Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that enables highly secure user authentication. [Solution] An information processing device according to one embodiment of this technology comprises a generation unit and a determination unit. The generation unit generates questions relating to information that can only be known when a user is staying in a predetermined location. The determination unit determines, based on the user's answer to the question generated by the generation unit, whether or not the user who answered is staying in the predetermined location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus applicable to multi-factor authentication and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication system that displays a password to a user and performs multi-factor authentication based on a face image, utterance content, and voice when the user reads out the password. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the user in multi-factor authentication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an authentication system such as that of Patent Document 1, there is a need for a technology that enables highly secure user authentication.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide an information processing apparatus that enables highly secure user authentication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present technology includes a generation unit and a determination unit. The generation unit generates a question regarding information that can only be known when a user is staying at a predetermined location. The determination unit determines whether the user who gave an answer was staying at the predetermined location based on the user's answer to the question generated by the generation unit.

[0007] This information processing device generates questions about information that can only be known if the user is in a designated location, and determines whether or not the user is in that location based on the user's answers to the questions. This enables highly secure user authentication.

[0008] If the visible location is defined as a location visible to the user while they are staying at the predetermined location, the information processing device may further include an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of the visible location captured by an imaging device. In this case, the generation unit may generate the correct answer to the question based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit. The determination unit may also perform the determination based on the degree of agreement between the answer and the correct answer generated by the generation unit.

[0009] The generation unit may generate the number of people staying in the visible location as the question and the correct answer.

[0010] The generation unit may generate the number of bicycles parked in the visible location as the question and the correct answer.

[0011] The generation unit may generate the number of lights illuminated in the visible location as the question and the correct answer.

[0012] The generation unit may generate the number or indication status of traffic lights in the visible location as the question and the correct answer.

[0013] The generation unit may identify objects in the image using object detection and generate the correct answer based on the identification result.

[0014] The information processing device may further include a state acquisition unit that acquires the state of equipment installed at the predetermined location. In this case, the generation unit may generate the correct answer to the question based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit.

[0015] The generation unit may generate, as the question and the correct answer, the types of products displayed in a vending machine provided at the predetermined location, the number of out-of-stock products, the number of cold beverages, or the number of warm beverages.

[0016] The generation unit may generate, as the question and the correct answer, the number of people waiting to be served, which is managed by a ticket vending machine provided at the predetermined location.

[0017] The generation unit may generate, as the question and the correct answer, the remaining amount of toner in a printer provided at the predetermined location, the paper settings, the time when printing was last performed, or the carbon dioxide emission amount.

[0018] The presentation of the question to the user and the input of the answer by the user may be performed via a terminal possessed by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the present technology. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the authentication system according to the present technology. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart related to the authentication of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the authentication system. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart related to the authentication of the present embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] <First Embodiment> [Outline of the Present Technology] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the present technology. The present technology is mainly a technology used in multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication refers to authentication performed by combining two or more of three types of information: knowledge information, possession information, and biometric information.

[0021] Knowledge information is the information memorized by the person who performs authentication. Possession information is the information regarding the items owned by the person who performs authentication. Biometric information is the information regarding the physical characteristics of the person who performs authentication.

[0022] For example, login by the method of inputting a password after showing an ID card is multi-factor authentication by possession information and knowledge information. Also, login by the method of performing fingerprint authentication after performing SMS authentication is multi-factor authentication by possession information and biometric information. By using multi-factor authentication, there is an advantage that the security is improved compared to authentication by a single method.

[0023] As a usage form of the present technology, for example, a form of combining authentication according to the present technology and fingerprint authentication to perform multi-factor authentication is conceivable. In order to make the following explanation easier to understand, the explanation about other authentication other than the present technology may be omitted. In addition, the present technology can be combined with any authentication method, and authentication that is not multi-factor using only the present technology may be performed.

[0024] In FIG. 1, Room 1 is illustrated. As Room 1, an office of a company or the like is assumed, but it is not limited thereto. Room 1 corresponds to one embodiment of a predetermined location according to the present technology. Also, in FIG. 1, a user 2 who performs authentication according to the present technology and ordinary people 3 (3a to 3c) are illustrated. The user 2 is illustrated with shading to distinguish from the people 3.

[0025] Inside Room 1, a camera 4 and lights 5 (5a to 5e) are arranged. Among the five lights 5, lights 5a, 5b, and 5d are currently lit, but lights 5c and 5e are turned off.

