Information control device, information control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information control device, an information control method, and a computer-readable medium that can lessen the work burden of application procedures related to medical expenses while also increasing security. The information control device (10) according to the present embodiment comprises: a registration unit (110) that registers registration information in which biological information about a user is associated with contract information regarding a health insurance policy that the user is enrolled in; an acquisition unit (111) that acquires biological information about the user and medical service information issued in accordance with a prescribed medical service; a biometric authentication control unit (112) that uses the registration information to control biometric authentication for the acquired biological information; a determination control unit (113) that controls, if the biometric authentication is successful, a determination of whether the acquired medical service information is covered by the health insurance policy according to the contract information included in the registration information; and a processing unit (114) that executes processing based on the determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information control device, an information control method, and a computer-readable medium.

Background Art

[0007] An information control device relating to one aspect of this disclosure is: A registration means for registering registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted, A means for acquiring the user's biometric information and medical service information issued in accordance with a specified medical service, A biometric authentication control means for controlling biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful, the acquired medical service information is controlled by a determination control means that controls whether or not the medical service information included in the registration information is covered by the medical insurance. The system includes processing means for performing processing based on the result of the determination.

[0008] An information control method relating to one aspect of this disclosure is: Computers Registered information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted. The system acquires the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to the specified medical service. With respect to the acquired biometric information, biometric authentication is controlled using the registration information. If the biometric authentication is successful, the system controls the determination of whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information. This is a method for performing processing based on the results of the aforementioned determination.

[0009] A computer-readable medium relating to one aspect of this disclosure is The process involves registering registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted, The steps include obtaining the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to the specified medical service, The steps include: controlling biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information; If the biometric authentication is successful, the steps include controlling whether the acquired medical service information is covered by medical insurance as specified in the contract information included in the registration information, The steps include: performing processing based on the result of the determination, It is a non-temporary, computer-readable medium containing a program that causes a computer to execute something. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information control device, an information control method, and a computer-readable medium that can improve security while reducing the workload of application procedures related to medical expenses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the information control method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the information control method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the authentication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the authentication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0013] <First Embodiment> The configuration of the information control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information control device 10 according to the first embodiment. The information control device 10 is a computer that controls the determination of whether the medical service information issued according to a predetermined medical service is subject to the medical insurance to which the user has subscribed (contracted), and performs processing based on the determination result. The information control device 10 can process at least a part of the work related to various application procedures for medical expenses on behalf of the user.

[0014] The information control device 10 is connected to a communication network (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a network), and performs various communications with external devices via the connected network. The network may be wired or wireless, and the type of communication protocol is not limited.

[0015] From FIG. 1, the information control device 10 includes a registration unit 110, an acquisition unit 111, a biometric authentication control unit 112, a determination control unit 113, and a processing unit 114. The registration unit 110, the acquisition unit 111, the biometric authentication control unit 112, the determination control unit 113, and the processing unit 114 each have functions as registration means, acquisition means, biometric authentication control means, determination control means, and processing means, respectively.

[0016] The registration unit 110 registers registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted. The registration unit 110 may register the registration information in a storage device provided inside the information control device 10, or it may register the registration information in an external storage device. For example, the biometric information can include facial feature information obtainable from a facial image, or data (feature quantities) calculated from individual physical characteristics such as fingerprints, voiceprints, veins, retina, and iris patterns.

[0017] Medical insurance contract information refers to information about the medical insurance that a user has contracted, including information about the contract concluded between the user and the medical insurance provider when the user enrolled in the medical insurance. The medical insurance that a user has contracted includes medical insurance that the user has contracted for themselves, and medical insurance in which the user is the insured. Medical insurance contract information includes information about at least one of the following: the name of the insurance provider, such as the insurance provider or insurance business operator that operates the medical insurance that the user has contracted for, the type of medical insurance, the medical procedures covered by the medical insurance, and the user's unique identifier in the medical insurance. The user's unique identifier in the medical insurance refers to information used to identify and specify the contract between the user and the medical insurance provider, and is also referred to as, for example, the insurance contract number or policy number. Medical insurance contract information may include personal information about the user. For example, it may include the user's name, gender, date of birth, address (place of residence), nationality, user's contact information (telephone number, email address, social networking service account, etc.), family structure, income information, etc.

[0018] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the user's biometric information and medical service information issued in accordance with the specified medical service. The acquisition unit 111 can communicate with the user's terminal (hereinafter referred to as the user terminal) and acquire the user's biometric information and medical service information. Medical service information refers to information that can be obtained, for example, from medical expense statements, treatment statements, invoices, and receipts issued by medical institutions in accordance with medical procedures, or from insurance dispensing statements, invoices, receipts, and other documents issued by pharmacies.

[0019] The user terminal is, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, portable PC, or tablet device. The user uses the user terminal to, for example, take a picture of their face and transmit the face image to the information control device 10. The user also uses the user terminal to, for example, take a picture of a medical bill with the camera and transmit the image of the medical bill to the information control device 10. As a result, the acquisition unit 111 can acquire the face image and the image of the medical bill transmitted from the user terminal. From the acquired image of the medical bill, the acquisition unit 111 can read information about the medical treatment content and medical expenses required by the judgment control unit 113, for example, using optical character recognition (OCR). Note that the reading of information from the image of the medical bill may be performed by the acquisition unit 111, the judgment control unit 113, or a reading device provided outside the information control device 10. The acquisition unit 111 may also acquire medical service information by, for example, reading a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode written on the medical expense statement, medical bill, etc.

