Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

We will take appropriate measures depending on the area where the digital devices were used. [Solution] The information processing system includes an acquisition unit that acquires location information about the user's location, a determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a specific area based on the location information, and a control unit that, if it is determined that the user is in a specific area, restricts the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Systems for preventing unauthorized use of digital devices are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a settlement system that determines the propriety of settlement based on customer identification information for identifying a customer and transaction site identification information for specifying the location of a place where a transaction is conducted. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an authentication system that performs authentication based on authentication information acquired using an authentication terminal and authentication information registered in a storage means in association with identification information of a user near the authentication terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technologies described above are designed to prevent misuse and do not take into account how to respond depending on the area in which the digital device is used. For example, campaigns are sometimes held to promote sales where purchasers can enter sweepstakes by scanning codes attached to products. However, even if a code is illegally scanned before the product is purchased in a store (i.e., without purchasing the product), the aforementioned technologies would have difficulty detecting this as fraudulent activity. If a person who has legitimately purchased a product scans the code after it has been illegally scanned, it may not be treated as an initial scan, and the person may be deemed to have made a fraudulent scan, potentially preventing them from entering the campaign.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that respond according to the area in which a digital device is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires location information relating to the location of a user; a determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a specific area based on the location information; and a control unit that, if it is determined that the user is in the specific area, restricts the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by a computer used in an information processing system, which acquires location information relating to the location of a user, determines whether the user is in a specific area based on the location information, and if it is determined that the user is in the specific area, restricts the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in an information processing system to acquire location information relating to the location of a user, to determine whether or not the user is in a specific area based on the location information, and, if it is determined that the user is in the specific area, to restrict the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As explained above, this invention makes it possible to take appropriate measures depending on the area in which the digital device is used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow performed by the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates individual identification using image recognition. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the method for determining eligibility for application in the first pattern. [Figure 6] This is an image diagram showing an example of what is displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 7] This is an image diagram showing an example of what is displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the method for determining eligibility for application in the second pattern. [Figure 9] This is an image diagram showing an example of what is displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow performed by the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First Embodiment] First, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0013] [Regarding Information Processing System 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that restricts a part of the functions of a user terminal 20 used by a user in a specific area. The specific area in the present embodiment is, for example, a building or facility (such as a factory, warehouse, etc.) where an entrance / exit management system 40 using an IC (Integrated Circuit) card or biometric authentication (such as fingerprint, face recognition, iris authentication, or voice authentication, etc.) is introduced.

[0014] As shown in the figure, the information processing system 1 includes, for example, a management server 10, a user terminal 20, a logging server 30, and an entrance / exit management system 40. The management server 10, the user terminal 20, the logging server 30, and the entrance / exit management system 40 are communicably connected via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0015] The communication network NW may be any one of the Internet, a public wireless communication network (PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network), an in-house communication network (LAN: Local Area Network), a virtual facility communication network (VPN: Virtual Personal Network), or any combination thereof.

[0016] The number of user terminals 20 can generally be unspecified and plural. In the example of FIG. 1, the number of user terminals 20 is N. The plurality of user terminals 20 are distinguished using sub-numbers such as "-1". In this embodiment, when there are matters common to the plurality of user terminals 20 or when there is no need to distinguish the plurality of user terminals 20, they are simply referred to as user terminals 20.

[0017] Note that, in the example of this figure, the case where the management server 10 and the logging server 30 are separate devices is shown. However, in the information processing system 1, the management server 10 may have the functions of the logging server 30. In this case, the management server 10 and the logging server 30 can be integrated.

[0018] The entry / exit management system 40 is an information processing system that manages the entry and exit of users in a specific area. The logging server 30 is a computer that records the history (log) of the entry and exit of users in a specific area.

[0019] The user terminal 20 is an information terminal operated by the user. As the user terminal 20, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. can be used.

[0020] The management server 10 is a computer that centrally controls the information processing system 1. When a user is in a specific area, the management server 10 restricts the use of specific functions on the user terminal 20 by the user. In the following description, restricting the use of specific functions by the user may be simply referred to as "restricting functions." The specific functions to be restricted include, for example, functions for taking images, recording video or audio, and other functions for reading specific digital information. In other words, the management server 10 restricts functions that could lead to the unauthorized acquisition of digital information in a specific area. Furthermore, the specific functions to be restricted may also include functions that could constitute disruptive behavior in a specific area (for example, a movie theater), such as display functions that display text or images on a screen, light-emitting functions that emit light, and sound output functions that output voices, music, alarm sounds, etc. In this case, the management server 10 restricts functions that could constitute disruptive behavior in a specific area. Furthermore, restricting a function includes restricting all or part of a specific function. For example, when restricting the imaging function, if an operation to launch an application corresponding to the imaging function (imaging app) is performed on the user terminal 20, a warning such as "The imaging function cannot be used in a specific area" may be displayed on the screen, and the imaging app may be prevented from being launched, thereby restricting the entire imaging function. Alternatively, the imaging app may be launched, but the target to be captured cannot be displayed on the screen; or the target to be captured can be displayed on the screen, but the image will not be captured even if an imaging operation is performed; or the imaging operation can be performed, but the captured image cannot be saved, or the captured image cannot be sent to an external source, thereby restricting part of the imaging function.

[0021] <About Management Server 10> As shown in Figure 1, the management server 10 comprises an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, a control unit 103, and an authentication information storage unit 104.

[0022] The acquisition unit 101 acquires location information about the user's location. In this embodiment, the location information is acquired from the entry / exit management system 40, including entry information indicating that a user has entered a specific area, and exit information indicating that a user has left a specific area. The acquisition unit 101 outputs the acquired location information to the determination unit 102.

[0023] The determination unit 102 determines whether or not the user is in a specific area based on location information. For example, if the determination unit 102 obtains entry information from the entry / exit management system 40, it determines that the user is in the specific area. Conversely, if the determination unit 102 obtains exit information from the entry / exit management system 40, it determines that the user is not in the specific area. The determination unit 102 outputs the determination result to the control unit 103.

[0024] If the control unit 103 determines, based on the determination result by the determination unit 102, that the user is in a specific area, it restricts the use of a specific function on the user terminal 20 operated by the user.

