Server device, control method of server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device that contributes to safely handing over a baggage of a passenger.SOLUTION: A server device includes storage means, first control means, second control means. The storage means stores biometric information of each of a plurality of users who uses an aircraft, in a database. The first control means acquires a baggage ID identifying a baggage of a user and biometric information of the user, and executes collation processing using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored. The first control means identifies a user who checked in the baggage by execution of the collation processing, and stores the biometric information of the identified user and the acquired baggage ID. The second control means acquires a locker ID identifying a locker in which the baggage of the user is stored, and a baggage ID of a baggage stored in a biometric authentication locker. The second control means stores the acquired locker ID in an entry of the database corresponding to the acquired baggage ID.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Technology exists for baggage claim at airports.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an information processing device is provided that allows a user to efficiently collect baggage at an arrival airport. The information processing device in Patent Document 1 includes a biometric information acquisition unit, a biometric matching unit, and a guidance unit. The biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of a user at an arrival airport. The biometric matching unit executes a process of matching the biometric information with registered biometric information of a registrant who checked in baggage with an airline at a departure airport. The guidance unit outputs guidance information regarding the start time of baggage collection at the arrival airport for the baggage associated with the registered biometric information to a user who is authenticated as the same person as the registrant through the matching process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-107921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Passengers who check their baggage with an airline at the departure airport collect their baggage from among the many bags placed on a conveyor belt (baggage carousel) at the baggage claim area of ​​the arrival airport. However, many passengers are concerned about theft of their baggage when collecting their baggage in this way.

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technology for guiding users to a location where they can receive their luggage. Therefore, even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, it is not possible to prevent theft of luggage.

[0007] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a control method for a server device, and a program that contribute to the safe delivery of passenger luggage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users who use an aircraft in a database; a first control means for acquiring a baggage ID that identifies the user's baggage checked in with an airline and the biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the plurality of users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the plurality of biometric information stored in the database, and correlating the biometric information of the identified user with the acquired baggage ID and storing them in the database; and a second control means for acquiring a locker ID that identifies a locker in a biometric authentication locker that supports biometric authentication and in which the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage is stored, and the baggage ID of the baggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in the entry in the database corresponding to the acquired baggage ID.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, comprising: a storage step of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users who use an aircraft in a database; a first control step of acquiring a baggage ID that identifies the user's baggage checked in with an airline and the biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the plurality of users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the plurality of biometric information stored in the database, and correlating the biometric information of the identified user with the acquired baggage ID and storing them in the database; and a second control step of acquiring a locker ID that identifies a locker of a biometric authentication locker that supports biometric authentication and in which the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage is stored, and the baggage ID of the baggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in the entry of the database corresponding to the acquired baggage ID.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following steps: a storage process for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users using an aircraft in a database; a first control process for acquiring a baggage ID that identifies the user's baggage checked in with the airline and the biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the plurality of users by a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the plurality of biometric information stored in the database, and correlating the biometric information of the identified user with the acquired baggage ID and storing them in the database; and a second control process for acquiring a locker ID that identifies a locker in a biometric authentication locker that supports biometric authentication and in which the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage is stored, and the baggage ID of the baggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in the entry in the database corresponding to the acquired baggage ID. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for a server device, and a program are provided that contribute to the safe delivery of passenger baggage. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the staff terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the staff terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing configuration of a biometric authentication locker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a biometric authentication locker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an information processing system according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0014] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a storage unit 101, a first control unit 102, and a second control unit 103 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 stores biometric information of each of a plurality of users using an aircraft in a database (step S1 in FIG. 2). The first control unit 102 acquires a baggage ID that identifies the user's baggage checked with the airline and the biometric information of the user who checked the baggage, and executes a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the plurality of pieces of biometric information stored in the database (step S2). The first control unit 102 identifies the user who checked the baggage from among the plurality of users by executing the matching process, and stores the identified user's biometric information and the acquired baggage ID in association with each other in the database (step S3). The second control unit 103 acquires a locker ID that identifies a locker that supports biometric authentication and in which the user's baggage is stored, and the baggage ID of the baggage stored in the biometric authentication locker (step S4). The second control means 103 stores the acquired locker ID in the entry of the database corresponding to the acquired baggage ID (step S5).

[0015] The server device 100 stores the biometric information of a user who has checked baggage with an airline in association with a baggage ID that identifies the baggage. Furthermore, the server device 100 stores the locker ID that identifies the locker in which the baggage is stored (a locker in a biometric authentication locker that supports biometric authentication) in association with the biometric information and baggage ID. Because the user's biometric information, baggage ID, and locker ID are stored in association with each other, the server device 100 can authenticate the person to be authenticated who attempts to unlock the locker in the biometric authentication locker. In other words, a user who has been authenticated for use of the biometric authentication locker (unlocking the locker) can remove their baggage from the biometric authentication locker. As a result, the user's baggage is safely handed over via the biometric authentication locker.

[0016] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [System Configuration] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing system includes a departure airport and an arrival airport. The information processing system further includes a server device 10.

[0019] A passenger boarding an aircraft checks his / her baggage with the airline. The passenger and baggage arrive at the arrival airport and are stored in a locker that supports biometric authentication by an airline employee or the like. The passenger then collects his / her baggage from the locker that supports biometric authentication. In this way, the information processing system according to the first embodiment provides a service that delivers baggage to the passenger via a locker that supports biometric authentication.

[0020] In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a user (passenger) travels within Japan, that is, the passenger boards a domestic flight and travels from a departure airport to a destination airport.

[0021] The server device 10 is a server that realizes the main functions of the baggage delivery service. The server device 10 may be managed and operated by the airline of the aircraft on which the user boards, or may be managed and operated by a business operator commissioned by the airline. The server device 10 may be installed at the departure airport or the arrival airport, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0022] At least one baggage drop machine 20 is installed at the departure airport. The baggage drop machine 20 is a device that accepts baggage from passengers boarding an aircraft. In addition, staff terminals 21 that are operated by airline staff or the like are installed near the baggage drop machine 20 at the departure airport.

