Facility Management Device, Facility Management Method, and Computer Program

Abstract

To properly manage a user's check-in to a facility and service use.SOLUTION: A facility management device comprises: first acquisition means to acquire a face image of a user using a facility; registration means to register the user's face image as a check-in processed user's face image, when check-in processing of the facility is executed; second acquisition means to acquire the face image of the user using prescribed services in the facility; and permission means to permit prescribed service use, when it is determined that the user using the prescribed service has been check-in processed, on the basis of collation between the face image of the user using the prescribed service, and the check-in processed user's face image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of a facility management device, a facility management method, and a computer program for managing a user's use of a facility.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of system, there is known one that executes check-in processing using a user's face image. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique is disclosed for confirming whether a guest actually staying at an accommodation facility is the same guest who made the accommodation reservation by collating a live video distributed from a mobile terminal with the face included in the identity certificate image. In Patent Document 2, a technique is disclosed in which qualification information is associated with a face image at the time of check-in at a hotel and registered, and when the captured face image matches the registered face image, use of the facility is permitted.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses that authentication processing using a face image at an airport can be used for security checks at the entrance of a hotel. Patent Document 4 discloses that a face image of a user is acquired at the time of check-in at an accommodation facility.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a lodging facility, it is conceivable to use face authentication for a plurality of authentication processes (for example, check-in process, permission process for entering a guest room, etc.). However, it is not easy to apply face authentication to such separate processes respectively. Specifically, since the authentication conditions required for each of the plurality of authentication processes are different, the processes executed by the system may become complicated.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned patent document, such authentication processes are not assumed.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a facility management device, a facility management method, and a computer program capable of appropriately managing a user's check-in to a facility and use of services.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] One aspect of the facility management device of this disclosure includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a user who uses a facility; a registration means for registering the face image of the user as a face image of a user who has undergone the check-in process when the check-in process of the facility is executed; a second acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a user who uses a predetermined service in the facility; and a permission means for permitting the use of the predetermined service when it is determined that the user who uses the predetermined service has undergone the check-in process based on a comparison between the face image of the user who uses the predetermined service and the face image of the user who has undergone the check-in process.

[0009] One aspect of the facility management method of this disclosure is to obtain a face image of a user who uses a facility by at least one computer, and when the check-in process of the facility is executed, register the face image of the user as the face image of the user who has undergone the check-in process, obtain the face image of the user who uses a predetermined service in the facility, and based on the comparison between the face image of the user who uses the predetermined service and the face image of the user who has undergone the check-in process, if it is determined that the user who uses the predetermined service has undergone the check-in process, permit the use of the predetermined service.

[0010] One aspect of the computer program of this disclosure causes at least one computer to obtain a face image of a user who uses a facility, register the face image of the user as the face image of the user who has undergone the check-in process when the check-in process of the facility is executed, obtain the face image of the user who uses a predetermined service in the facility, and based on the comparison between the face image of the user who uses the predetermined service and the face image of the user who has undergone the check-in process, if it is determined that the user who uses the predetermined service has undergone the check-in process, execute a facility management method that permits the use of the predetermined service.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to each aspect of the facility management device, facility management method, and computer program described above, it is possible to appropriately manage a user's check-in to a facility and service use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of an accommodation facility management system, an accommodation facility management device, an accommodation facility management method, and a computer program will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The accommodation facility management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0015] (System Configuration) First, the specific system configuration of the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the specific configuration of the accommodation facility management system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a check-in terminal 10, a check-in management device 20, a service management device 30, and a reservation information database 40.

[0017] The check-in terminal 10 is a terminal for a user who visits an accommodation facility to perform the check-in procedure, and is provided at a position visible from the reception counter where an employee of the accommodation facility is present (in other words, the check-in counter (manned counter)). The check-in terminal 10 is configured to include, for example, a tablet. The check-in terminal 10 is provided with a camera 110 capable of imaging the face of a user who operates the check-in terminal (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "visiting user"). Note that the camera 110 may be provided on the check-in terminal 10 itself, or may be installed at a position capable of imaging the face of a user who operates the check-in terminal 10. Further, the camera 110 may be configured to be able to image the faces of the visiting user's companions in addition to the visiting user. The check-in terminal 10 further includes a display unit 120 for performing various displays and an operation unit 130 for the visiting user to perform operations. Note that the display unit 120 and the operation unit 130 may be integrally provided, for example, in the form of a touch panel. The face image captured by the camera 110 of the check-in terminal 10 and various information input by the operation unit 130 are configured to be output to the check-in management device 20.

[0018] According to the check-in terminal 10, the check-in process can be automatically executed without the presence of the staff of the accommodation facility. However, as described above, since the check-in terminal 10 is provided at a position visible from the reception counter, the check-in process will be executed in a form compliant with the Hotel Business Act. Note that the check-in terminal 10 is preferably installed at a position close to the reception counter, but may be installed at a position away as long as it does not violate the Hotel Business Act. In this case, the check-in terminal 10 does not necessarily have to be installed at a position visible from the reception counter.