[0026] User 2 possesses a smartphone 6 and logs into a designated system (such as a company network) via smartphone 6. At that time, authentication related to this technology is required. Specifically, a set of questions is displayed on the screen of smartphone 6. The questions concern information that user 2 can only know if they are staying in room 1, such as "How many people 3 are in room 1?" or "How many lights 5 are lit in room 1?".

[0027] The system obtains the correct answers to questions by capturing images of the interior of room 1 using camera 4. For example, it obtains correct answers such as "There are 3 people in 2" and "There are 3 lights 5 that are lit."

[0028] User 2 enters their answer to the question via smartphone 6. Authentication is successful if the answer matches the correct answer, and fails if it does not. As shown in the diagram, if User 2 is in room 1, User 2 can count the number of people 3 and then answer, so authentication is generally successful. On the other hand, if User 2 is not in room 1, User 2 cannot determine the number of people 3, so authentication is generally failed.

[0029] [Authentication System] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the authentication system 7 related to this technology. The authentication system 7 consists of a camera 4, a smartphone 6, and an information processing device 8.

[0030] Camera 4 may be any type of camera and is positioned so that the entire room 1 fits within its field of view. Alternatively, a mechanism for changing the position and orientation of camera 4 may be provided, and the field of view may be changed by the operation of this mechanism so that camera 4 can image the entire room 1. In this example, one camera 4 is positioned, but multiple cameras 4 may be positioned.

[0031] The smartphone 6 is typically the personal property of user 2, but a personal computer or tablet may be used instead. Smartphone 6 corresponds to one embodiment of a device owned by user 2.

[0032] The information processing device 8 includes a communication unit 9, a storage unit 10, and a controller 11. These are interconnected via a bus 12. Instead of the bus 12, each block may be connected using a communication network or a non-standardized proprietary communication method. Other mechanisms such as a display unit, an operation unit, and a speaker may also be connected.

[0033] The communication unit 9 is a communication module for communicating with other devices via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). It may be equipped with a wireless LAN module such as WiFi, or a communication module for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. Communication equipment such as a modem or router may also be used. The communication unit 9 mainly performs wireless communication with the camera 4 and the smartphone 6.

[0034] The storage unit 10 is a storage device such as non-volatile memory, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, any non-transient storage medium readable by a computer may be used. The storage unit 10 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the overall operation of the information processing device 8. The method of installing the control program in the storage unit 10 is not limited.

[0035] The controller 11 controls the operation of each block in the information processing device 8. The controller 11 has hardware circuits necessary for a computer, such as a CPU and memory (RAM, ROM). Various processes are executed when the CPU executes the program related to this technology stored in the storage unit 10 and memory. As the controller 11, devices such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or other PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be used.

[0036] In this embodiment, the CPU of the controller 11 executes a program related to this technology (for example, an application program), thereby realizing the following functional blocks: an image acquisition unit 12, a question generation unit 13, a question transmission unit 14, a correct answer generation unit 15, an answer receiving unit 16, and a determination unit 17. Dedicated hardware such as ICs (integrated circuits) may be used as appropriate to realize each functional block.

[0037] The image acquisition unit 12 acquires (receives) images captured by the camera 4 via the communication unit 9. Alternatively, the information processing device 8 and the camera 4 may be connected by a wire. In this case, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the captured images via the wire.

[0038] The question generation unit 13 generates questions about information that user 2 can only know if they are staying in room 1, based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 12.

[0039] The question transmission unit 14 transmits the question generated by the question generation unit 13 to the user 2's smartphone 6 via the communication unit 9. As a result, the question is displayed on the smartphone 6's display screen, prompting the user 2 to answer. The user 2 inputs their answer to the question on the display screen.

[0040] The correct answer generation unit 15 generates the correct answer to a question based on the captured image acquired by the image acquisition unit 12 and the question generated by the question generation unit 13. The question generation unit 13 and the correct answer generation unit 15 correspond to one embodiment of the generation unit according to this technology.

[0041] The response receiving unit 16 receives the response from the smartphone 6 via the communication unit 9. The determination unit 17 determines, based on the response, whether or not the user 2 who provided the response is staying in room 1. Typically, if the correct answer generated by the correct answer generation unit 15 matches the response received by the response receiving unit 16, it is determined that user 2 is staying in room 1. Furthermore, the specific configuration of authentication system 7 is not limited.

