Ticket gate, ticket gate system, ticket gate method, and ticket gate program

Abstract

To determine which of multiple media or face data is to be used without error.SOLUTION: A turnstile according to an embodiment includes: a medium reading control unit that reads medium information from a medium held out; a face authentication control unit that performs face authentication based on photographed face data of a user; an ID identification unit that allows the face authentication control unit to stop the face recognition if the medium information is received before sensor information is received from a first sensor installed in the turnstile, and identifies an identifier (ID) from the medium information; a communication control unit that transmits the identified ID and receives determination information based on the identified ID; and an output unit that outputs the determination information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, a ticket gate method, and a ticket gate program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are authentication methods for ticket gates that use media such as IC (Integrated Circuit) cards and QR (Quick Response) codes. If the same device is used to read IC cards and QR codes (registered trademark), there is a possibility that the IC card will be used first, even if the user wants to use the QR code. Therefore, current ticket gates have separate devices for reading IC cards and QR codes, which are placed at separate locations. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "About the demonstration experiment of "easy-to-touch ticket gates"", [Retrieved May 25, 2021], Internet<https: / / www.jreast.co.jp / press / 2019 / 20200129_ho01.pdf> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the IC card reader and the QR code reader are placed far apart, the physical constraints of the gate device will be large. Therefore, it is necessary to place the IC card and QR code readers in one place and determine whether to read the IC card or the QR code by mistake. Furthermore, it is also necessary to determine whether to use authentication by medium or facial authentication by facial data without error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The ticket gate of the embodiment includes a media reading control unit that reads media information from a held-up medium, a face authentication control unit that performs face authentication based on photographed face data of a user, and if the media information is received before receiving sensor information from a first sensor installed in the ticket gate, the face authentication control unit stops the face authentication and includes an ID identification unit that identifies an identifier (ID) from the media information, a communications control unit that transmits the identified ID and receives determination information based on the identified ID, and an output unit that outputs the determination information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a ticket gate system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket gate processing procedure in the ticket gate system shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket gate processing procedure in the ticket gate system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket gate processing procedure in the ticket gate system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The ticket gate, the ticket gate system, the ticket gate method, and the ticket gate program will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same numbers are assigned to parts that perform the same operations, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0008] [First embodiment] (composition) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a ticket gate system 10 according to an embodiment. The ticket gate system 10 is a system for passing (entering or exiting) through a ticket gate 20 in a transportation facility such as a train or bus.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the ticket gate system 10 includes a ticket gate 20, a management server 30, and the like.

[0010] The ticket gate 20 is a device that is installed, for example, in a railway station and controls the passage (entrance or exit) of users. For example, one or more ticket gates are installed at the ticket gates of a station. Each of these ticket gates 20 forms a passage through which users can pass. The ticket gate 20 reads information from a medium such as an IC card or a QR code, and controls whether or not the user can pass based on the read information. The ticket gate 20 is also connectable to a management server 30, and transmits and receives various information to and from the management server 30.

[0011] The ticket gate 20 includes, for example, a medium reading unit 21, a camera 22, a door 23, a face authentication start sensor 24, and a passage sensor 25.

[0012] The medium reading unit 21 is installed in a predetermined location of the ticket gate 20. The medium reading unit 21 detects the user's medium and reads the information stored in the medium. For example, when the user holds an IC card ticket over the medium reading unit 21, the medium reading unit 21 detects the IC card ticket and can transmit and receive various information to and from the IC card ticket. Alternatively, for example, when the user holds a QR code over the medium reading unit 21, the QR code is detected and the information stored in the QR code is read.

[0013] The cameras 22 are installed corresponding to the respective ticket gates 20. The cameras 22 are installed so as to ensure a shooting range that allows the faces of users passing through the passage to be photographed. Although Fig. 1 shows an example in which the cameras 22 are installed on the ticket gates 20, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the cameras may be installed in a location away from the ticket gates 20.

[0014] Door 23 is installed in ticket gate 20. For example, when door 23 does not permit a user to pass, door 23 closes to physically block the user from passing. On the other hand, when door 23 permits the user to pass, door 23 opens to permit the user to pass.

[0015] The face authentication start sensor 24 is installed near the side where the user enters the ticket gate 20. For example, the face authentication start sensor 24 is a sensor that detects a user who is about to enter the ticket gate 20 or a user who has already entered. When the face authentication start sensor 24 detects a user, it outputs face authentication start sensor passage information, which is sensor information indicating that a user has been detected. The ticket gate 20 or the management server 30 starts face detection using the image captured by the camera 22 according to the information.