[0019] The check-in management device 20 is a device for managing check-ins at an accommodation facility and is configured, for example, as part of a server owned by the accommodation facility. The check-in management device 20 mainly includes a first face image acquisition unit 210, a check-in processing unit 220, and an authorized user registration unit 230.

[0020] The first face image acquisition unit 210 is configured to be able to acquire a face image of a visiting user from the camera of the check-in terminal 10. The check-in processing unit 220 performs identity verification using the face image of the visiting user (i.e., the face image acquired by the first face image acquisition unit 210) and the face image of the user who has made a hotel reservation (for example, an image pre-stored in the reservation information database 40), and is configured to be able to execute the check-in process of the accommodation facility. When the identity verification by face recognition is successful, the check-in processing unit 220 reads out information (such as name and address) regarding the pre-registered user and executes the check-in process. In addition, at the time of face recognition, for example, feature amounts are extracted from each image to be compared (or the check-in management device 20 receives the feature amounts extracted from the image in the pre-processing executed by a camera or the like), and the identity of the visiting user may be confirmed based on the similarity obtained as the comparison result of the feature amounts of each image. The "feature amount" here is a unique value that can be extracted from a face image, and is, for example, the value of various parameters of the face image (such as the luminance of each pixel) or a value that can be calculated from those various parameters. The similarity of the feature amounts is a value indicating how similar the feature amounts to be compared are, and is calculated, for example, as a score from 0 to 1 (1 being a perfect match). When comparing the feature amounts, the check-in management device 20 may simply associate and store the user's information with the feature amounts of the user's face (in other words, the check-in management device 20 does not necessarily need to store the user's face image). Note that the determination method using the feature amounts of the face image is merely an example, and face recognition using other existing technologies can also be performed (the same applies to the service use permission unit 320 described later). The authorized user registration unit 230 registers the face images of the visiting user (and companions) who have performed the check-in process in the reservation information database 40 as the face images of authorized users who are permitted to use the services provided at the accommodation facility. The face images of the authorized users are registered together with information indicating whether each service that the user can use at the accommodation facility can be used or not.

[0021] The service management device 30 is a device that manages the use of services provided at the accommodation facility (for example, the use of various facilities such as guest rooms), and is provided around the entrance of the facility that provides the service or the area where the usage procedures are performed. Alternatively, the service management device 30 may be provided at a location separate from the facility as a server capable of communicating with terminals provided in each facility that provides the service. In this case, the service management device 30 may be configured as a device that manages the use of multiple types of services in the accommodation facility. The service management device 30 mainly includes a second face image acquisition unit 310 and a service use permission unit 320 as its main components.

[0022] The second face image acquisition unit 310 is configured to be able to acquire a face image of a user who is about to use the service (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "specific user") from a camera installed near the entrance of each facility providing the service. The service use permission unit 320 is configured to compare the face image of the specific user (i.e., the face image acquired by the second face image acquisition unit 310) with the face image of the permitted user (i.e., the face image registered by the permitted user registration unit 230) to permit the use of the service. The service use permission unit 320 extracts feature amounts from each image to be compared (or receives the feature amounts extracted from the image by preprocessing executed by a camera or the like), and determines whether the persons in the face images are the same based on the similarity obtained as a comparison result of the feature amounts of each image. For permitted users (i.e., users whose service use is permitted), they may be managed, for example, by a "permission flag" added to the user information. Specifically, when the check-in process is executed in the check-in processing unit 220, the permission flag of the service that the user can use (for example, the room to stay in, etc.) is set (for example, changed from "0" to "1"). In this way, it becomes possible to easily determine whether a user is a user whose service use may be permitted by using the permission flag. In this case, for example, it is also possible to determine whether to permit the use of the service based on whether the permission flag of the user determined to be the same person by the similarity is set. Specific modes of permitting the use of the service include, for example, unlocking the door of the facility entrance, notifying the facility staff, and executing the entry procedure by the system (in other words, granting the user the qualification to use the facility).

[0023] The reservation information database 40 is a storage device capable of communicating with the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30, and is configured to be able to associate and store a face image of a user (in addition to or instead of this, feature amounts of the face image) and information regarding accommodation reservation information. Note that the face image of the user is stored, for example, when the user reserves an accommodation facility. For example, when the user performs a reservation procedure via the Internet using the user's terminal, the user may upload the face images of the accommodation guests (including companions), and the reservation information database 40 may store them. Note that when the user performs a reservation procedure, a configuration in which face images are registered at the accommodation facility without uploading the face images may be used in combination. Further, the reservation information database 40 may associate the face image of the user who has executed the check-in process and information indicating whether or not the use of the service is permitted, and store it as the face image of the permitted user. The face images stored in the reservation information database 40 are configured to be readable and updatable by the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30. Note that the reservation information database 40 may be configured as an external storage device of the system (for example, an external server, a database, the cloud, etc.). In this case, the reservation information database 40 may be configured to have at least partially a function of performing face authentication (that is, collation of face images) in the check-in management device 20 or the service management device 30. The accommodation reservation information is configured to include at least one of a reservation number, a member ID, the name of the accommodation guest, the gender of the accommodation guest, the accommodation date, the number of accommodation guests, the accommodation fee, the reserved room number, and the user's email address.

