Benefit information issuing device, system, method and program

Abstract

A benefit information issuing device (1) comprises a registration unit (11) that associates entry eligibility information that enables entry on the basis of identity verification to an event venue at which an event is to be held with registration-use identity verification information for users that have purchased the entry eligibility information and registers at a storage device, a verification control unit (12) that references the storage device and controls identity verification using verification-use identity verification information acquired from users, a specifying unit (13) that specifies entry eligibility information associated with identity verification information for which identity verification has been successful, an issuing unit (14) that issues benefit information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near an event venue on the basis of entry eligibility information that has been specified, and a notification unit (15) that notifies users of benefit information that has been issued.

Description

Bonus information issuing device, system, method, and computer-readable medium

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

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to a point / coupon system using biometric authentication. Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology in which a user who successfully passes biometric authentication at a terminal installed for biometric authentication is given a score set in the terminal and the score is added to past scores. Patent Literature 3 discloses a technology in which a user ID is associated with a service, a service associated with a user ID who successfully passes biometric authentication is identified, and the identified service is granted as a benefit.

[0003] Here, a unique economic zone can be formed in a specific area including the event venue and surrounding commercial facilities. In recent years, entry management to event venues using personal authentication such as biometric authentication, including facial recognition, is becoming more common.

[0004] JP 2021-114035 A International Publication No. 2022 / 003774 International Publication No. 2022 / 044138

[0005] There is a need to revitalize the area including the event venue and surrounding commercial facilities by sending customers between them. For example, a challenge is to encourage purchasers of admission credentials such as admission tickets to the event to use surrounding commercial facilities.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a bonus information issuing device, system, method, and program that encourages purchasers of event admission qualification information to use commercial facilities around the event venue.

[0007] The privilege information issuing device according to the present disclosure comprises: a registration means for registering in a storage means, in association with admission credential information that enables entry into an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication, and personal authentication information for registration of the user who has purchased the admission credential information; an authentication control means for controlling personal authentication by referring to the storage means using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; an identification means for identifying the admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has been successfully authenticated; an issuing means for issuing privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue, based on the identified admission credential information; and a notification means for notifying the user of the issued privilege information.

[0008] The privilege information issuing system according to the present disclosure comprises: a storage device; and a privilege information issuing device connected to the storage device, wherein the privilege information issuing device comprises: a registration means for registering in a storage device, entry qualification information that enables entry into an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication and personal authentication information for registration of the user who purchased the entry qualification information, in association with each other; an authentication control means for controlling personal authentication by referring to the storage means using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; an identification means for identifying the entry qualification information associated with the personal authentication information that has been successfully authenticated; an issuance means for issuing privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue, based on the identified entry qualification information; and a notification means for notifying the user of the issued privilege information.

[0009] The method of issuing bonus information disclosed herein involves a computer registering in a storage device, in association with admission credential information that enables entry to an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication, and personal authentication information for registration of the user who purchased the admission credential information; using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user, by referring to the storage device, to control personal authentication; identifying the admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has been successfully authenticated; issuing bonus information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission credential information; and notifying the user of the issued bonus information.

[0010] The bonus information issuance program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following processes: a registration process that associates and registers in a storage device admission credential information that enables entry into an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication with the registration personal authentication information of the user who purchased the admission credential information; an authentication control process that controls personal authentication by referring to the storage device using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; an identification process that identifies the admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has successfully authenticated the user; an issuance process that issues bonus information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission credential information; and a notification process that notifies the user of the issued bonus information.

[0011] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a privilege information issuing device, system, method, and program for encouraging purchasers of event admission qualification information to use commercial facilities around the event venue.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a privilege information issuing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a privilege information issuing method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a privilege information issuing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an entrance control terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a privilege information issuing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of member information registration processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing by the authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of entrance qualification information registration processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of face authentication processing by the authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of privilege information issuance and usage processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuing processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display of issued privilege information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information usage processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a payment result using privilege information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display of other issued privilege information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuance processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display of issued privilege information according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a privilege information issuing process according to the embodiment 4. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display of issued privilege information according to the embodiment 4.

[0013] 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 designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0014] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a privilege information issuing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The privilege information issuing device 1 is an information processing device that issues privilege information that can be used at a predetermined commercial facility. Here, a "commercial facility" refers to a store that sells products or provides services, an accommodation facility, a public transportation station, etc. The commercial facility according to the first embodiment is assumed to be located within a predetermined range of an event venue where a predetermined event is held, i.e., in the vicinity of the event venue. Furthermore, "privilege information" is electronic data that confers the right to enjoy a privilege, either paid or free of charge, at a facility that can be used. The privilege information is, for example, added-value information such as an electronic coupon or points.

[0015] The privilege information issuing device 1 includes a registration unit 11, an authentication control unit 12, an identification unit 13, an issuing unit 14, and a notification unit 15. The registration unit 11 registers the admission credential information and the personal authentication information for registration of the user who purchased the admission credential information in a storage device in association with each other. The storage device may be built into the privilege information issuing device 1 or may be connected to the privilege information issuing device 1. Here, the "admission credential information" is information that allows a prospective attendee to be authenticated and enter the event venue where the event is being held.

[0016] The authentication control unit 12 controls identity authentication by referring to a storage device using identity authentication information for authentication acquired from a user. Here, "identity authentication" refers to information processing in which pre-registered identity authentication information is compared with information acquired or input from an individual during authentication, and the authenticity of the individual is confirmed if the degree of match is equal to or exceeds a threshold. Specifically, the authentication control unit 12 controls identity authentication processing in which the identity authentication information for registration registered in the storage device is compared with the identity authentication information for authentication. Identity authentication includes, but is not limited to, biometric authentication such as facial recognition, and matching of code information (such as an ID or password) presented or input by an individual. Furthermore, "identity authentication information" refers to information that can identify an individual, such as a person's facial feature information, biometric information, code information, etc.

[0017] The identification unit 13 identifies the admission qualification information associated with the personal authentication information for which personal authentication has been successful. In other words, when personal authentication is successful, the identification unit 13 identifies the admission qualification information associated with the personal authentication information registered in the storage device.

[0018] The issuing unit 14 issues privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission qualification information. The notification unit 15 notifies the user of the issued privilege information. For example, the notification unit 15 notifies the user terminal carried by the user of the issued privilege information. Note that the notification destination of the privilege information is not limited to the user terminal, and may be an authentication terminal that requests personal authentication.

[0019] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reward information issuing method according to the first embodiment. First, the registration unit 11 associates admission credential information, which allows entry to an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication, with the user's registration personal authentication information for the user who purchased the admission credential information, and registers these in a storage device (S11). Next, the authentication control unit 12 controls personal authentication by referring to the storage device using the authentication personal authentication information acquired from the user (S12). Then, the identification unit 13 identifies the admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information for which personal authentication was successful (S13). Then, the issuing unit 14 issues reward information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission credential information (S14). Then, the notification unit 15 notifies the user of the issued reward information (S15).

[0020] In this embodiment, the purchaser of the admission credential information, which allows entry to the event venue through personal authentication, is issued with benefit information that can be used at commercial facilities around the event venue based on the admission credential information. In other words, the user can obtain benefit information for the surrounding commercial facilities as an incentive for purchasing the admission credential information. Therefore, the notified benefit information motivates the user to use the commercial facilities around the event venue. This can encourage purchasers of the admission credential information for the event to use the commercial facilities around the event venue.

[0021] The bonus information issuing device 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the bonus information issuing method of this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. This allows the processor to implement the functions of a registration unit 11, authentication control unit 12, identification unit 13, issuance unit 14, and notification unit 15.

[0022] Alternatively, each component of the bonus information issuing device 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and a program. Furthermore, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc.

[0023] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the privilege information issuing device 1 are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the functions of the privilege information issuing device 1 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0024] <Embodiment 2> This embodiment 2 is a specific example of the above-described embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a privilege information issuing system 1000 according to this embodiment. The privilege information issuing system 1000 is an information system that issues a coupon that can be used for payment at a nearby commercial facility 41 or the like, based on the admission credential information, to a user U1 who has purchased a paid electronic ticket (admission credential information) for an event venue 40, when that payment is made using facial recognition at that facility. Furthermore, time-limited privilege information can encourage consumption behavior at the commercial facility 41 or the like near the event venue 40. This can promote cooperative use of the event venue and the facilities, and support the revitalization of an area 4 that includes the event venue 40 and its nearby commercial facilities 41 to 4n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1).

[0025] The event venue 40 is a venue where a specific event is held. An "event" is a paid service that attracts a large number of people and is provided for a certain period of time. For example, an event may be a sports match, a concert, an exhibition, an international conference, etc., and may be something that paying visitors can watch or view, or something that visitors themselves can participate in. Therefore, the event venue 40 may be a facility such as a sports stadium, a sports arena, an arena, a theater, or a multi-purpose event hall. The event venue 40 may also be called the main facility or core facility in area 4.

[0026] The event venue 40 is assumed to have an event hall 402, with an entrance control terminal 401 installed at the entrance. The entrance control terminal 401 is an information terminal that permits entry into the event venue 40 if user U1 has successfully passed identity authentication. Details of the entrance control terminal 401 will be described later. It should be noted that some visitors to the event venue 40 may enter without going through the entrance control terminal 401. In other words, the event venue 40 may allow entry to users who have purchased conventional tickets or the like, without relying on identity authentication such as facial recognition. The event hall 402 is a place where an event is held, such as a stadium or spectator seats.

[0027] Commercial facilities 41 to 4n are peripheral facilities of the event venue 40, or nearby commercial facilities. There may be at least one commercial facility 41, etc. The commercial facility 41, etc. is a facility that has an affiliated relationship with the event venue 40. Therefore, the operator of the commercial facility 41, etc. is an affiliated operator of the operator of the event venue 40. Examples of commercial facilities 41, etc. include, but are not limited to, retail stores, restaurants, shopping streets, shopping malls, accommodation facilities, parking lots, bicycle parking lots, amusement parks, and transportation stations (train stations, bus stops, taxi stands, ports, airports).

[0028] Each of the commercial facilities 41 to 4n is equipped with at least a payment terminal 51 to 5n that supports payments using facial recognition. Furthermore, each of the facility personnel U21 to U2n uses a management terminal 61 to 6n to perform management tasks such as registering information about benefits available at each of the commercial facilities 41 to 4n. The facility personnel U21 and the like may also serve as store clerks at the commercial facility 41, etc. Alternatively, the facility personnel U21 and the like may be affiliated businesses of the commercial facility 41, etc. Therefore, the facility personnel U21 and the like and the management terminal 61, etc. do not necessarily have to be located within the commercial facility 41, etc.