[0016] The passing sensor 25 is installed near the side where a user exits the ticket gate 20. For example, the passing sensor 25 is a sensor that detects a user who is about to exit or a user who has already exited the ticket gate 20. When the passing sensor 25 detects a user, it outputs passing information indicating that the user has been detected. The ticket gate 20 or the management server 30 performs various processes according to the information.

[0017] The management server 30 is connected to the ticket gate 20 by wire or wirelessly. The management server 30 is installed in a station premises, a predetermined management room, etc. The management server 30 can perform, for example, fare collection and entrance / exit determination. The management server 30 also transmits and receives various information to and from the ticket gate 20.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ticket gate 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket gate 20 includes a medium reading unit 21, a camera 22, a door 23, a face authentication start sensor 24, and a passage sensor 25, as well as a processor 201, a memory unit 202, a communication unit 203, and a display unit 204.

[0019] The ticket gate 20 has a processor 201 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). A medium reading unit 21, a camera 22, a door 23, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and a display unit 204 are connected to the processor 201 via a bus 205.

[0020] The storage unit 202 can use, as a storage medium, a combination of a non-volatile memory that can be written and read at any time, such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 202 stores programs necessary for the processor 201 to execute various processes.

[0021] Furthermore, the memory unit 202 includes a storage medium that uses a combination of a non-volatile memory that can be written to and read from at any time, such as an HDD or a memory card, and a volatile memory, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory unit 202 stores a face database required for face recognition, various information read from the medium, information about the station where the device is installed, and the like.

[0022] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface including one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 203 includes a communication module that is connected to the management server 30 via a wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 203 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the management server 30 or the like under the control of the communication control unit 2014 and transmit and receive various information.

[0023] The display unit 204 is a display device that uses, for example, liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like, and displays images and messages according to signals output from the processor 201.

[0024] The processor 201 also includes a medium reading control unit 2011, a face authentication control unit 2012, an identifier (ID: Identification) specifying unit 2013, a communication control unit 2014, a sensor control unit 2015, and a gate control unit 2016.

[0025] The medium reading control unit 2011 controls the medium reading unit 21, detects an IC card and / or a QR code held over the medium reading unit 21, and reads medium information from the IC card and / or the QR code. Here, when the detected medium is an IC card, the medium information includes the charged amount, the entrance / exit record, etc., and when the detected medium is a QR code, the medium information includes fare information, etc.

[0026] The face authentication control unit 2012 performs face authentication. The face authentication control unit 2012 extracts face data from a face image of a user captured by the camera 22, and compares the extracted face data with a face database stored in the storage unit 202. If the comparison results in corresponding face data, the face authentication control unit 2012 outputs face authentication information.

[0027] The ID specification unit 2013 specifies the ID from the medium information. In the case of an IC card, the specified ID may be the ID of the IC card, or may be an ID associated with the card number of the IC card. In the case of a QR code ID, the ID of the QR code may be used. Furthermore, the ID specification unit 2013 determines whether the ID of the IC card or the ID of the QR code is to be used. The method of this determination will be described later.

[0028] The communication control unit 2014 transmits and receives various information to and from the management server 30 through the communication unit 203. The various information transmitted and received to and from the management server 30 will be described later.

[0029] The sensor control unit 2015 receives face authentication start sensor passing information from the face authentication start sensor 24. Upon receiving the sensor passing information, the sensor control unit 2015 transmits the face authentication start sensor passing information to the medium reading control unit 2011 and the face authentication control unit 2012. Furthermore, the sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passing information. Upon receiving the sensor passing information, the sensor control unit 2015 transmits the sensor passing information to the face authentication control unit 2012.

[0030] The gate control unit 2016 controls the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information. For example, when the received determination information includes an instruction to permit passage, the gate control unit 2016 permits passage of the user by opening the door 23. The gate control unit 2016 also operates as an output unit that outputs the determination information.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 30 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 30 includes a processor 301 , a storage unit 302 , a communication unit 303 , and an input / output interface 304 .

[0032] The management server 30 has a processor 301 such as a CPU or an MPU. A storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, and an input / output interface 304 are connected to the processor 301 via a bus 305.

[0033] The storage unit 302 can use, as a storage medium, a combination of a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM, HDD, SSD, etc., which can be written and read at any time, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. The storage unit 302 stores programs necessary for the processor 301 to execute various processes.

