Reward information issuing device, system, method, and program

Abstract

This benefit information issuing device (1) comprises: an issuance unit (11) that issues, to a user who has purchased entry qualification information that enables entry to an event venue through identity verification, first benefit information that can be used in a first facility, which is one of a first commercial facility in the event venue and a second commercial facility adjacent to the event venue, and second benefit information to which there is set a usability condition that enables use in a second facility different from the first facility among the first and second commercial facilities due to to a consumption activity having been performed using the first benefit information in the first facility; and a notification unit (12) that notifies a user terminal regarding a set of the first and second benefit information and the usability condition that is set to the second benefit information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a privilege information issuing device, a system, a method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a predetermined area including an event venue and commercial facilities around it, an independent economic zone can be formed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a regional information providing system that can obtain information on other stores and facilities in the surrounding area, coupon tickets, etc. Users of Patent Document 1 obtain coupons by shopping or dining at service stores. Then, regional stores located in the surrounding area of the service store give privileges such as discounts to users by presenting the coupons obtained by the users via a wireless LAN.

[0003] In recent years, the provision of services using biometric authentication such as face authentication has been being put into practical use.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in a predetermined area including an event venue and commercial facilities around it, it is required to activate the area by mutual passenger transportation between the event venue and the commercial facilities. In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the coordinated use between the event venue and the surrounding commercial facilities.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a privilege information issuing device, a system, a method, and a program for promoting the coordinated use between an event venue and commercial facilities around it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The special information issuing device related to this disclosure is An issuing means for issuing, to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter an event venue through identity verification, the first benefit information that can be used at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and the second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, upon consumption using the first benefit information at the first facility. A notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. It is equipped with.

[0008] The system for issuing special information related to this disclosure is: A storage device that stores: first benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and second benefit information usable at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility which is different from the first facility; The device comprises a memory device and a reward information issuing device connected to the memory device, The aforementioned special offer information issuing device is An issuing means that, by referring to the storage device, issues to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that will allow them to enter the event venue through identity authentication, the first benefit information and the second benefit information for which usage conditions are set that become available when a consumer action using the first benefit information is performed at the first facility, A notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. It is equipped with.

[0009] The method for issuing information on benefits related to this disclosure is as follows: Computers To a user who has purchased admission information that allows them to enter the event venue through identity verification, the following will be issued: First benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue; and Second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first, provided that the user has made a purchase using the first benefit information at the first commercial facility. The combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, along with the usage conditions set for the second benefit information, are notified to the user's terminal.

[0010] The program for issuing special information related to this disclosure is: An issuance process that issues, to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter an event venue through identity verification, the following: first benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, upon consumption using the first benefit information at the first facility; A notification process that notifies the user's terminal of the pair of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides a device, system, method, and program for issuing special offer information to promote the coordinated use of event venues and surrounding commercial facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the privilege information issuance apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuance method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the privilege information issuance system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the admission control terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the privilege information issuance apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the privilege information registration process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the user information registration process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the face information registration process by the authentication apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the admission qualification information registration process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the face authentication process by the authentication apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuance process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the target identification process according to Example 2-1 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the target identification process according to Example 2-2 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 17]This flowchart shows the flow of the target identification process according to Example 2-3 of this embodiment 2. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example 2-1 of the display of a set of reward information on a user terminal according to this second embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example 2-2 of the display of a set of reward information on a user terminal according to this second embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of a user utilizing the first benefit information according to this second embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the benefit information utilization process according to this second embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the benefit information utilization process according to this second embodiment. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of how a notification of the availability of special offer information is displayed on a user terminal according to this second embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of a user utilizing the second benefit information according to this second embodiment. [Figure 25] This figure shows an example of how reward information is displayed on a user terminal after use according to this second embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the reward information issuance process according to this embodiment 3. [Figure 27] This figure shows an example 3-1 of the display of a set of reward information on a user terminal according to this third embodiment. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example 3-2 of the display of a set of reward information on a user terminal according to this third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where necessary for clarity.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reward information issuing device 1 according to this embodiment 1. The reward information issuing device 1 is an information processing device that issues reward information usable at commercial facilities. A "commercial facility" is a store or similar establishment that sells goods or provides services. The commercial facility according to this embodiment 1 is assumed to be located within a predetermined area from the event venue where a predetermined event is held. Therefore, the commercial facility is either a first commercial facility located within the event venue, or a second commercial facility located in the vicinity of the event venue. Furthermore, "reward information" is electronic data that grants the right to enjoy paid or free rewards at the available facilities. Reward information is, for example, value-added information such as electronic coupons and points.

[0015] The reward information issuing device 1 comprises an issuing unit 11 and a notification unit 12. The issuing unit 11 issues reward information to users who have purchased admission qualification information, such as admission tickets to an event venue. Here, "admission qualification information" is information that proves that the user is eligible to enter the event venue through personal authentication. "Personal authentication" is an information processing method that verifies the authenticity of an individual by comparing pre-registered personal authentication information with information obtained from or entered by the individual at the time of authentication, and confirming that the degree of match is above a threshold. Examples of personal authentication include, but are not limited to, biometric authentication such as facial recognition, or verification of code information (such as IDs and passwords) presented or entered by the individual.

[0016] The issuing unit 11 issues to the user who purchased the above admission qualification information a first benefit information usable at the first facility, and a second benefit information usable at the second facility upon fulfilling predetermined usage conditions. Here, "first facility" is either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and "second facility" is a different facility from the first facility among the first and second commercial facilities. Note that each of the first and second commercial facilities may be a collection of multiple commercial facilities. For example, if the first facility is one of the collection of first commercial facilities, then the second facility will be one of the collection of second commercial facilities. Also, if the first facility is one of the collection of second commercial facilities, then the second facility will be one of the collection of first commercial facilities. Furthermore, the "usage conditions" are that the user makes a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility. Therefore, the "second benefit information" can be described as benefit information for which the user's availability is set, and it becomes available at the second facility only after the user has made a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility. In other words, the second benefit information is issued together with the first benefit information, but it is not available at the time of issuance. The issuing unit 11 then issues this set of the first benefit information and the second benefit information.

[0017] The notification unit 12 notifies the terminal of the target user of the pair of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. As a result, the user can understand the pair of the first and second benefit information and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information that have been notified to them via their terminal.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reward information issuance method according to this embodiment 1. First, the issuing unit 11 issues to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that will allow them to enter the event venue through personal authentication, first reward information that can be used at the first facility, and second reward information with predetermined usage conditions set (S11). Here, the predetermined usage conditions are, as described above, that the reward information becomes available at the second facility when the user makes a purchase using the first reward information at the first facility.

[0019] The notification unit 12 then notifies the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the conditions for use set in the second benefit information (S12).

[0020] Thus, in this embodiment 1, users who have purchased admission qualification information for an event venue are issued a set of benefit information that can be used at a first commercial facility within the event venue and a second commercial facility near the event venue. At this time, the first benefit information can be used at the first facility, which is either the first or second commercial facility, and the second benefit information can be used at the second facility, which is either the first or second commercial facility, if the predetermined conditions for use are met. The user can then understand, upon notification, on their terminal that a set of the first and second benefit information has been issued, and that although the second benefit information is not currently available, it will become available after the user has used the first benefit information at the first facility. Therefore, the user is given two motivations to engage in consumer behavior, such as purchasing goods or paying for services, at the first facility. In other words, users are motivated to purchase because they can enjoy benefits from the first benefit information at the first facility, as well as benefits from the second benefit information at the second facility. To put it another way, the benefit information issuing device 1 promotes the use of the first benefit information at the first facility by notifying the user that the second benefit information becomes available by using the first benefit information. For example, the ability to enjoy benefits at the first commercial facility within the event venue makes it easier for users to enjoy benefits at the second commercial facility near the event venue while making purchases. Similarly, the ability to enjoy benefits at the second commercial facility near the event venue makes it easier for users to enjoy benefits at the first commercial facility within the event venue while making purchases. Therefore, mutual customer traffic between the event venue and the surrounding commercial facilities can revitalize the region. Thus, it is possible to promote cooperative use between the event venue and the surrounding commercial facilities.

[0021] The reward information issuing device 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown in the diagram). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing for the reward information issuing method according to this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. In this way, the processor realizes the functions of the issuing unit 11 and the notification unit 12.

[0022] Alternatively, each component of the reward information issuing device 1 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may consist of a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components 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.

[0023] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the reward information issuing device 1 are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these multiple information processing devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing 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. In addition, the functions of the reward information issuing device 1 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0024] <Embodiment 2> This second embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the reward information issuance system 1000 according to this second embodiment. The reward information issuance system 1000 is an information system for supporting mutual customer referrals in area 4, which includes the event venue 40 and its neighboring second commercial facilities 41 to 4n (where n is a natural number of 1 or more). Specifically, the reward information issuance system 1000 supports the promotion of cooperative use between facilities by issuing a set of a first coupon and a second coupon to a user U1 who has purchased a paid ticket (admission qualification information) for the event venue 40 and notifying the user terminal 100. Here, the first coupon is an example of the first reward information described above, and the second coupon is an example of the second reward information described above.

[0025] Event venue 40 is a venue where a designated event is held. An "event" is a paid service that attracts a large number of people and is provided for a set period of time. For example, an event could be a sports match, concert, exhibition, international conference, or examination, and may be something that is watched or observed by paying attendees, or something that attendees themselves participate in. Therefore, event venue 40 is a facility such as a sports stadium, arena, theater, or multi-purpose event hall. Event venue 40 can also be called the main facility or core facility in Area 4.

