Information processing apparatus, authentication system, authentication method, and program

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device, an authentication system, an authentication method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium capable of improving user satisfaction while alleviating congestion. An information processing device (10) comprises: a destination acquisition unit (11) that acquires destination information relating to a desired destination desired by a user inside a facility; a registration unit (13) that registers, in a storage unit (12), biometric information for registration in association with the destination information; a congestion degree acquisition unit (14) that acquires, for each prescribed period, the congestion degree at a prescribed location which includes the desired destination; an authentication unit (15) that controls biometric authentication by using the user's biometric information for authentication which was acquired at each of a plurality of points inside the facility; an alternative destination proposing unit (16) that proposes to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination, if biometric authentication was successful and the congestion degree of the desired destination is higher than a prescribed value; and a benefit imparting unit (17) that imparts a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket.

Description

Information processing device, authentication system, authentication method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an authentication system, an authentication method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0002] For example, Patent Literature 1 describes that an entertainment facility stores a priority boarding pass in association with a user's biometric information used for biometric authentication, and allows the user to use the priority boarding pass if the biometric authentication is successful. Patent Literature 2 describes that a user can earn more points when using less crowded areas, thereby encouraging the use of less crowded areas.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 030941

[0004] However, because the number of priority boarding passes is limited, if a user is unable to obtain a priority boarding pass for a desired attraction, the user will have to wait a long time if the attraction is crowded. This makes it difficult to improve user satisfaction or alleviate congestion at the attraction.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an authentication system, an authentication method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that can alleviate congestion while improving user satisfaction.

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information related to a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; a user information registration means for correlating the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registering it in a storage means; a congestion level acquisition means for acquiring the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period; an authentication means for controlling biometric authentication by matching the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registration biometric information; an alternative destination suggestion means for suggesting to the user a priority admission ticket to an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value; and a benefit granting means for granting a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket to the alternative destination.

[0007] An authentication system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises authentication terminals installed at multiple locations within a facility, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the authentication terminal. The information processing device comprises: a destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information related to a desired destination desired by a user within the facility; a user information registration means for correlating the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registering it in a storage means; and a congestion level acquisition means for acquiring the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period. The authentication terminal comprises an authentication biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's authentication biometric information. The information processing device further comprises: an authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of the multiple locations within the facility with the registration biometric information; an alternative destination suggestion means for suggesting to the user a priority admission ticket to an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value; and a benefit granting means for granting a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket to the alternative destination.

[0008] An authentication method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a method in which a computer acquires destination information regarding a desired destination desired by a user within a facility, associates the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registers it in a storage device, acquires the congestion level of the specified location including the desired destination for each specified period, controls biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of multiple points within the facility with the registration biometric information, and if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a specified value, suggests to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the specified value, and grants a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure stores a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring destination information regarding a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; correlating the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registering it in a storage means; acquiring the congestion level of the specified location including the desired destination for each specified period; controlling biometric authentication by matching the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of multiple points within the facility with the registration biometric information; if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a specified value, offering the user a priority admission ticket to an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the specified value; and granting the user a benefit when the user uses the priority admission ticket to the alternative destination.

[0010] It is possible to provide an information processing device, an authentication system, an authentication method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that can alleviate congestion while improving user satisfaction.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an authentication method according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an authentication system according to embodiment 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an authentication terminal according to embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of user information according to embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of congestion information according to embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of priority admission ticket information according to embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a user information registration process in an authentication method according to embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an authentication method according to embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an authentication method according to embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit of an authentication terminal according to embodiment 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit of an authentication terminal according to embodiment 2.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device 10 according to embodiment 1. The information processing device 10 executes biometric authentication processing of a user acquired at each of multiple locations in an entertainment facility such as a theme park. Here, the user refers to a visitor to the entertainment facility. The information processing device 10 is capable of communicating with authentication terminals (not shown) installed at each of multiple locations in the entertainment facility. The information processing device 10 may also be capable of communicating with a user terminal (not shown) carried by the user. The information processing device 10 may also be capable of communicating with a registration terminal (not shown) installed inside or outside the entertainment facility.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 includes a destination acquisition unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , a registration unit 13 , a congestion degree acquisition unit 14 , an authentication unit 15 , an alternative destination suggestion unit 16 , and a reward granting unit 17 .

