Accommodation support device, system and method, and program

Abstract

To provide an accommodation support device, a system, a method, and a program for providing an optimal use environment to a guest on the basis of various usage needs.SOLUTION: An accommodation support device (1) according to the present disclosure comprises: an identification unit (11) that identifies reservation information of a user through personal authentication for the user in accommodations; a check-in unit (12) that performs check-in processing on the user on the basis of the reservation information; a registration unit (13) that registers a card ID recorded in a card key used for unlocking a room where the user subjected to the check-in processing stays, and service information related to services included in the reservation information, in association with each other; and a service processing unit (14) that, when acquiring a request including the card ID read from the card key, performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accommodation support apparatus, system, method, and program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In recent years, biometric authentication technology including face recognition has advanced, and various services including payment using biometric authentication technology are being introduced. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for permitting entry to a restaurant by face recognition for a guest who has applied for a meal at an accommodation facility. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-001988 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Here, when paper meal tickets are provided to guests who have applied for meals during their stay, the paper tickets are separate from the room key, which makes them prone to being lost. Furthermore, when using various services within the accommodation facility, there still remains a need not only to perform all procedures via face recognition, but also to centralize access onto a physical card key.

[0005] In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an accommodation support apparatus, system, method, and program for providing an optimal usage environment for guests based on diverse usage needs. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] The accommodation support apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: identifying means for specifying reservation information of a user by personal authentication of the user at an accommodation facility; and A check-in means that performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information, A registration means for registering a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying, and service information related to the service included in the reservation information, When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, the service processing means performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID, It is equipped with.

[0007] The accommodation support system described herein is Authentication terminal installed at the accommodation facility, Equipped with accommodation support devices, The aforementioned accommodation support device is In the aforementioned accommodation facility, a means for identifying the user's reservation information by authenticating the user using the authentication terminal, A check-in means that performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information, A registration means for registering a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying, and service information related to the service included in the reservation information, When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, the service processing means performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID, It is equipped with.

[0008] The accommodation support method related to this disclosure is: Computers At the accommodation facility, the user's reservation information is identified through user authentication. Based on the aforementioned reservation information, the check-in process is performed for the user. The card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying is registered in association with the service information related to the service included in the reservation information. When a request containing a card ID read from the aforementioned card key is obtained, processing is performed according to the service information associated with that card ID.

[0009] The accommodation support program related to this disclosure is, In accommodation facilities, a process is performed to identify the user's reservation information through user authentication, Based on the aforementioned reservation information, the check-in process for the user is performed, A registration process that associates the card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying with the service information related to the service included in the reservation information, When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, the service process performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID, Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure makes it possible to provide accommodation support devices, systems, methods, and programs that provide an optimal user environment for guests, taking into account diverse usage needs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation support device according to this first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the flow of the accommodation support method according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation support system according to this second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication device according to this second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation support device according to this second embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing the flow of reservation processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing by an authentication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of check-in processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of face authentication processing by an authentication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a display example of a card key issuance support screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a display example of a registered content display screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of service provision processing according to Example 2-1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a display example of a meal ticket confirmation screen according to Example 2-1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of service provision processing according to Example 2-2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of service provision processing according to Example 2-3 of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a display example of a meal ticket confirmation screen according to Examples 2-1 to 2-3 of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of reference processing for card key registration information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a display example of a registered content display screen according to the third embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

[0013] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation support device 1 according to this embodiment 1. The accommodation support device 1 is an information processing device that provides a room unlocking function and service information such as meal tickets to a card key lent to a user who has made a reservation and is checking in at an accommodation facility. The accommodation support device 1 comprises a specific unit 11, a check-in unit 12, a registration unit 13, and a service processing unit 14.

[0014] The identification unit 11 identifies the user's reservation information at the accommodation facility by authenticating the user's identity. Here, "authentication" refers to information processing that verifies the authenticity of an individual by comparing pre-registered authentication information with information obtained from or entered by the individual at the time of authentication, and confirming that the degree of matching is above a threshold. Examples of 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. Furthermore, the authentication process is performed either internally by the accommodation support device 1 or by an authentication device connected to the accommodation support device 1. In addition, "authentication information" is registered in either the storage device inside the accommodation support device 1 or a storage device connected to the accommodation support device 1. Furthermore, the user's reservation information is either associated with the authentication information in the storage device, or associated with the identification information of the reservation holder corresponding to the authentication information in another storage device accessible from the accommodation support device 1.

[0015] The check-in unit 12 performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information identified by the identification unit 11. Specifically, the check-in unit 12 confirms the identified reservation information and registers it in a database (not shown) that manages accommodation information. This database is stored in either an internal storage device of the accommodation support device 1 or a storage device connected to the accommodation support device 1.

[0016] The registration unit 13 registers the card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where a user who has checked in will be staying, and the service information related to the service included in the reservation information, in association with each other. As a prerequisite, the registration unit 13 registers the card ID in association with the room number. Furthermore, the registration unit 13 in this embodiment registers the card ID in association with the service information in the database described above.

[0017] Here, "card key" refers to a physical card on which a card ID is recorded, such as on a magnetic tape or an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. The shape of the "card key" does not necessarily have to be card-shaped. For magnetic tape card keys, the card ID is read by a magnetic card reader. For "card keys" with a built-in IC chip, the card ID is read by a contact-type or contactless card reader. In addition to the card ID, the card key may also record room number, service information, user information, accommodation information, etc. Therefore, the registration unit 13 may register service information, etc., within the card key.

[0018] Furthermore, "services" refer to services offered within the accommodation that the user requested at the time of booking, or services included in the accommodation information. Services offered within the accommodation include, but are not limited to, the provision of food and beverages in the dining room (food and beverage service), access to common areas such as dining rooms and baths, use of massage chairs, and purchases from vending machines. Furthermore, "service information" refers to information used to receive the said service, and includes, for example, permission to enter the dining room, reservations for dinner and breakfast, available time slots or meal contents (course meals or optional dishes), seating in the dining room, the user's gender, whether they are an adult or a child, and the length of stay. However, service information is not limited to these.