[0025] The authentication information storage unit 104 stores authentication information for authenticating users. The authentication information includes a user ID that identifies each user. The authentication information may also include data that associates the user ID with the user terminal 20 used by the user.

[0026] The storage unit (including the authentication information storage unit 104) of the management server 10 is composed of storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or a combination thereof. The storage unit of the management server 10 stores programs for executing various processes to realize the functions of the management server 10, and temporary data used when performing various processes.

[0027] The functional units of the management server 10 (including the acquisition unit 101, the determination unit 102, and the control unit 103) are realized by having the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the management server 10 execute programs stored in the memory unit of the management server 10.

[0028] <Processing flow of Information Processing System 1> Next, the processing flow of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of operation when the access control system 40 manages user access using IC cards.

[0029] First, when a user enters a specific area, they indicate their intention to enter by holding their IC card over a card reader at the entrance gate or similar location in that area. The IC card stores a user ID that identifies each user. The entry / exit management system 40 reads the user ID from the IC card and sends the entry information, including the read user ID, to the management server 10 (step S101).

[0030] Next, the access control system 40 receives input for terminal function restriction permission on a touch panel display device installed at the entrance gate, etc. (step S102). Terminal function restriction permission is the user's permission (agreement) to restrict specific functions of the user terminal 20. The user inputs terminal function restriction permission on the touch panel of the access control system 40. The access control system 40 transmits the terminal function restriction permission entered by the user to the management server 10. Note that the input for terminal function restriction permission may also be received by the user terminal 20.

[0031] Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 101 of the management server 10 receives entry information from the entry / exit management system 40. The determination unit 102 of the management server 10 then authenticates the user based on the user ID included in the received entry information (step S103). Specifically, the determination unit 102 compares the user ID with the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 104 (step S104).

[0032] If user authentication fails (step S104: no), the determination unit 102 of the management server 10 sends an entry denial message to the entry / exit management system 40 indicating that the user's entry is to be refused. The entry / exit management system 40 refuses the user's entry by keeping the entry gate closed or by outputting an error sound (step S105).

[0033] Meanwhile, if the management server 10's determination unit 102 successfully authenticates the user (step S104: success) and receives permission to restrict terminal functions from the access control system 40, it sends an entry permission message to the access control system 40 and the logging server 30 indicating that the user is permitted to enter (step S106). The access control system 40 grants the user entry by opening the entrance gate, etc. (step S107). As a result, the user enters the designated area. The logging server 30 also generates an entry log including the user ID and entry date and time, and records the generated entry log (step S108).

[0034] Next, the control unit 103 of the management server 10 identifies the user terminal 20 to be used by the user based on the user ID and sends a terminal function control instruction to the identified user terminal 20 to restrict a specific function of the user terminal 20 (step S109). The user terminal 20 receives the terminal function control instruction and restricts the specific function according to the received terminal function control instruction (step S110). As a result, the user is unable to use the specific function of the user terminal 20 within the specified area. For example, if the specific function is an imaging function, the user cannot perform imaging using the user terminal 20 within the specified area.

[0035] Subsequently, when the user leaves a specific area, they indicate their intention to leave by holding their IC card over a card reader at the exit gate or similar location in that area. The entry / exit management system 40 reads the user ID from the IC card and transmits the exit information, including the read user ID, to the management server 10 (step S111).

[0036] The acquisition unit 101 of the management server 10 receives exit information from the entry / exit management system 40. The determination unit 102 of the management server 10 then determines, based on the received exit information, that the user has left (is no longer in) a specific area. The determination unit 102 then sends an exit permission message to the entry / exit management system 40 and the logging server 30, indicating that the user's exit is permitted (step S112). The entry / exit management system 40 permits the user's exit by opening an exit gate, etc. (step S113). As a result, the user leaves the specific area. The logging server 30 also generates an exit log including the user ID and the date and time of exit, and records the generated exit log (step S114).

[0037] Next, the control unit 103 of the management server 10 identifies the user terminal 20 to be used by the user based on the user ID and sends a terminal function control release instruction to the identified user terminal 20 to release the restriction on a specific function of the user terminal 20 (step S115). The user terminal 20 receives the terminal function control release instruction and releases the restriction on the specific function in accordance with the received instruction (step S116). As a result, when the user leaves the specific area, they will be able to use the specific function of the user terminal 20.

[0038] In the example described above, the information processing system 1 detects user entry and exit to a specific area using an IC card. However, it is not limited to this, and entry and exit to a specific area may also be detected using other user authentication methods such as biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition, iris recognition, voice recognition, etc.). For example, user entry and exit to a specific area may be detected by performing facial recognition based on images of the user captured by a surveillance camera. Alternatively, the information processing system 1 may detect entry and exit to a concert venue (specific area) by, for example, reading a ticket code at the concert venue (specific area).

[0039] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a control unit 103. The acquisition unit 101 acquires location information about the user's location. The determination unit 102 determines whether the user is in a specific area based on the location information. If the control unit 103 determines that the user is in a specific area, it restricts the use of a specific function of the user terminal 20 operated by the user.

[0040] With this configuration, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment can restrict the use of specific functions of the user terminal 20 in a specific area. This makes it possible to suppress fraudulent activities using specific functions in a specific area. For example, it can suppress screenshots and digital copies of personal information documents in offices and medical institutions. It can also suppress the unauthorized acquisition (such as imaging) of design drawings, pre-shipment products, and prototypes at product development sites. It can also suppress the unauthorized acquisition of customer information at banks and financial institutions. It can also suppress the unauthorized acquisition of examination questions at educational institutions. Furthermore, if the access control system 40 is installed in bookstores and libraries, it can suppress the unauthorized digitization of books in bookstores and libraries. It can also suppress the unauthorized photography of exhibits in art museums and museums. Finally, it can suppress the resale of tickets and unauthorized entry at event venues.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] Next, an information processing system, information processing method, and program according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0042] <About Information Processing System 1A> Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment. In this figure, components similar to those in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The information processing system 1A according to this embodiment restricts some of the functions of a user terminal 20 used by a user in a specific area such as a store that sells products, which are used to apply for campaigns related to products.