[0023] At least one biometric authentication locker 30 is installed at the arrival airport. The biometric authentication locker 30 is equipped with a camera device and an input / output device such as a touch panel. As described above, the user's luggage is stored in the biometric authentication locker 30. In addition, airline staff working at the arrival airport carry staff terminals 31.

[0024] A user (passenger) carries a terminal 40 .

[0025] The devices shown in FIG. 3 (for example, the server device 10, the biometric authentication locker 30, etc.) are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0026] 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, the information processing system may include multiple server devices 10. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by the multiple server devices 10.

[0027] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0028] <User registration> A user who wishes to use the baggage delivery service must register (apply for use) in advance. Specifically, to use the service, the user operates the terminal 40 to access the server device 10. The user registers their name, gender, date of birth, address, biometric information, email address, flight information, etc. in the server device 10.

[0029] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, and iris pattern. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In the embodiment disclosed herein, a case where biometric information related to a person's "face" (a face image or features generated from a face image) is used will be described.

[0030] The flight information also includes the flight name (flight number), departure airport name, arrival airport name, seat class, etc.

[0031] The server device 10 associates the acquired name, biometric information, flight information, etc. and stores them in the user management database. The user management database will be described in detail later.

[0032] A user may perform the user registration when purchasing an airline ticket. That is, the server device 10 may accept an application to use the baggage delivery service when selling an airline ticket. Alternatively, a user may perform the user registration after purchasing an airline ticket and before departure. A user who has applied to use the baggage delivery service is notified of the location of the biometric authentication locker 30 at the arrival airport at the time of application.

[0033] <Baggage check-in> After completing user registration, the user (passenger) arrives at the departure airport with their baggage. The user then goes through the procedures for checking in their baggage. Specifically, the user goes to the baggage check-in counter with their baggage.

[0034] A baggage check-in machine 20 is installed in the baggage check-in area, and airline staff are on standby. When a user wishes to check in their baggage, the airline staff operates staff terminal 21 to issue a two-dimensional barcode to be affixed to the baggage.

[0035] The two-dimensional barcode contains a package ID as information (data) for uniquely identifying the package.

[0036] When the two-dimensional barcode is issued, an airline employee affixes the two-dimensional barcode to the baggage and acquires biometric information of the baggage owner (passenger) by operating the employee terminal 21. For example, the airline employee operates the employee terminal 21 to photograph the passenger and acquire a facial image.

[0037] The staff terminal 21 transmits a "baggage registration request" including the baggage ID corresponding to the issued two-dimensional barcode and the user's biometric information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0038] The server device 10 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the package registration request and the biometric information stored in the user management database. The server device 10 identifies the user who has deposited the package through the matching process and stores the package ID in the account of the identified user.

[0039] The server device 10 transmits a response to the package registration request to the staff terminal 21. If the package registration request is successfully processed, the server device 10 transmits a positive response indicating this to the staff terminal 21. If the package registration request processing fails, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating this to the staff terminal 21.

[0040] The staff terminal 21 notifies the staff of a response (positive or negative response) to the baggage registration request. If the baggage is registered successfully, the staff places the baggage with the 2D barcode in the baggage drop machine 20. If the baggage is not registered successfully, the staff notifies the user that the baggage delivery service cannot be enjoyed.

[0041] For passengers who do not wish to receive their luggage, airline staff will provide the existing luggage storage service. The airline staff will accept the passenger's luggage and hand over the luggage claim slip to the passenger.

[0042] <Storing luggage> An aircraft carrying baggage and passengers arrives at the destination airport. The aircraft contains a mixture of baggage from passengers who request baggage delivery service and those who do not.

[0043] As each bag is removed from the aircraft, airline staff sorts the removed baggage into those to be moved to the baggage claim area and those to be stored in biometric lockers 30.

[0044] For example, luggage without the two-dimensional barcode is transported to an existing luggage collection area (the luggage is placed on a conveyor belt), whereas luggage with the two-dimensional barcode is stored in a biometric authentication locker 30.

[0045] An airline employee carries the baggage to be stored in the biometric authentication locker 30 to the front of the biometric authentication locker 30. The airline employee stores the baggage in the biometric authentication locker 30. At this time, the airline employee operates the employee terminal 31 to read the baggage ID from the two-dimensional barcode attached to the baggage. Furthermore, the airline employee enters into the employee terminal 31 the locker number (locker ID) of the biometric authentication locker 30 where the baggage is stored.

[0046] For example, the staff terminal 31 acquires the locker number where the package is stored using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as that shown in FIG.

[0047] The staff terminal 31, which has acquired the baggage ID and locker number, transmits a "baggage storage notification" including the baggage ID and locker number to the server device 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0048] The server device 10 searches the user management database using the baggage ID as a key, and identifies the owner (passenger) of the baggage corresponding to the baggage ID. The server device 10 stores the locker number in the account of the identified passenger.

[0049] The airline staff member repeats the above steps (scanning the two-dimensional barcode and entering the locker number) for each piece of baggage that needs to be stored in a biometric authentication locker 30.

[0050] <Picking up your luggage> When a user arrives at the destination airport, they can enjoy sightseeing without collecting their luggage. While the user is sightseeing, their luggage is stored in the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0051] After completing sightseeing or other activities, a user heads to the biometric authentication locker 30 to collect their luggage. When the user stands in front of the biometric authentication locker 30, the biometric authentication locker 30 acquires the user's biometric information. For example, the biometric authentication locker 30 acquires an image of the user's face.

[0052] The biometric authentication locker 30 sends an "authentication request" including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 7).

[0053] The server device 10 executes a matching process (authentication process) using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the user management database. The server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful if the locker number where the luggage of the user who has come to pick up the luggage is stored is stored in the user management database.

[0054] The server device 10 notifies the biometric authentication locker 30 of the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure).

[0055] If the authentication is successful, the server device 10 sends a positive response indicating that fact to the biometric authentication locker 30. At that time, the server device 10 notifies the biometric authentication locker 30 of the positive response including the locker number stored in the account of the user identified by the matching process.

