Reading device, service providing system, service providing method, and service providing program

Abstract

To prevent providing service to an object person who is not qualified to receive the service in provision of service using an optical reading code.SOLUTION: A management information storage unit stores service management information including an identification code for identifying a service to be provided or an object person to whom the service is provided, and a communication address of a portable terminal of the object person to whom the service is provided. An obtaining unit obtains the identification code indicated by a first optical reading code displayed on a screen of a display of the portable terminal. A search unit searches the service management information using the obtained identification code as a key, and reads out the communication address of the portable terminal of the corresponding object person. A transmitting unit transmits provision permission data of the service to the portable terminal of the read communication address.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for providing a service to a target person by using an optically readable code. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been systems that provide services to individuals who present an optically readable code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) displayed on the screen of a display device on their mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet device). The services referred to here include mobile ticket services that permit entry to facilities such as event venues and theme parks, services that grant value according to transactions (e.g., point services, cashback services), and payment services that settle transaction amounts cashlessly (e.g., by credit card or prepaid).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mobile ticket system. In Patent Document 1, a management server transmits a ticket information display app, in which a terminal ID for identifying the terminal is embedded, to a terminal of a person who is qualified to receive a service. The ticket information display app is an application program (hereinafter simply referred to as an app) that causes a mobile terminal to display an optically readable code indicating ticket information on the screen. A control device of the mobile terminal acquires the mobile terminal ID and the terminal ID embedded in the ticket information display app, and if these two IDs do not match, the control device for the mobile terminal does not force the ticket information display app to be terminated. In other words, if the mobile terminal ID and the terminal ID embedded in the ticket information display app do not match, the control device of the mobile terminal does not display the optically readable code indicating ticket information on the screen. As a result, a person who is not qualified to receive a service cannot display the optically readable code required to receive the service on the screen of his or her mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5685877 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, a mobile terminal can display on its screen an optically readable code that has been reproduced by a screenshot, etc. Therefore, even with the above-described configuration, if it is not possible to determine whether the optically readable code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal is an optically readable code that has been reproduced by a screenshot, etc., it may not be possible to prevent a service from being provided to a person who is not qualified to receive the service.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for preventing a service from being provided to a person who is not qualified to receive the service when the service is provided using an optically readable code. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the service provision management device of the present invention is configured as follows.

[0008] The management information storage unit stores service management information including a specific code that identifies the service to be provided or the recipient of the service, and the communication address of the mobile terminal of the recipient of the service. The "service to be provided" here does not refer to the type of service, but to the service provided to the recipient. In other words, even if the service is of the same type, the service information will be different depending on the recipient. The mobile terminal of the recipient to whom the service is provided is the mobile terminal used by the recipient when receiving the service, and the communication address of this mobile terminal is, for example, an IP address (Internet Protocol Address).

[0009] An acquisition unit acquires a specific code indicated by a first optical readable code displayed on the screen of a display of the mobile terminal. The first optical readable code may be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode. The acquisition unit may be configured, for example, as a communication unit capable of performing data communication with a reader that reads information indicated by the first optical readable code. Data communication with the reader may be configured to be performed via a wired connection or wirelessly. Furthermore, the acquisition unit may be configured, for example, as a reader that reads information indicated by the first optical readable code (i.e., the service provision management device may be a device with a built-in reader).

[0010] The search unit searches the service management information using the specific code acquired by the acquisition unit as a key and reads out the communication address of the mobile terminal of the corresponding target person. The transmission unit transmits the service provision permission data to the mobile terminal of the communication address read out by the search unit.

[0011] In this configuration, when the specific code indicated by the first optical read code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal is acquired, permission to provide the service is transmitted to the mobile terminal associated with the acquired specific code. In other words, permission to provide the service is not transmitted to the mobile terminal of anyone other than a person who is qualified to receive the service. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the service from being provided to people who are not qualified to receive the service.

[0012] The service information to be transmitted may be in the form of text data, a second optically readable code, or any other form.

[0013] In addition, the transmission unit may be configured to, when it transmits the provision permission data to the mobile terminal of the subject person corresponding to the specific code acquired this time, send a notification that the provision permission data has been transmitted to the reading device from which this specific code was acquired. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, when providing a service using an optically readable code, it is possible to prevent the service from being provided to a person who is not qualified to receive the service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a service providing system according to this example. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the service provision management device of this example. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing service management information stored in a management information storage unit. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the reading device of this example. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the mobile terminal of this example. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the service provision management device of this example. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading device of this example. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile terminal of this example. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the service provision management device of Modification 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading device of the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a service providing system according to a second modification. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a service provision management device according to Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] <1. Application Examples> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a service providing system of this example. The service providing system 100 of this example is a mobile ticket system that restricts entry to event venues such as theater, concert, soccer, and baseball events. Specifically, the service providing system 100 of this example is a system that permits entry to the event venue if a target person who wishes to enter the event venue has obtained a ticket in an appropriate manner (hereinafter referred to as a legitimate target person), but does not permit entry to a target person who has not obtained a ticket in an appropriate manner (hereinafter referred to as a fraudulent target person) or a target person who has not obtained a ticket (hereinafter referred to as an ineligible person).

