Server apparatus, system, server apparatus control method, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a server device which contributes to smooth acquisition of a delay certificate by a user.SOLUTION: The server device includes storage means, authentication means, and control means. The storage means stores authentication information of each of a plurality of users. The authentication means receives an authentication request including the authentication information of a person to be authenticated from a ticket examination machine for limiting the passage of the person to be authenticated who is going to exit from the ticket examination of one station. The authentication means specifies a person to be authenticated by executing authentication processing using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the plurality of pieces of stored authentication information. When the authentication processing is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by the railroad delay, the control means issues a digital delay certificate related to the railroad delay to the person to be authenticated whose authentication processing is determined to be successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Technology exists to issue delay certificates to passengers affected by rail delays.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system that allows delay certificates to be issued only to passengers who have used delayed routes. In the system of Patent Document 1, automatic ticket gates installed at both boarding and disembarking stations acquire a terminal ID from a mobile terminal device carried by a passenger, and the terminal ID, boarding station ID, and disembarking station ID are transmitted to a server. The server identifies a boarding route from the boarding station ID and disembarking station ID and compares it with delayed routes stored in a delay information database to determine whether a specific passenger has used a delayed route. If a delayed route has been used, the server associates the terminal ID with the delay information. This allows a user to request a delay certificate using the terminal ID from a mobile terminal device or another terminal device, and obtain a delay certificate created from the delay information corresponding to the terminal ID. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-102377 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Passengers affected by train delays often have to wait in long lines to obtain delay certificates, which means that delay certificates are not distributed smoothly.

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to enabling users to obtain delay certificates more smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a storage means for storing authentication information for each of a plurality of users; an authentication means for receiving an authentication request including the authentication information of the authenticated person from a ticket gate that restricts the passage of the authenticated person who is attempting to exit through the ticket gate of a station, and identifying the authenticated person by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; and a control means for issuing a digital delay certificate regarding the train delay to the authenticated person for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful, if the station is affected by a train delay.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a ticket gate that restricts the passage of an authenticated person attempting to exit through the ticket gate at a station, and a server device, wherein the server device comprises: a storage means that stores authentication information for each of a plurality of users; an authentication means that receives an authentication request from the ticket gate that includes the authentication information of the authenticated person, and identifies the authenticated person by performing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of authentication information; and a control means that, if the authentication process is determined to be successful and the station is a station affected by a train delay, issues a digital delay certificate regarding the train delay to the authenticated person for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, comprising: a storage step of storing authentication information for each of a plurality of users; an authentication step of receiving an authentication request including authentication information for the authenticated person from a ticket gate that restricts the passage of the authenticated person who is attempting to exit through the ticket gate of a station, and identifying the authenticated person by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; and a control step of issuing a digital delay certificate regarding the train delay to the authenticated person for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful, if the station is affected by a train delay.

[0010] According to a fourth 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 authentication information for each of a plurality of users; an authentication process for receiving an authentication request including authentication information for the authenticated person from a ticket gate that restricts the passage of the authenticated person attempting to exit through the ticket gate at a station, and identifying the authenticated person by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; and a control process for issuing a digital delay certificate regarding the train delay to the authenticated person for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful, if the station is affected by a train delay. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a system, a method for controlling a server device, and a program are provided that contribute to enabling users to obtain delay certificates more smoothly. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a ticket gate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delay information management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the delay certificate control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a digital delay certificate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a 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 an embodiment includes a storage unit 101, an authentication unit 102, and a control unit 103 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 stores authentication information for each of a plurality of users (step S1 in FIG. 2). The authentication unit 102 receives an authentication request, including authentication information for the authenticatee, from a ticket gate that restricts the passage of the authenticatee attempting to exit through the ticket gate at a first station (step S2). The authentication unit 102 identifies the authenticatee by performing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the plurality of pieces of authentication information stored therein (step S3). If the authentication process is determined to be successful and the first station is affected by a train delay, the control unit 103 issues a digital delay certificate for the train delay to the authenticatee for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful (step S4).

[0015] If a delay occurs at the station where a user (railway passenger) gets off, the server device 100 automatically issues a delay certificate (electronic delay certificate; digital delay certificate) to the user. For example, the server device 100 transmits the digital delay certificate to a smartphone or the like carried by the user. As a result, the user does not have to wait in a long line at the station where the delay occurs, and can obtain the delay certificate more smoothly.

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

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

[0018] [System Configuration] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the information processing system includes a server device 10 and a plurality of ticket gates 20.

[0019] The server device 10 and the ticket gate 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication means. The server device 10 may be installed in a railway company building or on a network (cloud).

[0020] The server device 10 is a device that authenticates railway users. The server device 10 authenticates users who are attempting to pass through the ticket gate 20. If the user has the qualifications (authority) to pass through the ticket gate 20, the server device 10 allows the user to pass through. If the user does not have the qualifications to pass through the ticket gate 20, the server device 10 denies the user from passing through.

[0021] The information processing system disclosed herein supports any authentication method (various authentication methods). For example, the information processing system supports an authentication method using biometric information (biometric authentication). Alternatively, the information processing system supports authentication using an application (an application that realizes the functions of a transportation IC (Integrated Circuit) card) installed on a terminal such as a smartphone.

[0022] In the following description, a case where biometric authentication is used will be described.

[0023] A user possesses a terminal 30. The user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10. For example, the user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10 and create an account.

[0024] 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by using multiple server devices 10.