[0019] The card key is then lent to the checked-in user for the duration of their stay. The user holds the lent card key over an authentication terminal used to control the locking of the door to their room. The authentication terminal reads the card ID from the card key, compares the read card ID with the card ID associated with the room number, and unlocks the door if they match. The card key may also have an active flag (or an invalid flag for when it is not active) that is valid only during the checked-in user's stay, as well as the stay period and the card key's validity period recorded on it. In this case, the authentication terminal will not unlock the door if the card key does not have an active flag recorded, has an invalid flag recorded, has exceeded the stay period, or has exceeded the recorded validity period.

[0020] When the service processing unit 14 receives a request that includes a card ID read from a card key, it performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID. First, the user holds the provided card key over a designated authentication terminal within the accommodation facility. The designated authentication terminal reads the card ID from the card key and sends a request including the read card ID to the service processing unit 14. Here, "designated authentication terminal" includes service terminals, check-in terminals, or authentication terminals that control the door of a room, or user terminals that a checked-in user carries within the accommodation facility.

[0021] Furthermore, "processing in accordance with service information" includes, for example, the following processes. However, such processes are not limited to these. (1) The service processing unit 14 refers to the above database, identifies the service information associated with the card ID included in the request, and returns the identified service information to the authentication terminal that made the request. (2) Based on the service information identified in (1), determine whether the service is available and return the determination result to the requesting authentication terminal. (3) If the result of (2) indicates that the service is available, the process returns the identified service information and the result to the requesting authentication terminal. (4) The process of providing a service according to the result of the determination in (2), and returning the processing result to the requesting authentication terminal. Here, "service provision processing" includes, but is not limited to, seating arrangements in a dining hall, order processing according to menus and courses, and instructions for serving meals.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the accommodation support method according to this embodiment 1. First, the identification unit 11 identifies the user's reservation information by authenticating the user at the accommodation facility (S11). Next, the check-in unit 12 performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information (S12). Then, the registration unit 13 registers the card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the checked-in user will stay, associating it with the service information related to the service included in the reservation information (S13). After that, when the service processing unit 14 receives a request that includes the card ID read from the card key, it performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID (S14).

[0023] Thus, in this embodiment, by adding service information such as meal tickets to the card key used to unlock the room, users can also receive services using the same card key used to enter the room. In other words, users can not only enter the room but also receive various services using a single card key provided for the duration of their stay. Therefore, it is possible to provide guests with an optimal usage environment that takes into account their diverse needs.

[0024] The accommodation support 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 of the accommodation support method according to this embodiment. The processor 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 identification unit 11, the check-in unit 12, the registration unit 13, and the service processing unit 14.

[0025] Alternatively, each component of the accommodation support 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 be composed 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.

[0026] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the accommodation support 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 accommodation support device 1 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0027] <Embodiment 2> This second embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation support system 1000 according to this second embodiment. The accommodation support system 1000 is an information system for making reservations for accommodation at a predetermined accommodation facility 4, checking in, issuing card keys, and providing services using card keys. The accommodation support system 1000 includes a user terminal 100, an authentication device 200, an accommodation support device 300, a check-in terminal 411, authentication terminals 421-1, 421-2, ..., and a service terminal 431. Each of the user terminal 100, authentication device 200, accommodation support device 300, check-in terminal 411, authentication terminal 421-1, etc., and the service terminal 431 are connected to each other via a network N. Here, the network N is a communication network including a wireless communication line, such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, a mobile phone network, etc. Furthermore, the network N is not limited by the type of communication protocol.

[0028] User U0 is a user who carries and operates the user terminal 100 to make a reservation for a predetermined accommodation plan at the accommodation facility 4. The user terminal 100 is an information processing terminal in which User U0 registers reservation information, including a facial image, with the accommodation support device 300 in advance. Note that User U0 may also register reservation information using an information processing device other than the user terminal 100.

[0029] Accommodation facility 4 includes a lobby 41, rooms 42-1, 42-2, ..., and a restaurant 43 (dining room). A check-in terminal 411 is installed in the lobby 41. The check-in terminal 411 checks in user U1, a guest of accommodation facility 4, using facial recognition and lends user U1 a card key 51 to be used to unlock the room where user U1 will be staying after checking in. At least a card ID 511 is recorded on the card key 511. At this time, the check-in terminal 411 requests the accommodation support device 300 to process the issuance of the card key. In response to the card key issuance process, the card ID 511 is registered in association with the room number of the room where user U1 will be staying (for example, room 42-1) and the service information provided to user U1.

[0030] An authentication terminal 421-1, which controls the unlocking of the door, is installed at the entrance to room 42-1. Similarly, an authentication terminal 421-2, which controls the unlocking of the door, is installed at the entrance to room 42-2. Throughout the subsequent rooms, authentication terminals for controlling door unlocking are similarly installed at the entrances. For example, when user U2 holds a card key 52 to the authentication terminal 421-2, it reads the card ID 521 and sends an authentication request, including the card ID 521 and the room number, to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N. The accommodation support device 300 compares the card ID 521 included in the authentication request with the card ID associated with the room number, and if they match, it sends an unlocking permission back to the authentication terminal 421-2. As a result, the authentication terminal 421-2 unlocks the door, and user U2 can enter room 42-2. The authentication terminals 421-1, etc., installed at the entrances to each room have equivalent functions. In the following explanation, authentication terminal 421-1, etc., may be simply referred to as "authentication terminal 421".

[0031] A service terminal 431 is installed at the entrance of restaurant 43 to confirm entry. When user U3 holds a card key 53 to the service terminal 431, it reads the card ID 531 and sends a service request, including the card ID 531 and the service ID of restaurant 43, to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N. The accommodation support device 300 compares the card ID 531 included in the service request with the card ID associated with the service ID, and if they match, it performs processing according to the information associated with the service ID. For example, the accommodation support device 300 replies to the service terminal 431 with permission to enter. As a result, the service terminal 431 allows user U3 to enter restaurant 43, and user U3 can enter restaurant 43 and have a meal.