[0043] Here, "campaign" refers to activities related to a product, such as advertising, promoting, and selling a product, or promoting recycling, and is a service in which purchasers who buy a product or users who recycle a product can receive benefits such as coupons or points. In this embodiment, participation in the campaign is made by transmitting an image (target image TG described later) of the symbol of the target product (hereinafter referred to as "product symbol"). The product symbol may be arbitrarily set depending on the campaign, but for example, it can be a receipt issued at the time of purchase, a specific design printed on the product or product packaging, such as a JAN code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a logo indicating the product name or company name. Furthermore, although the above example illustrates a case where the product symbol is printed, it is not limited to this. It is acceptable as long as the product symbol is attached to the target object (product or product accessory) by some kind of processing, such as laser ablation or foil stamping, not just printing.

[0044] In this embodiment, we will explain using the example where the product symbol is a code printed on the product or product packaging. The specific function of the user terminal 20 that is restricted in this embodiment is the imaging function (i.e., camera) that captures the product symbol. The user terminal 20 has a dedicated application program for participating in the campaign (hereinafter referred to as the "campaign app") pre-installed. Furthermore, the specific area in this embodiment is an area that is excluded from the specific processing (process for accepting applications for campaigns using the product symbol) when identification information (a target image in which the product symbol attached to the product or an accessory to the product is captured) is acquired. For example, the specific area is a store that sells the product corresponding to the product symbol.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the information processing system 1A includes, for example, a management server 11, a user terminal 20, an individual identification server 50, and a lottery server 60. The management server 11, the user terminal 20, the individual identification server 50, and the lottery server 60 are connected to each other via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0046] In this example, the management server 11, the individual identification server 50, and the lottery server 60 are shown as separate devices. However, in the information processing system 1A, the management server 11 may also have the functions of the individual identification server 50 or the lottery server 60. In this case, the management server 11 and the individual identification server 50 or the lottery server 60 can be integrated. Alternatively, the individual identification server 50 may be given the functions of the lottery server 60, and the individual identification server 50 and the lottery server 60 can be integrated.

[0047] The lottery server 60 is a computer that conducts a lottery for a campaign based on user applications and notifies the user terminal 20 of the lottery results. For example, the lottery server 60 is a web server that provides the site for the campaign.

[0048] The management server 11 is a computer that centrally controls the information processing system 1A. When a user is in a specific area such as a store where products are sold, the management server 11 restricts the imaging function of the user terminal 20, which is used to capture images of product symbols.

[0049] <About Management Server 11> As shown in Figure 3, the management server 11 comprises an acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, a control unit 113, an authentication information storage unit 114, and a location information storage unit 115.

[0050] The location information storage unit 115 stores location information for one or more specific areas. For example, the location information storage unit 115 stores location information for each store that sells the campaign's target products.

[0051] The acquisition unit 111 acquires location information about the user's location. In this embodiment, the location information is the location information of the user terminal 20 acquired by the user terminal 20 using GPS (Global Positioning System), Geofencing, beacon (Bluetooth®), local 5G, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), or NFC (Near Field Communication), etc. The acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired location information to the determination unit 112.

[0052] The determination unit 112 determines whether or not the user is in a specific area based on location information. For example, the determination unit 112 compares the location information of the specific area with the location information of the user terminal 20, and determines that the user is in the specific area if the location information of the user terminal 20 is within the range of the location information of the specific area. The determination unit 112 outputs the determination result to the control unit 113.

[0053] If the control unit 113 determines, based on the determination result by the determination unit 112, that the user is in a specific area, it restricts the imaging function of the user terminal 20 operated by the user, which is used to capture images of product symbols.

[0054] The authentication information storage unit 114 stores authentication information for authenticating users. The authentication information includes, for example, the user ID and password of a user participating in a campaign.

[0055] The storage unit of the management server 11 (including the authentication information storage unit 114 and the location information storage unit 115) is composed of storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or a combination thereof. The storage unit of the management server 11 stores programs for executing various processes to realize the functions of the management server 11, and temporary data used when performing various processes.

[0056] The functional units of the management server 11 (including the acquisition unit 111, the determination unit 112, and the control unit 113) are realized by having the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the management server 11 execute programs stored in the memory unit of the management server 11.

[0057] The individual identification server 50 is a computer that analyzes the target image TG sent from the user terminal 20 as an entry for the campaign and determines whether the entry is valid by checking whether it is a duplicate entry. Duplicate entries here refer to multiple entries made by reusing products that have already been submitted.

[0058] <About Individual Identification Server 50> As shown in Figure 3, the individual identification server 50 includes an information acquisition unit 501, a registration determination unit 502, a registration unit 503, an output unit 504, and a registration information storage unit 505.

[0059] The information acquisition unit 501 acquires various types of information. For example, the information acquisition unit 501 acquires the target image TG transmitted from the user terminal 20 via the communication unit (not shown). The information acquisition unit 501 outputs the acquired target image TG to the registration determination unit 502.

[0060] The registration determination unit 502 determines whether the target image TG is eligible to be submitted to the campaign (whether or not to include the target image TG in the identification process). For example, the registration determination unit 502 determines whether or not the target image TG is eligible for duplicate submission by using image recognition for individual identification that utilizes "printing variations" that occur naturally during the manufacturing stage.

[0061] Figure 4 illustrates individual identification using image recognition. Even with the same code, "printing variations" occur during the manufacturing process. Therefore, even with the same code on the same product, the printing smudges and defects will differ from one individual to another, such as code CA on individual PA and code CB on individual PB. As such, smudges and defects that may occur during printing are extracted as feature points, and each individual can be identified by image recognition based on the information of these feature points (hereinafter referred to as "feature point information"). Furthermore, since the characteristics differ depending on the printing method, counterfeit C1 and C2 created by copying can be detected by image recognition.

[0062] Therefore, the registration determination unit 502 first extracts feature points from the target image TG using an image processing technique. The registration determination unit 502 then determines whether the feature point information extracted from the target image TG is identical to the feature point information of the registered image stored in the registration information storage unit 505. The registration determination unit 502 determines that the feature point information is "identical" if the similarity, using a technique such as pattern matching as an indicator, is higher than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the feature point information is "not identical" if the similarity is lower than the threshold. The registration determination unit 502 then determines whether or not to include the target image TG in the campaign application based on the result of determining whether or not the feature point information is identical.

