Benefit information issuing device, system, method and program

Abstract

A benefit information issuance device (1) according to the present invention comprises: a verification control unit (11) that controls identity verification of a user when the user who has purchased entry qualification information, which allows entry to an event venue through identity verification, settles payment at a nearby commercial facility of the event venue; an issuance unit (12) that issues benefit information relating to use of the event venue on the basis of information accompanying the settlement if the identity verification is successful; and a reporting unit (13) that reports the issued benefit information to a terminal of the user.

Description

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

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

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses technology related to a points-granting system. In Patent Literature 1, a user belonging to a predetermined group visits a store affiliated with the group and holds a user terminal over a store terminal. The user terminal reads a store ID from the store terminal and transmits the user ID and store ID to a store information management server. The store information management server transmits the user ID to a user information management server associated with the received store ID. The user information management server grants points based on point information associated with the received user ID.

[0003] Here, a unique economic zone can be formed in a specific area including the event venue and the surrounding commercial facilities.In addition, in recent years, services using personal authentication such as biometric authentication, such as facial recognition, are being put into practical use.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 111524

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

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a benefit information issuing device, system, method, and program for promoting the use of commercial facilities around the event venue by presenting benefits related to the use of the event venue to purchasers of event admission eligibility information in exchange for the use of the commercial facilities around the event venue.

[0007] The privilege information issuing device according to the present disclosure comprises: an authentication control means for controlling the authentication of a user who has purchased admission credentials that enable entry to an event venue through personal authentication when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuing means for issuing privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment if the personal authentication is successful; and a notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the issued privilege information.

[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 entry to an event venue through personal authentication and personal authentication information for registration of the user who purchased the admission credential information; and a privilege information issuing device connected to the storage device. The privilege information issuing device comprises: an authentication control means that controls personal authentication by referring to the storage device using personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuing means that, if the personal authentication is successful, issues privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment; and a notification means that notifies the user's terminal of the issued privilege information.

[0009] The method of issuing bonus information disclosed herein involves a computer controlling the authentication of a user who has purchased admission credentials that enable entry to an event venue through personal authentication when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue, and if the authentication is successful, issuing bonus information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment, and notifying the user's terminal of the issued bonus information.

[0010] The bonus information issuance program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following: an authentication control process that controls the authentication of a user who has purchased admission credentials that enable entry to an event venue through personal authentication when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuance process that issues bonus information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment if the personal authentication is successful; and a notification process that notifies the user's terminal of the issued bonus information.

[0011] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a special benefit information issuing device, system, method, and program for promoting the use of commercial facilities around the event venue by presenting purchasers of event admission eligibility information with special benefits related to the use of the event venue as a result of the use of the commercial facilities around the event venue.

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

[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 reward information issuing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The reward information issuing device 1 is an information processing device that issues reward information related to the use of an event venue when a payment involving authentication is made at a commercial facility near the event venue. Here, a "commercial facility" refers to a store that sells products or provides services, an accommodation facility, a public transportation station, etc. The commercial facility according to the first embodiment is assumed to be located within a predetermined range of the event venue where a predetermined event is held, i.e., located near the event venue. Furthermore, the "reward information" is electronic data that confers the right to enjoy rewards, whether paid or free, at available facilities. The reward information is, for example, added-value information such as electronic coupons or points.

[0015] The privilege information issuing device 1 includes an authentication control unit 11, an issuing unit 12, and a notification unit 13. The authentication control unit 11 controls the authentication of a user who has purchased admission credential information that allows entry to an event venue through personal authentication when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue. Here, "admission credential information" refers to information that allows a prospective attendee (user) to enter the event venue through personal authentication. Here, "personal authentication" refers to information processing that verifies the authenticity of an individual by comparing pre-registered personal authentication information with information acquired or input by the individual during authentication and determining whether 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 comparing code information (such as an ID or password) presented or input by the individual.

[0016] If the identity authentication is successful, the issuing unit 12 issues privilege information related to use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment. Here, "information resulting from the payment" includes, but is not limited to, the payment amount, the type of product or service purchased in the payment, the actions taken in connection with the payment, and whether privilege information was used in the payment. Furthermore, "privilege information related to use of the event venue" includes, but is not limited to, seat upgrades in admission credential information, discounts at stores within the event venue, and the purchase or free provision of limited-edition goods at the event venue. Alternatively, "privilege information related to use of the event venue" includes, but is not limited to, discounts on admission credential information for the next event, points that can be used at stores within the event venue, and the like.

[0017] The notification unit 13 notifies the user terminal of the issued benefit information.

[0018] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuing method according to the first embodiment. First, the authentication control unit 11 controls the authentication of a user who has purchased admission credentials that enable entry to an event venue through personal authentication when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue (S11). Next, if the personal authentication is successful, the issuing unit 12 issues privilege information related to use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment (S12). Thereafter, the notification unit 13 notifies the user's terminal of the issued privilege information (S13).

[0019] In this embodiment, a user can purchase admission credentials for an event venue and obtain benefit information related to the use of the event venue as an incentive for using surrounding commercial facilities. Therefore, the user is motivated to further use the event venue and surrounding commercial facilities by the benefit information provided. In other words, by presenting a benefit related to the use of the event venue to the purchaser of admission credentials for the event in exchange for using the surrounding commercial facilities, the use of the commercial facilities can be promoted.

[0020] The bonus information issuing device 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the bonus information issuing method of this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. This allows the processor to implement the functions of the authentication control unit 11, issuing unit 12, and notification unit 13.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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).

[0023] <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 privilege information to a user U1 who has purchased a paid electronic ticket (admission eligibility information) for an event venue 40, based on information resulting from the payment when the user makes a facial recognition payment at a nearby commercial facility 41, etc. Here, the issued privilege information is electronic data that allows the user to enjoy privileges related to use of the event venue. Furthermore, time-limited privilege information can encourage consumption behavior at the commercial facility 41, etc., near the event venue 40. This can promote cooperative use of the event venue and facilities and support the revitalization of an area 4 that includes the event venue 40 and its nearby commercial facilities 41 to 4n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1).

[0024] The event venue 40 is a venue where a specific event is held. An "event" is a paid service that attracts a large number of people and is provided for a certain period of time. For example, an event may be a sports match, a concert, an exhibition, an international conference, etc., and may be something that paying visitors can watch or view, or something that visitors themselves can participate in. Therefore, the event venue 40 may be a facility such as a sports stadium, a sports arena, an arena, a theater, or a multi-purpose event hall. The event venue 40 may also be called the main facility or core facility in area 4.

[0025] The event venue 40 is assumed to have an event hall 402, with an entrance control terminal 401 installed at the entrance. The entrance control terminal 401 is an information terminal that permits entry into the event venue 40 if user U1 has successfully passed identity authentication. Details of the entrance control terminal 401 will be described later. It should be noted that some visitors to the event venue 40 may enter without going through the entrance control terminal 401. In other words, the event venue 40 may allow entry to users who have purchased conventional tickets or the like, without relying on identity authentication such as facial recognition. The event hall 402 is a place where an event is held, such as a stadium or spectator seats.

[0026] Commercial facilities 41 to 4n are peripheral facilities of the event venue 40, or nearby commercial facilities. There may be at least one commercial facility 41, etc. The commercial facility 41, etc. is a facility that has an affiliated relationship with the event venue 40. Therefore, the operator of the commercial facility 41, etc. is an affiliated operator of the operator of the event venue 40. Examples of commercial facilities 41, etc. include, but are not limited to, retail stores, restaurants, shopping streets, shopping malls, accommodation facilities, parking lots, bicycle parking lots, amusement parks, and transportation stations (train stations, bus stops, taxi stands, ports, airports).

