Benefit information issuing device, system, method and program

Abstract

A benefit information issuing device (1) according to the present invention comprises: a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, admission qualification information that allows admission to an event venue through personal authentication, personal authentication information of a user who has purchased the admission qualification information, and a user terminal carried by the user; an issuing unit (11) that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a prescribed event and issues benefit information that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event was held; and a notification unit (12) that sends notification of the issued benefit information to the terminal of the user who entered the event venue through personal authentication at a timing determined by the end time.

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 Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a congestion alleviation device that determines attractions to be held at attraction venues located along the route from a stadium (starting point) to a station (destination point) after an event held at the stadium has ended, etc. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology relating to an information processing device for efficiently alleviating congestion at transportation platforms at event facilities.

[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 2016-042275 A JP 2022-019414 A

[0005] One possible solution to this problem is to encourage people returning home after the event to use nearby commercial facilities, thereby spreading out the timing of their return trips. The techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above leave room for improvement in how people who are the targets of congestion relief are identified.

[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 users who have entered an event venue through personal authentication to use surrounding facilities before and after the end of the event, thereby spreading out the timing of their return home and helping to alleviate congestion among those returning home.

[0007] The privilege information issuing device according to the present disclosure comprises an issuing means for issuing privilege information that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a specified event and that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held, and a notifying means for notifying the terminal of a user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the issued privilege information at a timing determined by the end time.

[0008] The privilege information issuing system according to the present disclosure comprises a storage device that stores, in association with each other, admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue through personal authentication, the personal authentication information of a user who has purchased the admission credential information, and a user terminal carried by the user; and a privilege information issuing device connected to the storage device, wherein the privilege information issuing device comprises: an issuing means that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a specified event and issues privilege information that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held; and a notification means that notifies the issued privilege information to a user terminal associated with a user who has entered the event venue through personal authentication performed with reference to the storage device, at a timing determined by the end time.

[0009] The method of issuing bonus information disclosed herein involves a computer setting an expiration date based on the end time of a specified event, issuing bonus information that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held, and notifying the terminal of a user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the issued bonus information at a timing related to the end time.

[0010] The bonus information issuance program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following: an issuing means that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a specified event and issues bonus information that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held; and a notification means that notifies the terminal of a user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the issued bonus information at a timing determined by the end time.

[0011] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a bonus information issuing device, system, method, and program that encourages users who have entered an event venue through personal authentication to use surrounding facilities before and after the end of the event, thereby spreading out the timing of their return home and helping to alleviate congestion for people returning home.

[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 flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuing processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display of privilege information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuing processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuing processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of display of privilege information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of display of privilege information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of display of privilege information according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of privilege information according to the present embodiment 5. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuing processing according to the present embodiment 6. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of privilege information according to the present embodiment 6.

[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 available at a predetermined facility. Here, a "facility" refers to a store that sells products or provides services, an accommodation facility, a public transportation station, or the like. The 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 an available facility. The privilege information is, for example, added-value information such as an electronic coupon or points.

[0015] The reward information issuing device 1 includes an issuing unit 11 and a notifying unit 12. The issuing unit 11 sets an expiration date based on the end time of a specific event and issues reward information that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held. The notifying unit 12 notifies the issued reward information to the terminal of a user who has entered the event venue through personal authentication at a timing determined by the end time. Here, "personal authentication" refers to information processing in which pre-registered personal 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. Examples of personal authentication include, but are not limited to, biometric authentication such as facial recognition, and comparison of code information (such as an ID or password) presented or input by the individual.

[0016] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bonus information issuing method according to the first embodiment. First, the issuing unit 11 issues bonus information that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a specific event and that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held (S11). Next, the notifying unit 12 notifies the terminal of the user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the bonus information issued in step S11 at a timing determined by the end time (S12).

[0017] This makes it easier for users who have entered the event venue after personal authentication to understand the benefit information notified to their devices before and after the event ends. Therefore, users who have been notified of the benefit information are motivated to stop by nearby facilities and engage in consumption behavior while traveling from the event venue before and after the event ends. This encourages users who have entered the event venue after personal authentication to use nearby facilities before and after the event ends, thereby spreading out the timing of their return home and helping to alleviate congestion among people returning home. The issuing unit 11 may also set an expiration date based on the start time of a specific event. This makes it possible to control people flow before the event begins.

[0018] The bonus information issuing device 1 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of the bonus information issuing method according to this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. This allows the processor to implement the functions of the issuing unit 11 and the notification unit 12.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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).

[0021] <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 2. The privilege information issuing system 1000 is an information system that issues coupons that can be used at nearby commercial facilities 41 and the like at the end of an event to users U1-1 to U1-m (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) who have purchased paid electronic tickets (admission eligibility information) for the event venue 40 and entered the venue, and notifies the user terminals 100-1 to 100-m of the coupons. This allows users to stagger their return home timings at the end of the event, thereby helping to alleviate congestion at public transportation facilities (e.g., the nearest station 610). Furthermore, this system promotes cooperative use of the event venue and other facilities, helping to revitalize the 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).

[0022] In the following description, users U1-1 to U1-m may be simply referred to as "user U1." Also, since user terminals 100-1 to 100-m have similar functions and configurations, in the following description they may be simply referred to as "user terminal 100." Also, in the following description, users U4-1 to U4-k (k is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) may be simply referred to as "user U4."

[0023] 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, an exam, 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.

[0024] 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 is assumed that the visitors to the event venue 40 may include user U4 who enters without going through the entrance control terminal 401. In other words, the event venue 40 may allow entry to user U4 who has purchased a conventional ticket 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.

[0025] The commercial facilities 41 to 4n and the nearest station 610 are peripheral facilities or nearby facilities of the event venue 40. 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. The commercial facility 41, etc. is, for example, but is not limited to, a retail store, a restaurant, a shopping street, a shopping mall, an accommodation facility, a parking lot, a bicycle parking lot, a transportation station (railway station, bus stop, taxi stand, port, airport), an amusement park, etc.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The nearest station 610 is the nearest public transportation station to the event venue 40, for example, a train station. The nearest station 610 is accessible by different routes, for example, routes D1 and D2. The public transportation operator that operates the nearest station 610 may be an affiliated operator of the operator of the event venue 40. In this case, the automatic ticket gates and the like installed at the nearest station 610 are assumed to be payment terminals (not shown) that have the same functions as the payment terminals 51 and the like.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 5 n, and management terminals 61 to 6 n 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 5 n, and the management terminals 61 to 6 n and 600 are communicably connected via a network N. Here, the network N is a communication network including a wireless communication line, such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, or a mobile phone network. Furthermore, the network N can use any type of communication protocol.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Returning to Figure 3, we will continue with the explanation. Each of users U1-1 to U1-m carries and operates a user terminal 100-1 to 100-m, and is a purchaser of admission credential information for an event to be held at event venue 40, and is an attendee who has been permitted to enter through facial authentication. Here, "admission credential information" is information that proves that admission to the event venue is permitted through personal authentication.