[0034] Furthermore, the memory unit 302 includes a storage medium that uses a combination of a non-volatile memory that can be written to and read from at any time, such as a HDD or a memory card, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The memory unit 302 stores a face database, fare information, various information read from the medium, information on the station where the device is installed, and the like.

[0035] The communication unit 303 is a communication interface including one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 303 includes a communication module that connects to the ticket gate 20 and other devices by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 303 may be a general communication interface as long as it can communicate with the ticket gate 20 and the like under the control of the communication control unit 3014 and transmit and receive various information.

[0036] An input unit 3041 and a display unit 3042 are connected to the input / output interface 304 .

[0037] The input unit 3041 is, for example, a device that receives voice data such as a microphone, or a device that recognizes character data entered by an administrator who manages the management server 30 using an input detection sheet that employs an electrostatic or pressure method.

[0038] The display unit 204 is a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal, an organic electroluminescence (EL), or the like, and displays voice, text, images, and the like in response to a signal input from an input / output interface 304 .

[0039] The processor 301 includes a fare collection control unit 3011, a determination unit 3012, an ID identification unit 3013, a communication control unit 3014, a sensor control unit 3015, and a gate control unit 3016.

[0040] The fare collection control unit 3011 transmits collection information including an instruction to collect a predetermined fare to the communication control unit 3014. The fare collection control unit 3011 may transmit the collection information to the communication control unit 3014 at the time of entry or exit.

[0041] The determination unit 3012 determines whether the ID included in the ID information matches the ID stored in the storage unit 302. The determination unit 3012 outputs ID determination information including the determination result to the fare collection control unit 3011 and the communication control unit 3014. For example, if it is determined that the IDs match, the ID determination information includes an instruction indicating that the IDs match and that passage is permitted, etc.

[0042] The ID specification unit 3013 specifies the ID from the medium information. In the case of an IC card, the specified ID may be the ID of the IC card, or may be an ID associated with the card number of the IC card. In the case of a QR code ID, the ID of the QR code may be used. Furthermore, the ID specification unit 3013 determines whether the ID of the IC card or the ID of the QR code is to be used. The method of this determination will be described later.

[0043] The communication control unit 3014 transmits and receives various information to and from the ticket gate 20 through the communication unit 203. The various information transmitted and received to and from the ticket gate 20 will be described later.

[0044] The sensor control unit 3015 receives face authentication start sensor passing information output by the face authentication start sensor 24. Upon receiving the sensor passing information, the sensor control unit 3015 transmits the face authentication start sensor passing information to the ticket gate 20. Furthermore, the sensor control unit 3015 receives sensor passing information output by the passage sensor 25. Upon receiving the sensor passing information, the sensor control unit 3015 transmits the sensor passing information to the ticket gate 20.

[0045] Based on the determination information, the gate control unit 3016 outputs an instruction to control opening and closing of the door 23. For example, when the received determination information includes an instruction to permit passage, the gate control unit 2016 outputs an instruction to open the door 23 to permit passage of the user.

[0046] (operation) (Processing when only an IC card is held up) Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket gate processing procedure in the ticket gate system 10 shown in Fig. 1. The operation of this sequence is realized by the processor 201 of the ticket gate 20 and the processor 301 of the management server 30 reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 302, respectively.

[0047] First, a user attempts to pass through the ticket gate 20 to board a train or to leave a station. This sequence begins when the user holds up an IC card, which is a medium. Here, it is assumed that the IC card has already been registered, and that an ID for identifying the IC card has been stored in the memory unit 302 of the management server 30.

[0048] The medium reading control unit 2011 detects an IC card held over the medium reading unit 21 and reads medium information from the IC card (step ST101). The medium reading control unit 2011 detects that the medium held over by the user is an IC card. A general method for detecting that the medium is an IC card will be used, and a detailed explanation will be omitted here. The medium reading control unit 2011 acquires medium information such as the charged amount and entrance / exit record from the detected IC card. The medium reading control unit 2011 outputs the medium information to the ID identification unit 2013 and the face authentication control unit 2012.

[0049] The ID specification unit 2013 specifies an ID from the medium information, and outputs ID information including the specified ID to the communication control unit 2014. Here, the specified ID may be an ID of an IC card, or an ID associated with a card number of an IC card, etc. The specified ID may be any ID that can uniquely specify a user.