[0042] [Authentication Flow] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the authentication process in this embodiment. In this embodiment, an application specifically for this technology is installed on the smartphone 6, and questions are presented and other actions are performed through this application. Figure 3 illustrates the actions of user 2, the operation of the application, and the operation of the information processing device 8 using dashed lines.

[0043] Authentication by User 2 is initiated (Step 101). User 2 starts the authentication process by operating the smartphone 6 and launching the application. The entire room 1 is captured by camera 4 (Step 102).

[0044] Objects in the image are detected (step 103). First, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires an image from the camera 4. Next, in this embodiment, object detection is used by the question generation unit 13 to detect objects in the image. Specifically, the type of object is identified, such as "person 3" or "lighting 5". Any technique or algorithm related to object detection, such as pattern matching, may be used for object detection.

[0045] The question generation unit 13 identifies the number of detected objects (step 104). In the example in Figure 1, the number of objects (including living organisms) is identified, such as "There are 3 people 3". Alternatively, the number of objects with a specific state, such as "There are 3 lights 5 that are lit," may be identified. In addition, any information about the objects, such as their position, color, and shape, may be identified. Any technology may be used for identification.

[0046] The question generation unit 13 generates a question (step 105). In this technology, a question is generated that concerns information that user 2 can only know if they are staying in a predetermined location (hereinafter referred to as the "appropriate question").

[0047] For example, suppose the designated location is Room 1, and the question is "How many people are there?". If User 2 is in Room 1, they can determine the number of people by counting them. On the other hand, if User 2 is outside Room 1, they cannot see inside Room 1 and therefore cannot determine the number of people. Thus, the question is appropriate.

[0048] On the other hand, for example, if the designated location is Room 1, the question "What is the current weather?" is not appropriate. This is because User 2 can know the current weather even if they are outside Room 1 (e.g., outdoors).

[0049] Furthermore, questions such as "How many lights (5) are placed in Room 1?" may not be appropriate. This is because the number of lights (5) does not fundamentally change, so if User 2 has entered Room 1 even once, User 2 can remember the number of lights (5) and know the number of lights (5) even when staying outside Room 1.

[0050] Typically, a question concerning an object placed inside Room 1, where the state of that object changes over time, can be considered generally appropriate.

[0051] In step 105, multiple questions such as "How many people are there?" and "How many lights are lit?" are pre-stored in the memory unit 10, and one question is randomly selected from them to generate a question. Alternatively, the system may prioritize the selection of questions, for example, by asking about the number of people in the usual case, but then asking about the number of lights if the number is below a predetermined threshold or if there are 0 people. The same question may also be generated every time.

[0052] Furthermore, questions may be dynamically generated based on the object detection results, such as asking for the number of chairs if chairs are detected. In addition, criteria for generating questions may be adopted, such as asking for the number of objects that are easier to count, asking for the number of objects that are more numerous, or not asking questions about objects that are too numerous. Beyond that, the specific method of generating questions is not limited, and any appropriate questions about any information may be generated.

[0053] The correct answer generation unit 15 generates the correct answer to the question (step 106). The correct answer generation unit 15 generates the correct answer based on specific results obtained from object detection. For example, if the question asks for the number of people 3, it generates the information obtained from object detection, "There are 3 people 3," as the correct answer. In other words, the correct answer generation unit 15 also generates the correct answer based on the image captured by the camera 4. Even if the question is about something else, a correct answer corresponding to the question is generated so that the correct answer matches the actual situation in room 1.

[0054] A question is presented to user 2 (step 107). In this embodiment, the question is presented to user 2 via smartphone 6. Specifically, the question is transmitted to smartphone 6 by the question transmission unit 14, and the question is displayed as text on the display of smartphone 6. Alternatively, the question may be read aloud from the speaker of smartphone 6.

[0055] In this example, the correct answer is generated in step 106 and then the question is presented in step 107. However, the question may be presented immediately after it is generated in step 105, and the correct answer may be generated in parallel.

[0056] Upon receiving the question, User 2 checks their surroundings (Step 108). For example, if User 2 is in Room 1 and the question asks for the number of people 3, they look around Room 1 and count the number of people 3. If the question asks for the number of lights 5 that are lit, they mainly look at the ceiling and count the number of lights 5 that are lit.

[0057] User 2 enters the answer (step 109). In this embodiment, User 2 enters the answer via smartphone 6. For example, User 2 enters the answer via the display unit. It may also be possible to enter the answer by voice recognition. The entered answer is transmitted to the information processing device 8 via the communication unit of smartphone 6.

