Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience in use and management of service for temporarily storing an article.SOLUTION: A face image registration information providing unit 123 in an information processing system provides comparison source information for biometric authentication about a user who receives a predetermined article from a closed space to a predetermined database on a closed space side when the predetermined article is put in the closed space and locked. When the user receives the predetermined article, a face authentication unit 201 acquires comparison destination information for biometric authentication of the user and compares it with the comparison source information stored in the predetermined database to execute the biometric authentication. A locking / unlocking control unit 202 executes unlocking processing under a predetermined condition that the biometric authentication is successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, lockers that can be used by paying a certain amount of money, i.e. coin lockers, have been installed in train stations, etc. In order to improve the convenience of coin lockers, technologies have been proposed for checking the installation location of coin lockers, checking their usage status, reserving them for use, and making payments using mobile communication terminals (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-259545 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for further improvement in the convenience of using and managing services for temporarily storing items. However, it cannot be said that the conventional techniques including Patent Document 1 have been able to fully meet this demand.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to improve the convenience of using and managing a service for temporarily storing items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: In an information processing system for managing a closed space in which an entrance is unlocked by executing an unlocking process when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a biometric authentication information providing means for providing comparison source information for biometric authentication of a user who receives a predetermined article from the closed space to a predetermined database on the closed space side when the predetermined article is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication execution means for acquiring comparison target information for the biometric authentication of the user when the user receives the predetermined item, and performing the biometric authentication by comparing the comparison target information with the comparison source information stored in the predetermined database; an unlocking process execution means for executing the unlocking process when the biometric authentication is successful as the predetermined condition; Equipped with.

[0007] An information processing method and a program corresponding to the above-described information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience in using and managing a service for temporarily storing items. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing features of services provided by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing an overview of an article delivery service using the information processing system of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of each of a server and a locker device in the information processing system of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a server of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an article reservation service using locker devices installed at a station. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a service that allows products purchased at an online supermarket to be picked up at a locker device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, features of the services provided by the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing features of a service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") provided by an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] This service provides a delivery service of goods via a locker device 4 to each of a site administrator U who manages an EC site (website) and an application program that accesses the site (hereinafter referred to as "app site C"), a product provider S who lists products D (goods for sale) on the app site C, and a buyer B who purchases products D using the app site C, by linking the app site C with a delivery linkage API (Application Programming Interface)_A.

[0012] In this service, when a buyer B purchases a product D listed on an app / site C, the buyer B registers his / her facial image information for facial recognition in the delivery linkage API_A using the app / site C. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as "facial image registration information."

[0013] In this service, when a product D sold by a product provider S is purchased by a purchaser B on an app / site C and a transaction is concluded, a service provider SA, upon receiving a request from the product provider S, delivers the product D to a locker device 4 and stores it in a closed space (locker box) in the locker device 4. In this service, when product D is stored and the closed space is locked, and the delivery collaboration API_A receives a signal detecting the door being closed, facial image registration information is downloaded from the delivery collaboration API_A to the locker device 4, and a delivery completion notification is sent from the delivery collaboration API_A to the purchaser B.

[0014] In this service, purchaser B goes to locker device 4 to receive product D, and at that time, in front of locker device 4, has locker device 4 acquire information of his / her facial image for facial authentication, and facial authentication is then performed by comparing the acquired information with the above-mentioned facial image registration information. In this service, if the facial recognition is successful, purchaser B is deemed to be the recipient, the closed space in which product D is stored is unlocked, and the receipt is completed when purchaser B removes product D from the closed space.

[0015] The site administrator U manages, for example, stations, convenience stores, etc. where the locker devices 4 are installed, and has the authority to manage the locker devices 4 by purchasing the locker devices 4 from the service provider SA or by entering into a contract with the service provider SA. The site administrator U is, for example, a railway company when the locker device 4 is installed in a station or the like.

[0016] The service provider SA is a party that realizes a business of an item delivery service using locker devices 4 by linking a delivery link API_A to an app / site C, and installs locker devices 4 at stations and other locations with the permission of the site administrator U.

[0017] Product provider S is a person who exhibits product D (goods for sale) on app / site C. Items exhibited by product provider S on app / site C include not only product D but also services (such as services to undertake work on goods).

[0018] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the site administrator U also serves as the product provider S, and the delivery of the product D for which a transaction has been concluded is also performed by the service provider SA delivering and storing the product D in the locker device 4 at the request of the site administrator U (product provider S). However, the person who delivers the product D to the locker device 4 may be the product provider S, or a delivery company commissioned by the product provider S. In this service, an application can be downloaded to the purchaser terminal 5, and the platform of the application site C can be displayed, enabling the provision (sale) of the product D on the application site C.