[0026] Event venue 40 comprises an event hall 402 and a first commercial facility 403, and is equipped with an entrance control terminal 401. The entrance control terminal 401 is an information terminal that allows entry into event venue 40 if the prospective entrant (user) successfully undergoes facial recognition. Details of the entrance control terminal 401 will be described later. It should be noted that some entrants to event venue 40 may enter without going through the entrance control terminal 401. In other words, event venue 40 may allow entry to users who have purchased conventional tickets, etc., without using personal authentication such as facial recognition. Event hall 402 is the venue where events are held, such as a stadium or spectator seating area. The first commercial facility 403 is a facility attached to event hall 402, such as restaurants, souvenir shops, merchandise stores, and a spa, which is an added value facility of event venue 40, and is available after entering event venue 40. The first commercial facility 403 is equipped with at least one payment terminal 50 that supports payment using facial recognition. Furthermore, facility manager U20 uses the management terminal 60 to perform management tasks such as registering information on benefits available at the first commercial facility 403. Facility manager U20 may also be an employee of the first commercial facility 403. Alternatively, facility manager U20 may be an event venue 40, an event organizer, or a business operator on the side of the first commercial facility 403. Therefore, facility manager U20 and the management terminal 60 do not necessarily have to be located within the first commercial facility 403.

[0027] The second commercial facilities 41-4n are facilities surrounding the event venue 40, or nearby commercial facilities. There only needs to be at least one of the second commercial facilities 41, etc. The second commercial facilities 41, etc. are facilities that have a partnership with the event venue 40. Therefore, the operators of the second commercial facilities 41, etc. are partner operators different from the operators of the event venue 40 or the first commercial facility 403. The second commercial facilities 41, etc. are, but are not limited to, retail stores, restaurants, shopping streets, shopping malls, accommodation facilities, parking lots, bicycle parking lots, transportation stations (railway stations, bus stops, taxi stands, ports, airports), amusement parks, etc.

[0028] Each of the second commercial facilities 41-4n is equipped with at least one payment terminal 51-5n that supports payment using facial recognition. In addition, each of the facility staff members U21-U2n uses one of the management terminals 61-6n to perform management tasks such as registering information on benefits available at each of the second commercial facilities 41-4n. Facility staff members U21, etc. may also be employees of the second commercial facility 41, etc. Alternatively, facility staff members U21, etc. may be affiliated businesses of the second commercial facility 41, etc. Therefore, facility staff members U21, etc. and management terminals 61, etc. do not necessarily have to be located within the second commercial facility 41, etc.

[0029] Area Manager U3 is a business operator that manages businesses within Area 4, including the event venue 40 and the second commercial facility 41. Area Manager U3 may use the management terminal 600 to register combinations of benefit information available at the first commercial facility 403 and benefit information available at the second commercial facility 41, etc. At this time, Area Manager U3 may also set the first benefit information (first coupon) and benefit details that serve as the conditions for the use of the second benefit information (second coupon). Note that since publicly known information processing devices can be used for management terminals 60, 61-6n and 600, illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0030] Here, the reward information issuance system 1000 comprises a user terminal 100, an authentication device 200, a reward information issuance device 300, an entry control terminal 401, payment terminals 50, 51-5n, and management terminals 60, 61-6n, and 600. Each of the user terminal 100, authentication device 200, reward information issuance device 300, entry control terminal 401, payment terminals 50, 51-5n, and management terminals 60, 61-6n, and 600 is connected to the network N so as to be communicative. Here, network N is a communication network including wireless communication lines, such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, or a mobile phone network. Furthermore, network N is not limited by the type of communication protocol.

[0031] The authentication device 200 is an information processing device that manages user facial feature information and performs facial authentication. In response to a facial authentication request received from an external source, the authentication device 200 compares the facial image or facial feature information included in the request with the facial feature information of each user and returns the comparison result (authentication result) to the requester.

[0032] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication device 200 according to this second embodiment. The authentication device 200 comprises a face information DB (DataBase) 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 face feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 in response to a request from a user or the like corresponding to the face feature information 212. Alternatively, the authentication device 200 may delete face feature information 212 after a certain period of time has elapsed since registration.

[0033] The face detection unit 220 detects the face region included in the registration image for registering face information 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 feature point extraction unit 230 also extracts feature points included in the face image received from the reward information issuing device 300, etc., and outputs face feature information to the authentication unit 250.

[0034] The registration unit 240 issues a new user ID 211 when registering facial feature information. The registration unit 240 associates the issued user ID 211 with the facial feature information 212 extracted from the registered image and registers it in the facial information DB 210. The authentication unit 250 performs facial authentication using the facial feature information 212. Specifically, the authentication unit 250 compares the facial feature information extracted from the face image with the facial feature information 212 in the facial information DB 210. If the comparison is successful, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the matched facial feature information 212. The authentication unit 250 returns the result of the facial authentication to the requester, indicating whether or not the facial feature information matches. Whether or not the facial feature information matches corresponds to the success or failure of authentication. Note that "match" means that the degree of matching is above a threshold. In addition, if facial authentication is successful, the facial authentication result will include the identified user ID.

[0035] Returning to Figure 3, let's continue the explanation. User U1 is the purchaser, prospective attendee, or attendee of admission qualification information for an event held at event venue 40. User terminal 100 is an information processing terminal that, in response to User U1's operations, registers user information, including a facial image, and admission qualification information to the benefit information issuing device 300 in advance. Note that User U1 may also register user information using an information processing device other than user terminal 100. Furthermore, User U1 will enter event venue 40 carrying user terminal 100.

[0036] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 100 according to this second embodiment. The user terminal 100 comprises a storage unit 110, memory 120, communication unit 130, camera 140, touch panel 150, and control unit 160. The storage unit 110 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 110 stores a program 111 and terminal information 112. The program 111 is a computer program that implements processes such as registration of user information and entry qualification information, as well as inquiry, display, selection, and use of special offer information. The terminal information 112 is the identification information and destination information of the user terminal 100.

[0037] Memory 120 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 160 is operating. The communication unit 130 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0038] Camera 140 is a camera for capturing images of the area including the face of user U1. Camera 140 outputs the captured image to the control unit 160. The touch panel 150 includes a display device (display unit) such as a screen and an input device.

[0039] The control unit 160 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the user terminal 100. The control unit 160 loads program 111 from the storage unit 110 into memory 120 and executes program 111. In this way, the control unit 160 realizes the functions of the registration unit 161 and the benefits processing unit 162.

[0040] The registration unit 161 controls the camera 140 to photograph the face of user U1 and acquires the captured face image. The registration unit 161 also acquires attribute information and payment information entered by user U1 via the touch panel 150. The registration unit 161 also reads and acquires terminal information 112 from the storage unit 110. Then, the registration unit 161 sends a registration request for user information (member information), including the face image, terminal information 112, attribute information, and payment information, to the reward information issuing device 300. The registration unit 161 also acquires the admission qualification information purchased by user U1. The registration unit 161 sends a registration request, including user U1's face image and admission qualification information, to the reward information issuing device 300. Note that the registration unit 161 may also include admission qualification information in the user information registration request.

[0041] The reward processing unit 162, in response to a reward issuance request instructed by user U1 via the touch panel 150, controls the camera 140 to photograph user U1's face and acquires the captured face image. The reward processing unit 162 then transmits the reward issuance request, including the face image, to the reward information issuing device 300. The reward processing unit 162 also receives a notification from the reward information issuing device 300 of the set of first and second reward information and the conditions for the availability of the second reward information, and displays these on the touch panel 150. The reward processing unit 162 also transmits a request to the reward information issuing device 300, including user U1's face image, in response to a reward inquiry request instructed by user U1 via the touch panel 150. The reward processing unit 162 then displays a list of reward information already issued to user U1 by the reward information issuing device 300 on the touch panel 150. The reward processing unit 162 displays the reward information selected by user U1 via the touch panel 150 in a selected state. Furthermore, when the reward processing unit 162 receives a notification of an update to the reward information from the reward information issuing device 300, it displays the updated reward information on the touch panel 150.

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the access control terminal 401 according to this second embodiment. The access control terminal 401 comprises a storage unit 410, a memory 420, a communication unit 430, a camera 440, a touch panel 450, and a control unit 460. The storage unit 410 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 410 stores a program 411 and terminal information 412. The program 411 is a computer program on which access control processing and the like are implemented. The terminal information 412 is identification information and destination information of the access control terminal 401.

[0043] Memory 420 is a volatile memory device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 460 is operating. Communication unit 430 is a communication interface with network N.

[0044] Camera 440 is a camera that captures an area including the face of a person scheduled to enter, such as user U1. Camera 440 outputs the captured image to the control unit 460. The touch panel 450 includes a display device (display unit) such as a screen and an input device.

[0045] The control unit 460 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the access control terminal 401. The control unit 460 loads program 411 from the storage unit 410 into memory 420 and executes program 411. In this way, the control unit 460 realizes the functions of the reception unit 461 and the access control unit 462.

[0046] The reception unit 461 receives facial images of prospective attendees captured by the camera 440 and outputs the facial images to the admission control unit 462. The admission control unit 462 transmits an admission determination request, including the facial images output by the reception unit 461 and terminal information 412 stored in the memory unit 110, to the privilege information issuing device 300. The admission control unit 462 then receives the admission determination result from the privilege information issuing device 300, and if the admission determination result indicates permission to enter, it controls the admission gate (not shown) of the event venue 40 to unlock. The admission control terminal 401 may also control the exit gate by facial recognition when the attendee leaves.

[0047] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal 51 according to this second embodiment. Note that the configurations of payment terminals 50, 5n, etc. are the same as those of payment terminal 51, so their illustration and detailed description are omitted. The payment terminal 51 comprises a storage unit 510, memory 520, communication unit 530, camera 540, touch panel 550, and control unit 560. The storage unit 510 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 510 stores a program 511 and terminal information 512. The program 511 is a computer program on which payment control processing and the like are implemented. The terminal information 512 is identification information and destination information of the payment terminal 51. Furthermore, the terminal information 512 is information that can identify the second commercial facility 41 where it is installed.

