Server device, server device control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device for eliminating uneasiness felt by a family or the like of a user of a mobility service.SOLUTION: A server device includes storage means, authentication means, and notification control means. The storage means stores biological information and a contact address of a person different from a member of a predetermined service in association with each other, for each one of the members. The authentication means acquires the biological information of an authenticated person intending to ride on a vehicle, authenticates the authenticated person with the use of the acquired biological information and a plurality of pieces of stored biological information, and notifies the vehicle of the authentication result. The notification control means notifies the person stored in association with the authenticated person with successful authentication of an effect that the authenticated person with the successful authentication rides on the vehicle when the vehicle starts transportation of the authenticated person with the successful authentication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are technologies related to mobility services using autonomous vehicles.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that when a ride-sharing service is provided using an autonomously driving vehicle, the vehicle is prevented from departing in a state different from the request information. The vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 controls a vehicle configured to provide a ride-sharing service by autonomous driving. The vehicle control device includes a first information acquisition unit, a second information acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a vehicle control unit. The first information acquisition unit acquires first information of passengers expected to use the ride-sharing service. The second information acquisition unit acquires second information of passengers who board the vehicle at a pickup point. The determination unit determines whether the vehicle is allowed to depart by comparing the first information with the second information. The vehicle control unit controls the vehicle based on the determination result by the determination unit. The determination unit prohibits the vehicle from departing if the first information and the second information do not match. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-077167 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A subscription service for taxis has been launched. The expected users of this subscription service are children who go to school or hospital, and elderly people. In such cases, the family members of these children and elderly people often worry about whether or not they have boarded and exited the taxi correctly.

[0006] There is no technology, including that disclosed in Patent Document 1, that can alleviate the concerns of family members of users of mobility services.

[0007] A main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to eliminating the concerns of families and others of mobility service users. [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, for each member of a specified service, biometric information associated with contact information of a person different from each of the members; an authentication means for acquiring the biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to board a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; and a notification control means for, when the vehicle begins transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying the person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, comprising: a storage process for storing, for each member of a specified service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member, in association with each other; an authentication process for acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to board a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; and a notification control process for, when the vehicle begins transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying the person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle.

[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, for each member of a specified service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member, in association with each other; an authentication process for acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to board a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; and a notification control process for, when the vehicle begins transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying the person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle. [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 alleviating the anxiety of family members of mobility service users, 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 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 providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a member management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the authentication unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of table information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a vehicle according to a 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 for explaining the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 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, an authentication unit 102, and a notification control unit 103 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 stores, for each member of a predetermined service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from the member, in association with each other (step S1 in FIG. 2). The authentication unit 102 acquires biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to board a vehicle, authenticates the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifies the vehicle of the authentication result (step S2). When the vehicle starts transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, the notification control unit 103 notifies the person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle (notifying the person to have boarded; step S3).

[0015] When a member of a predetermined service (e.g., a subscription service for taxis) gets into a vehicle, the server device 10 notifies a person (e.g., the member's family) stored in association with the member that the member has gotten into the vehicle. This notification allows the family of a user of the predetermined service to know the user's situation. As a result, the family's concerns about the safety of the user of the mobility service or the like are alleviated.

[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 providing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information providing system includes a server device 10 and a plurality of vehicles 20.

[0019] The server device 10 and the vehicle 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other by wireless communication means such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). More specifically, the server device 10 communicates with the vehicle 20 via a base station 30.

[0020] The server device 10 is a server that manages and controls the vehicle 20. For example, the server device 10 is managed and operated by a taxi company that provides a taxi subscription service. The server device 10 may be installed in a building of the taxi company or on a network (cloud).

[0021] For example, the vehicle 20 is a taxi that is a target of a subscription service. In the first embodiment, the vehicle 20 is described as a vehicle that can automatically travel without human driving operation (an autonomously travelable vehicle).

[0022] Vehicle 20 is equipped with a camera installed so as to be able to photograph the exterior. In particular, vehicle 20 is equipped with a camera installed so as to be able to photograph passengers standing in front of the door for getting on and off the vehicle. In addition, an input / output device such as a touch panel is installed inside vehicle 20.

[0023] The user has a terminal 40. The user accesses the server device 10 using the terminal 40.

[0024] The configuration of the information processing system shown in FIG. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the information processing system may include multiple server devices 10. The multiple server devices 10 may achieve load balancing and redundancy. Furthermore, although FIG. 3 illustrates three vehicles 20, it is of course not intended to limit the number of vehicles 20 included in the information provision system to "3." It is sufficient that the information provision system includes at least one vehicle 20.

[0025] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information providing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0026] As described above, the taxi company that operates the server device 10 provides a taxi subscription service. Users who sign up for the subscription service can use taxis without any restrictions for a fixed fee.

[0027] <Membership registration> In order to receive the taxi subscription service, the user must register as a member. The user operates the terminal 40 to access a member registration page provided by the server device 10. The user registers as a member on the member registration page.

[0028] The user inputs into the server device 10 the name, sex, date of birth, address, contact information (for example, telephone number, email address), biometric information, payment information, information about family members (family information), and the like.

[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 user's biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The user's biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In the first embodiment, the biometric information is a person's face image or features generated from a face image.

[0030] The payment information is information for paying the subscription fee, such as bank account information or credit card information.

[0031] The family information is, for example, information about the user's family. For example, the family information may include contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and email addresses) of the user's family. For example, if the user receiving the subscription service is a child, the parent's email address is registered in the server device 10 as the family information.

[0032] When the server device 10 acquires the user's name, biometric information, etc., it generates a member ID for identifying the user. The server device 10 issues the generated member ID to the user. The server device 10 transmits the member ID to the terminal 40.

[0033] The terminal 40 stores the received member ID.

[0034] The server device 10 stores the generated member ID, the acquired user name, gender, biometric information, payment information, family information, etc. in a member management database. When a user registers as a member, an account for that user is created. The member management database will be described in detail later.

[0035] A proxy of a user who receives the taxi subscription service may register the user as a member. For example, if a child uses a taxi, a parent may register the child's information (such as name and biometric information) in the server device 10. In this case, the parent may register their own credit card information or the like as payment information in the server device 10.

[0036] <Vehicle management> The server device 10 manages vehicles 20 (taxis) deployed in the city. The server device 10 manages each vehicle 20 using a vehicle ID. The vehicle ID is an ID for identifying each vehicle 20. The vehicle ID may be a MAC (Media Access Control) address or an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the vehicle 20. A vehicle ID is assigned to each vehicle 20 in advance.

[0037] The server device 10 manages the vehicle ID, the status of the vehicle 20, the current location of the vehicle 20, etc. using a vehicle management database. The vehicle management database will be described in detail later. For example, the server device 10 manages the status of the vehicle 20, such as "empty vehicle" or "in transit."

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle 20 calculates its own vehicle's position information (coordinate information) periodically or at a predetermined timing. For example, the vehicle 20 calculates its own vehicle's current position as position information using a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal. The vehicle 20 transmits a "current position notification" including the calculated position information and a vehicle ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0039] The server device 10 identifies the vehicle 20 based on the vehicle ID included in the current location notification, and stores the location information of the identified vehicle 20 in the vehicle management database.