[0058] If user 2 is not staying in room 1, it is not possible to estimate the correct answer to the question in step 108. Therefore, in step 109, it is likely that either a nonsensical answer will be entered or no answer will be entered.

[0059] The answer and the correct answer are compared (step 110). First, the answer receiving unit 16 receives the answer from the smartphone 6. Next, the judgment unit 17 compares the answer with the correct answer generated in step 106.

[0060] In this embodiment, the determination unit 17 determines, based on the answer, whether or not user 2, who provided the answer, is staying at a predetermined location. The determination unit 17 also makes a determination based on the degree of agreement between the answer and the correct answer. Specifically, for example, if the answer and the correct answer match perfectly, it is determined that user 2 is staying at the predetermined location. On the other hand, if the answer and the correct answer are different, it is determined that user 2 is not staying at the predetermined location.

[0061] Furthermore, even if the answer and the correct answer are different, if the difference is below a predetermined threshold, the system may still determine that the object is "staying." For example, if the number of objects included in the question is very large, the system may still determine that the object is "staying" if the difference between the answer and the correct answer is 5 or less. In addition, even if the question is not about the number of objects, the system may still determine that the object is "staying" if there is not much difference between the answer and the correct answer.

[0062] If it is determined that the user is present, authentication is successful (step 111). This allows user 2 to log in to the designated system or service. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is not present, authentication fails (step 112). As a result, user 2's login is rejected.

[0063] The authentication result is displayed to user 2 (step 113). Specifically, the authentication result is transmitted to smartphone 6 via communication unit 9 by a result transmission unit (not shown). User 2 then understands the authentication result, for example, by seeing it displayed on the smartphone 6's display.

[0064] [Variations] Let's explain other variations of the questions and other elements. For example, Room 1 could be a hospital waiting room. In this case, the authentication method related to this technology would be used when logging into the printer that issues prescriptions and statements, or the hospital's system itself. That is, for example, when a patient receives a prescription after a consultation, they would authenticate in front of the printer. At that time, they would be asked questions via their smartphone 6 that could be answered by simply looking around, and they would answer them. If authentication is successful, they would be able to print and retrieve their own printed materials such as prescriptions and statements. Furthermore, Room 1 could be any room. Moreover, the designated location is not limited to a room.

[0065] Furthermore, questions and correct answers regarding the state of objects in visible locations may be generated. Visible locations are places that can be seen by User 2 when he is staying in a designated location. For example, if the designated location is Room 1 and Room 1 does not have windows, then the only place that User 2 can see while staying in Room 1 is the interior of Room 1, so the visible location is only Room 1. In other words, in this case, the designated location and the visible location are the same.

[0066] On the other hand, if, for example, Room 1 has a window and a portion of the outdoors can be seen while staying in Room 1, then the visible area includes that outdoor area. In other words, in this case, the designated location is Room 1, and the visible area is Room 1 and the outdoor area, making the visible area a wider area than the designated location.

[0067] For example, in such a case, the question generation unit 13 and the correct answer generation unit 15 may generate the number or indication status of traffic lights located in an outdoor area that can be seen through the window as the question and correct answer. Since it is unlikely that user 2 would normally remember the number of traffic lights located in that area, a question about that number is appropriate. Also, since the indication status of traffic lights changes over time, a question about that indication status is also appropriate.

[0068] In this case, camera 4 is positioned so as to be able to image the area in question. Camera 4 may be placed inside room 1 or outdoors. In addition, any questions regarding the state of objects present in a visible location may be generated.

[0069] Furthermore, if the visible location is a bicycle parking area, the question generation unit 13 and the correct answer generation unit 15 may generate the number of bicycles parked in the bicycle parking area as the question and correct answer. In this case, for example, user 2 can see the bicycle parking area from the window, count the number of bicycles, and then provide the answer.

[0070] In addition to questions about the number of objects, any appropriate questions that can be generated based on the object detection results may be generated, such as "Which position is the lit light 5 from the door?" or "What channel is the TV on?".

[0071] In the information processing device 8 according to this embodiment, questions are generated regarding information that can only be known when user 2 is in a predetermined location, and it is determined whether or not user 2 is in that location based on user 2's answers to the questions. This makes it possible to perform highly secure authentication of user 2.

[0072] One known method of authentication involves pre-setting questions such as "What is your favorite food?" and answers such as "hamburger," and then requesting those answers. Another method involves presenting an image and asking image-related questions such as "Please select an image that includes a car," and then requesting those answers.

