Server device, server device control method and program

Abstract

To provide a server device that contributes to a prevention of erroneous order, etc., of a commodity.SOLUTION: A server device includes obtaining means and verifying means. The obtaining means obtains information on an order for a commodity from a commodity ordering person. The verifying means verifies the adequacy of the obtained information on the order for the commodity. When the information on the order for the commodity is inadequate, the verifying means 2 notifies the commodity ordering person of the inadequacy of the information on the order for the commodity.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] There are technologies that assist in ordering products and the like.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 states that it provides a product assortment management support method, program, and product assortment management support system that facilitate improved convenience. The quality control support method in Patent Document 1 is a method for proposing product assortments for a target store, and includes a display process. The display process displays recommended product assortment information related to a product assortment that can be recommended for the target store on a display unit. The display process displays the recommended product assortment information in a manner that makes it possible to identify the difference between the recommended product assortment information and product assortment performance information related to the product assortment performance at the target store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-012060 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Orders for products sold at retail stores and other outlets are placed by staff who check inventory status, etc. However, because product ordering is done manually, there is a risk of ordering errors.

[0006] The above problems cannot be solved even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied. Patent Document 1 merely discloses a technology for making suggestions regarding product lineups.

[0007] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to preventing erroneous product ordering and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a product order from a product orderer; and a verification means for verifying the validity of the acquired information relating to the product order, and, if the information relating to the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information relating to the product order is invalid.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a server device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information relating to a product order from a product orderer; and a verification step of verifying the validity of the acquired information relating to the product order, and, if the information relating to the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information relating to the product order is invalid.

[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 an acquisition process for acquiring information relating to a product order from a product orderer, and a verification process for verifying the validity of the acquired information relating to the product order, and, if the information relating to the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information relating to the product order is invalid. [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 preventing erroneous product ordering, etc. 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 illustrating 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 processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an employee management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the authentication unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the ordering terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the ordering terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the ordering terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an order history management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the ordering terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the order terminal 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 diagram illustrating an example of the configuration inside a store according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 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] The server device 100 according to one embodiment includes an acquisition means 101 and a verification means 102 (see FIG. 1). The acquisition means 101 acquires information related to product ordering from a product orderer (step S1 in FIG. 2). The verification means 102 verifies the validity of the acquired information related to product ordering (step S2). If the information related to product ordering is invalid, the verification means 102 notifies the product orderer that the information related to product ordering is invalid (step S3).

[0015] When the server device 100 acquires information related to product ordering (for example, product name, order quantity, delivery date, etc.), it determines whether the acquired information is valid. If it is determined that the acquired information is invalid, the server device 10 notifies the product orderer of this fact. As a result, erroneous orders, such as incorrect order quantities, are prevented.

[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] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10 and at least one order terminal 20.

[0019] The server device 10 is managed and operated by a service provider such as a restaurant or retail store. Alternatively, the server device 10 may be managed and operated by a business operator or the like that has been entrusted with the business by the service provider. The server device 10 may be installed in a retail store or the like, or may be installed on a network (cloud).

[0020] The server device 10 is a device that manages and controls employees working at a retail store, etc. Furthermore, the server device 10 controls ordering of products sold at the retail store and ingredients used in restaurants, etc.

[0021] The ordering terminal 20 is a terminal for ordering products to be sold at a retail store or the like or ingredients to be used at a restaurant or the like. The ordering terminal 20 is installed in a store such as a retail store. An employee of the retail store operates the ordering terminal 20 to place an order for products, etc.

[0022] 3 are connected to a network. Specifically, the server device 10 and the order terminal 20 are connected to the network by wired or wireless communication means.

[0023] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, multiple server devices 10 may be included in the information processing system. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by multiple server devices 10. Furthermore, the number of order terminals 20 included in the information processing system is not limited to the number shown in Fig. 3.

[0024] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0025] <Employee Registration> A manager or administrator of a retail store or the like registers information about employees of the store in the server device 10. Specifically, the manager or administrator uses a terminal such as a personal computer or a tablet to access the server device 10 and registers the name, biometric information, department (e.g., grocery department, fresh food department), job title (e.g., store manager, full-time employee, part-time worker), etc. of each employee.