[0040] <Passenger transportation> Users who have completed membership registration can use the taxis of the subscription service. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, taxis refer to taxis used in the subscription service.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, vehicles 20 are waiting at a taxi stand. A user who has registered as a member can board the parked vehicle 20. The user approaches the parked vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 authenticates the user who is about to board (the user standing in front of the door).

[0042] Specifically, the vehicle 20 acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated (a user standing in front of the door). The vehicle 20 transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information (for example, a facial image) and a vehicle ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0043] Server device 10 authenticates the person to be authenticated by performing authentication processing (matching processing) using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the member management database.

[0044] If the biometric information of the person to be authenticated is stored as the biometric information of the member, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful. If the biometric information of the person to be authenticated is not stored as the biometric information of the member, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is unsuccessful.

[0045] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the vehicle 20. If the authentication of the person to be authenticated is successful, the server device 10 transmits a positive response indicating that to the vehicle 20. If the authentication of the person to be authenticated is unsuccessful, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating that to the vehicle 20.

[0046] If the authentication is successful, the vehicle 20 opens the door (unlocks the door). If the authentication is unsuccessful, the vehicle 20 does not open the door.

[0047] The user who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated gets into vehicle 20. Vehicle 20 acquires the user's destination (drop-off point) using a touch panel installed inside the vehicle. Once the destination is acquired, vehicle 20 starts moving toward the destination.

[0048] The vehicle 20 notifies the server device 10 of the fact that it has started transporting passengers. Specifically, the vehicle 20 transmits a "transportation start notification" including the vehicle ID and location information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 7).

[0049] The server device 10 identifies the vehicle 20 that has started moving based on the vehicle ID included in the transportation start notification. The server device 10 sets the status of the identified vehicle 20 to "in transportation" and stores this in the vehicle management database. The server device 10 also stores the location information (current location) of the vehicle 20 in the vehicle management database.

[0050] As described above, the vehicle 20 calculates location information periodically or at a predetermined timing, and transmits the calculated location information to the server device 10. While transporting passengers, the vehicle 20 transmits a "current location notification" including a vehicle ID and location information to the server device 10.

[0051] In response to receiving the current location notification, the server device 10 updates the current location of the vehicle 20 and stores it in the vehicle management database.

[0052] When the vehicle 20 arrives at the drop-off point, the vehicle 20 notifies the server device 10 that the transportation of the passenger has ended. Specifically, the vehicle 20 transmits a "transportation end notification" including the vehicle ID and location information to the server device 10.

[0053] The server device 10 identifies the vehicle 20 that has completed passenger transportation based on the vehicle ID included in the transportation completion notification. The server device 10 sets the status of the identified vehicle 20 to "empty" and stores it in the vehicle management database. The server device 10 also stores the location information of the vehicle 20 in the vehicle management database.

[0054] In this way, the server device 10 grasps in real time the current location of the vehicle 20 transporting the user.

[0055] <Notify family> When the vehicle 20 starts moving with the user on board, the server device 10 notifies the user's family that the user has boarded the taxi. Furthermore, when the vehicle 20 has completed transporting the user, the server device 10 notifies the user's family that the user has exited the taxi.

[0056] Specifically, when the server device 10 receives a transportation start notification from the vehicle 20, it sends a "boarding notification" including the user's name, boarding date and time, boarding location, etc. to the family of the user who boarded the vehicle 20 (such as the family's email address).

[0057] Furthermore, when the server device 10 receives a transportation completion notification from the vehicle 20, it sends a "disembarkation notification" to the family of the user who disembarked from the vehicle 20, the "disembarkation notification" including the user's name, disembarkation date and time, disembarkation location, etc.

[0058] When the terminal 40 carried by the family member receives a boarding notification or an alighting notification, it outputs the information included in the boarding notification, etc. For example, the terminal 40 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 8 to notify the family member (e.g., parent) of the taxi usage status of the user (e.g., child). By knowing the status of the child using a taxi, the parent can feel reassured that the child is not involved in an accident, etc.

[0059] Next, details of each device included in the information providing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] [Server device] 9 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. 9, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a member management unit 202, a vehicle control unit 203, an authentication unit 204, a notification control unit 205, and a storage unit 206.

[0061] 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 vehicle 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the vehicle 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.

[0062] The member management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing members of the taxi subscription service.

[0063] When a user operates terminal 40 to access the member registration page, member management unit 202 acquires the information necessary for member registration on that page.

[0064] Specifically, the member management unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like on the terminal 40 and acquires the name, gender, date of birth, address, contact information (e.g., telephone number, email address), biometric information (e.g., facial image), payment information, family information, etc.

[0065] When the member management unit 202 acquires a facial image, it generates feature quantities from the facial image. The feature quantity generation process by the member management unit 202 can use existing technology, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the member management unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the facial image as feature points. The member management unit 202 then calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature quantities (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature quantities).

[0066] Once the feature quantities are generated, the member management unit 202 generates a member ID to identify the member. The member ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the member. For example, the member management unit 202 may assign a unique value each time member information is acquired and use this as the member ID.

[0067] Once the member ID is generated, member management unit 202 adds a new entry to the member management database and creates an account. Member management unit 202 stores the member ID, name, biometric information (features), etc. in the added entry (see FIG. 10).

[0068] 10, the member management database includes a boarding vehicle field. In the boarding vehicle field, the vehicle ID of the taxi (vehicle 20) in which the user is boarding is set. Note that a member whose vehicle ID is set in the boarding vehicle field is a member who is currently boarding vehicle 20.

[0069] 10 is an example and is not intended to limit the items stored in the member management database, etc. For example, a "face image" may be registered in the member management database as biometric information.

[0070] The member management unit 202 transmits the generated member ID to the terminal 40.

[0071] The vehicle control unit 203 is a means for managing and controlling the vehicle 20 .

[0072] The vehicle control unit 203 processes the transportation start notification, the current position notification, and the transportation end notification received from the vehicle 20.

[0073] When the vehicle control unit 203 receives any of the above three notifications, it stores the location information included in each notification in the vehicle management database (see FIG. 11). More specifically, the vehicle control unit 203 identifies the vehicle 20 from the vehicle ID included in each notification, and sets the acquired location information in the current location field of the corresponding entry.

[0074] Furthermore, when the vehicle control unit 203 receives a transportation start notification, it sets the status of the vehicle 20 that is the sender of the notification to "in transportation." When the vehicle control unit 203 receives a transportation end notification, it sets the status of the vehicle 20 that is the sender of the notification to "empty."

[0075] The vehicle control unit 203 moves the vehicle 20 that has completed transporting the passenger to an appropriate location. For example, in FIG. 5, if the user's destination is a hospital or a location that has been set up in advance as a taxi stand, the vehicle control unit 203 causes the vehicle 20 that has completed transporting the passenger to wait at the hospital or the like. On the other hand, if the user's destination is the user's home or the like, the vehicle control unit 203 instructs the vehicle 20 to move to the nearest taxi stand or garage.

