Management method of facility, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of achieving labor saving for a work required for usage of a facility and mitigation of load on a manager in management of usage of the facility.SOLUTION: A management method of a facility includes: an authentication information acquisition step in which a user terminal 50 possessed by a user acquires authentication information indicating that a user is present at a position for using a store 2 as a facility from a display device 4 as an authentication device installed in the store 2 side, or a reading device 6 as an authentication device acquires the information from the user; and a determination step in which the store 2 (automatic door 3) is allowed to execute a process to allow an operation when SNS information registered by the user includes information indicating permission to the user to use the facility after acquisition of the authentication information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a facility management method, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for determining permission to use facilities such as stores and devices for each user. For example, Patent Document 1 describes this type of technique.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to an unmanned store system. Patent Document 1 describes an unmanned store system including an authentication device that acquires personal information from a part of a user's body, transmits the personal information to a first server, and receives authentication of the personal information from the first server, a gate control device that opens a gate to allow the user to enter or exit the store when the authentication device receives authentication, and an unmanned cash register device that acquires personal information from a part of a user's body, transmits the personal information to a second server, and settles the product amount when authentication of the personal information is received from the second server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-021283 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to determine whether to permit the use of facilities, it is necessary to register personal information of users in advance. Registering personal information requires users to input their names, telephone numbers, addresses, etc., which is a cumbersome task for users. It is also a heavy burden for facility managers, who must independently build an interface for accepting input of personal information and a system for managing personal information.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for managing the use of equipment, which can reduce the amount of work required by users to use equipment and reduce the burden on equipment managers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a method for managing equipment use permission for users by a computer, the method including: an authentication information acquisition step in which a user terminal carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the equipment from an authentication device installed on the equipment side, or the authentication device acquires authentication information from the user; and a determination step in which, after the authentication information is acquired, if SNS information related to an SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the equipment, a process is performed to cause the equipment to execute an operation permitting use.

[0008] The equipment management method may further include a display step in which the authentication device displays an identification code, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the user terminal may acquire the authentication information by reading the identification code from the authentication device.

[0009] In the display step, the identification code, which varies depending on the time, is displayed, and in the determination step, if the identification code acquired by the user terminal is within a valid period and the SNS information includes information permitting the user to use the facility, a process may be performed to execute an operation permitting use of the facility.

[0010] The equipment management method may further include a display step in which the user terminal displays an identification code, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the authentication device may acquire the authentication information by reading the identification code from the user terminal.

[0011] In the authentication information obtaining step, the authentication device may obtain the authentication information by reading biometric information of the user or identification information of the user stored in a storage medium.

[0012] In the determination step, if the SNS information does not include information permitting the user to use the facility, a process may be executed to send additional information to the user terminal or the authentication device to cause the user terminal to execute a process to add information permitting the user to use the facility.

[0013] The facility management method may further include a user information storage step of storing usage information regarding the usage of the facility after the determination step in association with the user.

[0014] The facility management method may further include a presentation step of presenting at least one of advertising information and usage-related information regarding the facility based on the usage information to the user terminal or the authentication device.

[0015] At least one of the advertisement information and the usage-related information may be presented to the user terminal or the authentication device based on the usage time of the facility.

[0016] Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that includes a communication processing unit that acquires, through communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to use equipment, from an authentication device installed on the equipment side by a user terminal carried by the user, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user, and a determination unit that, after acquiring the authentication information, if SNS information regarding an SNS to which the user registers includes information permitting the user to use the equipment, performs processing to cause the equipment to execute an operation to permit use.

[0017] Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a communication processing function that acquires, through communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to use equipment, from an authentication device installed on the equipment side, information indicating that the user terminal carried by the user has acquired the authentication information, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user, and a determination function that, after acquiring the authentication information, if SNS information regarding an SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the equipment, performs processing to cause the equipment to execute an operation permitting use. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for managing the use of a facility, which can reduce the amount of work required by users to use the facility and reduce the burden on facility managers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an equipment management system to which an equipment management method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a management device according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a facility management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in the case where SNS linkage has been completed in the equipment management method of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in the equipment management method according to the first embodiment when SNS linkage is not performed. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for collecting marketing information in the equipment management method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a marketing process in the equipment management method of the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an equipment management system to which an equipment management method according to a second embodiment is applied. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in a case where SNS linkage has been completed in the equipment management method of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the second and subsequent embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to designate configurations common to the first and second embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a facility management system 1 to which a facility management method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The facility management system 1 uses a computer to manage facility use permission for users. The facility that the facility management system 1 manages may be a space such as a store, a rental conference room, a gym, etc., or may be an opening / closing device such as an automatic door or a ticket barrier-type gate, an electronic lock for the opening / closing device, a rental computer, exercise equipment, etc. As such, the facility is not particularly limited in the present invention. Below, an unmanned store 2 and an automatic door 3 will be described as an example of the facility. The store 2 is not limited to an unmanned store, and may be a manned store with staff on-site.

