also be information that is electrically or magnetically read from a recording medium, such as, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. The two-dimensional barcode may be displayed on at least one of a surface of a paper medium (e.g., at least one of a student ID card, a commuter pass, and a ticket), a screen of a terminal apparatus, a tag (e.g., a luggage tag), and clothing.

[0013] The determination unit 12 may identify a registrant corresponding to the authentication subject, by matching the authentication subject information to the registration information registered in the registration information DB 14. Here, the "registrant" means a person whose registration information is registered in the registration information DB. In a case where the authentication subject information is an image (i.e., an image including the authentication subject), the determination unit 12 may identify the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject, by performing biometric authentication (e.g., at least one of facial recognition / authentication and iris recognition / authentication). In a case where the authentication subject information is the identification information described above, the determination unit 12 may identify the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject, by matching the identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 to the registration information corresponding to that identification information registered in the registration information DB 14.

[0014] The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the authentication subject (in other words, the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject) is a target. In a case where the authentication subject is determined to be the target, the billing processing unit 13 charges a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject.

[0015] For example, the "target" may be a ward, such as a child. In this case, the "payer" may be a guardian, such as a parent. Note that the ward is not limited to a child, and may include, for example, at least one of an adult ward and a person under curatorship. The guardian is not be limited to a parent, and may include, for example, at least one of a relative, a guardian of an adult, and a curator. For example, the "target" may be a group member (e.g., a group tour participant). In this case, the "payer" may be at least one of a group leader (e.g., a tour conductor), an organization to which the leader belongs (i.e., a corporation), and a representative of the organization.

[0016] Here, a case where the "target" is a ward and the "payer" is a guardian will be described with a specific example. First, with reference to FIG. 2, the registration information DB 14 will be described. In FIG. 2, the registration information DB 14 stores / registers therein authentication IDs as identification information for respectively identifying / distinguishing a plurality of registrants. Information about each of the plurality of registrants is linked to the authentication ID and is registered in the registration information DB 14. At least one of authentication information, guardian information, ward information, and payment / settlement information may be linked to the authentication ID of one registrant.

[0017] The authentication information may be information that is to be matched to the authentication subject information. For example, in a case where the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject is identified via biometric authentication, the authentication information may be at least one of facial information and iris information. In this case, the authentication information may be at least one of the registrant's facial image and iris image. The authentication information may be at least one of the registrant's face feature quantity and iris feature quantity. For example, in a case where the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject is identified using the identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11, the authentication information may be character / text information corresponding to the acquired identification information.

[0018] In FIG. 2, it is assumed that a registrant with an authentication ID "00001" and a registrant with an authentication ID "00002" are parent and child. In this case, the authentication ID of the child registrant (i.e., "00002") is linked, as the ward information, to the authentication ID of the parent registrant (i.e., "00001") is linked, as the guardian information, to the authentication ID of the child registrant (i.e., "00002"). Furthermore, the payment information is linked to the authentication ID of the parent registrant (i.e., "00001"). On the other hand, the payment information may not be linked to the authentication ID of the child registrant (i.e., "00002").

[0019] The payment information is information about a payment method. The payment method may include, for example, at least one of a bank account, an electronic money, a credit card, a debit card, and a prepaid card. In a case where one registrant is neither a guardian nor a ward, the guardian information and the ward information may not be linked to the authentication ID of the one registrant in the registration information DB 14 (e.g., a guardian information field and a ward information field may be left blank). Furthermore, two or more pieces of guardian information may be linked to the authentication ID of a registrant who is a ward. Similarly, two or more pieces of ward information may be linked to the authentication ID of a registrant who is a guardian. Moreover, an upper limit may be set on the number of pieces of guardian information that are linkable to the authentication ID of the registrant who is a ward. Similarly, an upper limit may be set on the number of pieces of ward information that are linkable to the authentication ID of the registrant who is a guardian. The registration information DB 14 may not store / register therein the ward information.

[0020] In a case where the guardian information is linked to the authentication ID of the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject, the determination unit 12 may determine that the authentication subject is the target (e.g., a ward). In a case where the guardian information is not linked to the authentication ID of the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject, the determination unit 12 may determine that the authentication subject is not the target.

[0021] In a case where the determination unit 12 determines that the authentication subject is the target, the billing processing unit 13 may identify one registrant as the guardian of the authentication subject, based on the guardian information linked to the authentication ID of the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject. The billing processing unit 13 may acquire the payment information linked to the authentication ID of the identified one registrant. The billing processing unit 13 may charge one registrant (i.e., a payer of a fee related to the aforementioned authentication subject) the fee related to the aforementioned authentication subject, based on the acquired payment information.

[0022] Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the information acquisition unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the authentication subject information (Step S101). The determination unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the authentication subject is the target, based on the authentication subject information (Step S102).

[0023] In the step S102, in a case where the authentication subject is determined to be the target (Step S102: Yes), the billing processing unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 charges the payer associated with the authentication subject (e.g., the guardian of the authentication subject in a case where the authentication subject is a ward) the fee related to the authentication subject.

[0024] In the step S102, in a case where the authentication subject is determined not to be the target (step S102: No), the billing processing unit 13 charges the authentication subject the fee related to the authentication subject (step S104).

[0025] As described above, performed in the information processing apparatus 10 is an information processing method including: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

[0026] The aforementioned information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by a computer reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. In this case, it can be said that a computer program that allows a computer to execute an information processing method is recorded on a recording medium, the information processing method including: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.(Technical Effect)

[0027] For example, even the ward such as a child may be charged a service usage fee (e.g., a railway fare, a theme park admission fee, etc.). On the other hand, in many cases, the ward does not have their own payment method. For instance, in a case where the ward visits a location where the biometric authentication is applicable for payment, if the ward cannot use the biometric authentication for payment due to a lack of their own payment method, then, there is a risk that convenience for the ward may be reduced.

[0028] For example, at theme parks, a group rate may be set lower than a general customer rate. Furthermore, the group rate is often paid collectively by a group representative (e.g., a leader). For instance, in a case where the biometric authentication is used for theme park admission control and admission fee collection, if the admission fee collection (i.e., charging the admission fee) is performed using the payment information linked to each authentication subject, the system may have difficulty in distinguishing between group customers and general customers.

[0029] In contrast, in the information processing apparatus 10, in a case where the authentication subject is determined to be the target (e.g., at least one of a ward and a group member), the payer associated with the authentication subject (e.g., at least one of a guardian and a group leader) is charged the fee related to the authentication subject. According to the information processing apparatus 10, for example, in a case where the ward visits a location where the biometric authentication is applicable for payment, the ward can use the biometric authentication for payment. Furthermore, according to the information processing apparatus 10, for example, it is possible to easily distinguish between group customers and general customers. Additionally, according to the information processing apparatus 10, for example, it is possible to appropriately collect the ee from the authentication subject who is at least one of a ward and a group member.<Second Example Embodiment>

[0030] An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium according to a second example embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 9. The following describes the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the second example embodiment, by using an information processing apparatus 20. In the second example embodiment, a description that overlaps with that of the first example embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

[0031] The second example embodiment describes an example in which the information processing apparatus 20 is applied to a railway ticket gate system 1.(Overview of Ticket Gate System 1)

[0032] An overview of the ticket gate system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the ticket gate system 1 includes the information processing apparatus 20, a station server 41 and an information acquisition unit 31 installed at a station A, and a station server 42 and an information acquisition unit 32 installed at a station B. The information processing apparatus 20 and each of the station servers 41 and 42 are connected via a network NW. At the station A, the information acquisition unit 31 and the station server 41 may be connected via a narrow area network such as, for example, a local area network (LAN). Similarly, at the station B, the information acquisition unit 32 and the station server 42 may be connected via a narrow area network.