[0029] The area manager U3 is a business operator who manages the businesses within the area 4, which includes the event venue 40 and the commercial facility 41. The area manager U3 may use the management terminal 600 to register information about benefits that can be used at the commercial facility 41. Note that the management terminals 61 to 6n and 600 can be publicly known information processing devices, and therefore illustrations and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] Here, the privilege information issuing system 1000 includes a user terminal 100, an authentication device 200, a privilege information issuing device 300, an entrance control terminal 401, payment terminals 51 to 5n, and management terminals 61 to 6n and 600. The user terminal 100, the authentication device 200, the privilege information issuing device 300, the entrance control terminal 401, the payment terminals 51 to 5n, and the management terminals 61 to 6n and 600 are communicatively connected via a network N. Here, the network N is a communication network including wireless communication lines, such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, or a mobile phone network. Furthermore, the network N can use any type of communication protocol.

[0031] The authentication device 200 is an information processing device that manages facial feature information of users and performs facial authentication. In response to a facial authentication request received from an external device, 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 request source.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device 200 according to the second embodiment. The authentication device 200 includes a face information database (DB) 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 a user ID 211 and facial feature information 212 corresponding to the user ID in association with each other. The facial feature information 212 is a collection of feature points extracted from a facial image. The authentication device 200 may delete the facial feature information 212 from the face information DB 210 in response to a request from a user or the like corresponding to the facial feature information 212. Alternatively, the authentication device 200 may delete the facial feature information 212 after a certain period of time has elapsed since registration.

[0033] The face detection unit 220 detects a face area included in a registration image for registering face information and outputs the detected face area to the feature point extraction unit 230. The feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points from the face area 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 a face image received from the bonus information issuing device 300 or the like and outputs the 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 facial feature information 212 extracted from the registration image and registers the associated user ID 211 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 facial 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 compared facial feature information 212. The authentication unit 250 returns a match of the facial feature information to the requester as a facial authentication result. The match of the facial feature information corresponds to the success or failure of authentication. Note that a match of the facial feature information (match present) refers to a match level equal to or greater than a threshold. If the facial authentication is successful, the facial authentication result includes the identified user ID.

[0035] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation continues. User U1 carries and operates user terminal 100 and is the purchaser of admission qualification information for an event held at event venue 40, and is a person who plans to enter, has entered, or is leaving. Here, "admission qualification information" is information that proves that the user is permitted to enter the event venue through personal authentication.

[0036] The user terminal 100 is an information processing terminal that registers user information including a facial image and entry qualification information in advance to the privilege information issuing device 300 in response to an operation by the user U1. Note that the user U1 may register user information using an information processing device other than the user terminal 100. Also, the user U1 is assumed to enter the event venue 40 carrying the user terminal 100. Note that in FIG. 3, the user U1 and the user terminal 100 are located within the commercial facility 41, but the location is not limited thereto.

[0037] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 100 according to the second embodiment. The user terminal 100 includes a storage unit 110, a memory 120, a communication unit 130, a camera 140, a touch panel 150, and a control unit 160. The storage unit 110 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a 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 registering user information and admission qualification information, and querying, displaying, selecting, and using privilege information. The terminal information 112 is identification information and destination information for the user terminal 100.

[0038] The memory 120 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the control unit 160. The communication unit 130 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0039] The camera 140 is an imaging device for capturing an image of an area including the face of the user U1. The 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.

[0040] The control unit 160 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the user terminal 100. The control unit 160 loads the program 111 from the storage unit 110 into the memory 120 and executes the program 111. In this way, the control unit 160 realizes the functions of a registration unit 161 and a bonus processing unit 162.

[0041] The registration unit 161 controls the camera 140 to capture an image of the face of user U1 and acquires the captured facial image. The registration unit 161 also acquires attribute information and payment information input by user U1 via the touch panel 150. The registration unit 161 also reads and acquires terminal information 112 from the storage unit 110. The registration unit 161 then transmits a registration request for user information (membership information) including the facial image, terminal information 112, attribute information, and payment information to the privilege information issuing device 300. The registration unit 161 also acquires the admission credential information purchased by user U1. The registration unit 161 transmits a registration request including the facial image and admission credential information of user U1 to the privilege information issuing device 300. The registration unit 161 may also include the admission credential information in the user information registration request.

[0042] When the bonus processing unit 162 receives notification of bonus information issued by the bonus information issuing device 300 during face recognition payment at the commercial facility 41, it displays the notified bonus information, the payment amounts before and after using the bonus information, etc. on the touch panel 150. Furthermore, when payment is made using bonus information, the bonus processing unit 162 receives notification of payment completion and bonus information use, and displays the payment result and bonus information use result on the touch panel 150.

[0043] The bonus processing unit 162 may also perform the following process. For example, in response to a bonus issuance request issued by user U1 via the touch panel 150, the bonus processing unit 162 controls the camera 140 to capture a picture of user U1's face and acquires the captured facial image. At this time, the bonus processing unit 162 reads and acquires the terminal information 112 from the storage unit 110. The bonus processing unit 162 then transmits a bonus issuance request, including the facial image and the terminal information 112, to the bonus information issuing device 300. When the bonus processing unit 162 receives notification of bonus information issued by the bonus information issuing device 300, it displays the notified bonus information, etc., on the touch panel 150. In response to a bonus inquiry request issued by user U1 via the touch panel 150, the bonus processing unit 162 transmits a bonus information inquiry request, including the facial image of user U1, to the bonus information issuing device 300. The bonus processing unit 162 then displays a list of bonus information already issued to user U1 by the bonus information issuing device 300 on the touch panel 150. The bonus processing unit 162 displays the bonus information selected by the user U1 via the touch panel 150 in a selected state. When the bonus processing unit 162 receives a bonus information update notification from the bonus information issuing device 300, it displays the updated bonus information on the touch panel 150.

[0044] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entrance control terminal 401 according to the second embodiment. The entrance control terminal 401 includes 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 a flash memory. The storage unit 410 stores a program 411 and terminal information 412. The program 411 is a computer program that implements entrance control processing and the like. The terminal information 412 is identification information and destination information of the entrance control terminal 401.

[0045] The memory 420 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the control unit 460. The communication unit 430 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0046] Camera 440 is a photographing device for photographing an area including the face of a person expected to enter, such as user U1. Camera 440 outputs the photographed image to control unit 460. Touch panel 450 includes a display device (display unit) such as a screen and an input device.

[0047] The control unit 460 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the entrance control terminal 401. The control unit 460 loads the program 411 from the storage unit 410 into the memory 420 and executes the program 411. In this way, the control unit 460 realizes the functions of a reception unit 461 and an entrance control unit 462.

[0048] The reception unit 461 receives a facial image of a person scheduled to enter the event taken by the camera 440 and outputs the facial image to the entrance control unit 462. The entrance control unit 462 transmits an entrance determination request including the facial image output by the reception unit 461 and the terminal information 412 stored in the storage unit 110 to the privilege information issuing device 300. The entrance control unit 462 then receives an entrance determination result from the privilege information issuing device 300, and if the entrance determination result indicates that entry is permitted, controls the entrance gate (not shown) of the event venue 40 to be unlocked. Note that the entrance control terminal 401 may also control the exit gate by facial recognition when exiting the event venue.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal 51 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of payment terminals 5n, etc. is the same as that of payment terminal 51, and therefore illustrations and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The payment terminal 51 includes a storage unit 510, a memory 520, a communication unit 530, a camera 540, a touch panel 550, and a control unit 560. The storage unit 510 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 510 stores a program 511 and terminal information 512. The program 511 is a computer program that implements payment control processing, etc. The terminal information 512 is identification information and destination information for the payment terminal 51. The terminal information 512 is information that can identify the commercial facility 41 in which the terminal 51 is installed.

[0050] The memory 520 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the control unit 560. The communication unit 530 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0051] Camera 540 is an imaging device for capturing an image of an area including the face of a payer such as user U1. Camera 540 outputs the captured image to control unit 560. Touch panel 550 includes a display device (display unit) such as a screen and an input device.

[0052] The control unit 560 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the payment terminal 51. The control unit 560 loads the program 511 from the storage unit 510 into the memory 520 and executes the program 511. In this way, the control unit 560 realizes the functions of the reception unit 561 and the payment control unit 562.

[0053] The reception unit 561 receives input of payment object information, such as the price of the product for which the settlor intends to pay. For example, the reception unit 561 receives, as payment object information, information read from the product barcode by a store clerk (e.g., facility staff member U21) of the commercial facility 41 using a scanner (not shown). The reception unit 561 then displays the received payment object information on the touch panel 550.

[0054] Next, the payment control unit 562 controls the camera 540 to photograph the face of the person making the payment and acquires the photographed facial image. The payment control unit 562 then transmits a facial recognition payment request including the facial image, payment object information, and terminal information 512 stored in the memory unit 510 to the bonus information issuing device 300. The payment object information may include a payment ID that identifies the payment process. The payment control unit 562 then receives a payment completion notification, etc., and displays it on the touch panel 550.

[0055] The payment control unit 562 also uses the camera 540 to capture the code information of the bonus information displayed on the user terminal 100, analyzes the captured image, and extracts the bonus ID and payment ID. The payment control unit 562 then transmits a bonus information usage request, including the extracted bonus ID and payment ID, and the terminal information 512 stored in the memory unit 510, to the bonus information issuing device 300. The payment control unit 562 then receives a notification of payment completion and bonus information usage, and displays the payment result and bonus information usage result on the touch panel 550.

[0056] If the payment control unit 562 extracts (recognizes) a privilege ID but does not extract a payment ID or user ID when analyzing the image of the code information, the payment control unit 562 controls the camera 540 to capture an image of the face of the payer and acquires the captured facial image.The payment control unit 562 then transmits a facial recognition payment request including the facial image, payment target information, privilege ID, and terminal information 512 stored in the memory unit 510 to the privilege information issuing device 300.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a reward information issuing device 300 according to the 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 issuing reward information that can be used at commercial facilities 41 and the like around the event venue 40 to a user who has admission qualification information for the event venue 40. The reward information issuing device 300 also performs payment processing at the commercial facilities 41 and the like in response to a facial recognition payment request from a payment terminal 51. In particular, if a user whose facial recognition has succeeded in the face authentication has admission qualification information for the event venue 40, the reward information issuing device 300 issues, to the user, reward information that can be used at commercial facilities 41 and the like around the event venue 40 based on the admission qualification information before executing the payment processing. Furthermore, when the reward information issuing device 300 receives a request to use the issued reward information, it performs payment processing using the reward information. The reward information issuing device 300 may be redundantly configured with multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented by multiple computers.