[0022] The facility management system 1 of the first embodiment includes an automatic door 3 installed at the entrance / exit of a store 2, a display device 4 which is an authentication device, an accounting device 5 installed within the store 2, and a management device 10 which manages usage permissions.

[0023] The automatic door 3 is an opening and closing device installed in the store 2. When the automatic door 3 receives an operation command to open the door, it transitions from a closed state to an open state. Users using the store 2 can use the store 2 when the automatic door 3 switches to the open state. In the first embodiment, a computer with a communication function (not shown) is connected to the automatic door 30, and when the computer receives information indicating permission from the management device 10, it transmits an operation command to the automatic door 3.

[0024] The display device 4 is a digital signage that outputs information for using the store 2 to a user terminal 50 carried by a user. A program that displays an identification code 100 for entering the store 2 runs on the display device 4. The user terminal 50 of this embodiment is a portable computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch that has a communication function, an image reading function, a display function, and the like.

[0025] The accounting device 5 is a cash register for a user who purchases a product at the store 2 to make a payment. The accounting device 5 may be a self-checkout type in which the user processes the payment themselves, or may be a type in which a store clerk processes the payment.

[0026] The management device 10 is a server having a facility management function for granting permission for users to use the store 2, and a marketing processing function for encouraging users to use the facilities.

[0027] <Hardware configuration> Here, a hardware configuration for realizing the management device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the management device 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the management device 10 includes a processor 11, a ROM (read-only memory) 12, a RAM (random-access memory) 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, a communication I / F (interface) 15, an input device 16, and an output device 17. The various hardware components constituting the management device 10 are connected by a bus or the like.

[0028] The processor 11 is a central part of a computer that performs calculations, control, and other processes required for the operation of the management device 10, and performs various calculations and processes. The processor 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 11 is a combination of two or more of these. The processor 11 may also be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator or the like.

[0029] The processor 11 controls each unit to realize various functions based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 12 or the auxiliary storage device 14. The processor 11 also executes processes described below based on the programs. Note that a part or all of the programs may be incorporated in the circuitry of the processor 11.

[0030] ROM 12 and RAM 13 are main storage devices of a computer with processor 11 at its core. ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 12 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. ROM 12 also stores data used by processor 11 when performing various processes. RAM 13 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 13 is used as a work area or the like for storing data temporarily used by processor 11 when performing various processes. RAM 13 is typically a volatile memory.

[0031] The auxiliary storage device 14 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), a flash memory, etc. The auxiliary storage device 14 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. The auxiliary storage device 14 also stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 11, various setting values, etc.

[0032] The communication I / F 15 is an interface for communicating with an external device such as a user terminal 50. The input device 16 is a means for accepting user operations and is configured with a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The output device 17 is a means for outputting various information to the user and is configured with a display. The input device 16 and the output device 17 may be configured with a touch panel display.

[0033] The management device 10 may be configured as a single computer or multiple computers. For example, a computer performing the facility management function and a computer performing the usage information management function may be independent of each other. The management device 10 may be a server built on a cloud computing service realized by a third party's computer.

[0034] <Functional configuration> The management device 10 realizes various functions by the above-mentioned hardware configuration. Among the functional parts realized by the management device 10, functions related to the facility management function and the usage information management function will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the facility management system 1.

[0035] The management device 10 of this embodiment includes, as functional units realized on the processor 11, a communication processing unit 31, an authentication information management unit 32, a judgment unit 33, an equipment operation unit 34, a user information management unit 35, a presentation information generation unit 36, and a presentation information management unit 37.

[0036] The communication processing unit 31 executes processing to communicate with an external computer and send and receive information. In this embodiment, the communication processing unit 31 sends and receives various information to and from each of the automatic doors 3, the display device 4, the accounting device 5, and the user terminal 50 through communication processing. The communication processing unit 31 sends and receives various information using, for example, an API (application programming interface). Each of the automatic doors 3, the display device 4, and the accounting device 5 may communicate directly with the communication processing unit 31, or indirectly via another computer.

[0037] The authentication information management unit 32 executes a process of managing an identification code 100 as authentication information. The identification code 100 is, for example, a code to be read by a camera, such as a QR code (registered trademark). Note that the identification code 100 is not limited to a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). It is sufficient for the code to be one from which predetermined information can be read by image processing, and a one-dimensional barcode may also be used.