[0014] The destination acquisition unit 11 is also called a destination information acquisition means. The destination acquisition unit 11 acquires destination information related to a desired destination, which is a destination desired by a user within the entertainment facility. The destination acquisition unit 11 then supplies the acquired destination information to the registration unit 13 and the alternative destination suggestion unit 16. Here, the destination refers to, for example, an attraction, restaurant, or area of ​​the entertainment facility. The destination information includes at least information related to a predetermined location, such as the location of the gate of the attraction, restaurant, or area. In this embodiment, an authentication terminal (not shown) is assumed to be located at the predetermined location of the attraction, etc. Therefore, the destination information includes at least information related to the location (point) of the authentication terminal located at the desired destination.

[0015] The storage unit 12 is also called a storage means. The storage unit 12 stores at least destination information and biometric information for registration in association with each other.

[0016] The registration unit 13 is also referred to as a user information registration means. The registration unit 13 registers user information in the storage unit 12. Here, the user information is information in which at least destination information regarding a desired destination is associated with the user's biometric information for registration. The user's biometric information for registration is, for example, information extracted from a body image generated by photographing the user's body. The user's body to be photographed is at least a part of the user's body, such as the user's face, fingers, eyes, ears, or palm. Note that a body image acquired by photographing the user's body using one of authentication terminals installed at each of multiple locations in the entertainment facility may be transmitted from the authentication terminal to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 may also be equipped with a camera (not shown), which may photograph the user's body and acquire the body image. Alternatively, the user's body may be photographed using a camera on a user terminal capable of communicating with the information processing device 10, and the body image may be input to the information processing device 10 from the user terminal.

[0017] The congestion degree acquisition unit 14 is also called a congestion degree acquisition means. The congestion degree acquisition unit 14 acquires the congestion degree of a predetermined location, including the desired destination, for each predetermined period. For example, the congestion degree acquisition unit 14 calculates the congestion degree based on the number of people appearing in surrounding captured images taken by authentication terminals installed at each of multiple locations in an entertainment facility. The calculated congestion degree is supplied to the alternative destination suggestion unit 16.

[0018] The authentication unit 15 is also called authentication means. The authentication unit 15 controls biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired by authentication terminals installed at multiple locations in the entertainment facility with the registration biometric information stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the biometric authentication process may be performed in the information processing device 10 or in another device, for example, an authentication terminal (not shown).

[0019] The alternative destination suggestion unit 16 is also called an alternative destination suggestion means. If the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, the alternative destination suggestion unit 16 suggests to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. Specifically, the alternative destination suggestion unit 16 sends a guidance instruction suggesting a priority admission ticket for the alternative destination to the authentication terminal (not shown), and causes the authentication terminal to output the proposal for the priority admission ticket.

[0020] The privilege granting unit 17 is also called a privilege granting means. When a user uses a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination, the privilege granting unit 17 grants a privilege to the user. For example, the privilege granting unit 17 stores information about the privilege in the storage unit 12 in association with the biometric information for registration. The privilege granting unit 17 may also transmit information about the privilege to a user terminal (not shown) carried by the user.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication method according to the first embodiment. First, the destination acquisition unit 11 acquires destination information related to a desired destination within an entertainment facility (step S10). Next, the registration unit 13 associates the destination information with the user's registration biometric information and registers the information in the storage unit 12 (step S11). Next, the congestion level acquisition unit 14 acquires the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period (step S12). Next, when the authentication unit 15 receives authentication biometric information from authentication terminals installed at multiple locations within the entertainment facility, the authentication unit 15 performs biometric authentication by comparing the registration biometric information with the authentication biometric information (step S13). If the biometric authentication is unsuccessful (No in step S14), the process ends. On the other hand, if the biometric authentication is successful (Yes in step S14), the alternative destination suggestion unit 16 determines whether the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value (step S15). If the congestion level of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (No in step S15), the process ends. On the other hand, if the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value (Yes in step S15), the alternative destination suggestion unit 16 suggests to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (step S16). Next, the benefit granting unit 17 grants a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination (step S17), and then ends this process.

