Ticket gate, ticket gate system, and program

Abstract

To provide a ticket examination machine enabling smooth retry processing.SOLUTION: A ticket examination machine includes a medium processing unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The medium processing unit reads medium identification information from an information storage medium and writes writing information in the information storage medium which is a reading source of the medium identification information. The storage unit stores the medium identification information. The control unit gives an instruction for writing write information. The control unit instructs the information storage medium, which is the reading source of first medium identification information, to write the write information in accordance with a first processing result related to first medium determination processing based on first medium identification information read from the information storage medium and first biological authentication processing based on the collation of first acquired biological information acquired in response to the reading of the first medium identification information with first registered biological information registered corresponding to the first medium identification information. The control unit instructs the information storage medium, which is the reading source of the first medium identification information, to write the write information if the first medium identification information is read after the detection of unfinished writing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A ticket gate installed at a station of a transportation facility reads information on an IC card touched to a reader / writer and executes passage control according to an IC determination result based on the read information. In recent years, various technical proposals have been made for a ticket gate that uses a face authentication determination result in addition to the IC determination result. A ticket gate that uses a face authentication determination result includes a camera installed facing a user entering a ticket gate passage, and in addition to the IC determination result, executes passage control according to a face authentication determination based on face image information captured by the camera.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The ticket gate writes passing information and the like to an IC card presented by the user according to each determination result. If the IC card goes out of the communication range of the reader / writer before the writing of information to the IC card by the reader / writer is completed, the IC writing remains unfinished. The ticket gate outputs an alert or the like in response to the occurrence of unfinished IC writing, prompts the user to re-touch the IC card, and the user re-touches the IC card to the reader / writer. The ticket gate executes a retry process corresponding to the occurrence of unfinished IC writing triggered by the re-touch of the IC card.

[0005] However, when users touch their IC cards again, they may turn around or take other similar positions within the ticket gate area. Since the cameras for facial recognition are installed to capture the faces of users facing the direction of travel, if a user turns their back to the camera, the camera will not be able to capture the user's face, and proper facial recognition will not be possible.

[0006] Ticket gates are required to process tickets smoothly in a variety of anticipated scenarios. There is a demand to make the retry process, as described above, as smooth as possible to avoid exacerbating congestion at ticket gates.

[0007] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, and a program that enable smooth retry processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The ticket gate of this embodiment includes a media processing unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The media processing unit reads media identification information from an information storage medium and writes write information to the information storage medium from which the media identification information was read. The storage unit stores the media identification information. The control unit, in accordance with the first processing result relating to a first media determination process based on first media identification information read from an information storage medium, and a first biometric authentication process based on a comparison between first acquired biometric information obtained in response to reading the first media identification information and first registered biometric information registered in response to the first media identification information, instructs the information storage medium from which the first media identification information was read to write write information; if the first media identification information is read after detection of incomplete writing, instructs the information storage medium from which the first media identification information was read to write write information; if second media identification information different from the first media identification information is read after detection of incomplete writing, instructs the information storage medium from which the second media identification information was read to write write information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ticket gate according to an embodiment of this system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a ticket gate according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a user database stored in a ticket gate or management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The ticket gate system, consisting of ticket gates and a management server, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same number will be assumed to perform the same operation, and therefore repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ticket gate according to an embodiment of this system.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, a ticket gate 1 is provided in the passageway through which users pass. The ticket gate 1 comprises a ticket gate body 10 fixed to the floor, a partition 17 provided on the ticket gate body 10 on the side opposite to the passageway, and a block body 18 that forms a passageway between the ticket gate body 10 and the partition 18.

[0013] Here, the direction along the passageway is defined as the front-to-back direction, with the front of the ticket gate body 10 shown in Figure 1 being the rear and the back being the front. The direction of separation between the ticket gate body 10 and the block body 18 is defined as the left-to-right direction, with the ticket gate body 10 positioned on the right side of the passageway and the block body 18 positioned on the left side. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the front side is the entrance side of the passageway, and the back side is the exit side of the passageway. The direction from the entrance side to the exit side is defined as the direction of travel.