[0050] The face authentication control unit 2012 stops face authentication (step ST102). When the medium information is received before receiving face authentication start sensor passing information, which is sensor information, from the face authentication start sensor 24, the face authentication control unit 2012 stops face authentication. In other words, when the medium reading control unit 2011 acquires the medium information before the user passes through the face authentication start sensor 24, the face authentication control unit 2012 does not permit the user to pass through the ticket gate 20 by face authentication. Therefore, the face authentication control unit 2012 stops outputting the result of performing face authentication from the image captured by the camera 22, stops extracting face data, or instructs the camera 22 to stop capturing images. The camera 22 that has received the instruction stops capturing images.

[0051] The communication control section 2014 notifies the management server 30 of the ID information through the communication section 203 (step ST103).

[0052] The determination unit 3012 of the management server 30 determines whether the user is allowed to pass according to the ID included in the received ID information (step ST104). The determination unit 3012 determines whether the ID of the IC card included in the ID information matches the ID stored in the storage unit 302. The determination unit 3012 outputs ID determination information including the determination result to the fare collection control unit 3011 and the communication control unit 3014. Here, if it is determined that the IDs match, the ID determination information includes instructions indicating that the IDs match and that passage is permitted. If it is determined that the IDs do not match, the ID determination information includes instructions indicating that the IDs do not match and that passage is not permitted. Note that even if the IDs match, the determination is processed in the same way as when the IDs do not match, for example, when the passage history of the IC card included in the medium information remains as it is, and there is no exit record. In addition, the fare collection control unit 3011 that has received the ID determination information transmits collection information including an instruction to collect a predetermined fare to the communication control unit 3014. The collection information may be information indicating that a predetermined fare has been collected and the charge amount after the fare has been collected. That is, the fare collection control unit 3011 may collect the fare. Since the predetermined fare only needs to be collected at the time of entry or exit, the fare collection control unit 3011 may transmit the collection information to the communication control unit 3014 at the time of entry or exit.

[0053] The communication control unit 3014 transmits the determination information to the ticket gate 20 through the communication unit 303 (step ST105). The communication control unit 3014 transmits the determination information including the ID determination information and the collection information to the ticket gate 20.

[0054] The gate control unit 2016 controls the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information (ST106). When the received determination information includes an instruction to permit passage, that is, when the management server 30 determines that passage is permitted, the gate control unit 2016, which is an output unit, outputs the determination information. For example, the gate control unit 2016 permits passage of the user by opening the door 23. In addition, the medium reading control unit 2011, which is an output unit, outputs output information to the medium reading unit 21. That is, the medium reading control unit 2011 may use the medium reading unit 21 to transmit various information to the IC card based on an instruction to collect a predetermined fare included in the determination information. When collecting a predetermined fare according to an instruction received from the management server 30, the medium reading control unit 2011 may collect a predetermined amount from the charge amount read using the medium reading unit 21 and transmit the collected charge amount to the IC card.

[0055] Furthermore, the processor 201 may display on the display unit 204 that authentication using the IC card has been performed and that a predetermined fare has been collected.

[0056] The sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passing information (step ST107). The user passes through the ticket gate 20. At this time, the user passes over the passing sensor 25. When the user passes over the passing sensor 25, the passing sensor 25 outputs the sensor passing information to the sensor control unit 2015. When the sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passing information, it transmits the sensor passing information to the face authentication control unit 2012.

[0057] When the face authentication control unit 2012 receives the sensor passage information, it determines that the user has passed through the ticket barrier 20, and resumes face authentication for the next user (step ST108).

[0058] In addition, after acquiring the medium information in step ST101, the communication control unit 2014 may transmit the medium information to the management server 30. Then, the ID identification unit 3013 of the management server 30 may identify the ID included in the medium information. In this case, step ST103 can be omitted. Furthermore, the opening and closing control of the door 23 in step ST106 may be controlled by the gate control unit 3016 of the management server 30. For example, in step ST105, the determination unit 3012 may transmit the determination information to the gate control unit 3016. The gate control unit 3016 may transmit door control information for controlling the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information to the ticket barrier 20 through the communication unit 303. Then, the opening and closing of the door 23 is controlled based on the control information.

[0059] (Processing when both IC card and QR code are held up) Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket gate processing procedure in the ticket gate system 10 shown in Fig. 1. The operation of this sequence is realized by the processor 201 of the ticket gate 20 and the processor 301 of the management server 30 reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 302, respectively.