[0038] When the authentication information management unit 32 receives an identification code request requesting an identification code 100 from the display device 4, it refers to the display device database 41, generates the identification code 100 to be displayed in the store 2, and transmits it to the display device 4 of the store 2.

[0039] The display device database 41 is constructed using the auxiliary storage device 14, an external computer, etc. The display device database 41 registers information relating to a plurality of stores 2. The information relating to the store 2 includes information for identifying the store 2 in which the display device 4 is installed, information indicating the position of the automatic doors 3, etc. Each functional unit, such as the authentication information management unit 32 and the determination unit 33, can use the information registered in the display device database 41 to identify which store 2 the automatic doors 3, display device 4, and accounting device 5 used by the user belong to.

[0040] The determination unit 33 executes a determination process to determine whether or not to permit the user to use the store 2. The determination unit 33 determines whether or not to permit use based on the user to be determined and the registration information of the user's SNS (social networking service). Examples of SNS include LINE (registered trademark), Facebook (registered trademark), Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), Tiktok (registered trademark), and YouTube (registered trademark).

[0041] The registration information of the SNS that serves as the judgment criterion can be set to predetermined information as appropriate. In this embodiment, the judgment criterion is that the registration information of the user's SNS includes related information that associates the store 2 and does not correspond to the blacklist. The related information is, for example, information indicating that the user has registered an account for store 2. The related information may be a friend registration of the store 2 account on LINE (registered trademark) or Facebook (registered trademark), or a follow of the store 2 account on Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), Tiktok (registered trademark), or the like. The blacklist is a list of users that are not permitted to use the service and is registered in advance.

[0042] The facility operation unit 34 controls the open / close state of the automatic door 3 based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 33. If the judgment result indicates that the user is permitted to use the automatic door 3, the facility operation unit 34 switches the automatic door 3 from a closed state to an open state. This allows the user to access the store 2.

[0043] The user information management unit 35 registers usage information regarding the user's use of the store 2 in the user information database 42. The user information database 42 is constructed by the auxiliary storage device 14, an external computer, etc. The usage information registered in the user information database 42 includes the user's registration information, store entry history information, purchase history information, and behavioral information indicating the user's behavior, etc.

[0044] The user's registration information is, for example, personal information input by operating the user terminal 50. The store entry history is information indicating that the store 2 (automatic door 3) was used. The store entry history includes, for example, information identifying the store 2 used and the date and time of use. The purchase history is information regarding the user's purchases, such as the products and number of products purchased using the accounting device 5. The behavior information is, for example, information indicating the user's behavior captured by a surveillance camera installed in the store 2.

[0045] The presentation information generating unit 36 ​​generates presentation information to be presented to the user based on the collected user information. The presentation information includes advertising information indicating product information to be presented to the user, product reviews, usage-related information indicating the business hours of the store 2, etc.

[0046] The presentation information management unit 37 transmits the presentation information including the advertisement information and the usage-related information to the user based on the timing determined based on the usage information. The destination of the advertisement information is, for example, an SNS or a user terminal 50 registered by the user.

[0047] <Authentication process> Next, an example of authentication processing in the case where an account of the store 2 has already been registered in the SNS to which the user is to register in the equipment management method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in the case where SNS linkage has been completed in the equipment management method of the first embodiment.

[0048] 4, in step S1, the display device 4 transmits an identification code request to the management device 10 at an arbitrary time timing to display the identification code 100. As a result, the management device 10 receives the identification code request transmitted by the display device 4. The identification code request is transmitted from the display device 4 to the management device 10 at arbitrary time intervals, for example.

[0049] The authentication information management unit 32 of the management device 10 generates an identification code 100 based on the identification code request in step S2, and transmits the generated identification code 100 to the display device 4 in step S3. Note that the identification code 100 transmitted and received in steps S2 and S3 may be an image of the identification code 100 to be displayed, or may be indirect information for displaying the identification code 100.

[0050] In step S4, the display device 4 executes a process of displaying the identification code 100 based on the information received from the management device 10. This updates the previously displayed identification code 100. In this manner, the display device 4 transmits an identification code request to the management device 10, which is a server, at arbitrary time intervals, and executes a process of acquiring and updating the identification code 100.

[0051] In step S5, the user terminal 50 captures an image of the identification code 100 displayed on the display device 4 in response to a user operation, and reads the identification code 100. In step S6, the user terminal 50 connects to the management device 10 based on the information embedded in the identification code 100, and makes a request to confirm whether the identification code 100 is appropriate.