[0014] To accommodate the case where users pass through a common passage from the back to the front in Figure 1, it is preferable that the block body 18 is formed with the same configuration as the ticket gate body 10. In this case, the block body 18 as the ticket gate body 10 is oriented in the reverse direction of the ticket gate body 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0015] The ticket gate 1 includes a ticket insertion section 19, a ticket ejection section 20, a media processing section 14 for reading and writing to an information storage medium (hereinafter referred to as an IC card), a display section 21, a storage cover 22 for housing a camera, a camera 16 for photographing the user's face, and a gate 24. The ticket insertion section 19, ticket ejection section 20, media processing section 14, display section 21, camera 16, and gate 24 are provided on the ticket gate body 10. The storage cover 22 is part of the ticket gate body 10 and is part of a cover that covers the various components of the ticket gate body 10.

[0016] In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the ticket gate body 10 has a ticket insertion section 19 at one end of the top surface 23 (the entrance side) for inserting tickets, such as magnetic tickets, and a ticket ejection section 20 at the other end of the top surface 23 (the exit side) in front of the display section 21 for ejecting tickets processed by the magnetic ticket processing section inside the ticket gate body 10. Furthermore, a storage cover 22 and a camera 16 are provided behind the display section 21. The ticket insertion section 19 and the ticket ejection section 20 are designed to make it easy for users to insert tickets. For example, the ticket insertion section 19 is installed at a height that makes it easy for users of average height to insert tickets.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the camera 16 is covered by a storage cover 22 so that it cannot be directly seen by the user. The storage cover 22 is made of plastic or resin. In addition, the storage cover 22 has an opening so that the camera 16 can photograph the user's face. The opening is covered with a filter. Although Figure 1 shows an example where the opening is covered with a filter, the opening does not have to be covered with a filter. In other words, the camera 16 may be installed in a way that allows the user to directly see the camera 16. Although the configuration example shown in Figure 1 shows an example where a filter is provided, a filter does not have to be provided. The filter should be one that prevents the camera 16 from being directly seen by the user while still allowing the camera 16 to photograph the user's face.

[0018] The media processing unit 14 includes a reader / writer for processing IC cards. The reader / writer is composed of an antenna and a transmission / reception circuit for radio wave transmission and reception, etc., and one end (the end on the entrance side) of the upper surface portion 23 of the ticket gate 1 is within the communication range. The media processing unit 14 also includes a QR reader for reading QR codes (registered trademarks) and a barcode reader for reading barcodes.

[0019] For example, when a user attempting to pass through the passage of the ticket gate 1 holds an IC card over a predetermined communication area of the reader / writer of the media processing unit 14, the ticket gate 1 captures the IC card held by the user and reads the information recorded on the IC card. The ticket gate 1 determines whether the user can pass based on the information read from the IC card. Then, the ticket gate 1 controls the passage of the user based on the determination result and writes various information as the result of the ticket checking process to the IC card.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the media processing unit 14 is installed inclined so that the height from the floor surface to the upper surface portion 23 increases from the end on the entrance side toward the central portion to make it easier for the user to hold the IC card. Here, the approximate middle from the end on the entrance side to the end on the exit side is referred to as the central portion.

[0021] A display unit 21 for guiding users or staff, etc. is provided at the end on the exit side of the upper surface portion 23 forming the ticket gate main body 10. The display unit 21 is composed of, for example, a display device using liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc. The display unit 21 displays a guidance screen for guiding the result of the ticket checking process for users passing through the passage. For example, the display unit 21 displays the remaining balance charged to the IC card after the ticket checking process. The display unit 21 may be provided at a position where the user can confirm the display content. For example, it may be provided at the central portion of the upper surface portion 23 of the ticket gate 1 or adjacent to the media processing unit 14.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the height of the upper surface 23 from the floor surface has a slope that increases from the center of the ticket gate body 10 towards the exit side. Since the display unit 21 is positioned on this sloped upper surface 23, users can easily see the display unit 21.