[0035] The user terminal 100 is an information processing terminal that, in response to an operation by the user U1, registers user information including a facial image and entry qualification information in advance to the privilege information issuing device 300. Note that the user U1 may also register user information using an information processing device other than the user terminal 100. It is also assumed that the user U1 enters the event venue 40 carrying the user terminal 100.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In response to a reward issuance request issued by user U1 via the touch panel 150, the reward processing unit 162 controls the camera 140 to capture a picture of user U1's face and acquires the captured facial image. The reward processing unit 162 may then transmit the reward issuance request, including the facial image, to the reward information issuing device 300. Furthermore, upon receiving notification of reward information issued by the reward information issuing device 300, the reward processing unit 162 displays the notified reward information, etc., on the touch panel 150. In response to a reward inquiry request issued by user U1 via the touch panel 150, the reward processing unit 162 transmits a reward information inquiry request, including the facial image of user U1, to the reward information issuing device 300. The reward processing unit 162 then displays a list of reward information already issued to user U1 by the reward information issuing device 300 on the touch panel 150. The reward processing unit 162 displays the reward information selected by user U1 via the touch panel 150 in a selected state. Furthermore, when the 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 .

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The payment control unit 562 reads the code information of the bonus information displayed on the user terminal 100 from an image captured by the camera 540, analyzes the image, and extracts a bonus ID. The payment control unit 562 then 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, bonus ID, and terminal information 512 stored in the memory unit 510 to the bonus information issuing device 300. The payment control unit 562 then receives a payment completion notification, etc., and displays it on the touch panel 550.

[0053] 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a privileged information issuing device 300 according to the second embodiment. The privileged information issuing device 300 is an example of the above-described privileged information issuing device 1. The privileged information issuing device 300 is an information processing device for supporting the transfer of customers from the event venue 40 to surrounding commercial facilities 41, etc. The privileged information issuing device 300 may be configured redundantly as multiple servers, and each functional block may be realized by multiple computers.

[0054] 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 the storage unit. The program 311 is a computer program (privilege information issuing program) that implements processes such as registration of privilege information, user information, and admission eligibility information, privilege information issuance processing, and payment processing including privilege information usage processing according to the second embodiment.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 or the nearest station 610. Note that the target facility 3132 may target two or more facilities. For example, the target facility 3132 may target two or more facilities out of the commercial facilities 41 to 4n.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The issuance conditions 3134 are information indicating the conditions for issuing bonus information. Examples of the issuance conditions 3134 include the event information (event ID, event date and time, etc.) to be issued, the fact that admission qualification information for the event information has already been purchased, and the timing of issuance. Examples of the issuance timing include the start date and time of issuance, the period during which issuance is possible, and timing related to the end time of the target event. Examples of timing related to the end time of the target event include the end of the target event, a predetermined time (second time) after the start of the target event and before the scheduled end time, and within a predetermined time after the end of the target event. Examples of the issuance conditions 3134 include, but are not limited to, attribute information of the user to whom the bonus information is to be issued, the seat grade, the ticket price, and the priority of attribute information for which issuance is prioritized.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The privilege management information 315 is information for managing privilege information issued to a user. The privilege management information 315 is information that associates an issued privilege ID 3151, a user ID 3152, an issue date and time 3153, a validity period 3154, a target facility 3155, and a privilege content 3156.

[0065] 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 may be set to the expiration date and time. The target facility 3155 is a facility where the privilege information can be used, and is the target facility 3132 associated with the privilege ID 3131 corresponding to the issued privilege ID 3151. In principle, the benefit content 3156 is the benefit content 3133 associated with the benefit ID 3131 corresponding to the issued benefit ID 3151 .

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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, and the payment control unit 347. The authentication control unit 342, the identification unit 343, and the issuing unit 344 are examples of the issuing unit 11 described above. The identification unit 343 and the notification unit 345 are examples of the notification unit 12 described above.

[0068] 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 the information included in the registration request and registers it as user information 312 in the storage unit 310. The registration unit 341 associates the user's personal authentication information for registration with terminal information possessed by the user and registers it 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 admission qualification information 3125 with the user information 312 identified by face authentication based on the facial image.

[0069] 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 face authentication request including the face image included in the entrance determination request to the authentication device 200, receives the face authentication result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the face authentication result to the entrance determination unit 346. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a face authentication payment request from the payment terminal 51 or the like, it transmits a face authentication request including the face image included in the face authentication payment request to the authentication device 200, receives the face authentication result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the face authentication result to the payment control unit 347. Note that the authentication control unit 342 may control personal authentication other than biometric authentication.

[0070] 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, from the user information 312, the terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, payment information 3124, and admission qualification information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face authentication was successful. Furthermore, in response to a request for querying privilege information, the identification unit 343 identifies, from the privilege management information 315, a list of privilege information associated with the user ID 3152 whose face authentication was successful. Furthermore, the identification unit 343 identifies the issued privilege ID 3151 included in the face authentication payment request, and identifies, from the privilege management information 315, the user ID 3152 whose face authentication was successful and the issued privilege ID 3151.

[0071] The identification unit 343 also identifies target users for issuance of privilege information at a timing determined by the end time of the event. The identification unit 343 also identifies attribute information of the target users. The identification unit 343 may also determine the validity period, privilege content, and target facilities of the privilege information to be issued based on the identified attribute information. The identification unit 343 may also determine the validity period (at least the expiration date) based on the type, scheduled end time, and end time of the finished event, regardless of the attribute information.

[0072] The issuing unit 344 issues privilege information to a user U1 whose admission credential information has been registered and who has entered the event venue 40 through facial recognition. At this time, the privilege information has an expiration date based on the end time of the event corresponding to the admission credential information. In particular, the issuing unit 344 issues privilege information with an expiration date set to a first time period after the end time of the event corresponding to the admission credential information. Here, the "first time period" may be, for example, a fixed time period such as three hours, or a time period (validity period) that is dynamically determined by fixing the expiration date, but is not limited to these.

