Authentication device, authentication method, and recording medium

Abstract

An authentication device 2 comprises: an authentication means 211 that authenticates a person P using a first image IMG1 generated by capturing an image of the person P using an imaging device 1 before the person P enters a target area C; and a counting means 213 that implements a counting process to count the number of people staying in the target area by using a second image IMG2 generated by causing the imaging device to capture images of persons entering and exiting the target area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, for example, the technical field of an authentication device, an authentication method, and a recording medium capable of authenticating a person. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of an authentication device capable of authenticating a person is described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes, as an example of an authentication device capable of authenticating a person, an entrance / exit management system that manages persons entering or leaving a security-controlled area by facial recognition of camera images. Other prior art documents related to this disclosure include Patent Documents 2 to 5. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-086346 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-225067 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-077647 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-146709 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2021-140355 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an authentication device, an authentication method, and a recording medium that are intended to improve upon the techniques described in prior art documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the authentication device disclosed herein includes an authentication means for authenticating a person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area, and a counting means for performing a counting process to count the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the person entering and leaving the target area.

[0006] One aspect of the authentication method of this disclosure includes authenticating a person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area, and counting the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the person entering and leaving the target area.

[0007] One aspect of a recording medium of this disclosure is a recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program that causes a computer to execute an authentication method, the authentication method including authenticating a person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area, and counting the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the person entering and leaving the target area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an authentication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a guest room to which the authentication system according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a guest room to which the authentication system according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a guest room to which the authentication system according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a passenger passing through a guest room doorway to enter the guest room. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a passenger passing through a guest room doorway to exit the guest room. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a data structure diagram showing the data structure of a management DB (Database). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting operation performed by the authentication device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an authentication device, an authentication method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (1) First embodiment First, a first embodiment of an authentication device, an authentication method, and a recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the authentication device, the authentication method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to Fig. 1, using an authentication device 1000 to which the first embodiment of the authentication device, the authentication method, and a recording medium is applied. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication device 1000 in the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the authentication device 1000 in the first embodiment includes an authentication unit 1001, which is a specific example of an "authentication means" described in the appendix, and a counting unit 1002, which is a specific example of a "counting means" described in the appendix, which will be described later. The authentication unit 1001 authenticates a person 1200 entering a target area 1300. Specifically, the authentication unit 1001 authenticates the person 1200 using a first image 1110 generated by an imaging device 1100 capturing an image of the person 1200 before the person 1200 enters the target area 1300. As an example, the authentication unit 1001 may perform face authentication to authenticate the person 1200 using information about the face of the person 1200 captured in the first image 1110. The counting unit 1002 performs a counting process to count the number of people 1200 staying in the target area 1300. Specifically, the counting unit 1002 performs the counting process using a second image 1120 generated by the imaging device 1100 capturing an image of a person 1200 entering and leaving a target area 1300 .

[0012] The authentication device 1000 in the first embodiment described above can perform a counting process of counting the number of people staying in the target area 1300 by utilizing the image capturing device 1100 used for authenticating the person 1200. Therefore, the authentication device 1000 does not need to be provided with a special device different from the image capturing device 1100 to perform the counting process. Therefore, the authentication device 1000 can enjoy the effect that the cost of the authentication device 1000 can be reduced.

[0013] (2) Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the authentication device, authentication method, and recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the authentication device, authentication method, and recording medium will be described using an authentication system SYS to which the second embodiment of the authentication device, authentication method, and recording medium is applied.

[0014] (2-1) Configuration of the authentication system SYS First, the overall configuration of the authentication system SYS in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the authentication system SYS in the second embodiment.

[0015] 2, the authentication system SYS includes a camera 1, which is a specific example of an "imaging device" described in the appendix to be described later, an authentication device 2, which is a specific example of an "authentication device" described in the appendix to be described later, and a management server 3. The camera 1 and the authentication device 2 may be integrated, or the camera 1 and the authentication device 2 may be separate devices.

[0016] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the authentication system SYS is introduced into a hotel (or any other accommodation facility other than a hotel). In this example, the authentication system SYS performs an authentication operation to authenticate a guest P entering a hotel guest room C. The guest room C is a specific example of a "target area" described in the appendix, and the guest P is a specific example of a "person" described in the appendix, as well. Furthermore, as part of the authentication operation, the authentication system SYS may perform an unlocking operation to unlock the door DR of the guest room C if the authentication of the guest P is successful. As a result, the guest P can enter the guest room C. In this case, in the second embodiment, the guest P can unlock the door DR of the guest room C without using a card key (or any other physical key) for unlocking the door DR of the guest room C. Therefore, the convenience of the guest P is improved. The lockable door DR is a specific example of a "restriction means" described in the appendix, as well.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows an example of a hotel guest room C in which the authentication system SYS is installed. As shown in FIG. 3, camera 1 is disposed outside guest room C. For example, camera 1 may be disposed at the entrance ENT of guest room C (or near the entrance ENT). For example, camera 1 may be disposed on the wall to the right or left of door DR disposed at the entrance ENT. Furthermore, camera 1 may be disposed at a position determined based on the path of a guest P attempting to enter guest room C. For example, if a guest P attempting to enter guest room C approaches room C from the aisle on the left side of room C in FIG. 3, camera 1 may be disposed on the wall to the left of door DR. For example, if a guest P attempting to enter room C approaches room C from the aisle on the right side of room C in FIG. 3, camera 1 may be disposed on the wall to the right of door DR.

[0018] When an authentication operation is performed, a customer P positions himself / herself in front of the camera 1 before entering the guest room C. The camera 1 captures an image of the customer P positioned in front of the camera 1. The authentication device 2 acquires a captured image IMG1 generated by the camera 1 capturing an image of the customer P for the authentication operation. The captured image IMG1 is a specific example of the "first image" described in the appendix described later. The authentication device 2 authenticates the customer P using the captured image IMG1 acquired from the camera 1.