[0058] The privilege information issuing device 300 includes 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 privilege information master 313, event information 314, and privilege management information 315. The storage unit 310 and the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 may be collectively considered as a storage device that stores admission credential information, personal authentication information of the user who purchased the admission credential information, and the terminal carried by the user in association with each other. The program 311 is a computer program (privilege information issuing program) that implements processes such as registration of privilege information, user information, and admission credential information, privilege information issuance, and payment processing including privilege information usage processing according to the second embodiment.

[0059] User information 312 is information for managing users in area 4. Note that "users in area 4" are, for example, purchasers of admission qualification information for event venue 40, people planning to enter event venue 40, people who have entered, and people leaving event venue 40. User information 312 is information that associates a user ID 3121, terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, payment information 3124, and admission qualification information 3125.

[0060] The user ID 3121 is user identification information. The user ID 3121 is information that is identical to or uniquely corresponds to the user ID 211 that is managed in association with the facial feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200. Therefore, the user information 312 can be said to be information that is associated with the user's personal authentication information for registration via the user ID 3121. The terminal information 3122 is information that corresponds to the terminal information 112 of the user terminal 100 described above.

[0061] The attribute information 3123 may include, but is not limited to, name, date of birth, sex, address, contact information (telephone number, email address, SNS (Social Networking Service) account information), membership rank, information indicating hobbies, preferences or interests, sports players or teams to support, etc. The membership rank may be, for example, information indicating the rank of a paid member of the event venue 40, the rank of another membership service, etc.

[0062] The payment information 3124 includes credit card information, electronic money, barcode payment account information, bank debit account information, etc., and is also information used when making payments using facial recognition (facial recognition payment).

[0063] The admission credential information 3125 is paid digital admission ticket information for a specific event held at the event venue 40, on the date and time of the event. The admission credential information 3125 may include, for example, an event ID, seat information (seat location and seat grade), ticket price, etc. Furthermore, the admission credential information 3125 may include, instead of the event ID, identification information of the event venue, admission time periods, event details, etc. Furthermore, the admission credential information 3125 according to this embodiment can be considered as certification information indicating that the person is qualified to be permitted to enter the event venue 40 upon successful face authentication.

[0064] The user information 312 may further include a purchase history of admission qualification information 3125 from past events, which is associated with the user ID 3121 and registered therein.

[0065] The privilege information master 313 is information for managing master information of privilege information entered by facility personnel or area personnel. The privilege information master 313 is information that associates a privilege ID 3131, a target facility 3132, a privilege content 3133, and an issuance condition 3134. The privilege ID 3131 is identification information of the privilege information. The target facility 3132 is information indicating a facility at which the privilege information can be used. The target facility 3132 is information indicating, for example, one of the commercial facilities 41 to 4n. Note that the target facility 3132 may target two or more facilities among the commercial facilities 41 to 4n.

[0066] The benefit content 3133 is information indicating products and services that the user can enjoy by using the facility. For example, the benefit content 3133 may include, but is not limited to, discount information indicating a discount amount or discount rate, products and services that are discounted, products and services that are provided free of charge, etc.

[0067] The issuance conditions 3134 are information indicating the conditions for issuing privilege information. For example, the issuance conditions 3134 include the event information to be issued (event ID, date and time of event, etc.), whether admission qualification information for the event information has already been purchased, and the timing of issuance. The timing of issuance includes the issuance start date and time, the period during which issuance is possible, etc. Furthermore, the issuance conditions 3134 include, but are not limited to, attribute information of the user to be issued, the seat grade, the ticket price, and the priority of attribute information to be prioritized for issuance.

[0068] The event information 314 is information that defines an event to be held at the event venue 40. The event information 314 includes, for example, an event ID, the venue, event time information, event content, seat information (seat type, number of seats, arrangement), admission qualification information price (ticket price), etc. The event time information includes, for example, the event period, start date and time, scheduled start time, scheduled end time, permitted admission time slot, admission start time, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0069] The privilege management information 315 is information for managing privilege information issued to a user. The privilege management information 315 is information in which an issued privilege ID 3151, a user ID 3152, an issue date and time 3153, and a validity period 3154 are associated with each other.

[0070] The issued privilege ID 3151 is the privilege ID 3131 issued to the user corresponding to the user ID 3152. The user ID 3152 is the user ID 3121 to which the privilege information was issued. Therefore, the privilege management information 315 is information that is uniquely identified, for example, by the combination of the issued privilege ID 3151 and the user ID 3152. The issue date and time 3153 is the date and time when the privilege information was issued. The validity period 3154 is the period during which the privilege provided by the privilege information can be enjoyed (the privilege information is valid). The validity period 3154 is defined by a start date and time and an end date and time (expiration date). If the corresponding privilege information can be used immediately after issuance, the validity period 3154 only needs to be set to the expiration date and time.

[0071] The memory 320 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the control unit 340. The communication unit 330 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0072] The control unit 340 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the privilege information issuing device 300. The control unit 340 loads the program 311 from the storage unit 310 into the memory 320 and executes the program 311. As a result, the control unit 340 realizes the functions of the registration unit 341, the authentication control unit 342, the identification unit 343, the issuing unit 344, the notification unit 345, the entry determination unit 346, the payment control unit 347, and the provision unit 348. The registration unit 341 is an example of the registration unit 11 described above. The authentication control unit 342 is an example of the authentication control unit 12 described above. The identification unit 343 is an example of the identification unit 13 described above. The identification unit 343 and the issuing unit 344 are examples of the issuing unit 14 described above. The identification unit 343 and the notification unit 345 are examples of the notification unit 15 described above.

[0073] The registration unit 341 performs registration processing of privilege information, user information, and admission qualification information. Specifically, the registration unit 341 receives a registration request for individual privilege information from the management terminal 61 or the like and registers the information in the privilege information master 313. At this time, the registration unit 341 issues a privilege ID for new privilege information. The registration unit 341 also receives a registration request for user information from the user terminal 100 or the like and registers the information in the user information 312. At this time, the registration unit 341 registers facial feature information based on a facial image of the new user in the authentication device 200 and acquires the user ID issued at the time of registration. The registration unit 341 then associates the acquired user ID 3121 with information included in the registration request (terminal information, attribute information, payment information, etc.) and registers them 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 them in the storage unit 310. The registration unit 341 according to this embodiment associates a user ID 3121 that uniquely corresponds to the user's facial feature information for registration with terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, and payment information 3124, and registers the associated information as user information 312 in the storage unit 310. The registration unit 341 also receives a registration request including a facial image and admission qualification information, and updates the user information 312 by associating the admission qualification information 3125 with the user information 312 identified by face authentication based on the facial image. The registration unit 341 may also update the user information 312 by associating the payment history of user U1 in the event venue 40, the commercial facility 41, etc. with the user ID 3121. The payment history may include a purchase history of the admission qualification information 3125 from past events.

[0074] The authentication control unit 342 controls user authentication using the authentication device 200. In particular, the authentication control unit 342 according to this embodiment controls user biometric authentication using biometric information extracted from an image of the user. Specifically, the authentication control unit 342 controls user facial authentication using facial feature information extracted from the user's facial image. That is, when the authentication control unit 342 receives user authentication information and admission qualification information, the authentication control unit 342 controls user authentication by referring to the storage unit 310 and the facial information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 using the authentication information. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a request for issuing a privilege or a request for referencing privilege information including a facial image from the user terminal 100, the authentication control unit 342 transmits a facial authentication request including the facial image included in the request to the authentication device 200 and receives a facial authentication result from the authentication device 200. The authentication control unit 342 then outputs the facial authentication result to the identification unit 343 and the issuing unit 344. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives an entrance determination request from the entrance control terminal 401, it transmits a facial authentication request including the facial image included in the entrance 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 entrance determination unit 346. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a facial authentication payment request from the payment terminal 51 or the like, it transmits the facial authentication request including the facial image included in the facial authentication payment request to the authentication device 200, receives the facial authentication result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the facial authentication result to the payment control unit 347. In other words, the authentication control unit 342 controls personal authentication when a user makes a payment at a commercial facility. Note that the authentication control unit 342 may also control personal authentication other than biometric authentication.

[0075] The identification unit 343 identifies the user's terminal information, attribute information, payment information, admission qualification information, and privilege information based on the user's identity authentication. Specifically, if the authentication control unit 342 is successful in face authentication, the identification unit 343 identifies the user ID included in the face authentication result. Then, the identification unit 343 identifies the terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, payment information 3124, and admission qualification information 3125 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. The identification unit 343 may also identify corresponding event information 314 from the admission qualification information 3125. In particular, the identification unit 343 determines whether or not admission qualification information 3125 exists associated with the user ID 3121 whose face authentication was successful from the user information 312. If it is determined that admission qualification information exists, the identification unit 343 determines whether or not the admission qualification information 3125 satisfies the condition for issuing privilege information. Specifically, the identification unit 343 determines whether the event corresponding to the admission credential information determined to exist is included in the event information to be issued that is defined in the issuance conditions 3134, from the privilege information master 313. If the event information to be issued includes admission credential information associated with a user ID whose face authentication has succeeded, the identification unit 343 determines that the admission credential information satisfies the conditions for issuing privilege information, and identifies the admission credential information.

[0076] The identification unit 343 may also identify seat information included in the identified admission credential information 3125. The identification unit 343 may also identify a purchase history of admission credential information for the event, including the admission credential information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face authentication has been successful. The identification unit 343 may also identify a privilege ID included in the privilege information use request, and identify privilege information associated with the user ID 3152 whose face authentication has been successful and the issued privilege ID 3151 from the privilege management information 315. The identification unit 343 may also identify a payment ID included in the privilege information use request, and identify payment target information corresponding to the payment ID. The identification unit 343 may also identify a list of privilege information associated with the user ID 3152 whose face authentication has been successful from the privilege management information 315 in response to a privilege information inquiry request. The identification unit 343 may also identify the issued privilege ID 3151 included in the facial authentication payment request, and identify privilege information associated with the user ID 3152 whose face authentication has been successful and the issued privilege ID 3151 from the privilege management information 315. Furthermore, the identification unit 343 identifies, from the user information 312, the payment information 3124 associated with the user ID 3121 for which face authentication has been successful.