[0073] The issuing unit 344 also issues bonus information according to the attribute information associated with the user U1. For example, the issuing unit 344 issues bonus information that sets a validity period, bonus content, and target facilities determined based on the attribute information. The issuing unit 344 also issues bonus information that grants bonus content according to the attribute information. The issuing unit 344 may also issue bonus information that allows the bonus to be used 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. This allows the facilities to be dispersed, thereby reducing congestion within the facility.

[0074] Furthermore, the issuing unit 344 may select and issue privilege information from the privilege information master 313 that satisfies the issuing conditions 3134 based on the attribute information 3123 and admission qualification information 3125 that are previously associated with the user U1.

[0075] The notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal 100 of user U1, who has entered the event venue 40 through facial authentication, of the privilege information issued by the issuing unit 344 at a timing determined by the end time. For example, the notification unit 345 issues the privilege information at the end of the event. The notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal 100 of the terminal information 3122 associated with the admission qualification information 3125 for the ended event.

[0076] Furthermore, the identification unit 343 and the issuing unit 344 select users to whom special information is to be issued according to attribute information associated with each of multiple users who have entered the event venue through personal authentication, and issue the special information to the selected users. The notification unit 345 then notifies the terminal of the selected user of the issued special information. Note that, if the face authentication result output from the authentication control unit 342 indicates success of face authentication, the identification unit 343 or the issuing unit 344 may issue or inquire about special information in response to a request.

[0077] The admission determination unit 346 determines whether the facial authentication result based on the admission determination request received from the admission control terminal 401 was successful and transmits the admission determination result to the admission control terminal 401. If the facial authentication is successful and the user's admission credential information is registered, the admission determination unit 346 includes in the admission determination result an indication that the user is permitted to enter. On the other hand, if the facial authentication is unsuccessful, or if the facial authentication is successful but the user's admission credential information is not registered, the admission determination unit 346 includes an indication that the user is not permitted to enter in the admission determination result. If the facial authentication is successful, the admission determination unit 346 may register in the user information 312 that the user whose facial authentication was successful has already entered in such a manner that the user can be identified. For example, the admission determination unit 346 may register an admission status flag indicating "entered" or an entry date and time in the admission credential information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 whose facial authentication was successful. If the admission determination unit 346 detects that the user has exited through facial authentication or the like, the admission determination unit 346 may update the admission status flag to "exited."

[0078] The payment control unit 347 determines whether the facial authentication result based on the facial recognition payment request received from the payment terminal 51 or the like is successful, and if the facial authentication is successful, identifies the user ID of the user whose facial authentication was successful and controls the payment processing. In particular, if the facial recognition payment request includes a privilege ID, the payment control unit 347 determines whether privilege information corresponding to the privilege ID can be used, and if the privilege information can be used, performs payment processing using the privilege information. Specifically, the payment control unit 347 identifies a facility from the terminal information included in the received facial recognition payment request and identifies the target facility 3155 associated with the privilege ID (issued privilege ID 3151) included in the facial recognition payment request. If the identified facility is included in the target facility 3155, the payment control unit 347 determines that the facility can be used. Furthermore, if the privilege management information 315 includes a usage status flag or the like, the payment control unit 347 may determine whether the facility can be used by taking the usage status flag or the like into account.

[0079] If the benefit information is available, the payment control unit 347 identifies payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. The payment control unit 347 then identifies benefit details 3156 associated with the pair of the issued benefit ID 3151 and the identified user ID 3152 from the benefit management information 315. The payment control unit 347 then calculates the payment amount by applying the identified benefit details 3156 to the amount of the payment target information included in the facial recognition payment request. For example, if the benefit details 3156 are "5% off all items," the payment control unit 347 calculates the payment amount as the amount of the payment target information minus 5%. The payment control unit 347 then sends an instruction to a payment server (not shown) to debit the payment amount using the identified payment information 3124 and receives the payment result. Note that the payment server is a well-known server operated by a financial institution or the like, and therefore is not shown or described in detail here. In addition, if the benefit content 3156 is "one free beer (when ordering a snack set)" and the payment target information includes a snack set and beer, the payment control unit 347 calculates the payment amount by subtracting the cost of one beer from the amount of the payment target information.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 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 registers the issued privilege ID 3131, the target facility 3132, the privilege details 3133, and the issuance conditions 3134 included in the request, in association with each other, as the privilege information master 313 in the storage unit 310. Similarly, facility staff member U2n and facility staff of public transportation companies register privilege information related to their own facilities. The area manager U3 may use the management terminal 600 to register benefit information for the commercial facility 41 or the nearest station 610. The facility managers U21 to U2n and the area manager U3 may also update the benefit content, issuance conditions, and target facilities for the registered benefit information.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuing process according to the second embodiment. It is assumed that users U1-1 to U1-m who have purchased admission qualification information corresponding to a specific event have successfully passed facial authentication on the admission control terminal 401 and have entered the event venue 40. It is also assumed that the event has started in the event hall 402 of the event venue 40. In addition to user U1, there may also be a user U4 who has entered without passing through facial authentication.

[0091] Here, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines whether the event has ended (S131). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines that the event has ended when it receives an event end notification from a management terminal (not shown) or a management server (not shown) of the event organizer. Alternatively, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines that the event has ended when it sends an end confirmation request specifying the event ID to the management server and receives an event end notification from the management server. Note that if it determines that the event has not ended, the privilege information issuing device 300 waits for a predetermined time and then executes step S131 again.

[0092] If it is determined that the event has ended, the reward information issuing device 300 determines the validity period of the reward information to be issued (S132). For example, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine the validity period by setting the current time as the start time and a preset first time (e.g., three hours) after the start time as the end time (expiration date). Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may dynamically calculate the first time while setting the expiration date as a fixed time. For example, the expiration date may be the time of the last train on the day of the event or 10:00 AM the day after the event. The reward information issuing device 300 may then calculate the time from the event end time to the expiration date as the first time and determine the validity period from the event end time to the expiration date. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may refer to the event information 314 corresponding to the event ID included in the event end notification and determine the validity period based on the type of the event that has ended. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine the availability conditions instead of the validity period. For example, the availability conditions for the reward information may be limited to a certain number of people on a first-come, first-served basis. By making the condition for using the special offer information first-come, first-served, it is possible to motivate users to go to nearby commercial facilities more quickly. This makes it easier for users to stop by nearby commercial facilities from the event venue. It also promotes cooperative use of the event venue and the surrounding commercial facilities.

[0093] The reward information issuing device 300 then identifies target users for which reward information is to be issued (S133). Here, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies user IDs 3121 that have admission eligibility information 3125 corresponding to the event ID included in the event end notification and have actually entered the event as target users for reward information issuance. For example, as described above, users for whom an admission status flag indicating "already entered" has been registered may be identified as target users for reward information issuance. If the reward information issuing device 300 identifies multiple target users for reward information issuance, it executes the following steps S134 to S137 for each target user for reward information issuance.