[0048] Memory 520 is a volatile memory device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 560 is operating. Communication unit 530 is a communication interface with network N.

[0049] Camera 540 is a camera for capturing images of the area including the face of the payer, such as user U1. Camera 540 outputs the captured image to the control unit 560. The touch panel 550 includes a display device (display unit) such as a screen and an input device.

[0050] The control unit 560 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the payment terminal 51. The control unit 560 loads program 511 from the storage unit 510 into the memory 520 and executes program 511. In this way, the control unit 560 realizes the functions of the reception unit 561 and the payment control unit 562.

[0051] The reception unit 561 receives payment information, such as the price of the goods that the payer intends to pay for. For example, the reception unit 561 receives payment information read from the barcode of a product by a store employee (e.g., facility manager U21) of the second commercial facility 41 using a scanner (not shown). The reception unit 561 then displays the received payment information on the touch panel 550.

[0052] The payment control unit 562 reads the code information of the reward information displayed on the user terminal 100 from the image captured by the camera 540, analyzes the image, and extracts the reward ID. The payment control unit 562 then controls the camera 540 to photograph the face of the payer and acquires the captured face image. The payment control unit 562 then transmits a face recognition payment request, including the face image, payment target information, reward ID, and terminal information 512 stored in the storage unit 510, to the reward information issuing device 300. The payment control unit 562 then receives a payment completion notification, etc., and displays it on the touch panel 550.

[0053] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reward information issuing device 300 according to this second embodiment. The reward information issuing device 300 is an example of the reward information issuing device 1 described above. The reward information issuing device 300 is an information processing device for supporting mutual customer traffic between the event venue 40 (including the first commercial facility 403) and the surrounding second commercial facility 41, etc. The reward information issuing device 300 may be redundantly implemented on multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented on multiple computers.

[0054] The reward information issuing device 300 comprises a storage unit 310, a memory 320, a communication unit 330, and a control unit 340. The storage unit 310 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 310 stores a program 311, user information 312, a reward information master 313, event information 314, and reward management information 315. The storage unit 310 and the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 may be considered together as a storage unit. The program 311 is a computer program (reward information issuing program) that implements the reward information issuance process, including the registration process of reward information, user information, and admission qualification information, the target identification process, and the payment process, including the reward information usage process, according to this embodiment 2.

[0055] User information 312 is information for managing users in Area 4. "Users in Area 4" refers to, for example, purchasers of entry qualification information for event venue 40, those planning to enter event venue 40, those who have entered, and those who have left event venue 40. User information 312 is information that associates user ID 3121, terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, payment information 3124, and entry qualification information 3125.

[0056] User ID 3121 is user identification information. User ID 3121 is the same as or uniquely corresponds to User ID 211, which is managed in association with facial feature information 212 within the facial information DB 210 of the authentication device 200. Therefore, User Information 312 can be said to be information associated with the user's registration authentication information via User ID 3121. Terminal Information 3122 is the information corresponding to Terminal Information 112 of the user terminal 100 described above.

[0057] Attribute information 3123 includes, but is not limited to, name, date of birth, gender, address, contact information (telephone number, email address, SNS (Social Networking Service) account information), membership rank, hobbies, information indicating preferences or interests, and sports players or teams that are supported. Membership rank may, for example, be information indicating the rank as a paid member of event venue 40, or the rank in other membership services.

[0058] Payment information 3124 includes credit card information, electronic money and barcode payment account information, bank direct debit account information, etc., and is also the information used when making payments using facial recognition (facial recognition payment).

[0059] The admission qualification information 3125 is information about a paid digital admission ticket for a specified event held at event venue 40, on the date and time of the event. The admission qualification information 3125 may include, for example, an event ID, seat information (seat location and seat grade), and ticket price. Alternatively, instead of an event ID, the admission qualification information 3125 may include information identifying the event venue, permitted entry time slots, and event details. Furthermore, the admission qualification information 3125 in this embodiment can be considered proof that the person is qualified to be permitted to enter event venue 40 upon successful facial recognition.

[0060] The reward information master 313 is information for managing master information of rewards entered by facility staff and area staff. The reward information master 313 is information that associates reward ID 3131, target facility 3132, reward details 3133, issuance conditions 3134, and usability conditions 3135. Reward ID 3131 is identification information for the reward information. Target facility 3132 is information that indicates the facility where the reward information can be used. Target facility 3132 is information that indicates, for example, either the first commercial facility 403 or the second commercial facilities 41 to 4n. Note that target facility 3132 may target two or more facilities. For example, target facility 3132 may target two or more first commercial facilities 403 within the event venue 40. Alternatively, target facility 3132 may target two or more facilities among the second commercial facilities 41 to 4n.

[0061] Benefit details 3133 are information indicating the products and services that users can enjoy by using the facility. For example, benefit details 3133 may include, but are not limited to, discount information indicating the discount amount or discount rate, discounted products and services, or products and services provided free of charge.

[0062] Issuance condition 3134 is information indicating the conditions for issuing benefit information. For example, issuance condition 3134 may include the event information to be issued (event ID, date and time, etc.), the fact that the admission qualification information for the event information has been purchased, and the timing of issuance. The timing of issuance may be the start date and time of issuance, the period during which issuance is possible, for example, a period defined as the number of days prior to the date of the target event (a predetermined period). Issuance condition 3134 may also include, but is not limited to, the attribute information of the target user, the seat grade, the ticket price, and the priority order of attribute information for which issuance is prioritized.

[0063] Eligibility Condition 3135 indicates the conditions under which the corresponding benefit information (second benefit information, second coupon) becomes available. Eligibility Condition 3135 includes the benefit ID 31351. The benefit ID 31351 is the benefit ID of the first benefit information that must be used in the consumer transaction (payment) at the first facility as a prerequisite for making the second benefit information available.

[0064] Event information 314 defines an event to be held at event venue 40. Event information 314 includes, for example, an event ID, venue, event time information, event details, seating information (seat type, number of seats, arrangement), and admission eligibility information (ticket price). Event time information may include, but is not limited to, the event period, start date and time, scheduled start time, scheduled end time, entry period, and entry start time.

[0065] The reward management information 315 is information for managing reward information issued to users. The reward management information 315 is information that associates the issued reward ID 3151, user ID 3152, issuance date and time 3153, validity period 3154, target facility 3155, reward details 3156, usage status flag 3157, and availability conditions 3158.

[0066] The issued benefit ID 3151 is benefit ID 3131 issued to the user corresponding to user ID 3152. User ID 3152 is user ID 3121 to whom the benefit information was issued. Therefore, the benefit management information 315 is information that is uniquely identified by, for example, the pair of issued benefit ID 3151 and user ID 3152. The issue date and time 3153 is the date and time the benefit information was issued. The validity period 3154 is the validity period of the benefit information. If the corresponding benefit information is available immediately after issuance, the validity period 3154 may have an expiration date and time set. Alternatively, if the corresponding benefit information becomes available after a certain period has elapsed since issuance, the validity period 3154 may be defined by the start date and time and end date and time (expiration date) of the validity period. The target facility 3155 is a facility where the benefit information can be used, and is target facility 3132 associated with benefit ID 3131 corresponding to issued benefit ID 3151. The benefit content 3156 is, in principle, the benefit content 3133 associated with benefit ID 3131 corresponding to issued benefit ID 3151. However, in the case of the second benefit information, the benefit content 3156 may be the content dynamically determined when the availability conditions are met. The usage status flag 3157 is information indicating that the usage status of the issued benefit information is one of "available," "unavailable," or "used." The availability conditions 3158 is, in principle, the usage benefit ID 31351 associated with benefit ID 3131 corresponding to issued benefit ID 3151. However, in the case of the second benefit information, the availability conditions 3158 may be the first benefit ID dynamically determined at the time of issuance of the benefit information.

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

[0068] The control unit 340 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the reward information issuing device 300. The control unit 340 loads program 311 from the storage unit 310 into the memory 320 and executes program 311. In this way, the control unit 340 realizes the functions of the registration unit 341, authentication control unit 342, identification unit 343, issuance unit 344, notification unit 345, entry determination unit 346, and payment control unit 347. Note that the authentication control unit 342, identification unit 343, and issuance unit 344 are examples of the issuance unit 11 described above. Also, the identification unit 343 and notification unit 345 are examples of the notification unit 12 described above.

[0069] The registration unit 341 performs registration processing for benefit information, user information, and admission qualification information. Specifically, the registration unit 341 receives registration requests for individual benefit information, combinations of multiple benefit information, and usage conditions from the management terminal 60, etc., and registers them in the benefit information master 313. At this time, the registration unit 341 issues a benefit ID for new benefit information. The registration unit 341 also receives registration requests for user information from the user terminal 100, etc., and registers them in the user information 312. At this time, the registration unit 341 registers facial feature information based on a facial image for new users in the authentication device 200 and obtains the user ID issued at the time of registration. Then, the registration unit 341 associates the obtained user ID 3121 with the information included in the registration request and registers it in the storage unit 310 as user information 312. The registration unit 341 associates the user's personal authentication information for registration with the terminal information possessed by the user and registers it in the storage unit 310. In this embodiment, the registration unit 341 registers a user ID 3121, which uniquely corresponds to the user's facial feature information for registration, along with terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, and payment information 3124, as user information 312 in the storage unit 310. The registration unit 341 also receives a registration request that includes a facial image and entry qualification information, and updates the user information 312 by associating the entry qualification information 3125 with the user information 312 identified by facial recognition based on the facial image.