[0020] The acquisition unit 111 outputs the facial image acquired from the user terminal to the biometric authentication control unit 112. The acquisition unit 111 also outputs the medical service information acquired from the user terminal to the determination control unit 113. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111 may store the facial image and medical service information acquired from the user terminal in a storage device. In this case, the biometric authentication control unit 112 and the determination control unit 113 can retrieve the facial image and medical service information from the storage device.

[0021] The biometric authentication control unit 112 controls biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information. Specifically, the biometric authentication control unit 112 transmits the acquired biometric information to an authentication device that has previously stored facial feature information using the registered information, and causes the authentication device to perform biometric authentication. The authentication device may be located inside or outside the biometric authentication control unit 112. The detailed configuration of the authentication device will be described later.

[0022] Alternatively, instead of biometric authentication, identity verification may be performed using designated personal identification information. Examples of personal identification information include My Number (social security number), health insurance card, passport, combination of ID and password, a two-dimensional code that can identify the individual, and an electronic certificate. Personal identification is a method of authentication that involves comparing the acquired personal identification information with the personal identification information used for authentication.

[0023] If biometric authentication is successful, the determination control unit 113 controls the determination of whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by medical insurance as specified in the contract information included in the registration information. For example, the determination control unit 113 may send an application determination request, including contract information and medical service information, to the medical insurance provider's server to determine whether the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information. This allows the determination control unit 113 to accurately determine whether or not the service is covered by the medical insurance.

[0024] Furthermore, the determination control unit 113 may use a learning model, which has been trained using the medical service information, contract information, and the results of the determination of whether or not the service is applicable, to determine whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information. This allows the determination control unit 113 to quickly determine whether or not the service is covered by the medical insurance. In addition, the determination control unit 113 may perform the determination using the aforementioned learning model and also send an application determination request to the medical insurance provider's server. This allows the determination control unit 113 to quickly determine whether or not the service is covered by the medical insurance and to improve the accuracy of the determination.

[0025] The processing unit 114 performs processing based on the result of the determination. For example, the processing unit 114 may notify the user (e.g., the user terminal) of the determination result. Also, if the processing unit 114 determines that the acquired medical service information is covered by medical insurance in the contract information, it may submit a medical insurance application to the medical insurance provider's server. Furthermore, when submitting a medical insurance application, the processing unit 114 may confirm with the user whether or not to submit the application. This allows the processing unit 114 to submit the medical insurance application after obtaining the user's approval.

[0026] By including at least a part of the above configuration, the information control device 10 can improve security while reducing the workload of application procedures related to medical expenses.

[0027] Next, the processing performed by the information control device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the information control method performed by the information control device 10 according to the first embodiment. For the sake of simplicity, in the following explanation, biometric authentication will be referred to as facial authentication, and biometric information will be referred to as a facial image or facial feature information extracted from a facial image.

[0028] First, the registration unit 110 of the information control device 10 registers registration information in the storage device that associates the user's facial image with the contract information of the medical insurance contract the user has (step S11). For example, a user can register biometric information and medical insurance contract information in the information control device 10 by sending images of their own facial image and medical insurance contract certificate taken using a user terminal to the information control device 10. The facial image may be, for example, facial image data included in identity verification documents such as a My Number Card or passport. Also, if the information control device 10 is equipped with a shooting function, the user may register the facial image in the information control device 10 by taking a facial image using the shooting function of the information control device 10. Alternatively, the user may register medical insurance contract information in the information control device 10 by inputting the medical insurance contract information into a predetermined format provided by the information control device 10 using a user terminal. Furthermore, if the information control device 10 is equipped with an input device, the user may register the medical insurance contract information in the information control device 10 using the input device.

[0029] Biometric information (face image or facial feature information) and contract information are not limited to being directly associated; they may also be associated indirectly. For example, a first storage device inside the information control device 10 may register the user ID and contract information in association, and a second storage device outside the information control device 10 may register the user ID and biometric information in association. Here, the second storage device may be an authentication device. For example, the authentication device extracts feature quantities from the user's face image and obtains facial feature information. The authentication device may also issue a user ID, which is the user's identification information, and store the user ID and the user's facial feature information in association. The registration unit 110 may then store the user ID issued by the authentication device and the contract information in association in the first storage device. Below, an example of face authentication control using an authentication device will be described.

[0030] The acquisition unit 111, upon receiving medical service information from a user, acquires a facial image for biometric authentication from the user terminal via the network (step S12). The biometric authentication control unit 112 transmits the acquired facial image to the authentication device and causes the authentication device to perform facial authentication (step S13). Specifically, the biometric authentication control unit 112 transmits the facial image acquired from the user terminal to the authentication device and requests the authentication device to perform authentication. As described above, the authentication device stores the identification information and facial feature information of multiple users in association. The authentication device extracts predetermined feature quantities from the user's facial image acquired from the biometric authentication control unit 112 and compares the extracted feature quantities with the stored facial feature information. If authentication is successful, the authentication device identifies and specifies the user and transmits the identification information of the specified user to the biometric authentication control unit 112 as an authentication result.