[0023] Camera 16 is installed to ensure a shooting range that allows it to capture the faces of users passing through the passageway in the direction of travel. When a user enters the ticket gate 1, camera 16 detects the user's face and captures a photograph of the user's face. The ticket gate 1 then acquires face image data from the captured image frame through face detection. The ticket gate 1 or the management server 30, which can communicate with the ticket gate 1, compares the acquired face image data with the pre-registered registered face image data. For example, the face image data to be compared is a feature quantity extracted from the image data. The ticket gate 1 or the management server 30 determines face authentication based on the similarity between the registered face image data and the acquired face image data, and determines whether the user is allowed to pass based on the determination result. In this embodiment, an example of performing biometric authentication processing using face image data as biometric information is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, biometric authentication processing may be performed using iris image data as biometric information.

[0024] Gate 24 is installed at ticket gate 1 and physically blocks the passage of users if they are not permitted to pass through.

[0025] The management server 30 is connected to the ticket gate 1 by wire or wireless connection. The management server 30 is installed within the station premises or in the station's management room. The management server 30 can perform various authentication methods, such as facial recognition, based on the various information received from the ticket gate 1.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the ticket gate unit 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the ticket gate 1 according to the embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the ticket gate 1 comprises a control unit 11 (first control unit), a storage unit 12 (first storage unit), a communication unit 13 (first communication unit), a detection unit 15, a camera 16, and a notification unit 25.

[0029] The control unit 11 controls various operations in the ticket gate 1. The control unit 11 has a processor that executes programs. For example, the control unit 11 consists of a processor, memory, and interfaces. The processor is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processing unit), SoC (system on a chip), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphics processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), PLD (programmable logic device), or FPGA (field-programmable gate array). Alternatively, the processor is a combination of these. The control unit 11 performs various processes by executing programs stored by the processor in the storage unit 12 or the memory within the control unit 11.

[0030] The control unit 11 controls the passage of users. If both media authentication and user facial recognition are successful, the control unit 11 allows the user to pass (enter or exit). On the other hand, if either media authentication or facial recognition fails, the control unit 11 prevents the user from passing by controlling the passage control mechanism. As a method of preventing passage, for example, the control unit 11 has a gate 24 and a drive mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the gate 24. The control unit 11 operates to close the gate 24 when preventing the user from passing (entering or exiting) and to open the gate 24 when allowing the user to pass.

[0031] The control unit 11 performs a medium determination to determine whether the information stored in the medium necessary for authenticating entry and exit to various gates, such as IC cards, QR codes, and barcodes, is correct.

[0032] The control unit 11 acquires face image data from image frames captured by the camera 16 through face detection. The control unit 11 compares the acquired face image data with pre-registered registered face image data. The control unit 11 determines face authentication based on the similarity between the registered face image data and the acquired face image data, and outputs the determination result.

[0033] Alternatively, the ticket gate 1 (control unit 11) may perform the media detection and facial recognition detection, or a management server 30 communicating with the ticket gate 1 may perform the media detection and facial recognition detection instead of the ticket gate 1.

[0034] The storage unit 12 is composed of rewritable non-volatile memory, such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid state drive). The storage unit 12 stores the user database. If the management server 30 performs media detection and facial recognition detection instead of the ticket gate 1, the storage unit 12 does not need to store the user database. The user database will be explained in detail later.

[0035] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for sending and receiving various types of data with the management server 30 via wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 13 sends and receives various types of information with the management server 30.

[0036] The detection unit 15 detects users passing through a predetermined area on the ticket gate passage between the ticket gate body 10 and the block body 18, and outputs a detection signal. For example, the detection unit 15 is composed of a general sensor capable of detecting people, such as an infrared sensor. The detection unit 15 is installed in a location that does not detect people who do not intend to pass through the ticket gate 1. For example, the detection unit 15 detects users within the passage where the ticket gate 1 is located under the control of the control unit 11. After the detection unit 15 detects a passerby, the detection unit 15 outputs detection information indicating that the user is passing through the ticket gate 1, under the control of the control unit 11. Based on this detection information, the camera 16 may start taking pictures.

[0037] The notification unit 25 includes, for example, a display and a speaker. The display shows information. The display is positioned so that it can be seen by a user attempting to pass through the ticket gate 1. For example, under the control of the control unit 11, the display shows information indicating whether or not the user is allowed to pass based on the facial recognition result. The information displayed on the display may also be configured to be displayed on the display unit 21. The speaker outputs sound at a volume that the user can recognize. Under the control of the control unit 11, the speaker outputs an alert or other sound to a user who has been determined not to be allowed to pass.