[0027] 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.

[0028] Area manager U3, who is a business operator managing businesses within area 4 including event venue 40 and commercial facility 41, uses management terminal 600 to register benefit information related to use of event venue 40. Area manager U3 may also use management terminal 600 to register benefit information available at commercial facility 41, etc. Note that since known information processing devices can be used for management terminals 61 to 6n and 600, illustrations and detailed description 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 5n, and management terminals 61 to 6n and 600. The user terminal 100, the authentication device 200, the privilege information issuing device 300, the entrance control terminal 401, the payment terminals 51 to 5n, and the management terminals 61 to 6n and 600 are communicatively connected via a network N. Here, the network N is a communication network including wireless communication lines, such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, or a mobile phone network. Furthermore, the network N can use any type of communication protocol.

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

[0035] The user terminal 100 is an information processing terminal that registers user information including a facial image and entry qualification information in advance to the privilege information issuing device 300 in response to an operation by the user U1. Note that the user U1 may register user information using an information processing device other than the user terminal 100. Also, the user U1 is assumed to enter the event venue 40 carrying the user terminal 100. Note that in FIG. 3, the user U1 and the user terminal 100 are located within the commercial facility 41, but the location is not limited thereto.

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

[0042] The bonus processing unit 162 may also perform the following process. For example, in response to a bonus issuance request issued by user U1 via the touch panel 150, the bonus processing unit 162 controls the camera 140 to capture a picture of user U1's face and acquires the captured facial image. At this time, the bonus processing unit 162 reads and acquires the terminal information 112 from the storage unit 110. The bonus processing unit 162 then transmits a bonus issuance request, including the facial image and the terminal information 112, to the bonus information issuing device 300. When the bonus processing unit 162 receives notification of bonus information issued by the bonus information issuing device 300, it displays the notified bonus information, etc., on the touch panel 150. In response to a bonus inquiry request issued by user U1 via the touch panel 150, the bonus processing unit 162 transmits a bonus information inquiry request, including the facial image of user U1, to the bonus information issuing device 300. The bonus processing unit 162 then displays a list of bonus information already issued to user U1 by the bonus information issuing device 300 on the touch panel 150. The bonus processing unit 162 displays the bonus information selected by the user U1 via the touch panel 150 in a selected state. When the bonus processing unit 162 receives a bonus information update notification from the bonus information issuing device 300, it displays the updated bonus information on the touch panel 150.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Next, the payment control unit 562 controls the camera 540 to photograph the face of the person making the payment and acquires the photographed facial image. The payment control unit 562 then transmits a facial recognition payment request including the facial image, payment object information, and terminal information 512 stored in the memory unit 510 to the bonus information issuing device 300. The payment object information may include a payment ID that identifies the payment process. The payment control unit 562 then receives a payment completion notification, etc., and displays it on the touch panel 550.

[0054] The payment control unit 562 also uses the camera 540 to capture an image of the code information of the bonus information displayed on the user terminal 100, analyzes the captured 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, the extracted bonus ID, the payment target information, and the terminal information 512 stored in the memory unit 510, to the bonus information issuing device 300. The payment control unit 562 then receives a notification of payment completion and bonus information usage, and displays the payment result and bonus information usage result on the touch panel 550.

[0055] 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a privilege information issuing device 300 according to the second embodiment. The privilege information issuing device 300 is an example of the privilege information issuing device 1 described above. The privilege information issuing device 300 is an information processing device that performs payment processing at a commercial facility 41 or the like in response to a facial recognition payment request from a payment terminal 51 or the like for a user who has admission qualification information for the event venue 40. Furthermore, at the time of facial recognition payment, the privilege information issuing device 300 issues privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment. The privilege information issuing device 300 may be redundantly configured with multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented by multiple computers.

[0056] The privilege information issuing device 300 includes a storage unit 310, a memory 320, a communication unit 330, and a control unit 340. The storage unit 310 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 310 stores a program 311, user information 312, a privilege information master 313, event information 314, and privilege management information 315. The storage unit 310 and the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 may be collectively considered as a storage device that stores admission credential information, personal authentication information of the user who purchased the admission credential information, and the terminal carried by the user in association with each other. The program 311 is a computer program (privilege information issuing program) that implements processes such as registration of privilege information, user information, and admission credential information, privilege information issuance, and payment processing including privilege information usage processing according to the second embodiment.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] The user information 312 may further include a purchase history of admission qualification information 3125 from past events, which is associated with the user ID 3121 and registered therein.

[0063] The privilege information master 313 is information for managing master information of privilege information entered by facility personnel or area personnel. The privilege information master 313 is information that associates a privilege ID 3131, a target facility 3132, a privilege content 3133, and an issuance condition 3134. The privilege ID 3131 is identification information of the privilege information. The target facility 3132 is information indicating a facility at which the privilege information can be used. The target facility 3132 is information indicating, for example, one of the commercial facilities 41 to 4n. Note that the target facility 3132 may target two or more facilities among the commercial facilities 41 to 4n.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The issuance conditions 3134 are information indicating the conditions for issuing privilege information. For example, the issuance conditions 3134 include the event information to be issued (event ID, date and time of event, etc.), whether admission qualification information for the event information has already been purchased, and the timing of issuance. The timing of issuance includes the issuance start date and time, the period during which issuance is possible, etc. Furthermore, the issuance conditions 3134 include, but are not limited to, attribute information of the user to be issued, the seat grade, the ticket price, and the priority of attribute information to be prioritized for issuance.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The privilege management information 315 is information for managing privilege information issued to a user. The privilege management information 315 is information in which an issued privilege ID 3151, a user ID 3152, an issue date and time 3153, and a validity period 3154 are associated with each other.

[0068] The issued privilege ID 3151 is the privilege ID 3131 issued to the user corresponding to the user ID 3152. The user ID 3152 is the user ID 3121 to which the privilege information was issued. Therefore, the privilege management information 315 is information that is uniquely identified, for example, by the combination of the issued privilege ID 3151 and the user ID 3152. The issue date and time 3153 is the date and time when the privilege information was issued. The validity period 3154 is the period during which the privilege provided by the privilege information can be enjoyed (the privilege information is valid). The validity period 3154 is defined by a start date and time and an end date and time (expiration date). If the corresponding privilege information can be used immediately after issuance, the validity period 3154 only needs to be set to the expiration date and time.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 is an example of the authentication control unit 11 described above. The identification unit 343 and the issuing unit 344 are examples of the issuing unit 12 described above. The identification unit 343 and the notification unit 345 are examples of the notification unit 13 described above.

[0071] The registration unit 341 performs registration processing of privilege information, user information, and admission qualification information. Specifically, the registration unit 341 receives a registration request for individual privilege information from the management terminal 61 or the like and registers the information in the privilege information master 313. At this time, the registration unit 341 issues a privilege ID for new privilege information. The registration unit 341 also receives a registration request for user information from the user terminal 100 or the like and registers the information in the user information 312. At this time, the registration unit 341 registers facial feature information based on a facial image of the new user in the authentication device 200 and acquires the user ID issued at the time of registration. The registration unit 341 then associates the acquired user ID 3121 with information included in the registration request (terminal information, attribute information, payment information, etc.) and registers them in the storage unit 310 as user information 312. The registration unit 341 associates the user's personal authentication information for registration with the terminal information possessed by the user and registers them in the storage unit 310. The registration unit 341 according to this embodiment associates a user ID 3121 that uniquely corresponds to the user's facial feature information for registration with terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, and payment information 3124, and registers the associated information as user information 312 in the storage unit 310. The registration unit 341 also receives a registration request including a facial image and admission qualification information, and updates the user information 312 by associating the admission qualification information 3125 with the user information 312 identified by face authentication based on the facial image. The registration unit 341 may also update the user information 312 by associating the payment history of user U1 in the event venue 40, the commercial facility 41, etc. with the user ID 3121. The payment history may include a purchase history of the admission qualification information 3125 from past events.