[0026] 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 this disclosure, 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.

[0027] When the server device 10 acquires the name, biometric information, etc. of each employee, it generates an employee ID for uniquely identifying the employee. The server device 10 associates the generated employee ID with the acquired information and stores them in an employee management database. The employee management database will be described in detail later.

[0028] <Ordering products> Employees place orders for products taking into consideration product inventory, etc. When placing an order for a product, the employee undergoes authentication at the order terminal 20. The order terminal 20 acquires biometric information (for example, a facial image) of the employee who is about to place an order for a product.

[0029] The order terminal 20 transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0030] The server device 10 executes authentication processing using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the employee management database. If the authentication is successful, the server device 10 allows the employee (person to be authenticated) to place an order for a product. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the server device 10 denies the employee (person to be authenticated) from placing an order for a product.

[0031] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the order terminal 20. The order terminal 20 outputs a message or the like according to the authentication result.

[0032] An employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated can place an order for a product. At this time, the server device 10 may restrict the actions that the product orderer can take depending on the attributes of the employee who has been successfully authenticated (the employee who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated). For example, the server device 10 may restrict the functions provided to the employee who is placing the order for a product depending on the department or position to which the employee belongs.

[0033] For example, if the person who has been successfully authenticated is an employee of the grocery department, the server device 10 allows the employee to order grocery items. Alternatively, the server device 10 allows the employee of the grocery department to view the order history of the entire grocery department. For example, the employee of the grocery department can check the product order status for the same week or the product order status for the same day of the week.

[0034] Alternatively, the server device 10 may permit a part-time employee in the grocery department to view the order history of the grocery department. However, the server device 10 may not permit a part-time employee in the grocery department to order grocery items or view product orders or order histories in other departments.

[0035] Alternatively, the server device 10 grants the manager of a retail store or the like the authority to order products and the authority to view order histories for each department (for example, grocery department, fresh food department) of the retail store.

[0036] Furthermore, the server device 10 verifies the validity of the order content for orders placed by employees with ordering authority. For example, the server device 10 verifies information related to product orders based on information obtained from outside, past order history, etc. For example, the server device 10 verifies the order quantity of products, etc.

[0037] If the order details (information about the product order) are invalid, the server device 10 warns the product orderer accordingly. If the order details are valid, the server device 10 generates a corresponding purchase order. The server device 10 transmits the generated purchase order to the manufacturer and prints it.

[0038] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] [Server device] 5 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. 5, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, an employee management unit 202, an authentication unit 203, an order control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0040] 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 order terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the order terminal 20. 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.

[0041] The employee management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing employees of a retail store or the like.

[0042] The employee management unit 202 acquires the name, biometric information, department, position (status, position) and so on of each employee from the owner or manager of a retail store, restaurant or the like.

[0043] For example, the employee management unit 202 acquires the name, biometric information, etc. of each employee by displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on a personal computer, tablet, etc. operated by the manager, etc. Alternatively, the employee management unit 202 may acquire the name, biometric information, etc. of each employee via a USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.

[0044] When a face image is acquired as biometric information, the employee management unit 202 generates feature quantities from the acquired face image.

[0045] Since existing technology can be used for the process of generating feature amounts, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the employee management unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from a facial image as feature points. Then, the employee management unit 202 calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0046] Furthermore, the employee management unit 202 generates an employee ID for identifying an employee. The employee ID may be any information that can uniquely identify an employee.

[0047] The employee management unit 202 stores the generated employee ID, name, biometric information (feature amount), department, job title, etc. in an employee management database (see FIG. 6). The employee management database shown in FIG. 6 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, the employee management database may also store facial images of employees.

[0048] The authentication unit 203 is a means for authenticating an employee who is attempting to place an order for a product or the like using the order terminal 20. The authentication unit 203 acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated who is attempting to place an order for a product, and authenticates the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information.

[0049] More specifically, the authentication unit 203 acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated who is about to place an order for a product from the order terminal 20 installed in a retail store, etc. The authentication unit 203 authenticates the person to be authenticated through an authentication process using the acquired biometric information and biometric information stored in the employee management database.