[0077] The issuing unit 344 issues privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission credential information. That is, if the admission credential information associated with the user ID whose face authentication has succeeded is identified as satisfying the conditions for issuing privilege information, the issuing unit 344 issues privilege information that can be used at the commercial facility. In particular, the issuing unit 344 issues privilege information that can be used at the commercial facility at the time of payment based on the identified admission credential information. This allows the user to immediately use the issued privilege information and enjoy the privilege. Furthermore, the issuing unit 344 may issue privilege information that includes discount information applicable to the payment amount at the time of payment based on the identified admission credential information. This allows the user to immediately use the issued privilege information to discount the payment amount for this payment. The issuing unit 344 may also issue privilege information based on the identified seat information. For example, if the seat at the event venue 40 is of a higher grade, a better privilege than usual may be granted. The issuing unit 344 may also issue privilege information based on the identified purchase history. The issuing unit 344 may also issue bonus information based on the identified attribute information.

[0078] The notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal 100 of user U1 of the privilege information issued by the issuance unit 344. For example, when facial authentication in response to the privilege issuance request is successful, admission qualification information is acquired, and privilege information is issued, the notification unit 345 identifies the terminal information 3122 associated with the user ID 3121. The notification unit 345 then notifies the user terminal 100 of the privilege information, addressed to the identified terminal information 3122. Furthermore, when the payment control unit 347 completes the payment process, the notification unit 345 transmits a payment completion notification to the payment terminal corresponding to the terminal information included in the facial authentication payment request. Furthermore, when the payment control unit 347 completes the payment process using the privilege information, the notification unit 345 transmits a payment completion notification and a privilege information usage notification to the user terminal 100 and the payment terminal of user U1.

[0079] The entrance determination unit 346 determines whether the facial authentication result based on the entrance determination request received from the entrance control terminal 401 was successful, and transmits the entrance determination result to the entrance control terminal 401. If the facial authentication is successful and the user is registered with entrance qualification information, the entrance determination unit 346 includes in the entrance determination result an indication that the user is permitted to enter, and if the facial authentication is unsuccessful, the entrance determination unit 346 includes in the entrance determination result an indication that the user is not permitted to enter. If the facial authentication is successful, the entrance determination unit 346 may register in the user information 312 that the user whose facial authentication was successful has already entered so that the user can be identified as having entered. For example, the entrance determination unit 346 may register an entrance status flag indicating "entered" or an entry date and time in the entrance qualification information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 whose facial authentication was successful. If the entrance determination unit 346 detects that the user has exited through facial authentication or the like, the entrance determination unit 346 may update the entrance status flag to "exited."

[0080] The payment control unit 347 controls the payment process when face authentication based on a face recognition payment request received from the payment terminal 51, etc. is successful. Specifically, the payment control unit 347 performs the payment process using the payment information 3124 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face recognition was successful. In particular, when a benefit ID is included in the benefit information use request received from the payment terminal 51, etc., the payment control unit 347 performs the payment process using the benefit information corresponding to the benefit ID. Alternatively, when a benefit ID is included in the face recognition payment request, the payment control unit 347 determines whether the benefit information corresponding to the benefit ID can be used, and if it is available, performs the payment process using the benefit information.

[0081] In these cases, specifically, the payment control unit 347 identifies the facility from the terminal information included in the received facial recognition payment request, and identifies the target facility 3132 associated with the privilege IDs (issued privilege ID 3151, privilege ID 3131) included in the facial recognition payment request. The payment control unit 347 determines that use is permitted if the identified facility is included in the target facility 3132. Furthermore, if the privilege management information 315 includes a use status flag or the like, the payment control unit 347 may determine whether use is permitted by taking the use status flag or the like into consideration.

[0082] If the privilege information is available, the payment control unit 347 identifies the payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. The payment control unit 347 then identifies the issued privilege ID 3151 associated with the identified user ID 3152 from the privilege management information 315, and identifies the privilege details 3133 associated with the issued privilege ID 3151 as the privilege ID 3131 from the privilege information master 313. The payment control unit 347 then calculates the payment amount by applying the identified privilege details 3133 to the amount of payment target information included in the facial recognition payment request. For example, if the privilege details 3133 are "10% off lunch set," the payment control unit 347 calculates the payment amount by deducting 10% from the amount of the payment target information. The payment control unit 347 then sends an instruction to the payment server (not shown) to debit the payment amount using the identified payment information 3124, and receives the payment result. The payment server is a well-known server operated by a financial institution, etc., and therefore illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted. Furthermore, if the benefit content 3133 is "one free drink" and the payment target information includes a drink, the payment control unit 347 calculates the payment amount by subtracting the price of one drink from the amount of the payment target information.

[0083] On the other hand, if the privilege information is unavailable, the payment control unit 347 performs payment processing without using the privilege information. In other words, the payment control unit 347 performs payment processing for the payment target information using the payment information for the specified user ID.

[0084] When a user makes a payment at a commercial facility using the privilege information issued through identity authentication, the providing unit 348 provides the commercial facility with information about the user associated with the user ID that successfully authenticated the user. For example, the providing unit 348 transmits the user information to a management terminal 61 that manages the commercial facility 41 where the payment was made, or to a management terminal 600 that manages the area 4. Examples of "information about the user" include attribute information, admission qualification information price and seat grade, and purchase history (number of purchases, total purchase amount, etc.). This allows the store to analyze which customers used the privilege information. For example, the store can analyze whether the user purchased a ticket at a relatively low price but has a history of attending events, or whether the user purchased a ticket at a relatively high price but has a history of attending events. Based on this feedback, the store can review its services and privilege information.

[0085] The flow of privilege information registration will now be described. Here, an example will be described in which a facility staff member U21 registers privilege information for a commercial facility 41. First, the management terminal 61 accepts input from the facility staff member U21 regarding the privilege details available at the commercial facility 41, the issuance conditions, and the target facility. The issuance conditions include, for example, event information for which the privilege issuance is required. The target facility is the commercial facility 41. The management terminal 61 then transmits a privilege information master registration request, including the received privilege details, issuance conditions, and target facility, to the privilege information issuing device 300 via the network N. In response, the privilege information issuing device 300 issues a privilege ID corresponding to the privilege details included in the received privilege information master registration request, and associates the issued privilege ID 3131 with the target facility 3132, privilege details 3133, and issuance conditions 3134 included in the request, and registers them in the memory unit 310 as the privilege information master 313. Similarly, a facility staff member U2n registers privilege information for a commercial facility 4n. Note that an area staff member U3 may also use the management terminal 600 to register privilege information for the commercial facility 41, etc. Furthermore, the facility personnel U21 to U2n and the area personnel U3 may update the registered privilege information, such as the privilege content, issuance conditions, and applicable facilities.

[0086] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of member information registration processing according to the second embodiment. First, the privilege information issuing device 300 receives a registration request including a facial image, terminal information, attribute information, and payment information of user U1 from the user terminal 100 via the network N (S111). Next, the privilege information issuing device 300 transmits a facial information registration request including the facial image to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S112). In response to this, the authentication device 200 performs a facial information registration process.

[0087] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing by the authentication device according to the second embodiment. First, the authentication device 200 receives a face information registration request (S201). For example, the authentication device 200 receives the face information registration request from the privilege information issuing device 300 via the network N. Next, the face detection unit 220 detects a face area from the face image included in the face information registration request (S202). Then, the feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points (facial feature information) from the face area detected in step S202 (S203). Then, the registration unit 240 issues a user ID 211 (S204). Then, the registration unit 240 associates the extracted facial feature information 212 with the issued user ID 211 and registers them in the face information DB 210 (S205). Then, the registration unit 240 returns the issued user ID 211 to the request source (e.g., the privilege information issuing device 300) (S206). The authentication device 200 may perform the face information registration process in response to a face information registration request received from an arbitrary information registration terminal. For example, the information registration terminal is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0088] 9 , the description continues. The privileged information issuing device 300 receives the face information registration result (user ID) from the authentication device 200 via the network N (S113). Then, the privileged information issuing device 300 associates the received user ID 3121 with the terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, and payment information 3124 accepted in step S101, and registers them in the user information 312 (S114).

[0089] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the admission credential information registration process according to the second embodiment. It is assumed that user U1 has registered user information with the privilege information issuing device 300 and has purchased admission credential information for an event to be held on a specific date at the event venue 40. At this time, the user terminal 100 acquires the admission credential information purchased by user U1 (S121). For example, the user terminal 100 may accept input of identification information for the admission credential information from user U1. Alternatively, the user terminal 100 may acquire information related to the admission credential information notified from a purchasing site for the admission credential information. The user terminal 100 then photographs the face of user U1 (S122). The user terminal 100 then transmits a registration request including the facial image and the admission credential information to the privilege information issuing device 300 via the network N (S123).

[0090] The privilege information issuing device 300 then transmits a face authentication request including the received face image to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S124). In response to this, the authentication device 200 performs face authentication processing (S125).

[0091] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of facial authentication processing by the authentication device according to the second embodiment. First, the authentication device 200 receives a facial authentication request from the bonus information issuing device 300 via the network N (S211). Next, the authentication device 200 extracts facial feature information from the facial image included in the facial authentication request, similar to steps S202 and S203 described above. Then, the authentication unit 250 of the authentication device 200 compares the facial feature information extracted from the facial image included in the facial authentication request with the facial feature information 212 in the facial information DB 210 (S212) and calculates a degree of match. Then, the authentication unit 250 determines whether the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold (S213). If the facial feature information matches, i.e., if the degree of match is equal to or greater than the threshold, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the facial feature information 212 (S214). Then, the authentication unit 250 returns the face authentication result, including the fact that the face authentication was successful and the identified user ID 211, to the privilege information issuing device 300 via the network N (S215). If the degree of match is less than the threshold in step S213, the authentication unit 250 returns the face authentication result, including the fact that the face authentication was unsuccessful, to the privilege information issuing device 300 via the network N (S216).

[0092] Returning to FIG. 11 , the description will continue. The privileged information issuing device 300 receives the face authentication result from the authentication device 200 via the network N (S126). The privileged information issuing device 300 then determines whether or not face authentication was successful. Specifically, the privileged information issuing device 300 refers to the face authentication result, and determines that face authentication was successful if the face authentication result includes a user ID. If it is determined that face authentication was unsuccessful, the privileged information issuing device 300 may return a message to the user terminal 100 via the network N indicating that the user failed face authentication.