[0072] The authentication control unit 342 controls user authentication using the authentication device 200. In particular, the authentication control unit 342 according to this embodiment controls user biometric authentication using biometric information extracted from an image of the user. Specifically, the authentication control unit 342 controls user facial authentication using facial feature information extracted from the user's facial image. That is, when the authentication control unit 342 receives user authentication information and admission qualification information, the authentication control unit 342 controls user authentication by referring to the storage unit 310 and the facial information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 using the authentication information. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a request for issuing a privilege or a request for referencing privilege information including a facial image from the user terminal 100, the authentication control unit 342 transmits a facial authentication request including the facial image included in the request to the authentication device 200 and receives a facial authentication result from the authentication device 200. The authentication control unit 342 then outputs the facial authentication result to the identification unit 343 and the issuing unit 344. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives an entrance determination request from the entrance control terminal 401, it transmits a facial authentication request including the facial image included in the entrance determination request to the authentication device 200, receives the facial authentication result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the facial authentication result to the entrance determination unit 346. Furthermore, when the authentication control unit 342 receives a facial authentication payment request from the payment terminal 51 or the like, it transmits the facial authentication request including the facial image included in the facial authentication payment request to the authentication device 200, receives the facial authentication result from the authentication device 200, and outputs the facial authentication result to the payment control unit 347. In other words, when a user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue, the authentication control unit 342 controls personal authentication by referring to the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 using personal authentication information for authentication acquired from the user. Note that the authentication control unit 342 may also control personal authentication other than biometric authentication.

[0073] The identification unit 343 identifies the user's terminal information, attribute information, payment information, admission qualification information, and privilege information based on the user's identity authentication. Specifically, if the authentication control unit 342 is successful in face authentication, the identification unit 343 identifies the user ID included in the face authentication result. Then, the identification unit 343 identifies the terminal information 3122, attribute information 3123, payment information 3124, and admission qualification information 3125 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. The identification unit 343 may also identify corresponding event information 314 from the admission qualification information 3125. In particular, the identification unit 343 determines whether or not admission qualification information 3125 exists associated with the user ID 3121 whose face authentication was successful from the user information 312. If it is determined that admission qualification information exists, the identification unit 343 determines whether or not the admission qualification information 3125 satisfies the condition for issuing privilege information. Specifically, the identification unit 343 determines whether the event corresponding to the admission credential information determined to exist is included in the event information to be issued that is defined in the issuance conditions 3134, from the privilege information master 313. If the event information to be issued includes admission credential information associated with a user ID whose face authentication has succeeded, the identification unit 343 determines that the admission credential information satisfies the conditions for issuing privilege information, and identifies the admission credential information.

[0074] The identification unit 343 may also identify seat information included in the identified admission credential information 3125. The identification unit 343 may also identify a purchase history of admission credential information for the event, including the admission credential information 3125 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face authentication has been successful. The identification unit 343 also identifies a privilege ID included in the facial authentication payment request, and identifies privilege information associated with the user ID 3152 whose face authentication has been successful and the issued privilege ID 3151 from the privilege management information 315. The identification unit 343 also identifies payment target information included in the facial authentication payment request. In response to a request to query privilege information, the identification unit 343 also identifies a list of privilege information associated with the user ID 3152 whose face authentication has been successful from the privilege management information 315. The identification unit 343 also identifies payment information 3124 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face authentication has been successful from the user information 312.

[0075] If facial authentication in response to the facial recognition payment request is successful, the issuing unit 344 issues benefit information related to use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment. For example, the issuing unit 344 issues benefit information including benefit details corresponding to the payment amount. Alternatively, the issuing unit 344 issues benefit information if the type of purchased product is an eco-related product. Note that "eco-related products" refer to products manufactured with materials believed to contribute to the maintenance and protection of the global environment. The issuing unit 344 also issues benefit information related to use of the event venue based on the identified admission qualification information. In other words, if the admission qualification information associated with the user ID for which facial authentication was successful is identified as satisfying the conditions for issuing benefit information, the issuing unit 344 issues benefit information related to use of the event venue. The issuing unit 344 may also issue benefit information based on the identified seat information. For example, if the seating grade at the event venue 40 is high, a better benefit than usual may be granted. The issuing unit 344 may also issue benefit information based on the identified purchase history. The issuing unit 344 may also issue bonus information based on the identified attribute information.

[0076] The notification unit 345 notifies the user terminal 100 of user U1 of the privilege information issued by the issuing unit 344. For example, when facial authentication in response to the facial recognition payment request is successful, admission qualification information is acquired, and privilege information is issued, the notification unit 345 identifies the terminal information 3122 associated with the user ID 3121. The notification unit 345 then notifies the user terminal 100 of the privilege information, addressed to the identified terminal information 3122. Furthermore, when the payment control unit 347 completes the payment process, the notification unit 345 transmits a payment completion notification to the payment terminal corresponding to the terminal information included in the facial recognition payment request. Furthermore, when the payment control unit 347 completes the payment process using the privilege information, the notification unit 345 transmits a payment completion notification and a privilege information usage notification to the user terminal 100 and the payment terminal of user U1.

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

[0078] The payment control unit 347 controls the payment process when face authentication based on a face recognition payment request received from the payment terminal 51, etc. is successful. Specifically, the payment control unit 347 performs the payment process using the payment information 3124 associated with the user ID 3121 whose face recognition was successful. In particular, when a benefit ID is included in the face recognition payment request, the payment control unit 347 determines whether or not benefit information corresponding to the benefit ID can be used, and if it is usable, performs the payment process using the benefit information.

[0079] In these cases, specifically, the payment control unit 347 identifies the facility from the terminal information included in the received facial recognition payment request, and identifies the target facility 3132 associated with the privilege IDs (issued privilege ID 3151, privilege ID 3131) included in the facial recognition payment request. The payment control unit 347 determines that use is permitted if the identified facility is included in the target facility 3132. Furthermore, if the privilege management information 315 includes a use status flag or the like, the payment control unit 347 may determine whether use is permitted by taking the use status flag or the like into consideration.

[0080] If the privilege information is available, the payment control unit 347 identifies the payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. The payment control unit 347 then identifies the issued privilege ID 3151 associated with the identified user ID 3152 from the privilege management information 315, and identifies the privilege details 3133 associated with the issued privilege ID 3151 as the privilege ID 3131 from the privilege information master 313. The payment control unit 347 then calculates the payment amount by applying the identified privilege details 3133 to the amount of payment target information included in the facial recognition payment request. For example, if the privilege details 3133 are "10% off lunch set," the payment control unit 347 calculates the payment amount by deducting 10% from the amount of the payment target information. The payment control unit 347 then sends an instruction to the payment server (not shown) to debit the payment amount using the identified payment information 3124, and receives the payment result. The payment server is a well-known server operated by a financial institution, etc., and therefore illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted. Furthermore, if the benefit content 3133 is "one free drink" and the payment target information includes a drink, the payment control unit 347 calculates the payment amount by subtracting the price of one drink from the amount of the payment target information.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The flow of privilege information registration will now be described. Here, an example will be described in which a facility staff member U21 registers privilege information for a commercial facility 41. First, the management terminal 61 accepts input from the facility staff member U21 regarding the privilege details available at the commercial facility 41, the issuance conditions, and the target facility. The issuance conditions include, for example, event information for which the privilege issuance is required. The target facility is the commercial facility 41. The management terminal 61 then transmits a privilege information master registration request, including the received privilege details, issuance conditions, and target facility, to the privilege information issuing device 300 via the network N. In response, the privilege information issuing device 300 issues a privilege ID corresponding to the privilege details included in the received privilege information master registration request, and associates the issued privilege ID 3131 with the target facility 3132, privilege details 3133, and issuance conditions 3134 included in the request, and registers them in the memory unit 310 as the privilege information master 313. Similarly, a facility staff member U2n registers privilege information for a commercial facility 4n. Note that an area staff member U3 may also use the management terminal 600 to register privilege information for the commercial facility 41, etc. Furthermore, the facility personnel U21 to U2n and the area personnel U3 may update the registered privilege information, such as the privilege content, issuance conditions, and applicable facilities.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the facial recognition payment and bonus information issuance process according to the present embodiment 2. It is assumed that the member information registration process of Fig. 9 and the admission qualification information registration process of Fig. 11 have been completed for user U1. In the following description, it is assumed that user U1 has visited the commercial facility 41.