[0033] The information acquisition units 31 and 32 may include, for example, at least one of a camera, an optical reader such as a barcode reader, and a reader that electrically or magnetically reads information on a recording medium. The information acquisition unit 31 may transmit acquired information to the station server 41. The station server 41 may transmit the information acquired from the information acquisition unit 31 to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW. The information acquisition unit 32 may transmit acquired information to the station server 42. The station server 42 may transmit the information acquired from the information acquisition unit 32 to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW.

[0034] The ticket gate system 1 may not include at least one of the station servers 41 and 42. In this case, at least one of the information acquisition units 31 and 32 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW.(Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 20)

[0035] A configuration of the information processing apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the information processing apparatus 20 includes an arithmetic apparatus 21, a storage apparatus 22, and a communication apparatus 23. The information processing apparatus 20 may further include an input apparatus 24 and an output apparatus 25. The information processing apparatus 20 may include a registration information database 26 (hereinafter referred to as a "registration information DB 26" as appropriate). The information processing apparatus 20 may not include at least one of the input apparatus 24 and the output apparatus 25. In the information processing apparatus 20, the arithmetic apparatus 21, the storage apparatus 22, the communication apparatus 23, the input apparatus 24, the output apparatus 25, and the registration information DB 26 may be connected via a data bus 27.

[0036] The arithmetic apparatus 21 include, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), and a quantum processor.

[0037] The storage apparatus 22 may include, for example, at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk apparatus, a magneto-optical disk apparatus, a SSD (Solid State Drive), and an optical disk array. That is, the storage apparatus 22 may include a non-transitory recording medium. The storage apparatus 22 is configured to store desired data. For example, the storage apparatus 22 may temporarily store a computer program to be executed by the arithmetic apparatus 21. The storage apparatus 22 may temporarily store data that are temporarily used by the arithmetic apparatus 21 when the arithmetic apparatus 21 is executing the computer program.

[0038] The communication apparatus 23 may be configured to communicate with an apparatus external to the information processing apparatus 20. The communication apparatus 23 may perform wired communication or wireless communication.

[0039] The input apparatus 24 is an apparatus that is configured to receive an input of information to the information processing apparatus 20 from an external source. The input apparatus 24 may include an operating apparatus (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.) that is operable by an operator of the information processing apparatus 20. The input apparatus 24 may include a recording medium reading apparatus that is configured to read information recorded on a recording medium that is attachable to or detachable from the information processing apparatus 20, such as, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In a case where information is inputted to the information processing apparatus 20 via the communication apparatus 23 (in other words, in a case where the information processing apparatus 20 acquires information via the communication apparatus 23), the communication apparatus 23 may function as an input apparatus.

[0040] The output apparatus 25 is an apparatus that is configured to output information to the outside of the information processing apparatus 20. The output apparatus 25 may output, as the aforementioned information, visual information such as characters / text and images, may output auditory information such as voice, or may output tactile information such as vibration. The output apparatus 25 may include, for example, at least one of a display, a speaker, a printer, and a vibration motor. The output apparatus 25 may be configured to output information to a recording medium that is attachable to or detachable from the information processing apparatus 20, such as, for example, a USB memory. In a case where the information processing apparatus 20 outputs information via the communication apparatus 23, the communication apparatus 23 may function as an output apparatus.

[0041] The arithmetic apparatus 21 may include an information acquisition unit 211, a tracking unit 212, a determination unit 213, a billing processing unit 214, and a registration processing unit 215, as function blocks realized logically or as processing circuits realized physically.

[0042] At least one of the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, and the registration processing unit 215 may be realized in a form in which logical function blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware) are mixed. In a case where at least a part of the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, and the registration processing unit 215 is a function block, the at least a part of the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, and the registration processing unit 215 may be realized by the arithmetic apparatus 21 executing a predetermined computer program.

[0043] The arithmetic apparatus 21 may acquire (in other words, read) the predetermined computer program from the storage apparatus 22. The arithmetic apparatus 21 may also read the predetermined computer program stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium, by using a not-illustrated recording medium reading apparatus provided in the information processing apparatus 20. The arithmetic apparatus 21 may acquire (in other words, may download or read) the predetermined computer program from a not-illustrated apparatus external to the information processing apparatus 20 via the communication apparatus 23. As the recording medium that records therein the predetermined computer program to be executed by the arithmetic apparatus 21, at least one of an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and any other medium configured to store a program may be used.

[0044] The "information acquisition unit 211," the "determination unit 213," the "billing processing unit 214," and the "registration information DB 26" correspond to the "information acquisition unit 11," the "determination unit 12," the "billing processing unit 13," and the "registration information DB 14" in the first example embodiment described above, respectively.(Overview of Ticket Gate Area)

[0045] With reference to FIG. 6, a ticket gate area of the station A will be described. In FIG. 6, a dashed line indicates a boundary between inside and outside a ticket gate at the station A. In FIG. 6, an area above the dashed line corresponds to the inside of the ticket gate at the station A (i.e., an area where usage fees are incurred). In FIG. 6, an area below the dashed line corresponds to the outside of the ticket gate at the station A. Note that the dashed line is illustrated only for convenience of description. A line corresponding to the dashed line in FIG. 6 may not be drawn in an actual ticket gate area of the station A. Furthermore, a gate apparatus with an openable / closable member (e.g., a flap) may be placed at a position corresponding to the dashed line.

[0046] In FIG. 6, authentication areas Ar1 and Ar2 may be set near the dashed line (i.e., the boundary between inside and outside the station ticket gate). The authentication areas Ar1 and Ar2 are virtual areas. A person entering the station (e.g., a person P1 in FIG. 6) passes through the authentication area Ar1 from outside to inside the ticket gate of the station A and crosses the dashed line, thereby entering the station A. A person exiting from the station A (e.g., a person P2 in FIG. 6) passes through the authentication area Ar2 from inside to outside the ticket gate of the station A and crosses the dashed line, thereby exiting from the station A.

[0047] Note that the shape, position, and range of each of the authentication areas Ar1 and Ar2 illustrated in FIG. 6 are merely examples and are not limited thereto. The authentication area (e.g., at least one of the authentication areas Ar1 and Ar2) may be set as appropriate, for example, in consideration of at least one of a station building structure, a passage rule, and the number of passengers.

[0048] A camera CAM1 is installed / positioned to capture images of the authentication area Ar1. The camera CAM1 may not be positioned such that such that the entire authentication area Ar1 is included within its angle of view. In other words, the camera CAM1 may be positioned to capture images of at least a part of the authentication area Ar1. In addition to the camera CAM1, one or more other cameras that are configured to capture images of at least a part of the authentication area Ar1 may be installed in the ticket gate area.

[0049] A camera CAM2 is installed / positioned to capture images of the authentication area Ar2. The camera CAM2 may not be positioned such that such that the entire authentication area Ar2 is included within its angle of view. In other words, the camera CAM2 may be positioned to capture images of at least a part of the authentication area Ar2. In addition to the camera CAM2, one or more other cameras that are configured to capture images of at least a part of the authentication area Ar2 may be installed in the ticket gate area.

[0050] The cameras CAM1 and CAM2 correspond to specific examples of the information acquisition unit 31. In other words, the information acquisition unit 31 may include the cameras CAM1 and CAM2. Moreover, the cameras CAM1 and CAM2 may be installed at positions where the transit / passage of users at the station A are not obstructed (e.g., at positions higher than the users' heads). The cameras CAM1 and CAM2 may be high-resolution cameras, such as 4K resolution cameras. Instead of the cameras CAM1 and CAM2, a single camera that is configured to capture images of the authentication areas Ar1 and Ar2 may be installed in the ticket gate area of the station A.