[0025] [System Overview] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] <Create an account> In order to board a train, the user needs to create an account on the server device 10. For example, the user operates the terminal 30 to access a user registration page provided by the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0027] The user enters their name, gender, date of birth, address, login information (e.g., ID, password), biometric information, telephone number, email address, etc. on the user registration page.

[0028] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, or iris pattern. Alternatively, biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. Biometric information may be any information that includes an individual's physical characteristics. In the present disclosure, biometric information is defined as a person's face image or features generated from a face image.

[0029] When the server device 10 acquires the user's name, biometric information, etc., it stores this information in a user management database and creates an account for the user. The user management database will be described in detail later.

[0030] Once an account is created, the user deposits money into the account (i.e., charges it up). Alternatively, the user purchases a commuter pass with the account. The charge amount and commuter pass information (pass section and period) are stored in the account.

[0031] It should be noted that detailed explanations of depositing money (charging) into an account, purchasing a commuter pass, etc. are omitted because they are different from the spirit of the present disclosure and are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0032] <Entering / Exiting through the ticket gate> The ticket checker 20 is equipped with a camera that is installed so that it can capture images of users walking toward the device. The ticket checker 20 also has a gate for controlling the passage of users.

[0033] As described above, the ticket gate 20 supports biometric authentication. A user who has the proper authority to enter and exit the ticket gate can pass through the ticket gate 20 using a so-called facial pass.

[0034] The ticket gate 20 sets a user who is about to pass through the gate as a person to be authenticated. More specifically, the ticket gate 20 sets a user who has reached the entrance as a person to be authenticated. The ticket gate 20 photographs the user who has reached the entrance and acquires biometric information (for example, a facial image) of the user.

[0035] After acquiring the biometric information, the ticket examiner 20 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information, the terminal ID, and the type of use to the server device 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0036] The terminal ID is an ID for identifying each ticket gate 20 installed in a station. The MAC (Media Access Control) address or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the ticket gate 20 can be used as the terminal ID.

[0037] The terminal ID is shared between the server device 10 and the ticket gate 20 by any method. For example, a system administrator determines a terminal ID and sets the determined terminal ID in the ticket gate 20. The system administrator also sets the determined terminal ID and information about the ticket gate 20 in the server device 10. The information about the ticket gate 20 is, for example, the name of the station where the ticket gate 20 is installed.

[0038] The usage type is information indicating whether the user is entering or leaving the ticket gate. A system administrator or the like sets each usage type in the ticket gate 20 according to the installation orientation of the ticket gate 20. Alternatively, if the ticket gate 20 supports two-way passage of users, the ticket gate 20 sets the usage type according to the detected direction of travel of the authenticated person. Specifically, either "enter" or "exit" is set as the usage type.

[0039] Upon receiving the authentication request, server device 10 authenticates the person to be authenticated. Specifically, server device 10 determines whether the user (person to be authenticated) has the authority and qualification to pass through ticket gate 20.

[0040] Specifically, the server device 10 identifies the person to be authenticated by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the biometric information stored in the user management database. The server device 10 identifies the boarding station and the disembarking station based on the terminal ID received from the ticket gate 20.

[0041] When the usage type is "entry," if the balance of the identified person to be authenticated (the balance of the charge amount stored in the account of the person to be authenticated) is equal to or greater than the minimum fare, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful. Alternatively, if the boarding station of the identified person to be authenticated is within the commuter pass area, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0042] If the balance of the identified person to be authenticated (the balance of the person's account) is less than the minimum fare and the boarding station is outside the commuter pass area, server device 10 determines that the authentication has failed.

[0043] If the authentication is successful, the server device 10 sets the boarding station in the user's account.

[0044] If the usage type is "exit," it is determined whether or not a boarding station is set for the user identified by the matching process using biometric information.

[0045] If the boarding station is not set, the server device 10 determines that the authentication has failed.

[0046] If the boarding station is set and the boarding station and the disembarking station are within the regular route, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0047] If the boarding station is set and the boarding station or disembarking station is outside the commuter pass area (or if the user has not purchased a commuter pass), the server device 10 calculates the fare according to the user's route (the route between the boarding station and disembarking station).

[0048] At this time, if the user has a commuter pass, the server device 10 calculates the fare taking into account the commuter pass.

[0049] If the calculated fare exceeds the charge amount, the server device 10 determines that the authentication has failed. If the calculated fare is equal to or less than the charge amount, the server device 10 determines that the authentication has succeeded.

[0050] The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the ticket examiner 20.

[0051] If the ticket gate 20 receives a message indicating successful authentication, it opens the gate and allows the person to pass through. If the ticket gate 20 receives a message indicating unsuccessful authentication, it closes the gate and denies the person to pass through.

[0052] <Issuance of delay certificate> When a train delay occurs, the server device 10 issues a delay certificate to the user affected by the delay.

[0053] Specifically, when a train is delayed due to an accident or the like, the railway company's system notifies the server device 10 of this fact. Specifically, the railway company's system transmits a "delay occurrence notification" including the delay time and the section affected by the delay (hereinafter referred to as the delay-affected section) (see FIG. 6).

[0054] For example, in the route map shown in Figure 7 (a route map including stations A1 to A8), if an accident causes a delay in a train scheduled to arrive at stations A1 to A3 on the route between stations A3 and A5, stations A3 to A5 will be notified to server device 10 as the delay-affected section.

[0055] The stations included in the delay-affected section are referred to as "delay-affected stations." In the above example, stations A3 to A5 are delay-affected stations.