[0056] In this case, the biometric authentication locker 30 unlocks the locker corresponding to the notified locker number. At that time, the biometric authentication locker 30 may notify the user of the locker number of the unlocked locker using an input / output device such as a touch panel.

[0057] If the authentication fails, the server device 10 sends a negative response to that effect to the biometric authentication locker 30. If a negative response is received, the biometric authentication locker 30 will not unlock the locker. In this case, the biometric authentication locker 30 may output a message indicating that the baggage has not been stored or a message informing the user of a booth where airline staff are waiting.

[0058] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] [Server device] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a user registration control unit 202, a registration control unit 203, a storage control unit 204, an authentication control unit 205, and a memory unit 206.

[0060] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the biometric authentication locker 30. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the biometric authentication locker 30. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0061] The user registration control unit 202 is a means for controlling the user registration of users who wish to receive the baggage delivery service. The user registration control unit 202 displays a GUI on the terminal 40 of a user who accesses a predetermined website (for example, a service application site) and acquires the user's name, sex, date of birth, address, biometric information, email address, flight information, etc.

[0062] When a facial image is acquired as biometric information, the user registration control unit 202 generates feature quantities from the acquired facial image. Since existing technology can be used for the feature quantity generation process, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the user registration control unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the facial image as feature points. The user registration control unit 202 then calculates the positions of the feature points and the distances between the feature points as feature quantities (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature quantities).

[0063] Furthermore, upon acquiring the name, etc., the user registration control unit 202 generates a user ID for identifying the user (passenger). The user ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the user. For example, the user registration control unit 202 may assign a unique value each time an account for a user is created, and use this number as the user ID.

[0064] The user registration control unit 202 associates the generated user ID with the acquired name, biometric information, flight information, etc. and registers them in the user management database (see FIG. 9). Note that the user management database shown in FIG. 9 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the user management database as biometric information.

[0065] When the user registration control unit 202 receives an application for using the baggage delivery service (user registration), it notifies the user that the baggage can be picked up at a biometric authentication locker 30 installed at the arrival airport.

[0066] At that time, the user registration control unit 202 may identify the user's arrival airport based on the flight information registered by the user, and display map information of the identified arrival airport (map information indicating the location of the biometric authentication locker 30) on the terminal 40. For example, the user registration control unit 202 may display a screen such as that shown in FIG. 10 on the terminal 40.

[0067] The registration control unit 203 is a unit that executes control related to the registration of packages. The registration control unit 203 operates as a first control unit.

[0068] The registration control unit 203 acquires a baggage ID that identifies the user's baggage checked in with the airline and the biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage from the staff terminal 21. The registration control unit 203 identifies the user who checked in the baggage from among multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the user management database. The registration control unit 203 associates the identified user's biometric information with the acquired baggage ID and stores them in the user management database.

[0069] Specifically, the registration control unit 203 receives a baggage registration request from the staff terminal 21 at the departure airport. The registration control unit 203 processes the received baggage registration request.

[0070] When receiving the package registration request, the registration control unit 203 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the package registration request and the biometric information stored in the user management database.

[0071] First, the registration control unit 203 generates a feature amount from the face image included in the package registration request.

[0072] The registration control unit 203 sets the generated feature amount as a matching target and performs a matching process with the feature amount stored in the user management database. More specifically, the registration control unit 203 sets the generated feature amount (feature vector) as a matching target and performs one-to-N matching with the multiple feature amounts stored in the user management database (N is a positive integer, the same applies hereinafter).

[0073] The registration control unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0074] The registration control unit 203 determines that the matching process has been successful if, among the multiple feature amounts calculated from the face image in the user management database, there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If such a feature amount is not present, the registration control unit 203 determines that the matching process has failed.

[0075] If the matching process fails, the registration control unit 203 transmits a negative response to the staff terminal 21, indicating that registration of the package (package ID) has failed.

[0076] If the matching process is successful, the registration control unit 203 stores the package ID included in the package registration request in the account of the user identified by the matching process (the entry having the feature amount with the highest similarity).

[0077] If the package ID is successfully registered, the registration control unit 203 transmits an affirmative response to the staff terminal 21 indicating that the package has been successfully registered.

[0078] The storage control unit 204 is a unit that executes control related to the storage of luggage. The storage control unit 204 operates as a second control unit.

[0079] The storage control unit 204 acquires, from the staff terminal 31, a locker ID (locker number) that identifies the locker in the biometric authentication locker 30 in which the user's luggage is stored and a luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker 30. The storage control unit 204 stores the acquired locker ID (locker number) in the entry in the user management database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID.

[0080] Specifically, the storage control unit 204 receives a baggage storage notification from the staff terminal 31 carried by an airline staff member working at the arrival airport. The storage control unit 204 processes the received baggage storage notification.

[0081] Upon receiving the package storage notification, the storage control unit 204 searches the user management database using the package ID included in the package confirmation notification as a key to identify the owner (user) of the package corresponding to the package ID. The storage control unit 204 stores the locker number in the account of the identified user.

[0082] The authentication control unit 205 is a means for authenticating a user (person to be authenticated) who attempts to retrieve a package from the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0083] The authentication control unit 205 receives an authentication request including biometric information of the person to be authenticated from the biometric authentication locker 30. The authentication control unit 205 executes authentication processing using the biometric information included in the authentication request and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the user management database. If the authentication processing is successful, the authentication control unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication locker 30 of the locker ID (locker number) stored in association with the person to be authenticated identified by the authentication processing.

[0084] Specifically, the authentication control unit 205 receives an authentication request from the biometric authentication locker 30 installed at the arrival airport. The authentication control unit 205 processes the received authentication request.

[0085] When an authentication request is received, the authentication control unit 205 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the user management database.

[0086] The matching process executed by the authentication control unit 205 can be the same as the matching process executed by the registration control unit 203. Therefore, a detailed description of the matching process executed by the authentication control unit 205 will be omitted.

[0087] If the matching process fails, the authentication control unit 205 sends a negative response to the biometric authentication locker 30 indicating that authentication of the person to be authenticated has failed.