[0038] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the management server 30 according to the embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the management server 30 comprises a control unit 31 (second control unit), a storage unit 32 (second storage unit), a communication unit 33 (second communication unit), and a display unit 34.

[0040] The control unit 31 controls various operations in the ticket gate 1. The control unit 31 has a processor that executes programs. For example, the control unit 31 consists of a processor, memory, and interfaces. The processor is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Alternatively, the processor is a combination of these. The control unit 31 performs various processes by executing programs stored by the processor in the memory unit 32 or within the control unit 31.

[0041] For example, the control unit 31 controls the passage of users by transmitting information that controls passage to the ticket gate 1. If both media authentication and user facial recognition are successful, the control unit 31 transmits information to the ticket gate 1 that permits the user to pass through (enter or exit). On the other hand, if either media authentication or facial recognition fails, the control unit 31 transmits information to the ticket gate 1 that prevents the user from passing through. Upon receiving this information, the control unit 11 of the ticket gate 1 blocks the user from passing through.

[0042] The control unit 31 can determine whether the information stored in the storage medium necessary for authenticating entry and exit to various gates, such as IC cards, QR codes, and barcodes, is correct.

[0043] The control unit 31 acquires face image data from image frames captured by the camera 16 through face detection. The control unit 31 compares the acquired face image data with pre-registered registered face image data. The control unit 31 determines face authentication based on the similarity between the registered face image data and the acquired face image data, and outputs the determination result. Thus, the management server 30 (control unit 31) may perform the face authentication determination, or instead of the management server 30, the ticket gate 1 that communicates with the management server 30 may perform the face authentication determination.

[0044] The storage unit 32 is composed of a rewritable, non-volatile memory such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 32 stores the user database. The user database is as described above, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0045] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface for sending and receiving various data with the ticket gate 1 via wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 33 sends and receives various information with the ticket gate 1.

[0046] The display unit 34 is a display device that uses, for example, liquid crystal or organic EL, and displays audio, text, and images under the control of the control unit 31. In other words, the display unit 34 can display various information to the administrator who manages the management server 30.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an example of a user database stored in a ticket gate or management server according to the embodiment. The user database contains data on all users whose use of ticket gate 1 has been approved. The user database includes user information for each user. For example, user information includes name, address, telephone number, media identification information (hereinafter referred to as media ID), passage history (entry and exit history), balance data, and registered facial image data. For example, a camera installed on station equipment such as a ticket vending machine photographs the user, and the station equipment obtains facial image data from the captured image frame through face detection and provides the obtained facial image data as registered facial image data.

[0048] Next, the operation of the ticket gate 1 and the management server 30 will be described. Here, we will describe the case in which IC card detection and facial recognition detection are performed on the management server 30, but IC card detection and facial recognition detection may also be performed on the ticket gate 1. In that case, the IC card detection and facial recognition detection performed on the control unit 31 of the management server 30 should be read as being performed on the control unit 11 of the ticket gate 1.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a ticket gate according to the embodiment. Users proceed through the ticket gate passage from the entrance side in front of the ticket gate 1 shown in Figure 1 towards the exit side at the back. Camera 16 continuously photographs a predetermined shooting area on the ticket gate passage (ST101), and the communication unit 13 transmits the captured image data output from camera 16 to the management server 30.

[0050] The detection unit 15 detects a predetermined user passing through a predetermined area on the ticket gate passage and outputs a detection signal. Based on the detection signal, the control unit 11 starts continuous detection of the predetermined user (ST102).

[0051] For example, when a designated user touches the first IC card to the media processing unit 14, the media processing unit 14 communicates with the first IC card that has entered the communication range and reads the first media ID (first media identification information) stored in the first IC card (ST103). The storage unit 12 stores an entry record including the first media ID and entry date and time, or an exit record including the first media ID and exit date and time, which has been read by the media processing unit 14. The communication unit 13 sends a judgment request including the entry record or exit record to the management server 30.