[0056] In addition, information such as "30 minutes" is notified to the server device 10 as the delay time.

[0057] When the train delay is resolved (when the schedule returns to normal), the railway company's system notifies the server device 10 of this fact. Specifically, the railway company's system transmits a "delay resolution notification" including the delay-affected sections to the server device 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0058] In response to receiving the notification, the server device 10 recognizes that the delay has been resolved.

[0059] Detailed explanation of the railway company's system will be omitted because the configuration and operation of the railway company's system differ from the spirit of the present disclosure. When an accident or other incident occurs, railway company employees input the affected sections and delay time into the system. In response to this input, the railway company's system sends a delay notification.

[0060] When a railway company employee determines that the delay has been resolved, the employee enters this information into the system, which then sends a notification that the delay has been resolved.

[0061] Alternatively, a system that controls a train timetable may calculate delay-affected sections and delay times, and transmit a delay occurrence notification and a delay resolution notification to the server device 10.

[0062] The server device 10 issues a delay certificate to a user who gets off at a delay-affected station between the time when the server device 10 receives the delay occurrence notification and the time when the server device 10 receives the delay resolution notification.

[0063] The server device 10 sets the station where the user disembarked as the station where the delay occurred, and generates a digital delay certificate that includes the delay time, information about the affected user (e.g., name and facial image), and information about the certificate issuer (e.g., name of the railway company).

[0064] The server device 10 transmits the generated digital delay certificate to the terminal 30 carried by the user who got off at the delay-affected station. For example, the server device 10 transmits the generated digital delay certificate to the email address registered in the user's account (see FIG. 8).

[0065] Users who receive a digital delay certificate can present it at their workplace or school.

[0066] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0067] [Ticket gate] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the ticket gate 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the ticket gate 20 includes a communication control unit 201, an intruder detection unit 202, an authentication control unit 203, and a storage unit 204.

[0068] 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 server device 10. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the server device 10. 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.

[0069] The trespasser detection unit 202 is a means for detecting a user who is about to enter the ticket gate 20 .

[0070] The entrant detection unit 202 acquires image data captured by the camera device periodically or at a predetermined timing. The entrant detection unit 202 analyzes the image data to detect a user who has reached the entrance of the ticket gate 20.

[0071] The intruder detection unit 202 attempts to extract a face region from image data acquired from a camera device. Note that the intruder detection unit 202 can use existing technology for the process of extracting a face region, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the intruder detection unit 202 may extract a face region (face image) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the intruder detection unit 202 may detect a face region using a method such as template matching.

[0072] When a face area equal to or larger than a predetermined size (area) is extracted, the entrant detection unit 202 determines that a user entering the ticket gate 20 (a user who has reached the entrance of the ticket gate 20) is present.

[0073] When detecting a user who has reached the entrance of the ticket gate 20 , the entrant detection unit 202 passes the extracted facial image to the authentication control unit 203 .

[0074] The authentication control unit 203 is a means for controlling the authentication of users.

[0075] The authentication control unit 203 transmits an authentication request including the usage type, authentication information (the facial image acquired from the intruder detection unit 202), and the terminal ID to the server device 10. As described above, the usage type (entry, exit) is set in advance in the ticket gate 20.

[0076] The authentication control unit 203 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the authentication request from the server device 10.

[0077] If a positive response (authentication success) is received, the authentication control unit 203 opens the gate (keeps the gate open) and allows the person to be authenticated to pass through the gate. If a negative response (authentication failure) is received, the authentication control unit 203 closes the gate and denies the person to be authenticated from passing through the gate.

[0078] The storage unit 204 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the ticket examiner 20.

[0079] [Server device] 10 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. 10, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 301, a user registration control unit 302, an authentication unit 303, a delay certificate control unit 304, and a storage unit 305.

[0080] 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 ticket gate 20. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the ticket gate 20. 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.

[0081] The user registration control unit 302 is a means for controlling user registration. When a user operates the terminal 30 to perform a predetermined action on the user registration site (for example, pressing the account creation button), the user registration control unit 302 acquires information about the user.

[0082] For example, the user registration control unit 302 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the terminal 30 to acquire the user's name, sex, date of birth, address, login information (e.g., ID, password), biometric information, telephone number, email address, etc. Alternatively, the user registration control unit 302 may acquire account information (e.g., credit card information) used for depositing money into an account or for paying for a commuter pass, etc.

[0083] When a face image is acquired as biometric information at the user registration site, the user registration control unit 302 generates feature amounts from the face image.

[0084] Since existing technology can be used for the feature generation process by the user registration control unit 302, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the user registration control unit 302 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Then, the user registration control unit 302 calculates the position of each feature point and the distance between each feature point as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0085] Furthermore, the user registration control unit 302 generates a user ID for identifying the user. The user ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the user. For example, the user registration control unit 302 may assign a unique value each time information about a user is acquired and use this as the user ID.

[0086] The user registration control unit 302 issues the generated user ID to the user (the terminal 30 possessed by the user) as necessary.

[0087] The user registration control unit 302 stores the user ID, name, biometric information (features), etc. in the user management database (see FIG. 11). The user management database shown in FIG. 11 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a facial image of the user may be stored in the user management database. If the user has purchased a commuter pass, the commuter pass section and validity period are set in the commuter pass information field of the user management database.