[0088] If the matching process is successful, the authentication control unit 205 determines whether the locker number is stored in the account of the user identified by the matching process. If the locker number is not stored in the user's account, the authentication control unit 205 determines that authentication of the person to be authenticated has failed. In this case, the authentication control unit 205 sends a negative response to the biometric authentication locker 30 indicating that authentication has failed.

[0089] If the matching process is successful and the locker number is stored in the user's account, the authentication control unit 205 determines that the authentication is successful. In this case, the authentication control unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication locker 30 of the locker number where the user's luggage is stored. Specifically, the authentication control unit 205 sends an affirmative response to the biometric authentication locker 30, including the locker number stored in the account identified by the matching process.

[0090] When the authentication control unit 205 sends an affirmative response indicating successful authentication to the biometric authentication locker 30, it deletes the entry of the person to be authenticated (the entry of the user who retrieved the package) from the user management database. Alternatively, the authentication control unit 205 deletes the locker number set in the entry of the user who retrieved the package.

[0091] The entry and locker number of the user who retrieved their luggage are deleted from the user management database, so that even if the user tries to open the biometric authentication locker 30 again, authentication of the user will fail (the biometric authentication locker 30 will not open).

[0092] The storage unit 206 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 206 stores at least the biometric information of each of a plurality of users who will be using the aircraft in a user management database.

[0093] [Staff Terminal 21] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the staff terminal 21 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11, the staff terminal 21 includes a communication control unit 301, an ID issuance control unit 302, a registration request unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

[0094] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0095] The ID issuance control unit 302 is a means for executing control relating to the issuance of a baggage ID for identifying baggage of a user (passenger) who wishes to receive the baggage delivery service.

[0096] The ID issuance control unit 302 generates a baggage ID that uniquely identifies the baggage in response to an operation by an airline employee, etc. Furthermore, the ID issuance control unit 302 converts the issued baggage ID into a two-dimensional barcode format.

[0097] The ID issuance control unit 302 prints the generated two-dimensional barcode.

[0098] The registration request unit 303 is a means for requesting the server device 10 to register information about the package (for example, package ID).

[0099] The registration request unit 303 acquires biometric information (e.g., a facial image) of the user (passenger) in front of the user in response to an operation by an airline employee or the like. For example, the registration request unit 303 controls a camera device to acquire image data. The registration request unit 303 extracts the facial image from the image data obtained by capturing the image.

[0100] Note that since existing technology can be used for the facial image extraction process by the registration request unit 303, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the registration request unit 303 may extract a facial image (facial region) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the registration request unit 303 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0101] When the registration request unit 303 acquires the facial image, it transmits to the server device 10 a parcel registration request including the parcel ID that is the basis of the issued two-dimensional barcode and the acquired biometric information (facial image).

[0102] The registration request unit 303 receives a response (positive response, negative response) corresponding to the baggage registration request. The registration request unit 303 notifies the airline staff of the result of the baggage registration. The airline staff takes action according to the result of the baggage registration.

[0103] If the luggage (baggage ID) is registered correctly, the staff member places the luggage with the 2D barcode into the luggage drop machine 20. If the luggage is not registered correctly, the staff member notifies the user that they will not be able to receive the luggage delivery service.

[0104] The storage unit 304 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the staff terminal 21.

[0105] [Staff Terminal 31] Examples of the staff terminal 31 include a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The staff terminal 31 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from airline staff and communicate with the server device 10. The configuration of the staff terminal 31 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0106] The staff terminal 31 reads the baggage ID from the two-dimensional barcode attached to the baggage. The staff terminal 31 also displays a screen such as that shown in FIG. 5 in response to an operation by an airline staff member or the like. The staff terminal 31 obtains the locker number of the locker in which the baggage whose baggage ID has been read is stored using the screen such as that shown in FIG. 5. The staff terminal 31 transmits a "baggage storage notification" including the obtained baggage ID and locker number to the server device 10.

[0107] [Biometric locker] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing module) of the biometric authentication locker 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, the biometric authentication locker 30 includes a communication control unit 401, a biometric information acquisition unit 402, a locker control unit 403, and a storage unit 404.

[0108] The communication control unit 401 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 401 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 401 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 401 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 401. The communication control unit 401 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0109] The biometric information acquisition unit 402 is a means for controlling the camera and acquiring biometric information (face image) of the user. The biometric information acquisition unit 402 captures an image in front of the device periodically or at a predetermined timing. The biometric information acquisition unit 402 determines whether the acquired image contains a human face image, and if a face image is included, extracts the face image from the acquired image data.

[0110] The biometric information acquisition unit 402 passes the extracted facial image to the locker control unit 403.

[0111] The locker control unit 403 is a means for executing control relating to the lockers.

[0112] When the face image is acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 402, the locker control unit 403 accepts input of a password (for example, a four-digit password) using a touch panel or the like.

[0113] An airline employee who knows the correct password enters the password into the touch panel. In this case, the locker control unit 403 selects a locker that does not contain any baggage and unlocks the selected locker.

[0114] Airline staff place luggage in unlocked lockers, which automatically lock when closed.

[0115] The locker control unit 403 may determine whether or not luggage is stored based on an image obtained from a camera device installed so as to be able to photograph the inside of each locker. Alternatively, the locker control unit 403 may determine whether or not luggage is stored using a device such as a weight sensor.

[0116] If the correct password is not obtained, the locker control unit 403 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information (for example, a facial image) acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 402 to the server device 10.

[0117] The locker control unit 403 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the authentication request from the server device 10.

[0118] When a positive response (authentication success) is received, the locker control unit 403 unlocks the locker corresponding to the locker number included in the positive response. At that time, the locker control unit 403 may notify the successfully authenticated person (the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated) of the unlocked locker number. For example, the locker control unit 403 may display a screen such as that shown in Fig. 13 on a touch panel or the like.

[0119] If a negative response (authentication failure) is received, the locker control unit 403 may output a message to the effect that the baggage has not been stored or a message informing the user of a booth where airline staff are waiting.