[0019] This service has the first to third characteristics. The first feature is that it can all be done on a smartphone. This service makes it possible to fully control the processing related to the locker device 4 with an app installed on an information processing device such as a smartphone. Since no physical key is used, there is no risk of the physical key being duplicated, and there is no need to replace the key due to loss, etc. In addition, since the locker device 4 is controlled by the app / site C, it is possible to add and update new functions at any time, and once the locker device 4 is installed, there is no need to continue using the same functions forever.

[0020] The second feature is that facial recognition can be used as an electronic key. In this service, after purchaser B's facial image registration information is stored in the locker device 4, purchaser B can have the locker device 4 obtain his / her own facial image information for facial authentication, for example, in front of the locker device 4 to receive product D, and if the facial authentication is OK, the closed space can be unlocked. As with the above, this service does not use physical keys, so there is no risk of the keys being duplicated and there is no need to replace the keys if they are lost. With this service, facial image information only needs to be acquired in front of the locker device 4, so there is no need to operate an information processing device such as a smartphone when receiving the product D.

[0021] The third feature is dynamic pricing. Each locker box of the locker device 4 can be customized, and functions and prices can be set for each box. Dynamic pricing allows you to increase profitability by varying prices according to time-based charges, location, day of the week, time of day, and other factors that affect congestion. In addition, with dynamic pricing, users can choose from a variety of payment methods to pay for the use of the locker device 4, including not only cash but also credit card payment, mobile carrier payment, and electronic payment using a contactless transportation IC card. In this way, dynamic pricing allows for flexible price setting and a variety of payment methods.

[0022] Here, the delivery collaboration API_A will be explained. In addition to managing facial recognition, the delivery collaboration API_A has a collection request information registration function, a delivery date notification function, an authentication URL issuance function, a waybill number collaboration function, a parcel status collaboration function, and a waybill information deletion function. The collection request information registration function transmits information required when the service provider SA visits a product provider S to collect a product at their request. The expected delivery date notification function receives the expected shipping date and address information of the departure and arrival points. The authentication URL issuance function links a URL for authentication on a directly managed store terminal when issuing a shipping label. It receives a reception number and returns the URL. The waybill number linkage function receives a transaction ID and returns the waybill number. The parcel status linking function receives the waybill number and returns the parcel status (delivery status). The waybill information deletion function deletes the waybill information before it is issued at the directly managed store. After issuing the waybill, the waybill information cannot be deleted, and the collection request information cannot be deleted either.

[0023] Next, the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.

[0024] The information processing system shown in FIG. 2 is configured to include a server 1 and a mobile terminal 6 managed by a service provider SA, a product providing device 2 managed by a site administrator U who operates and manages an application site C for providing products and services, locker devices 4-1 to 4-m (m is any integer value equal to or greater than 1) that lock and unlock one or more locker boxes 31 (closed spaces) for storing items such as product D and also perform facial authentication when unlocking the boxes, and purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d (d is any integer value equal to or greater than 1) operated by purchasers B1 to Bp (p is any integer value equal to or greater than 1), respectively. The server 1, the product providing device 2, the locker devices 4-1 to 4-m, the purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d, and the mobile terminal 6 are connected to one another via a network NW such as the Internet.

[0025] The purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d are configured, for example, by smartphones, tablets, and the like. The purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d are operated by the purchasers B1 to Bp, respectively. An application used by the purchasers B1 to Bp when removing the products D1 and D2 from the locker boxes 31 corresponding to the products D1 and D2, respectively, is installed on the purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d, and the series of processes from purchasing the product D to receiving it can be completed by operating the application screen. The purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d have a function required for storing face image registration information of each of the purchasers B1 to Bp.

[0026] In the following, unless otherwise specified, when it is expressed that "purchaser B operates purchaser terminal 5," it means that purchasers B1 to Bp launch a dedicated app installed on purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d and perform various operations.

[0027] The mobile terminal 6 is a terminal operated by a delivery staff of the service provider SA, and has a locker delivery application installed. The mobile terminal 6 has a function required for storing the facial image registration information of the delivery staff himself / herself in the server 1.

[0028] The locker device 4 has a plurality of locker boxes 31, which form closed spaces. In the locker boxes 31, products D1 and D2 are stored, and when the door is then closed, the locker boxes 31 are automatically locked. When the locker box 31 is locked, the locker device 4 transmits to the server 1 information notifying the server 1 that the door of the locker box 31 has been closed (locked), that is, a door closure detection signal.

[0029] In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between purchasers B1 to Bp, they will be collectively referred to as "purchaser B." Also, when there is no need to distinguish between purchaser terminals 5-1 to 5-d, they will be collectively referred to as "purchaser terminal 5." Also, when there is no need to distinguish between locker devices 4-1 to 4-m, they will be collectively referred to as "locker device 4."