[0022] According to the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment described above, when a desired destination is crowded, a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination with a relatively low level of congestion is suggested to the user. This allows the user to move to a location with a relatively low level of congestion, thereby alleviating the level of congestion. Furthermore, a special benefit is given to the user who uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination, thereby improving user satisfaction. This makes it possible to alleviate congestion while also improving user satisfaction.

[0023] The information processing device 10 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the process of the authentication method according to this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. As a result, the processor realizes the functions of a destination acquisition unit 11, a registration unit 13, a congestion level acquisition unit 14, an authentication unit 15, an alternative destination suggestion unit 16, and a reward granting unit 17.

[0024] Alternatively, the destination acquisition unit 11, the registration unit 13, the congestion level acquisition unit 14, the authentication unit 15, the alternative destination suggestion unit 16, and the reward granting unit 17 may each 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, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used as the processor.

[0025] Second Embodiment Next, an authentication system 100 according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the authentication system 100 according to the second embodiment. The authentication system 100 is a computer system that performs biometric authentication of a user U in an entertainment facility such as a theme park. In the following, facial authentication will be described as an example of biometric authentication, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0026] The authentication system 100 includes authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-i, ... 200-n (1 ≤ i ≤ n, n is a positive integer) and an information processing device 300. The authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-i, ... 200-n and the information processing device 300 are capable of communicating with each other via a network N. The information processing device 300 may be capable of communicating with a user terminal (not shown) carried by a user. The information processing device 300 may be capable of communicating with a registration terminal (not shown) installed inside or outside the entertainment facility. The authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-i, ... 200-n may be capable of communicating with the user terminal using a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, the authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-i, ... 200-n may be capable of communicating with the user terminals via a network N. Furthermore, the network N is a wired or wireless communication line.

[0027] Hereinafter, when referring to the authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-i, ... 200-n without distinguishing between them, each of the authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-i, ... 200-n may be simply referred to as the authentication terminal 200. The authentication terminals 200 are, for example, digital signage that are installed at each of a plurality of points 1, 2, ... point i, ... point n in an entertainment facility.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the authentication terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the authentication terminal 200 includes a camera 210, a storage unit 220, a memory 230, a communication unit 240, an output unit 250, and a control unit 260.

[0029] The camera 210 takes an image in accordance with the control of the control unit 260. The camera 210 takes an image of the face of the user U in accordance with the control of the control unit 260. The camera 210 also takes an image of a predetermined range around the authentication terminal 200 in accordance with the control of the control unit 260.

[0030] The storage unit 220 is a storage device that stores a program 221 for realizing each function of the authentication terminal 200. The memory 230 is a volatile storage device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information when the control unit 260 is operating. The communication unit 240 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0031] The output unit 250 outputs the information processing result of the control unit 260. For example, the output unit 250 has a display unit 251 and an audio output unit 252. The display unit 251 is a display device that displays the information processing result of the control unit 260. The authentication terminal 200 may also include an input unit (not shown) that accepts input, and the display unit 251 and the input unit may be integrated into one unit, such as a touch panel. The audio output unit 252 includes a speaker (not shown) and outputs the information processing result of the control unit 260 as audio.

[0032] The control unit 260 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the authentication terminal 200. The control unit 260 loads the program 221 from the storage unit 220 into the memory 230 and executes the program 221. In this way, the control unit 260 realizes the functions of an image acquisition unit 261, a registration information acquisition unit 262, a settlement unit 263, and an output control unit 264.