[0076] The control of the vehicle 20 by the vehicle control unit 203 with respect to the placement of the vehicle 20 is not within the scope of the present disclosure, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The authentication unit 204 is a means for authenticating a member (person to be authenticated) who wishes to use a taxi. The authentication unit 204 acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated who wishes to get into the vehicle 20, authenticates the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and multiple pieces of biometric information stored in the member management database, and notifies the vehicle 20 of the authentication result.

[0078] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the authentication unit 204 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the authentication unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] When an authentication request is received from the vehicle 20, the authentication unit 204 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the request and the biometric information stored in the member management database (step S101).

[0080] More specifically, the authentication unit 204 generates features from the facial image included in the authentication request. Since existing technology can be used for the feature generation process, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the authentication unit 204 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the facial image as feature points. The authentication unit 204 then calculates the positions of the feature points and the distances between the feature points as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0081] The authentication unit 204 sets the generated feature amount as a comparison target, and performs a comparison process (one-to-N comparison; N is a positive integer, the same applies below) between the feature amount and the feature amount stored in the member management database.

[0082] The authentication unit 204 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.

[0083] If there is no feature among the plurality of feature amounts stored in the member management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be compared that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the authentication unit 204 determines that the comparison process has failed.

[0084] The authentication unit 204 determines that the matching process is successful if there is a feature among the multiple feature amounts stored in the member management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be matched that 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 member who intends to use the vehicle 20).

[0085] If the matching process fails (step S102, No branch), the authentication unit 204 sets the authentication result to "authentication failure" (step S103).

[0086] If the matching process is successful (step S102, Yes branch), the authentication unit 204 sets the authentication result to "authentication success" (step S104).

[0087] The authentication unit 204 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the vehicle 20 (step S105).

[0088] If the authentication fails, the authentication unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating that to the vehicle 20. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 204 transmits a positive response indicating that to the vehicle 20.

[0089] If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 204 stores the vehicle ID of the vehicle 20 in which the person to be authenticated (member) has boarded in the entry of the person to be authenticated (member) who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

[0090] The notification control unit 205 is a means for controlling notifications regarding members who use taxis.

[0091] When vehicle 20 starts transporting the person to be authenticated (authenticated member) who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notification control unit 205 notifies a person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded vehicle 20. In other words, when an authenticated member boards vehicle 20, notification control unit 205 notifies a person stored in association with the member's biometric information (for example, the member's family member) that the member has boarded vehicle 20.

[0092] Furthermore, when vehicle 20 finishes transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notification control unit 205 notifies the person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has dismounted from vehicle 20. In other words, when an authenticated member dismounts from vehicle 20, notification control unit 205 notifies the person stored in association with the member's biometric information (for example, the member's family member) of the fact that the member has dismounted from vehicle 20.

[0093] In this way, the notification control unit 205 notifies the member's family and the like of at least the fact that the member has boarded the vehicle 20 and the fact that the member has disembarked from the vehicle 20.

[0094] Specifically, when a transportation start notification is received from vehicle 20, notification control unit 205 searches the member management database using the vehicle ID included in the notification as a key, and identifies the entry of the member who boarded vehicle 20.

[0095] Furthermore, the notification control unit 205 identifies the boarding location where the member boarded the vehicle 20 from the location information included in the transportation start notification. For example, the notification control unit 205 identifies the boarding location by referring to table information that stores location information (coordinate information) and information that characterizes the location (so-called landmark name) as shown in Fig. 13.

[0096] The notification control unit 205 transmits a "boarding notification" including the name of the member identified by the search using the vehicle ID, the date and time of receipt of the transportation start notification, and the identified boarding location (landmark name) to the terminal 40 carried by the member's family. Specifically, the notification control unit 205 transmits the boarding notification to the email address set in the family information field of the entry identified by the search using the vehicle ID.

[0097] The notification control unit 205 processes the transportation end notification in the same way as the transportation start notification. The notification control unit 205 transmits a "disembarkation notification" including the name of the member who disembarked from the taxi, the date and time of disembarkation, the disembarkation location, etc. to the terminal 40 carried by the family member of the member who disembarked from the vehicle 20.

[0098] In addition, if the drop-off location (landmark name) corresponding to the location information where the user got off is not stored in the table information shown in Figure 13, the notification control unit 205 may send a drop-off notification to the terminal 40 including the coordinate information of the drop-off point.

[0099] In this way, the notification control unit 205 receives from the vehicle 20 a transportation start notification including information about the boarding point where the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated boarded the vehicle 20. In response to receiving the transportation start notification, the notification control unit 205 transmits a boarding notification including information about the boarding point to the terminal 40 carried by the person (family member of the member) who has been stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

[0100] Similarly, the notification control unit 205 receives a transportation end notification including information about the drop-off point where transportation of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has ended from the vehicle 20. In response to receiving the transportation end notification, the notification control unit 205 transmits a drop-off notification including information about the drop-off point to the terminal 40 carried by the person who has been stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

[0101] Here, when the server device 10 receives a "transportation completion notification" from the vehicle 20, it searches the member management database using the vehicle ID included in the notification as a key to identify the corresponding member (entry). The server device 10 deletes the vehicle ID set in the boarding vehicle field of the identified entry. Note that any one of the modules of the member management unit 202, vehicle control unit 203, and notification control unit 205 may execute the process of deleting the vehicle ID.

[0102] The storage unit 206 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 206 stores, for each member of a predetermined service (subscription service), biometric information and contact information of a person other than the member (for example, a family member) in association with each other.

[0103] [vehicle] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the vehicle 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 14, the vehicle 20 includes a communication control unit 301, an authentication control unit 302, an operation control unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The authentication control unit 302 is a means for controlling the authentication of a user (member) who wishes to use the vehicle 20.

[0106] The authentication control unit 302 controls the camera periodically or at a predetermined timing to acquire image data. Alternatively, the authentication control unit 302 acquires image data in response to a user operation. For example, the authentication control unit 302 acquires image data in response to the user pressing a button attached to the door of the vehicle 20.

[0107] The authentication control unit 302 determines whether or not the acquired image data includes a human face image, and if a face image is included, extracts the face image from the acquired image data.

[0108] Note that since existing technology can be used for the facial image extraction process by the authentication control unit 302, detailed description will be omitted. For example, the authentication control unit 302 may extract a facial image (face area) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the authentication control unit 302 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0109] If the facial image is successfully extracted, the authentication control unit 302 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information (extracted facial image) and the vehicle ID to the server device 10.

[0110] The authentication control unit 302 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the authentication request from the server device 10.

[0111] If a negative response indicating authentication failure is received, the authentication control unit 302 notifies the person to be authenticated (the user attempting to board the vehicle 20) that authentication has failed. At this time, the authentication control unit 302 may notify the user that only members of the subscription service can use the vehicle 20. For example, the authentication control unit 302 may output a voice message indicating this from a speaker.

[0112] When an affirmative response indicating successful authentication is received, the authentication control unit 302 notifies the user that authentication has been successful. At that time, the authentication control unit 302 may output a message welcoming the user to use the taxi service.