[0030] The server 1 manages each piece of information in cooperation with the product providing device 2, the locker device 4, the purchaser terminal 5, and the mobile terminal 6. The server 1 executes various processes to provide this service in which a purchaser B uses the locker device 4 to deliver a product D purchased on an app / site C. Specifically, the server 1 manages a locker device 4 in which the door of a locker box 31 is unlocked by an unlocking process using face authentication as an electronic key. Furthermore, when transmitting the facial image registration information, the server 1 determines whether or not a predetermined condition related to the payment for the product D (for example, the payment for the product D has been paid, or the closing of the door of the locker box 31 by the delivery staff has been detected) is satisfied, and then executes a process related to the transmission of the facial image registration information (hereinafter referred to as "face recognition unlocking process"). The specific contents of the functions that the server 1 has for executing these processes will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0031] The locker device 4 has one or more locker boxes 31 that can be locked with products D stored therein. The locker device 4 at least unlocks the doors that serve as the entrances and exits of each of the one or more locker boxes 31 based on the results of face authentication.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server 1 in the information processing system shown in FIG.

[0033] The server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0034] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13 . The RAM 13 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0035] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15. An imaging device such as a security camera that images the locker device 4 is connected to the communication unit 19.

[0036] The output unit 16 is configured with a display such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. The input unit 17 is composed of various hardware buttons and the like, and inputs various information in response to instructions given by an operator.

[0037] The storage unit 18 is configured with a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 controls communication with other devices (the product providing device 2, the locker device 4, the purchaser terminal 5, and the mobile terminal 6 in FIG. 1) via a network NW including the Internet.

[0038] The drive 20 is provided as necessary. Removable media 30, which may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. The program read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. The removable media 30 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0039] Although not shown in the figure, the product providing device 2, locker device 4, purchaser terminal 5, mobile terminal 6, etc. of the information processing system of Figure 2 can also be configured in a similar manner to the hardware configuration of the server 1 in Figure 2, so their explanation will be omitted. However, when the purchaser terminal 5 is configured as a smartphone or a tablet, the output unit 16 and the input unit 17 have a touch panel.

[0040] 2, various processes described below can be executed in the server 1. As a result, the service provider SA can provide the purchaser B with various services described below.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an overview of an article delivery service using the information processing system of FIG.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, in this service, a purchaser B operates a purchaser terminal 5 to access an application / site C, purchases a product D sold by a product provider S, and when payment is made, a delivery request is sent from the product provider S's product providing device 2. In addition, with this service, purchaser B operates purchaser terminal 5 and registers his / her own facial image information (facial image registration information) for facial authentication via app / site C to server 1 that implements delivery collaboration API_A. The service provider SA, having received the delivery request, delivers (transports) the product D to the locker device 4, stores it in the designated locker box 31, and closes the door. At this time, the locker device 4 detects that the door has been closed and transmits a door closure detection signal to the server 1. Then, the server 1 receives a signal from the locker device 4 notifying that the door is closed, and provides the face image registration information to the locker device 4, assuming that a predetermined condition regarding the payment is satisfied.

[0043] Upon receiving the delivery completion notification at the purchaser terminal 5, purchaser B goes to the station where the locker device 4 is installed to pick up the product D, and in front of the locker device 4, has the locker device 4 acquire information on his / her own face image for face authentication. The locker device 4 performs face authentication by comparing the acquired information with the face image registration information, and if the face authentication is OK, the door of a specified locker box 31 in the locker device 4 is opened, and the purchaser B can receive the product D in the box.

[0044] The functional configurations of the server and the locker device of the information processing system of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each of the server and the locker device in the information processing system of FIG.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, when the face authentication unlocking process is executed in the CPU 11 of the server 1, a purchaser authentication unit 101, an API control unit 102, a locker management unit 103, a face authentication control unit 104, and a history management unit 105 function. In one area of ​​the storage unit 18 of the server 1, a purchaser DB 401, a locker DB 402, a face image registration information DB 403, and a history DB 404 are provided.

[0046] The purchaser DB 401 stores and manages various information related to purchaser B. Specifically, the information includes information that uniquely identifies purchaser B (hereinafter referred to as "purchaser ID"), the name, address, contact information (telephone number, email address), account information, etc. of purchaser B. In addition, information that uniquely identifies the purchaser terminal 5 used by purchaser B (telephone number, BT device name, etc.) is also stored and managed in the purchaser DB 401.

[0047] Locker information is stored in the locker DB 402. Specifically, information for uniquely identifying the locker device 4 (hereinafter referred to as "locker ID"), information for uniquely identifying a specific locker box 31 among the multiple locker boxes 31 in the locker device 4 (hereinafter referred to as "box number"), location information showing the installation location of the locker device 4, function setting information in which the functions of each locker box are set, and information such as the usage status of the locker device 4 are stored in association with each other in the locker DB 402. The locker DB 402 also manages information associated with each locker ID for one or more locker boxes 31. Specifically, the locker DB 402 manages information such as the lock status of the locker box 31, the telephone number of the terminal that issued the unlock command, and the purchaser ID of purchaser B. Furthermore, in the locker DB 402, information relating to reservations for use of the locker device 4 is stored and managed as reservation information for each user. Specifically, the reservation information includes, for example, the purchaser ID, the box number of the locker box 31, the reservation date, the date on which the locker box 31 will actually be used, and the time period.