[0024] (Hardware Configuration) Next, the hardware configuration of the accommodation facility management system according to the first embodiment (particularly, the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30) will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the accommodation facility management system according to the first embodiment.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30 included in the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the first embodiment include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a storage device 14, an input device 15, and an output device 16. The CPU 11, the RAM 12, the ROM 13, the storage device 14, the input device 15, and the output device 16 are connected via a data bus 17.

[0026] The CPU 11 reads a computer program. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in at least one of the RAM 12, the ROM 13, and the storage device 14. For example, the CPU 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown). The CPU 11 may obtain (i.e., read) a computer program from a device (not shown) disposed outside the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30 via a network interface. By executing the read computer program, the CPU 11 controls the RAM 12, the storage device 14, the input device 15, and the output device 16. In particular, in this embodiment, when the CPU 11 executes the read computer program, function blocks for managing check-in or managing service use are realized in the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 can function as a controller for executing check-in or service use management.

[0027] The RAM 12 temporarily stores the computer program executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 12 temporarily stores data temporarily used by the CPU 11 when the CPU 11 is executing a computer program. The RAM 12 may be, for example, a D-RAM (Dynamic RAM).

[0028] The ROM 13 stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 11. The ROM 13 may also store other fixed data. The ROM 13 may be, for example, a P-ROM (Programmable ROM).

[0029] The storage device 14 stores the data that the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30 store in the long term. The storage device 14 may operate as a temporary storage device of the CPU 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0030] The input device 15 is a device that receives input instructions from the users of the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0031] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information regarding the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device capable of displaying information regarding the check-in management device 20 and the service management device 30.

[0032] (Overview of Operations) Next, the overview of the operations realized by the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following, as an example of the services permitted by the accommodation facility management system 1, the use of a guest room will be described.

[0033] When a user visits an accommodation facility, the check-in management device 20 compares the face image of the visiting user acquired by the check-in terminal 10 with the face image of the user registered at the time of hotel reservation through face authentication. Specifically, the check-in management device 20 compares the face image of the visiting user with the face image of the user registered at the time of hotel reservation to determine whether the user is the same person. If the check-in management device 20 can confirm that the user is the same person, it executes the check-in process for the user. In this case, the face image of the user who has executed the check-in process may be registered as the face image of an authorized user who can use the services at the accommodation facility.

[0034] The case where the user has not uploaded the face image of the guest in advance will be explained. The check-in management device 20 conducts a comparison between the face image of the visiting user acquired by the check-in terminal 10 and the face image stored in the database, and determines that the user cannot be identified. When the check-in management device 20 cannot identify the user, it outputs a message to the user (displays on the display of the check-in terminal 10 a screen indicating that face authentication has failed and a screen for entering the reservation number or reservation code (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode, etc.) or provides voice) to input the reservation number or reservation code via the check-in terminal 10. When the user inputs the reservation number or reservation code, the check-in terminal 10 notifies the check-in management device 20, and the check-in management device 20 executes the check-in process for the user corresponding to the reservation number or reservation code. When the check-in is completed, the check-in management device 20 displays a message to that effect via the check-in terminal 10 and also displays whether the face image of the user who has executed the check-in process can be registered. If the user selects to register the face, the check-in management device 20 registers the user's face image as the face image of an authorized user who can use the services at the accommodation facility.

[0035] After that, when the user attempts to enter the guest room (i.e., the room assigned at check-in), the service management device 30 compares the face image of the user attempting to enter with the face image of the user registered as the occupant of that guest room (i.e., the face image of the authorized user). Then, when it can be confirmed that the face image of the user attempting to enter and the face image of the authorized user are the same person by comparison, the door of the guest room is unlocked. Note that the service management device 30 may be configured to allow entry to various facilities within the hotel (for example, facilities targeted only at hotel guests) in addition to the guest rooms.

[0036] (Operation of Check-in Management Device) Next, the flow of the process executed by the check-in management device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the check-in management device according to the first embodiment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the check-in management device 20 first determines whether the presence of a user attempting to perform a check-in procedure at the hotel has been detected (step S101). The presence of such a user may be detected, for example, by various sensors installed in the check-in terminal 10, or may be detected when a predetermined operation is performed on the check-in terminal 10. If the presence of the user has not been detected (step S101: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted and the series of processing ends. In this case, the processing of step S101 is executed again after a predetermined period.