[0070] The authentication control unit 342 controls user authentication using the authentication device 200. In particular, the authentication control unit 342 in this embodiment controls user biometric authentication using biometric information extracted from an image taken by the user. Specifically, the authentication control unit 342 controls user facial authentication using facial feature information extracted from the user's face image. That is, when the authentication control unit 342 receives user authentication information and entry qualification information for authentication, it uses the authentication information for authentication to refer to the storage unit 310 and the facial information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 and controls user authentication. Also, when the authentication control unit 342 receives an entry determination request from the entry control terminal 401, it sends a facial authentication request including the facial image included in the entry determination request to the authentication device 200, receives the facial authentication result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the facial authentication result to the entry determination unit 346. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a facial recognition payment request from the payment terminal 51 or the like, it sends the facial recognition request, including the facial image included in the facial recognition payment request, to the authentication device 200, receives the facial recognition result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the facial recognition result to the payment control unit 347. The authentication control unit 342 may also control personal authentication other than biometric authentication.

[0071] The identification unit 343 identifies the user's terminal information, attribute information, payment information, entry qualification information, and benefit information based on user authentication. Specifically, if facial recognition by the authentication control unit 342 is successful, the identification unit 343 identifies terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, payment information 3124, and entry qualification information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 that successfully performed facial recognition, from among the user information 312. In addition, in response to a request to inquire about benefit information, the identification unit 343 identifies a list of benefit information associated with the user ID 3152 that successfully performed facial recognition, from among the benefit management information 315. Furthermore, the identification unit 343 identifies the issued benefit ID 3151 included in the facial recognition payment request and identifies the benefit information associated with the user ID 3152 and the issued benefit ID 3151 that successfully performed facial recognition, from among the benefit management information 315.

[0072] The issuing unit 344 issues a set of first and second benefit information to a user whose admission qualification information has been registered. In this case, the second benefit information is selected such that the benefit ID of the first benefit information is set as the benefit ID for use as a condition for use. The first facility, which is the target facility of the first benefit information, is either the first commercial facility 403 or the second commercial facility 41, etc. The second facility, which is the target facility of the second benefit information, is a second facility from the first commercial facility 403 or the second commercial facility 41, etc., that is different from the first facility. The issuing unit 344 issues the first benefit information with the usage status flag set to "Available" and the second benefit information with the usage status flag set to "Unavailable".

[0073] Furthermore, when a user makes a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility, the issuing unit 344 updates the second benefit information, which is paired with the first benefit information used, to make it available. In addition, when a user makes a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility, the issuing unit 344 may determine the benefit content of the second benefit information according to the payment amount in that purchase. The availability conditions may vary, as will be described later. Therefore, the issuing unit 344 updates the second benefit information to make it available when a user's purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility satisfies the availability conditions set for the second benefit information, which is paired with the first benefit information.

[0074] Furthermore, the issuing unit 344 may select from among multiple first benefit information available at the first facility that meets the issuance conditions based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, and issue it as the first benefit information.

[0075] Furthermore, the issuing unit 344 may issue the first benefit information and the second benefit information if the authentication control unit 342 successfully authenticates the user's identity.

[0076] The notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal of the target user of the pair of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. Furthermore, the notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal that the second benefit information has become available. Furthermore, the notification unit 345 may further notify the user terminal of the details of the determined second benefit information. The notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal of the terminal information associated with the successful authentication information of the user.

[0077] The entry determination unit 346 determines whether the facial recognition result based on the entry determination request received from the entry control terminal 401 was successful, and transmits the entry determination result to the entry control terminal 401. If the entry determination unit 346 succeeds in facial recognition and the user's entry qualification information is registered, it includes a statement indicating that entry is permitted in the entry determination result. On the other hand, if the entry determination unit 346 fails in facial recognition, or if the user's facial recognition was successful but their entry qualification information is not registered, it includes a statement indicating that entry is denied in the entry determination result.

[0078] The payment control unit 347 determines whether the facial recognition result based on the facial recognition payment request received from the payment terminal 51, etc., is successful, and controls the payment process if facial recognition is successful. In particular, if the facial recognition payment request includes a reward ID, the payment control unit 347 determines whether the reward information corresponding to the reward ID is available, and if it is available, it uses the reward information to perform the payment process.

[0079] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the benefit information registration process according to this second embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which the facility manager U20 registers the benefit information for the first commercial facility 403, the facility manager U21 registers the benefit information for the second commercial facility 41, and the area manager U3 registers the combination of benefit information (availability conditions). However, the registration order by facility managers U20 and U21 does not matter. Also, either facility manager U20 or U21 may set the combination of benefit information (availability conditions).

[0080] First, the management terminal 60 receives input from the facility manager U20 regarding the details of the benefits available at the first commercial facility 403, the issuance conditions, and the target facility. The issuance conditions include information on events to which benefits are to be issued. The target facility is the first commercial facility 403. The management terminal 60 then transmits the benefit information master registration request, including the received benefit details, issuance conditions, and target facility, to the benefit information issuing device 300 via the network N (S101). In response, the benefit information issuing device 300 issues a benefit ID corresponding to the benefit details included in the received benefit information master registration request, and registers the issued benefit ID 3131, the target facility 3132 included in the request, the benefit details 3133, and the issuance conditions 3134 as a benefit information master 313 in the storage unit 310 (S102).

[0081] Furthermore, the management terminal 61 receives input from the facility manager U21 regarding the details of the benefits available at the second commercial facility 41, the issuance conditions, and the target facility. The issuance conditions include information on events held on the same day as in step S101. The target facility is the payment terminal 51. Then, similar to step S101, the management terminal 61 sends a benefit information master registration request to the benefit information issuing device 300 via the network N (S103). In response, similar to step S102, the benefit information issuing device 300 issues a benefit ID and registers the benefit information master 313 in the storage unit 310 (S104).

[0082] Subsequently, the management terminal 600 sends a request to inquire about the reward list to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N in response to an operation by the area representative U3 (S105). The reward information issuing device 300 then retrieves a list of reward information (reward list) from the reward information master 313 in response to the received reward list inquiry request and returns the reward list to the management terminal 600 (S106). The management terminal 600 then displays the received reward list (S107). At this time, the reward list is assumed to include the reward information registered in steps S102 and S104. Accordingly, the management terminal 600 receives a set of the first reward ID and the second reward ID, and the conditions for use from the area representative U3. For example, the management terminal 600 may accept the first reward ID as the reward information of the first commercial facility 403, the second reward ID as the reward information of the second commercial facility 41, and the conditions for use as the first reward ID (use of the reward information of the first commercial facility 403). Alternatively, the management terminal 600 may accept the first benefit ID as benefit information for the second commercial facility 41, the second benefit ID as benefit information for the first commercial facility 403, and the availability conditions as the first benefit ID (use of benefit information for the second commercial facility 41). The management terminal 600 then transmits the accepted first benefit ID, second benefit ID, and availability conditions to the benefit information issuing device 300 via the network N (S108). In response, the benefit information issuing device 300 updates the benefit information master 313 by registering the first benefit ID to the usage benefit ID 31351 associated with the availability conditions 3135 corresponding to the received second benefit ID (S109).

[0083] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the user information registration process according to this second embodiment. First, the reward information issuing device 300 receives a registration request from the user terminal 100 via the network N, which includes the user U1's face image, terminal information, attribute information, and payment information (S111). Next, the reward information issuing device 300 sends a face information registration request, including the face image, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S112). In response, the authentication device 200 performs the face information registration process.

[0084] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing by the authentication device according to this second embodiment. First, the authentication device 200 receives a face information registration request (S201). For example, the authentication device 200 receives a face information registration request from the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N. Next, the face detection unit 220 detects the face region from the face image included in the face information registration request (S202). Then, the feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points (face feature information) from the face region detected in step S202 (S203). Then, the registration unit 240 issues a user ID 211 (S204). Then, the registration unit 240 associates the extracted face feature information 212 with the issued user ID 211 and registers it in the face information DB 210 (S205). After that, the registration unit 240 returns the issued user ID 211 to the requester (for example, the reward information issuing device 300) (S206). Furthermore, the authentication device 200 may perform facial information registration processing in response to a facial information registration request received from any information registration terminal. For example, the information registration terminal may be an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal.

[0085] Returning to Figure 10, we continue the explanation. The reward information issuing device 300 receives the facial information registration result (user ID) from the authentication device 200 via the network N (S113). The reward information issuing device 300 then associates the received user ID 3121 with the terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, and payment information 3124 received in step S101 and registers them in user information 312 (S114).

[0086] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the admission qualification information registration process according to this second embodiment. As a prerequisite, user U1 has already registered user information with the reward information issuing device 300 and has purchased admission qualification information for an event to be held at the event venue 40 on a predetermined date. At this time, the user terminal 100 acquires the admission qualification information purchased by user U1 (S121). For example, the user terminal 100 may accept input such as identification information for the admission qualification information from user U1. Alternatively, the user terminal 100 may acquire information regarding the admission qualification information notified from the admission qualification information purchase site. Then, the user terminal 100 takes a picture of user U1's face (S122). Then, the user terminal 100 sends a registration request including the face image and admission qualification information to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S123).

[0087] The reward information issuing device 300 then transmits the facial recognition request, including the received facial image, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S124). In response, the authentication device 200 performs facial recognition processing (S125).

[0088] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of face recognition processing by the authentication device 200 according to this embodiment 2. First, the authentication device 200 receives a face recognition request from the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S211). Next, the authentication device 200 extracts face feature information from the face image included in the face recognition request, in the same manner as steps S202 and S203 described above. Then, the authentication unit 250 of the authentication device 200 compares the face feature information extracted from the face image included in the face recognition request with the face feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 (S212) and calculates the degree of match. Then, the authentication unit 250 determines whether the degree of match is above a threshold (S213). If the face feature information matches, that is, if the degree of match of the face feature information is above a threshold, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the face feature information 212 (S214). Then, the authentication unit 250 sends back the facial recognition result, including the identified user ID 211, indicating that facial recognition was successful, to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S215). If the degree of match in step S213 is less than the threshold, the authentication unit 250 sends back the facial recognition result, including that facial recognition failed, to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S216).