[0048] In the face image registration information DB 403, comparison source information for biometric authentication of purchaser B is stored. Specifically, when purchaser B purchases product D, purchaser B himself / herself photographs his / her face image using purchaser terminal 5, and the information of the face image transmitted to server 1, that is, face image registration information, is stored. The facial image registration information is comparison source information that is later compared with information of the user's own facial image captured in front of the locker device 4 for facial authentication (comparison destination information).

[0049] In the history DB 404, the usage history of the locker device 4 and the billing status of the usage fee are stored and managed for each locker box 31. The usage history of the locker device 4 includes the unlocking time, contents, locking time, etc. In addition, if context information (e.g., an image, etc.) is acquired when the locker is unlocked, the context information is stored in association with the unlocking time.

[0050] The purchaser authentication unit 101 performs authentication processing of the purchaser B based on various information about the purchaser stored in the purchaser DB 401 (hereinafter referred to as "purchaser information") and various information about the purchaser to be authenticated transmitted from each of the purchaser terminals 5 (hereinafter referred to as "authenticated purchaser information"). Here, a registered user specifically means a user who wishes to use this service and has transmitted predetermined information to the server 1. In addition, the purchaser authentication unit 101 executes processes related to the management and deletion of purchaser information.

[0051] The locker management unit 103 manages the registration of the locker device 4 and the usage status of the locker device 4. When the locker device 4 is registered, information about the locker device 4 (hereinafter referred to as "locker information") is stored in the locker DB 402. In addition, the usage status of the locker device 4 is also stored in the locker DB 402 as needed.

[0052] The API control unit 102 executes control by a delivery cooperation API_A that causes the face authentication control unit 104 including the face image registration information providing unit 123 to function in the product providing device 2. As a result, the service provider SA can realize a business using the locker device 4 by simply having the locker device 4 installed at a railway company station and linking the delivery link API_A to the application site C.

[0053] The API control unit 102 executes control for enabling the functions of the face authentication control unit 104 including the face image registration information providing unit 123 to be realized in the application site C. This allows the service provider to implement a business using the locker device 4 without having to manage the application / site C that provides the product D, simply by implementing a delivery collaboration API_A that works in conjunction with the application / site C on the server 1, thereby reducing investment costs for the business.

[0054] The locker management unit 103 displays a function setting screen (not shown) on the product provision device 2 operated by the site administrator U, and manages N units of locker boxes 31 (N is an integer value of 2 or more), with each locker box 31 in the locker device 4 being one unit. The locker management unit 103 includes a setting function unit 111 . The setting function unit 111 performs settings on a function setting screen (not shown) by operation of the site administrator U to assign a predetermined function out of a plurality of functions including a function for storing products D in the locker device 4 to each of the N units. The multiple functions include, for example, a function to make each locker box 31 of the locker device 4 a free locker, a function to make it a locker that can be used with a contactless transportation IC card, a function to set the locker usage fee and the price of the items stored therein, and a function to realize biometric authentication (in this case, facial authentication) for locking and unlocking.

[0055] In addition, the locker management unit 103 accepts reservations for use of a locker box 31 that is set to be available for reservation, among one or more locker boxes 31 in a locker device 4 capable of storing product D, during a time period when reservations are available, at a specified usage fee. Specifically, the locker management unit 103 accepts reservation-related information from the purchaser terminal 5, stores the accepted reservation-related information in the locker DB 402 as reservation information, and manages reservations for use of the locker device 4 from each of one or more users.

[0056] The facial recognition control unit 104 includes a facial image registration information acquisition unit 121, a facial image registration information management unit 122, and a facial image registration information provision unit 123 as functions related to the control of biometric authentication for locking and unlocking the doors of one or more locker boxes 31 of the locker device 4, i.e., the control of facial authentication in this case.

[0057] The facial image registration information acquisition unit 121 acquires the facial image registration information of the purchaser B before the product D is placed in the locker box 31 and locked. Specifically, the facial image registration information acquisition unit 121 acquires information on the facial image of the purchaser B himself / herself that is photographed by the purchaser B using the purchaser terminal 5 and transmitted to the server 1, that is, the facial image registration information.

[0058] The facial image registration information management unit 122 stores the facial image registration information acquired by the facial image registration information acquisition unit 121 in the facial image registration information DB 403 and manages it. Specifically, the facial image registration information management unit 122 stores and manages the facial image registration information in the facial image registration information DB 403 in association with the purchaser ID of purchaser B.

[0059] The facial image registration information providing unit 123 provides the facial image registration information of purchaser B to a database (not shown) on the locker apparatus 4 side. Specifically, when a specified condition related to the payment for product D (e.g., the price of product D has been paid (transaction completed) or a signal detecting the door closure of a specified locker box 31 has been received) is met, the facial image registration information providing unit 123 provides the facial image registration information of purchaser B to a database (not shown) on the locker device 4 side via the network NW.