[0038] When the presence of the user has been detected (step S101: YES), a face image of the user is captured by the camera 110 installed in or around the check-in terminal 10, and the first face image acquisition unit 210 acquires the face image (step S102). Note that when the face image of the user cannot be acquired normally (in other words, when a face image that can be used for face authentication cannot be acquired), an instruction to direct the face towards the camera or an instruction to expose the face (for example, to remove sunglasses or a mask) may be output to the user.

[0039] Subsequently, the check-in processing unit 220 collates the captured face image of the visiting user with the registered face image of the user to determine whether they are the same person (step S103).

[0040] If it is determined that the face image of the visiting user and the registered face image of the user are the same person through the collation (step S103: YES), the check-in processing unit 220 executes the check-in processing for the user (step S104). At this time, a message indicating that the check-in processing has been executed may be displayed on the display unit 120 to the user. Thereafter, the authorized user registration unit 230 registers the face image of the visiting user who has checked in in the reservation information database 40 as the face image of an authorized user who can use the services provided by the accommodation facility (step S105). Alternatively, the check-in processing unit 220 may associate information regarding permission to use the service with the face image already stored in the reservation information database 40 by the user registering at the time of reservation, and register it in the reservation information database 40.

[0041] On the other hand, if it is determined that the face image of the visiting user and the registered face image of the user are not the same person through the collation (step S103: NO), the check-in terminal 10 accepts the input of reservation information (step S106). In this case, a message prompting the input of reservation information or the like is displayed on the check-in terminal 10. The reservation information is information for determining whether the user has reserved an accommodation facility, and examples include a reservation number and a reservation code. Subsequently, the check-in processing unit 220 determines whether the visiting user has reserved an accommodation facility using the received reservation information (step S107). If it is determined that the visiting user has not reserved an accommodation facility (step S107: NO), the subsequent processing will be omitted.

[0042] When it is determined that the visiting user has reserved the accommodation facility (step S107), the check-in processing unit 220 executes the check-in process for the user (step S108). Then, the check-in processing unit 220 confirms whether face registration is possible for the visiting user (step S109). Specifically, for example, a message asking whether face registration is possible is displayed on the check-in terminal 10 to allow the user to make a selection. Here, when the visiting user permits face registration (step S109: YES), the camera 110 captures a face image of the visiting user (step S110). Then, the authorized user registration unit 230 registers the captured face image of the visiting user in the reservation information database 40 as the face image of an authorized user who can use the services provided at the accommodation facility (step S105). Note that when the visiting user does not permit face registration (step S109: NO), face registration of the authorized user is not performed. In this case, the user who has checked in will use the services provided at the accommodation facility by means other than face authentication.

[0043] As described above, the check-in management device 20 executes the check-in process for the user who has been confirmed to have a reservation, and registers the face image of the user who has checked in as the face image of an authorized user. However, when the user has completed the hotel check-out procedure or when the service usage period has ended, the registration as an authorized user in step S105 may be cancelled.

[0044] (Operation of the Service Management Device) Next, the flow of the process executed by the service management device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the facility usage management device according to the first embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the service management device 30 first determines whether the presence of a user who intends to use the services provided at the accommodation facility has been detected (step S201). The presence of such a user may be detected by various sensors installed around the entrance of the facility where the service is provided, or may be detected when the user performs a predetermined operation on a terminal installed around the entrance of the facility (or a terminal owned by the user himself / herself). If the presence of the user has not been detected (step S201: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted and the series of processing ends. In this case, the processing of step S201 is executed again after a predetermined period.

[0046] If the presence of the user has been detected (step S201: YES), a face image of the user is captured by a camera installed around the entrance of the facility where the service is provided, and the second face image acquisition unit 310 acquires the face image (step S202). If the face image of the user cannot be acquired normally (in other words, if a face image that can be used for face authentication cannot be acquired), an instruction to direct the face towards the camera or an instruction to expose the face (for example, to remove sunglasses or a mask) may be output to the user.

[0047] Subsequently, the service use permission unit 320 reads out the face image of the user for whom the use of the service should be permitted (that is, the face image of the permitted user) from the reservation information database 40 (step S203). Specifically, if the service is the use of a guest room, the face image of the user assigned to that room is read out, and if the service is the use of a facility that can be used by any occupant, the face images of all occupants are read out.

[0048] Thereafter, the service use permission unit 320 collates the captured face image of the user with the face image of the permitted user, and determines whether they are of the same person (step S204).

[0049] When it is determined that the captured face image of the user and the face image of the authorized user are of the same person (step S204: YES), the service usage permission unit 320 permits the user to use the service (step S205). For example, the service usage permission unit 320 unlocks the door lock of the facility where the service is provided to permit entry into the facility. At this time, a display indicating that the door lock of the facility has been unlocked may be made on a terminal near the facility entrance.