[0088] A user deposits money into the account (i.e., charges) or purchases a commuter pass using an account created in the server device 10. The charge amount and commuter pass information (commuter pass section and period) are stored in a user management database.

[0089] The authentication unit 303 is a means for processing an authentication request received from the ticket gate 20. The authentication request includes authentication information (biometric information; for example, a facial image) of the person to be authenticated, the terminal ID of the ticket gate 20 that sent the authentication request, and the type of use.

[0090] When receiving an authentication request, authentication unit 303 determines whether or not the person to be authenticated (the user who has reached the entrance of ticket gate 20) has the authority and qualification to pass through ticket gate 20.

[0091] Specifically, the authentication unit 303 identifies the person to be authenticated by performing a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the user management database.

[0092] Specifically, the authentication unit 303 generates features from the facial image included in the authentication request. Then, the authentication unit 303 sets the generated features as a matching target and performs one-to-N (N is a positive integer, the same applies below) matching with multiple features registered in the user management database.

[0093] The authentication unit 303 calculates the similarity between the feature (feature vector) 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.

[0094] If the feature quantity having a similarity equal to or greater than a predetermined value is not registered in the user management database, the authentication unit 303 sets the authentication result to "authentication failed."

[0095] If a feature whose similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is registered in the user management database, the authentication unit 303 determines whether the user identified by the matching process is qualified to pass through the ticket gate 20.

[0096] The authentication unit 303 identifies the station (boarding station, disembarking station) where the ticket gate 20 that sent the authentication request is installed based on the terminal ID included in the authentication request. The authentication unit 303 identifies the boarding station or disembarking station of the user by referring to table information that stores terminal IDs and station names in association with each other.

[0097] When a user is about to enter a station ticket gate (when the usage type is "entry"), the authentication unit 303 determines that the authentication is successful if the charge balance of the person to be authenticated is equal to or greater than the minimum fare. Alternatively, the authentication unit 303 determines that the authentication is successful if the boarding station of the person to be authenticated is within the commuter pass area.

[0098] If the charge balance of the person to be authenticated identified by the matching process is less than the initial fare and the boarding station is outside the commuter pass area (or if the person to be authenticated has not purchased a commuter pass), the authentication unit 303 determines that the authentication has failed.

[0099] If the authentication of the person to be authenticated who is attempting to enter the ticket gate of the station is successful, the authentication unit 303 sets the boarding station in the account of the user.

[0100] When the user is about to exit through the ticket gate of the station (when the usage type is exit), the authentication unit 303 determines whether or not a boarding station is set for the user identified by the collation process.

[0101] If the boarding station is not set, the authentication unit 303 determines that the authentication has failed.

[0102] If the boarding station is set and the boarding station and the disembarking station are within the regular route, the server device 10 determines that the authentication is successful.

[0103] If the boarding station is set and the boarding station or disembarking station is outside the commuter pass area (or if the person being authenticated has not purchased a commuter pass), the authentication unit 303 calculates the fare according to the user's boarding route (the route between the boarding station and disembarking station).

[0104] At this time, if the user has a commuter pass, the authentication unit 303 calculates the fare taking into account the commuter pass. Note that a detailed explanation of the fare calculation will be omitted because the calculation of the fare is obvious to those skilled in the art and is not within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0105] If the calculated fare exceeds the charge amount, the authentication unit 303 determines that the authentication has failed. If the calculated fare is equal to or less than the charge amount, the authentication unit 303 determines that the authentication has succeeded.

[0106] If the authentication of a user boarding from a station is successful, the authentication unit 303 deletes the boarding station set in the boarding station field of the entry (entry in the user management database) corresponding to the user.

[0107] The authentication unit 303 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the ticket examiner 20.

[0108] Here, if the user is successfully authenticated when exiting through the station ticket gate, the authentication unit 303 notifies the delay certificate control unit 304 of the information on the user whose authentication was determined to be successful and the information on the disembarking station. Specifically, the authentication unit 303 notifies the delay certificate control unit 304 of the user ID of the user who is permitted to exit through the station ticket gate and the name of the disembarking station (station ID).

[0109] In this way, the authentication unit 303 receives an authentication request including the authentication information of the person to be authenticated from the ticket gate 20 that restricts the passage of the person to be authenticated when the person attempts to exit through the ticket gate at a station. The authentication unit 303 identifies the person to be authenticated by performing an authentication process (including a matching process) using the authentication information included in the authentication request and multiple pieces of authentication information stored in the user management database.

[0110] The delay certificate control unit 304 is a means for controlling delay certificates.

[0111] If the authentication process is determined to be successful and the above-mentioned station (the station where the person being authenticated gets off) is a station affected by a train delay, the delay certificate control unit 304 issues a digital delay certificate regarding the train delay to the person being authenticated for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful.

[0112] When the delay certificate control unit 304 receives a delay notification from the railway company's system, it stores the received information (delay information) in the delay information management database (see FIG. 12). Specifically, when the delay notification is received, the delay certificate control unit 304 adds a new entry to the delay information management database and sets the delay time, delay-affected section, etc. in the new entry.

[0113] When the delay certificate control unit 304 receives a delay resolution notice from the railway company's system, it deletes the entry (entry in the delay information management database) corresponding to the delay resolution notice. The delay certificate control unit 304 searches the delay information management database using the delay-affected section included in the delay resolution notice as a key to identify the corresponding entry. The delay certificate control unit 304 deletes the identified entry.

[0114] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the delay certificate control unit 304 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the delay certificate control unit 304 regarding the issuance of a digital delay certificate will be described with reference to FIG.