[0031] The biometric authentication control unit 112 determines whether authentication was successful or not (step S14). The biometric authentication control unit 112 determines whether authentication was successful or not based, for example, on the authentication result received from the authentication device. For example, if the authentication result indicates authentication failure, the biometric authentication control unit 112 does not determine that authentication was successful (step S14: NO). In this case, the information control device 10 terminates processing. The processing unit 114 may also notify the user that authentication was unsuccessful.

[0032] On the other hand, the biometric authentication control unit 112 determines that authentication is successful if the authentication result received from the authentication device indicates successful authentication (Step S14: YES). If authentication is successful, the determination control unit 113 identifies the medical insurance contract information associated with the user (user ID and facial feature information) related to the successful authentication from the storage device (Step S15). Next, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the medical service information issued from the user terminal according to the medical service (Step S16).

[0033] The determination control unit 113 controls the determination of whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance contracted by the facially recognized user (step S17). If the determination result is that the medical service information is not covered by the medical insurance (step S17: NO), the information control device 10 terminates processing. In this case, the processing unit 114 may notify the user that the medical service information is not covered by the medical insurance. On the other hand, if the determination result is that the medical service information is covered by the medical insurance (step S17: YES), the processing unit 114 sends a medical insurance application to the medical insurance provider's server (step S18). In the explanation of Figure 2, the acquisition unit 111 acquired medical service information in step S16, but the acquisition unit 111 only needs to acquire medical service information between steps S12 and S15. For example, it may acquire medical service information together with the facial image data in step S12.

[0034] The information control device 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above. The information control device 10 also includes a processor and a storage device, although these are not shown in the diagram. The storage device of the information control device 10 includes a storage device that includes non-volatile memory such as flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this case, the storage device of the information control device 10 stores registration information, and the information control device 10 can read the user's medical insurance contract information related to successful facial recognition from the storage device.

[0035] The information control device 10 stores a computer program (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the program") for executing the information control method according to this embodiment in its storage device. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into memory and executes the program.

[0036] Each component of the information control device 10 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of each component may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be implemented by a single chip or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of each component of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Additionally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., can be used as the processor.

[0037] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the information control device 10 are implemented by multiple information control devices or circuits, these multiple information control devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information control devices or circuits may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. Also, the functions of the information control device 10 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0038] As described above, the information control device 10 according to the first embodiment performs biometric authentication and does not require users to manage IDs and passwords, thus improving user convenience. At the same time, since the information control device 10 can use information that is securely linked to the user, it can reduce the risk of leakage of personal information such as medical treatment details and insurance details, thereby improving security. By transmitting medical service information to the information control device 10, the user can automatically perform processing according to the determination result, such as determining whether or not the information is covered by medical insurance and submitting an application for medical insurance coverage to the medical insurance provider's server. In other words, by using the information control device 10, the user can reduce the workload of application procedures related to medical expenses, which are often complicated. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information control device, an information control method, and a computer-readable medium that can reduce the workload of application procedures related to medical expenses while improving security.

[0039] <Second Embodiment> The information control device 10 according to the second embodiment can process medical service information in relation to medical expense applications under medical expense application systems other than medical insurance. The configuration of the information control device 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the information control device 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, and therefore will be described using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and detailed explanations of content similar to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0040] Medical expense claims under medical expense claim systems other than health insurance include, for example, filing tax returns for medical expense deductions and applying for local medical services. Local medical services are medical services provided by local governments, and include, for example, medical expense subsidy programs for children and medical expense subsidy programs for the elderly or disabled.

[0041] For example, application procedures related to medical expenses, such as the application for medical insurance, the application for medical expense deductions, and the application for local medical services, may be related to the amount of expenses that can be claimed. For instance, if a user receives medical insurance benefits for a certain medical service, the expenses related to that medical service may not be eligible for medical expense deductions. Similarly, if a user receives benefits using the high-cost medical care system for a certain medical service, the expenses related to that medical service may not be eligible for medical expense deductions. In other words, in medical expense application procedures, the determination of eligibility for a second medical expense application system may change before and after the application procedure for the first medical expense application system. The information control device 10 according to the second embodiment can process medical expense applications under different medical expense application systems. This will be explained in detail below.

[0042] The registration unit 110 registers the acquired medical service information in association with the user who successfully underwent biometric authentication. As a result, each time medical service information is acquired, it is stored in the memory device in association with the user who successfully underwent biometric authentication. Furthermore, the registration unit 110 may register the first target amount for medical expense claims under health insurance and the second target amount for medical expense claims under other medical expense claim systems, associating them with the user who has successfully performed biometric authentication. In other words, the registration unit 110 may register medical service information separately for each medical expense claim system. For example, the registration unit 110 may store the acquired medical service information in a storage device separately for determining eligibility for health insurance and for determining eligibility for medical expense deductions.