[0051] A ticket gate area of the station B may be similar to the ticket gate area of the station A illustrated in FIG. 6. In this case, the information acquisition unit 32 may include, at the station B, one camera that is configured to capture images of an authentication area corresponding to the authentication area Ar1, and another camera that is configured to capture images of an authentication area corresponding to the authentication area Ar2.(Operation of Information Processing Apparatus 20)

[0052] For example, at the station A, the information acquisition unit 31 may transmit to the station server 41 at least one of: a first image including the authentication area Ar1, which is generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1; and a second image including the authentication area Ar2, which is generated by the camera CAM2 capturing the authentication area Ar2. The station server 41 may transmit at least one of the first image and the second image to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW. Each of the first image and the second image may be provided, for example, with an image capture time (a so-called timestamp) and positional information indicating an image capture location.

[0053] For example, at the station B, the information acquisition unit 31 may transmit to the station server 42 at least one of: a third image including the authentication area corresponding to the authentication area Ar1; and a fourth image including the authentication area corresponding to the authentication area Ar2. The station server 42 may transmit at least one of the third image and the fourth image to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW. Each of the third image and the fourth image may be provided, for example, with an image capture time (a so-called timestamp) and positional information indicating an image capture location.

[0054] The information acquisition unit 211 of the information processing apparatus 20 acquires at least one of the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image. In a case where at least one of the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image includes an authentication subject (in other words, in a case where the authentication subject is captured in at least one image), the information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the image including the authentication subject, as authentication subject information. In a case where at least one of the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image includes a two-dimensional barcode, the information acquisition unit 211 may acquire the identification information for identifying the authentication subject, which is indicated by the two-dimensional barcode, as the authentication subject information.

[0055] In a case where the information acquisition unit 31 includes a reader that electrically or magnetically reads information on a recording medium, the information processing apparatus 31 may transmit to the station server 41 first read information that is read by the reader. The station server 41 may transmit the first read information acquired from the information acquisition unit 31 to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW. Similarly, in a case where the information acquisition unit 32 includes a reader that electrically or magnetically reads information on a recording medium, the information processing apparatus 32 may transmit to the station server 42 second read information that is read by the reader. The station server 42 may transmit the second read information acquired from the information acquisition unit 32 to the information processing apparatus 20 via the network NW.

[0056] The information acquisition unit 211 of the information processing apparatus 20 may acquire the identification information for identifying the authentication subject, which is indicated by at least one of the first read information and the second read information, as the authentication subject information.

[0057] The tracking unit 212 of the information processing apparatus 20 performs tracking processing on one or more authentication subjects (in other words, station users) passing through the authentication area, using an image including the authentication area (e.g., at least one of the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image).

[0058] As a specific example of the tracking processing performed by the tracking unit 212, a case where the tracking unit 212 performs the tracking processing on the person P1 passing through the authentication area Ar1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Images IMG1, IMG2, and IMG3 illustrated in FIG. 7 are images including the person P1 corresponding to the authentication subject (in other words, images in which the person P1 is captured). The image IMG1 may be an image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 at a time t1. The image IMG2 may be an image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 at a time t2, which is later than the time t1. The image IMG3 may be an image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 at a time t3, which is later than the time t2.

[0059] Each of the images IMG1, IMG2, and IMG3 may correspond to a single frame of a video. In this case, the image IMG2 may not correspond to a frame immediately after a frame corresponding to the image IMG1. That is, the image IMG2 may correspond to a frame that is two or more frames later than the frame corresponding to the image IMG1. Similarly, the image IMG3 may not correspond to a frame immediately after the frame corresponding to the image IMG2. That is, the image IMG3 may correspond to a frame that is two or more frames later than the frame corresponding to the image IMG2.

[0060] The tracking unit 212 detects, from the image IMG1, a head of the person P1 included in the image IMG1. Since existing techniques / technologies are applicable to a method of detecting a human head from an image, a detailed description of the method is omitted. Based on the detected head of the person P1, the tracking unit 212 sets an area including the head of the person P1 as a tracking area TA1. The tracking unit 212 may also detect an upper body or entire body of the person P1 included in the image IMG1. The tracking unit 212 may set an area including the upper body or entire body of the person P1 as the tracking area TA1, based on the detected upper body or entire body of the person P1.

[0061] In a case where the tracking area TA1 is set, the tracking unit 212 sets or assigns a tracking ID, which is identification information for identifying the person P1 related to the tracking area TA1, to the person P1. The tracking unit 212 calculates a position of the person P1 (e.g., a position at the feet of the person P1) based on the tracking area TA1. Since existing techniques / technologies are applicable to a method of calculating, from an image, the position of a subject included in the image, a detailed description of the method is omitted. The tracking unit 212 links the tracking ID with the position of the person P1 and registers it in an ID correspondence table 221 stored in the storage apparatus 22.

[0062] Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the ID correspondence table 221 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the tracking ID, a tracking position (e.g., a position at the feet of the person P1), the authentication ID, and an authentication time are linked with each other in the ID correspondence table 221. The aforementioned "position of the person P1" is an example of the tracking position.

[0063] In a case where the tracking area TA1 is set, the tracking unit 212 determines whether or not a face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA1. In other words, the tracking unit 212 performs face detection for the tracking area TA1. In a case where it is determined that the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA1, the tracking unit 212 generates a facial image including a face area of the person P1. The tracking unit 212 links the generated facial image with the tracking ID of the person P1 and transmits it to a facial recognition unit 2131. In a case where it is determined that the face of the person P1 is not captured in the tracking area TA1, the tracking unit 212 may not generate a facial image.

[0064] The tracking unit 212 may identify the person P1 included in the image IMG2, by using the image IMG2 and the image IMG1. Identifying the person P1 included in the image IMG2 is synonymous with establishing correspondence / mapping between the person P1 included in the image IMG1 and the person P1 included in the image IMG2. Therefore, at least one of a matching method and an optical flow method associated with the correspondence / mapping between images, is applicable to the identification of the person P1 included in the image IMG2. Since existing various aspects are applicable to each of the matching method and the optical flow method, a detailed description of each method is omitted.

[0065] In a case where the person P1 included in image IMG2 is identified, the tracking unit 212 detects the head of the person P1. Based on the detected head of the person P1, the tracking unit 212 sets an area including the head of the person P1 as a tracking area TA2. Since the person P1 included in the image IMG1 and the person P1 included in the image IMG2 are the same person, the tracking ID of the person P1 related to the tracking area TA2 is the same as the tracking ID of the person P1 related to the tracking area TA1. The tracking unit 212 calculates the position of the person P1 based on the tracking area TA2. The tracking unit 212 may also detect an upper body or entire body of the person P1 included in the image IMG2. Based on the detected upper body or entire body of the person P1, the tracking unit 212 may set an area including the detected upper body or entire body of the person P1, as the tracking area TA2.

[0066] The tracking unit 212 links the position of the person P1 to the tracking ID of the person P1 and registers it in the ID correspondence table 221. In this case, since the position of the person P1 calculated based on the tracking area TA1 is registered in the ID correspondence table 221, the position of the person P1 is updated by the tracking unit 212 registering the position of the person P1 calculated based on the tracking area TA2, in the ID correspondence table 221.