[0089] Returning to Figure 12, we continue the explanation. The reward information issuing device 300 receives the facial recognition result from the authentication device 200 via the network N (S126). The reward information issuing device 300 then determines whether or not facial recognition was successful. Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 refers to the facial recognition result and determines that facial recognition was successful if the user ID is included in the result. If it determines that facial recognition failed, the reward information issuing device 300 may send a message to the user terminal 100 via the network N indicating that the user failed facial recognition.

[0090] If facial recognition is successful, the reward information issuing device 300 associates the entry qualification information 3125 received in step S123 with the user ID 3121 included in the facial recognition result and registers it in the user information 312 (S127).

[0091] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reward information issuance process according to this second embodiment. First, the reward information issuing device 300 performs target identification processing (S131). Here, target identification processing is the process of identifying the target user (user information, user ID) and target event (event information, event ID) for the reward information issuance process. Below, examples 2-1 to 2-3 in Figures 15 to 17 are given as target identification processing, but the device is not limited to these. As a premise, the reward information issuing device 300 considers users who have already purchased admission qualification information for the target event to be target users.

[0092] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the target identification process according to Example 2-1 of this embodiment 2. Example 2-1 is executed following the admission qualification information registration process in Figure 12 described above. First, after step S127 in Figure 12, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the event information corresponding to the registered admission qualification information as the target event (S141). Next, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether the date of the target event is within a predetermined period from the current date (S142). If the date is within a predetermined period from the current date, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the user ID on which the admission qualification information is registered as the target user (S143). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the terminal information (user terminal) of the target user (S144). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the terminal information 3122 associated with the user ID 3121 of the target user from the user information 312. Then, it proceeds to step S132 in Figure 14. On the other hand, if the event date in step S142 is not within a specified period from the current date, the reward information issuing device 300 terminates the reward information issuing process.

[0093] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the target identification process according to Example 2-2 of this embodiment. Example 2-2 is the case when user U1, after registering user information and admission qualification information, requests the issuance of a special benefit. In this case, in response to the special benefit issuance request from user U1, the user terminal 100 takes a picture of user U1's face and transmits the special benefit issuance request, including the face image, to the special benefit information issuing device 300 via the network N.

[0094] In response, the reward information issuing device 300 receives a reward issuance request including the user's face image from the user terminal 100 via the network N (S151). The reward information issuing device 300 then sends a face authentication request including the face image to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S152). In response, the authentication device 200 performs face authentication processing in the same manner as shown in Figure 13 above. The reward information issuing device 300 then receives the face authentication result from the authentication device 200 (S153). The reward information issuing device 300 then determines whether or not face authentication was successful (S154).

[0095] If facial recognition is successful, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the user ID that successfully performed the facial recognition (S155). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 obtains the user ID from the received facial recognition results. The reward information issuing device 300 then identifies the event information corresponding to the admission qualification information associated with the identified user ID as the target event (S156). The reward information issuing device 300 then determines whether the date of the target event is within a predetermined period from the current date (S157). If the date is within the predetermined period from the current date, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the identified user ID as the target user (S158). Then, the process proceeds to step S132 in Figure 14. On the other hand, if facial recognition fails in step S154, or if the date is not within the predetermined period from the current date in step S157, the reward information issuing device 300 terminates the reward information issuance process.

[0096] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the target identification process according to Example 2-3 of this embodiment 2. Example 2-3 is a case in which the benefit information issuing device 300 starts executing the target identification process at any time after user information and admission qualification information have been registered.

[0097] First, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether or not it is the timing for issuing reward information (S161). For example, if the execution of the reward information issuing process is registered in a schedule periodically, the reward information issuing device 300 determines that it is the timing for issuing reward information if it is the scheduled date and time.

[0098] Next, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether or not there is event information whose event date is within a predetermined period from the current date (S162). If it is not the timing for issuing reward information in step S161, or if there is no event information within the predetermined period, step S161 is executed again after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0099] If event information exists within a predetermined period in step S162, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the relevant event information as the target event (S163). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the user ID associated with the admission qualification information corresponding to the identified event information as the target user (S164). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the terminal information (user terminal) of the target user (S165). Then, the process proceeds to step S132 in Figure 14.

[0100] Returning to Figure 14, the explanation continues. Next, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the attribute information of the target user (S132). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 selects a first reward information that satisfies the issuance conditions based on the attribute information and the target event (S133). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 narrows down the reward ID 3131 defined in the issuance conditions 3134 from the reward information master 313, based on the identified attribute information and the target event. For example, if the degree of match of the user's age, gender, membership rank, hobbies, etc., indicated by the attribute information is above a threshold, it may be determined that the issuance conditions are met. Alternatively, if the current date is within a predetermined period prior to the date of the target event, it may be determined that the issuance conditions are met. Furthermore, the reward information issuing device 300 may select a first reward information that satisfies the issuance conditions based on the admission qualification information purchased by the target user. For example, if the seat grade is above a predetermined level, and the price of the ticket purchased this time, the total amount of past ticket purchases, the average amount, etc., exceed a threshold, it may be determined that the issuance conditions are met. Furthermore, the reward information issuing device 300 may select either the event venue 40 or the second commercial facility 41, etc., as the target facility (first facility) and issue the first reward information.

[0101] The reward information issuing device 300 then issues the selected first reward information to the target user (S134). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 associates the reward ID 3131, target facility 3132, and reward content 3133 of the selected first reward information as issued reward ID 3151, target facility 3155, and reward content 3156 to generate reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 also sets the target user as user ID 3152, the current date and time as issue date and time 3153, and the validity period 3154 based on the issue conditions 3134 for the generated reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 also sets the usage status flag 3157 to "Available" for the generated reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 registers the generated and set reward management information 315 in the storage unit 310.

[0102] Next, the reward information issuing device 300 selects a second reward information for which the use of the first reward information is set as an available condition (S135). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 selects from the reward information master 313 that has the reward ID 3131 of the first reward information set as the second reward information. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may select the second reward information after narrowing down the reward information for which a second facility different from the target facility 3132 of the first reward information is set as the target facility 3132. For example, if the target facility of the first reward information is the first commercial facility 403, the reward information issuing device 300 narrows down the reward information for which the target facility 3132 is one of the second commercial facilities 41 to 4n. Also, if the target facility of the first reward information is one of the second commercial facilities 41 to 4n, the reward information issuing device 300 narrows down the reward information for which the target facility 3132 is one of the second commercial facilities 403. Bonus Information This narrows down the options. This can improve processing efficiency by reducing the number of items to select.

[0103] The reward information issuing device 300 then issues the selected second reward information to the target user (S136). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 associates the reward ID 3131, target facility 3132, and reward content 3133 of the selected second reward information as issued reward ID 3151, target facility 3155, and reward content 3156 to generate reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 also sets the target user as user ID 3152 and the current date and time as issue date and time 3153 for the generated reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 also sets the usage status flag 3157 to "unavailable" and sets the first reward ID as the availability condition 3158 for the generated reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 registers the generated and set reward management information 315 in the storage unit 310.

[0104] Subsequently, the reward information issuing device 300 notifies the target user's user terminal of the pair of the issued first reward information and second reward information, and the usage conditions set for the second reward information (S137). In response, the user terminal 100 displays the notified pair of the first reward information and second reward information, and the usage conditions.

[0105] Figure 18 shows an example 2-1 of the display of a set of reward information in the user terminal 100 according to this second embodiment. The first coupon 71 is an example of the first reward information, and the second coupon 72 is an example of the second reward information; both are electronic coupons. The first coupon 71 indicates that the usage status flag 711 is "available" and that the reward content 712 is available only on the day of the event at store A (second commercial facility 41, etc.) in the vicinity of the event venue 40. The reward content 712 indicates, for example, "5% off all items" at store A, but is not limited to this. The first coupon 71 may also have a usage condition of consumption behavior in which the payment amount exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0106] The second coupon 72 indicates that the usage status flag 721 is "unavailable" and that the benefit 722 is available only on the day of the event at store B (first commercial facility 403) within the event venue 40. The benefit 722 may, for example, be "one free drink" at store B, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the second coupon 72 indicates that the usage condition 723 is the use of the first coupon 71.

[0107] Therefore, Coupon 72, the second coupon, can be interpreted as a coupon that, for example, if you use a coupon for 5% off all items when paying XX yen or more at store A (a nearby facility) on the day of the event (match), you will get one free drink at store B within the event venue 40.

[0108] Figure 19 shows an example 2-2 of the display of a set of reward information in the user terminal 100 according to this second embodiment. The first coupon 73 is an example of the first reward information, and the second coupon 74 is an example of the second reward information; both are electronic coupons. The first coupon 73 indicates that the usage status flag 731 is "available" and that the reward content 732 is available at store C (first commercial facility 403) within the event venue 40, but only on the day of the event. The reward content 732 indicates, for example, "10% off goods" at store C, but is not limited to this. The first coupon 73 may also have a usage condition of a spending action with a payment amount of a predetermined amount or more.

[0109] The second coupon 74 indicates that the usage status flag 741 is "unavailable" and that the benefit 742 is available only on the day of the event at store D (second commercial facility 4n, etc.) near the event venue 40. The benefit 742 indicates, for example, "5% off set meals" at store D, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the second coupon 74 indicates that the usage condition 743 is the use of the first coupon 73.

[0110] Therefore, Coupon 74, the second coupon, can be interpreted as a coupon that, for example, gives you 10% off merchandise purchased for XX yen or more at store C within the event venue 40 on the day of the event (match), and also gives you 5% off a set meal at store D (a nearby facility).