[0094] The reward information issuing device 300 then identifies attribute information of the target user (S134). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies attribute information 3123 associated with the user ID 3121 of the target user identified in step S133 from the user information 312.

[0095] The reward information issuing device 300 then determines the reward content and the target facility based on the identified attribute information (S135). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 may identify a combination of a reward ID 3131, a target facility 3132, and a reward content 3133, in which the identified attribute information and related information are defined in the issuance conditions 3134, from the reward information master 313. For example, the reward information issuing device 300 may select, from among multiple pieces of reward information, reward information in which the user's age, gender, membership rank, hobbies, preferences, interests, etc. indicated in the attribute information match the content defined in the issuance conditions to a threshold value or higher. Furthermore, the reward information issuing device 300 may appropriately change the target facility 3132 and the reward content 3133 in the selected reward information, taking into account the membership rank, etc. Note that the reward information issuing device 300 may determine the reward content and the target facility based on the seat grade and ticket price from the admission eligibility information 3125 and event ID purchased by the target user. The seat grade and ticket price may be considered as attribute information of the user to whom the ticket is issued.

[0096] The reward information issuing device 300 then issues reward information to the target user, setting the validity period determined in step S132, the reward content determined in step S134, and the target facility (S136). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 generates reward management information 315 by associating the reward ID of the selected reward information, the determined target facility, and the determined reward content as an issued reward ID 3151, a target facility 3155, and reward content 3156. The reward information issuing device 300 also sets the target user to the user ID 3152, the current date and time to the issuance date and time 3153, and the determined validity period to the validity period 3154 in the generated reward management information 315. The reward information issuing device 300 registers the generated and set reward management information 315 in the storage unit 310.

[0097] Thereafter, the privilege information issuing device 300 notifies the issued privilege information to the user terminal 100 of the issuance target user U1 (addressed to the terminal information 3122) (S137). In response, the user terminal 100 displays the notified privilege information.

[0098] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of benefit information according to the second embodiment. The notification message 701 is text information included in the benefit information. Here, the notification message 701 indicates, but is not limited to, "A coupon that can be used after the event has been issued!" The coupon 71 displays a target facility 711, a validity period 712, benefit details 713, and code information 714. The target facility 711 is Izakaya A (e.g., commercial facility 41) near the event venue 40, and the validity period 712 indicates three hours after the end of the event. The benefit details 713 indicate that one beer is free (with the order of a snack set). The code information 714 is a two-dimensional code containing a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 711, validity period 712, benefit details 713, and code information 714 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0099] As a result, for example, user U1 knows that coupon 71 can be used at Izakaya A within three hours after the event, which motivates him or her to leave the event venue 40 and stop by Izakaya A on the way to the nearest station 610. User U1 can then select and display coupon 71 using the user terminal 100 and use coupon 71 at Izakaya A. At this time, the payment terminal 51 captures the code information of the code information 714 with the camera 540, analyzes the captured image to extract a reward ID, and captures the face of user U1. The payment terminal 51 then transmits a facial recognition payment request including the facial image, payment target information, reward ID, and terminal information 512 to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N. The authentication control unit 342 and the payment control unit 347 of the reward information issuing device 300 then perform payment processing using user U1's facial recognition and reward information, as described above. This allows the commercial facility 41 to earn sales due to the end of the event. Furthermore, since there are a certain number of users who use the special offer information issued due to the end of the event, the timing of people heading to the nearest station 610 is spread out, which helps to ease congestion on public transport. This can revitalize the area by sending customers from the event venue to surrounding commercial facilities. This can promote cooperative use of the event venue and the surrounding commercial facilities.

[0100] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment 3 is a more specific example of the above-described embodiment 2. The issuing unit in this embodiment 3 identifies a destination for each of a plurality of users after the event based on attribute information, and estimates the degree of congestion for each destination, including at least one of roads and public transportation around the event venue, based on the number of users in the identified destinations. The issuing unit then selects, from among the plurality of users, users whose estimated congestion degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as targets for issuing bonus information. In particular, the issuing unit may estimate the degree of congestion of the public transportation by further taking into account operation information for each destination of the public transportation closest to the event venue. The overall configuration and individual components of the bonus information issuing system 1000 in this embodiment 3 are similar to those in the above-described embodiment 2, and therefore, redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted. However, in this embodiment 3, the public transportation company that operates the nearest station 610 operates a management server that manages the operation status of each line, and the bonus information issuing device 300 is capable of obtaining operation information indicating the operation status from the management server.

[0101] 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of the reward information issuance process according to the third embodiment. First, the reward information issuance device 300 executes steps S131 and S132 in the same manner as in FIG. 13 described above. Next, the reward information issuance device 300 selects a set X of target users (S133a). Specifically, as in step S133 described above, the reward information issuance device 300 references the user information 312 to select user IDs that have admission eligibility information and have actually entered (before exiting), and defines the list of selected user IDs as set X. Then, as in step S134 described above, the reward information issuance device 300 identifies attribute information of each target user in set X (S134a).

[0102] The privilege information issuing device 300 then identifies the destination of travel for each target user after the event based on the attribute information (S141). Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the destination of travel for each target user after the event based on the address, etc. included in the identified attribute information and the nearest station 610 to the event venue 40. The privilege information issuing device 300 then calculates the number of users for each destination (S142).

[0103] After step S134a, the privilege information issuing device 300 acquires operation information for each direction at the nearest station 610 to the event venue 40 (S143). Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300 acquires operation information related to the line of the nearest station 610 from the management server of the public transportation facility described above. The operation information includes, for example, the direction of each line, timetable, occupancy rate, delay status due to accidents, etc.

[0104] After steps S142 and S143, the privilege information issuing device 300 estimates the degree of congestion for each travel direction based on the number of users and the operation information (S144). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 estimates the degree of congestion for each of directions D1 and D2. Note that the congestion degree estimation process may use known technology.

[0105] The reward information issuing device 300 then identifies a travel direction with a congestion level equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S145). The reward information issuing device 300 then selects, from set X, users traveling in the travel direction identified in step S145 as target users for which reward information is to be issued (S146). For example, if the congestion level in direction D1 (downbound) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the congestion level in direction D2 (upbound) is less than a predetermined value, the reward information issuing device 300 selects, as target users, users whose travel direction after the event was identified as D1 in step S141. For example, suppose direction D1 is Yokohama and direction D2 is Saitama, and it is estimated that the number of users returning home to the Yokohama area is greater than the number of users returning home to Saitama. In this case, the reward information issuing device 300 selects, as target users, users returning home to the Yokohama area.