[0052] In step S7, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives an identification code confirmation request from the user terminal 50, the determination unit 33 executes a process of determining the validity of the identification code 100. In the first embodiment, the management device 10 determines whether the identification code 100 that is the basis of the confirmation request from the user terminal 50 is within the validity period. If it is determined in step S7 that it is within the validity period, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the management device 10 transmits to the user terminal 50 a code for confirming whether an account of the store 2 is registered with the user terminal 50. If it is determined in step S7 that it is outside the validity period, the management device 10 may transmit to the user terminal 50 a code indicating that the identification code 100 is not within the validity period, or may transmit to the user terminal 50 a code for instructing the user terminal 50 to obtain a new identification code 100, or may transmit to the user terminal 50 a code indicating that access is not possible.

[0053] In step S9, when the user terminal 50 receives a code indicating a store account confirmation request from the management device 10, it refers to the registration information of the SNS based on the code and confirms whether it contains information indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered (related information for store 2).

[0054] In step S10, the user terminal 50 transmits a confirmation result to the management device 10. In the example shown in Fig. 4, an account of the store 2 is registered as related information in the SNS information of the user terminal 50, and the user terminal 50 transmits information (authentication result) indicating that the account of the store 2 has been registered to the management device 10.

[0055] In step S11, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives information from the user terminal 50 indicating that an account has been registered for the store 2, the determination unit 33 executes a determination process to determine whether or not the user is a person on the blacklist. If it is determined in step S11 that the user is not a person on the blacklist, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 transmits information for operating the automatic door 3 of the corresponding store 2. Note that if it is determined in step S12 that the user is on the blacklist, information is transmitted to the user terminal 50 indicating that use of the store 2 is not permitted.

[0056] In step S13, when a computer having a communication function (not shown) receives an operation request from the management device 10, the automatic door 3 switches from a closed state to an open state (or an openable state) based on the operation command of the computer. This allows the user to use the store 2.

[0057] In step S14, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 executes a process of registering, in the user information database 42, usage information such as the date and time when the user visited the store 2.

[0058] Next, an example of authentication processing in a case different from that in FIG. 4 in the equipment management method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in a case where SNS is not linked in the equipment management method of the first embodiment. In the following description, the processing in steps S1 to S8 is assumed to be the same as the authentication processing in FIG. 4.

[0059] 5, in step S9, the user terminal 50 determines in the authentication process that the registration information of the user's SNS does not include information indicating that an account for store 2 is registered (related information for store 2). Then, in step S10, the user terminal 50 transmits to the management device 10 information (authentication result) indicating that an account for store 2 is not registered as related information in the SNS information.

[0060] In step S11, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives information from the user terminal 50 indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered, the determination unit 33 determines that the user is currently in an unlinked SNS state in which the store 2 account has not been registered and that the user is not permitted to use store 2. Then, in step S21, the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 executes a process for causing the user to register an account for store 2. In this example, the management device 10 transmits information (addition information) to the user terminal 50 for redirecting the user to a registration screen for registering an account for store 2.

[0061] In step S22, when the user terminal 50 receives information for redirecting to a registration screen from the management device 10, it executes a registration process to prompt the user to register an account for store 2. For example, a registration screen for an account of store 2 is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50. In this example, in the registration process of step S22, the user performs an operation to register an account for store 2 according to the display of the user terminal 50. In step S23, when the user's registration operation is completed, the user terminal 50 transmits a registration result to the management device 10.

[0062] In step S24, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 registers the user information in the user information database 42 based on the registration result received from the user terminal 50. The user information includes, for example, information for identifying the registered store 2 and the registration date and time. In step S25, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 transmits an operation request to the automatic door 3 of the corresponding store 2.

[0063] In step S26, when a computer having a communication function (not shown) receives an operation request from the management device 10, the automatic door 3 switches from a closed state to an open state (or an openable state) based on the operation command from the computer. This allows the user to use the store 2.

[0064] <Marketing Processing> Next, a marketing process for presenting advertisement information and usage-related information to a user will be described. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process for collecting marketing information in the facility management method according to the first embodiment.

[0065] In step S31, the checkout device 5 displays a login code in response to a user's operation to purchase a product. In step S32, the user terminal 50 captures and acquires an image of the login code displayed on the checkout device 5 in response to the user's operation, and reads the login code.

[0066] In step S33, the user terminal 50 executes authentication processing to determine whether an account for the store 2 is registered in response to an operation to start a program that displays an authentication code for the user. Processing to generate an authentication code based on the authentication result and user information is executed. In this embodiment, the authentication result is transmitted to the management device 10 when an account for the store 2 is registered in the SNS information of the user.