[0111] Furthermore, before step S122 in Figure 12 or the target identification process in Embodiment 2-2 of Figure 16, the user terminal 100 may, instead of taking a photograph of the user's face each time, perform the following actions. For example, if the face image used when registering user information is stored in the storage unit 110, the user terminal 100 may read the face image instead of step S122. Alternatively, if the user ID issued when registering user information is stored in the storage unit 110, the user terminal 100 may read the user ID and send a registration request including the user ID and entry qualification information to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N instead of step S122. In this case, the reward information issuing device 300 may omit the face authentication process.

[0112] Figure 20 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing for the use of the first benefit information by a user according to this second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a set of the first coupon and the second coupon has already been issued to user U1. User U1 will then use the first coupon when making a payment at the aforementioned store A.

[0113] First, user U1 decides on the items to purchase at store A and goes to the payment terminal 51 for payment. The payment terminal 51 then scans the purchased items and inputs and displays payment information via the touch panel 550 (S301). In response, user terminal 100 displays display example 2-1 of Figure 18 described above, accepts a selection operation for the first coupon 71 from user U1, and displays the first coupon 71 as selected (S302). User U1 then holds the code information of the first coupon 71 displayed on user terminal 100 up to the camera 540 of payment terminal 51. In response, payment terminal 51 reads the first coupon and extracts the reward ID (S303). Specifically, payment terminal 51 uses the camera 540 to capture the code information of the first coupon 71, analyzes the captured image, and extracts it as the reward ID. Subsequently, the camera 540 of payment terminal 51 captures user U1's face (S304).

[0114] In response, the payment terminal 51 transmits a facial recognition payment request, including the user U1's facial image, payment target information, reward ID, and terminal information 512, to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S305). The reward information issuing device 300 then performs the reward information utilization process (S306).

[0115] Figures 21 and 22 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of the reward information utilization process according to this second embodiment. First, the reward information issuing device 300 receives a facial recognition payment request from the payment terminal 51 via the network N, which includes a facial image, reward ID, payment target information, and terminal information (S311). The reward information issuing device 300 then transmits the facial recognition request, including the facial image, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S312). In response, the authentication device 200 performs facial recognition processing in the same manner as described in Figure 13 above. The reward information issuing device 300 then receives the facial recognition result from the authentication device 200 (S313). The reward information issuing device 300 then determines whether or not facial recognition was successful (S314).

[0116] If facial recognition is successful, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the user ID that successfully performed the facial recognition (S315). The reward information issuing device 300 then determines whether the commercial facility corresponding to the terminal information is the target facility of the received reward ID (S316). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the commercial facility from the terminal information included in the facial recognition payment request. The reward information issuing device 300 also identifies the target facility 3155 associated with the pair of the reward ID (issued reward ID 3151) included in the facial recognition payment request and the identified user ID 3152 from the reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 then determines whether the identified commercial facility is the identified target facility 3155. If the commercial facility is the target facility in step S316, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether the usage status flag 3157 of the pair of reward ID 3151 and identified user ID 3152 included in the facial recognition payment request is "available" (S317).

[0117] If the usage status flag 3157 is "available", the reward information issuing device 300 uses the payment information and reward details associated with the user ID to process the payment for the payment target information (S318). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. Then, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the reward details 3156 associated with the pair of issued reward ID 3151 and the identified user ID 3152 from the reward management information 315. Then, the reward information issuing device 300 applies the identified reward details 3156 to the amount of the payment target information included in the facial recognition payment request to calculate the payment amount. For example, if the reward details 3156 is "5% off all items", the reward information issuing device 300 calculates the payment amount as the amount of the payment target information minus a 5% discount. The reward information issuing device 300 then sends an instruction to the payment server (not shown) to deduct the payment amount using the identified payment information 3124, and receives the payment result. Since the payment server is a publicly known server operated by a financial institution, etc., its illustration and detailed explanation are omitted.

[0118] Then, the reward information issuing device 300 updates the usage status flag of the used reward information to "used" (S319). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 updates the usage status flag 3157, which is associated with the pair of issued reward ID 3151 and user ID 3152 identified from the reward management information 315, to "used".

[0119] Next, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether the issued reward ID associated with the user ID is the first coupon with the usable condition of "used" and the usage status flag is "unavailable" (S320). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 searches the reward management information 315 for the issued reward ID associated with the identified user ID 3152. Then, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether the retrieved issued reward ID is the first coupon with the usable condition 3158 of "used". At the same time, the reward information issuing device 300 determines whether the usage status flag 3157 of the retrieved issued reward ID is "unavailable". If in step S320 the usable reward ID is "used" and the usage status flag is "unavailable", the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the corresponding issued reward ID 3151 as the second coupon (S321).

[0120] The reward information issuing device 300 then determines the reward content of the second coupon according to the payment amount in the payment processing (S322). For example, if the payment amount is above a certain amount, the discount rate or discount amount of the reward content of the second coupon may be increased. The reward information issuing device 300 then registers the determined reward content as the reward content of the second coupon (S323). Steps S322 and S323 are not mandatory.

[0121] Then, the reward information issuing device 300 updates the usage status flag of the second coupon to "Available" (S324). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 updates the usage status flag 3157, which is associated with the pair of the second coupon's issued reward ID 3151 and the identified user ID 3152 from the reward management information 315, to "Available". After step S324, the process proceeds to step S307 in Figure 20.

[0122] Furthermore, if the benefit ID is not "used" or the usage status flag is not "unavailable" in step S320, the benefit information usage process will be terminated.

[0123] Furthermore, if facial recognition fails in step S314, the reward information issuing device 300 sends a message to the payment terminal 51 indicating that payment is not possible (S331). Also, if the commercial facility is not a target facility in step S316, or if the usage status flag 3157 is not "available" in step S317, i.e., "unavailable" or "already used", the reward information issuing device 300 processes the payment without using the reward information. In other words, the reward information issuing device 300 processes the payment target information using the payment information for the identified user ID (S332). The method of payment processing is the same as in step S318 described above. After that, the reward information issuing device 300 sends a payment completion notification to the payment terminal 51, including a message indicating that the first coupon is unavailable (S333). After steps S331 and S333, the reward information usage processing is terminated.

[0124] Returning to Figure 20, the explanation continues. After step S324, the reward information issuing device 300 sends a payment completion notification to the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S307). At this time, the payment terminal 51 may display the payment completion notification on the touch panel 550. The reward information issuing device 300 also sends a coupon update notification to the user terminal 100 via the network N (S308). Here, the coupon update notification includes the fact that the available flag for the first coupon 71 is used and the available flag for the second coupon 72 is available, as well as the details of the reward for the second coupon 72. Accordingly, the user terminal 100 displays the received coupon update notification (S309).

[0125] Figure 23 shows an example of the display of the notification of the availability of reward information on the user terminal 100 according to this embodiment 2. Figure 23 shows an example of the display after the first coupon 71 has been selected and used at store A for payment, as in the display example 2-1 of Figure 18 described above. The first coupon 71a indicates that the usage status flag 711a for the first coupon 71 has been updated to "used". On the other hand, the second coupon 72a indicates that the usage status flag 721a for the second coupon 72 has been updated to "available" and "free fries" has been added to the reward content 722a. The update notification message 724 also shows, for example, "The first coupon has been used, so it is now available!". As a result, user U1 can easily understand that the second coupon 72a has become available due to the consumer action of using the first coupon 71 at store A.

[0126] Figure 24 is a sequence diagram showing the process of a user using the second benefit information according to this second embodiment. Here, a set of the first and second coupons has been issued to user U1, and user U1 has already made a payment using the first coupon at the aforementioned store A. Therefore, the first coupon is used, and the second coupon is available.

[0127] First, user U1 decides which food and drinks to purchase at store B (first commercial facility 403) and goes to the payment terminal 50 for payment. The payment terminal 50 then inputs and displays the payment information (S301). In response, user terminal 100 displays the display example shown in Figure 23 above, accepts a selection operation for the second coupon 72a from user U1, and displays the second coupon 72a as selected (S302a). User U1 then holds the code information of the second coupon 72a displayed on user terminal 100 up to the camera 540 of payment terminal 50. In response, payment terminal 50 reads the second coupon and extracts the reward ID (S303a). Subsequently, steps S304 to S306 in Figure 20 above are executed. In this example, in step S318 of Figure 20, since the benefit 3156 is "1 free drink + fries", the benefit information issuing device 300 calculates the payment amount by subtracting the price of one drink and fries from the amount of the payment target information. Then, in step S320 of Figure 21, since there is no corresponding second coupon, the process ends and the payment completion notification in step S307 is issued. The benefit information issuing device 300 also sends a coupon update notification to the user terminal 100 via the network N (S308a). Here, the coupon update notification includes the fact that the available flag for the second coupon 72 has been used. Accordingly, the user terminal 100 displays the received coupon update notification (S309).

[0128] Figure 25 shows an example of how reward information is displayed on a user terminal according to this second embodiment after use. Figure 25 shows an example of how the second coupon 72a is displayed after it is selected, used at store B, and payment is made, as in the display example of Figure 23 described above. The second coupon 72b indicates that the usage status flag 721b for the second coupon 72a has been updated to "used".

[0129] In this embodiment, a set of reward information is issued that links reward information usable at commercial facilities within the event venue with reward information usable at commercial facilities near the event venue. In other words, multiple sets of reward information usable at different facilities are issued as a set. In particular, when a consumer action is taken using the first reward information at one of the first facilities, the second reward information for use at the other, second facility becomes available. This point is notified to the user when the set of reward information is issued, that is, when the first reward information is available but the second reward information is not. Therefore, for the user, taking a consumer action at the first facility becomes a stronger incentive because they can not only enjoy the rewards from the first reward information, but also enjoy the rewards from the second reward information on the condition that they use the first reward information. As a result, it is possible to support collaborations such as mutual customer referrals between facilities issuing coupons within the area including the event venue.