[0018] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between legitimate subjects, fraudulent subjects, and non-subjects, they will simply be referred to as subjects.

[0019] The service providing system 100 in this example includes a service provision management device 1 and a reading device 3. In this example, the service provision management device 1 and the reading device 3 are connected via a network 101. The network 101 may be the Internet, a dedicated line network, or other network as long as data communication is possible between the service provision management device 1 and the reading device 3. Furthermore, the number of reading devices 3 connected to the service provision management device 1 via the network 101 is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0020] The service provision management device 1 and the reading device 3 may be directly connected by wire without going through the network 101, or may communicate directly via short-range wireless communication. The service provision management device 1 and the reading device 3 may also be configured as a single device housed in the same housing.

[0021] The mobile terminal 5 shown in Fig. 1 is a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by a subject. In other words, the mobile terminal 5 shown in Fig. 1 is not a specific terminal, but an unspecified number of terminals (terminals owned by each subject).

[0022] Tickets are sold, for example, through ticket sales sites set up on the Internet or at ticket stores. Ticket data for tickets sold on ticket sales sites or at ticket stores is stored in the mobile terminal 5 of the authorized person. An application program (hereinafter simply referred to as the app) is installed in the mobile terminal 5, which selectively displays on the display screen an optical read code 5a indicating ticket data or an optical read code 5b indicating admission permission data. In FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 5 shown by the solid line on the right side is in a state where the optical read code 5a indicating ticket data is displayed on the display screen, and the mobile terminal 5 shown by the dashed line on the left side is in a state where the optical read code 5b indicating admission permission data is displayed on the display screen.

[0023] The ticket data includes a ticket number that identifies the ticket. This ticket number corresponds to the specific code referred to in this invention. The optically readable code 5a indicating the ticket data corresponds to the first optically readable code referred to in this invention. Furthermore, the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data corresponds to the second optically readable code referred to in this invention.

[0024] The optically readable codes 5a and 5b may be, for example, a one-dimensional barcode (e.g., CODE39) or a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., QR Code (registered trademark)). In Fig. 1, the optically readable codes 5a and 5b displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 are two-dimensional barcodes.

[0025] The reader 3 reads the ticket data indicated by the optically readable code 5 a displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 , and transmits the read ticket data to the service provision management device 1 via the network 101 .

[0026] Furthermore, for tickets sold at a ticket sales site or a ticket store, service management information including the ticket data and the communication address of the mobile terminal 5 owned by the legitimate recipient of the ticket is stored in the service provision management device 1. The communication address of the mobile terminal 5 owned by the recipient is the mobile terminal 5 in which the ticket data of the corresponding ticket is stored. Furthermore, the communication address of the mobile terminal 5 is, for example, an IP address (Internet Protocol Address).

[0027] In this example, the reading device 3 is installed at the entrance of the event venue, and the service provision management device 1 is installed at the center.

[0028] A person who wishes to enter the event venue displays an optically readable code 5a indicating ticket data on the screen of his / her mobile terminal 5.

[0029] The reader 3 reads the data indicated by the optically readable code 5a displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5. The reader 3 determines whether the data indicated by the optically readable code 5a is ticket data related to the corresponding event.

[0030] If the data indicated by the optical readable code 5a read this time is not ticket data for the corresponding event, the reader 3 determines that the target person is not eligible and does not permit them to enter the event venue. If the information indicated by the optical readable code 5a read this time is ticket data for the corresponding event, the reader 3 transmits this ticket data to the service provision management device 1.

[0031] The service provision management device 1 acquires the ticket number included in the ticket data received from the reader 3. The service provision management device 1 searches the service management information using the acquired ticket number as a key, and acquires the communication address of the mobile terminal 5 owned by the legitimate recipient of the corresponding ticket. The service provision management device 1 transmits an image of the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data, addressed to the acquired communication address. This admission permission data corresponds to the provision permission data referred to in this invention.