[0043] The processing unit 114 calculates the amount eligible for medical expense claims for a predetermined period based on the registered medical service information. In other words, the processing unit 114 calculates the amount eligible for medical expense claims according to the medical expense claim system. Furthermore, if the processing unit 114 determines that the acquired medical service information is covered by the aforementioned medical insurance in the contract information, it can use the first eligible amount for medical expense applications in the medical insurance to submit a medical insurance application to the medical insurance provider's server, and update the second eligible amount for medical expense applications in other medical expense application systems based on the benefit amount corresponding to the application. For example, when the processing unit 114 submits a medical insurance application for a given medical service and the benefit amount is determined, it subtracts the benefit amount from the eligible amount used to determine eligibility for medical expense deductions. For example, if the eligible amount used to determine eligibility for medical expense deductions is 120,000 yen, and the processing unit 114 submits a medical insurance application and the benefit amount is determined to be 50,000 yen, it subtracts the benefit amount of 50,000 yen from the eligible amount of 120,000 yen used to determine eligibility for medical expense deductions. In other words, the processing unit 114 updates the eligible amount used to determine eligibility for medical expense deductions to 70,000 yen. This allows the information control device 10 to manage the accurate eligible amount for each medical expense application system.

[0044] Furthermore, if the processing unit 114 determines that the user is eligible for another medical expense claim system, it can use the second eligible amount to create application documents for that other medical expense claim system. Examples of application documents for other medical expense claim systems include tax return documents for medical expense deductions and application documents for regional medical services. Tax return documents for medical expense deductions may include, for example, a medical expense deduction statement. The processing unit 114 may also create the tax return documents using the details of regional medical services in the user's place of residence. In addition, if medical service information received by family members in the same household as the user is registered, the processing unit 114 may also create the tax return documents for medical expense deductions using the medical service information received by family members in the same household as the user. In other words, the processing unit 114 can create the tax return documents for medical expense deductions in accordance with administrative procedures. For example, the processing unit 114 may request the user terminal to provide the information necessary to create the tax return documents for medical expense deductions. Furthermore, if the My Number is registered in advance, the processing unit 114 may identify personal information such as the user's place of residence, age, and income information by coordinating with public institutions. In other words, the processing unit 114 may use the My Number to request the user's personal information from public institutions, thereby identifying the user's place of residence, age, and income information. Alternatively, the registration unit 110 may pre-register the user's personal information, such as their place of residence, age, and income information.

[0045] Furthermore, the processing unit 114 may create application documents for regional medical services based on medical service information. For example, the processing unit 114 may create an application form for high-cost medical expense reimbursement under the high-cost medical expense system based on medical service information. In other words, the processing unit 114 can perform at least a portion of the application procedures related to medical expenses provided by the government on behalf of the user.

[0046] Furthermore, the processing unit 114 may, upon request from the user, notify the user of the individual amounts or total amounts spent on medical services. The processing unit 114 may also, upon request from the user, notify the user of the amounts eligible for medical expense claims under each medical claim system. This can improve user convenience.

[0047] The determination control unit 113 controls the determination of whether or not medical service information is applicable to each medical expense application system. Specifically, the determination control unit 113 controls the determination of whether or not registered medical service information is applicable to other medical expense application systems based on the second target amount of medical expense application in those other medical expense application systems. Since the second target amount is updated by the processing unit 114, the determination control unit 113 can make accurate determinations for each medical expense application system. As described above, the information control device 10 according to the second embodiment can perform appropriate processing in accordance with the medical expense application system.

[0048] The processing of the information control device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 3, medical expense deductions will be used as an example of other medical expense application systems. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the information control method of the information control device 10 according to the second embodiment. Steps S21 to S26 in Figure 3 are the same as steps S11 to S16 in Figure 2, so their explanation will be omitted. However, in the second embodiment, medical insurance contract information is not necessarily required depending on the medical expense application system. Therefore, the registration information in step S21 only needs to include biometric information, and step S25 may be omitted.

[0049] The determination control unit 113 determines whether the registered medical service information is eligible for a medical expense deduction in the final tax return (step S27). At this time, the determination control unit 113 may determine whether it is eligible for a medical expense deduction in the final tax return using the eligible amount calculated by the processing unit 114. Alternatively, the determination control unit 113 may determine whether it is eligible for a medical expense deduction in the final tax return using the eligible amount calculated and updated by the processing unit 114.

[0050] If the determination control unit 113 determines that the medical service information is not eligible for medical expense deductions (step S27: NO), the information control device 10 terminates processing. In this case, the processing unit 114 may notify the user that they are not eligible for medical expense deductions.

[0051] On the other hand, if the determination control unit 113 determines that the medical service information is eligible for a medical expense deduction in the final tax return (step S27: YES), the processing unit 114 prepares the medical expense deduction final tax return documents. The processing unit 114 sends the prepared medical expense deduction final tax return documents to the user terminal. The processing unit 114 may also, at the user's request, send the final tax return documents to a server for receiving final tax return documents held by the government and submit the final tax return documents.

[0052] As explained above, by transmitting medical service information to the information control device 10, the user can determine whether or not the medical service information is eligible for medical expense deductions or other medical expense application systems. Depending on the determination result, the user can also use the information control device 10 to automatically create application documents for medical expense application systems. In other words, by using the information control device 10, the user can reduce the workload of medical expense application procedures, which are often complicated.

[0053] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is a specific example of the first and second embodiments described above. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information control system 1000 according to the third embodiment. The information control system 1000 comprises an information control device 10a, an authentication device 200, a user terminal 400, and an insurance agency device 500. The information control device 10a, the authentication device 200, the user terminal 400, and the insurance agency device 500 are connected via a network 300. In this embodiment, the information control device 10a includes a storage device 120. Furthermore, explanations that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0054] Network 300 is a wired or wireless communication line, such as the internet. User terminal 400 is a terminal owned by user U1. Insurance agency equipment 500 is a server device owned by the insurance agency, which is the provider of medical insurance, and is a computer having communication functions, storage devices, and processing units. Insurance agency equipment 500 stores information about contracts that the medical insurance provider has concluded with its customers.