[0050] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the authentication unit 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the authentication unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] When receiving an authentication request, the authentication unit 203 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the request and the biometric information stored in the employee management database (step S101).

[0052] More specifically, the authentication unit 203 generates features from the facial image included in the authentication request. The authentication unit 203 sets the generated features as a matching target and performs a matching process (one-to-N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies below) with the features stored in the employee management database.

[0053] The authentication 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.

[0054] If there is no feature among the multiple feature amounts stored in the employee management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the authentication unit 203 determines that the matching process has failed.

[0055] The authentication unit 203 determines that the matching process is successful if, among the multiple feature quantities stored in the employee management database, there is a feature quantity whose similarity with the feature quantity to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the entry with the highest similarity is identified as the entry of the person to be authenticated (the employee who operates the order terminal 20 to order products, etc.).

[0056] If the matching process fails (step S102, No branch), the authentication unit 203 sets the authentication result to "authentication failure" (step S103).

[0057] If the matching process is successful (step S102, Yes branch), the authentication unit 203 sets the authentication result to "authentication success" (step S104).

[0058] The authentication unit 203 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the order terminal 20 (step S105).

[0059] If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 203 transmits an affirmative response indicating that to the order terminal 20. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication unit 203 transmits a negative response indicating that to the order terminal 20.

[0060] If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 203 passes to the order control unit 204 the employee ID of the person to be authenticated (the employee who places an order for merchandise or the like; the merchandise orderer) who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

[0061] The order control unit 204 is a means for controlling the ordering of products, materials, and the like.

[0062] The order control unit 204 has functions as an acquisition means, a verification means, a browsing means, and a restriction means.

[0063] The order control unit 204, which functions as an acquisition means, acquires information related to product orders from product orderers. The order control unit 204, which functions as a verification means, verifies the validity of the acquired information related to product orders, and if the information related to product orders is invalid, notifies the product orderer that the information related to product orders is invalid. The order control unit 204, which functions as a viewing means, permits an authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated to view the order history stored in the database. The order control unit 204, which functions as a restriction means, restricts product orders by an authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, based on the attributes of the authenticated person (for example, an employee cannot place an order for products from another department).

[0064] Each function of the order control unit 204 will be described below.

[0065] When the employee ID is acquired from the authentication unit 203, the order control unit 204 searches the employee management database using the employee ID acquired from the authentication unit 203 as a key. The order control unit 204 acquires information about the product orderer (such as name, department, and position) from the entry corresponding to the employee ID.

[0066] When acquiring the information of the product orderer, the order control unit 204 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 8 on the order terminal 20. The order control unit 204 acquires the operation desired by the product orderer using the GUI. At that time, the order control unit 204 restricts (selects) the functions to be provided to the product orderer according to the attributes of the product orderer (affiliated department, position, etc.).

[0067] For example, if the product orderer is a store manager, the order control unit 204 allows the product order and order history of each department in the retail store to be viewed. Alternatively, if the product orderer is an employee of the grocery department, the order control unit 204 allows the product order and order history related to the grocery department to be viewed. Alternatively, if the product orderer (an employee who has been successfully authenticated) is a part-time worker in the fresh food department, the order control unit 204 only allows the product orderer to view the order history of the fresh food department.

[0068] When restricting some functions, the order control unit 204 hides or grays out buttons corresponding to functions that are not provided to the product orderer. In the above example, if the product orderer is an employee of the grocery department, the order control unit 204 hides or grays out the "fresh food order button" and the "fresh food order history button."

[0069] When a product orderer wishes to order a product, the order control unit 204 uses a GUI to acquire the name, manufacturer name, quantity, delivery date, etc. of the ordered product. For example, when a product orderer wishes to order a grocery product, the order control unit 204 displays a GUI such as that shown in FIG. 9 on the order terminal 20.

[0070] The order control unit 204 supports product ordering by product orderers by referring to a database that stores manufacturers and wholesalers that do business with retailers, etc., products handled by each manufacturer, etc., and their unit prices, etc. For example, the order control unit 204 allows the product orderer to select orderable products and manufacturers with which the product orderer does business using a pull-down menu.