[0050] On the other hand, when it is determined that the captured face image of the user and the face image of the authorized user are not of the same person (step S204: NO), the process of step S205 described above is not executed. That is, the user is not permitted to use the service. In addition, when it can be determined that the user has a misunderstanding regarding the service to be used (for example, confusing their own guest room with another guest room) (specifically, when the check-in process has been executed but the user is not assigned to that room), a display may be made to inform the user that they have misunderstood the service to be used.

[0051] (Technical Effect) Next, the technical effect obtained by the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, according to the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the first embodiment, the check-in of the accommodation facility and the use of the services provided at the accommodation facility can be appropriately managed by face authentication. Specifically, since the face authentication at the time of executing the check-in process and the face authentication at the time of permitting the use of the service are executed using the common face image stored in the reservation information database 40, face authentication can be performed efficiently. In addition, since it is not necessary to register different face images for the two different types of authentication processes, the labor on the accommodation facility management side and the user side can be reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, when permitting the use of the service, face authentication can be performed only on the users who have checked in at the accommodation facility (in other words, the number of face images to be verified can be limited), so that more accurate face authentication can be achieved. Taking advantage of the fact that the face images permitting the use of the service can be limited, the threshold value used for face authentication when permitting the use of the service may be set to a higher value than the threshold value used for face authentication at check-in. Here, the "threshold value" is set for the parameters used for face authentication determination (for example, similarity obtained as a comparison result of face images, etc.). When the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that the face authentication is successful, and when it is below the threshold value, it is determined that the face authentication has failed. Therefore, the higher the threshold value, the less likely it is to be determined that the persons are the same, and the accuracy of face authentication is improved. If the threshold value for permitting the use of the service is relatively high, in the face authentication when permitting the use of the service with a relatively small number of face images to be verified, it is possible to avoid a situation where users who should not be permitted are allowed to use the facility. On the other hand, since the threshold value for face authentication at check-in is relatively low, in the face authentication at check-in with a relatively large number of face images to be verified, it is possible to avoid a situation where the check-in process is not executed even though the face image is normally registered. Conversely, the threshold value used for face authentication at check-in may be set to a higher value than the threshold value used for face authentication when permitting the use of the service. In this case, it is possible to avoid the execution of incorrect check-in processing. On the other hand, when permitting the use of the service, the users to be authenticated are narrowed down (that is, only the users who have checked in need to be authenticated), so that the authentication accuracy does not significantly decrease even when a relatively low threshold value is used.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> Next, the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the second embodiment is only different in some configurations and operations compared to the first embodiment described above, and the other parts are generally the same. Therefore, in the following, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] (System Configuration) First, the specific system configuration of the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the specific configuration of the accommodation facility management system according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, in the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), the check-in management device 20 includes a gender information acquisition unit 215.

[0057] The gender information acquisition unit 215 is configured to be able to acquire the gender information of the visiting user. The gender information of the visiting user is input by the user via, for example, the operation unit 130 of the check-in terminal 10. Alternatively, the gender may be automatically determined and acquired from an image captured by the camera 110 of the check-in terminal 10. Further, when the identification of the visiting user in the check-in processing unit 220 is successful, the gender information may be acquired from the pre-registered user information (that is, the user information registered at the time of reservation).

[0058] The gender information acquisition unit 215 associates the acquired gender information with the face image of the authorized user and registers it in the reservation information database 40. The registered gender information is used when the service management device 30 determines whether service use is permitted. The specific usage method of the gender information will be described in detail below.

[0059] (Operation of Service Management Device) Next, the processing flow executed by the check-in management device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the facility use management device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5, when the service management device 30 according to the second embodiment operates, the processes from step S201 to S204 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment already described. That is, face authentication is performed using the face image of the specific user who intends to use the service and the face image of the permitted user. If it is determined that the face image of the specific user and the face image of the permitted user are not of the same person (step S204: NO), the subsequent processes are omitted and a series of operations ends. In this case, there is no difference in operation from the first embodiment.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the face image of the specific user and the face image of the permitted user are of the same person (step S204: YES), the service usage permission unit 320 determines whether the gender information of the permitted user matches the service usage conditions (step S301). And when it is determined that the gender information of the permitted user matches the service usage conditions (step S301: YES), the service usage permission unit 320 permits the user to use the service (step S205).

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined that the gender information of the permitted user does not match the service usage conditions (step S301: NO), the process of step S205 is not executed. That is, the user is not permitted to use the service.

[0063] (Technical Effect) Next, the technical effect obtained by the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0064] As described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, according to the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the second embodiment, when face authentication using the face image of a specific user and the face image of a permitted user is successful and the gender information matches the service usage conditions, the use of the service is permitted. In other words, even if it can be determined that the specific user who intends to use the service is the same person as the permitted user, if the gender information does not match the service usage conditions, the use of the service is not permitted.