[0113] Furthermore, when an affirmative response (authentication success) is received, the authentication control unit 302 notifies the operation control unit 303 of that fact.

[0114] The operation control unit 303 is a means for controlling the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0115] When the authentication control unit 302 notifies the operation control unit 303 that the authentication of the person to be authenticated has been successful, the operation control unit 303 opens the door (unlocks the door).

[0116] Thereafter, the operation control unit 303 acquires the destination (destination, drop-off point) desired by the passenger. For example, the operation control unit 303 displays a GUI as shown in Fig. 15 on a touch panel installed inside the vehicle.

[0117] A list of locations where taxi stands are installed is preset in the vehicle 20. The operation control unit 303 uses the list to generate a GUI such as that shown in FIG.

[0118] When the user's destination (destination) is acquired, the operation control unit 303 controls the drive system (engine, brakes, steering, etc.) of the vehicle 20 so that the vehicle reaches the acquired destination. The operation control unit 303 moves the vehicle to the passenger's desired destination (drop-off point) and stops the vehicle. Thereafter, the operation control unit 303 opens the door.

[0119] Note that existing technology can be used for the automatic driving of vehicle 20, and since this is different from the spirit of the present disclosure, a more detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0120] The operation control unit 303 transmits a transportation start notification to the server device 10 when transportation of the user starts. The operation control unit 303 also transmits a transportation end notification to the server device 10 when the vehicle arrives at the destination. Furthermore, the operation control unit 303 transmits a current location notification to the server device 10 periodically or at a predetermined timing while the vehicle is traveling.

[0121] Each of the three notifications above includes vehicle ID and location information.

[0122] Regarding the generation of the location information, the operation control unit 303 may receive GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to perform positioning and generate location information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle 20. Alternatively, the operation control unit 303 may communicate with a wireless access point and treat the location of the wireless access point as the location of the vehicle itself. Alternatively, the operation control unit 303 may generate location information based on the strength of radio waves received from the wireless access point.

[0123] The storage unit 304 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0124] [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.

[0125] [System Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment 1. Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] When the vehicle 20 starts transporting the user who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, the vehicle 20 transmits a transportation start notification to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0127] In response to receiving the transportation start notification, the server device 10 transmits a boarding notification to the terminal 40 carried by the user's family member (step S02).

[0128] Upon receiving the boarding notification, the family member's terminal 40 notifies the family member that the family member has boarded the taxi at the boarding location (boarding notification; step S03).

[0129] When the vehicle 20 arrives at the passenger's destination, the vehicle 20 transmits a transportation completion notification to the server device 10 (step S11).

[0130] In response to receiving the transportation completion notification, the server device 10 transmits a disembarking notification to the terminal 40 carried by the user's family member (step S12).

[0131] The family member's terminal 40 that has received the alighting notification notifies the family member that the family member has alighted from the taxi at the alighting location (notifying the alighting; step S13).

[0132] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0133] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the explanation has been given on the assumption that a member of the subscription service rides alone in vehicle 20. However, a member and a non-member may ride in vehicle 20 together. For example, a friend, acquaintance, or family member of the member may ride in vehicle 20 with the member. In Variation 1, a case will be explained in which a non-member who is not a member of the subscription service is permitted to ride in vehicle 20.

[0134] In this case, the vehicle 20 requests the server device 10 to determine whether or not each of the passengers (plurality of passengers) in the vehicle is a member of the subscription service.

[0135] Specifically, a camera capable of capturing images of the interior of the vehicle 20 is installed in the vehicle 20. The operation control unit 303 controls the camera to capture images of the interior of the vehicle and acquire image data. The operation control unit 303 attempts to extract biometric information (face image) from the acquired image data.

[0136] When one facial image is extracted from the image data, the operation control unit 303 does not perform any special processing because the extracted facial image is determined to be the facial image of a user who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

[0137] When multiple facial images are extracted from the image data, the operation control unit 303 transmits the extracted multiple facial images to the server device 10 and requests the server device 10 to determine whether the person corresponding to each image is a member of the subscription service.

[0138] The authentication unit 204 of the server device 10 performs authentication processing (matching processing) using the biometric information stored in the member management database for each of the multiple face images acquired from the vehicle 20. That is, the authentication unit 204 determines whether or not the person corresponding to each face image is a member.

[0139] The authentication unit 204 notifies the vehicle 20 of the determination result. Specifically, the authentication unit 204 notifies the vehicle 20 of the number of members in the vehicle 20 and the number of non-members of the subscription service in the vehicle 20.

[0140] If each person corresponding to the multiple facial images is a member of the subscription service, the operation control unit 303 of the vehicle 20 acquires a destination from one of the passengers and travels toward that destination. In this case, the operation control unit 303 may acquire multiple destinations as necessary. The operation control unit 303 travels toward each of the multiple destinations in order.

[0141] If the facial image of a non-member is included among the multiple facial images, the operation control unit 303 notifies the passengers that an additional fee will be charged according to the number of non-members, the travel distance, etc. The operation control unit 303 notifies the passengers that an additional fee will be charged according to the number of non-members, etc., and obtains the passengers' consent to the charge of the additional fee.

[0142] For example, the operation control unit 303 displays a GUI as shown in FIG. 17 on a touch panel to obtain the passenger's consent.

[0143] If the passenger's consent is not obtained, the operation control unit 303 will not start the movement. In this case, the operation control unit 303 may output a message or the like to the passenger urging them to get off the vehicle.

[0144] If consent is obtained from the passengers, the operation control unit 303 transmits that information to the server device 10. The operation control unit 303 transmits the number of non-members to the server device 10 together with the vehicle ID.

[0145] The vehicle control unit 203 identifies the members who rode in the vehicle 20 with the non-members based on the vehicle ID. The vehicle control unit 203 stores the number of non-members in the account of the identified member. When the vehicle control unit 203 receives a transportation completion notification from the vehicle 20, it notifies the member management unit 202 of this fact. The vehicle control unit 203 notifies the member management unit 202 of information such as the mileage, as necessary.

[0146] Upon receiving the notification, the member management unit 202 calculates an additional fee based on the number of non-members, the distance traveled, etc., and settles the additional fee using the payment information registered in the account. For example, the member management unit 202 transmits the settlement amount, etc. to a server of a credit card company or the like, and requests settlement.

[0147] The process for settling the additional fee will be clear to those skilled in the art, and is not within the scope of the present disclosure, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0148] Here, when multiple people board the vehicle 20, the server device 10 may omit sending boarding notifications or disembarking notifications to the family members of the members. Alternatively, when multiple members board the vehicle 20, the server device 10 may send boarding notifications or disembarking notifications to the family members of the member authenticated by the authentication request (for example, the member who is first in line in front of the door of the vehicle 20).

[0149] In this way, the authentication unit 204 of the server device 10 acquires multiple pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle 20. The authentication unit 204 determines whether or not the person corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information is a member of the subscription service. The authentication unit 204 notifies the vehicle 20 of the number of members and the number of non-members riding in the vehicle 20. Furthermore, when the member management unit 202 of the server device 10 acquires the number of non-members riding in the vehicle 20 from the vehicle 20, it settles an additional fee according to the acquired number of non-members.