[0060] First, a user attempts to pass through the ticket gate 20 to board a train or the like. This sequence begins when the user holds up the medium, an IC card and a QR code. Here, it is assumed that the IC card and the QR code have already been registered, and that an ID for identifying the IC card or the QR code has been stored in the memory unit 302 of the management server 30.

[0061] The medium reading control unit 2011 detects the IC card and the QR code, and reads the medium information (step ST201). The medium reading control unit 2011 detects that the medium held up by the user is an IC card and a QR code. Note that since these detection methods may be general methods, a description thereof will be omitted here. The medium reading control unit 2011 acquires medium information about the IC card, such as the charged amount and the entrance / exit record, from the detected IC card. Furthermore, the medium reading control unit 2011 acquires medium information for the QR code, including fare information, from the QR code. The medium reading control unit 2011 outputs the acquired medium information to the ID identification unit 2013 and the face authentication control unit 2012.

[0062] The face authentication control unit 2012 stops face authentication (step ST202). When medium information is received before face authentication start sensor passage information, which is sensor information, is received from the face authentication start sensor 24, the face authentication control unit 2012 stops face authentication. In other words, when the medium reading control unit 2011 acquires medium information before face authentication is performed, the face authentication control unit 2012 does not permit passage through the ticket gate 20 based on face authentication. Therefore, the face authentication control unit 2012 stops outputting the result of performing face authentication from the image captured by the camera 22, stops extracting face data, or instructs the camera 22 to stop capturing images. The camera 22 that has received the instruction stops capturing images.

[0063] The ID identifying unit 2013 selects which ID to use from the received medium information for the IC card and medium information for the QR code (step ST203). The ID identifying unit 2013 receives the medium information for the IC card and the medium information for the QR code. Then, the ID identifying unit 2013 identifies the ID from the medium information. In this case, the identified ID may be the ID of the IC card in the case of an IC card, or may be an ID associated with the card number of the IC card or the like. Also, in the case of the ID of a QR code, the ID of the QR code may be used. In other words, the identified ID may be any ID as long as it is an ID that can be uniquely identified by the user.

[0064] Furthermore, the ID identifying unit 2013 determines whether to use the ID of the IC card or the ID of the QR code, for example, according to the priority order stored in the storage unit 202. The priority order may be any order. For example, the ID identifying unit 2013 may determine to use the ID included in the medium information of the QR code. Also, when the medium information of the QR code is included, the ID identifying unit 2013 may determine to use the ID included in the medium information of the QR code. This is because the user displays the QR code on a mobile terminal or the like and holds it over the medium reading unit 21, and it is considered that the user intends to use the QR code. The ID identifying unit 2013 transmits ID information including the ID determined to be used to the communication control unit 2014.

[0065] The communication control section 2014 notifies the management server 30 of the ID information through the communication section 203 (step ST204).

[0066] The determination unit 3012 of the management server 30 determines whether the user is allowed to pass according to the ID included in the received ID information (step ST205). The determination unit 3012 determines whether the ID of the IC card or QR code included in the ID information matches the ID stored in the storage unit 302. The determination unit 3012 outputs ID determination information including the determination result to the fare collection control unit 3011 and the communication control unit 3014. Here, if it is determined that the IDs match, the ID determination information includes instructions indicating that the IDs match and that passage is permitted. If it is determined that the IDs do not match, the ID determination information includes instructions indicating that the IDs do not match and that passage is not permitted. Note that when the determination is made using the ID of the IC card, even if the IDs match, the determination is processed in the same way as when the IDs do not match, even if the IC card's passage history included in the medium information remains as it is, and there is no exit record. In addition, the fare collection control unit 3011 that has received the ID determination information transmits collection information including an instruction to collect a predetermined fare to the communication control unit 3014. The collection information may be information indicating that a predetermined fare has been collected and the charge amount after the fare has been collected. That is, the fare collection control unit 3011 may collect the fare. Since the predetermined fare only needs to be collected at the time of entry or exit, the fare collection control unit 3011 may transmit the collection information to the communication control unit 3014 at the time of entry or exit.

[0067] The communication control unit 3014 transmits the determination information to the ticket gate 20 through the communication unit 303 (step ST206). The communication control unit 3014 transmits the determination information including the ID determination information and the collection information to the ticket gate 20.