[0063] If the registration determination unit 502 determines that the target image TG received from the user terminal 20 is eligible for campaign entry, the registration unit 503 generates registration information for the target image TG and stores the generated registration information in the registration information storage unit 505.

[0064] The output unit 504 outputs the determination result from the registration determination unit 502. For example, if the target image TG received from the user terminal 20 is determined by the registration determination unit 502 to be subject to duplicate submission, the output unit 504 sends a message to that effect to the user terminal 20. In this case, the user terminal 20 will display a text message such as, "Already submitted."

[0065] The registration information storage unit 505 stores registration information that includes a registration image in which a product symbol attached to a product or an accessory to a product is captured, and feature point information extracted from the registration image. The registration image is a target image TG that has already been registered. For example, the registration information includes information such as image ID, image information, feature point information, product information, duplicate determination, status information, and number of reads. The image ID is identification information that identifies the registration image. The image information is the image information of the registration image identified by the image ID. The feature point information is information of feature points extracted from the registration image. Feature points are information that indicates the printing characteristics of the product symbol captured in the registration image, for example, information that indicates the linearity, contrast, shape, placement position, size, etc., at the edges and contours of the symbol. Product information is information that indicates the attributes of the product corresponding to the registration image, for example, information that indicates the manufacturing date, expiration date (if the product is food), and information that indicates whether or not it is a campaign target product. The duplicate detection information indicates whether the product symbol corresponding to the registered image has been used in a duplicate entry. It shows whether the image is being used for the first time in an entry (not a duplicate entry) or whether the product symbol used in a previous entry has been photographed again (it is a duplicate entry). The status information indicates the status of the entry, whether it is "unprocessed" or "processed". Note that the entry status may include statuses other than "unprocessed" and "processed". The reading count is the number of times the product symbol corresponding to the registered image has been used in an entry.

[0066] The storage unit (including the registration information storage unit 505) of the individual identification server 50 is composed of storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or a combination thereof. The storage unit of the individual identification server 50 stores programs for executing various processes to realize the functions of the individual identification server 50, and temporary data used when performing various processes.

[0067] The functional units of the individual identification server 50 (including the information acquisition unit 501, registration determination unit 502, registration unit 503, and output unit 504) are realized by having the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the individual identification server 50 execute programs stored in the memory unit of the individual identification server 50.

[0068] <Processing flow of Information Processing System 1A> Next, we will explain the processing flow of the information processing system 1A of this embodiment using Figures 5 to 7. First, we will explain the method by which the individual identification server 50 determines whether or not an applicant is eligible to participate in the campaign. The registration determination unit 502 of the individual identification server 50 determines whether or not an applicant is eligible based on the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 505. There are two patterns for determining whether or not an applicant is eligible: a "first pattern" in which the registration information is registered in advance, and a "second pattern" in which the registration information is registered sequentially as users, who are consumers, apply.

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates the method for determining eligibility for application in the first pattern. In the first pattern, first, the code of each individual product is captured during the product manufacturing process, and the registered images of each code are transmitted to the individual identification server 50 (step S201). The registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 extracts the characteristic points of each code captured during the manufacturing process through image analysis, and writes the registered images of each code and the characteristic point information extracted from the registered images to the registration information storage unit 505. In other words, in the first pattern, the registration information storage unit 505 has in advance stored the registered images of product symbols corresponding to products before purchase, and the characteristic point information extracted from the registered images.

[0070] On the other hand, the user terminal 20 includes at least an imaging unit 21 and a display unit 22 capable of capturing codes. When a user applies for the campaign, the user terminal 20 captures the product code and generates a target image TG of the captured code. The user terminal 20 then transmits the generated target image TG to the individual identification server 50 (step S202). The information acquisition unit 501 of the individual identification server 50 receives the target image TG from the user terminal 20. The registration determination unit 502 of the individual identification server 50 extracts feature points from the received target image TG. Subsequently, the registration determination unit 502 compares the feature point information of the target image TG received from the user terminal 20 with the feature point information of the registered image stored in the registration information storage unit 505. If the registration determination unit 502 determines that the feature point information is "identical" and the status information is "unprocessed", it determines that the application is permitted.

[0071] The output unit 504 of the individual identification server 50 transmits information to the user terminal 20 indicating that the code is suitable for application if the determination result of the registration determination unit 502 is "application possible" (step S203). This information includes at least link information (URL) to the campaign application screen. Based on the received information, the user terminal 20 displays, for example, the link information to the campaign application screen on the display unit 22, as shown in Figure 6. When the user selects the link information, the user terminal 20 transitions the display on the display unit 22 to the campaign application screen, as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may automatically display the campaign application screen shown in Figure 7 without displaying the link information to the campaign application screen shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 22. Alternatively, the output unit 504 may transmit a signal to the display unit 22 to display the campaign application screen instead of transmitting the link information. This will automatically display the campaign application screen on the display unit 22 of the user terminal 20.

[0072] On the other hand, the registration determination unit 502 determines that an entry is ineligible if, as a result of the matching, the feature point information is determined to be "non-identical" or the status information is "processed". For example, if the target image TG is an image of a forged code, the registration determination unit 502 determines that the entry is ineligible because the feature point information of the registered image for that code is not registered in the registration information storage unit 505. In addition, to prevent duplicate entries, the registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 changes the status information of a target image TG that has been determined to be "eligible" as a result of the matching to "processed". This allows subsequent entries using the same code to be treated as duplicate entries and rejected.

[0073] In the case of "Pattern 1," the information processing system 1A can determine the authenticity of the target image TG received from the user terminal 20. Authenticity determination here means determining whether the target image TG is a legitimate image or a fraudulent image. A legitimate image is an image of a symbol printed on a product or product packaging purchased by the user. A fraudulent image is an image of a counterfeit product symbol, or an image generated by processing a part of a legitimate image. By determining the authenticity of the target image TG, fraudulent entries using fraudulent images such as images of counterfeit symbols can be detected. Furthermore, "Pattern 1" can be used in a wide range of applications beyond authenticity determination. For example, "Pattern 1" can be used in various situations throughout the entire product lifecycle, such as campaign entry management, manufacturing traceability, prevention of fraudulent distribution, and recall response. The "first pattern," through its mechanism, enables accurate product tracking and centralized management, significantly contributing to increased efficiency and reliability of business processes.