[0071] When the product orderer confirms the ordered product (presses the decision button), the order control unit 204 verifies the order contents.

[0072] For example, the order control unit 204 determines whether the order for the fresh food is appropriate based on the delivery date (desired delivery date) and order quantity of the fresh food. For example, the order control unit 204 obtains a weather forecast for the delivery date of the fresh food from an external server. If the weather forecast for the delivery date of the fresh food is bad (for example, if heavy rain, heavy snow, a typhoon, etc. is predicted), the order control unit 204 determines that the order is inappropriate if the order quantity of the fresh food is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0073] If the weather forecast for the delivery date of the fresh food is not bad, the order control unit 204 determines that the order content (information regarding the product order) is appropriate. Alternatively, even if the weather forecast for the delivery date of the fresh food is not bad, if the order quantity of the fresh food is extremely large, the order control unit 204 may determine that the order content is not appropriate.

[0074] In this way, the order control unit 204 verifies the validity of information related to product ordering based on information obtained from an external server. In this case, the order control unit 204 may obtain a weather forecast for the delivery date of the ordered products from the external server and verify the validity of information related to product ordering based on the obtained weather forecast. In other words, with regard to ordering fresh food, etc., if a typhoon or heavy rain is predicted on the product delivery date based on the weather forecast, the order control unit 204 may determine that it is better to refrain from ordering a large amount of fresh food.

[0075] Alternatively, if an employee attempts to order a product whose sale has been suspended (for example, a product that has been recalled), the order control unit 204 may determine that the order contents are invalid. For example, the order control unit 204 accesses an external server to obtain a list of products whose sale has been suspended (prohibited). If the obtained list includes the ordered product, the order control unit 204 determines that the order contents are invalid. If the obtained list does not include the ordered product, the order control unit 204 determines that the order contents are valid. Note that the list of products whose sale is prohibited may be stored inside the server device 10.

[0076] Alternatively, the order control unit 204 may verify the order contents based on the order history of the same product (product with the same name) as the ordered product or a similar product.

[0077] For example, the order control unit 204 accesses an order history management database (described later) and extracts order histories for the same product as the ordered product. Based on the extracted order history, the order control unit 204 calculates the average order quantity per order. If the order quantity entered by the product orderer significantly deviates from the calculated average order quantity, the order control unit 204 determines that the order is invalid. For example, if the order quantity for the product is more than twice the average order quantity for the same product, the order control unit 204 determines that the order is invalid.

[0078] If the order quantity input by the product orderer does not deviate significantly from the calculated average value of the order quantities, the order control unit 204 determines that the order is valid.

[0079] When the order quantity of a product that an employee is attempting to order deviates significantly from the order history of the same product, the order control unit 204 determines that there is a possibility of a numerical input error, etc. For example, if the employee is attempting to order 500 units of the same product despite past order history showing that 50 units have been ordered per order, the order control unit 204 determines that the employee's order is inappropriate, taking into consideration the possibility of a numerical input error, etc.

[0080] In this way, the order control unit 204 verifies the validity of information related to product orders based on the order history stored in the order history management database. More specifically, the order control unit 204 calculates the average value of the order quantities of the same product ordered at one time based on the order history, and determines whether the order quantity of the product ordered is valid based on the calculated average value of the order quantities.

[0081] If the order details are invalid, the order control unit 204 notifies the product orderer of this fact. For example, if it is determined that there is an error in the order quantity based on the order history, the order control unit 204 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 10 on the order terminal 20 to notify the product orderer that there may be an error in the order quantity.

[0082] Furthermore, if the product orderer confirms the order contents (presses the OK button) despite a message or the like being displayed indicating that the order contents are invalid, the order control unit 204 will confirm the order contents entered by the product orderer.

[0083] If the order details are valid, the order control unit 204 confirms the order details entered by the product orderer. In this case, the order control unit 204 generates an order form and transmits the generated order form to the manufacturer or wholesaler. Alternatively, the order control unit 204 may print the order form via the order terminal 20, and the product orderer may transmit the order form to the manufacturer or the like.