[0068] The gate control unit 2016 controls the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information (ST207). When the received determination information includes an instruction to permit passage, that is, when the management server 30 determines that passage is permitted, the gate control unit 2016, which is an output unit, outputs the determination information. For example, the gate control unit 2016 opens the door 23 to permit passage of the user. In addition, the medium reading control unit 2011, which is an output unit, outputs output information to the medium reading unit 21. That is, when the determination information includes an instruction to collect a predetermined fare, the medium reading control unit 2011 may use the medium reading unit 21 to transmit various information to the IC card based on the instruction. When collecting a predetermined fare according to the instruction received from the management server 30, the medium reading control unit 2011 may collect a predetermined amount from the read charge amount and transmit the collected charge amount to the IC card.

[0069] The processor 201 may also display that authentication using an IC card or a QR code has been performed. Furthermore, when authentication using an IC card has been performed, the processor 201 may display on the display unit 204 that a predetermined fare has been collected.

[0070] The sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passing information (step ST208). The user passes through the ticket gate 20. At this time, the user passes over the passing sensor 25. When the user passes over the passing sensor 25, the passing sensor 25 outputs the sensor passing information to the sensor control unit 2015. When the sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passing information, it transmits the sensor passing information to the face authentication control unit 2012.

[0071] When the face authentication control unit 2012 receives the sensor passage information, it determines that the user has passed through the ticket barrier 20, and resumes face authentication for the next user (step ST209).

[0072] Here, whether or not to resume face authentication can be switched depending on the mode. For example, during rush hour or the like, it is also possible to apply only medium reading. During rush hour or the like, when many users pass through the ticket gate 20, if the next user cannot use the ticket gate 20 until the ticket gate 20 passes through the passage sensor 25, there is a possibility that a delay in the passage of users will occur. In such a case, the ticket gate 20 can only perform medium reading and omit face authentication. Then, during a time period when many users do not pass through the ticket gate 20, the ticket gate 20 may determine whether to perform medium reading or face authentication. When only medium reading is performed, steps ST202 and ST209 can be omitted.

[0073] In step ST201, after acquiring the medium information, the communication control unit 2014 may transmit the medium information to the management server 30. Then, the ID identification unit 3013 of the management server 30 identifies the ID included in the medium information. Then, in step ST203, the ID identification unit 3013 of the management unit may identify which medium ID to use. In this case, step ST204 can be omitted. Furthermore, the opening and closing control of the door 23 in step ST207 may be controlled by the gate control unit 3016 of the management server 30. For example, in step ST206, the determination unit 3012 may transmit the determination information to the gate control unit 3016. The gate control unit 3016 may transmit door control information for controlling the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information to the ticket barrier 20 through the communication unit 303. Then, the opening and closing of the door 23 is controlled based on the control information.

[0074] (Facial recognition processing) Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a ticket gate processing procedure in the ticket gate system 10 shown in Fig. 1. The operation of this sequence is realized by the processor 201 of the ticket gate 20 and the processor 301 of the management server 30 reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 302, respectively.

[0075] First, a user attempts to pass through the ticket gate 20 in order to board a train or the like. This sequence starts when the user attempts to pass through the ticket gate 20 through face authentication.

[0076] The sensor control unit 2015 receives face authentication start sensor passing information (step ST301). The user passes through the ticket gate 20. At this time, the user passes through the face authentication start sensor 24. When the user passes through the face authentication start sensor 24, the face authentication start sensor 24 outputs face authentication start sensor passing information, which is sensor information, to the sensor control unit 2015. When the sensor control unit 2015 receives the face authentication start sensor passing information, it transmits the face authentication start sensor passing information to the medium reading control unit 2011 and the face authentication control unit 2012. Here, when the user passes through the face authentication start sensor 24, it does not matter whether the user is trying to hold a medium over the medium reading unit 21 or not.

[0077] The medium reading control unit 2011 stops reading the medium (step ST302). When face authentication start sensor pass information, which is sensor information, is received before reading medium information from the medium, the medium reading control unit 2011 stops reading the medium. That is, the medium reading control unit 2011 stops the function of the medium reading unit 21 to stop reading the medium. Alternatively, the medium reading control unit 2011 stops reading medium information from the medium detected by the medium reading unit 21.

[0078] The face authentication control unit 2012 performs face authentication (step ST303). The face authentication control unit 2012 extracts face data from the face image of the user captured by the camera 22, and compares the extracted face data with the face database stored in the storage unit 202. If the comparison result shows that there is corresponding face data, the face authentication control unit 2012 outputs face authentication information to the ID identification unit 2013.