[0092] First, user U1 decides on a product to purchase at the commercial facility 41 and proceeds to the payment terminal 51 to make payment. The payment terminal 51 then scans the purchased product and inputs and displays payment target information via the touch panel 550 (S301). At this time, the payment terminal 51 may issue a payment ID for the input payment target information. Subsequently, the camera 540 of the payment terminal 51 captures a picture of user U1's face (S302). The payment terminal 51 then transmits a facial recognition payment request, including the facial image of user U1, terminal information 512, and payment target information including the payment ID, to the reward information issuing device 300 via the network N (S303). The reward information issuing device 300 then performs a facial recognition payment and reward information issuing process (S304).

[0093] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the facial recognition payment and bonus information issuance process according to the second embodiment. First, the bonus information issuance device 300 receives a facial recognition payment request including a facial image, terminal information, and payment target information from the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S321). Then, the bonus information issuance device 300 transmits a facial recognition request including the facial image to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S322). In response, the authentication device 200 performs a facial recognition process similar to that shown in FIG. 12 above. Then, the bonus information issuance device 300 receives a facial recognition result from the authentication device 200 (S323). Then, the bonus information issuance device 300 determines whether the facial authentication was successful (S324).

[0094] If the facial authentication is successful, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the user ID whose facial authentication was successful (S325). Then, the reward information issuing device 300 performs payment processing for the payment target information using the payment information 3124 for the identified user ID 3121 (S326). For example, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the payment information 3124 associated with the identified user ID 3121 from the user information 312. Then, the reward information issuing device 300 uses the identified payment information 3124 to send an instruction to a payment server (not shown) to debit the amount (payment amount) of the payment target information included in the facial authentication payment request, and receives the payment result.

[0095] The privilege information issuing device 300 then determines whether the admission credential information associated with the identified user ID satisfies the conditions for issuing privilege information (S327). Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300 references the user information 312 and determines whether admission credential information 3125 is associated with the identified user ID 3121. If it is determined that the admission credential information 3125 is associated with the user ID 3121, the privilege information issuing device 300 identifies the event information 314 corresponding to the admission credential information 3125. The privilege information issuing device 300 then determines whether the event ID of the identified event information is defined in the issuance conditions 3134 from the privilege information master 313. If the event ID of the identified event information is defined in the issuance conditions, the privilege information issuing device 300 determines that the admission credential information associated with the user ID whose face authentication was successful satisfies the conditions for issuing privilege information.

[0096] If it is determined in step S327 that the admission eligibility information satisfies the issuance conditions, the reward information issuing device 300 determines reward information based on the payment target information (S328). In this embodiment, the reward information issuing device 300 determines reward information related to use of the event venue 40 based on the payment target information. Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 identifies the payment amount and the type of purchased product or service included in the payment target information. Then, for example, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine to issue reward information related to use of the event venue 40 if the identified payment amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine to issue reward information related to use of the event venue 40 if the identified type of purchased product is a specific product, such as an eco-related product. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine to issue reward information related to use of the event venue 40 if the identified type of service is a specific service at the commercial facility 41, such as a specific food and drink menu. These actions lead to promotion of use of the specific product or service. Furthermore, if the specified payment amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine, as the reward information, information on a higher discount than usual. Alternatively, if the specified payment amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine, as the reward information, that the user can upgrade the seat for the admission qualification information they have already purchased. Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300 may refer to the latest seat sales status for the target event, detect vacant seats eligible for upgrade (e.g., seats A), and determine the detected seat class as the reward information. Furthermore, if the type of the specified purchased product is an eco-related product, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine, as the reward information, that limited-edition goods will be given as a gift at the event venue. Furthermore, if the type of the specified service used is a specific food and beverage menu at the commercial facility 41, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine, as the reward information, that a specific food menu at a store within the event venue 40 will be free of charge. The reward information issuing device 300 may determine the validity period of the reward information based on the payment target information.

[0097] The privilege information issuance device 300 then issues the privilege information determined in step S328 (S329). Specifically, the privilege information issuance device 300 generates privilege management information 315 by associating the privilege ID, target facility (event venue 40), and privilege content of the determined privilege information as an issued privilege ID 3151, a target facility 3155, and privilege content 3156. Furthermore, the privilege information issuance device 300 sets the user ID identified in step S325 as user ID 3152, the current date and time as issue date and time 3153, and the determined validity period as validity period 3154 for the generated privilege management information 315. The privilege information issuance device 300 registers the generated and set privilege management information 315 in the storage unit 310. Additionally, the privilege information issuance device 300 generates code information including the privilege ID of the issued privilege information.

[0098] The privilege information issuing device 300 then identifies the user terminal 100 as the notification destination from the terminal information 3122 associated with the user ID 3121 identified in step S325 (S330). If face authentication fails in step S324, the privilege information issuing device 300 returns a message to the payment terminal 51 indicating that payment is not possible (S331). If it is determined in step S327 that the admission qualification information does not satisfy the issuance conditions, the privilege information is not issued and the process ends.

[0099] Returning to FIG. 13 , the explanation continues. After step S330, the reward information issuing device 300 transmits a payment completion notification to the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S305). In response, the payment terminal 51 receives the payment completion notification and displays the payment result. The reward information issuing device 300 also transmits a reward information usage notification to the user terminal 100 of user U1 via the network N (S306). In response, the user terminal 100 receives the reward information usage notification and displays the reward information (S307).

[0100] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued privilege information according to the second embodiment. The notification message 715 is text information included in the notified privilege information. The reason for issuance 716 is text information included in the notified privilege information and indicating the reason for the issuance of the privilege information. In this example, the notification message 715 indicates, "A coupon for use of the event venue has been issued to the purchaser of an admission ticket to the event!" The reason for issuance 716 indicates that the payment amount at the nearby store is 8,000 yen or more. The coupon 71 displays the target facility 711, validity period 712, privilege details 713, and code information 714. The target facility 711 indicates the event venue, and the validity period 712 indicates that it is valid until entry to the event. The privilege details 713 indicates that the seat of the admission ticket to the event can be upgraded from seat B to seat A. The code information 714 is a two-dimensional code including a privilege ID. The target facility 711, validity period 712, benefit details 713, code information 714, notification message 715, and reason for issue 716 are examples and are not limited to these.