[0019] For example, the authentication device 2 may perform face authentication to authenticate the customer P using information about the face of the customer P captured in the captured image IMG1 (for example, facial feature points). In this case, the camera 1 may capture at least the face of the customer P.

[0020] In the second embodiment, the authentication system SYS further performs a counting operation to count the number of guests P staying in the guest rooms C.

[0021] Specifically, when the counting operation is performed, the camera 1 not only captures an image of the passenger P for the authentication operation, but also captures an image of the passenger P for the counting operation. Specifically, the camera 1 captures an image of the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. That is, the camera 1 captures an image of the passenger P before the passenger P enters the guest room, and also captures an image of the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. Note that, since it is unknown when the passenger P will pass through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C, when the counting operation is performed, the camera 1 may capture an image of the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C by continuing to capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C at a constant image capturing rate.

[0022] Here, the camera 1 capturing an image of the guest P for the authentication operation captures the guest P attempting to unlock the door DR of the guest room C. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 , the camera 1 often captures the guest P positioned in front of or diagonally in front of the door DR of the guest room C. This is because the camera 1 is often positioned at the door DR of the guest room C or on the left or right side of the door DR. In this case, depending on the positional relationship between the camera 1 and the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C, it may be difficult for the camera 1 to capture the guest P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the camera 1 capturing an image of the guest P positioned diagonally in front of the door DR of the guest room C has difficulty capturing an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C where the door DR is located. In other words, it is difficult for the camera 1 to capture the guest P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , which is a plan view illustrating an example of a guest room C in a hotel in which the authentication system SYS is installed, the camera 1 may capture the image of the guest P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C via a mirror 4. In other words, for the counting operation, the camera 1 may capture an image of a passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C via the mirror 4, and for the authentication operation, it may capture an image of a passenger P trying to unlock the door DR of the guest room C without using the mirror 4.

[0023] Alternatively, depending on the positional relationship between the camera 1 and the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C, the camera 1 may capture an image of the passenger P attempting to unlock the door DR of the guest room C through the mirror 4 for the authentication operation. The camera 1 may also capture an image of the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C without using the mirror 4 for the counting operation.

[0024] However, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), which are plan views showing another example of a hotel guest room C in which the authentication system SYS is installed, the camera 1 that captures an image of the guest P for the authentication operation may also capture an image of the guest P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. FIG. 5(a) shows the positional relationship between the camera 1 that captures an image of the guest P for the authentication operation and the guest P who is trying to unlock the door DR of the guest room C. FIG. 5(b) shows the positional relationship between the camera 1 that captures an image of the guest P for the counting operation and the guest P who is passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. In this case, the camera 1 may capture an image of the guest P who is trying to unlock the door DR of the guest room C and the guest P who is passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C without using the mirror 4.

[0025] A guest P passes through the entrance / exit ENT to enter a guest room C. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the camera 1 may capture an image of the guest P passing through the entrance / exit ENT to enter the guest room C (i.e., entering the interior of the guest room C from the outside). For example, the guest P passes through the entrance / exit ENT to leave the guest room C. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the camera 1 may capture an image of the guest P passing through the entrance / exit ENT to leave the guest room C (i.e., leaving the interior of the guest room C from the outside).

[0026] The camera 1 may capture the entire body of the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the cabin C. Alternatively, the camera 1 may capture a portion of the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT of the cabin C. For example, the camera 1 may capture at least the head of the passenger P. For example, the camera 1 may capture at least the upper half of the passenger P's body.

[0027] Thereafter, the authentication device 2 acquires a captured image IMG2 generated by the camera 1 by capturing an image of the user P for the counting operation. The captured image IMG2 is a specific example of the "second image" described in the appendix described later. The authentication device 2 counts the number of users P staying in the guest room C using the captured image IMG2 acquired from the camera 1. Specifically, the authentication device 2 counts the number of users P staying in the guest room C by performing a behavior analysis process for analyzing the behavior of the users P using the captured image IMG2. The behavior analysis process is a specific example of the "counting process" described in the appendix described later.

[0028] Note that the timing at which the camera 1 captures the image of the passenger P for the counting operation is usually different from the timing at which the camera 1 captures the image of the passenger P for the authentication operation. This is because the passenger P attempting to enter the guest room C passes through the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C and enters the guest room C after the door DR of the guest room C has been unlocked by the authentication operation. Furthermore, when the passenger P leaves the guest room C, the authentication operation is not performed in the first place. For this reason, the captured image IMG2 used for the counting operation is typically a different image from the captured image IMG1 used for the authentication operation. However, the captured image IMG2 may be the same image as the captured image IMG1. In other words, the captured image IMG1 may be used as the captured image IMG2. In this case, the authentication device 2 may perform the counting operation using the captured image IMG1 used for the authentication operation.

[0029] The authentication device 2 transmits count information indicating the result of the counting operation (i.e., information indicating the number of guests P staying in guest room C) to the management server 3. Therefore, the authentication device 2 and the management server 3 can communicate with each other via a communication network. The communication network may include a wired communication network or a wireless communication network.

[0030] A hotel typically has multiple guest rooms C. In this case, a camera 1 may be installed outside each guest room C. That is, the authentication system SYS may have multiple cameras 1 corresponding to the multiple guest rooms C, respectively. When the authentication system SYS has multiple cameras 1, the authentication system SYS may have multiple authentication devices 2 corresponding to the multiple cameras 1, respectively. That is, the authentication system SYS may have multiple authentication devices 2 corresponding to the multiple guest rooms C, respectively. In this case, each authentication device 2 may authenticate a guest P entering the guest room C corresponding to each authentication device 2, using a captured image IMG1 generated by a camera 1 installed outside the guest room corresponding to each authentication device 2. Each authentication device 2 may count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C corresponding to each authentication device 2, using a captured image IMG2 generated by a camera 1 installed outside the guest room corresponding to each authentication device 2. However, the authentication device 2 may be associated with at least two cameras 1. In this case, the authentication device 2 may authenticate a guest P entering the first guest room C using a captured image IMG1 generated by a first camera 1 arranged outside the first guest room C, and may authenticate a guest P entering the second guest room C using a captured image IMG1 generated by a second camera 1 arranged outside the second guest room C. The authentication device 2 may count the number of guests P staying in the first guest room C using a captured image IMG2 generated by a first camera 1 arranged outside the first guest room C, and may count the number of guests P staying in the second guest room C using a captured image IMG2 generated by a second camera 1 arranged outside the second guest room C.