[0074] Figure 8 illustrates the method for determining eligibility for application in the second pattern. In the second pattern, when a user first applies to the campaign using code A, the user terminal 20 captures an image of the product code A and generates a target image TG of code A. The user terminal 20 then transmits the generated target image TG to the individual identification server 50 (step S211). The information acquisition unit 501 of the individual identification server 50 receives the target image TG of code A from the user terminal 20. The registration determination unit 502 of the individual identification server 50 then extracts feature points from the received target image TG. In the case of the first application, feature point information that is determined to be identical to the extracted feature point information is not registered in the registration information storage unit 505. Therefore, the registration determination unit 502 determines that it is the first application using code A and determines that "application is permitted". If the determination result of the registration determination unit 502 is "application permitted", the output unit 504 of the individual identification server 50 transmits information to the user terminal 20 indicating that the code is suitable for application, similar to the first pattern (step S212). This allows the user to apply for the campaign using code A. The registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 writes the target image TG, which has been determined to be "application permitted", and the feature point information extracted from the target image TG to the registration information storage unit 505, associating them. In other words, in the case of the "second pattern", the registration information storage unit 505 stores the registered image in which the product symbol corresponding to the product purchased by the user is captured, and the feature point information extracted from the registered image. Also, when registering the target image TG, the registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 sets the status information of the target image TG to "processed" and the read count to "1".

[0075] Subsequently, if a user applies to the campaign for the second time or later using the same code A, the user terminal 20 first captures the product code A, just as it did the first time, and generates a target image TG of code A. Then, the user terminal 20 transmits the generated target image TG to the individual identification server 50. The information acquisition unit 501 of the individual identification server 50 receives the target image TG of code A from the user terminal 20. Then, the registration determination unit 502 of the individual identification server 50 extracts feature points from the received target image TG. Next, the registration determination unit 502 compares the extracted feature point information with the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 505. At this time, the feature point information extracted from the target image TG of code A is already registered in the registration information storage unit 505. Therefore, the registration determination unit 502 determines that the feature point information extracted from the target image TG and the feature point information registered in the registration information storage unit 505 are identical. Therefore, the registration determination unit 502 determines that it is a duplicate application using code A and determines that the application is "not allowed". The registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 increments the number of times it has read registration information that it has determined to be ineligible for application by 1 (i.e., updates it to "2").

[0076] If the individual identification server 50's output unit 504 determines that the registration determination unit 502 is "not eligible for application," it sends an error result display instruction to the user terminal 20 indicating that code A is not suitable for application. Based on the received error result display instruction, the user terminal 20 displays a text message indicating that it is a duplicate application, such as "This code has already been used," on the display unit 22, as shown in Figure 9. This prevents the user from applying to the campaign more than once using the same code A. In other words, in the "second pattern," duplicate applications using the same code can be prevented, just as in the "first pattern."

[0077] In this way, the individual identification server 50 can prevent duplicate entries regardless of whether it is the "first pattern" or the "second pattern". On the other hand, if a user fraudulently scans the code of a product before purchasing it at a store or other location selling the product, it is difficult to detect this act as fraud. As a result, the user who committed the fraudulent act may be allowed to enter the campaign. In addition, if a user who later legitimately purchases the product at the store enters the campaign, it will be considered a duplicate entry and will be unable to participate in the campaign. In this embodiment, the management server 11 restricts the scanning of codes by the user terminal 20 in specific areas of stores or other locations in order to prevent such fraudulent activity.

[0078] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the information processing system 1A according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of operation when the determination of eligibility for application is the "second pattern".

[0079] When a user applies for a campaign, they first launch the campaign app on their user terminal 20 (step S301). The user terminal 20 executes the campaign app program in response to the user's input and displays a login screen that accepts login information.

[0080] The user enters login information (e.g., user ID and password) on the login screen (step S302). The user terminal 20 accepts the login information on the login screen. The user terminal 20 then retrieves the login information entered by the user and sends the retrieved login information to the management server 11 (step S303).

[0081] The management server 11 receives login information from the user terminal 20 and performs user login authentication based on the received login information (step S304). By performing user login authentication in this way, even if fraudulent activity using a specific function occurs in a specific area, it is possible to identify the location where the fraud occurred (for example, which store it took place in), user information (for example, which user committed the act), and product information (for example, product name and individual product).

[0082] When the management server 11 successfully authenticates login, it notifies the user terminal 20 of this. When the user terminal 20 receives notification from the management server 11 that login authentication has been successful, it displays an application intention confirmation screen where the user can input their intention to apply for the campaign (step S305). The application intention confirmation screen is equipped with a scan button to activate the camera on the user terminal 20. The camera has an imaging function that captures images of product symbols. The user indicates their intention to apply by pressing the scan button on the application intention confirmation screen (step S306). When the user terminal 20 receives input from the user indicating that the scan button has been pressed, it displays a location information access permission screen where it obtains permission (consent) from the user to access their location information. The user enters their location information access permission on the access permission screen (step S307).

[0083] When the user terminal 20 receives input from the user requesting permission to access location information, it acquires location information using GPS or the like and transmits the acquired location information to the management server 11 (step S308). The acquisition unit 111 of the management server 11 receives the location information from the user terminal 20 and verifies the received location information of the user terminal 20 (step S309). Then, the determination unit 112 of the management server 11 reads the location information for each specific area from the location information storage unit 115, compares the read location information with the location information of the user terminal 20, and determines whether or not the user terminal 20 is within a specific area (for example, inside a store) (step S310).

[0084] When the control unit 113 of the management server 11 determines that the user terminal 20 is within a specific area (step S310), it sends an error result display instruction to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 receives the error result display instruction and displays the error result according to the received instruction (step S311). This error result may include text that explains the cause of the error, such as "Image cannot be taken inside the store." In other words, the user terminal 20 does not activate the camera (image-taking application) to take an image of the product code (the image-taking function is restricted). As a result, the user cannot take an image of the code to enter the campaign inside the store. Therefore, fraudulent activities by the user, such as taking an image of the code before purchasing the product, can be prevented.