[0106] The reward information issuing device 300 then determines the reward content and the eligible facilities based on the attribute information of the selected target user, similar to step S135 described above (S135a). The reward information issuing device 300 then executes steps S136 and S137 described above. Note that even if the congestion levels of both directions D1 (outbound) and D2 (inbound) are equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine different expiration dates, reward content, eligible facilities, etc., depending on the difference in congestion levels.

[0107] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the display of benefit information according to the third embodiment. The notification message 702 indicates, but is not limited to, "Information for those returning to area D1." The coupon 72 displays a target facility 721, a validity period 722, benefit details 723, and code information 724. The target facility 721 indicates Izakaya B (e.g., commercial facility 42) near the event venue 40, and the validity period 722 indicates four hours after the end of the event. The benefit details 723 indicate a 20% discount (for ordering a course meal).

[0108] 18 is a diagram showing an example of the display of benefit information according to the third embodiment. The notification message 703 indicates, but is not limited to, "Information for those returning to area D2." The coupon 73 displays a target facility 731, a validity period 732, benefit details 733, and code information 734. The target facility 731 indicates a souvenir shop C (e.g., commercial facility 43) near the event venue 40, and the validity period 732 indicates two hours after the end of the event. The benefit details 733 indicate a 5% discount on merchandise.

[0109] 17 and 18 show examples of special offer information when the degree of congestion in direction D1 (downbound) is greater than the degree of congestion in direction D2 (upbound). In other words, the example shows a case where the number of users entering the event through facial recognition is greater in direction D1 than in direction D2. Therefore, coupon 72 is special offer information issued to users heading to direction D1 after the event, and coupon 73 is special offer information issued to users heading to direction D2 after the event. Since direction D1 is estimated to be more congested than direction D2, validity period 722 is two hours longer than validity period 732 (expiration date is two hours later). Furthermore, special offer content 723 has a higher discount rate than special offer content 733. This increases the likelihood that a certain number of users traveling in either direction D1 or D2 will stop by Izakaya B or Souvenir Shop C before heading to the nearest station 610. This can prevent users from concentrating at the nearest station 610 in both directions D1 and D2. In particular, users traveling in the direction D1 are more likely to stay in the commercial facility for a longer period of time than users traveling in the direction D2, which can disperse the time periods when users are concentrated in the directions D1 and D2, further reducing congestion.

[0110] 19 is a diagram showing an example of the display of benefit information according to the third embodiment. The notification message 704 indicates, but is not limited to, "Information for residents of area ZZ." The coupon 74 displays a target facility 741, a validity period 742, benefit details 743, and code information 744. The target facility 741 indicates accommodation facility D (e.g., commercial facility 44) in the vicinity of the event venue 40, and the validity period 742 indicates that it is valid until 10:00 AM the day after the event. The benefit details 743 indicate that a breakfast buffet is free with the price of one night's stay.

[0111] For example, the residential area of ​​a user is identified based on the user's direction of travel and address, and if the degree of congestion is above a predetermined value, users who live further away are offered the option of staying overnight near the event venue 40 instead of returning home on the day of the event. In this case, if there is a significant benefit to the user, such as a discount on breakfast compared to the regular accommodation fee, it is possible to send users to accommodations to avoid the congestion. This can also further alleviate congestion after the event ends.

[0112] Each of the code information 724, 734, and 744 is a two-dimensional code including the benefit ID of the corresponding coupon. The target facilities 721, 731, and 741, the validity periods 722, 732, and 742, the benefit details 723, 733, and 742, and the code information 724, 734, and 744 are examples only and are not limiting.

[0113] <Embodiment 4> This embodiment 4 is a modification of the above-described embodiment 2 or 3. The issuing unit according to this embodiment 4 issues privilege information that is available after the start of an event and from a second time before the scheduled end time of the event. The notification unit then notifies the issued privilege information at a timing between the start of the event and the second time before the second time. In other words, the privilege information issuing device 300 may at least notify the issued privilege information while the event is being held. Note that the overall configuration and individual configurations of the privilege information issuing system 1000 according to this embodiment 4 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment 2, and therefore, redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0114] 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuance process according to the fourth embodiment. In the following example, the second time period is set to 30 minutes, but is not limited to this. First, the privilege information issuance device 300 determines whether the second time period is within 45 minutes of the scheduled end of the event (S131b). If the second time period is within 45 minutes of the scheduled end of the event, the privilege information issuance device 300 waits for a predetermined time and then executes step S131b again.

[0115] If the event is scheduled to end within 45 minutes, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines the validity period of the privilege information to be issued to be from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after the scheduled end time (S132b). In other words, the privilege information issuing device 300 issues privilege information that can be used within a short period of time before the event ends. Thereafter, the above-described steps S133 to S137 are executed.

[0116] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the display of benefit information according to the fourth embodiment. The notification message 705 indicates, but is not limited to, "Information for those in a hurry to get home." The coupon 75 displays a target facility 751, a validity period 752, benefit details 753, and code information 754. The target facility 751 is the nearest train station E (e.g., nearest station 610) in the vicinity of the event venue 40, and the validity period 752 indicates 30 minutes before the scheduled end of the event and 30 minutes after the end. In this example, the scheduled end time of the event is 7:00 PM, and the validity period is from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM on the day of the event. The benefit details 753 indicate a 5% discount on the ticket. The code information 754 is a two-dimensional code containing a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 751, validity period 752, benefit details 753, and code information 754 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0117] In this example, the train fare from the nearest station 610 is discounted, which encourages users who want to avoid congestion after the event to leave the event venue 40 early. This may further reduce congestion after the event.

[0118] Note that the "45 minutes" in step S131b in FIG. 20 described above is merely an example of the timing between the start of the event and the second time. The second time "30 minutes" is also merely an example. Therefore, for example, if the event is a baseball game, the privilege information issuing device 300 may determine whether the team batting second is winning by a large margin at the end of the bottom of the eighth inning. In this case, some users may try to go home early without waiting for the end of the game (top of the ninth inning). Presenting privilege information that can be used early may encourage users to go home before the game ends, further reducing congestion after the game.