[0067] In a case where the tracking area TA2 is set, the tracking unit 212 determines whether or not the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA2. In other words, the tracking unit 212 performs the face detection for the tracking area TA2. In a case where it is determined that the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA2, the tracking unit 212 generates a facial image including the face area of the person P1. The tracking unit 212 links the generated facial image with the tracking ID of the person P1 and transmits it to the facial recognition unit 2131. In a case where it is determined that the face of the person P1 is not captured in the tracking area TA2, the tracking unit 212 may not generate a facial image. Even when it is determined that the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA2, in a case where the tracking ID of the person P1 is linked with the authentication ID in the ID correspondence table 221 (i.e., in a case where facial recognition is already successful), the tracking unit 212 may not generate a facial image.

[0068] The tracking unit 212 may identify the person P1 included in the image IMG3, by using the image IMG3 and the image IMG2. In a case where the person P1 included in the image IMG3 is identified, the tracking unit 212 detects the head of the person P1. Based on the detected head of the person P1, the tracking unit 212 sets an area including the head of the person P1 as a tracking area TA3. Since the person P1 included in the image IMG2 and the person P1 included in the image IMG3 are the same person, the tracking ID of the person P1 related to the tracking area TA3 is the same as the tracking ID of the person P1 related to the tracking area TA2. The tracking unit 212 calculates the position of the person P1 based on the tracking area TA3. The tracking unit 212 may also detect an upper body or entire body of the person P1 included in the image IMG3. Based on the detected upper body or entire body of the person P1, the tracking unit 212 may set an area including the detected upper body or entire body of the person P1, as the tracking area TA3.

[0069] The tracking unit 212 links the position of the person P1 to the tracking ID of the person P1 and registers it in the ID correspondence table 221. In this case, since the position of the person P1 calculated based on the tracking area TA2 is registered in the ID correspondence table 221, the position of the person P1 is updated by the tracking unit 212 registering the position of the person P1 calculated based on the tracking area TA3, in the ID correspondence table 221.

[0070] In a case where the tracking area TA3 is set, the tracking unit 212 determines whether or not the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA3. In other words, the tracking unit 212 performs the face detection for the tracking area TA3. In a case where it is determined that the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA3, the tracking unit 212 generates a facial image including the face area of the person P1. The tracking unit 212 links the generated facial image with the tracking ID of the person P1 and transmits it to the facial recognition unit 2131. In a case where it is determined that the face of the person P1 is not captured in the tracking area TA3, the tracking unit 212 may not generate a facial image. Even when it is determined that the face of the person P1 is captured in the tracking area TA3, in a case where the tracking ID of the person P1 is linked with the authentication ID in the ID correspondence table 221 (i.e., in a case where the facial recognition is already successful), the tracking unit 212 may not generate a facial image.

[0071] By the way, it may be difficult for the tracking unit 212 to continue tracking the person P1 due to the head of the person P1 being hidden by another person, for example. In a case where the tracking of the person P1 is interrupted, the tracking unit 212 may perform the following processing. After the tracking of the person P1 is interrupted, the tracking unit 212 may determine whether or not a new person is detected from a new image (e.g., an image newly captured by the camera CAM1). The "new person" means a person for whom the tracking ID is not set.

[0072] In a case where a new person is detected, the tracking unit 212 may determine whether or not the person P1 and the new person are the same person by comparing feature quantities in a target tracking area related to the person P1 (e.g., at least one of the tracking areas TA1, TA2, and TA3) with feature quantities in a target tracking area related to the new person. In a case where it is determined that the person P1 and the new person are the same person, the tracking unit 212 may set the tracking ID of the person P1, for the new person. As a result, the tracking unit 212 is allowed to track the person P1 again.

[0073] The feature quantities may be feature quantities related to the head of a person, feature quantities related to an upper body of the person, or feature quantities related to an entire body of the person. That is, the target tracking area (e.g., at least one of the tracking areas TA1, TA2, and TA3) may include the head of the person, the upper body of the person, or the entire body of the person. The feature quantities may be obtained, for example, by using a Person Re-Identification technology.

[0074] The tracking unit 212 may repeat the aforementioned processing until the person P1 passes through the authentication area Ar1 (see FIG. 6). The tracking unit 212 may perform the aforementioned processing on all the authentication subjects passing through the authentication area Ar1.

[0075] The facial recognition unit 2131 of the information processing apparatus 20 performs facial recognition processing using the facial image transmitted from the tracking unit 212. In the preset example embodiment, the authentication subject information in the registration information DB 26 is assumed to include at least one of the registrant's facial image and the registrant's facial feature quantities. Note that various existing aspects, such as a two-dimensional (2D) authentication method and a three-dimensional (3D) authentication method, are applicable to the facial recognition.

[0076] For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may calculate facial feature quantities indicating features of the face of the person P1 from the aforementioned facial image. The facial recognition unit 2131 may calculate a matching score from the calculated facial feature quantities and facial feature quantities based on the authentication information on one registrant registered in the registration information DB 26.

[0077] In a case where the calculated matching score is greater than a predetermined threshold, the facial recognition unit 2131 determines that facial recognition is successful. In this case, a single registrant corresponding to a person (here, the person P1) indicated by the facial image transmitted from the tracking unit 212 is identified from among a plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. On the other hand, in a case where the calculated matching score is less than the predetermined threshold, the facial recognition unit 2131 determines that the facial recognition is failed. In this case, it is highly likely that a person corresponding to the person (here, the person P1) indicated by the facial image transmitted from the tracking unit 212 is not registered in the registration information DB 26. In a case where the calculated matching score is "equal" to the predetermined threshold, it may be included in one of the cases.

[0078] In a case where the facial recognition is successful, the facial recognition unit 2131 links the authentication ID indicating the registrant registered in the registration information DB 26 corresponding to the person (here, the person P1) indicated by the facial image transmitted from the tracking unit 212, to the tracking ID linked to the facial image described above, and registers it in the ID correspondence table 221. In addition to the authentication ID, the facial recognition unit 2131 may register the authentication time, which is a time at which the facial recognition processing is performed, in the ID correspondence table 221. In a case where the authentication time is already registered in the ID correspondence table 221 (i.e., in a case where the facial recognition was successful in the past), the facial recognition unit 2131 may update the authentication time registered in the ID correspondence table 221. In a case where the facial recognition is failed, the facial recognition unit 2131 may link information indicating that there is no matching person (e.g., "N / A (Not Applicable)") to the tracking ID linked to the facial image transmitted from the tracking unit 212, and may register it in the ID correspondence table 221.

[0079] Therefore, in a case where the tracking ID is linked with a specific authentication ID in the ID correspondence table 221, it indicates that a registrant corresponding to a person for whom the tracking ID is set is registered in the registration information DB 26. In a case where the tracking ID is linked with the character string "N / A", it indicates that a person corresponding to the person for whom the tracking ID is set is not registered in the registration information DB 26. In a case where the tracking ID is not linked with the authentication ID (i.e., in a case where a field of the authentication ID is blank), it indicates that the facial recognition processing has never been performed.

[0080] In a case where the image (e.g., at least one of the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image) includes a two-dimensional barcode, the tracking unit 212 may perform tracking processing of tracking a position of the two-dimensional barcode, instead of tracking the authentication subject.

[0081] For example, in a case where the tracking position linked to the tracking ID of one authentication subject, who moves in the authentication area Ar1 from outside to inside the ticket gate of the station A, and for whom a corresponding registrant is identified (in other words, who has succeeds in the facial recognition), indicates a position after passing through the authentication area Ar1, the determination unit 213 of the information processing apparatus 20 may determine that the one authentication subject has entered the station A.

[0082] For example, in a case where the tracking position linked to the tracking ID of one authentication subject, who moves in the authentication area Ar2 from inside to outside the ticket gate of the station A, and for whom a corresponding registrant is identified (in other words, who has succeeds in the facial recognition), indicates a position after passing through the authentication area Ar2, the determination unit 213 may determine that the one authentication subject has exited from the station A.