[0101] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued benefit information according to the second embodiment. The notification message 725 is the same as the notification message 715 described above. The reason for issuance 726 indicates that the coupon is for the purchase of an eco-friendly product at a nearby store. The coupon 72 displays a target facility 721, a validity period 722, benefit details 723, and code information 724. The target facility 721 is the same as the target facility 711 described above. The validity period 722 indicates that the coupon is valid only on the day of the event. The benefit details 723 indicate that limited-edition goods will be given as a gift at the event venue. The code information 724 is a two-dimensional code including a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 721, validity period 722, benefit details 723, code information 724, notification message 725, and reason for issuance 726 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0102] In this manner, in this embodiment, a user who has admission credential information for an event held at an event venue can obtain privilege information related to use of the event venue based on the details of the payment when making a payment at a nearby commercial facility. Specifically, the user can receive various privileges related to use of event venues near the commercial facility where the payment is made, based on factors such as the amount of the payment and whether the purchased items are eco-related products. This can encourage future purchases of admission credential information and consumption behavior at nearby commercial facilities. This can contribute to cooperative use between the event venue and surrounding commercial facilities, and can contribute to regional revitalization.

[0103] In step S328 of FIG. 14 described above, the reward information issuing device 300 may determine reward information based on the purchase history of the user who has successfully passed face authentication. For example, if the number of purchases at the commercial facility is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number, or if the total purchase amount is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount, a reward better than usual may be granted. A reward better than usual may be, for example, a higher discount rate or amount, or a higher value of a free gift. Alternatively, a first-time reward may be granted if this is the first time the user has purchased admission credential information or made a first payment at the commercial facility.

[0104] When the conditions for issuing bonus information are met, the bonus information issuing device 300 may present multiple bonus information candidates to the user and allow the user to select one. For example, the bonus information issuing device 300 may present bonus information candidates such as a seat upgrade, a discount coupon for purchases at a store within the event venue, or a gift of original goods at the event venue.

[0105] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment 3 is a modification of the above-described embodiment 2. The information resulting from the payment in this embodiment 3 includes details of the actions taken in connection with the payment. The issuing unit then issues benefit information including details of benefits corresponding to the details of the actions. In particular, the details of the actions include actions related to protecting the global environment. Furthermore, the actions related to protecting the global environment include at least one of using public transportation or a bicycle to travel to a commercial facility or not using packaging materials when making a payment.

[0106] Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a privileged information issuing system 1000a according to the third embodiment. Compared to Fig. 3 described above, the privileged information issuing system 1000a is configured by adding a commercial facility 4n+1 in area 4 and modifying the privileged information issuing device 300a. Note that other configurations of the privileged information issuing system 1000a according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment described above, and therefore redundant explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0107] Commercial facility 4n+1, like commercial facility 41 described above, is a bicycle parking lot, an example of a peripheral facility or nearby commercial facility of event venue 40. The operator of the bicycle parking lot is an affiliated business with the operator of event venue 40. Commercial facility 4n+1 is equipped with a payment terminal 5n+1 that includes functions similar to those of payment terminal 51 described above. Furthermore, area manager U3 uses management terminal 600 to register benefit information related to use of event venue 40, with use (bicycle parking) and payment (payment of bicycle parking fees) of commercial facility 4n+1 as conditions for issuance. User U1-2, who carries and operates user terminal 100-2, is a purchaser of admission eligibility information for an event held at event venue 40, travels by bicycle to area 4, and parks the bicycle in the bicycle parking lot. User U1-2 performs facial authentication using payment terminal 5n+1 when parking the bicycle at commercial facility 4n+1, paying the bicycle parking fee, and registering the mileage. Specifically, when user U1-2 parks his / her bicycle, payment terminal 5n+1 may transmit a bicycle parking registration request A, including a facial image of user U1-2 and terminal information of payment terminal 5n+1, to the reward information issuing device 300a. Furthermore, when paying the bicycle parking fee, payment terminal 5n+1 may transmit a facial recognition payment request B, including a facial image of user U1-2 and terminal information of payment terminal 5n+1, to the reward information issuing device 300a. Furthermore, payment terminal 5n+1 may obtain the bicycle mileage from user U1-2 or user terminal 100-2, and transmit a mileage registration request C, including a facial image of user U1-2, the mileage, and terminal information of payment terminal 5n+1, to the reward information issuing device 300a. The user terminal 100-2 may also acquire the bicycle mileage of the user U1-2 and transmit a mileage registration request D including a facial image of the user U1-2, the mileage, and the terminal information of the commercial facility 4n+1 to the bonus information issuing device 300a. The payment terminal 5n+1 and the user terminal 100-2 are each connected to the network N.

[0108] The reward information issuing device 300a receives the bicycle parking registration request A described above from the payment terminal 5n+1 and identifies bicycle use as the activity content of the user whose face has been successfully authenticated. The reward information issuing device 300a also receives a facial authentication payment request B from the payment terminal 5n+1 when paying the bicycle parking fee, and pays the bicycle parking fee using the payment information of the user whose face has been successfully authenticated, and also identifies bicycle use as the activity content of the user. The reward information issuing device 300a also receives the mileage registration request C or D described above from the payment terminal 5n+1 or the user terminal 100-2, and identifies the bicycle mileage as the activity content of the user whose face has been successfully authenticated. In these cases, the reward information issuing device 300a registers the identified activity content in association with the user ID. The reward information issuing device 300a also issues reward information based on the activity content of the user whose face has been successfully authenticated. Specifically, if the activity involves the use of a bicycle or if the bicycle has traveled a predetermined distance or more, the privilege information issuing device 300a determines that the activity constitutes an eco-activity and issues privilege information regarding the use of the event venue 40. Furthermore, the privilege information issuing device 300a may change the privilege content depending on the bicycle's travel distance. Specifically, the privilege information issuing device 300a may increase the discount rate or amount of the privilege content as the travel distance increases, or may make the privilege exchangeable for a more expensive or rare product.

[0109] 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the facial recognition payment and bonus information issuance process according to the third embodiment. First, the bonus information issuing device 300a receives a facial recognition payment request B, which includes a facial image, terminal information, and payment target information (bicycle parking fee), from the payment terminal 5n+1 via the network N (S321). The bonus information issuing device 300a then executes steps S322 to S325 of FIG. 14 described above. The bonus information issuing device 300a then performs payment processing for the bicycle parking fee using the payment information of user U1-2 (S326).

[0110] The reward information issuing device 300a then determines whether the admission eligibility information associated with the identified user ID satisfies the conditions for issuing reward information (S327). If it is determined in step S327 that the admission eligibility information satisfies the conditions, the reward information issuing device 300a determines whether the activity performed in connection with the payment is an eco-activity (S341). In this case, since the activity performed in connection with the payment based on the facial recognition payment request B is bicycle use, the reward information issuing device 300a determines that this corresponds to an eco-activity, which is an activity related to protecting the global environment. Furthermore, assume that the reward information issuing device 300a received bicycle parking registration request A from payment terminal 5n+1 prior to the facial recognition payment request B, and bicycle use was registered as the activity. In this case, the reward information issuing device 300a also determines that the activity performed in connection with the payment corresponds to an eco-activity.

[0111] Alternatively, suppose that the privilege information issuing device 300a receives a mileage registration request C from payment terminal 5n+1 or a mileage registration request D from user terminal 100-2, and the bicycle mileage is registered as activity content, prior to the facial authentication payment request B. Even if the bicycle mileage included in the activity content associated with the user whose face has been successfully authenticated is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the privilege information issuing device 300a determines that the activity content corresponds to an eco-activity.

[0112] If the activity performed in connection with the payment is determined to be an eco-activity in step S341, the reward information issuing device 300a determines reward information based on the activity (S342). For example, if the activity is using a bicycle or the bicycle has traveled a predetermined distance or more, the reward information issuing device 300a may determine, as reward information, a discount on the purchase price of admission qualification information for the next event.