[0093] If the face authentication is successful, the privilege information issuing device 300 associates the user ID 3121 included in the face authentication result with the admission qualification information 3125 received in step S123 and registers them in the user information 312 (S127).

[0094] 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the privilege information issuing and usage process according to the present embodiment 2. It is assumed that the member information registration process of FIG. 9 and the admission qualification information registration process of FIG. 11 have been completed for user U1. In the following description, it is assumed that user U1 has visited the commercial facility 41.

[0095] First, user U1 decides on a product to purchase at the commercial facility 41 and proceeds to the payment terminal 51 to make the payment. The payment terminal 51 then scans the purchased product and inputs and displays payment target information via the touch panel 550 (S301). At this time, the payment terminal 51 may issue a payment ID for the input payment target information. Subsequently, the camera 540 of the payment terminal 51 captures a picture of user U1's face (S302). The payment terminal 51 then transmits a facial recognition payment request, including the facial image of user U1, terminal information 512, and payment target information including the payment ID, to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S303). The reward information issuing device 300 then performs a reward information issuing process (S304).

[0096] 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bonus information issuance process according to the second embodiment. First, the bonus information issuance device 300 receives a facial recognition payment request including a facial image, terminal information, and payment target information from the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S321). Then, the bonus information issuance device 300 transmits a facial recognition request including the facial image to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S322). In response to this, the authentication device 200 performs a facial recognition process similar to that shown in FIG. 12 above. Then, the bonus information issuance device 300 receives a facial recognition result from the authentication device 200 (S323). Then, the bonus information issuance device 300 determines whether the facial authentication was successful (S324).

[0097] If the face authentication is successful, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the user ID whose face authentication was successful (S325).The privilege information issuing device 300 then determines whether the admission qualification information associated with the identified user ID satisfies the conditions for issuing privilege information (S326).

[0098] Specifically, the privilege information issuance device 300 references the user information 312 and determines whether admission credential information 3125 is associated with the identified user ID 3121. If it is determined that the admission credential information 3125 is associated with the user ID 3121, the privilege information issuance device 300 identifies the event information 314 corresponding to the admission credential information 3125. The privilege information issuance device 300 then determines whether the event ID of the identified event information is defined in the issuance conditions 3134 from the privilege information master 313. If the event ID of the identified event information is defined in the issuance conditions, the privilege information issuance device 300 determines that the admission credential information associated with the user ID whose face authentication has succeeded satisfies the issuance conditions for privilege information.

[0099] If it is determined in step S326 that the admission credential information satisfies the issuance conditions, the privilege information issuing device 300 reads from the storage unit 310 the admission credential information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face has been successfully authenticated, and identifies the admission credential information (S327). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 may identify the seat grade or purchase price indicated by the seat information included in the read admission credential information 3125. The privilege information issuing device 300 then determines privilege information based on the identified admission credential information (S328). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines whether the grade of the identified seat is equal to or higher than the grade of the seat defined in the issuance conditions, or whether the purchase price of the identified admission credential information is equal to or higher than the purchase price defined in the issuance conditions. If either of these conditions is met, the privilege information issuing device 300 selects a combination of a privilege ID 3131, a target facility 3132, and a privilege content 3133 associated with the issuance condition 3134 from the privilege information master 313 and determines it as an object to be issued. The privilege information issuing device 300 may prioritize the issuance of privilege information that specifies the commercial facility 41 involved in the payment as the target facility 3132. For example, if the grade of the identified seat is higher than a predetermined grade, or if the purchase price of the identified admission qualification information is equal to or higher than a predetermined amount, the privilege information issuing device 300 may select and determine privilege information with a higher discount rate or amount than usual. The privilege information issuing device 300 may also determine the validity period of the privilege information based on the identified admission qualification information. For example, if the privilege is defined as being immediately applicable to the current payment, the privilege information issuing device 300 may determine the validity period to be within 30 minutes from the current time. Alternatively, if the target facility is other than the commercial facility 41, the privilege information issuing device 300 may determine the validity period to be the date of issue or a predetermined period from the date of issue.

[0100] The reward information issuance device 300 then issues the reward information determined in step S328 (S329). Specifically, the reward information issuance device 300 generates reward management information 315 by associating the reward ID, target facility, and reward content of the determined reward information as an issued reward ID 3151, a target facility 3155, and reward content 3156. Furthermore, the reward information issuance device 300 sets the user ID identified in step S325 as user ID 3152, the current date and time as issue date and time 3153, and the determined validity period as validity period 3154 for the generated reward management information 315. The reward information issuance device 300 registers the generated and set reward management information 315 in the storage unit 310. Additionally, the reward information issuance device 300 identifies the payment ID included in the face recognition payment request and generates code information including the identified payment ID and the reward ID of the issued reward information.

[0101] The reward information issuing device 300 then calculates payment amount information before and after the use of the issued reward information (S330). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 calculates the payment amount, which is the product price, tax, and the sum of the product price and tax, of the payment target information included in the facial recognition payment request, as the payment amount information before the use of the reward information. Also, for example, if the reward information is a discount rate, the reward information issuing device 300 calculates the payment amount, which is the discount amount obtained by applying the discount rate to the product price, the discounted price, tax, and the sum of the discounted price and tax, as the payment amount information after the use of the reward information.

[0102] Thereafter, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the user terminal 100 as the notification destination from the terminal information 3122 associated with the user ID 3121 identified in step S325 (S331).

[0103] If facial authentication fails in step S324, the privilege information issuing device 300 returns a notice to the payment terminal 51 indicating that payment is not possible (S332). If it is determined in step S326 that the admission eligibility information does not satisfy the issuance conditions, the privilege information issuing device 300 performs payment processing without using the privilege information. That is, the privilege information issuing device 300 performs payment processing for the payment target information using the payment information 3124 for the identified user ID 3121 (S333). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. Then, the privilege information issuing device 300 uses the identified payment information 3124 to send an instruction to the payment server (not shown) to debit the amount (payment amount) of the payment target information included in the facial authentication payment request, and receives the payment result. Thereafter, the privilege information issuing device 300 returns a payment completion notice to the payment terminal 51, including a notice indicating that the privilege information was not used (S334). After step S332 or S334, the process of issuing and using the special benefit information (face authentication payment process) is terminated.

[0104] Returning to FIG. 13 , the explanation continues. The reward information issuing device 300 transmits a reward information issuance notification via the network N to the user terminal 100, the notification destination identified in step S331 (S305). Here, the reward information issuing device 300 includes in the reward information issuance notification the reward details and code information of the reward information issued in step S329, as well as payment amounts before and after using the reward information calculated in step S330. In response, the user terminal 100 displays the notified reward information, payment amounts before and after using the reward information, etc. (S306).

[0105] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued benefit information according to the second embodiment. The notification message 715 is text information included in the notified benefit information. The reason for issuance 716 is text information included in the notified benefit information and indicating the reason for the issuance of the benefit information. In this example, the notification message 715 indicates, "To purchasers of admission tickets to today's event: A coupon usable at store A has been issued!" The reason for issuance 716 indicates that the admission ticket price is 8,000 yen or more (S seats). The coupon 71 displays the target store 711, validity period 712, benefit details 713, and code information 714. The target store 711 is store A (e.g., commercial facility 41) near the event venue 40, and the validity period 712 indicates that the coupon is valid only on the day of the event. The benefit details 713 indicate that the product price is "20% off." The code information 714 is a two-dimensional code including a benefit ID and a payment ID. The target store 711, validity period 712, benefit content 713, code information 714, notification message 715, and reason for issue 716 are examples and are not limited to these.

[0106] Furthermore, payment amount information 717 before coupon usage indicates the product price, consumption tax, and payment amount, while payment amount information 718 after coupon usage indicates the discount amount from the product price, the discounted price, consumption tax, and payment amount. However, the amounts and discount rates are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 13 , we will continue the explanation. Assume that user U1 checks the coupon 71, payment amount information 717 before coupon use, and payment amount information 718 after coupon use, as shown in FIG. 15 , on the user terminal 100 and decides to use the coupon 71 for this payment. The user then holds the code information of the first coupon 71 displayed on the user terminal 100 over the camera 540 of the payment terminal 51. In response, the payment terminal 51 captures an image of the code information of the first coupon 71 using the camera 540 (S307). The payment terminal 51 then analyzes the captured image and extracts the reward ID and payment ID contained in the code information (S308). The payment terminal 51 then transmits a reward information usage request, including the reward ID, payment ID, and terminal information 512, to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S309). The reward information issuing device 300 then performs a reward information usage process (S310).

[0108] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reward information usage process according to the second embodiment. The reward information issuing device 300 receives a reward information usage request including a reward ID, a payment ID, and terminal information from the payment terminal 51 (S341). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the issued reward information, payment target information, and payment information (S342). That is, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the issued reward information corresponding to the reward ID included in the received reward information usage request. Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the reward content 3156 associated with the pair of the issued reward ID 3151 and the user ID 3152 identified in step S325 from the reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 also identifies the payment target information corresponding to the payment ID included in the received reward information usage request. Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the payment amount in the payment amount information after the reward information is used, calculated in step S330. The reward information issuing device 300 also identifies the payment information corresponding to the user ID identified in step S325. Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312 .

[0109] The privilege information issuing device 300 then performs a payment process for the specified payment target information using the specified payment information and privilege information (S343). Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300 uses the specified payment information 3124 to send an instruction to debit the specified payment amount to a payment server (not shown), and receives a payment result.

[0110] Returning to FIG. 13 , the explanation continues. After step S343, the reward information issuing device 300 transmits a payment completion and reward information usage notification to the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S311). In response, the payment terminal 51 receives the payment completion and reward information usage notification and displays the payment result and reward information usage result (S312). The reward information issuing device 300 also transmits a payment completion and reward information usage notification to the user terminal 100 of user U1 via the network N (S313). In response, the user terminal 100 receives the payment completion and reward information usage notification and displays the payment result and reward information usage result (S314).

[0111] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the display of a payment result using the benefit information according to the second embodiment. The payment amount information 718 after the coupon is used indicates "Payment has been made using the coupon!" Coupon 71a indicates that coupon 71 has been used. The payment amount information 717 before the coupon is used is hidden, and the payment amount information 718 after the coupon is used is left on the display. Note that the display example after the benefit information is used is not limited to this.