[0083] For example, in a case where the tracking position linked to the tracking ID of one two-dimensional barcode moving in the authentication area Ar1 from outside to inside the ticket gate of the station A, indicates a position after passing through the authentication area Ar1, the determination unit 213 may determine that the authentication subject identified by the one two-dimensional barcode has entered the station A.

[0084] For example, in a case where the tracking position linked to the tracking ID of one two-dimensional barcode moving in the authentication area Ar2 from inside to outside the ticket gate area of the station A, indicates a position after passing through the authentication area Ar2, the determination unit 213 may determine that the authentication subject identified by the one two-dimensional barcode has exited from the station A.

[0085] In a case where the information acquisition unit 31 includes a reader that electrically or magnetically reads information on a recording medium, the determination unit 213 may determine that one authentication subject has entered the station A or exited from the station A, on the condition that information on a recording medium of the one authentication subject is read by the reader.

[0086] In a case where one authentication subject has entered the station A, the determination unit 213 may link the authentication ID of a registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject with gate passage information indicating entry to the station A, and may store the linked information in the storage apparatus 22. In a case where one authentication subject has exited from the station A, the determination unit 213 may link the authentication ID of a registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject with gate passage information indicating exit from the station A, and may store the linked information in the storage apparatus 22.

[0087] The determination unit 213 may determine the entry / exit of one authentication subject at the station B, in the same manner as for the station A. In a case where one authentication subject has entered the station B, the determination unit 213 may link the authentication ID of a registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject with gate passage information indicating entry to the station B, and may store the linked information in the storage apparatus 22. In a case where one authentication subject has exited from the station B, the determination unit 213 may link the authentication ID of a registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject with gate passage information indicating exit from the station B, and may store the linked information in the storage apparatus 22.

[0088] As a result, for example, the storage apparatus 22 stores information indicating that a registrant corresponding to one authentication subject has entered the station A and then has exited from the station B. The billing processing unit 214 of the information processing apparatus 20 may calculate a railway usage fee (e.g., a fare) from the station A to the station B. Based on the payment information linked to the authentication ID of the registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject, the billing processing unit 214 may charge the registrant the calculated railway usage fee. The billing processing unit 214 may transmit information indicating a railway usage history to a terminal apparatus carried by the one authentication subject, via the communication apparatus 23.

[0089] Especially, in the present example embodiment, the determination unit 213 determines whether or not the authentication subject (in other words, the registrant corresponding to the authentication subject) is a target. In a case where the authentication subject is determined to be the target, the billing processing unit 214 charges a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject (e.g., the railway usage fee). In this case, the billing processing unit 214 may transmit information indicating the authentication subject's railway usage history, to a terminal apparatus carried by the payer, via the communication apparatus 23. On the other hand, in a case where the authentication subject is determined not to be the target, the billing processing unit 214 charges the authentication subject the fee related to the authentication subject.

[0090] For example, in a case where the authentication subject is a child (i.e., a ward) and the payer is a parent (i.e., a guardian), the billing processing unit 214 may, for instance, deduct a fee related to the authentication subject who is a child from a bank account or electronic money linked to the payer who is the parent, thereby charging the fee related to the authentication subject. With this configuration, even if the authentication subject is a child having no payment method, it is possible to appropriately charge the authentication subject's parent the railway usage fee (e.g., the fare). Furthermore, the authentication subject who is a child having no payment method, is allowed to use the railway even without having cash.

[0091] Here, with reference to FIG. 9, an example of the information indicating a railway usage history will be described. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that Hanako Nichiden is a guardian (e.g., a parent) and Taro Nichiden is a ward (e.g., a child). In this case, the determination unit 213 determines that Taro Nichiden is a target. Consequently, the guardian (in other words, the payer), Hanako Nichiden, is charged the railway usage fee related to Taro Nichiden. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a terminal apparatus carried by Hanako Nichiden includes, as the railway usage history, a record indicating that Hanako Nichiden has entered the station A and has exited from the station B, and a record indicating that Taro Nichiden has entered the station A and has exited from the station B. With this configuration, for example, the guardian who is a parent is allowed to confirm which station and when is used by the ward who is their child (i.e., the ward's railway usage history functions as monitoring information), and it is thus possible to provide reassurance to the guardian.

[0092] Meanwhile, the rail usage fee may sometimes be categorized based on the user's age. In such cases, even a legal minor may incur (or be charged) the same rail usage fee as that of a legal adult. On the other hand, in many cases, a legal minor does not have their own payment method, such as a credit card. That is, in a case where a payer associated with one authentication subject who is a legal minor is charged a fee related to the one authentication subject, the fee charged may vary depending on the age of the one authentication subject.

[0093] Therefore, in the registration information DB 26, a registrant's date of birth may be linked to the authentication ID of the registrant. In this case, the billing processing unit 214 may calculate the railway usage fee for one authentication subject, based on the date of birth linked to the authentication ID of a registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject. In a case where one authentication subject is determined to be a target, the billing processing unit 214 charges the payer associated with the one authentication subject the fee related to the one authentication subject.

[0094] With this configuration, for example, one authentication subject for whom a corresponding registrant is identified by the facial recognition processing performed by the facial recognition unit 2131, is allowed to be charged the railway usage fee, appropriately. In the registration information DB 26, the registrant's age and age registration date may be registered, instead of or in addition to the registrant's date of birth. In this case, the billing processing unit 214 may correct the age registered in the registration information DB 26, based on the age registration date and a current date. The billing processing unit 214 may calculate the railway usage fee for the one authentication subject, based on the corrected age.

[0095] For example, the determination unit 213 may estimate the age of the authentication subject, based on the image (e.g., at least one of the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image). Alternatively, the determination unit 213 may determine whether or not the authentication subject falls under a "child" category for the railway usage fee, based on the image. A method of estimating the age based on the image includes, for example, a method of estimating the age from the facial image of the authentication subject. The determination unit 213 may determine that the authentication subject falls under the "child" category for the railway usage fee, in a case where a predetermined object (e.g., at least one of a school backpack, a uniform, and a school bag) is detected from the image. Based on at least one of a head-to-body ratio and a shoe size of the authentication subject estimated from the image, the determination unit 213 may estimate the age of the authentication subject, or may determine whether or not the authentication subject falls under the "child" category for railway usage fee.

[0096] The billing processing unit 214 may calculate the railway usage fee of the authentication subject, based on the age of the authentication subject estimated by the determination unit 213, or based on a determination result from the determination unit 213 regarding whether or not the authentication subject falls under the "child" category for the railway usage fee

[0097] The registration processing unit 215 is an apparatus that performs pre-registration processing that needs to be performed by a person wishing to use the ticket gate system 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "prospective usage") before using the ticket gate system 1. In addition to the pre-registration processing, the registration processing unit 215 may also perform information modification processing of modifying the registration information of a person already using the ticket gate system 1.

[0098] The prospective user may perform the pre-registration processing by accessing the information processing apparatus 20 using their own terminal apparatus (e.g., a smartphone). In the pre-registration processing, the prospective user may input their name, date of birth, phone number, email address, payment information, and facial image.

[0099] The registration processing unit 215 may link, for example, the name, date of birth, phone number, email address, and payment information, out of the pieces of information inputted by the prospective user in the pre-registration processing, to the identification information (e.g., the authentication ID) of the prospective user (i.e., a new registrant), and may register the linked information in the registration information DB 26.