[0115] When receiving user information (e.g., user ID) and information regarding the disembarking station (e.g., station name) from the authentication unit 303, the delay certificate control unit 304 determines whether the user is eligible to be issued a digital delay certificate (step S101).

[0116] Specifically, the delay certificate control unit 304 searches the delay information management database and determines whether the user's disembarking station is included in the delay-affected section.

[0117] If the user's disembarking station is not included in the delay-affected section, the delay certificate control unit 304 determines that the user is not eligible to be issued a digital delay certificate. If the user's disembarking station is included in the delay-affected section, the delay certificate control unit 304 determines that the user is eligible to be issued a digital delay certificate.

[0118] If the user is not a person eligible to be issued a digital delay certificate (step S102, No branch), the delay certificate control unit 304 does not execute any particular process.

[0119] If the user is a person eligible to be issued a digital delay certificate (step S102, Yes branch), the delay certificate control unit 304 generates a digital delay certificate to be issued to the user (step S103).

[0120] Specifically, the delay certificate control unit 304 searches the user management database using the user ID of the user as a key, and reads out the user's name, email address, etc. from the corresponding entry.

[0121] In addition, the delay certificate control unit 304 identifies an entry that includes the user's disembarking station as a delay-affected section from among multiple entries in the delay information management database, and reads out the delay time stored in the identified entry.

[0122] For example, the delay certificate control unit 304 generates a digital delay certificate including the user's name, the station where the delay occurred (the user's disembarking station), the delay time, the name of the railway company, etc. For example, the delay certificate control unit 304 generates a digital delay certificate including information such as that shown in FIG.

[0123] The delay certificate control unit 304 transmits the generated digital delay certificate to the terminal 30 possessed by the user (step S104). Specifically, the delay certificate control unit 304 transmits the generated digital delay certificate to the email address stored in the user's account.

[0124] In this way, the delay certificate control unit 304 determines whether the user's disembarking station is a station affected by the train delay based on the information on stations affected by the train delay (delay-affected sections, delay-affected stations) stored in the delay information management database. If the user's disembarking station is a delay-affected station, the delay certificate control unit 304 sends a digital delay certificate including the name of the person to be authenticated identified by the authentication process to the contact information (email address) of the person to be authenticated. More specifically, the delay certificate control unit 304 issues a digital delay certificate including the stations affected by the train delay, the delay time, the name of the railway company, etc.

[0125] The storage unit 305 stores various information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 305 stores authentication information for each of a plurality of users. More specifically, the storage unit 305 associates the authentication information for each of a plurality of users with at least the name and contact information and stores the information in a user management database. Furthermore, the storage unit 305 stores information on stations affected by train delays using a delay information management database.

[0126] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] The ticket gate 20 installed at the ticket gate exit of the station transmits an authentication request including biometric information of a user who is about to exit through the ticket gate to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0128] In response to receiving the authentication request, the server device 10 executes authentication processing for the user (step S02).

[0129] If the authentication is successful, the server device 10 transmits a notification of successful authentication to the ticket gate 20 (step S03). As a result, the user can exit the station through the ticket gate.

[0130] If the user who exits through the ticket gate is eligible to receive a delay certificate (if the user's disembarking station is included in the delay-affected section), the server device 10 generates a digital delay certificate to be issued to the user (step S04).

[0131] The server device 10 transmits the generated digital delay certificate to the terminal 30 carried by the user (step S05).

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

[0133] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which an electronic delay certificate is sent to the user's terminal 30. The electronic delay certificate (digital delay certificate) may be printable at a station or the like. In this case, a printer 40 is installed at each station (see FIG. 16).

[0134] The user operates the terminal 30 to have the digital delay certificate read into the printer 40. Specifically, the terminal 30 converts the digital delay certificate into a two-dimensional barcode in response to the user's operation and displays it. The user then has the printer 40 read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the terminal 30.

[0135] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may transmit the digital delay certificate to the printing machine 40 using a short-range wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0136] The printer 40 prints the acquired digital delay certificate.

[0137] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the case where the digital delay certificate is transmitted to the user's terminal 30 has been described. However, the digital delay certificate may also be transmitted to the printing machine 40.

[0138] In this case, if the user is successfully authenticated when exiting the ticket gate of a delay-affected station, the server device 10 stores information about the user (the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated) in association with information about the user's disembarking station. For example, the storage unit 305 stores the user's name, biometric information, the name of the disembarking station, and the delay time in a delay-affected person database (not shown).

[0139] A user who needs a delay certificate stands in front of the printer 40. The printer 40 photographs the user and transmits a "delay certificate issuance request" including the user's biometric information (e.g., a facial image) and the name of the station where the printer 40 is installed to the server device 10 (see FIG. 17).

[0140] The server device 10 (delay certificate control unit 304) executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the delay certificate issuance request and the biometric information stored in the delay affected person database.

[0141] If the matching process is successful and the station where the printer 40 is installed is the user's disembarking station identified by the matching process, the delay certificate control unit 304 generates a digital delay certificate for the user. The delay certificate control unit 304 sends an affirmative response including the generated digital delay certificate to the printer 40.

[0142] If the matching process fails, the delay certificate control unit 304 sends a negative response indicating that a digital delay certificate cannot be issued to the printer 40. Alternatively, if the user's disembarking station identified by the matching process is different from the station where the printer 40 is installed, the delay certificate control unit 304 sends a negative response to the printer 40 indicating that a digital delay certificate cannot be issued.