[0084] When a product order is confirmed, the order control unit 204 stores the product order in the order history management database. For example, when a grocery order is placed, an entry is added to the order history database as shown in Fig. 11, and the name of the person who ordered the product, the product name, the manufacturer, the order quantity, the delivery date, etc. are stored in the newly added entry.

[0085] An order history management database is prepared for each department (grocery department, fresh food department, etc.). The order history management database shown in Figure 11 is a database related to the grocery department. The order history management database shown in Figure 11 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored.

[0086] A detailed description of product ordering will be omitted because such a description is outside the scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] When a product orderer wishes to view the order history, the order control unit 204 displays, for example, the most recent order history on the order terminal 20. For example, the order control unit 204 refers to the order history management database corresponding to the department (e.g., grocery department, fresh food department) whose order history the product orderer wishes to view, and displays the product order history from a predetermined period before to the present time on the order terminal 20 (see FIG. 12).

[0088] Alternatively, the order control unit 204 may use a GUI to acquire the period and day of the week for which the product orderer wishes to view the order history. For example, when the "Specify Period" button or the "Specify Day of Week" button shown in Fig. 12 is pressed, the order control unit 204 uses the GUI to acquire the period and day of the week for which the product orderer wishes to view the order history.

[0089] When the product orderer acquires the period and day of the week for which they wish to view the products, the order control unit 204 reads out the order history corresponding to the acquired period, etc. from the order history management database and displays the read order history on the order terminal 20.

[0090] Alternatively, the order control unit 204 may provide the product orderer with the order history for each product. In this case, the order control unit 204 acquires the name of the product whose history the product orderer wishes to view using the GUI. The order control unit 204 refers to the order history management database using the acquired product name as a key, and identifies the corresponding order history. The order control unit 204 displays the identified order history on the order terminal 20.

[0091] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 205 stores an order history relating to product orders using an order history management database.

[0092] [Ordering terminal] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the order terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, the order terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a biometric information acquisition unit 302, an authentication request unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

[0093] 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. 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.

[0094] The biometric information acquisition unit 302 is a means for controlling a camera or the like to acquire biometric information of the person to be authenticated (the person ordering the product).

[0095] Specifically, the biometric information acquisition unit 302 periodically or at a predetermined timing captures an image of the area in front of its own device (ordering terminal 20). Alternatively, the biometric information acquisition unit 302 captures an image of the area in front of its own device in response to an operation by a person to be authenticated (an employee who is about to place an order for a product, etc.). The biometric information acquisition unit 302 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.

[0096] Note that since existing technology can be used for the facial image extraction process by the biometric information acquisition unit 302, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 302 may extract a facial image (face region) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the biometric information acquisition unit 302 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0097] The biometric information acquisition unit 302 passes the acquired biometric information (for example, a face image) to the authentication request unit 303.

[0098] The authentication request unit 303 is a means for requesting the server device 10 to authenticate an employee (person to be authenticated) who is trying to place an order for a product.

[0099] The authentication request unit 303 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 302 to the server device 10 .

[0100] The authentication request unit 303 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the authentication request from the server device 10.

[0101] If authentication is successful (positive response), the authentication request unit 303 notifies the person to be authenticated (product orderer) of that fact. If authentication is unsuccessful (negative response), the authentication request unit 303 notifies the person to be authenticated (product orderer) of that fact. For example, the authentication request unit 303 notifies the product orderer that the biometric authentication (login) has failed and therefore the product cannot be ordered.

[0102] The storage unit 304 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the ordering terminal 20 .

[0103] Note that a description of the processing module for inputting the product name and other information to be ordered according to the GUI displayed on the ordering terminal 20 will be omitted, as this processing module is obvious to those skilled in the art. The ordering terminal 20 simply transmits the information input by the product orderer to the server device 10.

[0104] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0105] 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 14, the system operation relating to authentication of a product orderer will be described.

[0106] The order terminal 20 acquires biometric information of the product orderer (person to be authenticated) (step S01).

[0107] The order terminal 20 transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10 (step S02).

[0108] Upon receiving the authentication request, the server device 10 executes authentication processing using biometric information (step S03).

[0109] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the order terminal 20 (step S04).

[0110] The ordering terminal 20 outputs a message or the like according to the authentication result (step S05).