[0060] When the unlocking process is performed using facial recognition and the door is unlocked, the history management unit 105 associates information indicating that the door of the locker box 31 has been unlocked (unlocking time, URL key, etc.) with purchaser B's purchaser ID, etc., and manages this as history information related to the usage history of the locker device 4.

[0061] The history management unit 105 stores the acquired context information in the history information as necessary. The context information is, for example, an image including the recipient as a subject captured by a security camera or the like installed to capture an image of the locker device 4 when the door of a specific locker box 31 is opened or closed.

[0062] The history management unit 105 manages the usage history and the billing status of the usage fee of the locker device 4. The usage history and the billing status of the usage fee of the locker device 4 are stored in the history DB 404. When the history management unit 105 unlocks the locker box 31 of the locker device 4 reserved by purchaser B, it records the purchaser ID of purchaser B together with the unlocking time in the history DB 404 as a usage history that is part of the transaction history, and immediately invalidates the facial image registration information used for this unlocking. The process of immediately invalidating the facial image registration information may be performed by the facial authentication control unit 104.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, in the CPU of the locker device 4, when face authentication unlocking processing is executed, a face authentication section 201 and a lock / unlock control section 202 function. In one area of ​​the storage unit of the locker device 4, a database (not shown) for storing at least the facial image registration information of purchaser B provided from the facial image registration information providing unit 123 of the server 1 is provided.

[0064] When purchaser B attempts to receive product D, the facial authentication unit 201 performs facial authentication by comparing information on a facial image of purchaser B himself / herself, captured, for example, by an imaging unit (not shown) in front of the locker device 4, with the facial image registration information of purchaser B stored in the database (not shown).

[0065] The locking / unlocking control unit 202 executes the process of unlocking the door of a predetermined locker box 31 if the face authentication is successful as a predetermined condition.

[0066] Next, the operation of the server of the information processing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server of the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0067] In step S11, when purchaser B purchases product D and the transaction is concluded with locker device 4 as the delivery location, the server 1 receives a delivery request for product D from application / site C. In step S12, the server 1 receives information on the face image of purchaser B himself / herself, which is photographed using the purchaser terminal 5 and transmitted to the server 1, that is, the face image registration information acquisition unit 121 acquires the face image registration information. In the server 1, in step S13, the acquired face image registration information is stored in the face image registration information DB 403, and is managed by the face image registration information management unit 122. When the server 1 receives a door closure detection signal from the locker device 4 in step S14, it provides the face image registration information stored in the face image registration information DB 403 to the locker device 4. In the server 1, in step S15, the locker management unit 103 determines whether or not a specific locker box 31 of the locker device 4 has been unlocked by face authentication, and if it has been unlocked, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it has not been unlocked, step S15 is repeated. In the server 1, in step S16, the history management unit 105 executes a process of immediately invalidating the facial image registration information used for unlocking this time (as a result, the facial image registration information used this time cannot be used from the next time onwards). In step S17, the history management unit 105 of the server 1 creates history information that associates the purchaser ID of purchaser B with the unlocking time, and records the history information as a part of the transaction history in the history DB 404. Note that the order of invalidating the face image registration information and creating the history information may be reversed.

[0068] By providing face image registration information that can be used only once in this manner, it is possible to provide purchaser B with a convenient temporary storage service while preventing unauthorized use of locker device 4.

[0069] Next, a first example of a business model to which the above-mentioned information processing system is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an article reservation service using locker devices installed at a station.

[0070] This first example is an example of a business model in which a locker device 4 is placed in a location, for example, near a dry cleaning shop operating at a railway company station, and laundry D3 entrusted to purchaser B at the dry cleaning shop is washed and then stored in the locker device 4, so that purchaser B can pick up laundry D3 from the locker device 4 regardless of the dry cleaning shop's business hours.

[0071] In this example, the laundry at the dry cleaner's corresponds to a "service" and the laundry D3 corresponds to an "item used for the service," so in this example, the person who pays for the laundry is called the "purchaser" who purchases the service.

[0072] In step S41, purchaser B comes to a dry cleaning shop at a station with laundry D3, asks a product provider S, who is a clerk at the dry cleaning shop, to wash laundry D3, and leaves laundry D3 with the product provider S.

[0073] In step S42, the product provider S operates the product provider device 2 to carry out payment processing for the requested service such as laundry. At this time, the product provider S prompts the purchaser B to select the location of the locker device 4 and the locker box 31 where the laundry D3 will be received, and also prompts the purchaser B to register information about his / her facial image for facial authentication (facial image registration information). Purchaser B operates purchaser terminal 5 to select the installation location of locker device 4 and locker box 31. Purchaser B also takes a picture of his / her face and transmits information on the taken face image, i.e., face image registration information, to product providing device 2. After the payment process, purchaser B may head to the station to commute to work.