[0143] Upon receiving a positive response (a response including a digital delay certificate), the delay certificate control unit 304 prints the received digital delay certificate.

[0144] In this way, the delay certificate control unit 304 receives a delay certificate issuance request including authentication information of a person who wishes to receive a delay certificate from the printer 40 installed at the station. The delay certificate control unit 304 identifies the applicant by performing a matching process using the authentication information included in the received delay certificate issuance request and the authentication information of the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated. If the disembarking station of the identified applicant matches the station where the printer 40 is installed, the delay certificate control unit 304 generates a digital delay certificate to be issued to the applicant (person wishing to receive a delay certificate) and sends the generated digital delay certificate to the printer 40.

[0145] <Variation 3> The server device 10 may issue a digital delay certificate that allows a third party to verify the legitimacy of the issuer of the digital delay certificate. For example, the delay certificate control unit 304 may issue a digital delay certificate with a digital signature in the name of the railway company.

[0146] The delay certificate control unit 304 may transmit the digitally signed digital delay certificate to the terminal 30 or the printing machine 40. Alternatively, the delay certificate control unit 304 may write the generated digital delay certificate to the blockchain.

[0147] Alternatively, the delay certificate control unit 304 may issue a SBT (SoulBound Token) with the user as the holder as a digital delay certificate. Alternatively, the delay certificate control unit 304 may issue a digital delay certificate as VCs (Verifiable Credentials).

[0148] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment identifies a user who has disembarked at a station where a delay has occurred using biometric authentication. The server device 10 transmits a digital delay certificate to the terminal 30 of the identified user, for which the certificate has been issued. As a result, there is no need to obtain a paper delay certificate distributed by station staff or the like at the station where the delay has occurred.

[0149] Furthermore, delay certificates are documents submitted to companies, etc. Furthermore, delay certificates are issued to users who are affected by train delays, not to users who are not affected by train delays. In this regard, the server device 10 identifies users who are affected by train delays through biometric authentication and transmits digital delay certificates directly to the identified users. Therefore, there is no room for users who are not affected by the delay to obtain digital delay certificates. In other words, the information processing system according to the first embodiment prevents fraudulent acquisition of delay certificates through impersonation, etc.

[0150] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0151] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 18. 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.

[0152] 18 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. 18, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0153] 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).

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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 keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0156] 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).

[0157] 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.

[0158] The ticket gate 20 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device, just like the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0159] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0160] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0161] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which station users are authenticated using a ticket gate 20 equipped with a gate. However, station users may also be authenticated by so-called gateless authentication, which does not use a gate. In this case, the server device 10 authenticates the person to be authenticated using image data obtained from a camera device (not shown in FIG. 3, etc.) installed at the entrance and exit of the station ticket gate. If the authentication fails, the server device 10 notifies a station staff member or the like of that fact (for example, by sending a facial image of the user whose authentication has been determined to have failed to a terminal carried by the station staff member). The station staff member or the like speaks to the user whose authentication has been determined to have failed. Furthermore, when the server device 10 identifies a user who has disembarked at a station where a delay has occurred using an image obtained from the camera device, it transmits a digital delay certificate to the terminal 30 of the identified user.

[0162] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which biometric information is used as authentication information. However, other information may be used as authentication information. For example, the user's user ID may be used as authentication information. In this case, the terminal 30 converts the user ID issued by the server device 10 into a two-dimensional barcode or the like and displays it. The user then has the ticket gate 20 read the displayed two-dimensional barcode. The ticket gate 20 may then transmit an authentication request to the server device 10, which includes the user ID obtained by decoding the two-dimensional barcode as authentication information.

[0163] Alternatively, the server device 10 may store the ID of a transportation IC (Integrated Circuit) card held by the user as authentication information in the user's account. The terminal 30 may convert the ID of the transportation IC card into a two-dimensional barcode and display it.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as issuing a digital delay certificate that includes user information (for example, name). However, the server device 10 may issue a digital delay certificate that does not include the user's name, but includes the station where the delay occurred, the delay time, and the name of the railway company (information about the issuer of the digital delay certificate).

[0165] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the railway company's system notifies the server device 10 of the occurrence and resolution of a delay. However, the server device 10 may inquire about the occurrence and resolution of a delay to the railway company's system. Alternatively, the server device 10 may send a station name to the railway company's system and inquire about whether or not a delay is occurring at that station. If a delay is occurring at the inquired station, the railway company's system may respond to the server device 10 about whether or not there is a delay, and if there is a delay, the delay length.

[0166] When the delay time changes, the railway company's system may transmit a "delay information update notice" including the changed delay time and the delay-affected section to the server device 10. Upon receiving the notice, the server device 10 may identify a corresponding entry (an entry in the delay information management database) based on the delay-affected section, and update the delay time of the identified entry to the delay time included in the delay information update notice.

[0167] The server device 10 may have the functions of a railway company system, and may manage train schedules and delay information.

[0168] When creating a user account, the server device 10 may verify the identity of the user. For example, the server device 10 may perform identity verification using biometric information obtained from an identification card such as a My Number card or a passport, and biometric information obtained by photographing the user (for example, a selfie image). If the identity verification is successful, the user registration control unit 302 may create an account for the user.