[0052] The management server 30 receives captured image data and a judgment request from the ticket gate 1, performs a first IC judgment and a first facial recognition judgment based on the captured image data and the judgment request, and generates and transmits the first processing results related to the first IC judgment process and the first facial recognition judgment process. The IC judgment and facial recognition judgment performed by the management server 30 will be explained in detail later.

[0053] The communication unit 13 receives the first processing results related to the first IC determination process and the first facial recognition determination process from the management server 30 (ST104).

[0054] The control unit 11 instructs the IC card from which the first medium ID was read to write information, according to the result of the first processing (ST105). For example, if the result of the first IC judgment process indicates a legitimate registrant and the result of the first facial recognition judgment process also indicates a legitimate registrant, i.e., if passage is permitted, the control unit 11 instructs the writing of passage information such as entry history or exit history. Entry history includes entry date and time and ticket gate ID, etc. Exit history includes exit date and time and ticket gate ID, etc.

[0055] Based on the write instruction, the media processing unit 14 writes the write information to the IC card from which the first media ID was read (ST106). If the control unit 11 receives a write completion notification from the IC card within a predetermined time, it does not detect that the write is incomplete (ST107, NO), determines that the write is successful (ST108), controls the opening and closing of the gate 24, and controls the display content of the display unit 21 to permit passage (ST109).

[0056] If the control unit 11 does not receive a write completion notification from the IC card within a predetermined time, i.e., if it detects an error in receiving the write completion notification, it detects that the write is incomplete (ST107, YES), determines that there is a write abnormality (ST110), controls the opening and closing of the gate 24, and also controls the display content of the display unit 21, not allowing passage (ST111).

[0057] The control unit 11 continuously detects a predetermined user based on the detection signal from the detection unit 15, and if it detects that a predetermined user is loitering in the passageway (ST112, YES), it accepts a retry request.

[0058] During the retry processing acceptance period, if a designated user touches the first IC card to the media processing unit 14 again, the media processing unit 14 communicates with the first IC card, which has entered the communication range, and reads the first media ID stored in the first IC card (ST114).

[0059] The control unit 11 executes a retry process (ST115) if the first media ID is read during the retry processing acceptance period after detection of incomplete writing, that is, if the read first media ID matches the first media stored in the storage unit 12. The communication unit 13 sends a retry judgment request to the management server 30 in response to the retry process. The retry judgment request includes the first media ID read during the retry processing acceptance period.

[0060] The management server 30 receives a retry judgment request from the ticket gate 1, performs a first IC judgment based on the retry judgment request, and transmits the first IC judgment result. The communication unit 13 receives the first IC judgment result from the management server 30 (ST116).

[0061] The control unit 11 instructs the IC card that reads the first media ID to write the write information according to the third processing result related to the first IC determination process during the execution of the retry process (ST105). Based on the write instruction, the media processing unit 14 writes the write information to the IC card that reads the first media ID (ST106). If it receives a write completion notification from the IC card within a predetermined time, the control unit 11 does not detect that the write is incomplete (ST107, NO), determines that the write is successful (ST108), controls the opening and closing of the gate 24, and controls the display content of the display unit 21 to allow passage (ST109).

[0062] In addition, during the retry process, the first IC determination and reception of the first IC determination result by the management server 30 may be omitted, and the system may instruct the IC card from which the first media ID was read to write the write information, provided that the read first media ID matches the first media stored in the storage unit 12.

[0063] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 reads a second media ID during the retry processing acceptance period after detection of incomplete writing, that is, if the read second media ID does not match the first media stored in the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13 sends a determination request corresponding to the read second media ID to the management server 30.

[0064] The management server 30 receives the captured image data and the judgment request corresponding to the second media ID from the ticket gate 1, performs a second IC judgment and a second facial recognition judgment based on the captured image data and the judgment request, and generates and transmits the second processing results related to the second IC judgment process and the second facial recognition judgment process.

[0065] The communication unit 13 receives the second processing results related to the second IC determination process and the second facial recognition determination process from the management server 30 (ST104). Subsequently, the ticket gate 1 executes the processes from ST105 onwards.

[0066] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 does not continue to detect a predetermined user based on the detection signal from the detection unit 15, that is, if it detects that the predetermined user has left the passageway (ST112, NO), the retry process is not accepted, and the control unit 11 controls the opening and closing of the gate 24 and the display content of the display unit 21 to allow a new user to pass through (ST113).