[0073] For example, in image-based authentication methods, pre-prepared images are often used, and the answers are predetermined. Therefore, it is not impossible to create a system that mechanically selects the correct answer, and there was room for improvement in terms of security.

[0074] This technology aims to enhance the security of authentication methods that use pre-made images and their corresponding answers. Because it utilizes real-time, constantly changing information rather than pre-prepared questions and answers, it leverages the fact that the person is physically present to achieve a more secure authentication method.

[0075] Specifically, this technology makes it possible to prevent logins by non-human programs such as bots. Furthermore, it allows for preventing logins from locations other than those specified, which is useful when you want to restrict system access to only specific locations.

[0076] For example, if the designated location is a hospital waiting room, using the authentication method related to this technology can prevent the misidentification of prescriptions and detailed statements with other patients.

[0077] Furthermore, this technology generates questions and correct answers based on images of visible locations. This allows information about objects within the user's field of view, not just those located in a predetermined location, to be used in generating questions, making it possible to generate a wider variety of questions.

[0078] Furthermore, this technology makes a determination based on the degree of agreement between the answer and the correct answer. This makes it possible to make a determination that takes into account the possibility of counting errors by user 2, for example, by deeming authentication successful if the difference between the answer and the correct answer is small.

[0079] Furthermore, this technology uses object detection to identify objects within an image, and generates correct answers based on the specific results. This makes it possible to generate questions about a variety of objects, and also improves the accuracy of correct answer generation.

[0080] Furthermore, in this technology, the presentation of questions to user 2 and the input of answers by user 2 are performed via user 2's smartphone 6. This improves user 2's convenience. In addition, because user 2's own smartphone 6 is used as the medium, impersonation by another person is prevented, further improving security.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> A more detailed embodiment of the information processing device 8 related to this technology will be described as a second embodiment. In the following description, parts of the configuration and operation of the information processing device 8 described in the above embodiment may be omitted or simplified.

[0082] [Integration with other devices] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the authentication system 7. The configuration of the authentication system 7 in this example is almost the same as the example in Figure 2, but differs in that it does not include the camera 4 and does include the printer 20. Also differs in that the image acquisition unit 12 is replaced by a state acquisition unit 21.

[0083] Printer 20 is installed in Room 1. Other devices such as a copier, fax machine, or a multifunction device (MFP) combining these functions may also be provided. Printer 20 corresponds to one embodiment of the equipment installed in the designated location.

[0084] The status acquisition unit 21 acquires the status of the printer 20. For example, it acquires the status via wireless communication with the printer 20 through the communication unit 9. It also performs a search for printers 20 located in room 1.

[0085] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the authentication process in this embodiment. In the following explanation, the description of processes that are the same as those in Figure 3 may be omitted. The status acquisition unit 21 searches for printers 20 located in room 1 via wireless communication (step 202). If a printer 20 is detected, a connection is established between the information processing device 8 and the printer 20 (step 203). Note that multiple printers 20 may be located in room 1, in which case a connection is established with one of the printers 20.

[0086] The status acquisition unit 21 acquires the status of the printer 20 (step 204). Specifically, the remaining toner level of the printer 20, paper settings (remaining paper amount and size, etc.), the time of the last printed job, or carbon dioxide emissions are acquired. Any other status of the printer 20 may also be acquired. The printer 20 transmits this status to the information processing device 8 (step 205).

[0087] Questions are generated by the question generation unit 13 (step 206). For example, if the toner level is obtained in step 204, a question is generated that corresponds to the obtained information, such as "What percentage of toner is left?".

[0088] The amount of toner remaining can fluctuate over time, but if user 2 is in room 1, user 2 can check the remaining toner level by operating printer 20. On the other hand, if user 2 is not in room 1, user 2 cannot access printer 20 and therefore cannot check the remaining toner level. Thus, the question "What percentage of toner is left?" is an appropriate question.

[0089] On the other hand, a question like "What is the language setting for printer 20?" is not appropriate, because user 2 can easily infer that the language set is the same as the language used in their region.

[0090] The correct answer is generated by the correct answer generation unit 15 (step 207). The correct answer generation unit 15 generates the correct answer based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit 21. For example, it generates the correct answer based on acquired information such as "toner level is 50%" and "the time of the last printed job was 3:30 PM".