[0169] The server device 10 may store information about the destination of the digital delay certificate in the user's account. For example, the user may set the email address of a human resources officer at the user's workplace as the destination of the digital delay certificate. If the user is eligible to receive a digital delay certificate, the server device 10 may send the digital delay certificate to the destination of the digital delay certificate registered in the account.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as having a user information database. However, the database may be constructed in a database server different from the server device 10. In addition, the information processing system may include the various means (e.g., delay certificate control unit 304, etc.) described in the above embodiment.

[0171] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which biometric information related to a facial image is transmitted from the ticket gate 20 to the server device 10. However, a feature generated from a facial image may be transmitted from the ticket gate 20 to the server device 10 as biometric information.

[0172] There are no particular limitations on the format of data transmission and reception between the ticket gate 20 and the server device 10, but data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Facial images and feature values ​​calculated from the facial images are personal information, and in order to appropriately protect the personal information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to an information processing system that issues delay certificates, etc.

[0176] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0177] [Appendix 1] a storage means for storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication means for receiving an authentication request including authentication information of a person to be authenticated from a ticket gate that restricts passage of a person to be authenticated who is about to exit a station through the ticket gate, and for identifying the person to be authenticated by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control means for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process has been determined to be successful, when the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A server device comprising:

[0178] [Appendix 2] the storage means stores information about stations affected by the train delay; The server device described in Appendix 1, wherein the control means determines whether the one station is a station affected by a train delay based on the stored information about stations affected by train delays.

[0179] [Appendix 3] the storage means stores the authentication information of each of the plurality of users in association with at least the name and contact information of the user; The server device according to claim 2, wherein the control means sends the digital delay certificate including the name of the identified person to be authenticated to the person's contact information.

[0180] [Appendix 4] The server device described in Appendix 3, wherein the control means issues the digital delay certificate including the stations affected by the train delay, the delay time, and the name of the railway company.

[0181] [Appendix 5] The server device described in Appendix 4, wherein the control means issues the digital delay certificate bearing a digital signature in the name of the railway company.

[0182] [Appendix 6] When the first station is a station affected by the train delay, the storage means stores the authentication information of the authenticated person whose authentication has been determined to be successful in association with information about the disembarking station of the authenticated person whose authentication has been determined to be successful; The control means receives a delay certificate issuance request from a printing machine installed at a station, which request includes authentication information of a person who wishes to be issued with a delay certificate, identifies the person by performing a matching process using the authentication information included in the received delay certificate issuance request and the authentication information of the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and if the station where the identified person disembarks matches the station where the printing machine is installed, generates the digital delay certificate to be issued to the person and sends the generated digital delay certificate to the printing machine, the server device described in Appendix 5.

[0183] [Appendix 7] 7. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information is biometric information.

[0184] [Appendix 8] a ticket gate that restricts the passage of an authenticated person who is attempting to exit through the ticket gate of the first station; a server device; Including, The server device a storage means for storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication means for receiving an authentication request including authentication information of the person to be authenticated from the ticket gate, and identifying the person to be authenticated by performing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control means for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process has been determined to be successful, when the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A system comprising:

[0185] [Appendix 9] the storage means stores information about stations affected by the train delay; The system described in Appendix 8, wherein the control means determines whether the one station is a station affected by a train delay based on the stored information about stations affected by train delays.

[0186] [Appendix 10] the storage means stores the authentication information of each of the plurality of users in association with at least the name and contact information of the user; 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the control means sends the digital delay certificate, including the name of the identified person to the person's contact information.

[0187] [Appendix 11] 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control means issues the digital delay certificate including the stations affected by the train delay, the delay time, and the name of the railway company.

[0188] [Appendix 12] The system described in Appendix 11, wherein the control means issues the digital delay certificate bearing a digital signature in the name of the railway company.

[0189] [Appendix 13] When the first station is a station affected by the train delay, the storage means stores the authentication information of the authenticated person whose authentication has been determined to be successful in association with information about the disembarking station of the authenticated person whose authentication has been determined to be successful; The control means receives a delay certificate issuance request from a printing machine installed at a station, which request includes authentication information of a person who wishes to be issued with a delay certificate, identifies the person by performing a matching process using the authentication information included in the received delay certificate issuance request and the authentication information of the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and if the identified person's disembarkation station matches the station where the printing machine is installed, generates the digital delay certificate to be issued to the person and sends the generated digital delay certificate to the printing machine.

[0190] [Appendix 14] 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the authentication information is biometric information.

[0191] [Appendix 15] a storage step of storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication process of receiving an authentication request including authentication information of a person to be authenticated from a ticket gate that restricts passage of the person to be authenticated when the person attempts to exit through the ticket gate at a station, and identifying the person to be authenticated by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control process for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process has been determined to be successful, if the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

[0192] [Appendix 16] The storing step stores information about stations affected by the train delay, A control method for a server device described in Appendix 15, wherein the control step determines whether the one station is a station affected by a train delay based on the stored information about stations affected by train delays.

[0193] [Appendix 17] the storing step stores the authentication information of each of the plurality of users in association with at least the name and contact information of the user; A control method for a server device described in Appendix 16, wherein the control step includes sending the digital delay certificate including the name of the identified person to be authenticated to a contact address of the person to be authenticated.

[0194] [Appendix 18] A control method for a server device described in Appendix 17, wherein the control process issues the digital delay certificate including the stations affected by the train delay, the delay time, and the name of the railway company.

[0195] [Appendix 19] A control method for a server device described in Appendix 18, wherein the control process issues the digital delay certificate bearing a digital signature in the name of a railway company.