[0119] <Embodiment 5> This embodiment 5 is a modification of the above-described embodiment 2, 3, or 4. The event in this embodiment 5 is a game, and the issuing unit identifies the user's target of support in the game based on attribute information and issues bonus information based on the identified target of support. Furthermore, the issuing unit may issue bonus information taking into account the relationship between the identified target of support and the outcome of the game. The attribute information may also include seat information for watching the game, and the issuing unit may identify the user's target of support from the seat information. Alternatively, the attribute information may include a method for purchasing game admission qualification information, and the issuing unit may identify the user's target of support from the purchase method. 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 qualification information, and may include the target of support entered by the user in the attribute information and transmit a registration request to the bonus information issuing device 300. The overall and individual configurations of the bonus information issuing system 1000 in this embodiment 5 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment 2, and therefore, redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0120] 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuing process according to the fifth embodiment. First, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines whether the match, which is an event, has ended (S151). For example, this can be achieved by replacing the event end notification in step S131 of FIG. 13 with a match end notification. If it is determined that the match has not ended, the privilege information issuing device 300 waits for a predetermined time and then executes step S151 again.

[0121] If it is determined in step S151 that the game has ended, the privilege information issuing device 300 executes steps S133a and S134a in FIG. 15 described above. Then, for each target user, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies a target to cheer for based on the attribute information identified in step S134a (S152). For example, if the attribute information 3123 includes a sports player or a team to cheer for, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the target to cheer for from the attribute information 3123. Alternatively, the privilege information issuing device 300 may identify the target to cheer for by inferring it from information indicating hobbies, preferences, or interests in the attribute information 3123. Alternatively, if the admission eligibility information associated with the attribute information includes seat information for watching the game, the privilege information issuing device 300 may identify the target to cheer for from the seat information. For example, if the seats in a baseball stadium are on the third base side or in the left-field stands, the team batting first may be identified as the target to cheer for. Furthermore, if it is estimated from the attribute information that the user is a fan of a specific player, the user may choose to root for the team to which the player belongs. Alternatively, in the case of individual sports, the user may choose to root for a player identified from the attribute information.

[0122] Alternatively, if the attribute information includes a method for purchasing match admission credentials associated with the attribute information, the privilege information issuing device 300 may identify the team the user is supporting from the purchase method. The "method for purchasing match admission credentials" may refer to, for example, a dedicated application or dedicated website for fans provided by a specific team, and the user U1 may purchase a match ticket via the dedicated application or dedicated 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 300 may identify the dedicated application or the like from the attribute information or the admission credentials information or purchase history information associated with the attribute information, and identify the team corresponding to the dedicated application or the like as the team to support.

[0123] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S151 that the match has ended, the privilege information issuing device 300 obtains the match result (S153). For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 may obtain the outcome of the match in conjunction with the above-described notification of the end of the match. Then, similar to step S132 described above, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines the validity period of the privilege information to be issued. For example, the privilege information issuing device 300 may set the validity period of privilege information for the winning team as the support target to four hours and the validity period of privilege information for the losing team as the support target to one hour.

[0124] After steps S152 and S132, the privilege information issuing device 300 selects from set X users who are rooting for the winning team in the game as users to whom privilege information is to be issued (S154). Note that the privilege information issuing device 300 may also select users who are rooting for the losing team in the game as users to whom privilege information is to be issued. In addition, in the case of individual sports, the privilege information issuing device 300 may select users who are rooting for the winning or losing player in the game as users to whom privilege information is to be issued.

[0125] The reward information issuing device 300 then determines the reward content and the target facility based on the attribute information of the selected target user and the match result (S155). For example, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine the reward content and the target facility based on the attribute information, as in step S135a described above, and may further change the reward content and the target facility depending on the match result. For example, different target facilities may be used for the winning team and the losing team. Furthermore, if the match result is by a large margin, a more advantageous reward content (such as a higher discount rate) than usual may be given to users who are supporting the winning team. The reward information issuing device 300 then executes steps S136 and S137 described above.

[0126] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the display of benefit information according to the fifth embodiment. The notification message 706 indicates, but is not limited to, "Let's celebrate Team WW's victory!" The coupon 76 displays a target facility 761, a validity period 762, benefit details 763, and code information 764. The target facility 761 indicates Izakaya A (e.g., commercial facility 41) near the event venue 40, and the validity period 762 indicates three hours after the end of the event. The benefit details 763 indicates that one beer is free (with the order of a snack set). The code information 764 is a two-dimensional code containing a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 761, validity period 762, benefit details 763, and code information 764 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0127] This allows users who support the winning team to stay relatively longer at the commercial facility 41, etc., and makes it easier to spread out the time periods when users who support the losing team are concentrated at the nearest station 610. This can further alleviate congestion.

[0128] <Embodiment 6> This embodiment 6 is a modification of the above-described embodiments 2 to 5. The issuing unit according to this embodiment 6 issues bonus information based on the ratio between the number of users who entered the event venue through personal authentication and the number of users who entered the event venue without personal authentication. Note that the overall configuration and individual configurations of the bonus information issuing system 1000 according to this embodiment 6 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment 2, and therefore redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0129] 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuance process according to the sixth embodiment. First, the privilege information issuance device 300 executes step S131 in the same manner as in FIG. 13 described above. If it is determined that the event has ended, the privilege information issuance device 300 selects a set Y of attendees determined by face authentication (S161). Specifically, as in step S133 described above, the privilege information issuance device 300 references the user information 312 to select user IDs who have admission eligibility information and have actually entered the event (before leaving), and defines the list of selected user IDs as set Y.

[0130] The privileged information issuing device 300 then calculates the number of attendees N1 in group Y and the number of attendees other than those using face authentication N2 (S162). For example, the privileged information issuing device 300 references user information 312 and calculates the number of users U1-1 to U1-m as N1. Alternatively, the privileged information issuing device 300 may obtain the number of users U4-1 to U4-k who entered the event venue 40 without undergoing identity authentication at the entrance control terminal 401 from the event organizer's management server and calculate this as N2.

[0131] The bonus information issuing device 300 then determines the number of users to whom bonus information is to be issued based on the ratio of N1 to N2 (S163). For example, if the ratio of N1 to N2 is 4:6, the bonus information issuing device 300 may determine 80% of the number of people in N1 as the number of users to whom bonus information is to be issued. If the ratio is 8:2, the bonus information issuing device 300 may determine approximately 60% of the number of people in N1 as the number of users to whom bonus information is to be issued. Furthermore, if the total of N1 and N2 is 10,000 or more and N1 accounts for 40% or more of the total, the bonus information issuing device 300 may determine all of the people in N1 as the number of users to whom bonus information is to be issued.