[0130] <Embodiment 3> This third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment described above. In this third embodiment, the identification unit and the issuing unit determine the notification priority for each of the multiple first benefit information based on attribute information pre-associated with the user. The identification unit and the issuing unit then select two or more benefit information that satisfy the issuance conditions according to the determined priority, and issue each of the selected benefit information as the first benefit information. The notification unit then notifies the first benefit information according to the priority.

[0131] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reward information issuance process according to this embodiment 3. Steps S131 and S132 are the same as in Figure 14 described above. After step S132, the reward information issuing device 300 refers to the reward management information 315 and determines the notification priority for each reward information based on the target user's attribute information and target event (S133a). For example, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine the notification priority for the target user based on the priority of attribute information that prioritizes the rows included in the issuance conditions 3134 for each reward information. For example, if the gender in the attribute information is female, the target facility of the reward information may have a higher priority than an izakaya (Japanese pub), and if the gender in the attribute information is male, the target facility of the reward information may have a higher priority than an izakaya (Japanese pub). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 selects two or more reward information items that satisfy other issuance conditions according to the determined priority (S133b). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 issues each of the selected reward information items to the target user as the first reward information (S134a).

[0132] Subsequently, the reward information issuing device 300 selects a second reward information for each of the selected first reward information, the second reward information for which the use of each first reward information is set as an availability condition (S135a). The reward information issuing device 300 may also determine the priority of the second reward information based on the target user's attribute information and select two or more second reward information according to the priority. Then, the reward information issuing device 300 issues each of the selected second reward information to the target user (S136a). Subsequently, the reward information issuing device 300 notifies the target user's user terminal of the issued pair of first and second reward information and the availability conditions set for the second reward information, according to the priority (S137a).

[0133] Figure 27 shows an example 3-1 of the display of a set of reward information on the user terminal 100 according to this embodiment 3. Here, the first coupon 75 indicates that the usage status flag 751 is "available" and that the reward content 752 is available at Cafe E near the event venue 40, only on the day of the event. The reward content 752 is, for example, "20% off cake set" at Cafe E, but is not limited to this. The first coupon 76 indicates that the usage status flag 761 is "available" and that the reward content 762 is available at Izakaya F near the event venue 40, only on the day of the event. The reward content 762 is, for example, "one free beer" at Izakaya F, but is not limited to this. The second coupon 77 indicates that the usage status flag 771 is "unavailable" and that the reward content 772 is available at Store G within the event venue 40, only on the day of the event. The reward content 772 is, for example, "5% off merchandise" at Store G, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the second coupon 72 has an eligibility condition 773 of "use of the first coupon," indicating that it becomes available upon use of either the first coupon 75 or 76. In addition, the example in Figure 27 shows that, in particular, if the target user is female, the first coupon 75 for Cafe E is displayed with a higher priority than the first coupon 76 for Izakaya F.

[0134] Figure 28 shows an example 3-2 of the display of a set of reward information in the user terminal 100 according to this third embodiment. Compared to the example in Figure 27 described above, it shows that when the target user is male, the first coupon 76 for Izakaya F is displayed with a higher priority than the first coupon 75 for Cafe E.

[0135] Thus, with this embodiment 3, sets of reward information that match the user's preferences are displayed preferentially, which may improve the utilization rate of reward information.

[0136] Furthermore, the identification unit and the issuing unit may select and issue a set of first and second benefit information that satisfies the issuance conditions based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, from among multiple first benefit information available at the first facility and multiple second benefit information available at the second facility. In other words, the coupon set may be dynamically determined for each user. For example, the benefit information issuing device 300 may dynamically determine the coupon set using an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model. That is, the AI ​​model may take the target event, the attribute information of the target user, multiple first benefit information, and multiple second benefit information with set usage conditions as input, and output a set of first and second benefit information. The AI ​​model is assumed to have been trained using the input data and output data set as training data. This allows for a more detailed response to the diversification of user needs and the presentation of diverse sets of benefit information that meet those needs, potentially improving the utilization rate of benefit information.

[0137] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, identity verification was explained as facial recognition, but this is not the only method. Similarly, while payment processing was explained as facial recognition payment, other payment methods may be applied. Furthermore, identity verification when issuing reward information, when entering and exiting the event venue, and when using reward information at commercial facilities within or near the event venue are not limited to facial recognition, and other identity verification methods described later may be applied.

[0138] In the embodiments described above, personal authentication (authentication for identity verification, personal identification processing, etc.) was explained as facial recognition, but other biometric authentication methods using biometric information may also be used. Biometric authentication and biometric information can be replaced with other technologies that utilize captured images of a person. For example, biometric information may include data (feature quantities) calculated from individual physical characteristics such as fingerprints, voiceprints, veins, retina, iris, and palm patterns. Alternatively, biometric authentication may involve extracting feature information indicating the person's physical characteristics from captured images of a part of the user's body, comparing the extracted feature information with pre-registered feature information, and considering authentication successful if the degree of match is above a threshold. For example, biometric authentication may also be based on the person's physical appearance. In that case, the feature information would be information related to the person's physical appearance, such as body shape, height, and clothing. Furthermore, other personal authentication methods may be applied instead of biometric authentication, and biometric information may also be other personal authentication information. For example, personal authentication information includes, but is not limited to, a user ID, a combination of ID and password, information on identification documents such as My Number or driver's license (identification number, password, etc.), electronic certificates, and code information. Furthermore, the code information may be a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0139] In the above-described embodiment 2, the authentication device 200 and the reward information issuing device 300 were described as separate information processing devices, but they may be the same. For example, the reward information issuing device 300 may further associate facial feature information with the user ID 3121 of the user information 312 and register it. In that case, the control unit 340 only needs to have the functions of the face detection unit 220, feature point extraction unit 230, registration unit 240, and authentication unit 250 shown in Figure 4.

[0140] Furthermore, the eligibility conditions set in the second benefit information mentioned above may include, for example, the following conditions: (1) Total amount of settlements at one or more of the first facilities The eligibility condition may be that the payment amount for consumer actions using the first benefit information at the first facility is above a predetermined amount (for example, 2,000 yen or more). In this case, the payment amount for the eligibility condition may be the payment amount at one store belonging to the first facility, or the total payment amount at multiple stores belonging to the first facility. (2) Consumer behavior at multiple facilities of the first facility The conditions for availability may be that the number of stores in the first facility where the consumer activity using the first benefit information was conducted exceeds a predetermined number, or that the total amount of payments at each store, or each of the payments at each store, exceeds a predetermined amount. (3) Purchase of specified products The conditions for use may include purchasing a specified product or paying a usage fee for a service provided at the first facility using the first benefit information. By designating products or services that facility managers or area managers want to increase sales of or raise awareness of, it can lead to increased use of specific products or services. (4) Consumer behavior is based on facial recognition payments The first reward information may be usable not only with facial recognition but also with other forms of identity verification for payment. However, the second reward information may be issued only if the first reward information is used for payment using "facial recognition." In other words, the usability condition set for the second reward information may be that the consumer behavior using the first reward information at the first facility is a payment using "facial recognition." This may promote the use of facial recognition among identity verification-based payments.

[0141] Furthermore, the user may select the combination of the first and second benefit information. For example, when issuing benefit information, the benefit information issuing device 300 notifies and displays a list of multiple first benefit information items and multiple second benefit information items to the user terminal. The user then selects a pair of first and second benefit information items from the list displayed on the user terminal. The user terminal transmits the pair of first and second benefit IDs selected by the user to the benefit information issuing device 300. The benefit information issuing device 300 issues first benefit information corresponding to the received first benefit ID, and issues second benefit information with the received first benefit ID set as the usage benefit ID for the available conditions corresponding to the received second benefit ID (issued benefit ID).

[0142] Furthermore, consumer behavior using the first reward information at the first facility is not limited to facial recognition payment, but may also include successful identity verification at an identity verification terminal installed at a specific location within Area 4. For example, the conditions for use set for the second reward information may include entry and exit by facial recognition at a specific location, check-in by facial recognition at accommodation facilities, etc.

[0143] Furthermore, the entry qualification information registration process shown in Figure 12 above does not necessarily require successful facial recognition to be a condition for registering the entry qualification information. For example, if the user ID issued when registering user information is stored on the user terminal, the user terminal may, in step S123, send a registration request including the user ID and entry qualification information instead of a facial image to the reward information issuing device 300. In that case, the reward information issuing device 300 may associate the user ID and entry qualification information included in the received registration request and register it in the user information. Alternatively, the entry qualification information sales server may send a registration request including the purchaser's user ID and entry qualification information to the reward information issuing device 300 when the entry qualification information is purchased, and have it registered.

[0144] Furthermore, the entry qualification information registration process shown in Figure 12 above may be performed by an information registration terminal instead of the user terminal 100. The information registration terminal may be, for example, a KIOSK terminal installed in a train station or commercial facility. In this case, for example, the user terminal 100 transfers the entry qualification information to the KIOSK terminal. Alternatively, the user inputs the entry qualification information into the KIOSK terminal. The KIOSK terminal then transmits the acquired entry qualification information and a facial image of the user taken by the KIOSK terminal to the reward information issuing device 300. When the current location is used to issue reward information, it is preferable to use the location information of the KIOSK terminal. The reward information issuing device 300 may also notify the KIOSK terminal of the issued reward information. At this time, the KIOSK terminal may display the reward information code information etc. in a way that is visible to the user, and the user terminal may scan the code information displayed on the KIOSK terminal screen to obtain the reward information. Alternatively, the KIOSK terminal may print out the received reward information code information etc. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may notify the terminal information (user terminal) of the user identified by facial recognition of the issued reward information.

[0145] Furthermore, the issuing department mentioned above may select and issue, present, and notify users of special offers that are appropriate to the event's attributes. For example, if the event is a sports match, it would be good to issue a coupon usable at a store selling cheering goods and guide users to that store. If the event is an exam, it would be good to issue a coupon usable at a quiet cafe and guide users to that cafe.