[0055] The authentication device 200 stores the facial feature information of multiple users, including user U1, in association with the user ID, which is the user's identification information. In addition, in response to a facial authentication request received from an external source, the authentication device 200 obtains facial feature information using the facial image included in the request, compares it with the facial feature information of each user, and returns the authentication result, which is the result of the comparison, to the requester.

[0056] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device 200 according to a third embodiment. The authentication device 200 comprises a face information DB (Data Base) 210, a face detection unit 220, a feature point extraction unit 230, a registration unit 240, and an authentication unit 250. The face information DB 210 stores user IDs 211 and face feature information 212 associated with those user IDs. Face feature information 212 is a set of feature points extracted from a face image. The authentication device 200 may delete the face feature information 212 of a user in the face information DB 210 at the user's request. Alternatively, the authentication device 200 may delete the face feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 after a certain period of time has elapsed since its registration.

[0057] The face detection unit 220 detects the face region included in the face image for registration received from the information control device 10a and outputs it to the feature point extraction unit 230. The feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points from the face region detected by the face detection unit 220 and outputs face feature information to the registration unit 240. The registration unit 240 issues a new user ID 211 when registering face feature information. The registration unit 240 associates the issued user ID 211 with the face feature information 212 extracted from the face image and registers it in the face information DB 210. The registration unit 240 notifies the information control device 10a of the issued user ID 211.

[0058] Next, the face detection unit 220 detects the face region included in the biometric authentication face image received from the information control device 10a and outputs it to the feature point extraction unit 230. The biometric authentication face image is the face image acquired by the acquisition unit 111 for biometric authentication after the issuance of user ID 211. The feature point extraction unit 230 extracts the feature points included in the received face image and outputs the face feature information to the authentication unit 250. The authentication unit 250 performs face authentication using the face feature information 212. Specifically, the authentication unit 250 compares the face feature information extracted from the face image with the face feature information 212 in the face information DB 210. If the comparison is successful, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the matched face feature information 212. The authentication unit 250 returns the face authentication result to the requester indicating whether or not the face feature information matches. Whether or not the face feature information matches corresponds to the success or failure of authentication. Note that the face feature information is considered to match when the degree of matching is above a threshold. Additionally, if facial recognition is successful, the identified user ID 211 will be included in the facial recognition results.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of an authentication device according to a third embodiment. Here, an information registration terminal (not shown) photographs the user's body, including their face, and transmits a face information registration request, including the captured face image, to the authentication device 200 via the network 300. The information registration terminal is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal. For example, the information registration terminal may be a user terminal 400, or it may be an information control device 10a that receives a face information registration request from the user terminal 400.

[0060] First, the authentication device 200 acquires the user's face image for registration included in the face information registration request (step S31). For example, the authentication device 200 receives the face information registration request from the information registration terminal via the network 300. Next, the face detection unit 220 detects the face region included in the face image (step S32). Next, the feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points from the face region detected in step S32 and outputs face feature information to the registration unit 240 (step S33). Finally, the registration unit 240 issues a user ID 211 and registers the user ID 211 and face feature information 212 in association with each other in the face information DB 210 (step S34). The authentication device 200 may also receive face feature information 212 from the information registration terminal and register it in association with the user ID 211 in the face information DB 210. The registration unit 240 may also notify the information registration terminal or the information control device 10a of the registered (issued) user ID 211.

[0061] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the authentication process by the authentication device 200 according to the third embodiment. First, the feature point extraction unit 230 acquires a facial image for biometric authentication included in the facial authentication request (step S41). For example, the authentication device 200 receives a facial authentication request from the information control device 10a via the network 300 and extracts facial feature information from the facial image included in the facial authentication request as in steps S31 to S33. Alternatively, the authentication device 200 may receive facial feature information from the information control device 10a.

[0062] Next, the authentication unit 250 compares the acquired facial feature information with the facial feature information 212 in the facial information DB 210 (step S42). If the facial feature information matches, that is, if the degree of matching of the facial feature information is above a threshold (step S43: Yes), the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 of the user whose facial feature information matched (step S44). The authentication unit 250 sends a message to the information control device 10a indicating that facial authentication was successful and the identified user ID 211 (step S45). If no matching facial feature information exists (step S43: No), the authentication unit 250 replies to the information control device 10a indicating that facial authentication failed (step S46).

[0063] The configuration of the information control device 10a will now be described in detail. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the information control device 10a according to the third embodiment. The information control device 10a includes a storage device 120, a storage unit 310, a memory 320, a communication unit 330, and a control unit 340. The information control device 10a may be redundantly implemented on multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented on multiple computers.

[0064] The storage device 120 is a storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage device 120 stores the user's contract information 121 for medical insurance, user ID 122, and medical service information 123. User ID 122 is an example of user identification information and corresponds to user ID 211 in the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 described above. User ID 122 only needs to be associated with user ID 211, and it may be the same ID or a different ID. Therefore, the face feature information 212 (biometric information) in the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 and the contract information 121 are associated via the user ID, and these can be considered together as the registration information described above.