[0032] Therefore, if the subject who owns the portable terminal 5 from which the reading device 3 reads the optical reading code 5a is a valid subject, an image of the optical reading code 5b indicating the admission permission data will be received by this portable terminal 5. On the other hand, if the subject who owns the portable terminal 5 from which the reading device 3 reads the optical reading code 5a is a fraudulent subject, an image of the optical reading code 5b indicating the admission permission data will not be received by this portable terminal 5. In other words, whether the subject is a valid subject or a fraudulent subject can be determined depending on whether the portable terminal 5 receives an image of the optical reading code 5b indicating the admission permission data.

[0033] For example, when the mobile terminal 5 receives an image of the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data from the service provision management device 1, the mobile terminal 5 displays the received optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data on the screen. The reader 3 may determine whether the subject is a legitimate subject or a fraudulent subject based on whether the admission permission data can be read.

[0034] In addition, the mobile terminal 5 may receive the admission permission data as text data from the service provision management device 1 and display this received admission permission data as text data on the screen (the subject may have the attendant show the admission permission data displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5).

[0035] Thus, in the service providing system 100 of this example, even if a target person (a fraudulent person) attempts to enter by displaying an optical reading code 5a indicating ticket data that has been copied using a screenshot or the like on the screen of his / her mobile terminal 5, the image of the optical reading code 5b indicating the admission permission data will not be received by the fraudulent person's mobile terminal 5. Therefore, the service providing system 100 of this example can prevent targets (fraudulent targets and non-targets) who have not obtained tickets in a proper manner from being mistakenly allowed to enter the event venue.

[0036] <2.Configuration example> 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the service provision management device of this example. The service provision management device 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a management information storage unit 13.

[0037] The control unit 11 controls the operation of each part of the main body of the service provision management device 1. The control unit 11 also has a search unit 11a, which will be described later.

[0038] The communication unit 12 has a receiving unit 12a and a transmitting unit 12b. The service provision management device 1 communicates various types of data with the reading device 3 and the portable terminal 5 using the communication unit 12. The communication unit 12 communicates with the reading device 3 and the portable terminal 5 via the network 101. The receiving unit 12a performs a process of receiving various types of data from the reading device 3 and the portable terminal 5. The transmitting unit 12b performs a process of transmitting various types of data to the reading device 3 and the portable terminal 5. The receiving unit 12a corresponds to the acquisition unit referred to in this invention, and the transmitting unit 12b corresponds to the transmission unit referred to in this invention. In other words, the communication unit 12 has the acquisition unit and transmission unit referred to in this invention.

[0039] The management information storage unit 13 stores service management information. The management information storage unit 13 may be configured with a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or may be configured with another type of storage medium.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the service management information stored in the management information storage unit. The management information storage unit 13 stores service management information for each ticket sold. The service management information includes the ticket number, communication address, usage status, etc. The ticket number is a number that identifies the ticket, and as described above, corresponds to the specific code referred to in this invention. The communication address is the IP address of the mobile terminal 5 owned by the legitimate recipient of the ticket. The usage status indicates whether the ticket is in a used state (that is, used) or an unused state (that is, unused).

[0041] The service management information may include items other than the ticket number, communication address, and usage status described above.

[0042] In addition, the search unit 11a of the control unit 11 uses the ticket number included in the ticket data received by the receiving unit 12a as a key to search for the service management information stored in the management information storage unit 13 and reads out the corresponding service management information.

[0043] Furthermore, if the search unit 11a is unable to acquire service management information corresponding to the ticket number included in the ticket data received by the reception unit 12a, the control unit 11 determines that the target person is a non-target person.

[0044] Furthermore, if the search unit 11a can obtain service management information corresponding to the ticket number included in the ticket data received by the receiving unit 12a and the usage status is unused, the control unit 11 performs processing to transmit an image of the optically readable code 5b indicating admission permission data by the transmitting unit 12b. This admission permission data is transmitted to the communication address included in the service management information obtained by the search unit 11a in this search.

[0045] In this example, the control unit 11 determines whether the subject is a legitimate subject or an unauthorized subject. person It does not determine whether

[0046] The control unit 11 of the service provision management device 1 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the service provision management program according to the present invention, it operates as a search unit 11a. The memory also has an area for expanding the service provision management program according to the present invention and an area for temporarily storing data generated when the service provision management program is executed. The control unit 11 may be an LSI that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, and the like. The hardware CPU is also a computer that executes the service provision management method according to the present invention.

[0047] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the reading device of this example. The reading device 3 includes a control unit 31, a reading section 32, a communication section 33, and an output section .

[0048] The control unit 31 controls the operation of each part of the main body of the reading device 3. The control unit 31 also has a determination part 31a, which will be described later.