[0065] For example, in a large bath or the like in a lodging facility, the available bathrooms differ depending on the gender of the user. Thus, conditions regarding gender may be set for the services provided by the lodging facility. In the lodging facility management system 1 according to the second embodiment, when providing such a service, in addition to face authentication, gender information is used to determine whether use is permitted. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether a service can be used.

[0066] Also, instead of or in addition to gender, the configuration may be such that entry to a specific facility is restricted by using the age information of the user. Specifically, the service use permission unit 320 determines whether the age information of the permitted user matches the service use conditions. For example, when a user enters a facility where alcohol is provided within the lodging facility, the service use permission unit 320 determines whether the age of the permitted user is 20 years or older based on the age information of the permitted user. When it is determined that the age information of the permitted user matches the service use conditions (the age of the permitted user is 20 years or older), the service use permission unit 320 permits the user to use the service.

[0067] <Third Embodiment> Next, the lodging facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that the third embodiment only differs in some configurations and operations compared to the first and second embodiments described above, and the other parts are generally the same. For this reason, in the following, the parts different from the first and second embodiments will be described in detail, and the description of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] (System Configuration) First, the specific system configuration of the lodging facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the specific configuration of the lodging facility management system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 7, in the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see Fig. 1), the check-in terminal 10 is provided with a card key issuing unit 140. Further, the check-in management device 20 is provided with an issuance quantity limiting unit 240, and the service management device 30 is provided with a card information acquisition unit 315.

[0070] The card key issuing unit 140 issues a card key (for example, a card key for unlocking the door of a guest room) for a visiting user who has executed the check-in process to use the services provided at the accommodation facility. The card key issuing unit 140 may newly issue a card key each time, or may rewrite the information stored in the card key.

[0071] The issuance quantity limiting unit 240 is configured to be able to limit the number of card keys issued by the card key issuing unit 140 in units of groups (specifically, a group of multiple persons who execute the check-in process together). Usually, the number of card keys issued is equal to the number of persons included in the group, but when the issuance quantity limiting unit 240 limits the issuance quantity, it becomes less than the number of persons included in the group. The specific limiting method by the issuance quantity limiting unit 240 will be described in detail later.

[0072] The card information acquisition unit 315 is configured to be able to acquire information on the card key (specifically, information regarding the eligibility to use the service) held by a specific user who intends to use the service from a card reader provided near the entrance of the facility providing the service. The information on the card key acquired by the card information acquisition unit 315 is output to the service use permission unit 320.

[0073] Note that the service use permission unit 320 according to the third embodiment is configured to be able to determine whether to permit the use of a service based on the information of a card key instead of face authentication. Specifically, when the information permitting the use of the service is included in the information of the card key, the service use permission unit 320 permits the use of the service without performing face authentication (that is, without collating the face image of a specific user with the face image of an authorized user). Whether to use face authentication or a card key for service use can be selected by the user. For example, after performing the check-in process, the user uses the check-in terminal 10 to select whether to use face authentication (face key) or card key authentication.

[0074] (Issuance Quantity Limitation Process) Next, the card key issuance quantity limitation process (specifically, the process executed by the issuance quantity limitation unit 240) executed by the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card key issuance quantity limitation process by the accommodation facility management system according to the third embodiment.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, in the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment, after the check-in process, the issuance quantity limitation unit 240 acquires the number of people in the group that has executed the check-in process (that is, the number of visiting users who have executed the check-in process and their companions) (step S301). The number of people in the group is acquired from, for example, reservation information.

[0076] Subsequently, the issuance quantity restriction unit 240 determines whether or not there is a user in the group who wishes to use face authentication for service use (step S302). If there is no user who wishes to use face authentication (step S302: NO), subsequent processing is omitted and a series of operations ends. Thus, when there is no user who wishes to use face authentication, it can be determined that all users in the group use card key authentication, and thus the issuance of card keys is not restricted. On the other hand, when there is a user who wishes to use face authentication (step S302: YES), the issuance quantity restriction unit 240 obtains the number of users in the group who use face authentication (step S303).

[0077] After obtaining the number of users who use face authentication, the issuance quantity restriction unit 240 calculates the upper limit of the number of card keys to be issued (step S304). The upper limit of the number of card keys to be issued is calculated, for example, as the number of people in the group minus the number of users who use face authentication (that is, the number of users who use card key authentication). Then, the issuance quantity restriction unit 240 sets the value obtained as the calculation result as the upper limit of the number of card keys to be issued by the card key issuance unit 140 (step S305).