[0065] The storage device 120 stores the user ID 122, contract information 121, and medical service information 123 in association with each other. When the storage device 120 receives a signal from the information control device 10a requesting the contract information 121 corresponding to the user ID 122, including the user ID 122, it outputs the contract information 121 corresponding to the user ID 122 to the information control device 10a. Similarly, when the storage device 120 receives a signal from the information control device 10a requesting the medical service information corresponding to the user ID 122, including the user ID 122, it outputs the medical service information 123 corresponding to the user ID 122 to the information control device 10a.

[0066] The storage unit 310 is an example of a storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 310 stores the program 311. The program 311 is a computer program in which the processing of the information control method according to the third embodiment is implemented.

[0067] Memory 320 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 340 is operating. Communication unit 330 is a communication interface with the network 300.

[0068] The control unit 340 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the information control device 10a. The control unit 340 loads the program 311 from the storage unit 310 into the memory 320 and executes the program 311. In this way, the control unit 340 realizes the functions of the registration unit 110, acquisition unit 111, biometric authentication control unit 112, determination control unit 113, and processing unit 114 according to the first and second embodiments described above.

[0069] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 400 according to the third embodiment. The user terminal 400 includes a camera 410, a storage unit 420, a communication unit 430, an input / output unit 440, and a control unit 450.

[0070] The camera 410 takes pictures of user U1 in accordance with the control of the control unit 450. The memory unit 420 is a storage device that stores (application) programs for realizing the various functions of the user terminal 400. The communication unit 430 is a communication interface with the network 300. The input / output unit 440 includes a display device and an input device. The input / output unit 440 is, for example, a touch panel. The control unit 450 controls the hardware of the user terminal 400. The control unit 450 loads a program from the memory unit 420 into memory and executes it. In this way, the control unit 450 realizes the function of controlling the camera 410, the memory unit 420, the communication unit 430, and the input / output unit 440.

[0071] Figure 10 is an example of a user terminal display screen. The input / output unit 440 displays data received by the communication unit 430 from the information control device 10a on the screen. Figure 10 is a graph showing the date on which an insurance application was made and the amount of the medical service, with the horizontal axis representing days and the vertical axis representing the total amount of medical expenses (e.g., yen). As shown in Figure 10, the amount of the medical service may be displayed by accumulating the costs of individual medical services. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the medical expenses when an insurance application was made for a specified medical service on February 1st, April 10th, August 20th, and October 5th may be displayed by accumulating them. For simplicity of explanation, it will be assumed that the full amount of medical expenses will be paid as insurance benefits up to the limit of the medical insurance coverage described later. If the full amount of medical expenses is not paid as insurance benefits, the amount of insurance benefits to be paid may be displayed instead of the medical expenses. In addition, although it has been explained as the date on which an insurance application was made, it may also be the date on which the medical service was received, and can be set as appropriate according to the user's request.

[0072] Figure 10 also shows the limit (upper limit) of medical insurance coverage within the graph. The limit is the maximum amount of insurance benefits a user can receive. For example, some medical insurance policies have a limit on the amount of insurance coverage. In this case, the user cannot receive benefits for amounts exceeding the limit. Specifically, in Figure 10, the user can receive benefits up to the limit for the total amount of medical expenses up to October 5th, but cannot receive benefits for the amount exceeding the limit. In this type of health insurance, users can see, for example, that they are approaching the limit of their health insurance coverage by submitting an insurance claim on August 20th. In other words, users can recognize in advance the possibility that future medical services may not be covered by their health insurance, thus preventing unexpected expenses. By displaying the health insurance coverage limit together with information on medical services received to date, users can review and plan their future medical care.

[0073] Figure 11 shows an example of a user terminal display screen. Figure 11 is a graph showing the date on which medical services were received and the cost of those medical services, with the horizontal axis representing days and the vertical axis representing the total amount of medical expenses (e.g., yen). The graph also shows the threshold amount for which medical expense deductions apply. As shown in Figure 11, the amount of medical services may be displayed by summing up the costs of individual medical services. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the medical expenses paid by the user for specified medical services on February 1st, April 10th, August 20th, and October 5th may be displayed by summing them up. Note that when an insurance application is made and the benefit amount is determined, that benefit amount will be deducted from the cost of the relevant medical services. Medical expense deductions apply if the total amount of medical expenses for the year from January 1st to December 31st exceeds a specified amount (standard amount). The upper limit of the medical expense deduction is determined by the regulations set by the government. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, by displaying the difference between the amount spent on medical services to date and the threshold amount for medical expense deductions, users can review and plan their future medical care. In other words, even if a user is not eligible for medical expense deductions as of August 20th, they can decide whether or not to receive medical services by the end of December, given that their total medical expenses are approaching the threshold amount for medical expense deductions.

[0074] Figure 12 is an example of a user terminal display screen. Figure 12 is a graph showing the date on which medical services were received and the amount of those medical services, with the horizontal axis representing days and the vertical axis representing the total amount of medical expenses (e.g., yen). The graph also shows the standard amount (out-of-pocket limit) for which the high-cost medical care system applies. The out-of-pocket limit varies depending on the user's age, income information, the number of times the high-cost medical care system has been applied, and the health insurance association the user belongs to. Specifically, the higher the age and income, the higher the standard amount can be set. The information control device 10a can calculate the out-of-pocket limit for each user based on pre-registered information such as age and income information, the number of times the high-cost medical care system has been applied, and the health insurance association the user belongs to. For example, the information control device 10a may calculate a higher out-of-pocket limit for the user if the pre-registered age and income information is high. Conversely, the information control device 10a may calculate a lower out-of-pocket limit for the user if the pre-registered age and income information is low. The information control device 10a may also request information from the user necessary to calculate the user's out-of-pocket limit. This method of setting the standard amount may also be applied to the limits for medical insurance and the standard amount for medical expense deductions.