[0033] The image acquisition unit 261 is also referred to as an authentication biometric information acquisition means. The image acquisition unit 261 controls the camera 210 to capture an image of the face of the user U and generate an authentication facial image that includes at least the facial region of the user U. The image acquisition unit 261 then acquires the authentication facial image and the date and time of capture from the camera 210. The image acquisition unit 261 supplies the authentication facial image and the date and time of capture to the communication unit 240 and causes the communication unit 240 to transmit the authentication facial image and the date and time of capture together with location information (point 1, point 2, ... point i, ... point n) of the authentication terminal 200 to the information processing device 300. The image acquisition unit 261 may also control the camera 210 to capture an image of the face of the user U and generate a registration facial image that includes at least the facial region of the user U. The image acquisition unit 261 may then supply the registration facial image to the communication unit 240 and cause the communication unit 240 to transmit the registration facial image to the information processing device 300. The registration face image may be captured by a user terminal (not shown) and transmitted from the user terminal to the information processing device 300. Alternatively, the registration face image may be captured by a registration terminal installed inside or outside the entertainment facility and transmitted from the registration terminal to the information processing device 300. The image acquisition unit 261 controls the camera 210 to capture an image of a predetermined range around the authentication terminal 200 and generate a surrounding captured image. The image acquisition unit 261 then acquires the surrounding captured image and the capture date and time from the camera 210. The image acquisition unit 261 also supplies the surrounding captured image and the capture date and time to the communication unit 240 and causes the communication unit 240 to transmit the surrounding captured image and the capture date and time together with location information of the authentication terminal 200 (point 1, point 2, ... point i, ... point n) to the information processing device 300.

[0034] The registration information acquisition unit 262 acquires the registration information of the user U. Here, the registration information of the user U includes the user U's name, address, telephone number, information required for payment, payment information, benefit information, etc. The information required for payment includes the card number used for payment, expiration date, etc. The payment information includes the name of the product or service purchased by the user U, the price of the product or service, the purchase date and time, etc. The name of the product purchased by the user U includes the name of the food and drink consumed by the user U at the entertainment facility, etc. The name of the service purchased by the user U includes the name of the attraction experienced by the user U at the entertainment facility, etc. Benefit information includes the number of points earned, coupons, etc. The registration information may be input to the authentication terminal 200 by the user U operating an input unit (not shown) of the authentication terminal 200. The registration information acquisition unit 262 may include a card reader and acquire the registration information of the user U by reading, for example, a driver's license or a credit card. Then, the registration information acquisition unit 262 supplies the registration information of the user U to the communication unit 240, and causes the communication unit 240 to transmit the registration information to the information processing device 300. The registration information may be transmitted from a user terminal (not shown) to the information processing device 300. The registration information may also be transmitted to the information processing device 300 from a registration terminal installed inside or outside the entertainment facility.

[0035] The payment unit 263 executes payment when facial authentication for making payment at the authentication terminal 200 is successful. Specifically, the payment unit 263 acquires information necessary for payment of user U whose facial authentication was successful from the information processing device 300, and executes payment. The payment unit 263 acquires the information necessary for payment from registration information 312C associated with user ID 312A received from the information processing device 300 together with the facial authentication result. After completing the payment, the payment unit 263 supplies the payment information of the user U to the communication unit 240, and causes the communication unit 240 to transmit the payment information to the information processing device 300.

[0036] The output control unit 264 controls the output unit 250, causing the output unit 250 to output the information processing result, thereby notifying the user U of the information processing result. For example, when the output control unit 264 receives a guidance instruction (described later) from the information processing device 300, the output control unit 264 causes the output unit 250 to output a guidance instruction proposing a priority admission ticket to an alternative destination (described later) or a desired destination (described later). In addition, the output control unit 264 causes the output unit 250 to output the result of face authentication, thereby notifying the user U of the result of face authentication.

[0037] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the information processing device 300. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing device 300 includes a storage unit 310, a memory 320, a communication unit 330, and a control unit 340.

[0038] The storage unit 310 is a storage device that stores a program 311 for realizing each function of the information processing device 300. The memory 320 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information when the control unit 340 is operating. The communication unit 330 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0039] The storage unit 310 stores user information 312. Therefore, the storage unit 310 is also referred to as a storage unit. FIG. 6 shows an example of the user information 312. As shown in FIG. 6, the user information 312 is information in which a user ID 312A, registration face information 312B, registration information 312C, and destination information 312D of a desired destination are associated with each other. The user information 312 may also include management information such as the date and time of capturing the registration face image. Here, the desired destination is a destination desired by the user within an entertainment facility. The destination may be, for example, an attraction, restaurant, or area of ​​the entertainment facility. The destination information 312D includes at least information regarding a predetermined location, such as the location of the gate of the attraction, restaurant, or area. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the authentication terminal 200 is located at the predetermined location of the attraction, etc. Therefore, the destination information 312D includes at least information regarding the location (point) of the authentication terminal 200 located at the desired destination.