[0049] The reading unit 32 reads the information indicated by the optically readable code. The reading unit 32 is, for example, a known barcode reader, and reads the information indicated by the optically readable code located in the reading area.

[0050] The communication unit 33 performs data communication with the service provision management device 1 via the network 101 .

[0051] The output unit 34 outputs the determination result (in this example, whether or not to permit entry) made on the subject. The output unit 34 may be configured to output the determination result to a gate device that restricts entry of the subject, for example. The output unit 34 may also be configured as a display unit that displays the determination result made on the subject.

[0052] Furthermore, the determination unit 31a included in the control unit 31 determines whether the subject is a valid subject, a fraudulent subject, or a non-valid subject. Specifically, the determination unit 31a determines a subject who owns a portable terminal 5 from which the reading unit 32 did not read the optical reading code 5a indicating ticket data as a non-valid subject. The determination unit 31a also determines a subject who owns a portable terminal 5 from which the reading unit 32 reads the optical reading code 5a indicating ticket data but did not read the optical reading code 5b indicating admission permission data as a fraudulent subject. The determination unit 31a also determines a subject who owns a portable terminal 5 from which the reading unit 32 reads the optical reading code 5a indicating ticket data but did not read the optical reading code 5b indicating admission permission data as a valid subject.

[0053] The control unit 31 of the reading device 3 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes a pre-installed reading program, it operates as a determination unit 31a. The memory also has an area for expanding the reading program and an area for temporarily storing data generated when the reading program is executed. The control unit 31 may be an LSI that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, etc.

[0054] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the mobile terminal 5 in this example. The mobile terminal 5 in this example is a smartphone or tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 5 includes a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a display 53, and an operation unit 54.

[0055] The control unit 51 controls the operation of each part of the main body of the mobile terminal 5. The control unit 51 also has a display control section 51a, which will be described later.

[0056] The communication unit 52 performs data communication with the service provision management device 1 via the network 101 .

[0057] The screen of the display 53 displays an optical reading code 5a (referred to as the first optical reading code in this invention) indicating ticket data, an optical reading code 5b (referred to as the second optical reading code in this invention) indicating admission permission data, etc.

[0058] The operation unit 54 has an input device and detects input operations of the subject on the input device. The input device is, for example, a touch panel attached to the screen of the display 53, a fingerprint reading device provided on the main body, or an operation button provided on the main body.

[0059] Furthermore, the display control unit 51a included in the control unit 51 controls the screen display on the display device 53. For example, the display control unit 51a controls the display of the optical reading code 5a indicating ticket data and the optical reading code 5b indicating admission permission on the screen of the display device 53.

[0060] The control unit 51 of the mobile terminal 5 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes a pre-installed ticket app, it operates as a display control unit 51a. The memory also has an area for expanding the ticket app and an area for temporarily storing data generated when the ticket app is executed. The control unit 51 may be an LSI that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, etc.

[0061] <3. Example of operation> In this example of the service providing system 100, an image of an optically readable code 5a indicating the ticket data of a sold ticket is stored in a mobile terminal 5 owned by the legitimate purchaser of the ticket. The mobile terminal 5 can display on a display 53 the optically readable code 5a indicating the stored ticket data.

[0062] The mobile terminal 5 may be configured to store ticket data and generate an optically readable code 5a that indicates the ticket data.

[0063] In the service providing system 100 of this example, service management information is stored in the service providing management device 1 for each ticket sold.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the service provision management device, Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading device, and Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile terminal.

[0065] A person entering the event venue operates the operation unit 54 of his / her mobile terminal 5 to position the optical reading code 5a indicating the ticket data displayed on the screen of the display 53 in the reading area of ​​the reading unit 32 of the reading device 3.

[0066] The optical reading code displayed on the screen of the display 53 of the mobile terminal 5 may be a copy of a screenshot or the like, or may not represent ticket data. In other words, the optical reading code 5a displayed on the screen of the display 53 of the mobile terminal 5 may not necessarily be the correct optical reading code 5a for the sold ticket.

[0067] In the reading device 3, the reading unit 32 repeatedly reads the optical reading code at regular time intervals (s31). When the reading unit 32 reads the optical reading code, the reading device 3 determines whether the information indicated by the optical reading code is ticket data for the corresponding event (s32). The determination unit 31a makes the determination in s32.

[0068] If the determination unit 31a determines in s32 that the data is not ticket data for the corresponding event, the reading device 3 determines that the target person is a non-target person (s42) and returns to s31. That is, if what is displayed on the screen of the display 53 of the portable terminal 5 is not the optical reading code 5a, the reading device 3 determines that the target person is a non-target person who has not purchased a ticket for the corresponding event. The reading device 3 may, for example, notify an attendant that the target person is a non-target person in s41. For example, the reading device 3 may display that the target person is a non-target person, or may output a voice message that the target person is a non-target person.