[0091] Upon receiving the question, User 2 checks the status of Printer 20 (Step 209). Specifically, they look around Room 1 and locate Printer 20. Next, they operate the touch panel or other controls on Printer 20 to determine its status. Finally, they provide their answer via Smartphone 6 (Step 210).

[0092] In this embodiment, authentication is performed in conjunction with devices that are expected to be present in the vicinity of user 2. This makes it possible to realize an authentication method that does not require a camera 4. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve a more secure authentication method.

[0093] [Variations] Other variations of questions and the like will be described. For example, the information processing device 8 may be connected to a vending machine that handles beverages. In this case, the question generation unit 13 and the correct answer generation unit 15 may generate questions and correct answers regarding the types of products displayed in the vending machine, the number of sold-out products, the number of cold beverages, or the number of hot beverages.

[0094] When asked about the type of product, user 2 is presented with an image of any beverage. Then, they are asked whether the same beverage is available in the vending machine. Other appropriate questions and correct answers regarding any state of the vending machine may be generated. The vending machine may be installed indoors or outdoors.

[0095] If the designated location is a waiting room in a hospital or the like, the information processing device 8 and the ticket issuing machine may be connected. In this case, the question generation unit 13 and the correct answer generation unit 15 may generate the number of people waiting, managed by the ticket issuing machine installed in the waiting room, as the question and the correct answer.

[0096] If user 2 is in the waiting room, they can determine the current number of people waiting by looking at the display on the ticket dispenser or similar device. Alternatively, instead of the ticket dispenser, a display device that simply shows the number of people waiting and the information processing device 8 may be connected.

[0097] <Other Embodiments> This technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0098] The authentication system 7 may perform both authentication methods: one using the camera 4 as shown in Figure 2, and another connecting to the device as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, administrators may be able to switch between the two methods. Additionally, multiple authentication methods described above may be used in combination.

[0099] The scope of application of this technology is not limited to cases where a smartphone 6 logs into a predetermined system. For example, this authentication method may be used when logging in is required to operate a printer.

[0100] "Information that can only be known when User 2 is in a designated location" is not limited to information that can be perceived visually, but also includes information that can be perceived through any sense, such as hearing or touch. For example, the information processing device 8 may work in conjunction with a speaker to ask questions such as, "What song is currently playing?" Or, it may work in conjunction with a temperature sensor to ask questions such as, "Is the air conditioning currently on heating or cooling?" [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1… Room 2…User 3…people 4…Camera 5…Lighting 6… Smartphone 7…Authentication system 8…Information Processing Devices 11… Controller 12…Image acquisition unit 13...Question generation section 14… Question Submission Section 15... Correct answer generation unit 16…Response Receiving Section 17…Judgment section 20…Printer 21...State acquisition unit

Claims

1. A generation unit that generates questions about information that the user can only know if they are staying in a designated location, A determination unit determines whether or not the user who provided the answer is staying at the predetermined location, based on the user's answer to the question generated by the generation unit. An information processing device equipped with the following.

2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, If a place visible to the user while they are staying at the predetermined location is designated as a visible location, The information processing device further comprises an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of the visible location captured by the imaging device, The generation unit generates the correct answer to the question based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit. The determination unit performs the determination based on the degree of agreement between the answer and the correct answer generated by the generation unit. Information processing device.

3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The generation unit generates the number of people present in the visible location as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The generation unit generates the number of bicycles parked in the visible location as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The generation unit generates the number of lights that are lit in the visible location as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The generation unit generates the number or indication status of traffic lights in the visible location as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

7. An information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, The generation unit identifies objects in the image using object detection and generates the correct answer based on the identified object. Information processing device.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further, It is equipped with a status acquisition unit that acquires the status of the equipment installed in the aforementioned predetermined location, The generation unit generates the correct answer to the question based on the state acquired by the state acquisition unit. Information processing device.

9. An information processing apparatus according to claim 8, The generation unit generates the types of products displayed in the vending machine located in the predetermined location, the number of sold-out products, the number of cold beverages, or the number of hot beverages as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

10. An information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, The generation unit generates the number of people waiting, managed by the ticket issuing machine located at the predetermined location, as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

11. An information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, The generation unit generates the remaining toner amount of the printer located in the predetermined location, the paper settings, the time of the last print job, or the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, as the question and the correct answer. Information processing device.

12. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The presentation of the aforementioned questions to the user and the input of the aforementioned answers by the user are performed via a terminal owned by the user. Information processing device.

Images