[0196] [Appendix 20] In the storage step, when the first station is a station affected by the train delay, the authentication information of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated is stored in association with information about the alighting station of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated; The control process is a control method for a server device described in Appendix 19, which includes receiving a delay certificate issuance request from a printing machine installed at a station, including authentication information of a person who wishes to be issued a delay certificate, identifying the person by performing a matching process using the authentication information included in the received delay certificate issuance request and the authentication information of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and if the identified person's disembarkation station matches the station where the printing machine is installed, generating the digital delay certificate to be issued to the person, and sending the generated digital delay certificate to the printing machine.

[0197] [Appendix 21] 21. The method for controlling a server device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the authentication information is biometric information.

[0198] [Appendix 22] The computer installed in the server device a storage process for storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication process for receiving an authentication request including authentication information of an authenticated person from a ticket gate that restricts passage of the authenticated person who is attempting to exit through a ticket gate at a station, and identifying the authenticated person by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control process for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful, if the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A program to execute.

[0199] [Appendix 23] The storage process stores information about stations affected by the train delay; The program described in Appendix 22, wherein the control processing determines whether the one station is a station affected by a train delay based on the stored information about stations affected by train delays.

[0200] [Appendix 24] The storage process stores the authentication information of each of the plurality of users in association with at least the name and contact information of the user; The program of claim 23, wherein the control process sends the digital delay certificate including the name of the identified person to the person's contact information.

[0201] [Appendix 25] The program described in Appendix 24, wherein the control processing issues the digital delay certificate including the stations affected by the train delay, the delay time, and the name of the railway company.

[0202] [Appendix 26] The program described in Appendix 25, wherein the control processing issues the digital delay certificate bearing a digital signature in the name of the railway company.

[0203] [Appendix 27] In the storage process, when the one station is a station affected by the train delay, the authentication information of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated is stored in association with information about the alighting station of the authenticated person determined to have been successfully authenticated; The control process receives a delay certificate issuance request from a printing machine installed at a station, which request includes authentication information of a person who wishes to receive a delay certificate; identifies the person by performing a matching process using the authentication information included in the received delay certificate issuance request and the authentication information of the person who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated; and, if the identified person's disembarkation station matches the station where the printing machine is installed, generates the digital delay certificate to be issued to the person; and sends the generated digital delay certificate to the printing machine.

[0204] [Appendix 28] 28. The program according to any one of appendices 22 to 27, wherein the authentication information is biometric information.

[0205] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8, 15, and 22 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 8, 15, and 22, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0206] 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]

[0207] 10 Server device 20 Ticket gates 30 devices 40 Printing machine 100 Server device 101 Memory means 102 Authentication Methods 103 Control Means 201 Communication control unit 202 Intruder detection section 203 Authentication control unit 204 Storage section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 User registration control unit 303 Authentication Section 304 Delay Certificate Control Section 305 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a storage means for storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication means for receiving an authentication request including authentication information of a person to be authenticated from a ticket gate that restricts passage of a person to be authenticated who is about to exit a station through the ticket gate, and for identifying the person to be authenticated by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control means for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process has been determined to be successful, when the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A server device comprising:

2. the storage means stores information about stations affected by the train delay; 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines whether the one station is a station affected by a train delay based on the stored information about stations affected by train delays.

3. the storage means stores the authentication information of each of the plurality of users in association with at least the name and contact information of the user; 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the control means transmits the digital delay certificate including the name of the identified person to be authenticated to a contact address of the person to be authenticated.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the control means issues the digital delay certificate including information about stations affected by the train delay, the delay time, and the name of the railway company.

5. 5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the control means issues the digital delay certificate with a digital signature in the name of a railway company attached.

6. When the first station is a station affected by the train delay, the storage means stores the authentication information of the authenticated person whose authentication has been determined to be successful in association with information about the disembarking station of the authenticated person whose authentication has been determined to be successful; The control means receives a delay certificate issuance request from a printing machine installed at a station, which request includes authentication information of a person who wishes to receive a delay certificate, identifies the person by performing a matching process using the authentication information included in the received delay certificate issuance request and the authentication information of the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated, and if the station where the identified person disembarks matches the station where the printing machine is installed, generates the digital delay certificate to be issued to the person, and sends the generated digital delay certificate to the printing machine.

7. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication information is biometric information.

8. a ticket gate that restricts the passage of an authenticated person who is attempting to exit through the ticket gate of the first station; a server device; Including, The server device a storage means for storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication means for receiving an authentication request including authentication information of the person to be authenticated from the ticket gate, and identifying the person to be authenticated by performing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control means for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process has been determined to be successful, when the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A system comprising:

9. a storage step of storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication process of receiving an authentication request including authentication information of a person to be authenticated from a ticket gate that restricts passage of the person to be authenticated when the person attempts to exit through the ticket gate at a station, and identifying the person to be authenticated by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control process for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process has been determined to be successful, if the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device a storage process for storing authentication information of each of a plurality of users; an authentication process for receiving an authentication request including authentication information of an authenticated person from a ticket gate that restricts passage of the authenticated person who is attempting to exit through a ticket gate at a station, and identifying the authenticated person by executing an authentication process using the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored plurality of pieces of authentication information; a control process for issuing a digital delay certificate relating to the train delay to the person to be authenticated for whom the authentication process is determined to be successful, if the authentication process is determined to be successful and the one station is a station affected by a train delay; A program to execute.

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