[0069] If the reading device 3 determines in s32 that the ticket data is for the corresponding event, it stores the ticket data in memory (s33). The reading device 3 also transmits the ticket data to the service provision management device 1 (s34). The processes of s33 and s34 may be executed in either order. The processes of s33 and s34 may also be executed in parallel. In s34, the reading device 3 transmits the ticket data together with a device code that identifies its own device.

[0070] The service provision management device 1 waits for the reception unit 12a to receive the ticket data or admission notification transmitted from the reader 3 (s1, s2). The service provision management device 1 searches for the service management information stored in the management information storage unit 13 using the ticket number included in the ticket data received in s1 as a key, and acquires the corresponding service management information (s3). The search unit 11a performs the process related to s3.

[0071] The control unit 11 of the service provision management device 1 determines whether the usage status included in the acquired service management information is an unused status (s4). If the usage status is not an unused status (if the usage status is a used status), the service provision management device 1 returns to s1. The determination in s4 is made to prevent tickets from being reused.

[0072] If the control unit 11 of the service provision management device 1 is unable to acquire the service management information in s3, it determines in s4 that the device is not in an unused state.

[0073] If the usage status is an unused status (if the usage status is not a used status), the service provision management device 1 transmits an image of the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data to the mobile terminal 5 with the corresponding communication address (s5), and returns to s1. The admission permission data includes the ticket number.

[0074] When the portable terminal 5 receives the image of the optically readable code indicating the admission permission data from the service provision management device 1, it displays the received optically readable code 5b on the screen of the display 53 (s51, s52).

[0075] The time required from when the reading unit 32 of the reading device 3 reads the optical reading code 5a in s31 until the optical reading code 5b indicating the entry permission data is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 in s52 is at most a few seconds (for example, about 1 to 3 seconds).

[0076] After transmitting the ticket data to the service provision management device 1 in s34, the reading device 3 repeats reading the optical reading code and checking whether the read optical reading code indicates ticket data or admission permission data at regular time intervals until a set time has elapsed (s35 to s38). The set time is determined based on the time required from when the reading unit 32 of the reading device 3 reads the optical reading code until the optical reading code 5b indicating admission permission data is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5 in s52.

[0077] When the subject performs a completion operation on the operation unit 54 (s53), the portable terminal 5 ends this process. At this time, the portable terminal 5 ends the display of the optically readable code 5b on the screen of the display device 53.

[0078] If the optical read code read in s35 does not indicate ticket data (ticket data read in s31 and s32) or admission permission data, the reading device 3 determines that the subject has moved the screen of the mobile terminal 5 out of the reading area of ​​the reading unit 32, and returns to s31. The reading device 3 determines that the optical read code does not indicate ticket data or admission permission information not only when the optical read code read in s35 indicates something other than ticket data or admission permission data, but also when the optical read code cannot be read.

[0079] Furthermore, if the reader 3 reads the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data before the set time has elapsed, it outputs admission permission at the output unit 34 (s39). In s36, if the ticket number included in the ticket data stored in s33 does not match the ticket number included in the admission permission information read this time, the reader 3 does not determine that the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data has been read.

[0080] The reader 3 transmits an admission notification to the service provision management device 1 (s40), and returns to s31. The admission notification transmitted in s40 includes the ticket number. The order of the processes of s39 and s40 may be either executed first. Furthermore, the processes of s39 and s40 may be executed in parallel.

[0081] Furthermore, the reader 3 determines the subject to be a fraudulent person (s41) after a set time has elapsed (s38) without reading the optical reading code 5b indicating the admission permission data (s37), and returns to s31. In s41, the reader 3 may output information to notify the staff member that the subject is a fraudulent person.

[0082] Furthermore, when the service provision management device 1 receives an admission notification from the reading device 3, it searches for the service management information stored in the management information storage unit 13 using the ticket number included in the admission notification as a key, updates the corresponding service management information (s2, s6), and returns to s1. In s6, it updates the usage status of the corresponding ticket number from unused to used.

[0083] In this way, in the service providing system 100 of this example, the reading device 3 determines whether the target person is a non-target person. If the reading device 3 determines that the target person is a non-target person, it does not communicate with the service provision management device 1 and does not allow the non-target person to enter the event venue. Therefore, in the service providing system 100 of this example, if the target person is a non-target person, it is possible to prevent unnecessary communication between the service provision management device 1 and the reading device 3.