[0146] Furthermore, the validity period (usability period) of the special offer information may be a few hours including at least one of the time periods before or after the event starts, only on the day of the event, or a predetermined period including the day of the event.

[0147] Furthermore, the second coupons shown in Figures 18, 19, 27, and 28, etc., may be inactive before the usage conditions are met, and may become active and selectable once the usage conditions are met.

[0148] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0149] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented by combining the respective embodiments as appropriate.

[0150] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note A1) An issuing means for issuing, to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter an event venue through identity verification, the first benefit information that can be used at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and the second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, upon consumption using the first benefit information at the first facility. A notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. A reward information issuing device equipped with the following features. (Appendix A2) The issuing means updates the second benefit information to make it available when the user makes a consumer action using the first benefit information at the first facility. The notification means notifies the user's terminal that the second benefit information has become available. The special offer information issuing device described in Appendix A1. (Note A3) The issuing means determines the content of the second benefit information according to the amount paid in the consumption activity when the user makes a consumption activity using the first benefit information at the first facility. The notification means further notifies the user's terminal of the details of the second benefit information that has been determined. The device that issues the special offer information as described in Appendix A2. (Note A4) The issuing means selects from among a plurality of the first benefit information available at the first facility that the benefit information that satisfies the issuance conditions based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, and issues it as the first benefit information. A reward information issuing device as described in any one of the items A1 to A3 in the appendix. (Note A5) The issuing means determines the notification priority for each of the plurality of first reward information based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, selects two or more reward information that satisfy the issuance conditions according to the priority, and issues each of the selected reward information as the first reward information. The notification means notifies the first benefit information in accordance with the priority. The device that issues the special offer information as described in Appendix A4. (Note A6) The issuing means selects and issues a set of first and second benefit information that satisfies the issuance conditions based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, from among a plurality of first benefit information available at the first facility and a plurality of second benefit information available at the second facility. A reward information issuing device as described in any one of the items A1 to A3 in the appendix. (Note A7) A registration means for registering the user's personal authentication information for registration and the terminal information possessed by the user in association with each other and registering them in a storage means, When the user authentication information and entry qualification information are received, the authentication control means controls user authentication by referring to the storage means using the user authentication information. Furthermore, The issuing means, upon successful authentication of the user, issues the first benefit information and the second benefit information. The notification means notifies the user's terminal of the terminal information associated with the successful authentication information, which is the destination. A reward information issuing device as described in any one of the items A1 through A6 of the appendix. (Note B1) A storage device that stores: first benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and second benefit information usable at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility which is different from the first facility; The device comprises a memory device and a reward information issuing device connected to the memory device, The aforementioned special offer information issuing device is An issuing means that, by referring to the storage device, issues to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that will allow them to enter the event venue through identity authentication, the first benefit information and the second benefit information for which usage conditions are set that become available when a consumer action using the first benefit information is performed at the first facility, A notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. A reward information issuance system equipped with the following features. (Note B2) The issuing means updates the second benefit information to make it available when the user makes a consumer action using the first benefit information at the first facility. The notification means notifies the user's terminal that the second benefit information has become available. The system for issuing special offer information as described in Appendix B1. (Note C1) Computers To a user who has purchased admission information that allows them to enter the event venue through identity verification, the following will be issued: First benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue; and Second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first, provided that the user has made a purchase using the first benefit information at the first commercial facility. The combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information, are notified to the user's terminal. How to obtain bonus information. (Note D1) An issuance process that issues, to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter an event venue through identity verification, the following: first benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, upon consumption using the first benefit information at the first facility; A notification process that notifies the user's terminal of the pair of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing a program that issues reward information and causes a computer to execute it.

[0151] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (and examples). Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made, which can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0152] 1. Special Offer Information Issuing Device 11 Publishing Department 12 Notification Department 1000 Bonus Information Issuance System N Network U1 User U20 Facility Manager U21 Facility Manager U2n Facility Manager U3 Area Representative 100 user terminals 110 Storage section 111 Programs 112 Terminal Information 120 memory 130 Communications Department 140 Cameras 150 Touch Panel 160 Control Unit 161 Registration Department 162 Special Offer Processing Section 200 Authentication Devices 210 Face Information Database 211 User ID 212 Facial feature information 220 Face detection unit 230 Feature point extraction unit 240 Registration Department 250 Certification Department 300 Bonus Information Issuing Device 310 Storage section 311 Programs 312 User Information 3121 User ID 3122 Terminal Information 3123 Attribute information 3124 Payment Information 3125 Admission Eligibility Information 313 Bonus Information Master 3131 Bonus ID 3132 Target facilities 3133 Bonus Contents 3134 Issuance Conditions 3135 Conditions of use 31351 User Benefit ID 314 Event Information 315 Benefits Management Information 3151 Issued Bonus ID 3152 User ID 3153 Issue Date 3154 Validity Period 3155 Target facilities 3156 Bonus Contents 3157 Usage status flag 3158 Conditions of use 320 memory 330 Communications Department 340 Control Unit 341 Registration Department 342 Authentication Control Unit 343 Specific part 344 Publishing Department 345 Notification Department 346 Admission Judgment Department 347 Payment Control Unit 4 areas 40 Event venues 401 Entry control terminal 402 Event Hall 403 First commercial facility 50 Payment terminals 60 Management terminals 41. Second commercial facility 51 Payment terminal 61 Management terminal 4n Second commercial facility 5n payment terminal 6n Management Terminal 600 Management Terminals 410 Storage section 411 Programs 412 Terminal Information 420 memory 430 Communications Department 440 Camera 450 Touch Panel 460 Control Unit 461 Reception Department 462 Entrance Control Unit 510 Storage section 511 Programs 512 Terminal Information 520 memory 530 Communications Department 540 Camera 550 Touch Panel 560 Control Unit 561 Reception Department 562 Payment Control Unit 71 First Coupon 711 Usage Status Flag 712 Bonus Contents 72 Second Coupon 721 Usage status flag 722 Bonus Contents 723 Conditions of use 73 First Coupon 731 Usage status flag 732 Bonus Contents 74 Second Coupon 741 Usage status flag 742 Bonus Contents 743 Conditions of use 71a First Coupon 711a Usage status flag 72a Second Coupon 721a Usage status flag 722a Bonus Contents 724 Update notification message 72b Second Coupon 721b Usage status flag 75th Coupon 751 Usage status flag 752 Bonus Contents 76 First Coupon 761 Usage status flag 762 Bonus Contents 77 Second Coupon 771 Usage status flag 772 Bonus Contents 773 Conditions of use

Claims

1. An issuing means for issuing, to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter an event venue through identity verification, the first benefit information that can be used at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and the second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, upon consumption using the first benefit information at the first facility. A notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information, Equipped with, The issuing means updates the second benefit information to make it available when the user makes a consumer action using the first benefit information at the first facility. The notification means notifies the user's terminal that the second benefit information has become available. A device for issuing special offer information.

2. The issuing means determines the content of the second benefit information according to the amount paid in the consumption activity when the user makes a consumption activity using the first benefit information at the first facility. The notification means further notifies the user's terminal of the details of the second benefit information that has been determined. The reward information issuing device according to claim 1.

3. The issuing means selects from among a plurality of first benefit information available at the first facility that the benefit information satisfies the issuance conditions based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, and issues it as the first benefit information. The reward information issuing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The issuing means determines the notification priority for each of the plurality of first reward information based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, selects two or more reward information that satisfy the issuance conditions according to the priority, and issues each of the selected reward information as the first reward information. The notification means notifies the first benefit information in accordance with the priority. The reward information issuing device according to claim 3.

5. The issuing means selects and issues a set of first and second benefit information that satisfies the issuance conditions based on attribute information pre-associated with the user, from among a plurality of first benefit information available at the first facility and a plurality of second benefit information available at the second facility. The reward information issuing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A registration means for registering the user's personal authentication information for registration and the terminal information possessed by the user in association with each other and registering them in a storage means, The system further comprises, upon receiving the user authentication information and entry qualification information, an authentication control means that controls user authentication by referring to the storage means using the user authentication information, The issuing means, upon successful authentication of the user, issues the first benefit information and the second benefit information. The notification means notifies the user's terminal of the terminal information associated with the successful authentication information, which is the destination. The reward information issuing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A storage device that stores: first benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and second benefit information usable at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility which is different from the first facility; The device comprises a memory device and a reward information issuing device connected to the memory device, The aforementioned special offer information issuing device is An issuing means that, by referring to the storage device, issues to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter the event venue through identity authentication, the first benefit information and the second benefit information for which usage conditions are set that make it available when a consumer action using the first benefit information is performed at the first facility, A notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information, Equipped with, The issuing means updates the second benefit information to make it available when the user makes a consumer action using the first benefit information at the first facility. The notification means notifies the user's terminal that the second benefit information has become available. Reward information issuance system.

8. Computers To a user who has purchased admission information that allows them to enter the event venue through identity verification, the following are issued: First benefit information usable at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue; and Second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, provided that the user has made a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility. The combination of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information, are notified to the user's terminal. When the user makes a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility, the second benefit information is updated to become available. The user's device is notified that the second benefit information has become available. How to obtain bonus information.

9. A first issuance process that issues, to a user who has purchased admission qualification information that allows them to enter an event venue through identity verification, first benefit information that can be used at either the first commercial facility within the event venue or the second commercial facility near the event venue, and second benefit information with usage conditions set so that it can be used at the first commercial facility or the second commercial facility other than the first facility, when the user makes a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility. A first notification process that notifies the user's terminal of the pair of the first benefit information and the second benefit information, and the usage conditions set for the second benefit information, When the user makes a purchase using the first benefit information at the first facility, a second issuance process is performed to update the second benefit information to make it available. A second notification process that notifies the user's terminal that the second benefit information has become available, A program that issues reward information to a computer.

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