[0031] The management server 3 performs management operations to manage the usage status of guest rooms C based on the count information. For example, the management server 3 may centrally manage the number of guests P staying in each of the multiple guest rooms C provided in the hotel based on the count information. For example, the management server 3 may centrally manage whether or not a guest P is staying in each of the multiple guest rooms C provided in the hotel based on the count information. Furthermore, the management server 3 may centrally manage the status of procedures (e.g., at least one of check-in procedures and check-out procedures) performed by the guest P for each of the multiple guest rooms C provided in the hotel.

[0032] (2-2) Configuration of authentication device 2 Next, the configuration of the authentication device 2 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication device 2 in the second embodiment.

[0033] 8, the authentication device 2 includes a calculation device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23. The authentication device 2 may further include an input device 24 and an output device 25. However, the authentication device 2 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the input device 24 and the output device 25. The calculation device 21, the storage device 22, the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0034] The arithmetic device 21 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The arithmetic device 21 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown) included in the authentication device 2. The arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the authentication device 2 via the communication device 23 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device 21 executes the read computer program. As a result, logical functional blocks for executing operations to be performed by the authentication device 2 (for example, the above-mentioned authentication operation and counting operation) are realized within the arithmetic device 21. That is, the arithmetic device 21 can function as a controller for realizing logical function blocks for executing the operations (in other words, processing) that the authentication device 2 should perform.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows an example of logical functional blocks implemented in the arithmetic device 21 for performing the authentication operation and the counting operation. As shown in FIG. 8, the arithmetic device 21 implements an authentication unit 211, which is a specific example of the "authentication means" described in the appendix, an unlocking control unit 212, which is a specific example of the "switching means" described in the appendix, and a behavior analysis unit 213, which is a specific example of the "counting means" described in the appendix. The authentication unit 211 authenticates a guest P entering a hotel room C based on a captured image IMG1 generated by the camera 1. That is, the authentication unit 211 performs at least a part of the authentication operation. For example, the authentication unit 211 may perform facial authentication as described above. When performing facial authentication, the authentication unit 211 may acquire a captured image IMG1 from the camera 1. Then, the authentication unit 211 may acquire (in other words, extract) a facial image in which the face of the guest P is captured from the acquired captured image IMG1. Thereafter, the authentication unit 211 may extract facial features of the customer P from the facial image. Thereafter, the authentication unit 211 may determine whether the customer P is the same as the registered person by comparing the extracted features of the customer P with features of a pre-registered person. If the customer P is the same as the registered person, the authentication unit 211 may determine that authentication of the customer P is successful. If the customer P is not the same as the registered person, the authentication unit 211 may determine that authentication of the customer P is unsuccessful. If authentication of the customer P is successful, the unlocking control unit 212 performs an unlocking operation to unlock the door DR of the guest room C. In other words, the unlocking control unit 212 performs an unlocking operation, which is part of the authentication operation. The behavior analysis unit 213 counts the number of customers P staying in the guest room C by performing a behavior analysis process based on the captured image IMG2 generated by the camera 1. In other words, the behavior analysis unit 213 performs a counting operation.

[0036] The storage device 22 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 22 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the calculation device 21. The storage device 22 may temporarily store data that the calculation device 21 temporarily uses when the calculation device 21 is executing a computer program. The storage device 22 may store data that the authentication device 2 stores long-term. The storage device 22 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 22 may include a non-temporary recording medium.

[0037] The communication device 23 is capable of communicating with devices external to the authentication device 2. For example, the communication device 23 may be capable of communicating with both the camera 1 and the management server 3. In this case, the authentication unit 211 may receive (i.e., acquire) the captured image IMG1 from the camera 1 via the communication device 23. The behavior analysis unit 213 may receive (i.e., acquire) the captured image IMG2 from the camera 1 via the communication device 23. The behavior analysis unit 213 may transmit (i.e., output) count information to the management server 3 via the communication device 23.

[0038] The input device 24 is a device that accepts information input to the authentication device 2 from outside the authentication device 2. For example, the input device 24 may include an operation device (for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the authentication device 2. For example, the input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the authentication device 2.

[0039] The output device 25 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the authentication device 2. For example, the output device 25 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 25 may include a display device (a so-called display) that can display an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device 25 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 25 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) that can output sound. For example, the output device 25 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 25 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) that can print desired information on paper.

[0040] In addition, when the authentication device 2 includes the output device 25, the authentication device 2 (particularly the output device 25) may be placed outside the guest room C, similar to the camera 1. For example, the authentication device 2 (particularly the output device 25) may be placed at or near the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C. In this case, the authentication device 2 may use the output device 25 to output information related to the result of the authentication operation to the passenger P. In this case, the authentication device 2 may use a display device, which is a specific example of the output device 25, to display information related to the result of the authentication operation to the passenger P.

[0041] (2-3) Management Server 3 Configuration Next, the configuration of the management server 3 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3 in the second embodiment.

[0042] 9, the management server 3 includes a calculation device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33. The management server 3 may further include an input device 34 and an output device 35. However, the management server 3 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the input device 34 and the output device 35. The calculation device 31, the storage device 32, the communication device 33, the input device 34, and the output device 35 may be connected via a data bus 36.

[0043] The arithmetic device 31 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU, a GPU, and an FPGA. The arithmetic device 31 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 31 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 32. For example, the arithmetic device 31 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown) included in the management server 3. The arithmetic device 31 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the management server 3 via the communication device 33 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device 31 executes the read computer program. As a result, logical functional blocks for executing operations to be performed by the management server 3 (e.g., the above-mentioned management operations) are realized within the arithmetic device 31. In other words, the arithmetic device 31 can function as a controller for realizing logical functional blocks for executing operations (in other words, processes) to be performed by the management server 3.