[0078] As a result of the above processing, for this group, the number of card keys issued exceeding the issuance quantity upper limit will not be issued. For example, when a group of 4 people stays at an accommodation facility, if 2 of them select face authentication, then only the remaining 2 people use card key authentication. In this case, the card key issuance unit 140 can issue only 2 card keys. Or, if 3 out of 4 people in the group select face authentication, then only the remaining 1 person uses card key authentication. In this case, the card key issuance unit 140 can issue only 1 card key. Also, if all 4 people in the group select face authentication, then the number of users who use card key authentication becomes 0. In this case, the card key issuance unit 140 cannot issue any card keys at all.

[0079] (Technical Effect) Next, the technical effects obtained by the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0080] As described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, according to the accommodation facility management system 1 according to the third embodiment, the number of issued card keys is restricted according to the number of people who wish to use face authentication for service use. That is, it is determined that there is no need to issue a card key to a user who uses face authentication, and the number of issued card keys is restricted to be less than usual. By doing so, it is possible to prevent unnecessary card keys from being issued.

[0081] <Supplementary Note> Regarding the embodiments described above, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 1) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 1 includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a visiting user who uses a check-in terminal installed at a position visible from the reception counter of the accommodation facility; an execution means for identifying the visiting user based on the face image of the visiting user and executing the check-in process of the visiting user; a second acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a specific user who uses the service; and a permission means for permitting the use of the service when the check-in process of the specific user identified based on the face image of the specific user is completed. The accommodation facility management system is characterized by this.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 2) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 2 is the accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that the execution means acquires pre-registered information of the identified visiting user and executes the check-in process based on the pre-registered information.

[0084] (Supplementary Note 3) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 3 further includes registration means for registering the face image of the visiting user who has executed the check-in process as the face image of an authorized user who can use the services provided at the accommodation facility. The authorization means uses face authentication with the face image of the specific user and the face image of the authorized user, and when it is determined that the specific user is the authorized user, permits the use of the service. The accommodation facility management system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, characterized in that.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 4) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 4 is characterized in that the registration means registers, in addition to the face image of the visiting user, the face image of a companion of the visiting user as the face image of the authorized user. The accommodation facility management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 5) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 5 is characterized in that the registration means registers, in addition to the face image of the authorized user, the gender information of the authorized user. The authorization means permits the use of the service when it is determined that the specific user is the authorized user and the gender information of the authorized user matches the service usage conditions. The accommodation facility management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 6) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 6 further includes issuing means for issuing a card key to the user who has executed the check-in process. The authorization means permits the use of the service when the card key is authenticated. The issuing means restricts the number of issued card keys to be less than the number of people in the group when there are both users who use face authentication and users who use authentication with the card key within the group that performs the check-in process. The accommodation facility management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 7) The accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 7 is the accommodation facility management system described in Supplementary Note 6, characterized in that the issuing means restricts the number of issued card keys so that the number obtained by subtracting the number of users using the face authentication from the number of people in the group becomes the upper limit.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 8) The accommodation facility management device described in Supplementary Note 8 includes an access user image acquisition means for acquiring a face image of an access user who uses a check-in terminal installed at a position visible from the reception counter of the accommodation facility, an execution means for identifying the access user based on the face image of the access user and executing the check-in process of the access user, and a registration means for registering the face image of the access user who has executed the check-in process as the face image of an authorized user who can use the services provided at the accommodation facility.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 9) The accommodation facility management device described in Supplementary Note 9 includes an authorized user image acquisition means for acquiring a face image of an authorized user who can use the services provided at the accommodation facility, which is a face image of an access user who uses a check-in terminal installed at a position visible from the reception counter of the accommodation facility, a specific user image acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a specific user who uses the service, and an authorization means for authorizing the use of the service when it is determined that the specific user is the authorized user by face authentication using the face image of the specific user and the face image of the authorized user.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 10) The accommodation facility management method described in Supplementary Note 10 acquires a face image of a visiting user using a check-in terminal installed at a position visible from the reception counter of the accommodation facility, identifies the visiting user based on the face image of the visiting user, executes the check-in process of the visiting user, acquires a face image of a specific user who uses the service, and permits the use of the service when the check-in process of the specific user identified based on the face image of the specific user is completed. This is an accommodation facility management method characterized by the above.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 11) The computer program described in Supplementary Note 11 causes a computer to operate so as to acquire a face image of a visiting user using a check-in terminal installed at a position visible from the reception counter of the accommodation facility, identify the visiting user based on the face image of the visiting user, execute the check-in process of the visiting user, acquire a face image of a specific user who uses the service, and permit the use of the service when the check-in process of the specific user identified based on the face image of the specific user is completed. This is a computer program characterized by the above.

[0093] (Supplementary Note 12) The recording medium described in Supplementary Note 12 is a recording medium characterized by having recorded the computer program described in Supplementary Note 10.