[0079] The ID specification unit 2013 specifies an ID associated with the face data used in the face authentication information, and outputs ID information including the specified ID to the communication control unit 2014.

[0080] On the other hand, if there is no corresponding face data, the face authentication control unit 2012 outputs a face authentication failure notification to the gate control unit 2016. In response to the face authentication failure notification, the gate control unit 2016 controls the door 23 to close, thereby preventing the passage of the user.

[0081] The communication control section 2014 notifies the management server 30 of the ID information through the communication section 203 (step ST304).

[0082] The determination unit 3012 of the management server 30 determines whether or not the user is allowed to pass according to the ID included in the received ID information (step ST305). The determination unit 3012 determines whether the ID associated with the face data included in the ID information matches the ID stored in the storage unit 302. The determination unit 3012 outputs ID determination information including the determination result to the fare collection control unit 3011 and the communication control unit 3014. Here, if it is determined that the IDs match, the ID determination information includes an instruction indicating that the IDs match and that passage is permitted. If it is determined that the IDs do not match, the ID determination information includes an instruction indicating that the IDs do not match and that passage is not permitted. Note that the determination is made in the same manner as when the IDs do not match, even if the IDs match, for example, when the passage history of the IC card included in the medium information indicates that the user has entered and there is no record of exiting. In addition, the fare collection control unit 3011, which receives the ID determination information, collects the specified fare from the account information stored in the memory unit 302, and transmits collection information including information on the specified fare collected from the account information to the communication control unit 3014.

[0083] The communication control unit 3014 transmits the determination information to the ticket gate 20 through the communication unit 303 (step ST306). The communication control unit 3014 transmits the determination information including the ID determination information and the collection information to the ticket gate 20.

[0084] The gate control unit 2016 controls the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information (ST307). If the received determination information includes an instruction to permit passage, that is, if the management server 30 determines that passage is permitted, the gate control unit 2016, which is an output unit, outputs the determination information. For example, the gate control unit 2016 opens the door 23 to permit passage of the user.

[0085] The processor 201 may also display on the display unit 204 that face authentication has been performed using the face data and that a specified fare has been collected from a specified account associated with the face data.

[0086] The sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passage information (step ST308). The user passes through the ticket gate 20. At this time, the user passes through the passage sensor 25. When the user passes through the passage sensor 25, the passage sensor 25 outputs the sensor passage information to the sensor control unit 2015. When the sensor control unit 2015 receives the sensor passage information, it transmits the sensor passage information to the face authentication control unit 2012.

[0087] When the medium reading control unit 2011 receives the sensor passing information, it determines that the user has passed through the ticket barrier 20, and resumes medium reading for the next user (step ST309).

[0088] The opening and closing control of the door 23 in step ST307 may be controlled by the gate control unit 3016 of the management server 30. For example, in step ST306, the determination unit 3012 may transmit determination information to the gate control unit 3016. The gate control unit 3016 may transmit door control information for controlling the opening and closing of the door 23 based on the determination information to the ticket barrier 20 through the communication unit 303. Then, the opening and closing of the door 23 is controlled based on the control information.

[0089] (Action and effect) According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to accurately determine whether to use multiple media or face data. Furthermore, even if only the medium reading unit 21 capable of detecting IC cards and QR codes is provided, it is possible to accurately determine whether to read an IC card or a QR code.

[0090] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, face authentication may be performed by the management server 30.

[0091] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10. Ticket gate system 20…Ticket gate 21...Media reader 22...Camera 23…Door 24…Facial recognition start sensor 25...Passing sensor 201…Processor 202...Storage section 203…Communications Department 204...Display section 205…Bus 2011…Media reading control unit 2012…Facial recognition control unit 2013…ID identification department 2014…Communication control section 2015…Sensor control unit 2016…Gate control section 30…Administration server 301...Processor 302...Storage section 303…Communications Department 304... Input / Output interface 3041... Input section 3042...Display section 305…Bus 3011…Fare collection control unit 3012...Judgment section 3013…ID identification part 3014…Communication control section 3015: Sensor control unit 3016…Gate control section

Claims

1. A ticket gate, a medium reading control unit that reads medium information from a medium held over the device; A face authentication control unit that performs face authentication based on the captured face data of a user; When the medium information is received before sensor information is received from a first sensor provided in the ticket gate, the face authentication control unit stops the face authentication, and when passage information is received from a second sensor, the face authentication control unit resumes the face authentication; an ID specification unit that specifies an identifier (ID) from the medium information; a communication control unit that transmits the specified ID and receives determination information based on the specified ID; an output unit that outputs the determination information; A ticket gate equipped with