[0032] Furthermore, each of users U1 to U3 within the accommodation facility 4 may carry an information processing terminal having the same functionality as user terminal 100. If user terminal 100 is located within the accommodation facility 4, it may be considered a designated authentication terminal by the accommodation support device 300. Furthermore, in the following description, users U0, U1, U2, or U3 may be simply referred to as "user U". Also, in the following description, the user terminal carried by users U1 to U3 within the accommodation facility 4 may be simply referred to as "user terminal 100".

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. The face feature information 212 is a feature vector that represents a set of feature quantities, such as the distance between feature points corresponding to the positions of a person's eyes, nose, mouth, etc. The authentication device 200 may delete the face feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 in response to a request from a user or the like. Alternatively, the authentication device 200 may delete the face feature information 212 after a certain period of time has elapsed since registration.

[0035] The face detection unit 220 detects face regions included in the registration image for registering face information and outputs them to the feature point extraction unit 230. The feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points from the face regions detected by the face detection unit 220, calculates the distance between each extracted feature point as a feature quantity, and generates a feature vector including the set of calculated feature points as face feature information. The feature point extraction unit 230 outputs the generated face feature information to the registration unit 240 or the authentication unit 250.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The authentication unit 250 performs facial authentication using facial feature information 212. Specifically, the authentication unit 250 calculates the degree of agreement with each master biometric information by performing a one-to-many comparison between the facial feature information (query biometric information) extracted from the facial image and the facial feature information 212 (master biometric information) in the facial information DB 210. For example, the authentication unit 250 may calculate the degree of agreement as the similarity between the feature quantities of the query biometric information and the feature quantities of the master biometric information. For example, the authentication unit 250 may calculate a higher degree of agreement the shorter the distance between the feature vectors. The authentication unit 250 then determines that authentication is successful if the degree of agreement is above a threshold, and that authentication is unsuccessful if the degree of agreement is below the threshold. If authentication is successful, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the successfully authenticated facial feature information 212 from the facial information DB 210 and returns a message to the requester of the facial authentication request indicating that authentication was successful and the facial authentication result including the user ID 211. On the other hand, if authentication fails, the authentication unit 250 returns the facial recognition result, including a note indicating the authentication failure, to the requester.

[0038] Returning to Figure 3, let's continue the explanation. The accommodation support device 300 is an example of the accommodation support device 1 described above. The accommodation support device 300 is an information processing device that handles reservations for accommodation at the accommodation facility 4, check-in, issuance of card keys, and provision of services using card keys. The accommodation support device 300 may be redundantly implemented on multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented on multiple computers.

[0039] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation support device 300 according to this second embodiment. The accommodation support 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, reservation information 312, and check-in management information 313. The storage unit 310 and the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 may be considered together as a storage unit. In addition, some or all of the information stored in the storage unit 310 may be stored in an external storage device. The program 311 is a computer program (accommodation support program) that implements accommodation support processing, including reservation processing, check-in processing, card key issuance processing, service provision processing, etc., according to this second embodiment.

[0040] Reservation information 312 is information that manages the details of a reservation for an accommodation plan at accommodation facility 4. Reservation information 312 is information that associates user ID 3121 with accommodation plan 3122. User ID 3121 is the identification information of the user who made the reservation. 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, reservation information 312 can be said to be information that is associated with the user's registration authentication information via user ID 3121.

[0041] Accommodation plan 3122 is information indicating the reservation details made by user U, corresponding to user ID 3121. Accommodation plan 3122 includes, for example, the length of stay 3151, room information 3152, meal information 3153, number of people 3154, and price 3155. The length of stay 3151 is the period of stay at accommodation facility 4. Alternatively, the length of stay 3151 may be expressed as the number of days of stay. For example, in the case of a 1-night, 2-day stay, the length of stay 3151 may be the year, month, and day of the stay. Room information 3152 is information indicating the type of room reserved, such as floor, layout, location within the building (corner room, south-facing, near the elevator, etc.). Meal information 3153 is information indicating whether dinner and breakfast are reserved, the menu, course, and price of the reserved meals. Number of people 3154 is the number of guests who made the reservation, including the number of people by gender, the number of adults and children, etc. Number of people 3154 may also include the age of children. The price of 3155 is the price for the accommodation plan.

[0042] Furthermore, the reservation information 312 may be further associated with user ID 3121 with attribute information indicating attributes related to user U. This attribute information may include, for example, the family composition of those staying in the same room as user U. For example, it may include information such as "a couple and one infant, and since the infant will be sleeping in the same bed, two beds are sufficient." Additionally, the attribute information may include user U's personal information.

[0043] Check-in management information 313 is information that manages guests (reservations, users) who have checked in on the day and their accommodation plans. Check-in management information 313 is information that associates user ID 3131, card ID 3132, room number 3133, and service information 3134. User ID 3131 is information that corresponds to the user ID 3121 mentioned above and is the user ID that succeeded in facial recognition during the check-in process. Card ID 3132 is information that corresponds to the card ID 511 etc. mentioned above and is the card ID that was read when the card was issued. Room number 3133 is identification information of the room assigned to the user during the check-in process. Service information 3134 is information used to receive various services within the accommodation facility 4. Service information 3134 is information that associates service ID 3161, available time slots 3162, and service details 3163. Service ID 3161 is identification information for service information 3134. Service ID 3161 is, for example, identification information for restaurant 43. The available time period 3162 is the time period during which the corresponding service can be used. The available time period 3162 may be defined, for example, by the start time and end time of use. The available time period 3162 may be, for example, the available time period for restaurant 43 at accommodation facility 4. Alternatively, an entry permission flag for restaurant 43, etc., may be used instead of the available time period 3162. The service content 3163 is the content of the service that can be used (provided). The service content 3163 may include, but is not limited to, the contents of the meals offered at restaurant 43 (course meals and optional dishes), the distinction between dinner and breakfast, seating at restaurant 43, entry to common areas such as baths, use of massage chairs, purchases from vending machines, etc.