[0067] In step S35, when the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 receives from the user terminal 50 information indicating that an account for store 2 has been registered, it executes a process to identify the user using the user terminal 50. For example, the user information management unit 35 compares information included in the authentication result with information registered in the user information database 42 to identify the user performing the transaction. In step S36, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 sends an instruction to the transaction device 5 to display a login screen for the user.

[0068] In step S37, the accounting device 5 displays a user login screen for performing accounting, and executes accounting processing to prompt the user to perform accounting operations. In step S37, the user scans the product and selects a payment method according to the screen displayed on the accounting device 5.

[0069] In step S38, the checkout device 5 sends information including the products scanned during the checkout process and the payment method to the management device 10. In step S39, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 executes a process to register the information received from the checkout device 5, including the product information and payment method, as user information in the user information database 42. As a result, the management device 10 registers information indicating which user is attempting to make a checkout at which store 2 and for how many products.

[0070] In step S40, the user terminal 50 executes a transaction process to make a payment in response to a user operation. The user terminal 50 executes the transaction process, for example, by displaying a transaction code and having the transaction device 5 read the code. Note that the transaction process may also use a credit card other than one that displays a code.

[0071] In step S41, the accounting device 5 reads the image of the accounting code on the user terminal 50 and communicates with the payment server to perform the accounting process. In step S42, when the accounting process is complete, the accounting device 5 sends information indicating payment completion to the management device 10. The management device 10 executes a process to register the transaction information indicating payment completion in the user information database 42.

[0072] The above description with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 is merely an example. For example, in step S9 and step S33 of the above embodiment, the process of checking the account registration status is executed on the user terminal 50, but this is not limited to this. The authentication process may be executed between the management device 10 and an SNS server that provides the SNS, and the result may be received by the user terminal 50. In this way, the process of checking the registration status may be executed on the client (e.g., the user terminal 50) side or on the server (e.g., the management device 10) side.

[0073] Furthermore, the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 transmits information for redirecting the user terminal 50 to a registration screen for registering an account for the store 2 as a process for causing the user to register an account for the store 2, but is not limited to this configuration. The determination unit 33 of the management device 10 may execute a process for transmitting information for displaying an additional identification code (addition information) for displaying a registration screen on the user terminal 50 to the display device 4 as a process for causing the user to register an account for the store 2.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a self-checkout system using the accounting device 5 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the self-checkout system. For example, a system in which payment is made by a smartphone instead of the accounting device 5 may be used. For example, accounting may be performed by scanning products using an image reading function of the smartphone.

[0075] Next, a process for presenting information generated by the marketing process to a user will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the marketing process in the equipment management method of the first embodiment.

[0076] In step S101, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 collects information on users to be used in marketing processing. The user information management unit 35 collects, for example, store entry history, purchase history, information indicating behavior in a store, and personal information of the user input via the user terminal 50, etc., which are registered in the user information database 42.

[0077] In step S102, the presentation information generation unit 36 ​​executes a process of analyzing the collected information about the user. In the analysis process, a process is executed to determine the contents of the advertising information and the usage-related information to be presented to the user based on the information indicating the store entry history, the purchase history, and the behavior in the store.

[0078] The advertising information is, for example, information about a product, such as a notice of a new product, a product selected based on a user's usage analysis, etc. The usage-related information is, for example, information encouraging the use of the store 2, such as a request for a product review, the store's business hours, and a book review of a specific product.

[0079] In the analysis process of step S102, a learning model constructed using machine learning can be used. The learning model can be constructed, for example, by learning a data set that combines information indicating store entry history, purchase history, and behavior in a store.

[0080] In step S103, the presentation information management unit 37 executes a process of presenting to the user presentation information including at least one of the advertisement information and the usage-related information determined by the presentation information generation unit 36. The presentation information management unit 37 transmits, for example, a code for displaying the advertisement information and the usage-related information in an SNS application to the user terminal 50.

[0081] The presentation process in step S103 is executed at a timing to encourage the user to use the store 2 based on the user information. The presentation information management unit 37 changes the presentation information depending on whether the store 2 is being used, for example. The method of determining whether the store 2 is being used is not particularly limited. The presentation information management unit 37 may determine whether the store 2 is being used based on the store entry history or the time period, or may determine whether the store 2 is being used by using the location information of the user terminal 50.

[0082] In step S104, the presentation information management unit 37 acquires information on whether the advertising information and usage-related information presented to the user by the presentation process led to the use of the store 2 or the purchase of a product, and executes a process to reflect the information. After the process of step S104, the process returns to step S101, and the marketing process is executed after reflecting the feedback process.