[0112] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the display of other issued benefit information according to the second embodiment. The notification message 725 is the same as the notification message 715 described above. The reason for issuance 726 indicates that the admission ticket price is 3,000 yen or more (seat C). The coupon 72 displays the target store 721, validity period 722, benefit details 723, and code information 724. The target store 721 and validity period 722 are the same as the target store 711 and validity period 712 described above. The benefit details 723 indicate that the product price is "5% off." In other words, the reason for issuance 726 indicates that the discount rate is lower because the admission ticket price is cheaper than the reason for issuance 716 of the coupon 71 described above. The code information 724 is a two-dimensional code including a benefit ID and a payment ID. Note that the target store 721, validity period 722, benefit details 723, code information 724, notification message 725, and reason for issuance 726 are examples and are not limited to these.

[0113] Furthermore, payment amount information 727 before coupon use is the same as payment amount information 717 described above. On the other hand, payment amount information 728 after coupon use has a discount rate of 5%, resulting in a discount amount of 250 yen and a payment amount of 5,225 yen. Therefore, payment amount information 728 after coupon use indicates that the payment amount is higher than payment amount information 718 after coupon use described above. However, the amounts and discount rates are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0114] 13, if user U1 decides not to use coupon 71, user U1 may close the screen of user terminal 100 and inform the store clerk that he or she will not use coupon 71. In this case, payment terminal 51 transmits a payment request including a payment ID and a notice that coupon 71 will not be used to privilege information issuing device 300. Then, privilege information issuing device 300 executes steps S333 and S334 of FIG. 14 described above.

[0115] Alternatively, the screen of Fig. 15 may include buttons for selecting whether or not the coupon can be used. When user U1 presses one of the buttons, user terminal 100 may transmit the selection result indicating whether or not the coupon can be used to payment terminal 51 via short-range wireless communication or the like. If the selection result indicates whether or not the coupon can be used, the above-described steps S307 and thereafter are executed. If the selection result indicates whether or not the coupon can be used, as described above, payment terminal 51 transmits a payment request to benefit information issuing device 300 indicating that coupon 71 will not be used and including the payment ID.

[0116] As a result of the above, users are given bonus information that can be used immediately when making payments at nearby commercial facilities as an incentive for having admission credentials for an event held at event venue 40. This promotes consumer behavior at the commercial facilities and may also motivate users to purchase admission credentials for future events. This can revitalize the area, including the event venue and surrounding commercial facilities, by mutually sending customers between them.

[0117] In step S328 of FIG. 13 described above, the privilege information was determined based on the admission credential information, particularly the seat information and ticket purchase price. However, the method for determining the privilege information is not limited to this. For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 may determine the privilege information based on the purchase history of admission credential information purchased by a user who has successfully undergone facial authentication at past events. For example, if the number of times admission credential information has been purchased at past events held at the event venue 40 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or if the total purchase amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, a privilege better than usual may be granted. A privilege better than usual may be, for example, a higher discount rate or amount, or a higher value for a free gift. Alternatively, if this is the first time that admission credential information has been purchased, a first-time privilege may be granted.

[0118] Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine the reward content by taking into consideration attribute information of the user who has successfully passed face authentication. For example, the reward content may be a free gift that suits the user's preferences, a discount amount or discount amount according to the membership grade, or additional points. This allows the issuing of reward content and reward information for the target facility that are appropriate for the user's preferences, etc.

[0119] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment 3 is a modification of the above-described embodiment 2. In this embodiment 3, when a user registers admission credential information, privilege information that can be used at commercial facilities 41 near the event venue 40 is issued, and the user later uses the privilege information. For example, the issuing unit 344 issues privilege information to user U1 after successfully performing face authentication in response to a privilege issuance request received from the user terminal 100 and registering admission credential information. Note that the overall configuration and individual configurations of the privilege information issuing system 1000 according to this embodiment 3 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment 2, and therefore, redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0120] 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuing process according to the present embodiment 3. Here, it is assumed that user U1 has completed the member information registration process shown in FIG. 9 and has purchased admission qualification information, but has not yet been registered in the privilege information issuing device 300.

[0121] In response to the request for issuing a special offer from user U1, user terminal 100 acquires the admission qualification information purchased by user U1 and photographs the face of user U1. User terminal 100 then transmits a special offer request including the facial image, admission qualification information, and terminal information 112 to special offer information issuing device 300 via network N.

[0122] In response, the privilege information issuing device 300 receives a privilege issuance request from the user terminal 100 via the network N, the request including the face image of user U1, the admission credential information, and the terminal information (S351). Then, steps S332 to S325 of FIG. 13 described above are executed. That is, if user U1's face is successfully authenticated and the user ID is identified, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the admission credential information included in the received privilege issuance request (S352). The privilege information issuing device 300 then associates the identified user ID 3121 with the admission credential information 3125 and registers the associated information in the user information 312 (S353). The privilege information issuing device 300 then determines privilege information (privilege details, applicable facilities, expiration date) based on the identified admission credential information (S354). Specifically, this may be executed in the same manner as step S328 of FIG. 13 described above. Note that in this embodiment, since this is not the time of payment, there are no restrictions on the commercial facility involved in the payment, and the expiration date may be determined arbitrarily. The reward information issuing device 300 then issues the reward information determined in step S354 (S355). The reward information issuing device 300 then notifies the user terminal 100 of the reward information (S356). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 transmits a reward information issuance notification via the network N to the user terminal 100 that is the sender of the reward issuance request.

[0123] If face authentication fails in step S324, the privilege information issuing device 300 returns a message to the user terminal 100 indicating that the admission qualification information cannot be registered and that the privilege cannot be issued (S358).

[0124] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued benefit information according to the third embodiment. The notification message 735 is text information included in the notified benefit information. The reason for issuance 736 is the same as the reason for issuance 716 described above. Here, the notification message 735 indicates, "To the purchaser of an admission ticket to an event: A coupon usable at store A has been issued!" The coupon 73 displays a target store 731, a validity period 732, benefit details 733, and code information 734. The target store 731 is the same as the target store 711 described above. The validity period 732 indicates a certain period of time. The benefit details 733 indicates that points awarded based on the purchase amount will be increased by 30%. The code information 734 is a two-dimensional code including a benefit ID. Note that the target store 731, validity period 732, benefit details 733, code information 734, notification message 735, and reason for issuance 736 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0125] As a result, for example, user U1 can understand that coupon 73 can be used at store A during validity period 732 as an incentive for purchasing and registering admission credential information, which motivates him or her to visit store A. Then, user U1 selects and displays coupon 71 using user terminal 100 and can use coupon 73 at store A. At this time, payment terminal 51 captures the code information of code information 734 with camera 540, analyzes the captured image to extract a privilege ID, and captures user U1's face. Then, payment terminal 51 transmits a facial recognition payment request including the facial image, payment target information, privilege ID, and terminal information 512 to reward information issuing device 300 via network N. Then, as described above, authentication control unit 342 and payment control unit 347 of reward information issuing device 300 perform payment processing using user U1's facial recognition and privilege information. This allows commercial facility 41 to earn sales from the purchase of event admission credential information. Therefore, this embodiment also encourages purchasers of event admission credential information to use commercial facilities around the event venue.

[0126] <Embodiment 4> This embodiment 4 is a modification of the above-described embodiment 2 or 3. This embodiment 4 is a specific example of issuing bonus information based on user attribute information. The registration unit in this embodiment further associates user attribute information with personal authentication information and registers the associated information in a storage device. The identification unit then further identifies attribute information associated with the successfully authenticated personal authentication information, and the issuing unit issues bonus information based on the identified attribute information. In particular, the event in this embodiment 4 is a game, the identification unit further identifies a target for the user to cheer on based on the identified attribute information, and the issuing unit issues bonus information based on the identified target for cheering on. Furthermore, the issuing unit may issue bonus information taking into account the relationship between the identified target for cheering on and the outcome of the game. Alternatively, the attribute information may include seat information for watching the game, and the identification unit may identify the target for the user to cheer on from the seat information. Alternatively, the attribute information may include a method for purchasing game admission eligibility information, and the identification unit may identify the target for the user to cheer on from the purchase method.

[0127] Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a privileged information issuing system 1000a according to the present embodiment 4. Compared to the above-described Fig. 3, the privileged information issuing system 1000a has an area management server 620 added to area 4 and a modified privileged information issuing device 300a. Note that other configurations of the privileged information issuing system 1000a according to the present embodiment 4 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment 2 or 3, and therefore redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0128] The area management server 620 is a computer server that manages information about the event venues 40 and commercial facilities 41, etc., included in the area 4, as well as about affiliated businesses, etc. For example, the area management server 620 collects information about the status and results of matches, which are events held at the event venues 40, in real time, and replies with the status and results of the matches in response to an acquisition request via the network N.

[0129] The privileged information issuing device 300a determines that the match has ended when it receives a match end notification from the area management server 620. Alternatively, the privileged information issuing device 300a transmits a match status or match result acquisition request specifying an event ID (match ID) to the area management server 620, and determines that the match result has been acquired when it receives the match end notification and the match result from the area management server 620.

[0130] 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuance process according to the fourth embodiment. First, the privilege information issuance device 300a executes steps S321 to S327 in FIG. 14 or steps S351 to S353 in FIG. 19. Then, the privilege information issuance device 300a determines whether or not the match result corresponding to the admission qualification information has been acquired (S361). For example, the privilege information issuance device 300a determines that the match result has been acquired when it receives a match end notification (match result) from the area management server 620 as described above.

[0131] Then, the privilege information issuing device 300a identifies the attribute information 3123 associated with the identified user ID 3121 (S362). Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300a identifies the attribute information 3123 associated with the user ID 3121 identified in step S325 from the user information 312.

[0132] The privilege information issuing device 300a then identifies a support target based on the identified attribute information 3123 (S363). For example, if the attribute information 3123 includes a sports player or a team as a support target, the privilege information issuing device 300a identifies the support target from the attribute information 3123. Alternatively, the privilege information issuing device 300a may identify the support target by inferring it from information indicating hobbies, preferences, or interests in the attribute information 3123. Alternatively, if the admission qualification information associated with the attribute information includes seat information for watching a game, the privilege information issuing device 300a may identify the user's support target from the seat information. For example, if a seat in a baseball stadium is on the third base side or in the left-field stands, the team batting first may be identified as the support target. Furthermore, if it is estimated from the attribute information that the user is a fan of a specific player, the team to which that player belongs may be identified as the support target. Alternatively, in the case of individual sports, a player identified from the attribute information may be identified as the support target.