[0132] After step S161, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies attribute information of each target user in set Y (S164), similar to step S134 described above. After steps S163 and S164, the reward information issuing device 300 selects a determined number of target users from set Y based on the identified attribute information (S165). For example, if a portion of users in N1 are determined to be target users for issuance in step S163, the reward information issuing device 300 may select target users from set Y based on the membership rank or the like of the user's attribute information.

[0133] After steps S163 and S165, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines the validity period, privilege content, and applicable facilities of the privilege information to be issued based on the ratio of N1 to N2 and the attribute information (S166).The privilege information issuing device 300 then executes steps S136 and S137 described above.

[0134] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the display of benefit information according to the sixth embodiment. The notification message 707 indicates, but is not limited to, "Information for those who purchase face recognition tickets." The coupon 77 displays a target facility 771, a validity period 772, benefit details 773, and code information 774. The target facility 771 indicates Izakaya A (e.g., commercial facility 41) near the event venue 40, and the validity period 772 indicates three hours after the end of the event. The benefit details 773 indicates that one beer is free (when ordering a snack set). The code information 774 is a two-dimensional code including a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 771, validity period 772, benefit details 773, and code information 774 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0135] Even if personal authentication such as facial recognition becomes widespread in the future, some users may be unable to pre-register their personal authentication information, such as a facial image, for some reason. Therefore, it is possible to combine methods of using and not using personal authentication as a method of entry to an event venue. Even in such cases, this embodiment can determine the appropriate number of users, expiration date, benefit content, and applicable facilities based on the ratio of users who use personal authentication and those who do not, and issue and notify them of benefit information. This makes it easier to spread out the time periods when people tend to visit the nearest station 610, further reducing congestion.

[0136] <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, the personal authentication has been described as facial authentication, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the payment process has been described as facial authentication payment, but it 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 a commercial facility near the event venue is not limited to facial authentication, and other personal authentication methods, as described below, may be applied.

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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 .

[0139] The conditions for issuing, the timing of issuing, and the timing of notifying the special offer information are not limited to those described above. For example, the timing of issuing and notifying the special offer information is not limited to immediately before the end of the event, but may be during the event or before the start of the event. In other words, the notifying unit may notify the issued special offer information at a timing that is a third time before the scheduled end time of the event.

[0140] (1) If the "third time period" is shorter than the duration of the event, the timing for notifying the privilege information is during the event. Specifically, as in the fourth embodiment described above, the privilege information issuing device 300 may identify, as a target user, a user ID of a user who has admission eligibility information and has entered the event on the day of the event, and issue and notify the target user of the privilege information. For example, if the event is held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the privilege information issuing device 300 may notify the user of the privilege information "between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM" during the event. The privilege information issuing device 300 may also acquire ticket reservation or purchase information for the event, calculate the number of purchasers of each type of ticket, and determine the number of target users for the privilege information.

[0141] (2) If the "third time period" is longer than the duration of the event, the timing for notifying the privilege information is before the start of the event. Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies, as the issuance target user, the user ID of a user who has admission credential information and has not yet entered the event, at the time of purchase or registration of the admission credential information, or a predetermined time before the start of the event. The privilege information issuing device 300 then issues privilege information to the issuance target user and notifies the user terminal of the issuance target user of the privilege information at least a predetermined time before the start of the event. For example, if the event is held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the privilege information issuing device 300 may notify the user of the privilege information "before 1:00 PM," that is, before the start of the event. The privilege information issuing device 300 may also acquire ticket reservation or advance ticket purchase information for the event, calculate the number of purchasers of each type of ticket, and determine the number of target users for issuance of the privilege information.

[0142] The timing of issuing the bonus information may be any timing as long as it is before the notification timing. In other words, the bonus information issuing device 300 may issue the bonus information before the start of the event and notify the terminal of the user to whom the bonus information is issued between the start of the event and the end of the event of the issued bonus information. For example, if the event is held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the bonus information issuing device 300 may issue the bonus information "before 1:00 PM" and notify the user of the bonus information "between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM." The timing of starting to use the bonus information may be after the notification timing. For example, even if a coupon is notified before the start of the event or during the event, the coupon may be used after the end of the event (or a predetermined time after the end of the event). For example, the bonus information issuing device 300 may notify the user of the bonus information by "3:00 PM," which is the end time of the event, and the bonus information may be used "after 3:00 PM (or a predetermined time after 3:00 PM)." Alternatively, even if the coupon is notified before the start of the event or within 30 minutes after the start of the event, the coupon may be used after the end of the event or 30 minutes before the scheduled end of the event. For example, the coupon may be used "after 3:00 PM" or "30 minutes before 3:00 PM."