[0083] The above describes the marketing process using the store 2 that sells books as an example, but this is merely an example. For example, the same marketing process can be performed in a store that handles food ingredients such as fresh foods.

[0084] An example of a store that handles food ingredients will be described. In this example, the presentation information generating unit 36 ​​acquires the user's favorite dish from user information such as purchase history and store visit history. When the presentation information generating unit 36 ​​detects purchase information in which the user has purchased ingredients for the favorite dish, it generates advertisement information and usage-related information based on the purchase information. For example, in the case where the favorite dish is mapo tofu, when the presentation information generating unit 36 ​​detects that tofu was purchased yesterday, it generates sale information on minced meat, which is one of the ingredients of mapo tofu, as advertisement information, and recipe information showing a recipe for mapo tofu as usage-related information.

[0085] The presentation information management unit 37 presents the advertising information and usage-related information generated by the presentation information generation unit 36 ​​to the user at a timing determined based on the store entry history, etc. For example, if the user frequently enters the store after 8 p.m. due to work or other reasons, the presentation information management unit 37 executes a process of presenting the advertising information and usage-related information at 7 p.m. This can effectively encourage the user to visit the store.

[0086] <Second embodiment> Next, an explanation will be given of an equipment management system 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an equipment management system 1a to which an equipment management method according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0087] 8 includes the components of the equipment management system 1 of the first embodiment, and further includes a reading device 6. The reading device 6 is an authentication device having an image reading function capable of reading an identification code 200 displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of authentication processing in the case where SNS linkage has been established in the equipment management method according to the second embodiment.

[0089] 9, in step S51, the user terminal 50 starts a program in response to an operation by a user who is about to enter the store 2, executes an authentication process, and displays the identification code 200. The program is, for example, an application for an SNS that is installed in the user terminal 50.

[0090] The authentication process in step S51 is a process for judging whether or not an account for store 2 is registered in the SNS information. In this example, since an account for store 2 is registered, the program of the user terminal 50 generates an identification code 200 for authentication. This identification code 200 includes user information and information indicating the authentication result by the user terminal 50.

[0091] In step S52, the reading device 6 reads the identification code 200 displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50. For example, when the display screen of the user terminal 50 held by the user comes within the reading range, the reading device 6 reads the identification code 200 by image processing.

[0092] In step S53, the reader 6 transmits the user information obtained from the identification code 200 and the authentication result to the management device 10.

[0093] In step S54, when the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 receives from the reading device 6 the information indicating that an account has been registered for the store 2 and the user information, it executes a determination process to determine whether or not the user is a person on the blacklist. If it is determined in step S54 that the user is not a person on the blacklist, the process proceeds to step S55. In step S55, the equipment operation unit 34 of the management device 10 transmits an operation request to the automatic door 3 of the corresponding store 2. Note that if it is determined in step S55 that the user is on the blacklist, information indicating that use of the store 2 is not permitted is transmitted to the user terminal 50.

[0094] In step S56, when a computer having a communication function (not shown) receives an operation request from the management device 10, the automatic door 3 switches from a closed state to an open state (or an openable state) based on the operation command of the computer. This allows the user to use the store 2.

[0095] In step S57, the user information management unit 35 of the management device 10 executes a process of registering, in the user information database 42, usage information such as the date and time when the user visited the store 2.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the authentication process and marketing process in the case where no SNS link is established are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0097] <Third embodiment> In the second embodiment, the identification code 200 displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 50 is used as the authentication information, but the user may present the authentication information by another method. Next, a third embodiment in which the authentication information is not the identification code 200 will be described.

[0098] The basic configuration and processing flow of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the reading device 6 reads the biometric information of the user as authentication information. The biometric information is, for example, face image authentication, fingerprint authentication, iris authentication, etc. In the following example, a face image is described as an example of the biometric information. The reading device 6 obtains a face image as authentication information by an image reading function, and transmits it to the management device 10.

[0099] In the determination process, the determination unit 33 of the management device 10 determines whether or not the facial image matches a user registered in the user information database 42. In the determination process, the determination unit 33 also determines whether or not the user is on a blacklist. If the facial image is registered in the user information database 42 and the user is not on the blacklist, the facility operation unit 34 of the management device 10 executes a process to open the automatic door 3.

[0100] In the third embodiment, the authentication process and marketing process in the case where no SNS link is established are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0101] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment in which the authentication information is not an identification code will be described. The basic configuration and processing flow of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the reader 6 reads the user's identification information stored in a storage medium of the user terminal 50 carried by the user as the authentication information.