[0044] Memory 320 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 340 is operating. The communication unit 330 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0045] The control unit 340 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the accommodation support 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, check-in processing unit 344, and service processing unit 345.

[0046] The registration unit 341 is an example of the registration unit 13 described above. The registration unit 341 performs reservation information registration processing (reservation processing), etc. Specifically, the registration unit 341 receives a registration request from a user terminal 100, etc., which includes a facial image and the accommodation plan (and attribute information) to be reserved, and registers the reservation information 312. At this time, the registration unit 341 registers facial feature information based on the facial image included in the registration request with the authentication device 200 and obtains the user ID issued at the time of registration. Then, the registration unit 341 generates reservation information 312 by associating the issued user ID 3121 and the accommodation plan 3122 (and attribute information) included in the registration request, and registers the reservation information 312 in the storage unit 310.

[0047] Furthermore, when issuing a card key, the registration unit 341 obtains the card ID from the check-in terminal 411 and generates service information from the service ID included in the reservation information of the user who has already checked in. The registration unit 341 then generates check-in management information 313 by associating the card ID, user ID, the room number of the user who has already checked in, and the service information, and registers the check-in management information 313 in the storage unit 310. At this time, if the reservation information identified by the identification unit 343 includes food and beverage services, the registration unit 341 may register permission to enter the restaurant 43 of the accommodation facility 4 as service information. Also, if the registration unit 341 receives a selection of a desired time slot for using the restaurant 43 from the user at check-in, it is advisable to include the desired time slot as an available time slot in the service information. Furthermore, the registration unit 341 may include the details of the meals offered at the restaurant 43 from the meal information 3153 included in the reservation information in the service information.

[0048] 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, the authentication control unit 342 controls user authentication by comparing the user's authentication information (query biometric information) with the facial feature information 212 (master biometric information) in the facial information DB 210 using the authentication device 200. For example, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a check-in request including a facial image from the check-in terminal 411, it controls facial authentication.

[0049] The identification unit 343 is an example of the identification unit 11 described above. If facial recognition in response to a check-in request is successful, the identification unit 343 identifies the user ID included in the facial recognition result and identifies the reservation information 312 that includes the identified user ID 3121.

[0050] The check-in processing unit 344 is an example of the check-in unit 12 described above. The check-in processing unit 344 registers the accommodation plan 3122 associated with the user ID 3121 that successfully obtained facial recognition as check-in management information 313 in the storage unit 310. Specifically, the check-in processing unit 344 assigns the room number to the user who successfully obtained facial recognition, associates the user ID 3131 with the room number 3133 to generate check-in management information 313, and registers it in the storage unit 310. Then, the check-in processing unit 344 sends a card issuance instruction to the check-in terminal 411.

[0051] The service processing unit 345 is an example of the service processing unit 14 described above. When the service terminal 431 receives a service request that includes the card ID 531 and service ID read from the card key 53, the service processing unit 345 performs processing according to the service information 3134 associated with the card ID 531. The service processing unit 345 then returns the result of the processing to the service terminal 431. Specifically, the service processing unit 345 identifies the service information 3134 associated with the card ID 531 (3132) in the check-in management information 313, and returns the identified service information 3134 to the service terminal 431 as the result of the processing. This allows the service terminal 431 to determine whether entry is permitted or not based on the service information 3134. Alternatively, the service processing unit 345 may determine whether entry to restaurant 43 is permitted based on the available time slots included in the service information associated with the card ID, and return the determination result to the service terminal 431. This allows the service terminal 431 to control entry based on the received entry permission determination result. In particular, the service processing unit 345 may determine to permit entry to restaurant 43 if the service information associated with the card ID includes an entry permission flag.

[0052] Alternatively, the service processing unit 345 may identify the meal contents included in the service information associated with the card ID and perform processing according to the identified meal contents. For example, the service processing unit 345 may perform services such as seating guidance in the restaurant 43, order processing according to the menu or course, and instructions for serving the meal.

[0053] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the reservation process according to this second embodiment. For example, the user terminal 100 accepts the input or selection of reservation details (accommodation plan) (and user U0's attribute information) at the accommodation facility 4 in response to user U0's operation. Then, in response to the registration operation from user U0, the user terminal 100 controls its built-in camera (not shown) to photograph user U0's face and acquires the captured face image. The user terminal 100 then sends a registration request for the face image and reservation details (and attribute information) to the accommodation support device 300.

[0054] In response, the accommodation support device 300 receives a registration request from the user terminal 100 via the network N, which includes the user U1's facial image and reservation details (accommodation plan) (and attribute information) (S111). Next, the accommodation support device 300 sends a facial information registration request, including the facial image, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S112). In response, the authentication device 200 performs facial information registration processing.

[0055] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the face information registration process by the authentication device 200 according to this embodiment 2. First, the authentication device 200 receives a face information registration request from the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S201). Next, the face detection unit 220 of the authentication device 200 detects the face region from the face image included in the face information registration request (S202). Then, the feature point extraction unit 230 of the authentication device 200 extracts face feature information from the face region detected in step S202 (S203). Then, the registration unit 240 of the authentication device 200 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 requesting accommodation support device 300 via the network N (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.

[0056] Returning to Figure 6, let's continue the explanation. The accommodation support device 300 receives the facial information registration result from the authentication device 200 (S113). The facial information registration result includes the user ID issued by the authentication device 200. The accommodation support device 300 then associates the user ID 3121 included in the facial information registration result and the accommodation plan 3122 (and attribute information) included in the registration request and registers it in the storage unit 310 as reservation information 312 (S114).

[0057] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the check-in process according to this embodiment 2. First, the check-in terminal 411 detects a person entering the accommodation facility 4 (for example, user U1) using a motion sensor (not shown) or the like, and displays a check-in screen prompting facial recognition. User U1 stands in front of the camera (not shown) of the check-in terminal 411 according to the check-in screen. Then, the check-in terminal 411 takes a picture of user U1's face (S121). Then, the check-in terminal 411 transmits a check-in request, including the captured facial image of user U1, to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S122).