[0100] In the pre-registration processing or the information modification processing, the registration processing unit 215 may link another registrant or another prospective registrant who is a ward (e.g., a child) to one registrant or one prospective registrant who is a guardian (e.g., a parent). For example, the registration processing unit 215 may link the ward information indicating the authentication ID of another registrant or another prospective registrant to the authentication ID of one registrant or one prospective registrant (e.g., see FIG. 2). For example, the registration processing unit 215 may link the guardian information indicating the authentication ID of one registrant or one prospective registrant to the authentication ID of another registrant or another prospective registrant (e.g., see FIG. 2).

[0101] Furthermore, an instruction for linking one registrant or one prospective registrant with another registrant or another prospective registrant, may be issued from a terminal apparatus carried by the one registrant or one prospective registrant, or from a terminal apparatus carried by the other registrant or another prospective registrant. For example, in a case of using a terminal apparatus carried by a guardian (e.g., a parent) to associate a ward (e.g., a child) with the guardian, the guardian may operate the terminal apparatus to start a predetermined application. The guardian may select an item labeled "Register Child" from the predetermined application's menu. The guardian may register the child's identification information or information for generating the identification information (e.g., name, date of birth, etc.) within a predetermined time after selecting the aforementioned item. Alternatively, the guardian may use the predetermined application to authenticate the guardian. The guardian may register the child's authentication information (e.g., a facial image) within a predetermined time after the authentication. Alternatively, the guardian may select the item labeled "Register Child" from the predetermined application's menu, or may use the predetermined application to authenticate the guardian. Subsequently, the guardian may read aloud a predetermined gesture displayed on the predetermined application's screen. The ward may perform an action corresponding to the predetermined gesture read aloud by the guardian. This action may allow the child's authentication information to be registered. This configuration makes it possible to improve the convenience for users of the ticket gate system 1.

[0102] Furthermore, in a case where a first predetermined period (e.g., several months) has elapsed since information about another registrant who is a ward (e.g., a child) is registered in the registration information DB 26, the registration processing unit 215 may request at least one of one registrant who is a guardian (e.g., a parent) and the other registrant to update an image (e.g., a facial image) including the other registrant. In a case where an image including the other registrant is not updated within a second predetermined period (e.g., several weeks) after the update of the image including the other registrant is requested, the registration processing unit 215 may dissolve the association between the one registrant who is a guardian and the other registrant who is a ward.

[0103] For example, a young child's face changes relatively significantly as they grow. Therefore, in a case where an image (e.g., a facial image) including a registrant who is a child is not updated from when registered, there is a risk that the facial recognition may fail to identify the registrant. In a case where the image including the registrant who is a child is updated periodically, appropriate responses to the child's growth can be made. Furthermore, by dissolving the association between one registrant who is a guardian and another registrant who is a ward when the image including the registrant who is a child is not updated, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the ticket gate system 1.

[0104] For example, in a case where information about one authentication subject who is a guardian (e.g., a parent) is registered in the registration information DB 26, but information about another authentication subject who is a ward (e.g., a child) is not registered in the registration information DB 26, and in a case where the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject pass through a predetermined position (e.g., an authentication area) together, then, the registration processing unit 215 may automatically register the information about the other authentication subject (e.g., a facial image) in the registration information DB 26. This configuration reduces a burden on users of the ticket gate system 1 related to the registration processing.

[0105] For example, the registration processing unit 215 may extract a plurality of authentication subjects moving close to each other, based on the tracking positions included in the ID correspondence table 221. In a case where one of the extracted plurality of authentication subjects succeeds in the facial recognition, but another of the extracted plurality of authentication subjects fails in the facial recognition (i.e., a person corresponding to the other authentication subject is not registered in the registration information DB 26), the registration processing unit 215 may determine whether or not the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are parent and child. For example, the registration processing unit 215 may determine whether or not the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are parent and child, based on at least one of the followings: the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are holding their hands; the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are facing the same direction, and relative size and position of each body part of the one authentication subject and each body part of the other authentication subject. Alternatively, the registration processing unit 215 may determine whether or not the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are parent and child, based on a degree of similarity between facial feature quantities of the one authentication subject and facial feature quantities of the other authentication subject. For example, the registration processing unit 215 may calculate a relationship value indicating the possibility of a parent-child relationship between the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject, based on a degree of similarity between feature quantities of at least one of the one authentication subject's eye, nose, and mouth and feature quantities of at least one of the other authentication subject's eye, nose, and mouth. The registration processing unit 215 may determine that the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are parent and child in a case where the calculated relationship value is greater than a predetermined value. In a case where the one authentication subject and the other authentication subject are determined to be parent and child, the registration processing unit 215 may link the other authentication subject's authentication information (e.g., a facial image) and the authentication ID of a registrant corresponding to the one authentication subject to a new authentication ID of the other authentication subject, and may automatically register it in the registration information DB 26.

[0106] For example, the determination unit 213 may determine whether or not the authentication subject is a child, based on their appearance captured in the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 211 (e.g., at least one of the image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 and the image generated by the CAM2 capturing the authentication area Ar2).

[0107] In a case where the determination unit 213 determines that the authentication subject is a child, the facial recognition unit 2131 may prioritize matching between the authentication information about the authentication subject who is determined to be a child, and the authentication information linked to one or more authentication IDs of a registrant(s) for whom the guardian information is registered, among a plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may extract the authentication information linked to one or more authentication IDs of a registrant(s) for whom the guardian information is registered, among the plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. Subsequently, the facial recognition unit 2131 may match / compare the extracted authentication information to the authentication information about the authentication subject who is determined to be a child.

[0108] This configuration makes it possible to prioritize matching between an authentication subject and a registrant who is likely to correspond to the authentication subject, enabling efficient facial recognition processing. Alternatively, it reduces a population of registrants used for the authentication subject's facial recognition processing, also enabling efficient facial recognition processing.(Technical Effect)

[0109] According to the information processing apparatus 20 in the second example embodiment, it is possible to appropriately charge a guardian (e.g., a parent), especially, the railway usage fee of a ward (e.g., a child) who does not have their own payment method in many cases.<Third Example Embodiment>

[0110] An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium according to a third example embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12. The following describes the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the third example embodiment, by using an information processing apparatus 20a. The third example embodiment is the same as the second example embodiment described above, except that the arithmetic apparatus 21 includes an alert unit 216. Therefore, in the third example embodiment, a description that overlaps with those of the first and second example embodiments is omitted as appropriate.

[0111] In FIG. 10, the arithmetic apparatus 21 may include the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, the registration processing unit 215, and the alert unit 216, as function blocks realized logically or as processing circuits realized physically.

[0112] At least one of the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, the registration processing unit 215, and the alert unit 216 may be realized in a form in which logical function blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware) are mixed. In a case where at least a part of the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, the registration processing unit 215, and the alert unit 216 is a functional block, the a part of the information acquisition unit 211, the tracking unit 212, the determination unit 213, the billing processing unit 214, the registration processing unit 215, and the alert unit 216 may be realized by the arithmetic apparatus 21 executing a predetermined computer program.

[0113] The operation of the information processing apparatus 20a will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, the information acquisition unit 211 of the information processing apparatus 20a acquires the authentication subject information (Step S201). The determination unit 213 of the information processing apparatus 20a determines whether or not a plurality of authentication subjects in a parent-child relationship are detected at one station (e.g., the station A), based on the authentication subject information (e.g., based on a result of facial recognition using a facial image serving as the authentication subject information, or based on the identification information serving as the authentication subject information) (Step S202).

[0114] In a case where it is determined in the step S202 that the plurality of authentication subjects in a parent-child relationship are not detected (step S202: No), the operation illustrated in FIG. 11 is ended. Subsequently, the step S201 may be performed again. That is, the operation illustrated in FIG. 11 may be repeated, periodically or non-periodically.