[0074] In step S43, the commodity providing device 2 transmits the face image registration information of the purchaser B to the server 1. In step S44, the product provider S washes the laundry D3 that has been accepted in response to the request, and takes the washed laundry D3 to the locker device 4 and stores the laundry D3 in a specified locker box 31. Although not specifically shown, the product provider S performs face authentication in the same manner as the purchaser B in order to unlock the specified locker box 31.

[0075] When the product provider S closes the door of the locker box 31 after storing the laundry D3 in the locker box 31, a door closure detection signal is transmitted from the locker device 4 to the server 1 (step S45).

[0076] In the server 1, in step S46, when the door closing detection signal is received, the face authentication control unit 104 determines that a predetermined condition related to the payment is satisfied, and transmits a delivery completion notification to the purchaser terminal 5 (step S47). Furthermore, the server 1 transmits face image registration information of purchaser B to the locker device 4 (step S48).

[0077] In step S49, the purchaser B, who has seen the delivery completion notice on the purchaser terminal 5, goes to the locker device 4 at the station on his / her way home from work or the like to pick up the laundry D3. Then, purchaser B stands in front of the locker device 4 and causes the locker device 4 to acquire information about his / her own face image for face authentication (step S50). As a result, the locker device 4 performs face authentication by comparing the acquired information with the face image registration information, and if the face authentication is successful, the purchaser B is determined to be the recipient, and the designated locker box 31 is unlocked. Therefore, the purchaser B can take out the laundry D3 from the designated locker box 31.

[0078] According to this example, a business model can be realized in which a service for storing dry-cleaned laundry D3 can be provided using locker devices 4 installed at stations.

[0079] Next, a second example of a business model to which the above-mentioned information processing system is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a service in which products purchased at an online supermarket can be picked up at a locker device.

[0080] In this second example, a service in which a product provider S, such as a supermarket, opens a store on an EC site and sells and delivers products is called an online supermarket, and as shown in Fig. 8, a purchaser B can purchase a product sold on the online supermarket, such as vegetables D4, by specifying a locker device 4 at a railway company station as the delivery destination. The vegetables D4 are delivered and stored in the locker device 4, for example, after being stored in an insulated pack, and the purchaser B can pick up the vegetables D4 from the locker device 4 on his way home from work, without having to wait at home for the vegetables D4 to be delivered.

[0081] In step S61, purchaser B operates purchaser terminal 5 to order vegetables D4 from an online supermarket located on application site C. At this time, the locker device 4 is designated as the delivery destination of vegetables D4 on the screen of application site C. The order is received by product providing device 2. In step S62, in conjunction with the above order, purchaser B takes a photograph of his / her own face and transmits information about the photographed face image, i.e., face image registration information, to the application / site C (to the product etc. providing device 2). The face image registration information is transmitted from the product etc. providing device 2 to the server 1 (step S63).

[0082] When an order for vegetables D4 is placed at the product providing device 2, the product provider S operates the product providing device 2 to check the availability of locker devices 4 at the specified location on the screen of the app / site C displayed thereon, and then, in step S64, selects a locker box 31 capable of storing the ordered vegetables D4 in a cooler bag.

[0083] In step S65, the product provider S delivers the ordered vegetables D4 to the locker device 4 and stores them in the selected locker box 31. After the vegetables D4 are stored in the locker box 31, the locker device 4 transmits a door closing detection signal to the server 1, although this is not shown in the figure. In step S67, the server 1 determines that the facial recognition control unit 104 has satisfied the specified conditions related to payment, and sends a delivery completion notification to the purchaser terminal 5 and also sends purchaser B's facial image registration information to the locker device 4 (step S66).

[0084] In step S68, purchaser B, who has seen the delivery completion notice on purchaser terminal 5, goes to the locker device 4 at the station on his / her way home from work or the like to collect vegetables D4. Then, purchaser B stands in front of the locker device 4 and causes the locker device 4 to acquire information about his / her own face image for face authentication (step S69). As a result, the locker device 4 performs facial authentication by comparing the acquired information with the facial image registration information, and if the facial authentication is successful, the purchaser B is deemed to be the recipient, the designated locker box 31 is unlocked, and the purchaser B can take out the vegetables D4 from the designated locker box 31.

[0085] In this way, according to the second example, a business model can be realized in which products such as vegetables D4 purchased by purchaser B from an online supermarket can be picked up at a locker device 4 installed at a station.