[0058] In response, the accommodation support device 300 receives a check-in request from the check-in terminal 411 via the network N. The accommodation support device 300 then transmits a facial recognition request, including the facial image included in the received check-in request, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S123). In response, the authentication device 200 performs facial recognition processing (S124).

[0059] Figure 9 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 accommodation support 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). The authentication unit 250 then sends back the facial recognition result, including the identified user ID 211 and the fact that facial recognition was successful, to the accommodation support 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 the fact that facial recognition failed, to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S216).

[0060] Returning to Figure 8, the explanation continues. The accommodation support device 300 receives the facial recognition result from the authentication device 200 via the network N. The accommodation support device 300 then determines whether or not facial recognition was successful. Specifically, the accommodation support 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 accommodation support device 300 may send a message to the check-in terminal 411 via the network N indicating that the user failed facial recognition or that check-in is not possible.

[0061] If facial recognition is successful, the accommodation support device 300 identifies the accommodation plan 3122 (i.e., reservation information 312) associated with the user ID 3121 included in the facial recognition result (S126). The accommodation support device 300 then performs check-in processing for the reservation information 312 (S127). Specifically, the accommodation support device 300 assigns user U1 an available room according to the type of room information 3152 included in the reservation information 312. The accommodation support device 300 then associates the room number 3133 of the assigned room with the user ID 3131 included in the facial recognition result received in step 125 to generate check-in management information 313 and registers it in the storage unit 310. The accommodation support device 300 then sends a card issuance instruction to the check-in terminal 411 via the network N (S128).

[0062] The check-in terminal 411 lends a (unloaned) available card key 51 to user U1 in response to a card lending instruction received from the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S129). For example, the check-in terminal 411 may output the card key 51 from a card output unit (not shown) and allow user U1 to take it. The check-in terminal 411 then displays a card key issuance support screen (S130).

[0063] Figure 10 shows an example of the display of the card key issuance support screen 71 according to this second embodiment. The card key issuance support screen 71 is shown as an example displayed on the check-in terminal 411. The card key issuance support screen 71 includes a support message 711 and a support image 712. However, the content displayed on the card key issuance support screen 71 is not limited to these. The support message 711 is a message (text information) to assist in the operation of issuing a card key 51 to user U1 who has been lent a card key 51. Examples of support messages 711 include, but are not limited to, "Place the card key on the card key issuer and release your hand," and "Please wait until 'Card key issued.' is displayed on the screen." The support image 712 conveys to user U1 the action of placing the card key 51 on the card key issuer.

[0064] Here, user U1 places the loaned card key 51 on a card issuer (not shown) connected to the check-in terminal 411 and releases it. In response, the check-in terminal 411 obtains the card ID 511 read from the card key 51 by the card issuer (S131) ​​and transmits the card ID 511 to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S132).

[0065] In response, the accommodation support device 300 obtains the card ID 511 from the check-in terminal 411 via the network N and identifies the check-in management information 313 associated with the card ID 511 (3122). Then, the accommodation support device 300 identifies the accommodation plan 3122 associated with the user ID 3131 (3121) included in the identified check-in management information 313 from the reservation information 312. Alternatively, the accommodation support device 300 may identify the accommodation plan 3122 from the user ID 3121 included in the facial recognition result received in step 125. In other words, the accommodation support device 300 generates the user's service information using the meal information 3153, etc., of the accommodation plan 3122 in the reservation information 312 of the user who successfully performed facial recognition (S133). Specifically, the accommodation support device 300 identifies a service ID from the meal information 3153 that indicates the provision of meals by a food and beverage service or restaurant 43, and generates service information 3134 by associating the service ID 3161 with the available time slots 3162 for user U1 at restaurant 43 and the service details 3163. Then, the accommodation support device 300 registers the user ID 3131 of user U1, the acquired card ID 511 (3122), the room number 3133, and the generated service information 3134 with the storage unit 310 as check-in management information 313 (S134).

[0066] Subsequently, the accommodation support device 300 transmits the room number 3133 and service information 3134, etc., to the check-in terminal 411 via the network N (S135). In response, the check-in terminal 411 displays a registration information display screen that includes the received room number 3133 and service information 3134, etc. (S136).

[0067] Figure 11 shows an example of the display of the registration content display screen 72 according to this embodiment 2. The registration content display screen 72 is shown as an example displayed on the check-in terminal 411. The registration content display screen 72 includes a support message 721, a support image 722, room number and meal ticket information 723, a support message 724, and registration content 725. However, the content displayed on the registration content display screen 72 is not limited to these. The support message 721 is a message (text information) to assist user U1 in receiving the card key 51 that has been issued. Examples of support messages 721 include, but are not limited to, "Your card key has been issued." or "Please take your card key." The support image 722 conveys to user U1 the action of lifting the card key 51 up from the card key issuer and receiving it. The room number and meal ticket information 723 indicates that the card ID 511 of the card key 51 is associated with the room number "2221" and the dinner ticket / breakfast ticket. Furthermore, the room number and meal ticket information 723 may also include information such as the allocated time for dinner and breakfast (available time or distinction between the first and second halves of the meal) and location. The support message 724 is a message (text information) that informs the user that the card key 51 can be used as a meal ticket at restaurant 43. An example of the support message 724 is, "Please bring your card key with you to the restaurant during dinner and breakfast hours," but it is not limited to this. The registration details 725 is an example of information showing the registration details of user U1's accommodation plan, but it is not limited to this.

[0068] As described above, the check-in process and card key issuance process according to this embodiment are performed. Next, the service provision process according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Examples 2-1 to 2-3.

[0069] (Example 2-1) The accommodation support device 300 identifies service information corresponding to the card ID read from the card key and processes the identified service information to return to the requesting authentication terminal (e.g., service terminal).