[0075] As shown in Figure 12, the amount of medical services may be displayed by summing up the costs of individual medical services. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the medical expenses paid by the user for specified medical services on May 1st, May 10th, May 20th, and May 25th may be displayed by summing them up. For example, the high-cost medical expense system applies when the total amount of monthly medical expenses spent on medical services during a one-month period from the 1st to the last day of each month exceeds a predetermined standard amount (self-pay limit). In other words, in Figure 12, if the high-cost medical expense system is applied, the portion of the total medical expenses up to May 25th that exceeds the predetermined standard amount will be reimbursed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, by displaying the difference between the amount spent on medical services in a month and the threshold amount for applying the high-cost medical care system, users can review and plan their future medical care. In other words, even if a user is not eligible for the high-cost medical care system as of May 20th, they can decide whether or not to receive medical services by the end of May, given that their total medical expenses are approaching the predetermined threshold amount. In the graphs in Figures 10 to 12, the accumulated medical expenses represent the medical expenses accumulated when the information control device 10a determines whether the acquired medical service information is eligible for medical insurance, medical expense deductions, or the high-cost medical care system. In other words, depending on the content of the medical service, medical expenses may accumulate under medical insurance but not under the high-cost medical care system. Specifically, if the information control device 10a determines that a given medical service information is eligible for medical insurance, medical expenses will accumulate in the medical insurance graph in Figure 10. On the other hand, if the information control device 10a determines that the medical service information is not eligible for the high-cost medical care system, medical expenses will not accumulate in the high-cost medical care system graph in Figure 12. In other words, the accumulated medical expenses in the graphs in Figures 10 to 12 may differ depending on the content of the medical service.

[0076] <Other Embodiments> In the third embodiment described above, the information control device 10a and the authentication device 200 were different devices, but they may be the same. For example, the information control device 10a may further associate and register facial feature information with the user ID 122. In that case, the control unit 340 only needs to include the face detection unit 220, feature point extraction unit 230, registration unit 240, and authentication unit 250 shown in Figure 5.

[0077] Although the above embodiments were described in terms of hardware configuration, the invention is not limited thereto. This disclosure can also be implemented by having the CPU execute a computer program to perform any processing. Furthermore, although the above embodiments described the information control device 10a and the authentication device 200 as separate devices, the information control device 10a may be configured to internally include the functions of the authentication device 200.

[0078] Each configuration in the above-described embodiment is comprised of hardware, software, or both, and may consist of one piece of hardware or software, or multiple pieces of hardware or software. The functions (processing) of each device may be realized by a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc. For example, a program for performing the method in the embodiment may be stored in a storage device, and each function may be realized by executing the program stored in the storage device with the CPU. Various control programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). Programs may also be supplied to a computer using various types of transient computer-readable media. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable media can be supplied to a computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.

[0079] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) A registration unit that registers registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted, An acquisition unit that acquires the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to a specified medical service, A biometric authentication control unit controls biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful, a determination control unit controls whether the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information, The system includes a processing unit that performs processing based on the result of the determination, Information control device. (Note 2) The processing unit notifies the user of the result of the determination. The information control device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The determination control unit transmits an application determination request including the contract information and the medical service information to the server of the medical insurance provider, thereby determining whether the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance as defined in the contract information included in the registration information. An information control device as described in either item 1 or 2 of the appendix. (Note 4) The determination control unit determines, using the medical service information, the contract information, and the result of the determination, whether the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information, based on a learning model that has been trained using the medical service information. An information control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) If the processing unit determines that the acquired medical service information is subject to the medical insurance in the contract information, it submits an application for the application of the medical insurance to the server of the medical insurance provider. An information control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4. (Note 6) The registration unit registers the acquired medical service information in association with the user who has successfully undergone biometric authentication. The processing unit calculates the amount of medical expense claims for a predetermined period based on the registered medical service information. An information control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) The registration unit registers the first target amount for medical expense claims under the medical insurance and the second target amount for medical expense claims under other medical expense claim systems, associating them with the user who has successfully performed biometric authentication. The aforementioned processing unit, If the acquired medical service information is determined to be subject to the medical insurance in the contract information, an application for the application of the medical insurance is submitted to the medical insurance provider's server using the first applicable amount. The second applicable amount is updated based on the amount of the benefit received in response to the aforementioned application. The information control device described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The determination control unit determines, based on the second target amount, whether or not the registered medical service information is subject to the application of the other medical expense application system. If the processing unit determines that the other medical expense claim system applies, it prepares the application documents for the other medical expense claim system using the second applicable amount. The information control device described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) The application documents for the aforementioned other medical expense claim systems are the tax return documents for medical expense deductions. The information control device described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The processing unit, in response to a request from the user, notifies the user of the individual amounts or the total amount spent by the user on the medical services. An information control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9. (Note 11) Computers Registered information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted. The system acquires the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to the specified medical service. With respect to the acquired biometric information, biometric authentication is controlled using the registration information. If the biometric authentication is successful, the system controls the determination of whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information. The process is performed based on the result of the above determination. Information control method. (Note 12) The process involves registering registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted, The steps include obtaining the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to the specified medical service, The steps include: controlling biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information; If the biometric authentication is successful, the steps include controlling whether the acquired medical service information is covered by medical insurance as specified in the contract information included in the registration information, The steps include: performing processing based on the result of the determination, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0081] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention.