[0113] On the other hand, if the activity performed in connection with the payment in step S341 is not an eco-activity, the bonus information issuing device 300a determines bonus information based on the payment target information, similar to step S328 in Figure 14 described above.

[0114] After step S342 or S328, the reward information issuing device 300a issues the determined reward information, similar to steps S329 and S330 of FIG. 14 described above, and identifies the user terminal 100 as the notification destination from the terminal information 3122. The reward information issuing device 300a then transmits a payment completion notification to the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S305), and the payment terminal 51 receives the payment completion notification and displays the payment result. The reward information issuing device 300a also transmits a reward information usage notification to the user terminal 100-2 of user U1-2 via the network N (S306). In response, the user terminal 100-2 receives the reward information usage notification and displays the reward information (S307).

[0115] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued benefit information according to the third embodiment. The notification message 735 is the same as the notification message 715 described above. The reason for issuance 736 indicates eco-friendly activity (using a bicycle). The coupon 73 displays a target facility 731, a validity period 732, benefit details 733, and code information 734. The target facility 731 is the same as the target facility 711 described above. The validity period 732 indicates that the offer is valid until the admission ticket sales date for the next event. The benefit details 733 indicates that admission tickets for the next event are 20% off. The code information 734 is a two-dimensional code containing a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 731, validity period 732, benefit details 733, code information 734, notification message 735, and reason for issuance 736 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0116] Note that eco-friendly activities are not limited to bicycle use, but may also include using public transportation (such as a bus or train) to travel to a commercial facility or not using packaging materials (so-called plastic bags) when making payments. In the case of using public transportation, commercial facility 4n+1 may be a train station, bus stop, or the like, and payment terminal 5n+1 may be a station ticket gate, or the like. Furthermore, in the case of not using plastic bags, payment terminal 51 may include information indicating not using plastic bags in a facial recognition payment request and transmit this information to reward information issuing device 300a. In this case, after the payment process in step S326, reward information issuing device 300a identifies information indicating not using plastic bags from the facial recognition payment request as an action performed in connection with the payment, and determines in step S341 that not using plastic bags constitutes an eco-friendly activity.

[0117] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued benefit information according to the third embodiment. The notification message 745 is the same as the notification message 715 described above. The reason for issuance 746 indicates eco-friendly activity (not using plastic bags). The coupon 74 displays a target facility 741, a validity period 742, benefit details 743, and code information 744. The target facility 741 is the same as the target facility 711 described above. The validity period 742 indicates that the coupon is valid only on the day of the event. The benefit details 743 indicate that the coupon is 5% off at stores within the event venue 40. The code information 744 is a two-dimensional code including a benefit ID. Note that the target facility 741, validity period 742, benefit details 743, code information 744, notification message 745, and reason for issuance 746 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0118] In this manner, in this embodiment, benefit information related to the use of the event venue is issued based on the details of the actions taken in connection with the payment, as information resulting from the payment at the commercial facility, rather than the payment itself. This makes various actions related to payments at facilities around the event venue eligible for benefits at the event venue. This can promote mutual use of the event venue and surrounding facilities. In particular, in this embodiment, benefits can be enjoyed when actions related to protecting the global environment (eco-activities) are taken in connection with payments at facilities around the event venue. This can also contribute to protecting the global environment.

[0119] The use of public transportation to travel to an area including an event venue or commercial facility may be detected by using a usage history of electronic money that can be used to pay for transportation. For example, the reward information issuing device may associate a user ID with the ID of the electronic money and acquire the usage history corresponding to the electronic money ID from the electronic money usage management server at a predetermined timing. Then, if the reward information issuing device detects, based on the acquired usage history, that public transportation was used to travel to the area, it may issue reward information and notify the user.

[0120] <Fourth Embodiment> This fourth embodiment is a modification of the second or third embodiment described above. In this fourth embodiment, the privilege information is so-called "points," which are an example of electronic value-added information. The following describes a case in which the points can be used for other privileges related to use of the event venue 40, exchanged for products that can be purchased at the event venue 40, or used for services provided at the event venue 40. Note that the overall configuration of the privilege information issuing system according to this fourth embodiment is the same as that of the second or third embodiment described above, and therefore, duplicate explanations and illustrations will be omitted.

[0121] Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a privilege information issuing device 300b according to embodiment 4. Compared to Fig. 8 described above, the privilege information issuing device 300b has modified program 311b and issuing unit 344b, and has added point balance 3126 in user information 312, number of points 3133b in privilege information master 313, point usage target master 316, and usage unit 348.

[0122] Program 311b is a computer program (benefit information issuing program) that implements the processing of program 311 described above as well as the processing of embodiment 4. Point balance 3126 is associated with user ID 3121 and indicates the balance of points as benefit information issued to the corresponding user. Point balance 3126 is added when a point is issued and subtracted when the point is used (exchanged).

[0123] The number of points 3133b is associated with the privilege ID 3131 and is the number of points to be issued in the corresponding privilege information. Note that the number of points 3133b may be included in the privilege content 3133.

[0124] The point use object master 316 is information for managing master data on products, services, etc. that are targets for use in the point balance 3126. The point use object master 316 is information that associates a use object ID 3161, a use content 3162, and a required number of points 3163. The use object ID 3161 is identification information for the target of point use. The use content 3162 is the content of the target of point use. For example, the use content 3162 is a discount coupon that can be used at a store within the event venue 40, limited edition goods that can be obtained within the event venue 40, an admission ticket for the next event, an exchange for other points, etc. The required number of points 3163 is the number of points required to use or exchange the corresponding use content 3162.

[0125] The issuing unit 344b determines the number of points that can be used to pay for use of the event venue based on the information resulting from the payment. The issuing unit 344b then issues benefit information by adding the determined number of points to the user's point balance 3126. The using unit 348 uses the points designated by the user from the point balance 3126 for other benefits (use targets) at the event venue 40.

[0126] 22 is a flowchart showing the process of facial recognition payment and bonus information issuance according to the fourth embodiment. First, the bonus information issuing device 300b executes steps S321 to S326 of FIG. 14 described above, and determines in S327 that the admission qualification information satisfies the issuance conditions. Then, similar to step S341 of FIG. 18 described above, the bonus information issuing device 300b determines whether the activity performed in connection with the payment is an eco-activity.

[0127] If the activity performed in connection with the payment is determined to be an eco-activity in step S341, the reward information issuing device 300b determines the number of points to be issued based on the activity (S342b). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300b identifies a reward ID 3131 whose activity is defined in the issuance conditions 3134 from the reward information master 313, and identifies the number of points 3133b associated with the identified reward ID 3131. Note that in step S342b, the reward information issuing device 300b may determine the number of points to be issued based on the activity and the payment target information.

[0128] If it is determined in step S341 that the activity performed in connection with the payment is not an eco-activity, the reward information issuing device 300b determines the number of points to be issued based on the payment target information (S328b). Specifically, the reward information issuing device 300b identifies a reward ID 3131 from the reward information master 313, whose payment target information includes the amount, type of purchased product, etc., defined in the issuance conditions 3134, and identifies the number of points 3133b associated with the identified reward ID 3131.

[0129] After step S342b or S328b, the reward information issuing device 300b adds the determined number of points to the point balance 3126 associated with the user ID 3121 identified in step S325 (S329b). Thereafter, the reward information issuing device 300b identifies the user terminal 100 as the notification destination from the terminal information 3122, similar to step S330 of FIG. 14 described above. Thereafter, the reward information issuing device 300b transmits a payment completion notification to the payment terminal 51 via the network N (S305). The payment terminal 51 receives the payment completion notification and displays the payment result. The reward information issuing device 300b also transmits a reward information usage notification to the user terminal 100 of user U1 via the network N (S306). In response, the user terminal 100 receives the reward information usage notification and displays the reward information (number of issued points, point balance, etc.) (S307).