[0044] Fig. 9 shows an example of logical functional blocks implemented in the arithmetic device 31 for executing the counting operation. As shown in Fig. 9, a management unit 311 is implemented in the arithmetic device 31. The management unit 311 manages the occupancy status of guest room C based on the count information. In other words, the management unit 311 performs the management operation.

[0045] The storage device 32 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 32 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 31. The storage device 32 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 31 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 31 is executing a computer program. The storage device 32 may store data that the management server 3 stores long-term. The storage device 32 may include at least one of a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD, and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 32 may include a non-temporary recording medium.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the storage device 32 can store a management DB (Database) 321 for managing the usage status of the guest room C. The management DB 321 is generated or updated by the management unit 311.

[0047] An example of the data structure of the management DB 321 is shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the management DB 321 includes a plurality of guest room records 3210. The plurality of guest room records 3210 are records (i.e., data) for managing the usage status of each of a plurality of guest rooms C in the hotel. Each guest room record 3210 may include room identification information 3211, number-of-guests information 3212, room occupancy information 3213, and check-in information 3214. The room identification information 3211 is information unique to the guest room C (e.g., ID information) for identifying the guest room C. The number-of-guests information 3212 is information indicating the number of guests P staying in the guest room C. The management unit 311 may update the number-of-guests information 3212 based on count information transmitted from the authentication device 2. The room occupancy information 3213 is information indicating whether a guest P is staying in the guest room C. The management unit 311 may update the room presence information 3213 based on the count information transmitted from the authentication device 2 (or the number-of-guests information 3212 generated or updated by the management unit 311). For example, if a guest P is staying in guest room C (i.e., the number of guests P staying in guest room C is one or more), the management unit 311 may set the status of the room presence information 3213 to a "present" status. For example, if a guest P is not staying in guest room C (i.e., the number of guests P staying in guest room C is zero), the management unit 311 may set the status of the room presence information 3213 to a "not present" status. The check-in information 3214 is information indicating whether the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed and / or whether the check-out procedure for guest room C has been completed. For example, if the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed, the management unit 311 may set the status of the check-in information 3214 to a "checked-in" status. For example, when the check-out procedure for guest room C is completed, the management unit 311 may set the status of the check-in information 3214 to "checked out." When the status of the check-in information 3214 is set to "checked out," it means that the guest P is not staying in guest room C.Therefore, when the management unit 311 sets the status of the check-in information 3214 to "checked out", the management unit 311 may automatically set the status of the room occupancy information 3213 to "not present". However, each room record 3210 does not have to include at least one of the room ID 3211, the number of guests information 3212, the room occupancy information 3213, and the check-in information 3214.

[0048] The communication device 33 is capable of communicating with devices external to the management server 3. For example, the communication device 33 may be capable of communicating with the management server 3. In this case, the management unit 311 may receive (i.e., acquire) count information from the authentication device 2 via the communication device 33.

[0049] The input device 34 is a device that accepts information input to the management server 3 from outside the management server 3. For example, the input device 34 may include an operation device (for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the management server 3. For example, the input device 34 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the management server 3.

[0050] The output device 35 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the management server 3. For example, the output device 35 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 35 may include a display device (a so-called display) that can display an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device 35 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 35 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) that can output sound. For example, the output device 35 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 35 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) that can print desired information on paper.

[0051] (2-4) Counting operation performed by the authentication device 2 Next, the counting operation performed by the authentication device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting operation performed by the authentication device 2.

[0052] 11, the behavior analysis unit 213 determines whether or not the check-in procedure for guest room C, which is the target of the counting operation, has been completed (step S101). For example, as described above, the check-in information 3214 in the management DB 321 managed by the management server 3 indicates whether or not the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed. For this reason, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether or not the check-in procedure has been completed by using the communication device 23 to acquire, from the management server 3, the check-in information 3214 indicating whether or not the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed.

[0053] If it is determined in step S101 that the check-in procedure has not been completed (step S101: No), the possibility that a guest P will enter guest room C is low, and the possibility that a guest P will leave guest room C is low. Therefore, there is little need to perform behavior analysis processing to count the number of guests P staying in guest room C. Therefore, in this case, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not need to start behavior analysis processing. In other words, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not need to acquire captured images IMG2 from the camera 1, and does not need to perform behavior analysis processing. Furthermore, the camera 1 also does not need to start capturing images of the guest P (specifically, capturing images of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C) for the counting operation. In other words, the camera 1 also does not need to capture images of the guest P (specifically, the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C) for the counting operation.

[0054] In this case, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether to end the counting operation (step S109). For example, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine to end the counting operation when an operator of the authentication system SYS (for example, an operator of the authentication device 2 or the management server 3) gives an instruction to end the counting operation. For example, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine to end the counting operation when an employee of the accommodation facility gives an instruction to end the counting operation.

[0055] As a result of the determination in step S109, if it is determined that the counting operation should be ended (step S109: Yes), the authentication device 2 ends the counting operation shown in Fig. 2. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S109, if it is determined that the counting operation should not be ended (step S109: No), the authentication device 2 performs the process of step S101 again.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed (step S101: Yes), the behavior analysis unit 213 determines whether or not authentication of guest P using guest room C, which is the target of the counting operation, has been successful (step S102). For example, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether or not authentication of guest P has been successful by acquiring information indicating whether or not authentication of guest P using guest room C, which is the target of the counting operation, has been successful from the authentication unit 211, which performs the authentication operation.

[0057] The authentication system SYS (for example, the management server 3) may control the camera 1 so that, when the check-in procedure is completed, the camera 1 corresponding to the guest room C for which the check-in procedure has been completed starts operating. Conversely, the authentication system SYS (for example, the management server 3) may control the camera 1 so that, when the check-out procedure is completed, the camera 1 corresponding to the guest room C for which the check-out procedure has been completed stops operating.