[0133] Alternatively, if the attribute information includes a method for purchasing match admission credentials, the privilege information issuing device 300a may identify the user's target of support from the purchase method. The "method for purchasing match admission credentials" may refer to, for example, a dedicated application or website for fans provided by a specific team. Suppose user U1 purchased a match ticket via the dedicated application or website installed on the user terminal 100. The attribute information or admission credentials information may also include a record of the dedicated application used for the purchase or the dedicated website via which the ticket was purchased. In these cases, the privilege information issuing device 300a may identify the dedicated application or the like from the attribute information or the admission credentials or purchase history information associated with the attribute information, and identify the team corresponding to the dedicated application or the like as the target of support. Alternatively, the user terminal may display an input field for the target team or player on a registration screen for user information (membership information) or admission credentials information, include the target of support entered by the user in the attribute information, and transmit a registration request to the privilege information issuing device 300.

[0134] Thereafter, the privilege information issuing device 300a determines privilege information based on the match result acquired in step S361 and the support target identified in step S363 (S364). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300a may determine privilege information when the identified support target is the team that won the match, and may not determine (issue) privilege information when the identified support target is the team that lost the match.

[0135] The privilege information issuing device 300a may select privilege content and target facilities from the privilege information master 313 based on attribute information, and may further change the privilege content and target facilities depending on the game results. For example, different target facilities may be assigned to the winning team and the losing team. Furthermore, if the game result is by a large margin, more advantageous privilege content (such as a higher discount rate) than usual may be given to users who are rooting for the winning team.

[0136] The privileged information issuing device 300a may determine the validity period of the privileged information to be different depending on the result of the match. For example, the privileged information issuing device 300a may set the validity period of the privileged information for the winning team as the target of support to four hours and the validity period of the privileged information for the losing team as the target of support to one hour.

[0137] If it is determined in step S361 that the match result has not been obtained, the privilege information issuing device 300a executes step S328 in FIG. 14 or step S354 in FIG. 19 described above to determine the privilege information.

[0138] If step S364 or S328 is executed after steps S321 to S327 in Fig. 14 described above, the privilege information issuing device 300a executes step S329 and subsequent steps in Fig. 14 described above. Also, if step S364 or S354 is executed after steps S351 to S353 in Fig. 19 described above, the privilege information issuing device 300a executes step S355 and subsequent steps in Fig. 19 described above. As a result, the determined privilege information is issued and notified.

[0139] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued bonus information according to the fourth embodiment. It is assumed that user U1 is rooting for team WW. The notification message 745 is the same as the notification message 735 described above. The reason for issuance 746 indicates "Team WW wins." The coupon 74 displays a target store 741, a validity period 742, bonus content 743, and code information 744. The target store 741 is the same as the target store 711 described above. The validity period 742 indicates that the coupon is valid only today. The bonus content 743 indicates that one beer will be free (when ordering a snack set). The code information 744 is a two-dimensional code including a bonus ID (and a payment ID). Note that the target store 741, validity period 742, bonus content 743, code information 744, notification message 745, and reason for issuance 746 are examples and are not limited to these.

[0140] As a result, special privilege information is issued that takes into account the attributes of user U1, particularly the target of support for the match, providing benefits to purchasing admission qualification information and motivation to use nearby commercial facilities 41 where the special privilege information can be used. Therefore, this embodiment also encourages purchasers of admission qualification information for an event to use commercial facilities around the event venue.

[0141] Other Embodiments The issuance of bonus information does not necessarily have to be performed at the time of facial recognition payment as in the second embodiment or at the time of registering admission credential information as in the third embodiment. It may be performed at any timing between the registration of admission credential information and the facial recognition payment. For example, after the admission credential information is registered, the user terminal may transmit a bonus issuance request including a user's facial image to the bonus information issuing device 300 in response to a user operation. In this case, after receiving the bonus issuance request, the bonus information issuing device 300 performs steps S332 to S329 of FIG. 14 described above to notify the user terminal 100 of the bonus information. The user terminal 100 then displays code information 734 of the issued bonus information (coupon), as shown in FIG. 20 described above. Thereafter, as described in the third embodiment, the user can use the bonus information by holding the code information 734 displayed on the user terminal 100 over the payment terminal and using the facial recognition payment.

[0142] Alternatively, payment when using the bonus information does not have to be made by facial recognition. For example, after step S301 in FIG. 13 described above, the payment terminal may read the code information displayed in S306 (S307, S308) and transmit a bonus information use request to the bonus information issuing device 300 (S309).

[0143] Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may issue reward information if facial authentication is successful during facial authentication payment as in the second embodiment described above (S321 to S329 in FIG. 14 ), and perform payment processing (S343 in FIG. 16 ) using the issued reward information as is. Alternatively, when facial authentication payment is performed, if there is available reward information that has already been issued for a user whose facial authentication was successful, the reward information issuing device 300 may perform payment processing using the available reward information. Therefore, a user may be able to use the reward information without having to read a code once facial authentication is performed.

[0144] The privilege information issuing device may also issue and notify privilege information to users who have admission qualification information for a specific event or who have already entered the event periodically or at a predetermined timing. In other words, the privilege information issuing device may automatically recommend privilege information to a corresponding user without receiving a privilege issuance request from the user.

[0145] The validity period (usable period) of the benefit information may be a few hours including at least one of the time period before and after the start of the event, or may be only on the day of the event.

[0146] The privilege information issuing device may issue privilege information that can be used at commercial facilities in the vicinity of the event venue 40 when a user who has purchased admission credential information and entered the venue after authenticating their identity makes a payment at a store within the venue 40. The privilege information issuing device may also issue privilege information that can be used at a store within the venue 40 when a user who has purchased admission credential information makes a payment at a nearby commercial facility after authenticating their identity.

[0147] The issuing unit 344 may issue benefit information according to the attribute information associated with the user U1. For example, the issuing unit 344 issues benefit information that sets a validity period, benefit content, and target facilities determined based on the attribute information. The issuing unit 344 may also issue benefit information that provides benefit content according to the attribute information. The issuing unit 344 may also issue benefit information that allows use at different nearby facilities depending on the attribute information. For example, the issuing unit 344 may issue a coupon for the facility "cafe" if the attribute information is female, and a coupon for the facility "ramen shop" if the attribute information is male.

[0148] The issuing unit 344 may select a commercial facility to which special privilege information is to be issued from among multiple commercial facilities near the event venue based on the admission qualification information, attribute information, and payment details. The issuing unit 344 may then issue special privilege information that can be used at the selected commercial facility to user U1 whose face has been successfully authenticated.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the personal authentication is described as facial authentication, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the payment process is described as facial authentication payment, but may be applied to other payment methods. Furthermore, the personal authentication when issuing special offer information, when entering and exiting an event venue, and when using special offer information at commercial facilities near the event venue are not limited to facial authentication, and other personal authentication methods, as described below, may be applied.

[0150] In the above-described embodiment, the identity authentication (identification of identity, identity identification processing, etc.) has been described as face authentication. However, other biometric authentication methods using biometric information may be used. Other technologies using captured images of a person may be applied to the biometric authentication and biometric information. For example, biometric information may be data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as fingerprints, voiceprints, veins, retinas, irises, and palm patterns. Furthermore, biometric authentication may involve extracting feature information indicating a person's physical characteristics from a captured image of a portion of the user's body, comparing the extracted feature information with pre-registered feature information, and determining that authentication is successful if the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, biometric authentication may be based on a person's external shape. In this case, the feature information may be information related to the person's external shape, such as information indicating characteristics such as body shape, height, and clothing. Furthermore, other identity authentication methods may be applied instead of biometric authentication, and the biometric information may also be other identity authentication information. For example, the personal authentication information may include, but is not limited to, a user ID, a combination of ID and password, the contents of an identification card such as a My Number or a driver's license (identification number or password), an electronic certificate, code information, etc. The code information may be a two-dimensional code, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0151] In the above-described second embodiment and the like, the authentication device 200 and the bonus information issuing device 300 are described as separate information processing devices, but they may be the same. For example, the bonus information issuing device 300 may register facial feature information in association with the user ID 3121 of the user information 312. In this case, the control unit 340 may further include the functions of the face detection unit 220, the feature point extraction unit 230, the registration unit 240, and the authentication unit 250 in FIG. 4 .

[0152] 11 does not necessarily require successful facial authentication to register the admission credential information. For example, if a user ID issued when registering user information is stored in the user terminal, the user terminal may transmit a registration request including the user ID and admission credential information to the reward information issuing device 300 in place of a facial image in step S123. In this case, the reward information issuing device 300 may associate the user ID and admission credential information included in the received registration request with the user information and register them in the user information. Alternatively, the sales server of the admission credential information may transmit a registration request including the purchaser's user ID and admission credential information to the reward information issuing device 300 when purchasing the admission credential information, and register the information.

[0153] The admission credential information registration process shown in FIG. 11 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 station or a commercial facility. In this case, for example, the user terminal 100 transfers the admission credential information to the KIOSK terminal. Alternatively, the user inputs the admission credential information to the KIOSK terminal. The KIOSK terminal then transmits the acquired admission credential information and a facial image of the user captured by the KIOSK terminal to the reward information issuing device 300. When using the current location to issue the reward information, it is preferable to use location information of the KIOSK terminal. Furthermore, it is preferable that the reward information issuing device 300 notify the KIOSK terminal of the issued reward information. At this time, the KIOSK terminal may display code information or the like of the reward information in a manner that is visible to the user, and the user terminal may acquire the reward information by scanning the code information displayed on the KIOSK terminal screen. Alternatively, the KIOSK terminal may print and output code information of the received bonus information, etc. Alternatively, the bonus information issuing device 300 may notify the terminal information (user terminal) of the user identified by face authentication of the issued bonus information.

[0154] The issuing unit may select special benefit information according to the attributes of the event and issue, present, or notify the user. For example, if the event is a sports match, a coupon that can be used at a store selling cheering goods may be issued and the user may be directed to that store. If the event is an exam, a coupon that can be used at a quiet cafe may be issued and the user may be directed to that cafe.

[0155] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0156] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining the respective embodiments.