[0130] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the display of issued benefit information according to the fourth embodiment. The notification message 755 indicates that "Points have been issued to the purchaser of the admission ticket to the event for use of the event venue!" The reason for issuance 756 indicates that it is eco-friendly activity (the bicycle distance traveled is greater than or equal to the threshold). The number of issued points 751 indicates that 100 points were issued because the bicycle distance traveled is greater than or equal to the threshold. The point balance 752 indicates that the current point balance is 4,500 points. The expiration date 753 indicates the expiration date of the points. The target facility 754 indicates that the facility where the points can be used is the event venue 40.

[0131] The point use target list 76 shows the number of points required 760 for each target. Coupon 761 is a gift of limited edition merchandise, and indicates that 200 points are required to use it. Coupon 762 is a gift of limited edition merchandise, and indicates that 200 points are required to use it. Coupon 762 is a gift of limited edition merchandise, and indicates that 500 points are required to use it. Coupon 763 is a 5% discount at stores within the event venue, and indicates that 500 points are required to use it. Coupon 763 is an admission ticket (seat A) for the next event, and indicates that 6,000 points are required to use it. Exchange for other points 764 indicates that 500 or more points are required to exchange for points of other point services that can be used for consumption behavior at the event venue 40.

[0132] After this, when user U1 selects either coupons 761-763 or exchange for other points 764, the user terminal 100 transmits a usage request to the reward information issuing device 300b via the network N, the usage request including user U1's facial image, coupon ID (reward ID), etc., and a specified number of points. In response, the reward information issuing device 300b performs facial authentication based on the facial image included in the received usage request, and if facial authentication is successful, performs point usage processing. For example, if coupon 761 is selected, the reward information issuing device 300b issues reward information corresponding to coupon 761 and subtracts 200 points from user U1's point balance 3126. Furthermore, if exchange for other points 764 and the number of exchange points are selected, the reward information issuing device 300b subtracts the number of exchange points from user U1's point balance 3126 and transmits a request to add the number of exchange points to the other point service. As a result, the privilege information issuing device 300b can use the points designated by the user from the point balance 3126 for other privileges (targets) at the event venue 40.

[0133] As described above, according to this embodiment, after purchasing admission credentials for an event venue, points can be issued based on information resulting from payments at commercial facilities near the event venue, and the accumulated points can be used for other benefits available at the event venue 40. This provides users with an incentive to continue purchasing admission credentials and making payments at nearby commercial facilities. Therefore, this embodiment can also promote mutual use of the event venue and surrounding facilities.

[0134] Other Embodiments As described above, "information resulting from a payment" includes whether or not special offer information was used in the payment. For example, if a payment is made at a commercial facility near an event venue and the payment user successfully authenticates the payment user and uses specific special offer information, the special offer information issuing device may issue different special offer information and notify the user who made the payment of the issued special offer information. For example, if a coupon is used at a commercial facility near the event venue, a coupon that can be used within the event venue may be issued. This may further promote mutual use of the event venue and surrounding facilities within the area.

[0135] The reward information issuing device may notify the user terminal of the conditions for issuing reward information upon request from the user, periodically, or at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the reward information issuing device may notify the user of the conditions for issuing reward information and the details of the reward before the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue. Alternatively, the reward information issuing device may notify the user terminal of the reward information and its issuance conditions instead of issuing the reward information when a facial recognition payment request is made. FIG. 24 illustrates an example of the display of conditions for issuing reward information. A notification message 770 is text information included in the notified information. Here, the notification message 770 indicates, "Coupons for use of the event venue are available for purchasers of event admission tickets!" Each of coupons 71 to 74 indicates an issueable coupon. Coupon 71 includes issuance conditions 771 in addition to the target facility 711, validity period 712, and reward details 713 described above. The issuance conditions 771 indicate that the condition for issuing coupon 71 is that the payment amount at a nearby store is 8,000 yen or more. The coupon 72 includes the target facility 721, validity period 722, and benefit content 723, as well as issue conditions 772. The issue conditions 772 indicate that the condition for issuing the coupon 72 is the purchase of an eco-friendly product at a nearby store. The coupon 73 includes the target facility 731, validity period 732, and benefit content 733, as well as issue conditions 773. The issue conditions 773 indicate that the condition for issuing the coupon 73 is eco-friendly activity (using a bicycle). The coupon 74 includes the target facility 741, validity period 742, and benefit content 743, as well as issue conditions 774. The issue conditions 774 indicate that the condition for issuing the coupon 74 is eco-friendly activity (not using plastic bags). Note that the notification message 770, coupons 71 to 74, and especially the issue conditions 771 to 774 are merely examples and are not limiting. These allow the user to know in advance that they can obtain benefit information by purchasing admission credentials and paying at a commercial facility near the event venue. This increases the motivation of users to make purchases or engage in eco-friendly activities in order to meet the conditions for issuing special benefit information.

[0136] The privilege information issuing device may also issue and notify privilege information to users who have admission qualification information for a specific event or who have already entered the event periodically or at a predetermined timing. In other words, the privilege information issuing device may automatically recommend privilege information to a corresponding user without receiving a privilege issuance request from the user.

[0137] The reward information issuing device may execute the reward information issuing process at any timing after the facial recognition payment process is completed. As described above, the reward information issuing device may notify the user terminal of the conditions for issuing the reward information in advance, that is, separately from the facial recognition payment process.

[0138] The benefit information issuing device may notify the user terminal of the current point balance and the point redemption list in response to a user request. Specifically, in the above-mentioned FIG. 23, the user terminal may display the notification message 755, the reason for issuance 756, and the number of issued points 751 without displaying them. This encourages the user to engage in eco-friendly activities and spend money at commercial facilities near the event venue.

[0139] The condition for issuing the bonus information is not limited to facial recognition payment, but may include successful identity authentication at an identity authentication terminal installed at a specific location within area 4. Specific locations include, but are not limited to, specific stores, tourist spots, and other locations to which the user is to be guided. For example, the condition for issuing the bonus information may include entering and exiting a specific location using facial recognition, checking in at an accommodation facility using facial recognition, etc. Furthermore, the means for confirming check-in at a specific location is not limited to identity authentication such as facial recognition and terminal information, but may also use GPS (Global Positioning System) information from the user's terminal, location information from a Wi-Fi base station, etc.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the personal authentication is described as facial authentication, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the payment process is described as facial authentication payment, but may be applied to other payment methods. Furthermore, the personal authentication when issuing special offer information, when entering and exiting an event venue, and when using special offer information at commercial facilities near the event venue are not limited to facial authentication, and other personal authentication methods, as described below, may be applied.

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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 .

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] Furthermore, the validity period (usable period) of the bonus information may be a predetermined period such as a few hours including at least one of the time periods before and after the start of the event, only on the day of the event, or several weeks including the day of the event.