[0058] If it is determined in step S102 that authentication of the guest P has never been successful (step S102: No), the door DR of the guest room C has never been unlocked, and therefore the possibility that the guest P is staying in the guest room C is low. Therefore, the possibility that the guest P will leave the guest room C is low. Furthermore, since the guest P must be successfully authenticated in order to enter the guest room C, if the guest P has never been successfully authenticated, the possibility that the guest P will enter the guest room C is low. Therefore, there is little need to perform behavior analysis processing to count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C. Therefore, in this case, as in the case in which it is determined in step S101 that the check-in procedure has not been completed, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not need to start behavior analysis processing. Furthermore, the camera 1 does not need to start capturing images of the guest P (specifically, capturing images of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C) for the counting operation. In this case, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether to end the counting operation (step S109).

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that authentication of the passenger P has been successful at least once (step S102: Yes), the behavior analysis unit 213 determines whether the door DR of the guest room C that is the target of the counting operation is open (step S103). For example, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether the door DR of the guest room C is open by acquiring information indicating whether the door DR of the guest room C is open from a sensor that is set to the door DR of the guest room C and can detect whether the door DR of the guest room C is open.

[0060] If it is determined in step S103 that the door DR of guest room C is not open (i.e., closed) (step S103: No), there is no possibility that a guest P will enter guest room C, and there is a low possibility that a guest P will leave guest room C. This is because if the door DR is not open, a guest P cannot enter or leave guest room C. Therefore, there is little need to perform behavior analysis processing to count the number of guests P staying in guest room C. Therefore, in this case, as in the case where it is determined in step S101 that the check-in procedure has not been completed, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not need to start behavior analysis processing. Furthermore, the camera 1 also does not need to start capturing images of the guest P (specifically, capturing images of the entrance / exit ENT of guest room C) for the counting operation. In this case, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether to end the counting operation (step S109).

[0061] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S103 is that the door DR of guest room C is open (step S103: Yes), the check-in procedure has been completed, authentication has been successful, and the door DR is open, so there is a possibility that a guest P will enter guest room C or that a guest P will leave guest room C. For this reason, it is necessary to perform behavior analysis processing to count the number of guests P staying in guest room C. Therefore, in this case, the behavior analysis unit 213 starts the behavior analysis processing (step S104). Furthermore, the camera 1 also starts capturing images of the guests P (specifically, capturing images of the entrance / exit ENT of guest room C) for the counting operation.

[0062] The behavior analysis unit 213 performs behavior analysis processing in step S104 to determine whether or not a passenger P has entered a guest room C, as shown in FIG. 6 (step S105). For example, the camera 1 continues to capture images of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C at a constant imaging rate. Therefore, the camera 1 generates multiple captured images IMG2 corresponding to time-series data. The behavior analysis unit 213 performs behavior analysis processing using the multiple captured images IMG2 to detect a passenger P moving in the second image IMG2 from an external image area corresponding to the outside of the guest room P to an internal image area corresponding to the inside of the guest room P via a boundary image area corresponding to the entrance / exit ENT. Note that the boundary image area, the internal image area, and the external image area can each be specified in advance based on the positional relationship between the camera 1 and the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C and the camera parameters of the camera 1 (e.g., information on the optical characteristics of the optical system, such as a lens). If such a passenger P is detected, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine that the passenger P has entered the guest room C. On the other hand, if such a passenger P is not detected, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine that the passenger P has not entered the guest room C.

[0063] As a result of the determination in step S105, if it is determined that a guest P has entered guest room C (step S105: Yes), the behavior analysis unit 213 increases the number of guests P staying in guest room C (step S106). As one example, if it is determined that one guest P has entered guest room C, the behavior analysis unit 213 may increase the number of guests P staying in guest room C by 1. As another example, if it is determined that N guests P (N is a variable indicating an integer greater than or equal to 1) have entered guest room C, the behavior analysis unit 213 may increase the number of guests P staying in guest room C by N.

[0064] On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S105 is that guest P has not entered guest room C (step S105: No), the behavior analysis unit 213 does not need to increase the number of guests P staying in guest room C.

[0065] Furthermore, the behavior analysis unit 213 performs behavior analysis processing in step S104 to determine whether or not the guest P has left the guest room C, as shown in FIG. 7 (step S107). For example, the behavior analysis unit 213 performs behavior analysis processing using a plurality of captured images IMG2 corresponding to time-series data, and detects a guest P moving in the second image IMG2 from an internal image area corresponding to the interior of the guest room P to an external image area corresponding to the exterior of the guest room P through a boundary image area corresponding to the entrance / exit ENT. If such a guest P is detected, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine that the guest P has left the guest room C. On the other hand, if such a guest P is not detected, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine that the guest P has not left the guest room C.

[0066] As a result of the determination in step S107, if it is determined that a guest P has left guest room C (step S107: Yes), the behavior analysis unit 213 reduces the number of guests P staying in guest room C (step S108). As one example, if it is determined that one guest P has left guest room C, the behavior analysis unit 213 may reduce the number of guests P staying in guest room C by 1. As another example, if it is determined that M guests P (where M is a variable indicating an integer greater than or equal to 1) have left guest room C, the behavior analysis unit 213 may reduce the number of guests P staying in guest room C by M.

[0067] On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S107 is that it is determined that guest P has not left guest room C (step S107: No), the behavior analysis unit 213 does not need to reduce the number of guests P staying in guest room C.

[0068] When the behavior analysis unit 213 changes the number of guests P staying in guest room C, the behavior analysis unit 213 may transmit count information indicating the changed number of guests P to the management server 3. The management unit 311 of the management server 3 may update the management DB 321 based on the count information indicating the changed number of guests P.

[0069] Thereafter, the behavior analysis unit 213 may determine whether or not to end the counting operation (step S109). As a result of the determination in step S109, if it is determined that the counting operation is to be ended (step S109: Yes), the authentication device 2 ends the counting operation shown in Fig. 2. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S109, if it is determined that the counting operation is not to be ended (step S109: No), the authentication device 2 performs the process of step S101 again.