[0157] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: (Supplementary Note A1) A reward information issuing device comprising: registration means for registering, in a storage means, admission credential information enabling admission to an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication and registration personal authentication information of a user who has purchased the admission credential information, in association with each other; authentication control means for referring to the storage means and controlling personal authentication using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; identification means for identifying admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has successfully authenticated the user; issuance means for issuing reward information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue, based on the identified admission credential information; and notification means for notifying the user of the issued reward information. (Supplementary Note A2) The reward information issuing device according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the authentication control means controls the personal authentication when the user makes a payment at the commercial facility, and the issuance means issues the reward information that can be used at the commercial facility at the time of payment, based on the identified admission credential information. (Appendix A3) The privilege information issuing device described in Appendix A2, wherein the issuing means issues the privilege information including discount information applicable to the payment amount at the time of payment based on the specified admission qualification information. (Appendix A4) The privilege information issuing device described in any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A3, wherein the specifying means specifies seat information included in the specified admission qualification information, and the issuing means issues the privilege information according to the specified seat information. (Appendix A5) The privilege information issuing device described in any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A4, wherein the storage means registers the personal authentication information in further association with a purchase history of the admission qualification information in past events, and the specifying means specifies the purchase history including the admission qualification information associated with the personal authentication information that has succeeded in the personal authentication, and the issuing means issues the privilege information according to the specified purchase history.(Appendix A6) The bonus information issuing device according to any one of Appendices A1 to A5, wherein the registration means further associates attribute information of the user with the personal authentication information and registers the associated information in the storage means, the identification means further identifies the attribute information associated with the personal authentication information for which the personal authentication has been successful, and the issuing means issues the bonus information further based on the identified attribute information. (Appendix A7) The bonus information issuing device according to Appendices A6, wherein the event is a match, the identification means further identifies a target of support for the user based on the identified attribute information, and the issuing means issues the bonus information further based on the identified target of support. (Appendix A8) The bonus information issuing device according to Appendices A7, wherein the issuing means issues the bonus information taking into account the relationship between the identified target of support and the result of the match. (Appendix A9) The privilege information issuing device according to Appendix A7 or A8, wherein the attribute information includes seat information for watching the game, and the identification means identifies the user's target of support from the seat information. (Appendix A10) The privilege information issuing device according to Appendix A7 or A8, wherein the attribute information includes a method of purchasing admission qualification information for the game, and the identification means identifies the user's target of support from the purchase method. (Appendix A11) The privilege information issuing device according to any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A10, further comprising: provision means for, when the user makes a payment at the commercial facility using the issued privilege information through the personal authentication, providing the commercial facility with information about the user associated with the personal authentication information that has succeeded in the personal authentication. (Appendix A12) The privilege information issuing device according to any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A11, wherein the personal authentication is biometric authentication, and the personal authentication information is biometric information of the user. (Supplementary Note A13) The privilege information issuing device according to any one of Supplementary Note A1 to Supplementary Note A12, wherein the commercial facility is a facility that has an affiliated relationship with the event venue.(Appendix B1) A reward information issuing system comprising: a storage device; and a reward information issuing device connected to the storage device, wherein the reward information issuing device comprises: registration means for registering in the storage means admission credential information enabling entry to an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication with registration personal authentication information of a user who has purchased the admission credential information, in association with each other; authentication control means for referring to the storage means and controlling personal authentication using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; identification means for identifying admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has successfully authenticated the user; issuance means for issuing reward information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue, based on the identified admission credential information; and notification means for notifying the user of the issued reward information. (Appendix B2) The reward information issuing system according to Appendix B1, wherein the authentication control means controls the personal authentication when the user makes a payment at the commercial facility, and the issuance means issues the reward information that can be used at the commercial facility at the time of payment, based on the identified admission credential information. (Appendix C1) A method of issuing special privilege information, in which a computer associates and registers in a storage device admission credential information that enables entry to an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication with personal authentication information for registration of a user who has purchased the admission credential information, controls personal authentication by referring to the storage device using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user, identifies admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has successfully authenticated the user, issues special privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission credential information, and notifies the user of the issued special privilege information.(Appendix D1) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a bonus information issuing program that causes a computer to execute the following: a registration process that associates and registers in a storage device admission credential information that enables entry into an event venue where an event is being held through personal authentication with the registration personal authentication information of the user who purchased the admission credential information; an authentication control process that references the storage device and controls personal authentication using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; an identification process that identifies admission credential information associated with the personal authentication information that has been successfully authenticated; an issuance process that issues bonus information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission credential information; and a notification process that notifies the user of the issued bonus information.

[0158] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0159] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 privilege information issuing device 11 registration unit 12 authentication control unit 13 identification unit 14 issuing unit 15 notification unit 1000 privilege information issuing system N network U1 user U21 facility staff U2n facility staff U3 area staff 100 user terminal 110 storage unit 111 program 112 terminal information 120 memory 130 communication unit 140 camera 150 touch panel 160 control unit 161 registration unit 162 privilege processing unit 200 authentication device 210 face information DB 211 user ID 212 face feature information 220 face detection unit 230 feature point extraction unit 240 registration unit 250 authentication unit 300 privilege information issuing device 310 storage unit 311 program 312 user information 3121 user ID 3122 Terminal information 3123 Attribute information 3124 Payment information 3125 Admission qualification information 313 Privilege information master 3131 Privilege ID 3132 Target facility 3133 Privilege content 3134 Issuance conditions 314 Event information 315 Privilege management information 3151 Issued privilege ID 3152 User ID 3153 Issue date and time 3154 Validity period 320 Memory 330 Communication unit 340 Control unit 341 Registration unit 342 Authentication control unit 343 Identification unit 344 Issuance unit 345 Notification unit 346 Admission determination unit 347 Payment control unit 348 Provision unit 4 Area 40 Event venue 401 Admission control terminal 402 Event hall 41 Commercial facility 51 Payment terminal 61 Management terminal 4n Commercial facility 5n Payment terminal 6n Management terminal 600 Management terminal 410 Storage unit 411 Program 412 Terminal information 420 Memory 430 Communication unit 440 Camera 450 Touch panel 460 Control unit 461 Reception unit 462 Entry control unit 510 Storage unit 511 Program 512 Terminal information 520 Memory 530 Communication unit 540 Camera 550 Touch panel 560 Control unit 561 Reception unit 562 Payment control unit 71 Coupon 711 Target store 712 Validity period 713 Benefit content714 Code information 715 Notification message 716 Reason for issuance 717 Payment amount information before coupon use 718 Payment amount information after coupon use 71a Coupon 715a Notification message 72 Coupon 721 Target store 722 Validity period 723 Benefit details 724 Code information 725 Notification message 726 Reason for issuance 727 Payment amount information before coupon use 728 Payment amount information after coupon use 73 Coupon 731 Target store 732 Validity period 733 Benefit details 734 Code information 735 Notification message 736 Reason for issuance 74 Coupon 741 Target store 742 Validity period 743 Benefit details 744 Code information 745 Notification message 746 Reason for issuance 1000a Benefit information issuing system 300a Benefit information issuing device 620 Area management server

Claims

1. a registration means for registering in a storage means, in association with admission qualification information that enables admission to an event venue where an event is held through personal authentication, and personal authentication information for registration of a user who has purchased the admission qualification information; an authentication control means for controlling the authentication of the user by referring to the storage means using the user authentication information acquired from the user; an identification means for identifying entry qualification information associated with the registration personal authentication information of the user who has been successfully authenticated; an issuing means for issuing privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the specified admission qualification information; a notification means for notifying the user of the issued privilege information; A special offer information issuing device comprising:

2. the authentication control means controls the authentication of the user at the time of payment at the commercial facility; The issuing means issues the benefit information available at the commercial facility at the time of the payment based on the specified admission qualification information.

2. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 1.

3. The issuing means issues the benefit information including discount information applicable to the payment amount at the time of the payment based on the specified admission qualification information. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 2.

4. The identification means identifies seat information included in the identified admission qualification information, The issuing means issues the privilege information corresponding to the specified seat information. The bonus information issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The storage means further associates the personal authentication information with a purchase history of the admission qualification information in past events and registers the same; The identification means identifies the purchase history including the admission qualification information associated with the registration personal authentication information of the user who has been successfully authenticated, The issuing means issues the benefit information according to the identified purchase history. The bonus information issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The registration means further associates the user's attribute information with the personal authentication information and registers the associated information in the storage means; The identification means further identifies the attribute information associated with the registration authentication information of the user who has been successfully authenticated, The issuing means issues the special offer information further based on the specified attribute information. The bonus information issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. the event is a match, The identification means further identifies a support target of the user based on the identified attribute information, The issuing means issues the special benefit information further based on the specified support target.

7. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 6.

8. The issuing means issues the special benefit information taking into consideration a relationship between the specified support target and the result of the match.

8. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 7.

9. The attribute information includes seat information for watching the game, The identification means identifies the support target of the user from the seat information.

8. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 7.

10. The attribute information includes a method for purchasing entry credentials for the game; The identification means identifies the support target of the user from the purchase method.

8. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 7.

11. The system further includes a providing means for providing, when the user makes a payment at the commercial facility using the bonus information issued through the personal authentication, information about the user associated with the personal authentication information for registration of the user who has been successfully authenticated, to the commercial facility. The bonus information issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The identity authentication is biometric authentication, The identity authentication information is biometric information of the user. The bonus information issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The commercial facility is a facility that has an affiliated relationship with the event venue. The bonus information issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. A storage device; a privilege information issuing device connected to the storage device, The privilege information issuing device a registration means for registering in said storage device admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue where an event is held through personal authentication and personal authentication information for registration of a user who has purchased said admission credential information in association with each other; an authentication control means for controlling authentication by referring to the storage device using authentication information acquired from the user; an identification means for identifying entry qualification information associated with the registration personal authentication information of the user who has been successfully authenticated; an issuing means for issuing privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the specified admission qualification information; a notification means for notifying the user of the issued privilege information; A privilege information issuing system comprising:

15. the authentication control means controls the authentication of the user at the time of payment at the commercial facility; The issuing means issues the benefit information available at the commercial facility at the time of the payment based on the specified admission qualification information. The bonus information issuing system according to claim 14.

16. The computer registering, in a storage device, admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue where an event is held through personal authentication and personal authentication information for registration of a user who has purchased the admission credential information in association with each other; Using personal authentication information for authentication acquired from the user, control personal authentication by referring to the storage device; Identifying admission qualification information associated with the registration personal authentication information of the user who has been successfully authenticated; issue privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission qualification information; notifying the user of the issued reward information; How bonus information is issued.

17. a registration process for registering in a storage device, in association with admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue where an event is held through personal authentication, and personal authentication information for registration of a user who has purchased the admission credential information; an authentication control process for controlling user authentication by referring to the storage device using user authentication information acquired from the user; a process of identifying admission qualification information associated with the registration authentication information of the user who has been successfully authenticated; an issuing process for issuing privilege information that can be used at one or more commercial facilities near the event venue based on the identified admission qualification information; a notification process for notifying the user of the issued privilege information; A bonus information issuing program that causes a computer to execute the above.