[0111] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0112] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the case where the order terminal 20 is installed in a retail store or the like has been described. However, the store or the like may also have installed therein terminals with functions and uses different from those of the order terminal 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, authentication terminals 30-1 and 30-2, an accounting terminal 40, and an inspection terminal 50 may be installed in the store.

[0113] The authentication terminals 30-1 and 30-2 are installed at the entrances and exits of the store. As shown in Fig. 15, the authentication terminal 30-1 is installed outside the store, and the authentication terminal 30-2 is installed inside the store.

[0114] The authentication terminal 30-1 is a terminal for authenticating an employee coming into the retail store, and the authentication terminal 30-2 is a terminal for authenticating an employee leaving the retail store.

[0115] The authentication terminal 30-1 sends an authentication request including the biometric information of the working person to the server device 10. The server device 10 executes authentication processing using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the employee management database. If the working person is registered as an employee, the server device 10 notifies the authentication terminal 30-1 that the authentication was successful. If the working person is not registered as an employee, the server device 10 notifies the authentication terminal 30-1 that the authentication was unsuccessful.

[0116] If authentication success is received, the authentication terminal 30-1 opens the automatic door (unlocks the door). If authentication failure is received, the authentication terminal 30-1 does not open the automatic door.

[0117] Furthermore, if the authentication of the employee at work is successful, the server device 10 stores the employee's attendance in a database that manages the working status of employees.

[0118] The authentication terminal 30-2 authenticates a person who has left the store. The basic operation of the authentication terminal 30-2 and the authentication terminal 30-1 can be the same, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] The accounting terminal 40 is a so-called POS (Point of Sale) terminal and is installed at an accounting location where payments for products and the like are made.

[0120] The accounting terminal 40 authenticates the employee in charge of the transaction (the cashier). The accounting terminal 40 acquires the cashier's biometric information. The accounting terminal 40 then sends an authentication request to the server device 10, including the acquired cashier's biometric information.

[0121] The server device 10 performs a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the biometric information stored in the employee management database. If the employee identified by the matching process is registered as a cashier, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0122] If the verification process fails, or if the employee identified by the verification process is not registered as the cashier, the server device 10 determines that the authentication has failed.

[0123] The server device 10 sends the authentication result (authentication successful, authentication successful) to the accounting terminal 40.

[0124] If authentication is successful, the accounting terminal 40 allows the person to be authenticated to use its own device (accounting terminal 40). If authentication is unsuccessful, the accounting terminal 40 prohibits the person to be authenticated from using its own device.

[0125] The inspection terminal 50 is a terminal used by employees to perform inspection work. The inspection terminal 50 is installed in a warehouse or the like that receives products, etc. The inspection terminal 50 is a terminal that authenticates employees who perform inspection work.

[0126] The basic operation of the inspection terminal 50 and the accounting terminal 40 can be made the same, so a description of the operation of the inspection terminal 50 will be omitted. In the above description of the accounting terminal 40, the operation of the inspection terminal 50 can be understood by replacing the register clerk with an inspection clerk.

[0127] The inspection staff who are determined to have been successfully authenticated register the inspection results (delivered product name and quantity) in the server device 10 via the inspection terminal 50. The server device 10 stores the inspection results and the inspection staff in association with each other.

[0128] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment authenticates an employee who is attempting to place an order for a product, etc., by biometric authentication. As a result, fraudulent orders caused by impersonation by a person without proper authority are prevented. Furthermore, the server device 10 provides functions to employees who have been successfully authenticated according to their attributes (department, job title). Furthermore, the server device 10 verifies the validity of the product order contents. If the server device 10 determines that the order contents are invalid, it notifies the product orderer of this fact. As a result, erroneous orders, such as incorrect order quantities, are prevented.

[0129] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0130] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 16. 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.

[0131] 16 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. 16, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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.

[0137] The order terminal 20 and the like can also be configured using an information processing device, similar to the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. The order terminal 20 may be equipped with a camera device or the like for taking a picture of the person ordering the product.

[0138] 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.

[0139] [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.