[0070] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the service provision process according to Embodiment 2-1 of this second embodiment. First, the service terminal 431 reads the card ID 531 from the user U3's card key 53 (S141). Then, the service terminal 431 transmits the read card ID 531 to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S142). In response, the accommodation support device 300 obtains the card ID 531 from the check-in terminal 411 via the network N and identifies the service information 3134 associated with the card ID 531 (3122) from the check-in management information 313 (S143). At this time, the service information 3134 is assumed to include the available time period 3162. Then, the accommodation support device 300 transmits the service information 3134, including the available time period 3162, to the service terminal 431 via the network N (S144). The service terminal 431 receives the service information 3134 from the accommodation support device 300 via the network N. Then, the service terminal 431 determines whether user U3 is allowed to enter restaurant 43 based on the available time period 3162 in the service information 3134 (S145). The service terminal 431 controls entry according to the result of the determination in step S145 (S146). For example, if the current time falls within the available time period in step S145, the service terminal 431 determines that entry is permitted, displays the meal ticket confirmation screen, and opens the entrance gate (not shown) of restaurant 43. As a result, user U3 recognizes that they can enter restaurant 43 during this time period and can enter restaurant 43 using the card key 53 instead of a paper meal ticket.

[0071] Figure 13 shows an example of the display of the meal ticket confirmation screen 73 according to Embodiment 2-1 of this embodiment. The meal ticket confirmation screen 73 is shown as an example displayed on the service terminal 431. The meal ticket confirmation screen 73 includes a support message 731, a support image 732, a room number, and meal ticket information 733. However, the display contents of the meal ticket confirmation screen 73 are not limited to these. The support message 731 is a message (text information) that indicates that the meal ticket has been confirmed by holding the card key 53 over the reader. Examples of support messages 731 include, but are not limited to, "Your dinner ticket for today has been confirmed" or "Please enter the restaurant." The support image 732 visually conveys that the dinner ticket is associated with the card ID 531 of the card key 53 held over the reader by user U3. The room number and meal ticket information 733 indicates that the room number "1513" and the dinner ticket / breakfast ticket are associated with the card ID 531 of the card key 53. Furthermore, the meal ticket confirmation screen 73 may display the seat location, seat number, menu item, and course meal name indicated on the meal ticket.

[0072] On the other hand, if the current time in step S145 is not included in the available time slot, the service terminal 431 determines that entry is not permitted and informs user U3 of this by displaying a message on the screen or by other means. This allows user U3 to understand that they cannot enter restaurant 43 during this time slot.

[0073] (Example 2-2) The accommodation support device 300 identifies service information corresponding to the card ID read from the card key, determines whether the service is available based on the identified service information, and returns the determination result to the requesting authentication terminal (e.g., service terminal). The difference from Example 2-1 is that the determination of whether the service is available is performed by the accommodation support device (server, etc.) rather than by an authentication terminal such as a service terminal.

[0074] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the service provision process according to Embodiment 2-2 of this embodiment. First, steps S141 to S143 are the same as in Figure 12 described above. Then, the accommodation support device 300 determines whether user U3 is allowed to enter restaurant 43 based on the available time period 3162 of the service information 3134 identified in step S143 (S145a). Then, the accommodation support device 300 transmits the determination result from step S145a to the service terminal 431 via the network N (S145b). Subsequently, the service terminal 431 performs entry control according to the determination result received in step S145b (S146).

[0075] (Example 2-3) The accommodation support device 300 performs service provision processing according to the determination result of Example 2-2.

[0076] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the service provision process according to Embodiment 2-3 of this second embodiment. First, steps S141 to S146 are the same as in Figure 14 described above. Then, the accommodation support device 300 provides a meal according to the determination result of step S145a (S147). For example, if the determination result of step S145a indicates permission to enter, the accommodation support device 300 sends an order request for the menu indicated in the service content 3163 of the service information 3134 and notification of the seat location of user U3 to the terminal in the kitchen of the restaurant 43. The accommodation support device 300 may also send seat guidance information included in the service content 3163 to the service terminal 431. If the determination result of step S145a indicates that entry is not permitted, the accommodation support device 300 may send a message to the service terminal 431 indicating that it is available during other available time slots or for an additional fee.

[0077] Figure 16 shows examples of the display of the meal ticket confirmation screen 73a according to Embodiments 2-1 to 2-3 of this second embodiment. The meal ticket confirmation screen 73a is shown as an example displayed on the service terminal 431. In addition to the above-mentioned Figure 13, the meal ticket confirmation screen 73a adds a menu display field 734 and a seating guide diagram 735. The menu display field 734 is a field that displays the menu and course meal names of the reserved dinner. The seating guide diagram 735 shows map (route) information to guide the customer to the seat location corresponding to the seat number "2" assigned to the meal ticket within the restaurant 43. Note that the display contents of the meal ticket confirmation screen 73a are not limited to these.

[0078] Furthermore, the accommodation support device 300 may notify the staff terminal (not shown) of the information in step S144 or S145b. This makes it easier for the staff of the accommodation facility 4 to go to the entrance of the restaurant 43 and support user U3 as needed.

[0079] Thus, this embodiment allows for the provision of various services within the accommodation facility, including meals, in a paperless manner by incorporating the meal ticket function into the card key provided to guests, instead of issuing paper tickets. This improves convenience for guests and reduces the burden on staff of checking paper tickets, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0080] <Embodiment 3> This third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment described above. The service processing unit in this third embodiment receives a reference request that includes a card ID read from a card key by a predetermined authentication terminal and personal authentication information obtained from the card key holder. If the service processing unit successfully authenticates the holder using the personal authentication information, it identifies the service information and reservation information associated with the card ID included in the reference request. Subsequently, the service processing unit returns the identified service information and reservation information to the authentication terminal.

[0081] Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the card key registration information referencing process according to this embodiment 3. Here, the "predetermined authentication terminal" is described as a user terminal 100 carried by user U2 within the accommodation facility 4. First, the user terminal 100 reads the card ID 521 from user U2's card key 52 (S301). Next, the user terminal 100 controls a camera (not shown) to take a picture of user U2's face (S302). Then, the user terminal 100 sends a reference request including the card ID 521 read in step S301 and the image of user U2's face taken in step S302 to the accommodation support device 300 via the network N (S303). The user terminal 100 also includes the current location information in the reference request.