[0150] <Variation 2> A user (a member of the subscription service) can register friends, acquaintances, family members, and the like who frequently ride in a taxi with the user in the server device 10. For example, the user logs in to an account and registers the names and biometric information of friends in the server device 10. The user registers friends in his / her own account. Alternatively, the user registers the names and biometric information of family members in the server device 10. The user registers family members in his / her own account.

[0151] The server device 10 stores the acquired information about friends and family in the user's account.

[0152] When the server device 10 receives a plurality of facial images from the vehicle 20, the authentication unit 204 executes a matching process for each of the acquired facial images using the biometric information stored in the member management database. At this time, the authentication unit 204 classifies the person corresponding to the facial image into a member, a friend (family member) of the member, or a non-member.

[0153] The authentication unit 204 notifies the vehicle 20 of the classification results (the number of members, the number of people registered as friends, the number of people registered as family members, and the number of non-members).

[0154] If a passenger is a person who is registered as a friend (family member), the operation control unit 303 of the vehicle 20 notifies the passenger that the passenger who is registered as a friend or a family member can receive a discount on the additional fee, and obtains the passenger's consent to the additional fee being charged.

[0155] If consent is obtained, the operation control unit 303 transmits the number of people who have been registered as friends (family members) and / or the number of non-members to the server device 10. The member management unit 202 of the server device 10 calculates an additional fee according to the number of people who have been registered as friends (family members) and / or the number of non-members, and settles the calculated additional fee.

[0156] In this way, when a person who has been registered as a friend or family member in advance is riding in the vehicle 20 with the member, the server device 10 applies a predetermined discount and settles the additional fee.

[0157] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, the vehicle 20 is described as being able to be set to any destination by the user, like a regular taxi. However, the vehicle 20 may also be able to transport users by moving between specific locations, like a shuttle bus.

[0158] In this case, other people who are members of the subscription service but who are not acquaintances may ride in the vehicle 20 at the same time. That is, multiple members may ride together in one vehicle 20. Note that in vehicles 20 where ride-sharing is permitted, non-members other than members of the subscription service are not permitted to ride in the vehicle 20.

[0159] The vehicle 20 displays a message on the outside that allows the user to understand the destination and departure time. For example, the vehicle 20 displays a message such as "Departing at 13:00, bound for Hospital B" or "Departing at 13:30, bound for School C."

[0160] After checking the display of the vehicle 20, the member boards the vehicle 20 heading for the destination. At that time, the vehicle 20 acquires the biometric information of the person to be authenticated (member) as described in the above embodiment, and transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10.

[0161] When the vehicle 20 (operation control unit 303) receives a successful authentication (positive response), it opens the door. When the user (person to be authenticated) gets into the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 closes the door. The vehicle 20 may also determine whether the user has boarded the vehicle by analyzing image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle 20 determines that the user has boarded the vehicle if the number of passengers inside the vehicle has increased before and after the door is opened and closed.

[0162] When the number of passengers reaches the capacity, the doors of the vehicle 20 do not open. Furthermore, when the departure time arrives, the vehicle 20 starts moving toward the destination.

[0163] Here, it is assumed that there is a suspicious person who will follow the member and illegally board the vehicle 20. In order to prevent such a suspicious person from using the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 (operation control unit 303) photographs the interior of the vehicle before departure and extracts biometric information (face image) from the obtained image data.

[0164] The vehicle 20 transmits the extracted at least one piece of biometric information to the server device 10, and requests the server device 10 to determine whether each piece of biometric information is biometric information of a member.

[0165] If there are passengers other than members in the vehicle, the server device 10 notifies the vehicle 20 that "there is a suspicious person." On the other hand, if there are no passengers other than members in the vehicle, the server device 10 notifies the vehicle 20 that "there is no suspicious person."

[0166] Vehicle 20 that has received the notification that "no suspicious person" begins moving toward its destination. Vehicle 20 that has received the notification that "suspicious person present" does not move. Vehicle 20 that has received the notification that "suspicious person present" may also notify passengers inside the vehicle that only members of the subscription service are allowed to board.

[0167] After notifying the passenger that only members of the subscription service are allowed to board the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 again captures images of the interior of the vehicle and extracts biometric information from the image data obtained by capturing the images. The vehicle 20 transmits the extracted biometric information to the server device 10 and requests the server device 10 to determine whether each piece of biometric information is the biometric information of a member.

[0168] The vehicle 20 repeats the above process, and when no non-members are detected inside the vehicle, the vehicle starts moving toward the destination.

[0169] Furthermore, if there is a passenger other than a member in the vehicle, the server device 10 notifies the family of the member who is riding with the non-member passenger (suspicious person) that the suspicious person is riding with the family member. The authentication unit 204 transmits a "suspicious person riding with family member notification" including the name of the family member and the current location (parking location) of the vehicle 20 to the family member of the member (terminal 40 carried by the family member) identified by a matching process (process for determining whether or not the family member is a member) using biometric information acquired from the vehicle 20.

[0170] Upon receiving the notification that a suspicious person is riding with the vehicle, the terminal 40 displays a screen such as that shown in FIG. 18, and notifies the user of the terminal 40 (e.g., a parent) that a suspicious person is riding with the vehicle 20 in which a family member (e.g., a child) is riding.

[0171] A user (for example, a parent) who receives the notification takes appropriate action, such as heading to the family member (the vehicle 20 in which the family member is riding).

[0172] Furthermore, if a suspicious person is aboard the vehicle 20, the server device 10 may notify the police or a security company of this fact. The server device 10 transmits a "suspicious person detection notification" including the current location of the vehicle 20 in which the suspicious person is aboard and a facial image of the suspicious person to a terminal installed at the police or security company. A security guard or the like who receives this notification heads to the current location of the vehicle 20 and interviews the suspicious person aboard the vehicle 20 (the person corresponding to the facial image included in the suspicious person notification).

[0173] As described above, multiple members may be able to share the vehicle 20. Furthermore, if a suspicious person gets into the vehicle 20, the server device 10 may notify the member's family, the police, a security company, etc., of the presence of the suspicious person.

[0174] In this way, the authentication unit 204 of the server device 10 acquires a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle 20. The authentication unit 204 determines whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired pieces of biometric information is a member of a predetermined service. If the people corresponding to each of the acquired pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the predetermined service, the authentication unit 204 notifies the vehicle 20 that a suspicious person is riding in the vehicle 20. Furthermore, if the people corresponding to each of the acquired pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the predetermined service, the authentication unit 204 notifies at least one of the member's family, the police, and a security company that a suspicious person is riding in the vehicle 20.

[0175] <Variation 4> In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a user (a user who is about to get into the vehicle 20) is authenticated before the door of the vehicle 20 opens. However, authentication of the user may be performed after the user gets into the vehicle 20.

[0176] In this case, if a passenger in the vehicle 20 is not a member, the authentication unit 204 of the server device 10 may treat the non-member passenger as a suspicious person and transmit the current location of the vehicle 20 and a facial image of the suspicious person to a security company, etc. Alternatively, if a suspicious person is detected in a situation where a member is already in the vehicle 20, the authentication unit 204 of the server device 10 may notify the family of the member of the presence of the suspicious person.