[0040] The storage unit 310 stores congestion information 313. Fig. 7 shows an example of the congestion information 313. As shown in Fig. 7, the congestion information 313 is information in which a location 313A is associated with a congestion level 313B. The congestion level 313B is calculated by the congestion level acquisition unit 343, as described below.

[0041] The storage unit 310 stores priority admission ticket information 314. FIG. 8 shows an example of the priority admission ticket information 314. As shown in FIG. 8, the priority admission ticket information 314 is information in which a user ID 314A, a type of priority admission ticket acquired by the user 314B, and a flag 314C are associated with each other. Here, a priority admission ticket is a ticket that allows priority admission to a specified destination at a specified admission time. The type of priority admission ticket 314B includes information such as the name of the destination covered by the priority admission ticket (e.g., "Attraction A"), the location of the destination, and the admission time covered by the priority admission ticket. Furthermore, the flag 314C is turned on when the priority admission ticket indicated in the type of priority admission ticket 314B associated with the flag 314C is a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination. Here, the alternative destination is a destination proposed by the first proposal unit 345 in place of the user U's desired destination.

[0042] The control unit 340 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the information processing 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 a destination acquisition unit 341, a registration unit 342, a congestion level acquisition unit 343, an authentication unit 344, a first proposal unit 345, a reward granting unit 346, a second proposal unit 347, and a notification unit 348.

[0043] The destination acquisition unit 341 is also referred to as a destination information acquisition means. The destination acquisition unit 341 acquires destination information related to a desired destination, which is a destination desired by the user U within the entertainment facility. The destination acquisition unit 341 also supplies the destination information to the registration unit 342 and the first suggestion unit 345. Here, the destination information may be specified by a user operating at least one of the authentication terminals 200 installed at each of multiple points in the entertainment facility, and transmitted from the authentication terminal 200 to the information processing device 300. For example, the user U, whose face has been authenticated using the authentication terminal 200 installed at or near the gate of the entertainment facility, may specify the destination information by operating an input unit (not shown) of the authentication terminal 200. Alternatively, the user U, whose face has been authenticated using the authentication terminal 200 installed at the desired destination, may specify the destination information by operating the input unit (not shown) of the authentication terminal 200. The information processing device 300 may also include an input unit (not shown) that accepts input, and the user may specify the destination information by operating the input unit. In addition, the user may specify destination information by operating an input unit (not shown) of a user terminal that can communicate with the information processing device 300, and the destination information may be input to the information processing device 300 from the user terminal.

[0044] The registration unit 342 is also referred to as a user information registration means. The registration unit 342 registers user information 312 in the storage unit 310. When the registration unit 342 receives a registration face image and registration information from the authentication terminal 200, a user terminal (not shown), or a registration terminal (not shown), the registration unit 342 acquires registration face information 312B from the registration face image. Next, the registration unit 342 associates the user ID 312A, the registration face information 312B, the registration information 312C, and the destination information 312D received from the destination acquisition unit 341, and stores the associated information as user information 312 in the storage unit 310. As an example, the face information may be a collection of feature points extracted from the face image. Specifically, the registration unit 342 detects a face region included in the registration face image, extracts feature points from the detected face region, and sets information on the extracted feature points as registration face information 312B. The registration unit 342 also generates a user ID 312A. The user ID 312A may be input into the authentication terminal 200, the user terminal (not shown), or the registration terminal (not shown) by the user U operating an input unit (not shown) of any of the authentication terminal 200, the user terminal (not shown), or the registration terminal (not shown). The user ID 312A may then be transmitted to the information processing device 300 from any of the authentication terminal 200, the user terminal (not shown), or the registration terminal (not shown) together with a registration face image and registration information. Furthermore, a password may be transmitted to the information processing device 300 from any of the authentication terminal 200, the user terminal (not shown), or the registration terminal (not shown) together with the user ID 312A. In other words, the registration unit 342 may associate the user ID 312A, the password, registration face information 312B, registration information 312C, and destination information 312D, and store them in the storage unit 310 as user information 312. In addition, when management information such as the date and time of shooting of the registration face image is sent from either the authentication terminal 200, a user terminal (not shown), or a registration terminal (not shown), the registration unit 342 may associate the user ID 312A, registration face information 312B, registration information 312C, destination information 312D, and the management information, and store them in the memory unit 310 as user information 312.