[0085] Meanwhile, if the control unit 113 of the management server 11 determines that the user terminal 20 is not within a specific area (i.e., inside the store) (step S310: No), it sends a camera activation command to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 receives the camera activation command from the management server 11 and activates the camera according to the received command (step S312).

[0086] When the camera on the user terminal 20 is activated, the user can take a picture of the code for the purchased product. In other words, the user can take a picture of the code to enter the campaign only outside of the specified area. When the camera on the user terminal 20 is activated, the user takes a picture of the code for the purchased product (step S313).

[0087] The user terminal 20 captures the product code in response to user operation. The user terminal 20 then generates and acquires a target image TG of the captured code and transmits the acquired target image TG to the individual identification server 50 (step S314). The information acquisition unit 501 of the individual identification server 50 receives the target image TG from the user terminal 20.

[0088] The registration determination unit 502 of the individual identification server 50 extracts feature points from the received target image TG through image analysis and determines whether or not it is a duplicate application by comparing the extracted feature point information with the registration information (step S315). Specifically, the registration determination unit 502 determines that it is a duplicate application if feature point information that is determined to be identical to the extracted feature point information is already registered in the registration information storage unit 505. Conversely, the registration determination unit 502 determines that it is not a duplicate application if feature point information that is determined to be identical to the extracted feature point information is not registered in the registration information storage unit 505.

[0089] If the output unit 504 of the individual identification server 50 determines that there is a duplicate application (step S315: success), it sends an error result display instruction to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 receives the error result display instruction and displays the error result according to the received instruction (step S316). This error result may include text that explains the cause of the error, such as "You have already applied." The user checks the error result displayed on the user terminal 20 and stops the campaign drawing (step S317).

[0090] On the other hand, if the registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 determines that there are no duplicate applications (step S315: no), it generates a new image ID for the received target image TG and the feature point information extracted from the target image TG. The individual identification server 50 then writes new registration information, including the generated image ID, the received target image TG, and the feature point information extracted from the target image TG, to the registration information storage unit 505 (step S318). The registration unit 503 of the individual identification server 50 also updates the read count of the newly written registration information (step S319).

[0091] Next, the output unit 504 of the individual identification server 50 sends a lottery instruction to the lottery server 60. The lottery server 60 performs a predetermined lottery calculation according to the lottery instruction (step S320). Then, the lottery server 60 sends the calculated lottery result to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 receives the lottery result from the lottery server 60 and displays the received lottery result (step S321). The user receives the lottery result displayed on the user terminal 20 (step S322). After that, the user ends the campaign lottery (step S323).

[0092] In the example above, we described the case of the "second pattern," but the same process can be used to prevent the scanning of codes in specific areas such as stores, even in the case of the "first pattern."

[0093] As described above, the information processing system 1A according to this embodiment further comprises an information acquisition unit 501, a registration determination unit 502, and an output unit 504. The information acquisition unit 501 acquires identification information (target image TG) for specific processing from the user terminal 20. The registration determination unit 502 determines whether or not to include the identification information (target image TG) in the specific processing. The output unit 504 outputs the determination result from the registration determination unit 502. The control unit 113 then restricts the specific function for acquiring identification information (target image TG) if it determines that the user is in a specific area that should be excluded from specific processing when identification information (target image TG) is acquired.

[0094] With this configuration, the information processing system 1A according to this embodiment can restrict the specific functions of the user terminal 20 that acquire identification information (for example, the target image TG, or numbers, characters, symbols, or combinations thereof read from a code, etc.) used for specific processing (for example, campaign entry, etc.) in specific areas such as stores, where, for example, a target image TG as identification information is acquired, the system can restrict the specific functions of the user terminal 20 that acquire identification information (for example, the target image TG, or numbers, characters, symbols, or combinations thereof read from a code, etc.) in specific areas that are excluded from specific processing (for example, processing that accepts applications for campaigns, etc.). This makes it possible to suppress, for example, acts of fraudulent application to campaigns by users reading two-dimensional codes or barcodes attached to products in stores, etc., before purchase, or acts of sharing the read information online. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent reading in stores, etc., without changing the product design for campaign applications.

[0095] Furthermore, the information processing system 1A according to this embodiment further includes a registration information storage unit 505 that stores a registered image in which a product symbol attached to a product or an accessory attached to a product is captured, and feature point information extracted from the registered image. The identification information is a target image TG in which a product symbol attached to a product or an accessory attached to a product is captured. The specific processing is the process of accepting applications for a campaign using the product symbol. The registration determination unit 502 determines whether or not to make the target image TG the subject of the specific processing based on the feature point information extracted from the target image TG and the feature point information extracted from the registered image. The control unit 113 restricts the specific function of capturing the product symbol if it determines that the user is in a specific area where a product corresponding to the product symbol is sold.

[0096] With this configuration, the information processing system 1A according to this embodiment determines whether or not to process a target image TG in which a product symbol has been captured, based on individual identification using image recognition, for accepting applications for a campaign using the product symbol. The information processing system 1A can then restrict specific functions of user terminals 20 that capture product symbols attached to products or their accessories in specific areas where products corresponding to the product symbol are sold. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress acts such as users capturing product symbols attached to products in stores before purchasing them and then fraudulently applying for a campaign or sharing them online. This reduces the risk of duplicate applications from people who have legitimately purchased products in stores.

[0097] Furthermore, the registration information storage unit 505 stores a registration image in which a product symbol corresponding to the product before purchase is captured, feature point information extracted from the registration image, and status information indicating whether the product is processed or not as the status of the specific processing. The registration determination unit 502 determines that the product should be subject to specific processing if the similarity between the feature point information extracted from the target image TG and the feature point information extracted from the registration image is greater than a preset threshold, and the status information is not processed. The information processing system 1A also includes a registration unit 503 that changes the status information to processed if it determines that the target image should be subject to specific processing.

[0098] With this configuration, the information processing system 1A determines whether or not to target the target image TG for specific processing by identifying the individual "first pattern" whose registration information is pre-registered in the registration information storage unit 505. By pre-registering product symbols in this way, it is possible to determine the authenticity of the target image TG received from the user terminal 20.