[0140] The server device 10 may authenticate the person to be authenticated based on the location where the order terminal 20 is installed. For example, the authentication unit 203 may determine that the authentication is successful when the person to be authenticated is an employee (full-time employee or part-time worker) of the grocery department or the store manager, in response to an authentication request from the order terminal 20 installed in the grocery department. In this case, the order terminal 20 transmits to the server device 10 an authentication request including a terminal ID for identifying the order terminal 20 and biometric information of the person to be authenticated. The authentication unit 203 may identify the location where the order terminal 20, which is the sender of the authentication request, is installed based on the terminal ID.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as determining that the authentication request is successful when the person to be authenticated is a part-time worker. However, if part-time workers are not given the authority to view the order history and the person to be authenticated is a part-time worker, the server device 10 may set the authentication result to "authentication failure."

[0142] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 determines that information regarding product orders is invalid if the order quantity of the ordered product significantly deviates from past orders. Here, the order control unit 204 may change a threshold for determining the validity of the order contents for each ordered product. For example, the order control unit 204 may set a threshold such that the order quantity for product A is valid if it is within 1.5 times the past order quantity (average order quantity), and the order quantity for product B is valid if it is within 2 times the past order quantity (average order quantity).

[0143] The server device 10 may store order details (information related to product orders) that are determined to be invalid. The server device 10 may provide the stored information to a manager or administrator of a retail store, etc. The manager or administrator may analyze error trends, etc. based on the presented information and notify employees, etc. of the analysis results. Alternatively, the server device 10 may analyze the stored information and present the analysis results to the manager or administrator. For example, the server device 10 instructs a large-scale language model (LLM) or the like to analyze the stored information. The server device 10 presents the analysis results obtained from the large-scale language model to the manager, administrator, employees, etc. of the retail store.

[0144] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a facial image is transmitted as biometric information from the ordering terminal 20 to the server device 10. However, feature amounts generated from the facial image may be transmitted as biometric information from the ordering terminal 20 to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 may perform the matching process without generating feature amounts from the facial image.

[0145] The form of data transmission and reception between each device (for example, the server device 10, the ordering terminal 20) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information of the person to be authenticated is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0146] In the above embodiment, an employee management database and the like are configured inside the server device 10, but the database may also be configured 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 "order control unit (order control means)" and the like may be implemented on any of the devices included in the system.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] The above explanation makes it clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems that provide authentication services for authenticating users of order terminals and the like.