[0115] In a case where it is determined in the step S202 that the plurality of authentication subjects in a parent-child relationship are detected (step S202: Yes), the determination unit 213 determines whether or not a distance between the plurality of authentication subjects in a parent-child relationship is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, for example, based on the tracking positions included in the ID correspondence table 221 (step S203).

[0116] In a case where it is determined in the step S203 that the distance between the plurality of authentication subjects is less than the predetermined distance (step S203: No), the operation illustrated in FIG. 11 is ended. Subsequently, the step S201 may be performed again.

[0117] In a case where it is determined in the step S203 that the distance between the plurality of authentication subjects is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance (step S203: Yes), the alert unit 216 transmits alert information about a lost child, to a terminal apparatus (e.g., a smartphone) carried by one authentication subject who is a parent, among the plurality of authentication subjects, via the communication apparatus 23 (step S204). As a result, for example, an image 100 illustrated in FIG. 12, may be displayed on the terminal apparatus carried by the one authentication subject who is a parent. A notification 110 included in the image 100 corresponds to an example of the alert information. Note that "Taro Nichiden" included in the notification 110 indicates the child's name.

[0118] The alert unit 216 may transmit the alert information about a lost child, to a terminal apparatus used by at least one of a station staff and a security guard, in addition to the terminal apparatus carried by the one authentication subject who is a parent, as described above.

[0119] In the step S203, instead of determining whether or not the distance between the plurality of authentication subjects in a parent-child relationship is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the determination unit 213 may determine whether or not a time difference between a time at which one of the plurality of authentication subjects in a parent-child relationship is detected and a time at which the other authentication subject is detected, is greater than or equal to a predetermined time difference.(Technical Effect)

[0120] According to the information processing apparatus 20a in the third example embodiment, especially, it is possible to issue the alert information about a lost child.<Fourth Example Embodiment>

[0121] An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium according to a fourth example embodiment will be described. The following describes the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the fourth example embodiment, by using the information processing apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 5. In the fourth example embodiment, a description that overlaps with those of the first to third example embodiments is omitted as appropriate.

[0122] In the registration information DB 26, the registrant's affiliation may be linked to the authentication ID of the registrant. The "affiliation" may mean a group or organization to which the registrant belongs. The affiliation may be represented by a group name or organization name. The affiliation may also be represented by identification information for identifying the group or organization. The group or organization to which the registrant belongs may include, for example, at least one of a school, a company, and a local government. The group or organization to which the registrant belongs may also include, for example, a temporarily formed group or organization such as a travel group.

[0123] For example, based on the authentication ID of the authentication subject whose authentication ID is identified through the facial recognition processing by the facial recognition unit 2131 (i.e., the authentication subject whose tracking ID is linked to a specific authentication ID in the ID correspondence table 221), the determination unit 213 may identify the authentication subject's affiliation from the registration information DB 26.

[0124] The authentication unit 213 may determine that the authentication subject is a target in a case where the authentication subject's affiliation is a specific affiliation. Conversely, the authentication unit 213 may determine that the authentication subject is not a target in a case where the authentication subject's affiliation is not a specific affiliation.

[0125] In a case where the authentication unit 213 determines that the authentication subject is a target, the billing processing unit 214 may acquire payment information about the group or organization to which the authentication subject belongs. The billing processing unit 214 may charge the group or organization to which the authentication subject belongs, a fee related to the authentication subject, based on the acquired payment information.

[0126] The payment information about the group or organization to which the authentication subject belongs may be stored, for example, in the storage apparatus 22. The payment information about the group or organization to which the authentication subject belongs may be linked to the authentication ID of the authentication subject in the registration information DB 26. The specific affiliation may be, for example, a group or organization with which a contract exists with a railway company, stipulating that the organization or group pays a fee related to a person belonging to the organization or group (corresponding to the aforementioned authentication subject).

[0127] For example, the arithmetic apparatus 21 may identify the authentication subject's affiliation based on their appearance (e.g., a uniform, an employee ID card, etc.) captured in the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 211 (e.g., at least one of the image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 and the image generated by the CAM2 capturing the authentication area Ar2). Furthermore, the processing of identifying the authentication subject's affiliation from the image may be performed, for example, by the tracking unit 212.

[0128] For example, in a case where the affiliation of the authentication subject belonging to one group or organization is identified, the information processing apparatus 20 is capable of recognizing that there is a person belonging to the one group or organization in the authentication area Ar1 or Ar2.

[0129] For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may prioritize matching between the authentication information about the authentication subject and the authentication information (e.g., facial images or facial feature quantities) about one or more registrants belonging to the aforementioned one group or organization, among a plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may extract the authentication information about one or more registrants belonging to the aforementioned one group or organization, among the plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. Subsequently, the facial recognition unit 2131 may match the extracted authentication information to the authentication information about the authentication subject.

[0130] For example, a description will be given of an application example of the present disclosure to a scenario involving group admission of students to a theme park. First, the arithmetic apparatus 21 identifies the school of an authentication subject, from a uniform captured in the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 211. Then, the facial recognition unit 2131 extracts authentication information about a registrant who is a teacher belonging to the identified school, among a plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. Subsequently, the facial recognition unit 2131 matches the extracted authentication information to the authentication information about the authentication subject. In a case where a matching result indicates the presence of a teacher, the number of students wearing uniforms is counted from the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 211. The billing processing unit 214 may charge either the teacher or an elementary school to which the teacher belongs, admission fees for the number of the teacher and the students, based on the payment information linked to the authentication ID of the identified registrant. The determination by the facial recognition that there is a teacher, may serve as a trigger to count the number of the students, and people wearing uniforms corresponding to the identified school may be counted within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the determination that there is a teacher, may serve as a trigger to count the number of people wearing specific uniforms detected consecutively. As in this example, a person whose appearance is recognized and a person undergoing the facial recognition may not be the same person. Furthermore, a scheduled entry time may be acquired in advance, and, within a predetermined time from the scheduled entry time, the authentication information about the registrant who is a teacher belonging to the identified school, among the plurality of registrants, may be preferentially extracted to perform the facial recognition. By using the facial recognition on the teacher who is a representative and counting the number of the students led by the representative, there is no need to register and recognize the faces of the students. This improves processing speed and convenience.

[0131] For example, in the registration information DB 26, the registrant's name may also be linked to the authentication ID of the registrant, in addition to the registrant's affiliation.

[0132] For example, the arithmetic apparatus 21 may identify the name of the authentication subject from their appearance (e.g., characteristics / text written on a uniform, a name tag, or an employee ID card, etc.) captured in the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 211 (e.g., at least one of the image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 and the image generated by the CAM2 capturing the authentication area Ar2). Furthermore, the processing of identifying the authentication subject's name from the image may also be performed, for example, by the tracking unit 212.

[0133] For example, in a case where the authentication subject's name is identified, the information processing apparatus 20 is capable of recognizing that there is a person with the identified name in the authentication area Ar1 or Ar2.

[0134] For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may prioritize matching between the authentication information about the authentication subject and the authentication information about one or more registrants with the identified name, among a plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may extract the authentication information about one or more registrants with the identified name, among the plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. Subsequently, the facial recognition unit 2131 may match the extracted authentication information to the authentication information about the authentication subject.

[0135] For example, the authentication subject's name may be identified from a pattern (e.g., a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode) printed on a name tag or employee ID card. For example, by printing the pattern on a different side (e.g., a back side) from a side (e.g., a front side) of the name tag or employee ID card showing the name, and by carrying the name tag or employee ID card flipped over when commuting to school or work, such that the back side is captured in the image, it is possible to identify the name of the authentication subject from the image including the back side of the name tag or employee ID card, without disclosing personal information to others, thereby protecting privacy.