[0045] The congestion level acquisition unit 343 is also referred to as a congestion level acquisition means. The congestion level acquisition unit 343 acquires the congestion level of a predetermined location, including the desired destination, for each predetermined period. For example, the congestion level acquisition unit 343 calculates the congestion level based on the number of people appearing in surrounding captured images taken by the authentication terminals 200 installed at multiple locations in the entertainment facility. Specifically, the congestion level acquisition unit 343 detects a person area from the surrounding captured images and calculates the number of people present in the predetermined space, i.e., the population density. The congestion level acquisition unit 343 then calculates the congestion level based on the population density. For example, the congestion level acquisition unit 343 calculates the congestion level so that the higher the population density, the higher the congestion level. The calculated congestion level is supplied to the first proposal unit 345 and the second proposal unit 347.

[0046] The authentication unit 344 is also referred to as an authentication means. When the authentication unit 344 receives an authentication face image from the authentication terminal 200, it performs face authentication (biometric authentication). The authentication unit 344 then acquires authentication face information from the authentication face image transmitted from the authentication terminal 200 and performs face authentication by comparing the authentication face information with the registration face information 312B. The method for acquiring the authentication face information from the authentication face image is the same as the method for acquiring the registration face information 312B from the registration face image in the registration unit 342, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when the authentication face information matches the registration face information 312B, the authentication unit 344 references the user information 312 and acquires the user ID 312A associated with the registration face information 312B. The authentication unit 344 then supplies the notification unit 348 with the user ID 312A and whether or not the face information matches. Furthermore, if the authentication face information and the registration face information 312B match, the authentication unit 344 supplies the user ID 312A to the first proposal unit 345. Whether the face information matches or not corresponds to whether authentication was successful. Incidentally, the face information matches (matches) when the degree of match is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the authentication unit 344 performs face authentication when the user U uses the priority admission ticket, and if face authentication is successful, supplies information such as the user ID 312A and the type of the priority admission ticket to the benefit granting unit 346. Incidentally, the face authentication process may be performed in another device, for example, the authentication terminal 200. In this case, the authentication unit 344 only needs to control the face authentication process performed in the other device.

[0047] The first proposal unit 345 is also referred to as an alternative destination proposal unit. If facial authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, the first proposal unit 345 proposes to the user U a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. Specifically, the first proposal unit 345 acquires, from the user information 312, destination information 312D associated with the user ID 312D received from the authentication unit 344. Next, the first proposal unit 345 acquires, from the congestion information 313, a congestion level 313B associated with a point 313A of the desired destination included in the destination information 312D. Next, the first proposal unit 345 determines whether the acquired congestion level 313B of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value. If the congestion level 313B is higher than the predetermined value, the first proposal unit 345 causes the communication unit 330 to send a guidance instruction proposing a priority admission ticket for the alternative destination to the authentication terminal 200, and causes the authentication terminal 200 to output the proposal for the priority admission ticket. Furthermore, when the user U acquires a priority admission ticket at the authentication terminal 200, the first proposal unit 345 adds the type, etc. 314B of the priority admission ticket to the priority admission ticket information 314, and turns on a flag 314C. Furthermore, when the congestion degree 313B is higher than a predetermined value, the first proposal unit 345 supplies the user ID 312D of the user U to the second proposal unit 346.

[0048] The privilege granting unit 346 is also referred to as a privilege granting means. When the user U uses a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination, the privilege granting unit 346 grants the user U a privilege. Specifically, the privilege granting unit 346 references the priority admission ticket type, etc. 314B associated with the user ID 314A that matches the user ID 312A received from the authentication unit 344, which performed facial authentication when the user U used the priority admission ticket. Next, the privilege granting unit 346 references a flag 314C associated with the priority admission ticket used by the user U, among the priority admission ticket type, etc. 314B. Then, when the flag 314C is on, the privilege granting unit 346 determines that the user U used the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination. Furthermore, the privilege granting unit 346 grants the user U a privilege by adding information related to the privilege to the registration information 312C of the user information 312. Furthermore, the privilege granting unit 346 may transmit information related to the privilege to a user terminal (not shown) carried by the user.