[0084] Furthermore, if the target is a fraudulent person, even if an optical reading code indicating ticket data acquired by a screenshot or the like is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5, the optical reading code 5b indicating the admission permission data cannot be received from the service provision management device 1. Therefore, the service provision system 100 in this example can prevent fraudulent acts such as reselling tickets obtained through legitimate means.

[0085] In this example of the service provision system 100, a legitimate person who has obtained a ticket in a proper manner can enter the event venue by displaying an optical reading code 5a indicating the ticket data on the screen of the display 53 of the mobile terminal 5 and having the reading device 3 read it.

[0086] <4. Modifications> Variation 1 The service provision management device 1, reading device 3, and mobile terminal 5 that constitute the service provision system 100 of this modified example 1 have the same configurations as those in the above-mentioned example. The service provision system 100 of this modified example 1 differs from the above-mentioned example in that the service provision management device 1 executes the process shown in Fig. 9 and the reading device 3 executes the process shown in Fig. 10.

[0087] In Fig. 9, the same processes as those in Fig. 6 are assigned the same step numbers, and in Fig. 10, the same processes as those in Fig. 7 are assigned the same step numbers. Also, the mobile terminal 5 executes the process shown in Fig. 8, similar to the example described above.

[0088] 9, after transmitting the admission permission data to the mobile terminal 5 in s5, the service provision management device 1 of this modified example 1 transmits a notification of completion of transmission of the ticket data to the mobile terminal 5 to the reader 3 that has transmitted the ticket data this time (s10). In other words, the service provision management device 1 of this modified example 1 differs from the above example in that it executes the process at s10.

[0089] In this first modification, the reader 3 transmits the ticket data to the service provision management device 1 in s34, and then reads the optical reading code at regular time intervals (s61). The reader 3 also determines whether it has already received a notification from the service provision management device 1 that the ticket data has been transmitted to the mobile terminal 5 (s62).

[0090] If the reading device 3 determines in s62 that it has not received a notification that the admission permission data has been transmitted, it determines whether the optical reading code read in s61 this time indicates the ticket data read in s31 (s63). If the reading device 3 determines in s63 that the code does not indicate ticket data, it ends this process and returns to s31. In s63, it determines whether the subject has moved the portable terminal 5. If the reading device 3 determines in s63 that the code indicates ticket data, it returns to s61.

[0091] If the reader 3 determines in s62 that it has received the notification that the admission permission data has been transmitted, it determines whether the optically readable code read in s61 indicates admission permission data (s64).

[0092] If the reading device 3 determines that the data is admission permission data, it outputs admission permission at the output unit 34 (s65). In s64, if the ticket number included in the ticket data stored in s33 does not match the ticket number included in the admission permission information read this time, the reading device 3 does not determine that it has read an optical read code indicating admission permission data.

[0093] The reader 3 transmits an admission notification to the service provision management device 1 (s66), and returns to s31. The admission notification transmitted in s66 includes the ticket number. The order of the processes of s65 and s66 does not matter, and the processes of s65 and s66 may be executed in parallel.

[0094] In the service providing system 100 according to this variant example 1, as in the example described above, legitimate persons are allowed to enter the event venue, and persons other than legitimate persons (fraudulent persons and non-eligible persons) are not allowed to enter the event venue.

[0095] Variation 2 Entry of a target person into an event venue may be restricted, for example, in two stages. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, a target person enters the event venue through two gates 61 and 62. Whether the target person is a legitimate target person is determined when the target person passes through the first gate 61 and when the target person passes through the second gate 62. Readers 3 (3a and 3b) are installed in front of the two gates 61 and 62.

[0096] The service provision management device 1, the reading devices 3 (3a, 3b), and the mobile terminal 5 that constitute the service provision system 100 of this modified example 2 have the same configurations as those in the above example.

[0097] Furthermore, the service management information stored in the management information storage unit 13 of the service provision management device 1 of this modified example 2 manages the usage status into three types: not entered, entered as in the above example, and in the middle of entering. Not entered is a state in which the first gate has not been passed, and entered is a state in which the second gate has been passed. In addition, in the middle of entering is a state in which the first gate has been passed but the second gate has not been passed.

[0098] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the service provision management device of Modification 2. In Fig. 12, the same processes as those in Fig. 9 are assigned the same step numbers. Furthermore, the reading device 3 of Modification 2 executes the process shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 5 executes the process shown in Fig. 8.