[0177] <Variation 5> In the above embodiment, it was explained that the server device 10 sends a boarding notification and a disembarking notification to the terminal 40 carried by the user (member) when the user boards the vehicle 20 and when the member disembarks from the vehicle 20.

[0178] However, the server device 10 may notify the family of the current location of the vehicle 20 transporting the member. That is, the server device 10 may perform control so that the family of the member can know the current location of the vehicle 20 carrying the member in real time.

[0179] The server device 10 may be configured so that the member or family can set (select) whether to send a boarding notification and an alighting notification to the family of the member, or to send the family the current location of the vehicle 20 in real time. The server device 10 may provide information to the family of the member, including the route of travel of the vehicle 20 carrying the member.

[0180] As described above, when a member of a subscription service for taxis gets into a vehicle 20, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment notifies a person stored in association with the member (for example, the member's family) that the member has gotten into the vehicle 20. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a boarding notification to the terminal 40 carried by the member's family. Similarly, when the member gets out of the vehicle 20, the server device 10 transmits an alighting notification to the terminal 40 carried by the member's family. These notifications allow the family of a user who uses the subscription service to know the user's situation. As a result, the family's concerns about the user's safety, etc., are alleviated.

[0181] Existing transportation systems are facing a serious shortage of drivers for modes of transportation such as buses and taxis. Furthermore, many elderly people are surrendering their driver's licenses, and young people are increasingly turning away from cars. This has resulted in a shortage of drivers capable of driving private cars, even within households. Furthermore, urban areas are prone to traffic congestion. To address these issues in existing transportation systems, proposals have been made for autonomous driving of buses and taxis, subscription services for taxis, and destination-specific ride-sharing services. However, these new services can raise various issues. For example, a key issue is how to verify the identity of users in subscription services. Subscription services must be protected from non-members. Furthermore, ride-sharing services pose the risk of suspicious individuals boarding taxis and other vehicles.

[0182] To address this issue, the information processing system disclosed herein authenticates subscription service members through biometric authentication, thereby preventing non-members from using the vehicle 20. Furthermore, if ridesharing in the vehicle 20 is permitted, the information processing system identifies non-members who are not members of the subscription service as suspicious persons and notifies the family of any user who is riding with the suspicious person, the police, a security company, etc. As a result, the safety of the user using the vehicle 20 is ensured, and the family can be given peace of mind.

[0183] Furthermore, the vehicle 20 included in the information processing system is capable of autonomous driving (automated driving). This eliminates the driver shortage. Furthermore, since users are authenticated by biometric authentication when boarding the unmanned vehicle 20, they can use the vehicle 20 even if they do not have the terminal 40. In other words, users can board the vehicle 20 empty-handed. Furthermore, since members are authenticated using biometric information, there is no problem with "reusing" authentication information, which is a problem when using a medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card for authentication.

[0184] In this way, the information processing system can provide users with safe and secure mobility services by utilizing biometric authentication using biometric information and location information obtained using GPS or the like.

[0185] [Second embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0186] In the first embodiment, a case where a member of a subscription service uses a vehicle 20 waiting at a taxi stand is described. In the second embodiment, a case where a user requests a taxi to pick up the user is described.

[0187] The configuration of the information provision system according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description corresponding to Fig. 3 will be omitted. Also, the processing configurations of the server device 10 and the vehicle 20 according to the second embodiment can be the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0188] The following description will focus on the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0189] A user who uses a taxi installs a dedicated application on terminal 40. For example, the user operates terminal 40 to access server device 10 and downloads the taxi application. The user installs the taxi application on terminal 40.

[0190] A user who wishes to use a taxi operates the terminal 40 to start the taxi application. The user uses the taxi application to make a request to the server device 10 for a pick-up.

[0191] Specifically, the terminal 40 (taxi application) calculates the current location of the terminal 40. Furthermore, the terminal 40 acquires the drop-off point desired by the user. The terminal 40 transmits a "pick-up request" including the member ID, the calculated current location, and the acquired drop-off point to the server device 10 (see FIG. 19).

[0192] When receiving the pickup request, the server device 10 determines whether or not there is a vehicle 20 that can be allocated to the user. For example, if there is a vehicle 20 that is not carrying a passenger and can arrive at the boarding point (the user's current location) within a predetermined time, the server device 10 determines that there is a vehicle 20 that can be allocated.

[0193] If there is a vehicle 20 that can be allocated to the user, the server device 10 transmits a positive response to the terminal 40 indicating that the user's request for pickup has been accepted. If there is no vehicle 20 that can be allocated to the user, the server device 10 transmits a negative response to the terminal 40 indicating that the user's request for pickup is rejected.

[0194] The terminal 40 notifies the user of the result of the pickup request received from the server device 10.

[0195] Furthermore, the server device 10 stores the current location (boarding point), the drop-off point, the vehicle ID of the assigned vehicle 20, and the like of the user who accepted the pick-up request in the account of the user.

[0196] Furthermore, the server device 10 instructs the assigned vehicle 20 to head to the user. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "pick-up instruction" including the user's current location (boarding point) and drop-off point to the assigned vehicle 20 (see FIG. 20). The server device 10 sets the status of the vehicle 20 that transmitted the pick-up instruction to "pick-up in progress" and updates the vehicle management database.

[0197] Upon receiving the pick-up instruction, the vehicle 20 arrives at the specified location (boarding point). The user approaches the arriving vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 authenticates the user who is about to board (the user standing in front of the door).

[0198] Specifically, the vehicle 20 acquires biometric information of the person to be authenticated (a user standing in front of the door). The vehicle 20 transmits an authentication request including the acquired biometric information (for example, a facial image) and a vehicle ID to the server device 10.

[0199] The server device 10 identifies the person to be authenticated from among a plurality of members by executing a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the member management database.

[0200] If the vehicle 20 assigned to the identified user matches the vehicle 20 that sent the authentication request, the server device 10 determines that the authentication of the person to be authenticated is successful. That is, if the vehicle ID stored in the account of the user identified by the collation process matches the vehicle ID included in the authentication request, the server device 10 determines that the authentication of the person to be authenticated is successful.

[0201] If the person to be authenticated cannot be identified by the biometric information, or if the two vehicle IDs do not match, the server device 10 determines that authentication of the person to be authenticated has failed.

[0202] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the vehicle 20. If the authentication of the person to be authenticated is successful, the server device 10 transmits a positive response indicating that to the vehicle 20. If the authentication of the person to be authenticated is unsuccessful, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating that to the vehicle 20.

[0203] If the authentication success is received, the vehicle 20 opens the door. If the authentication success is received, the vehicle 20 does not open the door.

[0204] If the user is determined to have been successfully authenticated, he or she gets into the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 presents the destination (drop-off point) acquired from the server device 10 to the user and asks the user to confirm that the destination is correct. If the user agrees with the destination, the vehicle 20 starts moving.

[0205] In the information processing system according to the second embodiment, a boarding notice and an alighting notice are also transmitted to the terminals 40 of the family members who are in the vehicle 20.