[0102] The reading device 6 of the fourth embodiment acquires user information from a user terminal 50 or an IC (integrated circuit) card by communication processing using, for example, NFC (near field communication) technology. The reading device 6 transmits the acquired user information to the management device 10. The determination processing by the determination unit 33 of the management device 10, the authentication processing when SNS linkage is not performed, and the marketing processing are similar to the processing in the third embodiment.

[0103] As described above, the equipment management method of the above embodiments includes an authentication information acquisition step in which the user terminal 50 carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the store 2 as equipment from the display device 4 serving as an authentication device installed on the store 2 side (first embodiment), or the reading device 6 serving as an authentication device acquires the authentication information from the user (second to fourth embodiments), and a determination step in which, after the authentication information has been acquired, if the SNS information relating to the SNS registered by the user contains information permitting the user to use the equipment, a process is performed to cause the store 2 (automatic door 3) to execute an operation to permit use.

[0104] This allows the availability of facilities at store 2 and the like to be determined using the SNS to which the user is registered, thereby reducing the amount of work required by the user to use the facilities and reducing the burden on the facility manager.

[0105] In addition, the equipment management method of the first embodiment further includes a display step in which the display device 4 displays the identification code 100, and in an authentication information acquisition step, the user terminal 50 acquires the authentication information by reading the identification code 100 from the display device 4.

[0106] This allows the user to more easily carry out the tasks required for authentication processing by using the identification code 100. Furthermore, since the store 2 only needs to display the identification code 100, the equipment required for authentication processing can be further simplified.

[0107] In addition, in the display step of the first embodiment, an identification code 100 that changes depending on the time is displayed, and in the determination step, if the identification code 100 acquired by the user terminal 50 is within the valid period and the SNS information includes information allowing the user to use store 2, a process is performed to execute an operation to allow use of store 2.

[0108] As a result, even if someone fraudulently or maliciously copies the image of the identification code 100 and attempts to operate the automatic door 3 of the store 2 at a location away from the store 2, they will not be permitted to use the store 2 if the identification code 100 is outside of its validity period. This improves the security level of the authentication process for users who are in a position where the store 2 can be used.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the judgment step, if the SNS information does not include information permitting the user to use store 2, a process is executed to send additional information to the user terminal 50 or the display device 4 to cause the user terminal 50 to execute a process to add information permitting the user to use store 2.

[0110] This allows users to easily and quickly register their personal information by using SNS information instead of bothering them, and also reduces the cost of equipment required for the registration process on the equipment administrator's side.

[0111] In addition, the second embodiment further includes a display step in which the user terminal 50 displays the identification code 200, and in the authentication information acquisition step, the reader 6 reads the identification code 200 from the user terminal 50 to acquire authentication information.

[0112] As a result, without having to execute a process for changing the display of the identification code 100 displayed on the display device 4 over time as in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether the user is in a position where he or she can use the store 2 by using the identification code displayed on the user terminal 50 by the reading device 6.

[0113] In the third and fourth embodiments, in the authentication information obtaining step, the authentication information is obtained by reading biometric information of a user as an authentication device or identification information of a user stored in a storage medium.

[0114] This also makes it possible to easily determine whether the user is in a position to use the store 2 by using the facial image by the reading device 6 and the user's identification information stored in a storage medium, without having to execute a process that changes the display of the identification code 100 displayed on the display device 4 over time as in the first embodiment.

[0115] Moreover, the equipment management method of this embodiment further includes a user information storage step of storing usage information regarding the use of the store 2 after the determination step in association with the user.

[0116] This indicates that the store 2 as a facility has actually been used, and information directly indicating the user's behavior can be used in marketing processing to encourage the use of the store 2.

[0117] Moreover, the equipment management method of the present embodiment further includes a presentation step of presenting at least one of advertising information and usage-related information related to the store 2 based on the usage information on the user terminal 50 or the display device 4.

[0118] This allows for optimal marketing activities through social media channels based on user preferences.

[0119] Moreover, in the facility management method of the present embodiment, at least one of advertising information and usage-related information is presented to the user terminal 50 or the display device 4 based on the usage time during which the store 2 is used.

[0120] This allows the operating hours of the store 2 as a facility to be reflected in the marketing process, making it possible to more effectively induce users to use the facility.

[0121] In addition, the management device 10 as an information processing device of this embodiment includes a communication processing unit 31 that acquires, through communication processing, authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the store 2 as equipment, which has been acquired by the user terminal 50 carried by the user from the display device 4 as an authentication device installed on the store 2 side, or information indicating that the reading device 6 as an authentication device has acquired it from the user, and a determination unit 33 that, after acquiring the authentication information, performs processing to cause the store 2 (automatic door 3) equipment to execute an operation to permit use if the SNS information regarding the SNS registered by the user includes information permitting the user to use the store 2.