[0143] The privilege information issuing device 300 may narrow down the users to whom the privilege information is to be issued depending on the type of ticket (such as the grade of seat), the number of tickets of each type purchased, the number of people making reservations, and so on.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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: an issuing unit that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a predetermined event and issues reward information that is usable at facilities near an event venue where the event is held; and a notifying unit that notifies a terminal of a user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the issued reward information at a timing determined by the end time. (Supplementary Note A2) The reward information issuing device of Supplementary Note A1, wherein the issuing unit issues the reward information with the expiration date set to a first hour after the end time. (Supplementary Note A3) The reward information issuing device of Supplementary Note A1 or A2, wherein the issuing unit issues the reward information that is usable after the start of the event and a second hour before the scheduled end time of the event, and the notifying unit notifies the issued reward information at a timing between the start of the event and the second hour. (Supplementary Note A4) The reward information issuing device according to any one of Supplementary Note A1 to Supplementary Note A3, wherein the notification means notifies the issued reward information at a timing third time before the scheduled end time of the event. (Supplementary Note A5) The reward information issuing device according to any one of Supplementary Note A1 to Supplementary Note A4, wherein the issuer issues the reward information according to attribute information associated with the user. (Supplementary Note A6) The reward information issuing device according to Supplementary Note A5, wherein the issuer selects users to whom the reward information is to be issued according to attribute information associated with each of a plurality of users who have entered the event venue through the personal authentication, and issues the reward information to the selected users, and the notification means notifies the terminals of the selected users of the issued reward information.(Supplementary Note A7) The reward information issuing device described in Supplementary Note A5 or A6, wherein the issuing means: identifies a destination of travel after the event for each of the plurality of users based on the attribute information; estimates a degree of congestion including at least one of roads or means of transport around the event venue for each destination based on the number of users in the identified destinations; and selects, from the plurality of users, users in destinations for which the estimated degree of congestion is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as targets for issuance of the reward information. (Supplementary Note A8) The reward information issuing device described in Supplementary Note A7, wherein the issuing means further takes into account operation information for each destination of the means of transport nearest to the event venue to estimate the degree of congestion of the means of transport. (Supplementary Note A9) The reward information issuing device described in any one of Supplementary Note A5 to Supplementary Note A8, wherein the issuing means issues the reward information that grants a reward content according to the attribute information. (Appendix A10) The privilege information issuing device according to any one of Appendices A5 to A9, wherein the issuing means issues the privilege information usable at different facilities among the nearby facilities depending on the attribute information. (Appendix A11) The privilege information issuing device according to any one of Appendices A5 to A10, wherein the event is a match, and the issuing means identifies a target for the user to cheer for in the match based on the attribute information, and issues the privilege information based on the identified target for the user to cheer for. (Appendix A12) The privilege information issuing device according to Appendices A11, wherein the issuing means issues the privilege information taking into account a relationship between the identified target for the user to cheer for and the result of the match. (Appendix A13) The privilege information issuing device according to Appendices A11 or A12, wherein the attribute information includes seat information for watching the match, and the issuing means identifies the target for the user to cheer for from the seat information. (Supplementary Note A14) The special benefit information issuing device according to Supplementary Note A11 or A12, wherein the attribute information includes a method of purchasing the match admission qualification information, and the issuing means identifies the support target of the user from the purchase method.and a notification means for notifying a user terminal associated with a user who entered the event venue through personal authentication with reference to the storage device of the issued bonus information, at a timing determined based on the end time. (Appendix B2) The reward information issuing system of Appendix B1, wherein the issuing means issues the reward information with the expiration date set to a first time period after the end time. (Appendix C1) A reward information issuing method, wherein a computer sets an expiration date based on the end time of a predetermined event and issues reward information that can be used at facilities near an event venue where the event is held, and notifies a terminal of a user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the issued reward information at a timing caused by the end time. (Appendix D1) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a reward information issuing program that causes a computer to execute: issuing means for issuing reward information that sets an expiration date based on the end time of a predetermined event and can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held, and notifying means for notifying a terminal of a user who has entered the event venue after personal authentication of the issued reward information at a timing caused by the end time.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 1 Privilege information issuing device 11 Issuance unit 12 Notification unit 1000 Privilege information issuing system N Network U1 User U1-1 to U1-m User U4 User U4-1 to U4-k 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 Facial 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 3155 Target facility 3156 Privilege content 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 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 610 nearest station 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 admission 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 701 notification message71 Coupon 711 Eligible facility 712 Validity period 713 Benefit details 714 Code information 702 Notification message 72 Coupon 721 Eligible facility 722 Validity period 723 Benefit details 724 Code information 703 Notification message 73 Coupon 731 Eligible facility 732 Validity period 733 Benefit details 734 Code information 704 Notification message 74 Coupon 741 Eligible facility 742 Validity period 743 Benefit details 744 Code information 705 Notification message 75 Coupon 751 Eligible facility 752 Validity period 753 Benefit details 754 Code information 706 Notification message 76 Coupon 761 Eligible facility 762 Validity period 763 Benefit details 764 Code information 707 Notification message 77 Coupon 771 Eligible facility 772 Validity period 773 Benefit details 774 Code information

Claims

1. issuing means for issuing special offer information that is valid for use at facilities near the event venue where the event is held, the special offer information being set with a validity period based on the end time of the event; a notification means for notifying a terminal of a user who has entered the event venue through personal authentication of the issued bonus information at a timing determined by the end time; A special offer information issuing device comprising:

2. The issuing means issues the privilege information with a first time period after the end time set as the expiration date.

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

3. the issuing means issues the privilege information that is available from a start of the event and a second time before a scheduled end time of the event; The notification means notifies the issued special offer information at a timing between after the start of the event and before the second time.

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

4. The notification means notifies the issued special offer information at a timing a third time before a scheduled end time of the event.

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

5. The issuing means is The reward information is issued according to attribute information associated with the user.

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

6. The issuing means is selecting a user to whom the special offer information is to be issued in accordance with attribute information associated with each of the multiple users who have entered the event venue through the personal authentication; issuing the reward information to the selected user; The notification means notifies the terminal of the selected user of the issued bonus information.

6. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 5.

7. The issuing means is Identifying a destination after the event for each of the plurality of users based on the attribute information; Based on the number of users in the identified travel direction, a congestion degree including at least one of roads or transportation facilities around the event venue is estimated for each travel direction; From among the plurality of users, a user in a travel direction in which the estimated congestion degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is selected as a target for issuing the special offer information.

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

8. The issuing means estimates the degree of congestion of the transportation facility by further taking into account operation information for each direction of the transportation facility nearest to the event venue.

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

9. The issuing means issues the privilege information that provides a privilege corresponding to the attribute information.

6. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 5.

10. The issuing means issues the benefit information that can be used at different facilities among the neighboring facilities according to the attribute information.

6. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 5.

11. the event is a match, The issuing means identifies a support target of the user in the game based on the attribute information, and issues the special offer information based on the identified support target.

6. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 5.

12. The issuing means issues the special benefit information taking into consideration a relationship between the specified support target and the result of the match. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 11.

13. The attribute information includes seat information for watching the game, The issuing means identifies the support target of the user from the seat information. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 11.

14. The attribute information includes a method for purchasing entry credentials for the game; The issuing means identifies the support target of the user from the purchase method. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 11.

15. The issuing means issues the special offer information based on a ratio between the number of users who have entered the event venue through the personal authentication and the number of users who have entered the event venue without the personal authentication.

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

16. a storage device that stores, in association with each other, admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue through personal authentication, personal authentication information of a user who has purchased the admission credential information, and a user terminal carried by the user; a privilege information issuing device connected to the storage device, The privilege information issuing device issuing means for issuing special offer information that is valid for use at facilities near the event venue where the event is held, the special offer information being set with a validity period based on the end time of the event; a notification means for notifying a user terminal associated with the user who has entered the event venue through identity authentication performed by referring to the storage device of the issued privilege information at a timing determined based on the end time; A privilege information issuing system comprising:

17. The issuing means issues the privilege information with a first time period after the end time set as the expiration date. The bonus information issuing system according to claim 16.

18. The computer Set an expiration date based on the end time of a specific event, and issue special offer information that can be used at facilities near the event venue where the event is held; notifying a terminal of the user who has entered the event venue through personal authentication of the issued benefit information at a timing determined by the end time; How bonus information is issued.

19. issuing means for issuing special offer information that is valid for use at facilities near the event venue where the event is held, the special offer information being set with a validity period based on the end time of the event; a notification means for notifying a terminal of a user who has entered the event venue through personal authentication of the issued bonus information at a timing determined by the end time; A bonus information issuing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

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