[0120] The storage unit 404 stores information necessary for the operation of the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0121] [Device] Examples of the terminal 40 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The terminal 40 can be any equipment or device that can accept user operations and communicate with the server device 10, etc. Furthermore, the configuration of the terminal 40 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0123] 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 14, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment regarding baggage storage will be described.

[0124] The staff terminal 21 operated by an airline staff member working at the departure airport transmits a "baggage registration request" including the baggage ID of the baggage and the biometric information of the user to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0125] The server device 10 executes a matching process using the biometric information (step S02). The server device 10 stores the package ID in the account of the user identified by the matching process.

[0126] The server device 10 transmits the processing result of the package registration request (registration successful, registration failed) to the staff terminal 21 (step S03).

[0127] The staff terminal 21 outputs a message or the like according to the processing result (step S04).

[0128] An airline employee or the like working at the arrival airport stores the baggage that is the subject of the baggage delivery service in the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0129] At that time, the staff member operates the staff terminal 31 to send a "luggage storage notification" to the server device 10, which includes the luggage ID corresponding to the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker 30 and the locker number of the locker in which the luggage is stored (step S11).

[0130] The server device 10 identifies the owner (user) of the stored package based on the package ID included in the package storage notification, and stores the locker number in the account of the identified user (step S12).

[0131] 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 15, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment regarding package pick-up will be described.

[0132] When the biometric authentication locker 30 detects a user (person to be authenticated) in front of it, it transmits an "authentication request" including biometric information of the person to be authenticated to the server device 10 (step S21).

[0133] The server device 10 executes authentication processing using the biometric information (step S22).

[0134] The server device 10 transmits the processing result of the authentication request (authentication success, authentication failure) to the biometric authentication locker 30 (step S23). If the authentication is success, the server device 10 notifies the biometric authentication locker 30 of the locker number of the locker in which the authenticated person's luggage is stored.

[0135] The biometric authentication locker 30 unlocks the locker corresponding to the notified locker number (step S24).

[0136] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0137] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the explanation is given on the assumption that one biometric authentication locker 30 is installed at the arrival airport. However, multiple biometric authentication lockers 30 may be installed at the arrival airport.

[0138] In this case, the server device 10 may determine the biometric authentication locker 30 in which each piece of baggage will be stored. For example, as shown in Figure 16, consider a case where a biometric authentication locker 30-1 and a biometric authentication locker 30-2 are installed at the arrival airport.

[0139] When the registration control unit 203 of the server device 10 receives a package registration request, it predetermines which biometric authentication locker 30 will store the package from among the multiple biometric authentication lockers 30 and stores the predetermine locker ID in the account. The registration control unit 203 also stores a biometric authentication locker ID that identifies the biometric authentication locker 30 in the account.

[0140] For example, it is determined that user A's luggage is to be stored in biometric authentication locker 30-1, and user B's luggage is to be stored in biometric authentication locker 30-2.

[0141] When sorting baggage, an airline employee working at the arrival airport operates the employee terminal 31 to read the two-dimensional barcode attached to the baggage. The employee terminal 31 then transmits a "storage location provision request" including the baggage ID read via the two-dimensional barcode to the server device 10 (see FIG. 17).

[0142] The storage control unit 204 of the server device 10 processes the received storage destination provision request. The storage control unit 204 searches the user management database using the package ID included in the storage destination provision request as a key, and identifies the corresponding entry. The storage control unit 204 notifies the staff terminal 31 of the biometric authentication locker ID of the biometric authentication locker 30 that is the storage destination of the package stored in the identified entry.

[0143] Specifically, if an entry corresponding to the package ID is identified, the storage control unit 204 sends a positive response including the biometric authentication locker ID to the staff terminal 31. If an entry corresponding to the package ID is not identified, the storage control unit 204 sends a negative response to the staff terminal 31 indicating that the biometric authentication locker 30 in which the package will be stored is not registered.

[0144] The staff terminal 31 outputs a message or the like according to the received response (positive response, negative response). For example, if a positive response is received, the staff terminal 31 displays information (such as the name and installation location) of the biometric authentication locker 30 corresponding to the biometric authentication locker ID included in the positive response. If a negative response is received, the staff terminal 31 displays a message indicating that the biometric authentication locker 30 to store the package is not registered.

[0145] The airline staff can then carry the luggage to the biometric authentication locker 30 and store the luggage in the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0146] In addition, if multiple biometric authentication lockers 30 are installed at the arrival airport, each biometric authentication locker 30 will send an authentication request to the server device 10, including the biometric information of the person to be authenticated and the biometric authentication locker ID corresponding to the device itself.

[0147] The authentication control unit 205 determines that the authentication is successful if the biometric authentication locker ID stored in the account of the user identified using the biometric information matches the biometric authentication locker ID included in the authentication request and the locker number is stored. In the above example, if user A visits biometric authentication locker 30-1, the authentication process for user A is determined to be successful, but if user A visits biometric authentication locker 30-2, the authentication process for user A is determined to be unsuccessful.

[0148] <Variation 2> The server device 10 may notify the user (passenger) of information about the biometric authentication locker 30 registered as a storage location for luggage (for example, the name and installation location of the biometric authentication locker 30).

[0149] Specifically, when the registration control unit 203 determines the biometric authentication locker 30 in which the baggage will be stored, it transmits information about the biometric authentication locker 30 in which the baggage will be stored to the terminal 40 carried by the user (passenger) who checked in the baggage. Specifically, the registration control unit 203 may transmit information about the biometric authentication locker 30 to an email address stored in the user's account (an email address that can be received by the terminal 40).

[0150] For example, the registration control unit 203 transmits map information including the name of the biometric authentication locker 30 and the location where the biometric authentication locker 30 is installed to the terminal 40.

[0151] The terminal 40 that has received the information about the biometric authentication locker 30 displays, for example, a screen such as that shown in FIG.

[0152] Alternatively, the registration control unit 203 of the server device 10 may notify the user of information regarding the biometric authentication locker 30 in which the luggage is stored and information regarding the locker in which the luggage is stored (locker number) when the luggage is stored in the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0153] In this way, when there are multiple biometric authentication lockers 30, the registration control unit 203 may determine which biometric authentication locker 30 will store the luggage of the user who has left the luggage from among the multiple biometric authentication lockers 30. Furthermore, the registration control unit 203 may notify the user who left the luggage of information about the biometric authentication locker 30 determined as the storage location for the luggage.