2. A ticket gate, a medium reading control unit that reads medium information from a medium held over the device; A face authentication control unit that performs face authentication based on the captured face data of a user; When the medium information is received before the sensor information is received from a first sensor provided in the ticket gate, the face authentication control unit stops the face authentication, an ID specification unit that specifies an identifier (ID) from the medium information; a communication control unit that transmits the specified ID and receives determination information based on the specified ID; an output unit that outputs the determination information; when sensor information is received from the first sensor before reading the media information, the media reading control unit stops reading the media information, and the ID identification unit identifies an ID associated with the face data; and when passing information is received from a second sensor, the media reading control unit resumes reading the media information from the medium.

3. 3. The ticket gate according to claim 1, wherein when the held medium is an IC card, a medium reading control unit reads medium information from the IC card.

4. A ticket gate as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the held-over medium is an IC card and a QR code, a medium reading control unit reads the medium information of each of the IC card and the QR code, and the ID identification unit identifies an ID from each of the medium information and determines which of the identified IDs to use.

5. The ticket gate according to claim 4 , wherein the ID specification unit specifies which ID of the read medium is to be used in accordance with a priority order.

6. The ticket gate according to claim 4 , wherein the ID specification unit specifies the ID of the QR code as being used.

7. Ticket gates and A management server connected to the ticket gate; The ticket gate comprises: a medium reading control unit that reads medium information from a medium held over the device; A face authentication control unit that performs face authentication based on the captured face data of a user; When the medium information is received before sensor information is received from a first sensor provided in the ticket gate, the face authentication control unit stops the face authentication, and when passage information is received from a second sensor, the face authentication control unit resumes the face authentication; an ID specification unit that specifies an identifier (ID) from the medium information; a first communication control unit that transmits the specified ID and receives determination information based on the ID; an output unit that outputs the determination information; The management server comprises: A second communication control unit that receives the ID; a determination unit that outputs a determination result indicating whether or not the user is allowed to pass based on the received ID; and wherein the second communication control unit transmits determination information including the output determination result. Ticket gate system.

8. Ticket gates and A management server connected to the ticket gate; The ticket gate comprises: a medium reading control unit that reads medium information from a medium held over the device; A face authentication control unit that performs face authentication based on the captured face data of a user; When the medium information is received before the sensor information is received from a first sensor provided in the ticket gate, the face authentication control unit stops the face authentication, an ID specification unit that specifies an identifier (ID) from the medium information; a first communication control unit that transmits the specified ID and receives determination information based on the ID; an output unit that outputs the determination information; when sensor information is received from the first sensor before reading the medium information, the medium reading control unit stops reading the medium information, the ID identification unit identifies an ID associated with the face data, and when passing information is received from a second sensor, the medium reading control unit resumes reading the medium information from the medium; The management server includes: A second communication control unit that receives the ID; a determination unit that outputs a determination result indicating whether or not the user is allowed to pass based on the received ID; and wherein the second communication control unit transmits determination information including the output determination result. Ticket gate system.

9. A method of checking a ticket, which is executed by a processor of a ticket checking machine, comprising: Reading media information from the held-over medium; Carrying out face authentication based on the photographed face data of the user; When the medium information is received before sensor information is received from a first sensor provided in the ticket gate, the face authentication is stopped; restarting the face authentication when passing information is received from a second sensor; identifying an identifier (ID) from the medium information; Transmitting the identified ID; receiving determination information based on the identified ID; outputting the determination information; A ticket gate method comprising:

10. A method of checking a ticket, which is executed by a processor of a ticket checking machine, comprising: Reading media information from the held-over medium; Carrying out face authentication based on the photographed face data of the user; When the medium information is received before sensor information is received from a first sensor provided in the ticket gate, the face authentication is stopped; identifying an identifier (ID) from the medium information; Transmitting the identified ID; receiving determination information based on the identified ID; outputting the determination information; if sensor information is received from the first sensor before reading the medium information, stopping reading the medium information; identifying an ID associated with the facial data; resume reading the media information from the media when passing information is received from a second sensor; A ticket gate method comprising:

11. A ticket examination program for causing a processor of a ticket examination machine to execute the ticket examination method according to claim 9 or 10.

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