[0070] (2-5) Technical Effects of Authentication Device 2 (Authentication System SYS) As described above, in the second embodiment, the authentication device 2 can perform the counting operation by reusing the camera 1 used to authenticate the customer P. Therefore, the authentication device 2 does not need to be equipped with a special device different from the camera 1 to perform the counting operation. Therefore, the authentication device 2 can reduce the cost of the authentication device 2. In other words, the authentication device 2 can solve the technical problem that the cost of the authentication device 2 increases when the counting operation is performed using a special device for performing the counting operation.

[0071] As an example, the authentication device 2 does not need to be equipped with a sensor that detects guests P inside the guest room P as a special device for performing the counting operation. For example, the authentication device 2 does not need to be equipped with a sensor (e.g., a human presence sensor) that can detect guests P inside the guest room P as a special device for performing the counting operation. For example, the authentication device 2 does not need to be equipped with a camera that captures images of guests P inside the guest room P as a special device for performing the counting operation. In this case, the authentication device 2 can count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C while ensuring the privacy of the guests P inside the guest room C.

[0072] Furthermore, the authentication device 2 can unlock the door DR of the guest room C when authentication is successful through an authentication operation using a captured image IMG1 generated by capturing an image of the guest P. This means that the guest P does not need to use a card key (or a physical key different from a card key; the same applies hereinafter) to enter the guest room C. Therefore, the authentication device 2 can enjoy the effect of reducing the effort required for the guest P to enter the guest room C.

[0073] In addition, when a guest P uses a card key to enter guest room C, it is possible to determine whether a guest P is staying in guest room C (i.e., it is possible to count the number of guests P staying in guest room C) by determining whether the card key is inserted in a card holder installed inside guest room C. However, in the second embodiment, since a guest P does not need to use a card key, the authentication device 2 cannot count the number of guests P staying in guest room C by determining whether a card key is inserted in a card holder. However, as described above, the authentication device 2 can count the number of guests P staying in guest room C using the camera 1 used to authenticate the guest P. In other words, the authentication device 2 can count the number of guests P staying in guest room C even if the guest P does not use a card key.

[0074] Furthermore, the authentication device 2 starts the behavior analysis process when the check-in procedure is completed. On the other hand, the authentication device 2 does not have to start the behavior analysis process when the check-in procedure is not completed. Therefore, the authentication device 2 performs the behavior analysis process in situations where it is highly necessary to perform the behavior analysis process in order to count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C, but does not have to perform the behavior analysis process in situations where it is less necessary to perform the behavior analysis process in order to count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the authentication device 2 compared to a case where the behavior analysis process is always performed regardless of whether the check-in procedure is completed. Furthermore, since the amount of power consumption required to perform the behavior analysis process is reduced, it is possible to save power in the authentication device 2.

[0075] Furthermore, the authentication device 2 starts the behavior analysis process when the authentication of the customer P is successful. On the other hand, the authentication device 2 does not have to start the behavior analysis process when the authentication of the customer P is not successful. Therefore, the authentication device 2 performs the behavior analysis process in situations where it is highly necessary to perform the behavior analysis process in order to count the number of customers P staying in the guest room C, but does not have to perform the behavior analysis process in situations where it is less necessary to perform the behavior analysis process in order to count the number of customers P staying in the guest room C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the authentication device 2 compared to a case where the behavior analysis process is always performed regardless of whether the authentication of the customer P is successful or not. Furthermore, because the amount of power consumed to perform the behavior analysis process is reduced, it is possible to save power in the authentication device 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the authentication device 2 starts the behavior analysis process when the door DR of the guest room C is open. On the other hand, the authentication device 2 does not have to start the behavior analysis process when the door DR of the guest room C is not open. Therefore, the authentication device 2 performs the behavior analysis process in situations where it is highly necessary to perform the behavior analysis process in order to count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C, but does not have to perform the behavior analysis process in situations where it is less necessary to perform the behavior analysis process in order to count the number of guests P staying in the guest room C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the authentication device 2 compared to a case where the behavior analysis process is always performed regardless of whether the door DR of the guest room C is open or not. Furthermore, since the amount of power consumption required to perform the behavior analysis process is reduced, it is possible to save power in the authentication device 2.

[0077] Moreover, in the second embodiment, the authentication system SYS is introduced into a hotel. Here, in a hotel, cleaners often clean guest room C during periods when guest P is not staying in guest room C. For this reason, in order to efficiently clean guest room C, information regarding the number of guests P staying in guest room C (i.e., information indicating whether guest P is staying in guest room P) is very useful information. This is because, when guest P is staying at the hotel (i.e., has not yet completed check-out procedures), cleaners can pinpoint the time period when guest P is not staying in guest room C and clean the room. For this reason, the authentication system SYS can improve the efficiency of hotel operations.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the camera 1 may capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C via the mirror 4. Therefore, even when the camera 1 is used for both the authentication operation and the counting operation, the camera 1 can capture an image of the passenger P for the authentication operation and can also capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C (particularly, the passenger P passing through the entrance / exit ENT) for the counting operation. (2-6) Modification In the above description, in step S101 of Fig. 11, the behavior analysis unit 213 determines whether or not the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed. However, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not have to determine whether or not the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed. In this case, regardless of whether or not the check-in procedure for guest room C has been completed, the camera 1 may capture an image of the passenger P (specifically, the entrance / exit ENT of guest room C) for the counting operation, and the behavior analysis unit 213 may perform behavior analysis processing.

[0079] In the above description, in step S101 of Fig. 11, the behavior analysis unit 213 determines whether or not authentication of the guest P using guest room C has been successful. However, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not have to determine whether or not authentication of the guest P using guest room C has been successful. In this case, regardless of whether authentication of the guest P using guest room C has been successful, the camera 1 may capture an image of the guest P (specifically, the entrance / exit ENT of guest room C) for the counting operation, and the behavior analysis unit 213 may perform behavior analysis processing.