[0206] As described above, in the information processing system according to the second embodiment, the vehicle 20 heads to the user in response to a pickup request from the user. The user can board a taxi from any location, not just from a taxi stand, improving convenience for the user.

[0207] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information providing system will be described. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0208] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 21. 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.

[0209] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 21 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. 21, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0210] 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).

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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).

[0214] 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.

[0215] Note that vehicle 20 can also be configured using an information processing device, similar to server device 10, and its basic hardware configuration is no different from that of server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the hardware configuration of vehicle 20 can be the same as that of an existing autonomous vehicle, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0216] 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.

[0217] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information providing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0218] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 20 is described as being autonomously driven. However, the vehicle 20 may be driven by a person. Alternatively, the information processing system may include a mixture of autonomously driven vehicles 20 and vehicles 20 normally driven by a person.

[0219] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 20 is described as being subject to a subscription service. However, the vehicle 20 may also be a taxi that requires payment for each use, like a regular taxi. Specifically, members of a service provided by a taxi company register their biometric information and payment information (e.g., credit card information) in advance with the server device 10. As described in the above embodiment, the information processing system authenticates the user, transports the user, and notifies family members and others. When the user gets out of the vehicle 20, the server device 10 calculates a fare based on the mileage, etc., and settles the fare using the registered payment information.

[0220] When processing an authentication request received from vehicle 20, if the server device 10 has successfully authenticated the person to be authenticated, the server device 10 may notify the vehicle 20 of information about the person to be authenticated (member) who has been successfully authenticated. For example, the server device 10 may notify the vehicle 20 of the name, family information, etc. of the person to be authenticated. In this case, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response including the information about the person to be authenticated to the vehicle 20. After acquiring the information about the person to be authenticated (member), the vehicle 20 may output a message, etc., welcoming the member to board using the member's name, etc.

[0221] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the server device 10 transmits a boarding notification or an alighting notification to the family of a member who has boarded the vehicle 20. However, the server device 10 may transmit the family information of the member to the vehicle 20, so that the vehicle 20 may directly transmit the boarding notification or the alighting notification to the family (terminal 40 carried by the family).

[0222] Furthermore, the server device 10 may acquire candidate destinations that the user frequently visits when registering as a member. The server device 10 stores the acquired candidate destinations in the member's account. When authentication is successful, the server device 10 transmits the candidate destinations of the member whose authentication has been determined to be successful to the vehicle 20 (transmits a positive response including the candidate destinations). The vehicle 20 may present the acquired candidate destinations to the member. The member can head to a frequently visited place without having to input the destination address into the vehicle 20.

[0223] The server device 10 does not need to acquire family information (such as family email addresses) from the member. For members for whom family information could not be acquired, the server device 10 does not need to send boarding notifications or disembarking notifications.

[0224] Alternatively, the server device 10 may allow members or family members to set the settings related to the transmission of boarding notifications and disembarking notifications. In this case, the server device 10 may acquire settings such as conditions for transmitting boarding notifications, etc., in addition to whether boarding notifications and disembarking notifications are to be transmitted (whether transmission is necessary or not). For example, whether boarding notifications are to be transmitted may be set according to the time of day. For example, settings may be made such that boarding notifications and disembarking notifications are not transmitted during the day, but are transmitted at night.

[0225] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a user registers information about family members in the server device 10. However, a user may also register information about people who are not family members (for example, friends, acquaintances, relatives, etc.) in the server device 10. The server device 10 may simply store information (contact information) of people other than the member in the account of the member.

[0226] When transmitting a boarding notice or a disembarking notice to a family member of a member, the server device 10 may transmit map information including the boarding location or disembarking location of the member to the family member.

[0227] The server device 10 may store, in the account of each member, the usage history of the vehicle 20. The server device 10 may store, in the account, the date and time when the member boarded the vehicle 20, the boarding point, the date and time when the member disembarked from the vehicle 20, the disembarking point, etc.

[0228] The server device 10 may use the usage history of the vehicle 20 by each member to control the allocation of the vehicle 20. For example, the server device 10 calculates the locations, time periods, etc. in which many users used the vehicle 20, and allocates many vehicles 20 to the calculated locations and time periods.

[0229] Alternatively, the server device 10 may provide the member or the member's family with the usage history of the vehicle 20. For example, the server device 10 may allow the user or family members who log in to the account to view the usage history.

[0230] The vehicle 20 may periodically or at a predetermined timing transmit image data obtained by passengers photographing the interior of the vehicle to the server device 10. The server device 10 may analyze the acquired image data to detect any fraudulent or criminal behavior by the passengers. For example, if a passenger attempts to steal equipment inside the vehicle or vandalizes the vehicle 20, the server device 10 may report the passenger's criminal behavior to the police along with the passenger's biometric information (facial image). The image data may be analyzed using a learning model obtained by machine learning. The server device 10 may input the image data into the learning model to determine whether the passenger's behavior is criminal.

[0231] In the second embodiment, when transmitting a pick-up request, the user's terminal 40 may transmit the user's biometric information to the server device 10 instead of the member ID acquired from the server device 10. The server device 10 may identify the user (member) who has made the pick-up request by performing biometric authentication.

[0232] The server device 10 may verify the identity of the user when registering as a member. Specifically, the server device 10 acquires the user's biometric information, personal information, etc., as well as an identification document (e.g., a passport) containing the biometric information. The server device 10 performs one-to-one matching using the biometric information on the identification document and the biometric information acquired from the user. If the matching is successful, the server device 10 may register the user.

[0233] The notification control unit 205 of the server device 10 may send a boarding notification including the biometric information of the member (the facial image included in the authentication request) acquired when the member boarded the vehicle 20 to the contact information (email address) of the family of the member. The family terminal 40 that receives the boarding notification may display a facial photo of the family member (member) when the family member boarded the vehicle 20.

[0234] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a facial image is transmitted as biometric information from the vehicle 20 to the server device 10. However, feature amounts generated from the facial image may be transmitted as biometric information from the vehicle 20 to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 can omit the process of generating feature amounts from the facial image.

[0235] In the above embodiment, the feature values ​​generated from a facial image are stored in the member information database, but the feature values ​​do not have to be stored in the database. Instead of the feature values, a facial image may be registered in the member information database, and the server device 10 may generate feature values ​​from the registered facial image each time it processes an authentication request.

[0236] In the above embodiment, the case where the member management database is configured inside the server device 10 has been described, 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 "notification control unit (notification control means)" and the like may be implemented on any of the devices included in the system.

[0237] The form of data transmission and reception between the devices (server device 10, vehicle 20) is not particularly limited, but the 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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 providing system that authenticates users who use mobility services.