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can delete or overwrite the first media ID stored in the storage unit 12, i.e., the first media ID read during the continuous detection period, after the continuous detection period has elapsed.

[0068] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server according to the embodiment. When the communication unit 33 receives captured image data and a determination request from the ticket gate 1 (ST201, YES), the control unit 31 detects the first media ID included in the determination request and executes a first media determination process based on the first media ID (ST202).

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 31 attempts to detect first user information, including a first media ID, based on the user database of the storage unit 32. If the control unit 31 detects first user information, including a first media ID, based on the user database of the storage unit 32 (ST203, YES), it generates and outputs a first processing result indicating regular registration (ST204). If it does not detect first user information, including a first media ID, (ST203, NO), it generates and outputs a first processing result indicating unregistered (ST205).

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 31 performs a first facial recognition process (first biometric authentication process) based on a comparison between the first acquired facial image data (first acquired biometric information) obtained in response to the reading of the first media ID and the first registered facial image data (first registered biometric information) registered in response to the first media ID (ST206). The first media ID is information read during the continuous detection period, and the first acquired facial image data is information obtained from facial image data captured during the continuous detection period.

[0071] The received determination request includes an entry record or an exit record, the entry record includes a first media ID and entry date and time, and the exit record includes a first media ID and exit date and time. Thus, the entry date and time or exit date and time corresponding to the first media ID is identified. For example, the control unit 31 identifies captured image data for the corresponding time period based on the entry date and time or exit date and time corresponding to the first media ID, and identifies the first acquired face image data by face detection from the image frames constituting the identified captured image data.

[0072] The control unit 31 compares the first acquired face image data with the first registered face image data included in the first user information. If the similarity between the first acquired face image data and the first registered face image data exceeds a threshold value (ST207, YES), it generates and outputs a first processing result indicating regular registration (ST208). If the similarity is below the threshold value (ST207, NO), it generates and outputs a first processing result indicating non-registration (ST208). The communication unit 33 outputs the first processing result (ST209).

[0073] Furthermore, when the control unit 31 detects a second media ID included in the determination request, it executes a second media determination process based on the second media ID, and generates a second processing result indicating legitimate registration or a second processing result indicating unregistered status depending on whether the second user information including the second media ID can be detected. In addition, it executes a second face authentication process (second biometric authentication process) based on a comparison between the second acquired face image data (second acquired biometric information) obtained in response to the reading of the second media ID and the second registered face image data (second registered biometric information) registered in response to the second media ID, and the communication unit 33 outputs the second processing result.

[0074] Furthermore, when the communication unit 33 receives a retry judgment request from the ticket gate 1 (ST211, YES), the control unit 31 detects the first medium ID included in the retry judgment request and executes a first medium determination process based on the first medium ID (ST212).

[0075] Specifically, the control unit 31 attempts to detect first user information, including the first media ID, based on the user database of the storage unit 32. If the control unit 31 detects first user information, including the first media ID, based on the user database of the storage unit 32 (ST213, YES), it outputs a third determination result indicating regular registration (ST214). If it does not detect first user information, including the first media ID, it outputs a third determination result indicating unregistered (ST215). The communication unit 33 outputs the third determination result (ST216).

[0076] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a ticket gate, a ticket gate system, and a program that enable smooth retry processing. The ticket gate system executes the writing process without performing facial recognition processing when a writing failure occurs, so smooth ticket gate processing can be achieved even in situations where proper facial recognition determination is difficult.

[0077] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored in electronic devices such as the ticket gate 1 and the management server 30, or it may be transferred without being stored in electronic devices. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0078] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1…Ticket gate 10…Ticket gate unit 11…Control Unit 12...Storage section 13… Communications Department 14…Media Processing Unit 15...Detection unit 16... Camera 17... Partition 18… Block letters 19... Ticket slot 20... Ticket dispensing section 21...Display section 22...Storage cover 23...Top part 24…Gate 25…Notification section 30…Management Server 31…Control Unit 32...Storage section 33... Communications Department 34…Display section