[0080] In the above description, in step S101 of Fig. 11, the behavior analysis unit 213 determines whether the door DR of the guest room C is open or not. However, the behavior analysis unit 213 does not have to determine whether the door DR of the guest room C is open or not. In this case, regardless of whether the door DR of the guest room C is open or not, the camera 1 may capture an image of the passenger P (specifically, the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C) for the counting operation, and the behavior analysis unit 213 may perform behavior analysis processing.

[0081] The authentication system SYS may include a motion sensor (i.e., a proximity sensor) capable of detecting a passenger P located near the camera 1. In this case, if the motion sensor does not detect a passenger P located near the camera 1, there is no passenger P near the camera 1, and therefore there is little need for the camera 1 to capture an image of the passenger P for the authentication operation (or even for the counting operation). Therefore, in this case, the camera 1 does not need to capture an image of the passenger P for the authentication operation or the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C for the counting operation. On the other hand, if the motion sensor detects a passenger P located near the camera 1, the camera 1 may capture an image of the passenger P for the authentication operation or the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C for the counting operation. As a result, the camera 1 is less likely to break down due to aging compared to when the camera 1 constantly captures its imaging range. Furthermore, the power consumption required for the operation of the camera 1 is reduced, thereby enabling power saving in the authentication system SYS.

[0082] When the status of the room presence information 3213 in the management DB 321 managed by the management server 3 is "absent," the camera 1 does not need to capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C for the counting operation. This is because when the status of the room presence information 3213 is "absent," the guest P is not staying in the guest room C, and therefore there is no possibility that the guest P will leave the guest room C. On the other hand, when the status of the room presence information 3213 is "present," the camera 1 may capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C for the counting operation. As a result, the amount of power consumed by the camera 1 is reduced, thereby enabling power saving in the authentication system SYS.

[0083] The mirror 4, which is arranged to capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C, may be arranged in a position that is less visible to the passengers P. For example, the mirror 4 may be arranged on the ceiling of a hotel corridor. In this case, a curved mirror may be used as the mirror 4 as necessary. However, regardless of the arrangement position of the mirror 4, a curved mirror or a flat mirror may be used as the mirror 4. In short, as long as the camera 1 can capture an image of the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C through the mirror 4, the shape, type, and arrangement position of the mirror 4 are not limited to the example described in this embodiment.

[0084] The authentication device 2 (particularly, the authentication unit 211) may determine whether or not the customer P is a living body in addition to authenticating the customer P. For example, after the customer P has been successfully authenticated, an infrared camera arranged at the entrance / exit ENT of the guest room C together with the camera 1 may be activated, and the infrared camera may capture an image of the customer P. The authentication unit 211 may determine whether or not the customer P is a living body based on an infrared image (i.e., an image showing the body temperature distribution of the customer P) generated by capturing an image of the customer with the infrared camera.

[0085] The management unit 311 of the management server 3 may determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the guest room C based on the management DB 321 as part of the management operation.

[0086] For example, the management unit 311 may determine that an abnormality has occurred in guest room C when the number-of-guests information 3212 included in the management DB 321 indicates that a number of guests P exceeding the allowable number of guests is staying in guest room C. In this case, information indicating the allowable number of guests, which corresponds to the upper limit of the number of guests P who can stay in guest room C, may be registered in advance in the management DB 321.

[0087] For example, when the number-of-guests information 3212 included in the management DB 321 indicates that a number of guests P exceeding the number of guests planned to stay in the guest room C, the management unit 311 may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the guest room C. In this case, information regarding the number of guests planned to stay, which corresponds to the number of guests P planned to stay in the guest room C, may be registered in the management DB 321 in advance.

[0088] For example, the management unit 311 may determine that an abnormality has occurred in guest room C if the number-of-guests information 3212 included in the management DB 321 indicates that the number of guests P staying in guest room C is not zero during a time period when the number of guests P staying in guest room C is zero. An example of a time period when the number of guests P staying in guest room C is zero is a time period after check-out time. In this case, the time period when the number of guests P staying in guest room C is zero may be registered in advance in the management DB 321.

[0089] When the management unit 311 determines that an abnormality has occurred in guest room C, it may perform a warning operation to warn an employee of the accommodation facility (or a person using the authentication system SYS) that an abnormality has occurred in guest room C. In this case, the management unit 311 may notify an employee of the accommodation facility (or a person using the authentication system SYS) of at least one of information about guest room C in which the abnormality has occurred and information about a guest P using guest room C in which the abnormality has occurred.

[0090] In the above description, the authentication system SYS is installed in a hotel (or any accommodation facility other than a hotel). However, the authentication system SYS may be installed in a facility other than an accommodation facility.

[0091] As an example, the authentication system SYS may be installed in a facility that has a private room available to users (i.e., a person). A private room is a specific example of the "target area" described in the appendix below. Examples of facilities that have private rooms available to users include at least one of a karaoke bar and an internet cafe. In this case, the authentication system SYS may perform an authentication operation to authenticate a user using a captured image IMG1 generated by camera 1 capturing an image of the user before the user enters the private room. If user authentication is successful, the authentication system SYS may perform an unlocking operation to unlock the door to the private room. The authentication system SYS may perform a counting operation to count the number of users staying in the private room using a captured image IMG2 generated by camera 1 capturing an image of the user entering and exiting the private room.

[0092] As another example, the authentication system SYS may be installed in a facility having a stay area where a user can stay. The stay area is a specific example of the "target area" described in the appendix below. An airport is an example of a facility having a stay area where a user can stay. In this case, the stay area where a user can stay may include each area within the airport (e.g., at least one of the departure lobby, arrival lobby, immigration checkpoint, embarkation checkpoint, and restaurant area). A theme park is an example of a facility having a stay area where a user can stay. In this case, the stay area where a user can stay may include an area within the theme park. In this case, the authentication system SYS may perform an authentication operation to authenticate the user using a captured image IMG1 generated by a camera 1 capturing an image of the user before the user enters the target area. If the user authentication is successful, the authentication system SYS may switch the state of a restriction means that can restrict the user from entering the target area to an unrestricted state that does not restrict the user from entering the target area. An example of the restriction means is at least one of a door and a gate. The authentication system SYS may perform a counting operation to count the number of users staying in the target area, using a captured image IMG2 generated by the camera 1 capturing an image of users entering and leaving the target area.