[0094] This disclosure can be appropriately changed within a range not contrary to the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a facility management system, a facility management device, a facility management method, and a computer program involving such changes are also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 1 Accommodation facility management system 10 Check-in terminal 20 Check-in management device 30 Service management device 40 Reservation information database 110 Camera 120 Display unit 130 Operation unit 140 Card key issuing unit 210 First face image acquisition unit 215 Gender information acquisition unit 220 Check-in processing unit 230 Authorized user registration unit 240 Issuance quantity limitation unit 310 Second face image acquisition unit 315 Card information acquisition unit 320 Service usage permission unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a user who uses the facility; an execution means for identifying the user by face authentication using a facial image of the user and a pre-stored image, acquiring pre-registration information of the identified user, and executing a check-in process for the facility based on the pre-registration information; a registration means for registering a face image of the user as a face image of the user who has been checked in when the check-in process is executed; A second acquisition means for acquiring a face image of a user who uses a predetermined service in the facility; a permission means for permitting the use of the predetermined service when it is determined that the user who uses the predetermined service has been checked in based on a comparison between a face image of the user who uses the predetermined service and a face image of the user who has been checked in; Equipped with The execution means performs a check-in process for an unidentifiable user who cannot be identified by the face authentication using a reservation number or a reservation code, and outputs information to the unidentifiable user who has completed the check-in process, to confirm whether or not a face image can be registered; The registration means registers a face image of the unidentified user as a face image of the user who has been checked in when the unidentified user answers that a face image can be registered. Facility management equipment.

2. The facility management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the registration means registers, in addition to the facial image of the user who performed the check-in process, a facial image of the accompanying person of the user who performed the check-in process as the facial image of the user who was checked in.

3. The registration means registers gender information of the checked-in user in addition to a facial image of the checked-in user, The permission means permits the use of the service when it is determined that the user who uses the service has been checked in and the gender information of the checked-in user matches a condition for using the service.

3. The facility management device according to claim 1, wherein the facility management device is a device for managing a facility.

4. The registration means registers age information of the user who has been checked in in addition to a facial image of the user who has been checked in, The permission means permits the use of the service when it is determined that the user who uses the service has been checked in and when age information of the checked-in user matches a condition for using the service. The facility management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The apparatus further includes an issuing unit for issuing a card key to the user who has been checked in, the permission means permits use of the service when the card key is authenticated; The issuing means limits the number of issued card keys to be less than the number of people in the group when the group performing the check-in process includes a mixture of users who use a comparison between a face image of a user who uses the predetermined service and a face image of a user who has been checked in, and users who use authentication by the card key. The facility management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The facility management device according to claim 5, characterized in that the issuing means limits the number of card keys to be issued to an upper limit equal to the number of people in the group minus the number of users who use the specified service by comparing their facial images with the facial images of users who have been checked in.

7. The facility management device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the issuing means outputs information to the checked-in user to allow the user to select whether to use the card key or a comparison between a facial image of the user using the specified service and the facial image of the checked-in user when using the service, and issues the card key when use of the card key is selected.

8. The facility management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the specified services include at least one of services provided in guest rooms, various facilities, large public baths, and locations where alcohol is served.

9. by at least one computer, Acquire a facial image of a user who uses the facility, identifying the user through face authentication using a facial image of the user and a pre-stored image, acquiring pre-registration information of the identified user, and executing a check-in process for the facility based on the pre-registration information; When the check-in process is executed, a facial image of the user is registered as a facial image of the user who has been checked in; Acquire a face image of a user who uses a predetermined service in the facility; permitting the use of the specified service when it is determined that the user who uses the specified service has been checked in based on a comparison between a face image of the user who uses the specified service and a face image of the user who has been checked in; When executing the check-in process, a check-in process is performed for an unidentifiable user who cannot be identified by the face authentication using a reservation number or a reservation code, and information is output to the unidentifiable user who has completed the check-in process, to confirm whether or not a face image can be registered; When the unidentifiable user answers that a face image can be registered, the face image of the unidentifiable user is registered as a face image of the user who has been checked in. Facility management methods.

10. At least one computer Acquire a facial image of a user who uses the facility, identifying the user through face authentication using a facial image of the user and a pre-stored image, acquiring pre-registration information of the identified user, and executing a check-in process for the facility based on the pre-registration information; When the check-in process is executed, a facial image of the user is registered as a facial image of the user who has been checked in; Acquire a face image of a user who uses a predetermined service in the facility; permitting the use of the specified service when it is determined that the user who uses the specified service has been checked in based on a comparison between a face image of the user who uses the specified service and a face image of the user who has been checked in; When executing the check-in process, a check-in process is performed for an unidentifiable user who cannot be identified by the face authentication using a reservation number or a reservation code, and information is output to the unidentifiable user who has completed the check-in process, to confirm whether or not a face image can be registered; When the unidentifiable user answers that a face image can be registered, the face image of the unidentifiable user is registered as a face image of the user who has been checked in. A computer program for executing a facility management method.

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