Claims

1. a medium processing unit that reads medium identification information from an information storage medium and writes write information to the information storage medium from which the medium identification information was read; a storage unit that stores medium identification information; a control unit that instructs writing of write information; Equipped with The control unit instructing the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read to write write information in accordance with a first processing result relating to a first medium determination process based on first medium identification information read from the information storage medium and a first biometric authentication process based on a comparison between first acquired biometric information acquired in response to the reading of the first medium identification information and first registered biometric information registered in response to the first medium identification information; When the first medium identification information is read after detecting that writing is not completed, an instruction is given to write information to the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read; When second medium identification information different from the first medium identification information is read after detecting that the writing is incomplete, the ticket gate instructs the writing of write information to the information storage medium from which the second medium identification information was read, depending on a second processing result relating to a second medium determination process based on the second medium identification information and a second biometric authentication process based on matching second acquired biometric information acquired in response to the reading of the second medium identification information with second registered biometric information registered in response to the second medium identification information.

2. The ticket gate of claim 1, wherein when the first medium identification information is read after detecting that the writing is incomplete, the control unit instructs the writing of write information to the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read, depending on a third processing result regarding the first medium determination process based on the first medium identification information.

3. Furthermore, a detection unit for detecting a user is provided, A ticket gate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit instructs the writing of write information to the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read, based on the reading of the first medium identification information after the detection unit detects that the writing has not been completed during a continuous detection period for a specified user.

4. The ticket gate according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit is capable of deleting or overwriting the first medium identification information stored in the storage unit after the continuous detection period has elapsed.

5. the first medium identification information is information read during the continuous detection period, the first acquired biometric information is information acquired from a face image captured during the continuous detection period; 5. The ticket gate according to claim 3 or 4.

6. 6. The ticket gate according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects that the writing is not completed based on a reception error of a notification of completion of writing of the writing information.

7. Equipped with a ticket gate and a management server, The ticket gate is a medium processing unit that reads medium identification information from an information storage medium and writes write information to the information storage medium from which the medium identification information was read; a first storage unit that stores medium identification information; a first control unit that instructs writing of write information; a first communication unit that transmits first medium identification information to the management server, receives a first processing result corresponding to the first medium identification information from the management server, and transmits second medium identification information to the management server, and receives a second processing result corresponding to the second medium identification information from the management server; Equipped with The first control unit instructing the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read to write write information in accordance with a first processing result relating to a first medium determination processing based on the first medium identification information read from the information storage medium and a first biometric authentication processing based on a comparison between first acquired biometric information acquired in response to the reading of the first medium identification information and first registered biometric information registered in response to the first medium identification information; When the first medium identification information is read after detecting that writing is not completed, an instruction is given to write information to the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read; if the second medium identification information different from the first medium identification information is read after the detection of incomplete writing, instruct the information storage medium from which the second medium identification information was read to write write information in accordance with the second processing result of a second medium determination process based on the second medium identification information and a second biometric authentication process based on a comparison between second acquired biometric information acquired in response to the reading of the second medium identification information and second registered biometric information registered in response to the second medium identification information, The management server a second storage unit that stores first user information including the first medium identification information and the first registered biometric information, and second user information including the second medium identification information and the second registered biometric information; a second control unit that generates the first and second processing results; a second communication unit that receives the first medium identification information from the ticket gate and transmits the first processing result to the ticket gate, and also receives the second medium identification information from the ticket gate and transmits the second processing result to the ticket gate; A ticket gate system equipped with:

8. On the computer, instructing the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read to write write information in accordance with a first processing result relating to a first medium determination process based on first medium identification information read from the information storage medium and a first biometric authentication process based on a comparison between first acquired biometric information acquired in response to the reading of the first medium identification information and first registered biometric information registered in response to the first medium identification information; When the first medium identification information is read after detecting that writing is not completed, an instruction is given to write information to the information storage medium from which the first medium identification information was read; If second medium identification information different from the first medium identification information is read after the detection of incomplete writing, instruct the information storage medium from which the second medium identification information was read to write write information in accordance with a second processing result relating to a second medium determination process based on the second medium identification information and a second biometric authentication process based on a comparison between second acquired biometric information acquired in response to the reading of the second medium identification information and second registered biometric information registered in response to the second medium identification information, A program to execute.

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