[0154] <Variation 3> The server device 10 may select a biometric authentication locker 30 to store the user's luggage based on the user's flight information. The registration control unit 203 may determine (select) a biometric authentication locker 30 to store the user's luggage from among multiple biometric authentication lockers 30 based on the flight information of the user who has checked in the luggage.

[0155] For example, the registration control unit 203 identifies the arrival gate at which the aircraft the user is boarding is scheduled to arrive, based on the flight number obtained from the flight information registered by the user. The registration control unit 203 selects a biometric authentication locker 30 that is closest to the identified arrival gate as the storage location for the baggage.

[0156] Alternatively, the registration control unit 203 may select a biometric authentication locker 30 to store the luggage based on the seat class (first class, business class, etc.) of the user. For example, the registration control unit 203 may assign the biometric authentication locker 30 closest to the arrival gate as the luggage storage location for a user who has purchased a first class seat.

[0157] <Variation 4> The user (passenger) may decide (select) the biometric authentication locker 30 in which to store their luggage. The user may select a convenient storage location, taking into consideration their schedule after disembarking from the aircraft, etc.

[0158] For example, when a user registers for the luggage delivery service, the server device 10 may acquire the storage location (biometric authentication locker 30) where the user wishes to store the luggage.

[0159] The user registration control unit 202 creates an account for a user who wishes to use the luggage delivery service, and stores in the created account the identification information of the biometric authentication locker 30 desired by the user (the biometric authentication locker ID corresponding to the biometric authentication locker 30 selected by the user).

[0160] Furthermore, the biometric authentication lockers 30 that users can select as a storage location for their luggage may be installed not only inside the airport but also outside the airport. For example, the biometric authentication lockers 30 may be installed in hotels or taxi companies that are affiliated with airlines or airports. Alternatively, the biometric authentication lockers 30 may be installed in train stations, etc.

[0161] Even if the biometric authentication locker 30 is installed outside the airport, the user can specify the location (biometric authentication locker 30) where he or she wishes to receive his or her luggage.

[0162] The service of receiving luggage from a biometric authentication locker 30 installed outside the airport may be a paid service. If the user requests a biometric authentication locker 30 installed outside the airport as the luggage receiving location, the user registration control unit 202 notifies the user that a fee will be charged. If the user agrees to the fee, the user registration control unit 202 performs payment using a credit card or the like. Alternatively, the baggage delivery service itself may be a paid service.

[0163] <Variation 5> In the above embodiment, the case where the user travels by domestic flight has been described. However, even when the user travels by international flight, the information processing system disclosed in the present application can provide a baggage delivery service.

[0164] Furthermore, when a user travels on an international flight, the information processing system can reduce the burden on the institution (national public institution or airline) that conducts baggage inspection. Specifically, when a suspicious baggage is detected during baggage inspection, the server device 10 can identify the owner of the suspicious baggage and provide information about the identified owner to the baggage inspection staff, etc.

[0165] In this case, the server device 10 includes an information provision control unit 207 (see FIG. 19). The information provision control unit 207 is a means for providing information about a user who desires a package delivery service and the package of the user.

[0166] When a baggage inspection officer finds a suspicious baggage, he operates an officer terminal (not shown) to read the two-dimensional barcode attached to the suspicious baggage. The officer terminal acquires a baggage ID from the two-dimensional barcode and transmits the acquired baggage ID to the server device 10.

[0167] The information provision control unit 207 of the server device 10 searches the user management database using the package ID as a key to identify the corresponding user (the owner of the package). The information provision control unit 207 transmits information about the identified user (such as name, gender, and facial image) to the staff terminal.

[0168] The attendant terminal provides the received information to the attendant, who then calls the owner of the suspicious baggage over the airport's public address system. If the user does not respond to the call, the attendant may provide the user's information to the police.

[0169] In this way, the information provision control unit 207 receives the baggage ID from the staff terminal used by the staff in charge of baggage inspection. The information provision control unit 207 transmits to the staff terminal information of the user corresponding to the baggage ID received from the staff terminal, among the multiple users stored in the user management database. As a result, the baggage inspection staff can immediately call the owner of the suspicious baggage.

[0170] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment acquires biometric information of a user who has checked in baggage and a baggage ID of the user's baggage from the staff terminal 21 installed at the airport from which the aircraft departs. The server device 10 identifies the user who checked in the baggage using the acquired biometric information and stores the identified user's biometric information and the baggage ID in association with each other. Furthermore, the server device 10 acquires a locker ID and a baggage ID from the staff terminal 31 carried by a staff member working at the airport where the biometric authentication locker 30 is installed. The server device 10 identifies the owner of the baggage using the baggage ID and stores the identified owner's biometric information and the locker ID in association with each other. Since the user's biometric information, baggage ID, and locker ID are stored in association with each other, the server device 10 can authenticate the person to be authenticated who attempts to unlock the locker of the biometric authentication locker 30. The user can retrieve their baggage from the biometric authentication locker 30 by being authenticated by the server device 10. In other words, the user's (passenger's) baggage is safely handed over via the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0171] In this way, the information processing system disclosed herein can deliver all or part of the luggage that was previously delivered to the user via the luggage claim lane (baggage carousel, conveyor belt) to the user via the biometric authentication locker 30. As a result, the user can freely use the time until they receive their luggage without worrying about their luggage being stolen. For example, the user can enjoy sightseeing while leaving their luggage in the biometric authentication locker 30.

[0172] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0173] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 20. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0174] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 20 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 20, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0175] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0176] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0177] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0178] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0179] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0180] The staff terminal 21 and the like can also be configured using an information processing device in the same way as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is the same as that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0181] The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and functions of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0182] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0183] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which user registration (application for use) is performed before the user checks in their baggage. However, the user registration may also be performed when the user checks in their baggage. For example, when user registration is performed when the user checks in their baggage, an airline employee working at the departure airport acquires the user's name, flight information, etc. from the user. The employee terminal 21 transmits the acquired name and flight information to the server device 10 along with biometric information (facial image) and baggage ID. The server device 10 simply registers the acquired biometric information, baggage ID, name, flight information, etc. in a user management database.