[0099] Furthermore, the registration determination unit 502 determines that the image should be subjected to specific processing if the similarity between the feature point information extracted from the target image TG and the feature point information extracted from the registered image is less than a preset threshold. The information processing system 1A also includes a registration unit 503 that, when it determines that the target image TG should be subjected to specific processing, stores the target image and the feature point information extracted from the target image in the registration information storage unit 505, associating them with status information indicating that the processing is complete as the status of the specific processing.

[0100] With this configuration, the information processing system 1A determines whether or not to include the target image TG in the specific processing based on individual identification of the "second pattern". As a result, the target image TG is initially registered in the registration information storage unit 505 upon user submission, eliminating the need for image capture of product symbols and prior registration of registration information during the manufacturing process.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if the control unit 113 obtains payment information related to the payment of goods from the user terminal 20 or a POS (Point of Sale) system, it may not restrict specific functions even if it determines that the user is in a specific area. Payment information includes, for example, POS data (e.g., payment information, purchase history), receipt images, or other images that prove the purchase. Specifically, if the control unit 113 obtains payment information that proves that the product corresponding to the target image TG of the product symbol obtained by the information acquisition unit 501 has been purchased, it will not restrict specific functions even if it determines that the user is in a specific area. This makes it possible to apply for campaigns even within a specific area by using payment information when location-based restrictions are not necessary (for example, when the user lives above the store or applies immediately after purchasing at the store).

[0102] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the access control system 40 or the location information of the user terminal 20 were used as examples of means for acquiring location information of the user, but the means for acquiring location information are not limited to these. For example, the information processing system 1,1A may indirectly acquire location information through a communication network, biometric authentication, acoustic sensors, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), etc. For example, when the information processing system 1,1A uses a communication network, if the user terminal 20 is connected to WiFi®, LAN, company network, VPN, local 5G, etc., it is possible to identify the location information based on the connection environment and determine whether the user terminal 20 is in a specific area. For example, if the user terminal 20 used by an employee is connected to a communication network in a highly secure zone (specific area), the information processing system 1,1A may restrict specific functions (specific services or access). As a result, when an employee is in a highly secure zone, they will not be able to use specific functions of the user terminal 20. Therefore, the leakage of confidential information can be suppressed.

[0103] Furthermore, the information processing systems 1 and 1A may use other information (e.g., security authentication, consent management, etc.) in addition to location information as conditions for restricting specific functions of the user terminal 20. For example, the information processing systems 1 and 1A may further include an authentication unit that obtains user authentication information from the user terminal 20 and authenticates the user based on the obtained authentication information. The control units 103 and 113 may then restrict specific functions if user authentication fails. As a means of user authentication, for example, password authentication, two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris recognition, etc.), hardware tokens (security keys or one-time passwords (OTP)), authentication applications, access control (management methods that allow or deny access to specific resources or services), role-based access control (RBAC), attribute-based access control (ABAC), the principle of least privilege, user verification (a process to verify that the user is legitimate), passwords (secrets known by the user), biometric information (that the user possesses), security tokens, or certificates (that the user possesses) can be used. By combining user authentication, the user terminal 20 and the user are linked. This makes it possible to grant permission for only specific users to use specific functions of the user terminal 20.

[0104] Furthermore, if the information processing system 1,1A has received consent from the user for the terms of service, the privacy policy, or data collection (for example, by receiving consent input on the user terminal 20), it may allow the user to use specific functions on the user terminal 20. For example, suppose there is a notice regarding the use of specific functions in a specific area, such as "When using specific functions, please inform an attendant and obtain permission from the attendant before use." In this case, if the user agrees to the notice (for example, by receiving consent input on the user terminal 20), the use of specific functions on the user terminal 20 operated by the user will not be restricted, even if the user is in the specific area. On the other hand, if the user does not agree to the notice (for example, by receiving input indicating non-agreement on the user terminal 20), the use of specific functions on the user terminal 20 operated by the user will be restricted if the user is in the specific area. In other words, if the control units 103 and 113 have not obtained the user's consent to the user voluntarily restricting the use of specific functions, they will mechanically restrict the use of specific functions on the user terminal 20.

[0105] Furthermore, the information processing system 1,1A may issue an alert if a user attempts to use a specific function of the user terminal 20 that is restricted within a specific area. For example, the information processing system 1,1A may include a detection unit that detects the use of a specific function by a user within a specific area. The detection unit may determine that a user is in a specific area and that the user terminal 20 receives an operation input for using a specific function, thereby determining that the user is using a specific function within a specific area. Alternatively, the detection unit may detect unauthorized activity by a user (e.g., use of a specific function) based on video footage from a surveillance camera capturing images within the specific area. The information processing system 1,1A may further include an alert unit that outputs an alert when the use of a specific function by a user within a specific area is detected.

[0106] The alert unit may issue alerts in real time using displays, warning sounds, vibration alerts, light warnings, etc. For example, the alert unit may display a warning on the user terminal 20 when it detects fraudulent activity by the user (e.g., use of a specific function). The alert unit may also emit a warning sound on the user terminal 20 when it detects fraudulent activity by the user to draw the attention of the user and those around them. The alert unit may also issue a warning by vibrating the user terminal 20 when it detects fraudulent activity by the user to urge the user to stop the fraudulent behavior. The alert unit may also flash the LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like on the user terminal 20 to send a visual warning to the user and those around them when it detects fraudulent activity by the user. The alert unit may also activate the camera on the user terminal 20 or a surveillance camera installed in a specific area and automatically start recording when it detects fraudulent activity by the user.

[0107] Furthermore, the alert unit may warn the user in conjunction with robots within a specific area. For example, if fraudulent activity by a user is detected, a robot in the building may automatically approach the user (user terminal 20) and issue a warning using voice or lights.

[0108] Furthermore, the alert unit may issue alerts utilizing equipment in a specific area. For example, the alert unit may warn the user and their surroundings by controlling lighting, such as flashing lights in a specific area or changing them to red or yellow. Alternatively, the alert unit may draw attention over a wide area with audible alerts, such as playing a warning sound through ceiling speakers. Finally, the alert unit may issue visual alerts through digital signage integration, such as displaying a warning message on a digital signage screen.

[0109] Furthermore, the alert unit may issue alerts based on environmental manipulation in a specific area. For example, the alert unit may alert the user by making fine adjustments to the air conditioning or temperature in a specific area. Alternatively, the alert unit may send a warning to the user and their surroundings by releasing a specific scent within a specific area.