[0136] For example, in the registration information DB 26, the registrant's name may be linked to the authentication ID of the registrant, in addition to the registrant's affiliation.

[0137] For example, the arithmetic apparatus 21 may identify the authentication subject's affiliation and name from their appearance captured in the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 211 (e.g., at least one of the image generated by the camera CAM1 capturing the authentication area Ar1 and the image generated by the CAM2 capturing the authentication area Ar2). Furthermore, the processing of identifying the authentication subject's affiliation and name from the image may be performed, for example, by the tracking unit 212.

[0138] For example, in a case where the authentication subject's affiliation and name are identified, the information processing apparatus 20 is capable of recognizing that there is a person belonging to one group or organization as the identified affiliation and having the identified name, in the authentication area Ar1 or Ar2.

[0139] For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may prioritize matching between the authentication information about the authentication subject and the authentication information about one or more registrants belonging to the aforementioned one group or organization and having the identified name, among a plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. For example, the facial recognition unit 2131 may extract the authentication information about one or more registrants belonging to the aforementioned one group or organization and having the identified name, among the plurality of registrants registered in the registration information DB 26. Subsequently, the facial recognition unit 2131 may match the extracted authentication information to the authentication information about the authentication subject.(Technical Effect)

[0140] According to the information processing apparatus 20 in the fourth example embodiment, in a case where a plurality of people belonging to one group or organization simultaneously use railways, theme parks, or the like, for example, during school or company events, group tours, or the like, it is possible to reduce expense settlement processing in the one group or organization.

[0141] Furthermore, according to the information processing apparatus 20 in the fourth example embodiment, it is possible to prioritize the matching between an authentication subject and a registrant who is likely to correspond to the authentication subject, enabling efficient facial recognition processing. Alternatively, it reduces a population of registrants used for the authentication subject's facial recognition processing, also enabling efficient facial recognition processing.<Supplementary Notes>

[0142] With respect to the example embodiments described above, the following Supplementary Notes are further disclosed.(Supplementary Note 1)

[0143] An information processing apparatus including: an information acquisition unit that acquires authentication subject information about an authentication subject; a determination unit that determines whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and a billing unit that charges a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target. (Supplementary Note 2)

[0144] The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the authentication subject is a child as the target, and in response to a determination that the authentication subject is a child, the billing unit charges a parent of the authentication subject, who is the payer associated with the authentication subject, the fee related to the authentication subject. (Supplementary Note 3)

[0145] The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the authentication subject information includes at least one of a first image including the authentication subject and identification information for identifying the authentication subject.(Supplementary Note 4)

[0146] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires a second image as the authentication subject information, and the determination unit includes a biometric authentication unit that performs biometric authentication on the authentication subject, based on the second image. (Supplementary Note 5)

[0147] The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the determination unit determines an affiliation of the authentication subject based on the image, and the biometric authentication unit performs the biometric authentication on the authentication subject, based on the image and biometric information on a registrant belonging to the affiliation. (Supplementary Note 6)

[0148] The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein in response to a determination that the authentication subject is a child, the billing unit deducts the fee related to the authentication subject from a bank account or electronic money linked to the parent of the authentication subject, thereby charging the fee related to the authentication subject.(Supplementary Note 7)

[0149] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the authentication subject is a child as the target, and the information processing apparatus includes a notification unit that gives a predetermined notification to a parent authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is a child. (Supplementary Note 8)

[0150] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not a first authentication subject, who is the authentication subject, is a child as the target, in response to a determination that the first authentication subject is a child, the determination unit further determines whether or not a distance between the first authentication subject and a second authentication subject, who is a parent of the first authentication subject, is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, based on a position of the first authentication subject and a position of the second authentication subject, and the information processing apparatus includes an alert unit that issues an alert regarding a lost child, in response to a determination that the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. (Supplementary Note 9)

[0151] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, including: a registration unit that links second registrant information about a second registrant, who is a child of a first registrant, to first registrant information about the first registrant, who is a parent of the second registrant.(Supplementary Note 10)

[0152] The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the second registrant information includes a third image including the second registrant, the registration unit requests at least one of the first registrant and the second registrant to update the third image, and the registration unit unlinks the second registration information from the first registration information, in a case where the third image is not updated after the at least one is requested to update the third image. (Supplementary Note 11)

[0153] The information processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein the registration unit links the second registrant information to the first registrant information in response to an instruction from a terminal apparatus carried by the first registrant or the second registrant.(Supplementary Note 12)

[0154] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, wherein in a case where the first registrant passes through a predetermined position, the registration unit automatically registers the second registrant having passed through the predetermined position together with the first registrant.(Supplementary Note 13)

[0155] An information processing method including: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target. (Supplementary Note 14)

[0156] A recording medium on which a computer program that allows a computer to execute an information processing method is recorded, the information processing method including: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

[0157] The present disclosure is permitted to be changed, if desired, without departing from the essence or spirit of this disclosure which can be read from the claims and the entire specification. An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium with such changes are also intended to be within the technical scope of the present disclosure.Description of Reference Codes

[0158] 1 Ticket gate system 10, 20, 20a Information processing apparatus 11, 211 Information acquisition unit 12, 213 Determination unit 13, 214 Billing processing unit 14, 26 Registration information database 212 Tracking unit 215 Registration processing unit 216 Alert unit 2131 Facial recognition unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires authentication subject information about an authentication subject; a determination unit that determines whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and a billing unit that charges a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the authentication subject is a child as the target, and in response to a determination that the authentication subject is a child, the billing unit charges a parent of the authentication subject, who is the payer associated with the authentication subject, the fee related to the authentication subject.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the authentication subject information includes at least one of an image including the authentication subject and identification information for identifying the authentication subject.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires an image as the authentication subject information, and the determination unit includes a biometric authentication unit that performs biometric authentication on the authentication subject, based on the image.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines an affiliation of the authentication subject based on the image, and the biometric authentication unit performs the biometric authentication on the authentication subject, based on the image and biometric information on a registrant belonging to the affiliation.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in response to a determination that the authentication subject is a child, the billing unit deducts the fee related to the authentication subject from a bank account or electronic money linked to the parent of the authentication subject, thereby charging the fee related to the authentication subject.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the authentication subject is a child as the target, and the information processing apparatus comprises a notification unit that gives a predetermined notification to a parent authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is a child.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not a first authentication subject, who is the authentication subject, is a child as the target, in response to a determination that the first authentication subject is a child, the determination unit further determines whether or not a distance between the first authentication subject and a second authentication subject, who is a parent of the first authentication subject, is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, based on a position of the first authentication subject and a position of the second authentication subject, and the information processing apparatus comprises an alert unit that issues an alert regarding a lost child, in response to a determination that the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a registration unit that links second registrant information about a second registrant, who is a child of a first registrant, to first registrant information about the first registrant, who is a parent of the second registrant.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second registrant information includes a third image including the second registrant, the registration unit requests at least one of the first registrant and the second registrant to update the third image, and the registration unit unlinks the second registration information from the first registration information, in a case where the third image is not updated after the at least one is requested to update the third image.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the registration unit links the second registrant information to the first registrant information in response to an instruction from a terminal apparatus carried by the first registrant or the second registrant.

12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in a case where the first registrant passes through a predetermined position, the registration unit automatically registers the second registrant having passed through the predetermined position together with the first registrant.

13. An information processing method comprising: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

14. A recording medium on which a computer program that allows a computer to execute an information processing method is recorded, the information processing method including: acquiring authentication subject information about an authentication subject; determining whether or not the authentication subject is a target, based on the authentication subject information; and charging a payer associated with the authentication subject a fee related to the authentication subject, in response to a determination that the authentication subject is the target.

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