[0082] In response, the accommodation support device 300 receives a reference request from the user terminal 100 via the network N. At this time, the accommodation support device 300 determines whether the location information included in the reference request is inside the accommodation facility 4. If the location information is outside the accommodation facility 4, the accommodation support device 300 replies to the user terminal 100 that the reference is unavailable. On the other hand, if the location information is inside the accommodation facility 4, the accommodation support device 300 sends a face authentication request, including the face image included in the received reference request, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S304). In response, the authentication device 200 performs face authentication processing as shown in Figure 9 above (S305). The accommodation support device 300 then receives the face authentication result from the authentication device 200 via the network N (S306). The accommodation support device 300 then determines whether face authentication was successful. If it is determined that face authentication failed, the accommodation support device 300 may reply to the user terminal 100 via the network N that the user failed face authentication or that the reference is unavailable. The following explanation assumes that facial recognition was successful.

[0083] If facial recognition is successful, the accommodation support device 300 identifies the room number, service information, and accommodation plan from the user ID and card ID (S307). Specifically, the accommodation support device 300 identifies the room number 3133 and service information 3134, which are associated with the pair of user ID 3131 included in the facial recognition result and card ID 3132 included in the reference request, from the check-in management information 313. The accommodation support device 300 also identifies the accommodation plan 3122, which is associated with user ID 3121 included in the facial recognition result, from the reservation information 312.

[0084] Subsequently, the accommodation support device 300 transmits the identified room number, service information, and accommodation plan to the user terminal 100 via the network N (S308). In response, the user terminal 100 displays a registration details screen including the received room number, service information, and accommodation plan (S309).

[0085] Figure 18 shows an example of the display of the registration content display screen 74 according to this embodiment 3. The registration content display screen 74 is shown as an example displayed on the user terminal 100. The registration content display screen 74 includes a support message 741, room number and meal ticket information 743, support message 744, and registration content 745. However, the display content of the registration content display screen 74 is not limited to these. The support message 741 is a message (text information) to guide the user through the registration content of the card key 52. ​​The room number and meal ticket information 743 indicates that the card ID 521 of the card key 52 is associated with the room number "0832" and dinner / breakfast tickets. The room number and meal ticket information 743 may also include information such as the allocated time (available time or distinction between the first and second halves, etc.) and location for dinner and breakfast. The support message 744 and registration content 745 are the same as the support message 724 and registration content 725 in Figure 11 described above.

[0086] The "designated authentication terminal" mentioned above may be a check-in terminal 411, an authentication terminal 421, a service terminal 431, etc., installed within the accommodation facility 4.

[0087] Thus, in this embodiment, guests can easily check their available room number, service information, and accommodation plan details at any time using the user terminal 100 or the accommodation facility's authentication terminal, using their card key and personal authentication. Therefore, it is possible to provide guests with an optimal user environment that takes into account their diverse usage needs. In addition, it is possible to prevent misuse, such as someone else using the card key.

[0088] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the authentication process for the reservation holder (user) at check-in is not limited to the facial recognition described above. For example, the authentication process for the reservation holder at check-in may be performed by comparing personal information such as the name and telephone number entered by the reservation holder at the check-in terminal with personal information registered at the time of reservation. Alternatively, the authentication process for the reservation holder at check-in may be performed by comparing the reservation number entered by the reservation holder at the check-in terminal with the reservation number issued at the time of reservation. In addition, the reservation holder's personal information and reservation number may be entered by having the check-in terminal read code information displayed on the screen of the user terminal carried by the reservation holder (e.g., QR code®) or code information printed on paper. Therefore, the user ID included in the check-in management information is not limited to facial recognition; any user ID that has successfully completed the authentication process is acceptable. Similarly, in each of the embodiments described above, the reservation process may register other personal authentication information instead of registering facial feature information based on a facial image.

[0089] 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).

[0090] In the above-described embodiment 2, the authentication device 200 and the accommodation support device 300 were described as separate information processing devices, but they may be the same. For example, the accommodation support device 300 may further associate and register facial feature information with the user ID 3121 of the reservation information 312. 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note A1) In accommodation facilities, a means of identifying a user's reservation information through user authentication, A check-in means that performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information, A registration means for registering a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying, and service information related to the service included in the reservation information, When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, the service processing means performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID, A lodging support device equipped with the following features. (Appendix A2) The service processing means receives a request from the service terminal of the accommodation facility that includes the card ID read from the card key, and returns the result of the processing to the service terminal. Accommodation support device as described in Appendix A1. (Note A3) The service processing means identifies the service information associated with the card ID included in the request, and returns the identified service information to the service terminal as part of the processing result. Accommodation support devices as described in Appendix A2. (Note A4) The aforementioned service information includes the operating hours of the dining hall at the accommodation facility. Accommodation support device as described in Appendix A3. (Note A5) The service processing means determines whether or not entry to the cafeteria is permitted based on the available time slots included in the service information associated with the card ID, and returns the determination result to the service terminal. Accommodation support devices as described in Appendix A4. (Note A6) The registration means, if the reservation information includes food and beverage services, registers permission to enter the dining room of the accommodation facility as the service information. The service processing means determines that if the service information associated with the card ID includes permission to enter, it will grant permission to enter the cafeteria. Accommodation support devices as described in any one of the items A1 to A5 in the appendix. (Note A7) The aforementioned service information includes the details of meals served in the dining room of the aforementioned accommodation facility. Accommodation support devices as described in any one of the items A1 to A6 in the appendix. (Note A8) The service processing means identifies the meal contents included in the service information associated with the card ID and performs processing according to the identified meal contents. Accommodation support devices as described in Appendix A7. (Note A9) The service processing means is A designated authentication terminal receives a reference request that includes the card ID read from the card key and personal authentication information obtained from the holder of the card key. If authentication of the holder using the aforementioned personal authentication information is successful, the service information and reservation information associated with the card ID included in the reference request are identified. The identified service information and reservation information are sent back to the authentication terminal. Accommodation support devices as described in any one of the items A1 through A8 in the appendix. (Note B1) Authentication terminal installed at the accommodation facility, Equipped with accommodation support devices, The aforementioned accommodation support device is In the aforementioned accommodation facility, a means for identifying the user's reservation information by authenticating the user using the authentication terminal, A check-in means that performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information, A registration means for registering a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying, and service information related to the service included in the reservation information, When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, the service processing means performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID, A lodging support system equipped with these features. (Note B2) The service processing means receives a request from the service terminal of the accommodation facility that includes the card ID read from the card key, and returns the result of the processing to the service terminal. The accommodation support system described in Appendix B1. (Note C1) Computers At the accommodation facility, the user's reservation information is identified through user authentication. Based on the aforementioned reservation information, the check-in process is performed for the user. The card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying is registered in association with the service information related to the service included in the reservation information. When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, processing is performed according to the service information associated with the card ID. Accommodation support methods. (Note D1) In accommodation facilities, a process is performed to identify the user's reservation information through user authentication, Based on the aforementioned reservation information, the check-in process for the user is performed, A registration process that associates the card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying with the service information related to the service included in the reservation information, When a request including a card ID read from the card key is obtained, the service process performs processing according to the service information associated with the card ID, A non-temporary, computer-readable medium containing a lodging support program that causes a computer to execute a program.