[0099] The service provision management device 1 of this modified example 2 receives ticket data in s1, searches for service management information in s3, and determines whether the sender of the currently received ticket data is the reading device 3a or the reading device 3b (s11). If the sender of the currently received ticket data is the reading device 3a, the service provision management device 1 executes the processes in s4, s5, and s10 described above and returns to s1. If the sender of the currently received ticket data is the reading device 3b, the service provision management device 1 determines whether the usage status is "entering in progress" (s12). If the service provision management device 1 determines in s12 that the usage status is "entering in progress," it executes the processes in s5 and s10 described above and returns to s1. If the service provision management device 1 determines in s12 that the usage status is not "entering in progress," it ends this process and returns to s1. If the service provision management device 1 was unable to acquire service management information in s3, it determines in s12 that the usage status is not "entering in progress."

[0100] In this way, the service providing system 100 of the second modification can restrict the entry of target persons into the event venue in two stages.

[0101] The service providing system 100 may restrict the entry of a target person into an event venue in three or more stages.

[0102] Furthermore, the optically readable code displayed on the screen of the display 53 of the portable terminal 5 of a person passing through a second or subsequent gate may be the optically readable code 5b indicating the admission permission data received from the service provision management device 1 when passing through the preceding gate. In this case, the admission permission data sent to the portable terminal 5 of the legitimate person may be different for each of the gates 61 and 62. For example, the admission permission data may include a gate code that allows passage and identifies the gate 61 or 62.

[0103] Variation 3 In the above example, the service provision management device 1 searches for the service management information stored in the management information storage unit 13 using the ticket number as a key, but a target person identification code that identifies a legitimate target person may also be used. In this case, the optically readable code 5a indicates ticket data including the target person identification code, and the service management information includes the target person identification code, a communication address, and a usage status.

[0104] In the above example, the present invention has been described using the service providing system 100 that provides a service to allow legitimate persons to enter an event venue, but the present invention can be applied to systems that provide various types of services, such as services that assign value according to transactions (e.g., point services, cashback services), and payment services that settle transaction amounts cashlessly (credit, prepaid, etc.).

[0105] It should be noted that this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the order in which the steps shown in each flowchart are executed is not limited to the order shown in the drawings, and the order may be changed as appropriate.

[0106] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the configuration according to the above-described embodiment can be described as follows: <Additional Notes> a management information storage unit (13) for storing service management information including a service to be provided or a specific code for identifying a person to whom the service is to be provided, and a communication address of a mobile terminal (5) of the person to whom the service is to be provided; an acquisition unit (12a) that acquires the specific code indicated by the first optically readable code (5a) displayed on the screen of the display (53) of the mobile terminal (5); a search unit (11a) that searches the service management information using the specific code acquired by the acquisition unit (12a) as a key and reads out the communication address of the mobile terminal of the corresponding target person; a transmitting unit (12b) for transmitting the service provision permission data to the mobile terminal (5) having the communication address read by the searching unit (11a); [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...Service provision management device 3(3a, 3b)…Reading device 5. Mobile devices 5a, 5b...Optical reading code 11...Control unit 11a...Search section 12. Communications Department 12a...Receiver 12b...Transmitter 13…Management information storage unit 31...Control unit 31a...judgment section 32...Reading unit 33…Communications Department 34...Output section 51...Control unit 51a...Display control unit 52…Communications Department 53...Indicator 54...Operation unit 61, 62...Gates 100...Service provision system 101…Network

Claims

1. A reading device connected via a network to a service provision management device that stores service management information in a management information storage unit, the service management information including a specific code that identifies a recipient of a service and a communication address of a mobile terminal of the recipient of the service, the service provision management device is configured to search the service management information using the specific code received from the reading device as a key, read out the communication address of the mobile terminal of the corresponding target person, transmit an image of a second optical reading code indicating the service provision permission data to the mobile terminal of the read communication address, and display the image of the transmitted second optical reading code on the screen of the mobile terminal of the transmission destination; a reading unit that repeatedly reads an optical read code displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal held over a reading area at regular time intervals; a determination unit that determines whether the optically readable code read by the reading unit is a first optically readable code that indicates a specific code that identifies a target person to whom a service is to be provided; a communication unit that, when the determination unit determines that the optical readable code read by the reading unit is the first optical readable code, transmits the specific code indicated by the first optical readable code currently read by the reading unit to the service provision management device, the determination unit determines whether the optically readable code read by the reading unit is the second optically readable code indicating the service provision permission data if the optically readable code is not the first optically readable code; The reading device further comprises an output unit that outputs an instruction to provide the service if the optical reading code read last time indicates the specific code and the optical reading code read this time indicates the service provision permission data.