[0082] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-034475, filed on March 4, 2021, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] Information control device 10, 10a Registration Section 110 Acquisition Department 111 Biometric authentication control unit 112 Determination control unit 113 Processing Unit 114 Storage device 120 Contract Information 121 User ID 122 Medical Services Information 123 Authentication device 200 Face Information Database 210 User ID 211 Facial feature information 212 Face detection unit 220 Feature point extraction unit 230 Registration Section 240 Certification Department 250 Network 300 Storage section 310 Program 311 Memory 320 Communications Department 330 Control unit 340 User terminal 400 Camera 410 Storage section 420 Communications Department 430 Display section 440 Control unit 450 Insurance agency equipment 500 Information control system 1000

Claims

1. A registration means for registering registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted, A means for acquiring the user's biometric information and medical service information issued in accordance with a specified medical service, A biometric authentication control means for controlling biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful, the acquired medical service information is controlled by a determination control means that controls whether or not the medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information, The system includes processing means for performing processing based on the result of the determination, The registration means registers the acquired medical service information in association with the user who has successfully undergone biometric authentication. The processing means calculates the first target amount for medical expense applications and the second target amount for medical expense applications under other medical expense application systems based on the registered medical service information. The registration means registers the first target amount and the second target amount in association with the user who has successfully performed the biometric authentication. The processing means is If the acquired medical service information is determined to be subject to the medical insurance in the contract information, an application for the application of the medical insurance is submitted to the medical insurance provider's server using the first applicable amount. The second eligible amount is updated based on the amount of the benefit received in response to the aforementioned application. The determination control means determines, based on the second target amount, whether or not the registered medical service information is subject to the application of the other medical expense application system. If the processing means determines that the other medical expense claim system applies, it prepares the application documents for the other medical expense claim system using the second applicable amount. Information control device.

2. The processing means notifies the user of the result of the determination. The information control device according to claim 1.

3. The determination control means transmits an application determination request including the contract information and the medical service information to the server of the medical insurance provider, thereby determining whether the acquired medical service information is subject to the medical insurance coverage in the contract information included in the registration information. The information control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The determination control means determines, using the medical service information, the contract information, and a learning model learned using the determination results, whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information. An information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. If the processing means determines that the acquired medical service information is subject to the medical insurance in the contract information, it submits an application for the application of the medical insurance to the server of the medical insurance provider. An information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The application documents for the aforementioned other medical expense claim systems are the tax return documents for medical expense deductions. The information control device according to claim 1.

7. The processing means, in response to a request from the user, notifies the user of the individual amounts or the total amount spent by the user on the medical services. An information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Computers Registered information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted. The system acquires the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to the specified medical service. With respect to the acquired biometric information, biometric authentication is controlled using the registration information. If the biometric authentication is successful, the system controls the determination of whether or not the acquired medical service information is covered by the medical insurance in the contract information included in the registration information. The acquired medical service information is registered in association with the user who successfully completes the biometric authentication. Based on the registered medical service information, the first eligible amount for medical expense claims and the second eligible amount for medical expense claims under other medical expense claim systems are calculated for a predetermined period. The first target amount and the second target amount are registered in association with the user who successfully performed the biometric authentication. If the acquired medical service information is determined to be subject to the medical insurance in the contract information, an application for the application of the medical insurance is submitted to the medical insurance provider's server using the first applicable amount. The second eligible amount is updated based on the amount of the benefit received in response to the aforementioned application. With respect to the registered medical service information, it is determined whether or not it is subject to the application of the other medical expense application system based on the second target amount. If it is determined that the other medical expense claim system described above applies, the application documents for the other medical expense claim system described above will be prepared using the second applicable amount described above. Information control method.

9. The process involves registering registration information that associates the user's biometric information with the contract information of the medical insurance the user has contracted, The steps include obtaining the user's biometric information and medical service information issued according to the specified medical service, The steps include: controlling biometric authentication using the registered information with respect to the acquired biometric information; If the biometric authentication is successful, the steps include controlling whether the acquired medical service information is covered by medical insurance as specified in the contract information included in the registration information, The steps include registering the acquired medical service information in association with the user who successfully performed the biometric authentication, A step of calculating the first eligible amount for medical expense claims and the second eligible amount for medical expense claims under other medical expense claim systems based on the registered medical service information, The steps include registering the first target amount and the second target amount in association with the user who successfully performed the biometric authentication, If the acquired medical service information is determined to be subject to the medical insurance in the contract information, the step is to use the first applicable amount to submit an application for the medical insurance to the medical insurance provider's server, The second step of updating the target amount based on the amount of benefits provided in the aforementioned application, With respect to the registered medical service information, the step of determining whether or not it is subject to the application of the other medical expense application system, based on the second target amount, If it is determined that the other medical expense claim system described above applies, the step is to prepare the application documents for the other medical expense claim system using the second eligible amount described above, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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