[0086] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the server 1 and the locker device 4 are connected to each other via a network NW, but in the case where a user (corresponding to the above-mentioned purchaser B) places a desired item in a desired locker box 31 himself / herself, locks it, and then unlocks it and removes the desired item himself / herself, the locker device 4 may be configured as follows. Specifically, the locker device 4 further includes at least a facial authentication control unit 104 of the server 1 (the locker device 4 further includes a facial image registration information acquisition unit 121, a facial image registration information management unit 122, and a facial image registration information provision unit 123 as functions related to the control of facial authentication). In such a locker device 4, when a user places a desired article in a desired locker box 31 and locks it, the user not only performs the payment process described above, but also transmits his / her own facial image registration information to the locker device 4 by, for example, short-range wireless communication. As a result, the user's facial image registration information is stored and managed in the locker device 4. On the other hand, when taking out a specific item from a specific locker box 31, the user simply stands in front of the locker device 4 and causes the locker device 4 to obtain information about the user's face image for face authentication, thereby carrying out face authentication. According to the above example, it is possible to realize a locker device 4 that does not require a communication function with a network NW such as the Internet, and goods, services, and other items can be safely delivered to a recipient (such as purchaser B) via the locker box 31 of such a locker device 4.

[0088] An example of the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication method is wireless communication based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. However, other methods such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (registered trademark) or transportation-related contactless IC cards may also be used, and the short-range wireless communication method is not particularly limited.

[0089] In the above embodiment, face authentication is used as the biometric authentication, but this is not limiting. In other words, in addition to face authentication, for example, voice (voiceprint) authentication, retina authentication, fingerprint authentication, palm print authentication, or a combination of these may be used.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configuration shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and is not particularly limited to only the functional configuration in FIG. That is, it is sufficient if the information processing system is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the examples in Figures 1 to 8. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not particularly limited to those in Figures 1 to 8, and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional block and database of the server 1 may be transferred to the product providing device 2, etc. Conversely, the functional block and database of the product providing device 2 may be transferred to the server, etc. As described above, the functional block of the server 1 may be transferred to the locker device 4. Furthermore, each functional block and database may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0091] When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs thereon, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0092] A recording medium containing such a program may be composed not only of a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to a user, etc., but also of a recording medium that is provided to a user, etc. in a state where it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0093] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically according to the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are executed in parallel or individually. In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is composed of a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, etc.

[0094] In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to which the present invention is applied to have the following configuration, and various types of embodiments are possible.

[0095] That is, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system of FIG. 2, etc.) In an information processing system for managing a closed space (such as the locker box 31 in FIG. 2) in which an unlocking process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the entrance of the closed space is unlocked, a biometric authentication information providing unit (e.g., face image registration information providing unit 123 in FIG. 5) for providing comparison source information (e.g., face image registration information in FIG. 1) for biometric authentication (e.g., face authentication in FIG. 1) of a user (e.g., purchaser B in FIG. 1) who receives a predetermined item (e.g., product D in FIG. 1) from the closed space to a predetermined database in the closed space (e.g., a database not shown in the figure on the locker device 4 side in FIG. 1) when the predetermined item is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication execution means (e.g., the face authentication unit 201 of the locker device 4 in FIG. 5 ) for acquiring comparison target information for the biometric authentication of the user when the user receives the specified item (e.g., information on the face image of the purchaser B himself / herself for face authentication acquired in front of the locker device 4 in FIG. 1 ) and performing the biometric authentication by comparing the comparison target information with the comparison source information stored in the specified database; an unlocking process execution means (such as the locking / unlocking control unit 202 of the locker device 4 in FIG. 5) that executes the unlocking process when the biometric authentication is successful as the predetermined condition; Equipped with. This allows the recipient (such as purchaser B) to receive the product D purchased by purchaser B on an app / site C or the item for which a service was provided (such as laundry D3 in Figure 9) via a closed space (such as the locker box 31 of the locker device 4 in Figure 2) installed at a station, convenience store, etc., on the way home from work or while out. As a result, it is possible to realize a business that can safely deliver goods (such as product D or laundry D3 purchased on an app / site C) to a recipient (such as purchaser B) while improving the convenience of storage locations for goods (such as locker devices 4) installed in public spaces such as train stations and convenience stores.

[0096] An information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system shown in FIG. 2) includes: A first information processing device (e.g., the locker device 4 in FIG. 1 ) that manages the closed space and has the predetermined database; A second information processing device (e.g., server 1 in FIG. 2 ) that communicates with the first information processing device via a predetermined network (e.g., network NW in FIG. 2 ); having The second information processing device (e.g., server 1 in FIG. 2 ) a biometric authentication information acquisition unit (e.g., the face image registration information acquisition unit 121 in FIG. 5 ) for acquiring the comparison source information of the user before the predetermined article is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication information management unit (e.g., the face image registration information management unit 122 in FIG. 5 ) that stores and manages the acquired comparison source information in a database (e.g., the face image registration information DB 403 in FIG. 5 ) different from the predetermined database; The biometric authentication information providing means (for example, the face image registration information providing unit 123 in FIG. 5 ), Equipped with The first information processing device (for example, the locker device 4 in FIG. 1 ) The biometric authentication execution means (e.g., the face authentication unit 201 of the locker device 4 in FIG. 5, etc.), The unlocking process execution means (for example, the locking / unlocking control unit 202 of the locker device 4 in FIG. 5, etc.), Equipped with. An information processing system (e.g., the information processing system of FIG. 2) having a first information processing device (e.g., the locker device 4 of FIG. 1) and a second information processing device (e.g., the server 1 of FIG. 2) can improve the convenience of using and managing a service for temporarily storing items compared to conventional methods.