[0184] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which an airline employee or the like issues a two-dimensional barcode and registers biometric information (facial image) by operating the employee terminal 21. However, a user who checks in baggage may operate a terminal equivalent to the employee terminal 21 to issue a two-dimensional barcode and register biometric information.

[0185] The server device 10 may determine whether to provide the baggage delivery service based on the seat class of the user. The user registration control unit 202 may accept an application for the baggage delivery service from a user who has purchased a first-class seat.

[0186] In the above embodiment, an airline employee or the like can open a locker of the biometric authentication locker 30 by entering a predetermined password into the biometric authentication locker 30. However, the airline employee or the like may also unlock the locker of the biometric authentication locker 30 by receiving authentication from the server device 10. The biometric authentication locker 30 sends an authentication request including the employee's biometric information to the server device 10. If the user management database does not contain biometric information that substantially matches the biometric information included in the authentication request, the authentication control unit 205 of the server device 10 references a database that stores the biometric information of employees who can open the biometric authentication locker 30. If the database contains biometric information that is substantially identical to the biometric information included in the authentication request, the authentication control unit 205 determines that authentication is successful. The authentication control unit 205 notifies the biometric authentication locker 30 that an employee is standing in front of the biometric authentication locker 30. Upon receiving the notification, the biometric authentication locker 30 unlocks a locker that does not contain any luggage.

[0187] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a baggage storage notification is sent to the server device 10 from the staff terminal 31 carried by an airline staff member working at the arrival airport. However, the notification may also be sent from the biometric authentication locker 30 to the server device 10. In this case, the biometric authentication locker 30 is equipped with a barcode reader. The airline staff member reads the two-dimensional barcode attached to the baggage using a barcode reader or the like. The biometric authentication locker 30 then transmits a baggage storage notification to the server device 10, which includes the baggage ID obtained from the read two-dimensional barcode and the locker ID of the locker where the staff member stored the baggage.

[0188] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a facial image is transmitted as biometric information from the staff terminal 21 to the server device 10. However, feature amounts generated from the facial image may also be transmitted as biometric information from the staff terminal 21 to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 can omit the process of generating feature amounts from the facial image.

[0189] In the above embodiment, the case where the user management database is configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but the database may also be constructed on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented on another server. More specifically, the above-described "registration control unit (registration control means)," "storage control unit (storage control means)," etc. may be implemented on any of the devices included in the system.

[0190] The format of data transmission between each device (server device 10, staff terminal 21, etc.) is not particularly limited, but data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information and the like is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0191] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0192] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0193] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to an information processing system that provides a service of handing over stored luggage to its owner.

[0194] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0195] [Appendix 1] a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users of an aircraft in a database; a first control means for acquiring a baggage ID that identifies a user's baggage checked in with an airline and biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and storing the identified user's biometric information and the acquired baggage ID in association with each other in the database; A second control means acquires a locker ID that identifies a locker that stores the user's luggage and that supports biometric authentication, and the luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and stores the acquired locker ID in an entry in the database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The server device described in Appendix 1 further comprises an authentication control means that, when it receives an authentication request including biometric information of the person to be authenticated from the biometric authentication locker, executes an authentication process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and if the authentication process is successful, notifies the biometric authentication locker of the locker ID stored in association with the person to be authenticated identified by the authentication process. [Appendix 3] The server device described in Appendix 2, wherein the first control means, when there are multiple biometric authentication lockers, determines from among the multiple biometric authentication lockers the biometric authentication locker in which to store the luggage of the user who has deposited the luggage, and notifies the user who has deposited the luggage of information regarding the determined biometric authentication locker. [Appendix 4] The server device described in Appendix 3, wherein the first control means determines the biometric authentication locker from among the plurality of biometric authentication lockers to store the luggage of the user who has checked in the luggage, based on the flight information of the user who has checked in the luggage. [Appendix 5] The server device described in any one of appendices 1 to 4 further comprises an information provision control means that receives the baggage ID from an attendant terminal used by an attendant in charge of baggage inspection, and transmits to the attendant terminal information of a user corresponding to the baggage ID received from the attendant terminal among multiple users stored in the database. [Appendix 6] The server device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the first control means acquires biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage and the baggage ID of the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage from a terminal installed at the airport from which the aircraft departs. [Appendix 7] The second control means is a server device described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, which obtains the locker ID and the baggage ID from a terminal carried by an employee working at the airport where the biometric authentication locker is installed. [Appendix 8] The server device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4, wherein the biometric authentication locker is installed outside an airport where the aircraft arrives. [Appendix 9] a storage step of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users of the aircraft in a database; a first control step of acquiring a baggage ID that identifies a user's baggage checked in with an airline and biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and storing the identified user's biometric information and the acquired baggage ID in association with each other in the database; a second control step of acquiring a locker ID that identifies a locker that is compatible with biometric authentication and in which the user's luggage is stored, and the luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in an entry in the database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID; A method for controlling a server device, comprising: [Appendix 10] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 9 further includes an authentication control step of, when an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated is received from the biometric authentication locker, executing an authentication process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and if the authentication process is successful, notifying the biometric authentication locker of the locker ID stored in association with the person to be authenticated identified by the authentication process. [Appendix 11] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 10, wherein the first control step, when there are multiple biometric authentication lockers, determines from among the multiple biometric authentication lockers the biometric authentication locker that will store the luggage of the user who has deposited the luggage, and notifies the user who has deposited the luggage of information about the determined biometric authentication locker. [Appendix 12] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 11, wherein the first control step determines the biometric authentication locker from among the plurality of biometric authentication lockers to store the luggage of the user who has checked in the luggage, based on flight information of the user who has checked in the luggage. [Appendix 13] A control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, further comprising an information provision control step of receiving the baggage ID from an attendant terminal used by an attendant in charge of baggage inspection, and transmitting to the attendant terminal information on a user corresponding to the baggage ID received from the attendant terminal among multiple users stored in the database. [Appendix 14] The first control step is a control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, in which biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage and the baggage ID of the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage are obtained from a terminal installed at the airport from which the aircraft departs. [Appendix 15] The second control step is a control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, in which the locker ID and the baggage ID are obtained from a terminal carried by an employee working at the airport where the biometric authentication locker is installed. [Appendix 16] The method for controlling a server device according to any one of appendixes 9 to 12, wherein the biometric authentication locker is installed outside an airport where the aircraft arrives. [Appendix 17] The computer installed in the server device A storage process for storing the biometric information of each of a plurality of users of the aircraft in a database; a first control process that acquires a baggage ID that identifies a user's baggage that has been checked in with an airline and biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifies the user who checked in the baggage from among the multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and associates the identified user's biometric information with the acquired baggage ID and stores them in the database; A second control process acquires a locker ID that identifies a locker that is compatible with biometric authentication and in which the user's luggage is stored, and the luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and stores the acquired locker ID in an entry in the database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID; A program to execute. [Appendix 18] The program described in Appendix 17 further executes an authentication control process in which, when an authentication request including biometric information of the person to be authenticated is received from the biometric authentication locker, an authentication process is executed using the biometric information included in the authentication request and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and if the authentication process is successful, the locker ID stored in association with the person to be authenticated identified by the authentication process is notified to the biometric authentication locker. [Appendix 19] The program described in Appendix 18, wherein the first control process, when there are multiple biometric authentication lockers, determines from among the multiple biometric authentication lockers the biometric authentication locker that will store the luggage of the user who has deposited the luggage, and notifies the user who has deposited the luggage of information about the determined biometric authentication locker. [Appendix 20] The program described in Appendix 19, wherein the first control process determines the biometric authentication locker from among the plurality of biometric authentication lockers to store the luggage of the user who has checked in the luggage, based on the flight information of the user who has checked in the luggage. [Appendix 21] A program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 20, further executing an information provision control process that receives the baggage ID from an attendant terminal used by an attendant in charge of baggage inspection, and sends to the attendant terminal information on a user corresponding to the baggage ID received from the attendant terminal among multiple users stored in the database. [Appendix 22] The program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 20, wherein the first control process obtains biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage and the baggage ID of the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage from a terminal installed at the airport from which the aircraft departs. [Appendix 23] The second control process is a program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 20, which obtains the locker ID and the baggage ID from a terminal carried by an employee working at the airport where the biometric authentication locker is installed. [Appendix 24] 21. The program of any one of appendixes 17 to 20, wherein the biometric locker is installed outside an airport where the aircraft arrives.