[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 authentication control means for controlling the authentication of a user who has purchased admission credentials that enable entry to an event venue through personal authentication when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuing means for issuing reward information related to use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment if the personal authentication is successful; and a notification means for notifying the user's terminal of the issued reward information. (Supplementary Note A2) The reward information issuing device described in Supplementary Note A1, wherein the information resulting from the payment includes a payment amount, and the issuing means issues the reward information including reward details corresponding to the payment amount. (Supplementary Note A3) The reward information issuing device described in Supplementary Note A1 or A2, wherein the information resulting from the payment includes a type of product purchased in the payment, and the issuing means issues the reward information if the type of product purchased is an eco-related product. (Appendix A4) The reward information issuing device of any one of Appendices A1 to A3, wherein the information resulting from the payment includes details of an action taken in connection with the payment, and the issuing means issues the reward information including details of a reward corresponding to the details of the action. (Appendix A5) The reward information issuing device of Appendices A4, wherein the details of the action include an action related to protecting the global environment. (Appendix A6) The reward information issuing device of Appendices A5, wherein the action related to protecting the global environment includes at least one of using public transportation or a bicycle to travel to the commercial facility, or not using packaging materials in the payment. (Appendix A7) The reward information issuing device of any one of Appendices A1 to A6, wherein the issuing means determines a number of points that can be used to pay for use of the event venue based on the information resulting from the payment, and issues the reward information by adding the determined number of points to the user's point balance, and further comprises a using means for using points designated by the user from the point balance for another reward at the event venue.(Appendix A8) The reward information issuing device according to any one of Appendices A1 to A7, wherein the commercial facility is a facility in partnership with the event venue. (Appendix B1) A reward information issuing system comprising: a storage device that stores admission credential information enabling entry to the event venue through personal authentication and personal authentication information for registration of a user who has purchased the admission credential information, in association with each other; and a reward information issuing device connected to the storage device, wherein the reward information issuing device comprises: authentication control means that, when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue, controls personal authentication by referencing the storage device using the personal authentication information for authentication obtained from the user; issuing means that, if the personal authentication is successful, issues reward information related to use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment; and notification means that notifies the user's terminal of the issued reward information. (Appendix B2) A reward information issuing system according to Appendix B1, wherein the information resulting from the payment includes a payment amount, and the issuing means issues the reward information including reward details corresponding to the payment amount. (Supplementary Note C1) A reward information issuing method in which a computer controls personal authentication of a user who has purchased admission credential information that enables entry to an event venue through personal authentication, when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue, and if the personal authentication is successful, issues reward information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment, and notifies the user's terminal of the issued reward information. (Supplementary Note D1) A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a reward information issuing program that causes a computer to execute the following: an authentication control process that controls personal authentication of a user who has purchased admission credential information that enables entry to an event venue through personal authentication, when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue, an issuance process that issues reward information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment, when the personal authentication is successful, and a notification process that notifies the user's terminal of the issued reward information.

[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 Authentication control unit 12 Issuance unit 13 Notification unit 1000 Privilege information issuing system N Network U1 User U21 Facility staff U2n Facility staff U3 Area staff 100 User terminal 110 Storage unit 111 Program 112 Terminal information 120 Memory 130 Communication unit 140 Camera 150 Touch panel 160 Control unit 161 Registration unit 162 Privilege processing unit 200 Authentication device 210 Face information DB 211 User ID 212 Face feature information 220 Face detection unit 230 Feature point extraction unit 240 Registration unit 250 Authentication unit 300 Privilege information issuing device 310 Storage unit 311 Program 312 User information 3121 User ID 3122 Terminal information 3123 Attribute information 3124 Payment information 3125 Admission qualification information 313 Privilege information master 3131 Privilege ID 3132 Target facility 3133 Privilege content 3134 Issuance conditions 314 Event information 315 Privilege management information 3151 Issued privilege ID 3152 User ID 3153 Issue date and time 3154 Validity period 320 Memory 330 Communication unit 340 Control unit 341 Registration unit 342 Authentication control unit 343 Identification unit 344 Issuance unit 345 Notification unit 346 Admission determination unit 347 Payment control unit 4 Area 40 Event venue 401 Admission control terminal 402 Event hall 41 Commercial facility 51 Payment terminal 61 Management terminal 4n Commercial facility 5n Payment terminal 6n Management terminal 600 Management terminal 410 Storage unit 411 Program 412 Terminal information 420 Memory 430 Communication unit 440 Camera 450 Touch panel 460 Control unit 461 Reception unit 462 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 71 Coupon 711 Target facility 712 Validity period 713 Benefit details 714 Code information 715 Notification message716 Reason for issue 72 Coupon 721 Target facility 722 Validity period 723 Benefit details 724 Code information 725 Notification message 726 Reason for issue 73 Coupon 731 Target facility 732 Validity period 733 Benefit details 734 Code information 735 Notification message 736 Reason for issue 74 Coupon 741 Target facility 742 Validity period 743 Benefit details 744 Code information 745 Notification message 746 Reason for issue 75 Coupon 751 Number of issued points 752 Point balance 753 Expiry date 754 Target facility 755 Notification message 756 Reason for issue 76 Point usage list 760 Number of required points 761 Coupon 762 Coupon 763 Coupon 764 Exchange for other points 1000a Benefit information issuing system 300a Privilege information issuing device 4n+1 Commercial facility 5n+1 Payment terminal U1-2 User 100-2 User terminal 300b Privilege information issuing device 311b Program 3126 Point balance 3133b Number of points 316 Point usage target master 3161 Usage target ID 3162 Usage content 3163 Number of required points 344b Issuing unit 348 Usage unit 770 Notification message 771 Issuing conditions 772 Issuing conditions 773 Issuing conditions 774 Issuing conditions

Claims

1. an authentication control means for controlling authentication of a user who has purchased admission credential information enabling admission to an event venue through personal authentication, when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuing means for issuing privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment if the identity authentication is successful; a notification means for notifying the user terminal of the issued special offer information; A special offer information issuing device comprising:

2. The information resulting from the payment includes a payment amount of the payment, The issuing means issues the benefit information including a benefit content according to the payment amount.

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

3. The information resulting from the payment includes a type of product purchased in the payment, The issuing means issues the benefit information when the type of the purchased product is an eco-related product.

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

4. The information resulting from the payment includes the content of actions taken in connection with the payment, The issuing means issues the benefit information including a benefit content according to the action content.

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

5. The content of the actions includes actions related to protecting the global environment.

5. The bonus information issuing device according to claim 4.

6. The action related to protecting the global environment includes at least one of using public transportation or a bicycle to travel to the commercial facility, or not using packaging materials in the payment.

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

7. the issuing means determines the number of points that can be used for payment for use of the event venue based on the information resulting from the settlement, and issues the benefit information by adding the determined number of points to the user's point balance; The point balance may further include a usage unit for using points designated by the user for other benefits at the event venue.

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

8. The commercial facility is a facility that has an affiliated relationship with the event venue.

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

9. a storage device that stores admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue through personal authentication and personal authentication information for registering a user who has purchased the admission credential information, in association with each other; a privilege information issuing device connected to the storage device, The privilege information issuing device an authentication control means for controlling personal authentication by referring to the storage device using personal authentication information acquired from the user when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuing means for issuing privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment if the identity authentication is successful; a notification means for notifying the user terminal of the issued special offer information; A privilege information issuing system comprising:

10. The information resulting from the payment includes a payment amount of the payment, The issuing means issues the benefit information including a benefit content according to the payment amount. The bonus information issuing system according to claim 9.

11. The computer When a user who has purchased admission credentials that enable entry to an event venue through personal authentication makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue, the user's personal authentication is controlled; If the identity authentication is successful, issue privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment; notifying the user's terminal of the issued benefit information; How bonus information is issued.

12. an authentication control process for controlling authentication of a user who has purchased admission credential information that enables admission to an event venue through personal authentication, when the user makes a payment at a commercial facility near the event venue; an issuing process for issuing privilege information regarding use of the event venue based on information resulting from the payment if the identity authentication is successful; a notification process for notifying the user terminal of the issued bonus information; A bonus information issuing program that causes a computer to execute the above.