[0097] An information processing system to which the present invention is applied comprises: An information processing device that manages the closed space (such as the above-mentioned locker box in which a user puts a desired item in and locks it, and unlocks and takes out the desired item) and has the specified database (such as the above-mentioned locker device in which a user puts a desired item in and locks it, and unlocks and takes out the desired item) having The information processing device includes: A biometric authentication information acquisition unit (e.g., a functional unit similar to the face image registration information acquisition unit 121 in FIG. 5) that acquires the comparison source information of the user when the predetermined article is placed in the user's hand; The biometric authentication information providing means (for example, a functional unit similar to the face image registration information providing unit 123 in FIG. 5 ), The biometric authentication execution means (e.g., the face authentication unit 201 of the locker device 4 in FIG. 5, etc.), The unlocking process execution means (for example, the locking / unlocking control unit 202 of the locker device 4 in FIG. 5, etc.), Equipped with. By using an information processing system (such as the above-mentioned locker device in which a user inserts a desired item into a locker, locks it, unlocks it and removes the desired item) having an information processing device (such as the above-mentioned locker device in which a user inserts a desired item into a locker, locks it, unlocks it and removes the desired item), it is possible to improve the convenience of using and managing the temporary storage service compared to the conventional method.

[0098] An information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system shown in FIG. 2) includes: The biometric authentication is face authentication, The comparison source information and the comparison target information of the user are information based on a face image of the user. Facial recognition can make it easier than ever to use and manage temporary storage services for items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...server, 2...product providing device, 4...locker device, 5...purchaser terminal, 6...mobile terminal, 11...CPU, 18...storage unit, 19...communication unit, 20...drive, 30...removable media, 31...locker box, 101...purchaser authentication unit, 102...API control unit, 103...locker management unit, 104...face authentication control unit, 105...history management unit, 111...setting function unit, 121...face image registration information acquisition unit, 122...face image registration information management unit, 123...face image registration information provision unit, 401...purchaser DB, 402...locker DB, 403...face image registration information DB, 404...history DB

Claims

1. In an information processing system for managing a closed space in which an entrance is unlocked by executing an unlocking process when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a biometric authentication information providing means for providing comparison source information for biometric authentication of a user who receives a predetermined article from the closed space to a predetermined database on the closed space side when the predetermined article is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication execution means for acquiring comparison target information for the biometric authentication of the user when the user receives the predetermined item, and performing the biometric authentication by comparing the comparison target information with the comparison source information stored in the predetermined database; an unlocking process execution means for executing the unlocking process when the biometric authentication is successful as the predetermined condition; An information processing system comprising:

2. a first information processing device which is a device for managing the closed space and has the predetermined database; a second information processing device that communicates with the first information processing device via a predetermined network; having The second information processing device is a biometric authentication information acquisition means for acquiring the comparison source information of the user before the predetermined article is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication information management means for storing and managing the acquired comparison source information in a database different from the predetermined database; The biometric authentication information providing means; Equipped with The first information processing device is The biometric authentication execution means; The unlocking process execution means; Equipped with The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. An information processing device that manages the closed space and has the predetermined database having The information processing device includes: a biometric authentication information acquisition unit that acquires the comparison source information of the user when the predetermined article is placed in the user's hand; The biometric authentication information providing means; The biometric authentication execution means; The unlocking process execution means; Equipped with The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The biometric authentication is face authentication, The comparison source information and the comparison target information of the user are information based on a face image of the user. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. An information processing method executed by an information processing system that manages a closed space in which an entrance is unlocked by executing an unlocking process when a predetermined condition is satisfied, comprising: a biometric authentication information providing step of providing comparison source information for biometric authentication of a user who receives a predetermined article from the closed space to a predetermined database on the closed space side when the predetermined article is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication execution step of acquiring comparison target information for the biometric authentication of the user when the user receives the predetermined item, and comparing the comparison target information with the comparison source information stored in the predetermined database, thereby executing the biometric authentication; an unlocking process execution step of executing the unlocking process when the biometric authentication is successful as the predetermined condition; An information processing method comprising:

6. A computer that controls an information processing system that manages a closed space in which an unlocking process is executed to unlock an entrance when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a biometric authentication information providing step of providing comparison source information for biometric authentication of a user who receives a predetermined article from the closed space to a predetermined database on the closed space side when the predetermined article is placed in the closed space and locked; a biometric authentication execution step of acquiring comparison target information for the biometric authentication of the user when the user receives the predetermined item, and comparing the comparison target information with the comparison source information stored in the predetermined database, thereby executing the biometric authentication; an unlocking process execution step of executing the unlocking process when the biometric authentication is successful as the predetermined condition; A program that executes control processing including:

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