[0196] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 9 and 17 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 17, but within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may also be dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems.

[0197] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 10 Server device 20 Luggage drop machine 21 Staff terminal 30 Biometric Locker 30-1 Biometric locker 30-2 Biometric Locker 31 Staff terminal 40 terminals 100 Server device 101 Memory means 102 first control means 103 Second control means 201 Communication control unit 202 User registration control unit 203 Registration control section 204 Storage control unit 205 Authentication control unit 206 Memory section 207 Information provision control section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 ID issuance control unit 303 Registration Request Section 304 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface 401 Communication control unit 402 Biometric information acquisition unit 403 Locker control unit 404 Storage section

Claims

1. a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users of an aircraft in a database; a first control means for acquiring a baggage ID for identifying a user's baggage checked in with an airline and biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and storing the identified user's biometric information and the acquired baggage ID in association with each other in the database; a second control means for acquiring a locker ID for identifying a locker that is a biometric authentication locker and that stores the user's luggage and the luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in an entry in the database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID; A server device comprising:

2. The server device according to claim 1 further comprises an authentication control means that, upon receiving an authentication request including biometric information of a person to be authenticated from the biometric authentication locker, executes an authentication process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and, if the authentication process is successful, notifies the biometric authentication locker of the locker ID stored in association with the person to be authenticated identified by the authentication process.

3. The server device described in claim 2, wherein, when there are multiple biometric authentication lockers, the first control means determines from among the multiple biometric authentication lockers the biometric authentication locker in which to store the luggage of the user who has deposited the luggage, and notifies the user who has deposited the luggage of information regarding the determined biometric authentication locker.

4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the first control means determines the biometric authentication locker from among the plurality of biometric authentication lockers to store the luggage of the user who has checked in the luggage, based on flight information of the user who has checked in the luggage.

5. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an information provision control means for receiving the baggage ID from an attendant terminal used by an attendant in charge of baggage inspection, and transmitting to the attendant terminal information of a user corresponding to the baggage ID received from the attendant terminal among a plurality of users stored in the database.

6. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first control means acquires biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage and the baggage ID of the baggage of the user who checked in the baggage from a terminal installed at the airport from which the aircraft departs.

7. 5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the second control means acquires the locker ID and the baggage ID from a terminal carried by an employee working at the airport where the biometric authentication locker is installed.

8. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the biometric authentication locker is installed outside an airport where the aircraft arrives.

9. a storage step of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users of the aircraft in a database; a first control step of acquiring a baggage ID that identifies a user's baggage checked in with an airline and biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifying the user who checked in the baggage from among the multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and storing the identified user's biometric information and the acquired baggage ID in association with each other in the database; a second control step of acquiring a locker ID for identifying a locker that is a biometric authentication locker and that stores the user's luggage and the luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in an entry in the database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device A storage process for storing the biometric information of each of a plurality of users of the aircraft in a database; a first control process that acquires a baggage ID that identifies a user's baggage that has been checked in with an airline and biometric information of the user who checked in the baggage, identifies the user who checked in the baggage from among the multiple users by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the database, and associates the identified user's biometric information with the acquired baggage ID and stores them in the database; a second control process for acquiring a locker ID for identifying a locker that is a biometric authentication locker and that stores the user's luggage and the luggage ID of the luggage stored in the biometric authentication locker, and storing the acquired locker ID in an entry in the database that corresponds to the acquired luggage ID; A program to execute.

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