2. The reading device described in claim 1, wherein the output unit does not output an instruction to provide the service unless the determination unit determines that the optical reading code read by the reading unit is the second optical reading code indicating the permission data for providing the service within a set time period after the specific code indicated by the first optical reading code read by the reading unit is transmitted to the service provision management device.

3. A service provision management device that stores service management information in a management information storage unit, the service management information including a specific code that identifies a person to whom a service is to be provided and a communication address of a mobile terminal of the person to whom the service is to be provided; a reading device having a reading unit that repeatedly reads an optical read code displayed on a screen of a mobile terminal held over a reading area at regular time intervals; and a service providing system connected via a network, The reading device a determination unit that determines whether the optically readable code read by the reading unit is a first optically readable code that indicates a specific code that identifies a target person to whom a service is to be provided; a communication unit that, when the determination unit determines that the optical readable code read by the reading unit is the first optical readable code, transmits the specific code indicated by the first optical readable code currently read by the reading unit to the service provision management device, the service provision management device, a search unit that searches the service management information using the specific code received from the reader as a key and reads out the communication address of the mobile terminal of the corresponding target person; a transmitting unit that transmits an image of a second optical reading code indicating the service provision permission data to the portable terminal having the communication address read by the searching unit, and causes the transmitted image of the second optical reading code to be displayed on a screen of the portable terminal as a transmission destination; Furthermore, the reading device the determination unit determines whether the optically readable code read by the reading unit is the second optically readable code indicating the service provision permission data if the optically readable code is not the first optically readable code; The service providing system is provided with an output unit that outputs instructions to provide the service if the optical reading code read last time indicates the specific code and the optical reading code read this time indicates the service provision permission data.

4. A service provision system as described in Claim 3, wherein the output unit of the reading device does not output an instruction to provide the service unless the determination unit determines that the optical reading code read by the reading unit is the second optical reading code indicating the permission data for providing the service within a set time period after the specific code indicated by the first optical reading code read by the reading unit is transmitted to the service provision management device.

5. A service provision method executed by a computer of a reading device connected via a network to a service provision management device that stores service management information in a management information storage unit, the service management information including a specific code that identifies a recipient of a service and a communication address of a mobile terminal of the recipient of the service, the service provision management device is configured to search the service management information using the specific code received from the reading device as a key, read out the communication address of the mobile terminal of the corresponding target person, transmit an image of a second optical reading code indicating the service provision permission data to the mobile terminal of the read communication address, and display the image of the transmitted second optical reading code on the screen of the mobile terminal of the transmission destination; The computer of the reading device a reading step of repeatedly reading an optical read code displayed on a screen of a mobile terminal held over a reading area at regular time intervals; a determining step of determining whether the optically readable code read in the reading step is a first optically readable code indicating a specific code that identifies a target person to whom a service is to be provided; a communication step of transmitting the specific code indicated by the first optically readable code currently read in the reading step to the service provision management device when it is determined in the determination step that the optically readable code read in the reading step is the first optically readable code, the determining step is a step of determining whether the optically readable code read in the reading step is the second optically readable code indicating the service provision permission data if the optically readable code is not the first optically readable code, Furthermore, the service providing method includes a reading step that executes an output step of outputting an instruction to provide the service if the optical reading code read previously indicates the specific code and the optical reading code read this time indicates the service provision permission data.

6. A service provision program to be executed by a computer of a reading device connected via a network to a service provision management device that stores service management information in a management information storage unit, the service management information including a specific code that identifies a person to whom a service is to be provided and a communication address of a mobile terminal of the person to whom the service is to be provided, the service provision management device is configured to search the service management information using the specific code received from the reading device as a key, read out the communication address of the mobile terminal of the corresponding target person, transmit an image of a second optical reading code indicating the service provision permission data to the mobile terminal of the read communication address, and display the image of the transmitted second optical reading code on the screen of the mobile terminal of the transmission destination; The computer of the reading device a reading step of repeatedly reading an optical read code displayed on a screen of a mobile terminal held over a reading area at regular time intervals; a determining step of determining whether the optically readable code read in the reading step is a first optically readable code indicating a specific code that identifies a target person to whom a service is to be provided; a communication step of transmitting the specific code indicated by the first optically readable code currently read in the reading step to the service provision management device when it is determined in the determination step that the optically readable code read in the reading step is the first optically readable code, the determining step is a step of determining whether the optically readable code read in the reading step is the second optically readable code indicating the service provision permission data if the optically readable code is not the first optically readable code, Furthermore, the service providing program executes an output step in which, if the optical reading code read last time indicates the specific code and the optical reading code read this time indicates the service provision permission data, an instruction to provide the service is output.

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