[0093] As described above, when the authentication system SYS is installed in a hotel, the management unit 311 may determine that an abnormality has occurred in guest room C if the number-of-guests information 3212 included in the management DB 321 indicates that the number of guests P staying in guest room C is not zero during a time period when the number of guests P staying in guest room C is zero. However, even when the authentication system SYS is installed in a facility that has a stay area where users can stay, the management unit 311 may determine that an abnormality has occurred in the stay area if the number-of-guests information 3212 included in the management DB 321 indicates that the number of guests P staying in the stay area is not zero during a time period when the number of guests P staying in the stay area is zero. For example, when the stay area is a theme park, an example of a time period when the number of guests P staying in the stay area is zero is a time period after the theme park closes. Even in this case, when the management unit 311 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the stay area, it may perform a warning operation to warn an employee of the stay area (or a person using the authentication system SYS) that an abnormality has occurred in guest room C. In this case, the management unit 311 may notify the employee of the stay area of ​​information regarding the number of customers P staying in the stay area.

[0094] (3) Supplementary notes The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment. [Appendix 1] an authentication means for authenticating a person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area; a counting means for performing a counting process to count the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device by imaging the people entering and leaving the target area; An authentication device comprising: [Appendix 2] The counting means starts the counting process when the authentication means has successfully authenticated the person, and does not start the counting process when the authentication means has not successfully authenticated the person. 10. The authentication device of claim 1. [Appendix 3] a restriction means for restricting the person from entering the target area is disposed between the target area and an area outside the target area; The counting means starts the counting process when the state of the restriction means is a non-restricted state in which the person is not restricted from entering the target area, and does not start the counting process when the state of the restriction means is a restricted state in which the person is restricted from entering the target area. 3. An authentication device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] the target area includes guest rooms of the accommodation facility; The restriction means includes a lockable door to the cabin. 10. The authentication device of claim 3. [Appendix 5] The authentication device further includes a switching unit that switches the state of the restriction unit to the restricted state when the person is successfully authenticated by the authentication unit. 5. An authentication device according to claim 3 or 4. [Appendix 6] the person performs a first procedure for entering the target area before entering the target area; When the person ends use of the target area, the person performs a second procedure for ending use of the target area; The counting means starts the counting process when the person completes the first procedure, and ends the counting process when the person completes the second procedure. 6. An authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Appendix 7] the target area includes guest rooms of the accommodation facility; the first procedure includes a check-in procedure at the accommodation facility; The second procedure includes a check-out procedure from the accommodation facility. 10. The authentication device of claim 6. [Appendix 8] the imaging device generates the second image by capturing an image of the person through a mirror; The imaging device generates the first image by capturing an image of the person without using a mirror. 7. An authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Appendix 9] authenticating the person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area; counting the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the people entering and leaving the target area; and Authentication methods, including: [Appendix 10] A recording medium on which a computer program for causing a computer to execute an authentication method is recorded, The authentication method includes: authenticating the person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area; counting the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the people entering and leaving the target area; and A recording medium including:

[0095] At least some of the components of each of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined with at least some of the other components of each of the above-described embodiments. Some of the components of each of the above-described embodiments may not be used. Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all documents (e.g., published patent applications) cited in this disclosure are incorporated by reference as part of the description of this disclosure.

[0096] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the technical idea that can be read from the entire specification. Focus determination devices, focus determination methods, authentication devices, authentication methods, and recording media that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 camera 2. Authentication Device 21 Arithmetic unit 211 Authentication Department 212 Unlocking control unit 213 Behavior Analysis Department 3 Management Server 4. Mirror 1000 Authentication Device 1001 Authentication Department 1002 Counting section 1100 Imaging device 1110 First image 1120 2nd image 1200 people 1300 Target Area SYS Authentication System IMG1, IMG2 captured images P customers C Guest Room DR Door Entrance / exit

Claims

1. an authentication means for authenticating a person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area; a counting means for performing a counting process to count the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device by imaging the people entering and leaving the target area; An authentication device comprising:

2. The counting means starts the counting process when the authentication means has successfully authenticated the person, and does not start the counting process when the authentication means has not successfully authenticated the person. The authentication device according to claim 1 .

3. a restriction means for restricting the person from entering the target area is disposed between the target area and an area outside the target area; The counting means starts the counting process when the state of the restriction means is a non-restricted state in which the person is not restricted from entering the target area, and does not start the counting process when the state of the restriction means is a restricted state in which the person is restricted from entering the target area.

3. The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the target area includes guest rooms of the accommodation facility; The restriction means includes a lockable door to the cabin. The authentication device according to claim 3 .

5. The authentication device further includes a switching unit that switches the state of the restriction unit to the restricted state when the authentication unit has successfully authenticated the person.

5. The authentication device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The person performs a first procedure for entering the target area before entering the target area; When the person ends use of the target area, the person performs a second procedure for ending use of the target area; The counting means starts the counting process when the person completes the first procedure, and ends the counting process when the person completes the second procedure. The authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the target area includes guest rooms of the accommodation facility; the first procedure includes a check-in procedure at the accommodation facility; The second procedure includes a check-out procedure from the accommodation facility. The authentication device according to claim 6.

8. the imaging device generates the second image by capturing an image of the person through a mirror; The imaging device generates the first image by capturing an image of the person without using a mirror. The authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. authenticating the person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area; counting the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the people entering and leaving the target area; A computer-implemented authentication method, including:

10. A computer program for causing a computer to perform an authentication method, comprising: The authentication method includes: authenticating the person using a first image generated by an imaging device capturing an image of the person before the person enters a target area; counting the number of people staying in the target area using a second image generated by the imaging device capturing an image of the people entering and leaving the target area; A computer program comprising:

Images