[0241] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0242] [Appendix 1] a storage means for storing biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member of a predetermined service in association with each other, an authentication means for acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to get into a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; a notification control means for, when the vehicle starts transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying a person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The server device described in Appendix 1, wherein, when the vehicle finishes transporting the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, the notification control means notifies the person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the authenticated person has disembarked from the vehicle. [Appendix 3] The notification control means receiving a transportation start notification from the vehicle, the transportation start notification including information about a boarding point where the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated boarded the vehicle; A server device as described in Appendix 2, which, in response to receiving the transportation start notification, sends a boarding notification including information regarding the boarding location to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 4] The notification control means receiving a transportation completion notification from the vehicle, the notification including information about a drop-off point where transportation of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has ended; A server device as described in Appendix 3, which, in response to receiving the transportation completion notification, sends a disembarkation notification including information regarding the disembarkation point to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 5] The authentication means acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; A server device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, which determines whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information is a member of the specified service, and notifies the vehicle of the number of members and the number of non-members who are not members and are in the vehicle. [Appendix 6] The authentication means acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; determining whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired plurality of pieces of biometric information is a member of the predetermined service; A server device as described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, which notifies the vehicle that a suspicious person is on board if the people corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the specified service. [Appendix 7] The authentication means The server device described in Appendix 6, which notifies at least one of a person stored in association with a member of the specified service who is riding in the vehicle, the police, and a security company that the suspicious person is riding in the vehicle if the person corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information includes a non-member who is not a member of the specified service. [Appendix 8] 5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined service is a subscription service for the vehicle. [Appendix 9] a storage step of storing, for each member of a predetermined service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member in association with each other; an authentication step of acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to get into a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; a notification control step of, when the vehicle starts transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying a person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle; A method for controlling a server device, comprising: [Appendix 10] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 9, wherein the notification control process notifies a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has disembarked from the vehicle when the vehicle has finished transporting the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 11] The notification control step includes: receiving a transportation start notification from the vehicle, the transportation start notification including information about a boarding point where the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated boarded the vehicle; A control method for a server device described in Appendix 10, which, in response to receiving the transportation start notification, sends a boarding notification including information about the boarding location to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 12] The notification control step includes: receiving a transportation completion notification from the vehicle, the notification including information about a drop-off point where transportation of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has ended; A control method for a server device described in Appendix 11, which, in response to receiving the transportation completion notification, sends a disembarkation notification including information about the disembarkation point to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 13] The authentication step includes: acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; A control method for a server device described in any one of appendices 9 to 12, which determines whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information is a member of the specified service, and notifies the vehicle of the number of members and the number of non-members who are not members and are in the vehicle. [Appendix 14] The authentication step includes: acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; determining whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired plurality of pieces of biometric information is a member of the predetermined service; A control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, in which if the people corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the specified service, the vehicle is notified that a suspicious person is on board. [Appendix 15] The authentication step includes: A control method for a server device described in Appendix 14, in which if the people corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the specified service, the method notifies at least one of a person stored in association with a member of the specified service who is in the vehicle, the police, and a security company that the suspicious person is in the vehicle. [Appendix 16] 13. A method for controlling a server device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the specified service is a subscription service for the vehicle. [Appendix 17] The computer installed in the server device a storage process for storing, for each member of a predetermined service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member in association with each other; an authentication process for acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to get into a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; a notification control process for notifying a person stored in association with the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated that the authenticated person has boarded the vehicle when the vehicle starts transporting the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated; A program to execute. [Appendix 18] The program described in Appendix 17, wherein the notification control process notifies a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has disembarked from the vehicle when the vehicle has finished transporting the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 19] The notification control process includes: receiving a transportation start notification from the vehicle, the transportation start notification including information about a boarding point where the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated boarded the vehicle; A program as described in Appendix 18, which, upon receiving the transportation start notification, sends a boarding notification including information regarding the boarding location to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 20] The notification control process includes: receiving a transportation completion notification from the vehicle, the notification including information about a drop-off point where transportation of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has ended; A program as described in Appendix 19, which, in response to receiving the transportation completion notification, sends a disembarkation notification including information regarding the disembarkation point to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. [Appendix 21] The authentication process includes: acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; A program described in any one of appendices 17 to 20, which determines whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information is a member of the specified service, and notifies the vehicle of the number of members and the number of non-members who are not members and are in the vehicle. [Appendix 22] The authentication process includes: acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; determining whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired plurality of pieces of biometric information is a member of the predetermined service; A program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 20, which notifies the vehicle that a suspicious person is on board if the people corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the specified service. [Appendix 23] The authentication process includes: The program described in Appendix 22, in which if the people corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the specified service, notifies at least one of a person stored in association with a member of the specified service who is in the vehicle, the police, and a security company that the suspicious person is in the vehicle. [Appendix 24] 21. The program of claim 17, wherein the predetermined service is a subscription service for the vehicle.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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]

[0245] 10 Server device 20 vehicles 30 base station 40 terminals 100 Server device 101 Memory means 102 Authentication Methods 103 Notification Control Means 201 Communication control unit 202 Membership Management Department 203 Vehicle control unit 204 Authentication Department 205 Notification control section 206 Memory section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Authentication control section 303 Operation Control Unit 304 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a storage means for storing biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member of a predetermined service in association with each other, an authentication means for acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to get into a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; a notification control means for, when the vehicle starts transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying a person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle; A server device comprising:

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the notification control means notifies a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has disembarked from the vehicle when the vehicle has finished transporting the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

3. The notification control means receiving a transportation start notification from the vehicle, the transportation start notification including information about a boarding point where the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated boarded the vehicle; The server device of claim 2, wherein, upon receiving the transportation start notification, a boarding notification including information regarding the boarding location is sent to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

4. The notification control means receiving a transportation completion notification from the vehicle, the notification including information about a drop-off point where transportation of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated has ended; The server device according to claim 3, wherein, in response to receiving the transportation completion notification, a disembarkation notification including information regarding the disembarkation point is sent to a terminal carried by a person stored in association with the authenticated person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated.

5. The authentication means acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; A server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which determines whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information is a member of the specified service, and notifies the vehicle of the number of members and the number of non-members who are not members and are in the vehicle.

6. The authentication means acquiring a plurality of pieces of biometric information captured in image data obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle; determining whether or not a person corresponding to each of the acquired plurality of pieces of biometric information is a member of the predetermined service; A server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein if the persons corresponding to each of the acquired biometric information include a non-member of the specified service, the server device notifies the vehicle that a suspicious person is in the vehicle.

7. The authentication means The server device of claim 6, wherein if the persons corresponding to each of the acquired multiple pieces of biometric information include a non-member who is not a member of the specified service, the server device notifies at least one of a person stored in association with a member of the specified service who is riding in the vehicle, the police, and a security company that the suspicious person is riding in the vehicle.

8. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined service is a subscription service for the vehicle.

9. a storage step of storing, for each member of a predetermined service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member in association with each other; an authentication step of acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to get into a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; a notification control step of, when the vehicle starts transporting the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, notifying a person stored in association with the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated that the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated has boarded the vehicle; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device a storage process for storing, for each member of a predetermined service, biometric information and contact information of a person different from each member in association with each other; an authentication process for acquiring biometric information of a person to be authenticated who is about to get into a vehicle, authenticating the person to be authenticated using the acquired biometric information and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and notifying the vehicle of the authentication result; a notification control process for notifying a person stored in association with the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated that the authenticated person has boarded the vehicle when the vehicle starts transporting the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated; A program to execute.

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