[0094] 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]

[0095] 1. Accommodation support device 11 Specific section 12. Check-in Department 13 Registration Department 14 Service Processing Unit 1000 Accommodation Support System N Network U User U0 User U1 User U2 User U3 User 100 user terminals 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 Accommodation support devices 310 Storage section 311 Programs 312 Reservation Information 3121 User ID 3122 Accommodation Plans 3151 Accommodation period Room Information 3152 3153 Food Information 3154 number of people 3155 fee 313 Check-in management information 3131 User ID 3132 Card ID Room number 3133 3134 Service Information 3161 Service ID 3162 Available time slots 3163 Service Details 320 memory 330 Communications Department 340 Control Unit 341 Registration Department 342 Authentication Control Unit 343 Specific part 344 Check-in Processing Area 345 Service Processing Unit 4 Accommodation 41 Lobby 411 Check-in terminal 42 rooms Room 42-1 Room 42-2 421 Authentication terminal 421-1 Authentication terminal 421-2 Authentication terminal 43 Restaurants 431 Service Terminal 51 Card Key 511 Card ID 52 Card Keys 521 Card ID 53 Card Key 531 Card ID 71 Card Key Issuance Support Screen 711 Support Messages 712 Support Images 72. Registration details display screen 721 Support Messages 722 Support Images 723 Room number and meal ticket information 724 Support Messages 725 Registration details 73 Meal ticket confirmation screen 731 Support Messages 732 Support Images 733 Room number and meal ticket information 734 Menu display area 735 Seating Chart 74. Registration details display screen 741 Support Messages 743 Room number and meal ticket information 744 support messages 745 Registration details

Claims

1. In an accommodation facility, a means of identifying a user's reservation information by using biometric authentication of the user's biometric information, A check-in means that performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information, A registration means for registering a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has checked in will be staying, and service information relating to services available to the user, which is included in the reservation information, in association with the service information. A service processing means that, upon receiving a request including a card ID read from the card key by a predetermined authentication terminal, identifies the service information associated with the card ID and returns the identified service information to the authentication terminal; A lodging support device equipped with the following features.

2. The registration means registers the card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the user who has been checked in is staying, and the service information related to the service obtained during the check-in process, in association with each other. The accommodation support device according to claim 1.

3. The service processing means receives a request from the authentication terminal, which is a service terminal of the accommodation facility, that includes the card ID read from the card key, and as the first process, returns the result of the processing performed based on the identified service information to the service terminal along with the identified service information. The accommodation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The registration means, if the reservation information includes food and beverage services, registers permission to enter the dining room of the accommodation facility as the service information. The service processing means, as a second process, identifies the service information associated with the card ID, and if the identified service information includes permission to enter, it determines that permission to enter the cafeteria should be granted. The accommodation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The service processing means is The authentication terminal receives a reference request that includes the card ID read from the card key and personal authentication information obtained from the holder of the card key. If authentication of the holder using the aforementioned personal authentication information is successful, the service information and reservation information associated with the card ID included in the reference request are identified. A third process is performed to return the identified service information and the reservation information to the authentication terminal. The accommodation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first authentication terminal installed in the accommodation facility, Equipped with accommodation support devices, The aforementioned accommodation support device is In the aforementioned accommodation facility, a means for identifying the user's reservation information is provided, which involves biometric authentication of the user using the user's biometric information via the first authentication terminal. A check-in means that performs check-in processing for the user based on the reservation information, A registration means for registering a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has checked in will be staying, and service information relating to services available to the user, which is included in the reservation information, in association with the service information. A service processing means that, when a designated second authentication terminal obtains a request including a card ID read from the card key, identifies the service information associated with the card ID and returns the identified service information to the second authentication terminal, A lodging support system equipped with these features.

7. Computers At the accommodation facility, the user's reservation information is identified through biometric authentication using the user's biometric information. Based on the aforementioned reservation information, the check-in process is performed for the user. The card ID recorded on the card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying is registered in association with the service information relating to the services available to the user, which is included in the reservation information. When a designated authentication terminal obtains a request including the card ID read from the card key, the system performs a first process of identifying the service information associated with the card ID and returning the identified service information to the authentication terminal. Accommodation support methods.

8. In accommodation facilities, a process is performed to identify the user's reservation information by using biometric authentication of the user using the user's biometric information. Based on the aforementioned reservation information, the check-in process for the user is performed, A registration process that associates a card ID recorded on a card key used to unlock the room where the user who has already checked in will be staying with service information relating to services available to the user, which is included in the reservation information. A service process that, when a designated authentication terminal obtains a request including the card ID read from the card key, identifies the service information associated with the card ID and returns the identified service information to the authentication terminal; A lodging support program that uses a computer to perform certain actions.

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