[0110] Furthermore, the alert unit may issue alerts via remote notification. For example, the alert unit may notify the administrator's (security guard's) information terminal in real time. This allows the administrator to respond immediately to fraudulent activity. The alert unit may also send an alert notification to the user terminal 20 to urge them to stop their actions. Here, the alert unit of the user terminal 20 may notify alerts by means of notifying the user of a specific function that is restricted in a specific area. For example, if the display function is restricted as a specific function, the alert unit will issue an alert by means of not using the display function, such as a warning sound, vibration alert, interaction with a robot in the specific area, environmental operation in the specific area (auditory alert using sound equipment without using the lighting or digital signage in the specific area), or remote notification. Also, if the sound output function is restricted as a specific function, the alert unit will issue an alert by means of not using the sound output function, such as a display, vibration alert, light, interaction with a robot in the specific area, environmental operation in the specific area (without using the sound in the specific area, such as lighting operation or digital signage interaction), or remote notification. This makes it possible to make a user aware that the use of a specific function is restricted without having to use means corresponding to the restricted specific function, even if the user forgets that the specific function is restricted in the specific area and attempts to use it.

[0111] Furthermore, when fraudulent activity by a user is detected, the information processing system 1,1A may temporarily lock the screen of the user terminal 20, preventing the user from using the user terminal 20 for a certain period of time. Also, when fraudulent activity by a user is detected, the information processing system 1,1A may automatically block the launch of a specific application on the user terminal 20 (for example, a camera application with an imaging function) to prevent fraudulent activity. Additionally, the information processing system 1,1A may control the camera application so that its imaging function does not operate even if it is launched within a specific area.

[0112] Furthermore, the information processing system 1,1A may also store, analyze, and report data on fraudulent activities by users. For example, the information processing system 1,1A may store logs of detected fraudulent activities and analyze trends based on the stored logs. This allows administrators to understand trends in fraudulent activities and take steps to improve them. The information processing system 1,1A may also generate periodic reports on the status of alert occurrences. This allows administrators to consider responses to specific areas or behaviors.

[0113] Some or all of the functions of the information processing systems 1,1A, management servers 10,11, and individual identification server 50 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In that case, the functions may be implemented by recording a program for implementing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into the computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside the computer system that acts as a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be for implementing some of the functions described above, or it may be a program that can implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0114] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1.1A Information Processing System 10,11 Management Server 101,111 Acquisition Department 102,112 Judgment section 103,113 Control Unit 104,114 Authentication information storage unit 115 Location information storage unit 20 User Terminals 30 Logging Servers 40. Access Control System 50 Individual Identification Servers 501 Information Acquisition Department 502 Registration Determination Unit 503 Registration Department 504 Output section 60 Lottery Servers

Claims

1. A location acquisition unit that acquires location information about the user's current location, A determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a specific area based on the location information, If it is determined that the user is in the specified area, the control unit restricts the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. An information acquisition unit that acquires identification information for specific processing from the information terminal, A registration determination unit that determines whether or not to include the identification information in the specific processing, An output unit that outputs the determination result from the registration determination unit, Furthermore, If the control unit determines that the user is in the specific area that is excluded from the specific processing when the identification information is acquired, it restricts the specific function that acquires the identification information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned identification information is a target image in which a product symbol attached to the product or an accessory to the product is captured. The aforementioned specific processing is the process of accepting applications for a campaign using the aforementioned product symbol, The system further includes a registration information storage unit that stores a registered image in which a product symbol is captured and feature point information extracted from the registered image. The registration determination unit determines whether or not to include the target image in the specific processing based on the feature point information extracted from the target image and the feature point information extracted from the registered image. If the control unit determines that the user is in the specific area where the product corresponding to the product symbol is sold, it restricts the specific function of imaging the product symbol. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The registration information storage unit stores a registration image in which a product symbol corresponding to the product before purchase is captured, feature point information extracted from the registration image, and status information indicating whether the specific processing is completed or not. The registration determination unit determines that the image should be subject to the specific processing if the similarity between the feature point information extracted from the target image and the feature point information extracted from the registered image is greater than a preset threshold, and the status information is unprocessed. If it is determined that the target image is subject to the specified processing, the system further includes a registration unit that changes the status information to "processed". The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. The registration determination unit determines that the image should be subjected to the specific processing if the similarity between the feature point information extracted from the target image and the feature point information extracted from the registered image is less than a preset threshold. If it is determined that the target image is to be subjected to the specified processing, the system further includes a registration unit that stores the target image and the feature point information extracted from the target image in the registration information storage unit, associating them with status information indicating that the processing is complete as the status of the specified processing. The information processing system according to claim 3.

6. If the control unit obtains payment information proving that the product corresponding to the product symbol obtained by the information acquisition unit has been purchased, it will not restrict the specific function even if it determines that the user is in the specific area. The information processing system according to claim 3.

7. The acquisition unit acquires the location information of the information terminal as location information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

8. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the user's entry into or exit from the specific area as location information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

9. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the communication network to which the information terminal is connected as location information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

10. The system further includes an authentication unit that obtains the user's authentication information and authenticates the user based on the obtained authentication information. The control unit restricts the specific function if user authentication fails. The information processing system according to claim 1.

11. If the control unit obtains the user's consent to the terms of use regarding the use of the specific function, it will not restrict the specific function even if it determines that the user is in the specific area. The information processing system according to claim 1.

12. The system further includes an alert unit that outputs an alert when it detects the use of the specific function by the user within the specified area. The information processing system according to claim 1.

13. The alert unit causes the information terminal to output an alert. The information processing system according to claim 12.

14. The alert unit notifies an external terminal of the alert. The information processing system according to claim 12.

15. The alert unit causes the equipment located in the specific area to output an alert. The information processing system according to claim 12.

16. An information processing method performed by a computer used in an information processing system, Get location information about where the user is located. Based on the location information, it is determined whether the user is in a specific area. If it is determined that the user is in the specified area, the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user will be restricted. Information processing methods.

17. Computers used in information processing systems, Obtain location information about the user's current location. Based on the location information, determine whether the user is in a specific area. If it is determined that the user is in the specified area, the use of a specific function of the information terminal operated by the user will be restricted. program.

Images