[0150] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0151] [Appendix 1] an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding product orders from product orderers; a verification means for verifying the validity of the acquired information regarding the product order, and, if the information regarding the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information regarding the product order is invalid; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the verification means verifies the validity of the information regarding the product order based on information acquired from an external server. [Appendix 3] The server device described in Appendix 2, wherein the verification means obtains a weather forecast for the delivery date of the ordered product from the external server and verifies the validity of information regarding the product order based on the obtained weather forecast. [Appendix 4] Further, a storage means for storing an order history relating to the order of the product is provided, 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the verification means verifies the validity of the information regarding the product order based on the stored order history. [Appendix 5] The server device described in Appendix 4, wherein the verification means calculates an average value of the order quantity of the same product ordered at one time based on the order history, and determines whether the order quantity of the ordered product is appropriate based on the calculated average value of the order quantities. [Appendix 6] 6. The server device according to claim 5, further comprising an authentication unit that acquires biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to place an order for a product, and authenticates the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information. [Appendix 7] The server device according to claim 6, further comprising a viewing unit that allows the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated to view the stored order history. [Appendix 8] The server device described in Appendix 7, further comprising a restriction means for restricting product ordering by an authenticated person who has been determined to have been successful in the authentication, based on the attributes of the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successful in the authentication. [Appendix 9] an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding an order for a product from a product orderer; a verification step of verifying the validity of the acquired information regarding the product order, and if the information regarding the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information regarding the product order is invalid; A method for controlling a server device, comprising: [Appendix 10] 10. The server device control method according to claim 9, wherein the verifying step verifies the validity of the information regarding the product order based on information acquired from an external server. [Appendix 11] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 10, wherein the verification process obtains a weather forecast for the delivery date of the ordered product from the external server and verifies the validity of information regarding the product order based on the obtained weather forecast. [Appendix 12] The method further comprises a storage step of storing an order history relating to the order of the product, 12. The server device control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the verification step verifies the validity of information regarding the product order based on the stored order history. [Appendix 13] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 12, wherein the verification process calculates an average value of the order quantity of the same product ordered at one time based on the order history, and determines whether the order quantity of the ordered product is appropriate based on the calculated average value of the order quantities. [Appendix 14] The server device control method according to claim 13, further comprising an authentication step of acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is attempting to order a product, and authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information. [Appendix 15] The server device control method according to claim 14, further comprising a viewing step of permitting the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated to view the stored order history. [Appendix 16] A control method for a server device as described in Appendix 15, further comprising a restriction step of restricting product ordering by an authenticated person who has been determined to have been successful in the authentication, based on the attributes of the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successful in the authentication. [Appendix 17] The computer installed in the server device An acquisition process for acquiring information regarding product orders from product orderers; a verification process of verifying the validity of the acquired information regarding the product order, and if the information regarding the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information regarding the product order is invalid; A program to execute. [Appendix 18] The program described in Appendix 17, wherein the verification process verifies the validity of information regarding the product order based on information obtained from an external server. [Appendix 19] The program described in Appendix 18, wherein the verification process obtains a weather forecast for the delivery date of the ordered product from the external server and verifies the validity of information regarding the product order based on the obtained weather forecast. [Appendix 20] further executing a storage process for storing an order history relating to the order of the product; 20. The program according to any one of appendices 17 to 19, wherein the verification process verifies the validity of information regarding the product order based on the stored order history. [Appendix 21] The program described in Appendix 20, wherein the verification process calculates an average value of the order quantity of the same product ordered at one time based on the order history, and determines whether the order quantity of the ordered product is appropriate based on the calculated average value of the order quantities. [Appendix 22] 22. The program according to claim 21, further executing an authentication process to acquire biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is attempting to order a product, and authenticate the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information. [Appendix 23] The program according to claim 22, further executing a viewing process to allow the authenticated person who is determined to have been successfully authenticated to view the stored order history. [Appendix 24] The program described in Appendix 23, further executing a restriction process that restricts product ordering by an authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, based on the attributes of the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

[0152] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 17 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 17, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0153] 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]

[0154] 10 Server device 20 Ordering terminal 30-1 Authentication terminal 30-2 Authentication terminal 40 Cashier terminal 50 Inspection terminal 100 Server device 101 Acquisition method 102 Verification Methods 201 Communication control unit 202 Employee Management Department 203 Authentication Department 204 Order Control Unit 205 Storage section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Biometric information acquisition unit 303 Authentication Request Section 304 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding product orders from product orderers; a verification means for verifying the validity of the acquired information regarding the product order, and, if the information regarding the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information regarding the product order is invalid; A server device comprising:

2. 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the verification means verifies the validity of the information relating to the product order based on information acquired from an external server.

3. 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the verification means obtains a weather forecast for the delivery date of the ordered product from the external server, and verifies the validity of the information regarding the product order based on the obtained weather forecast.

4. Further, a storage means for storing an order history relating to the order of the product is provided, 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the verification means verifies the validity of the information relating to the product order based on the stored order history.

5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the verification means calculates an average value of the order quantity of the same product ordered at one time based on the order history, and determines whether the order quantity of the ordered product is appropriate based on the calculated average value of the order quantities.

6. 6. The server device according to claim 5, further comprising an authentication unit that acquires biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to place an order for a product, and authenticates the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information.

7. 7. The server device according to claim 6, further comprising a viewing unit that allows the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated to view the stored order history.

8. 8. The server device according to claim 7, further comprising a restriction unit that restricts product ordering by the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successful in the authentication, based on attributes of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successful in the authentication.

9. an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding an order for a product from a product orderer; a verification step of verifying the validity of the acquired information regarding the product order, and if the information regarding the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information regarding the product order is invalid; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device An acquisition process for acquiring information regarding product orders from product orderers; a verification process of verifying the validity of the acquired information regarding the product order, and if the information regarding the product order is invalid, notifying the product orderer that the information regarding the product order is invalid; A program to execute.

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