[0122] This management device 10 can also determine whether or not facilities at a store 2, etc. can be used by using the SNS to which the user is registered, thereby reducing the amount of work required by the user to use the facilities and reducing the burden on the facility manager.

[0123] In addition, the program of this embodiment causes the computer to execute a communication processing function of acquiring, through communication processing, authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the store 2 as a facility, which has been acquired by the user terminal 50 carried by the user from the display device 4 as an authentication device installed in the store 2, or information indicating that the user terminal 50 has acquired the authentication information from the reading device 6 as an authentication device from the user, and a determination function of performing a process of causing the store 2 (automatic door 3) to execute an operation to permit use if the SNS information regarding the SNS registered by the user contains information permitting the user to use the store 2 after the authentication information has been acquired.

[0124] This program also allows the availability of facilities at store 2, etc. to be determined using the SNS to which the user is registered, thereby reducing the amount of work required by the user to use the facilities and reducing the burden on the facility manager.

[0125] In addition, within the scope of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0126] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention and its modified examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and further modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0127] Moreover, the above-mentioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the above-mentioned functional blocks are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that a computer or system has 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 particularly limited to the above-mentioned example. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional block of the management device 10 may be transferred to another device or the like. Conversely, the functional block of the other device may be transferred to the management device 10. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, may be configured as a single piece of software, or may be configured as a combination thereof.

[0128] When a series of processes is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer. When handling a large amount of data, a technology such as a quantum computer may be used. The recording medium including the program may be a medium distributed separately from the device body in order to provide the program to a user, or may be a recording medium provided to a facility manager in a state in which the program is built into the device body in advance. Since the program can be distributed via a network, the recording medium may be mounted on or accessible to a computer connected to or connectable to the network.

[0129] In this specification, descriptions of programs include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0130] 1,1a Facility management system 3 Automatic Doors 4 Display device 5. Accounting Equipment 6 Reading device 10 Management device 50 User terminals

Claims

1. A method for managing facility use permission for users by a computer, comprising the steps of: an authentication information acquisition step in which a user terminal carried by the user acquires authentication information indicating that the user is in a position to use the facility from an authentication device installed on the facility side, or the authentication device acquires the authentication information from the user; a determination step of performing a process of executing an operation for permitting the use of the facility when SNS information related to the SNS in which the user registers includes information permitting the user to use the facility after the authentication information is obtained; and how to manage the facilities, including:

2. The method further includes a display step in which the authentication device displays an identification code, In the authentication information acquisition step, the user terminal acquires the authentication information by reading the identification code from the authentication device. A method for managing the facility according to claim 1.

3. In the display step, the identification code that changes depending on time is displayed, In the determination step, if the identification code acquired by the user terminal is within a valid period and the SNS information includes information permitting the user to use the facility, a process is performed to allow the user to use the facility. A method for managing equipment according to claim 2.

4. The user terminal further includes a display step of displaying the identification code; In the authentication information acquisition step, the authentication device reads the identification code from the user terminal to acquire the authentication information. A method for managing the facility according to claim 1.

5. In the authentication information acquisition step, the authentication device acquires the authentication information by reading biometric information of the user or identification information of the user stored in a storage medium. A method for managing the facility according to claim 1.

6. In the determining step, When the SNS information does not include information permitting the user to use the facility, a process is executed to transmit additional information to the user terminal or the authentication device to cause the user terminal to execute a process for adding information permitting the user to use the facility. A method for managing the facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The method further includes a user information storage step of storing usage information regarding the use of the facility after the determination step in association with the user. A method for managing the facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The method further includes a step of presenting at least one of advertisement information and usage-related information regarding the facility based on the usage information to the user terminal or the authentication device. The facility management method according to claim 7.

9. presenting at least one of the advertisement information and the usage-related information to the user terminal or the authentication device based on a usage time of the facility; The facility management method according to claim 8.

10. a communication processing unit that acquires, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to use the facility, from an authentication device installed on the facility side to a user terminal carried by the user, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user; a determination unit that, after obtaining the authentication information, performs a process of executing an operation to permit the user to use the facility when SNS information related to the SNS in which the user registers includes information permitting the user to use the facility; An information processing device comprising:

11. a communication processing function for acquiring, by communication processing, authentication information indicating that a user is in a position to use the facility, from an authentication device installed on the facility side to a user terminal carried by the user, or information indicating that the authentication device has acquired the authentication information from the user; a determination function that, after obtaining the authentication information, performs a process of executing an operation to permit the user to use the facility if SNS information related to the SNS in which the user registers includes information permitting the user to use the facility; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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