[0049] The second proposal unit 347 is also called a desired destination proposal means. When the congestion level of a desired destination of the user U is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the second proposal unit 347 proposes the desired destination to the user U. The second proposal unit 347 may also propose a priority admission ticket to the desired destination to the user U. Specifically, when the second proposal unit 347 receives a user ID 312 from the first proposal unit 345, it acquires destination information 312D associated with the user ID 312D from the user information 312. Next, the second proposal unit 347 acquires a congestion level 313B associated with a point 313A of the desired destination included in the destination information 312D from the congestion information 313. Next, the second proposal unit 347 determines whether the acquired congestion level 313B of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value. If the congestion level 313B is below a predetermined value, the second proposal unit 347 causes the communication unit 330 to send a guidance instruction to the authentication terminal 200 proposing a priority admission ticket to the desired destination, and causes the authentication terminal 200 to output the proposal for the priority admission ticket.

[0050] If the facial authentication result indicates a match in facial information, that is, if the facial authentication is successful, the notification unit 348 notifies the authentication terminal 200 of the facial authentication result and the user ID 312A. The facial authentication result may include the user ID 312A. The notification unit 348 may also transmit an error notification to the authentication terminal 200 indicating that the facial authentication has failed. The notification unit 348 may include the user ID 312A in the error notification, but this is not limited to this.

[0051] 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a user information registration process in the authentication method according to the second embodiment. The following flowchart illustrates an example in which a registration facial image, registration information, and objective information of user U are acquired by authentication terminal 200-1, which is located at the first point A1 among authentication terminals 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-i, ..., 200-n installed at multiple points A1, A2, ..., Ai, ..., An in an entertainment facility. Here, the first point A1 is, for example, the location of authentication terminal 200-1, which is installed at or near the gate of the entertainment facility. However, user U's registration facial image, registration information, and objective information may also be acquired by user U's user terminal (not shown) or a registration terminal installed inside or outside the entertainment facility and transmitted to information processing device 300. First, image acquisition unit 261 of authentication terminal 200-1 causes camera 210 to capture a face image of user U to acquire a registration facial image (step S101). Next, the registration information acquisition unit 262 of the authentication terminal 200-1 acquires the registration information of user U (step S102). Next, the communication unit 240 transmits the registration face image and the registration information to the information processing device 300 and makes a user registration request (step S103). Next, the destination acquisition unit 341 of the information processing device 300 causes the communication unit 330 to transmit a destination information request to the authentication terminal 200 (step S104). Next, the communication unit 240 of the authentication terminal 200-1 transmits the destination information of user U to the information processing device 300 (step S105). Next, the registration unit 342 of the information processing device 300 performs user registration (step S106), and this process ends. Specifically, the registration unit 342 generates registration face information 312B from the registration face image. Furthermore, the registration unit 342 further generates a user ID 312A. Then, the registration unit 342 associates the user ID 312A, the registration face information 312B, the registration information 312C, and the destination information 312D, and stores them in the storage unit 310 as user information 312.

[0052] 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an authentication method according to the second embodiment. The authentication method shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is performed after the user information registration process shown in FIG. 9 has been completed. First, the congestion level acquisition unit 343 of the information processing device 300 acquires the congestion level of a predetermined location, including the desired destination, for each predetermined period (step S201). Next, the image acquisition unit 261 of the authentication terminal 200-i causes the camera 210 to capture a face image of the user U to acquire an authentication face image (step S202). Next, the communication unit 240 transmits the authentication face image, the capture date and time, and location information to the information processing device 300, and issues an authentication request (step S203). Next, the authentication unit 344 of the information processing device 300 performs face authentication (step S204). Specifically, the authentication unit 344 generates authentication face information from the authentication face image, compares the authentication face information with the registration face information 312B in the user information 312, and determines that face authentication has been successful if the degree of match between the authentication face information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Next, the notification unit 348 notifies the authentication terminal 200-i of the authentication result indicating whether face authentication was successful and the user ID 312A (step S205). Next, if face authentication is successful, the first suggestion unit 345 determines whether the congestion level 313B of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value (step S206). If the congestion level 313B of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (No in step S206), this process ends. If the congestion level 313B of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value (Yes in step S206), the first suggestion unit 345 suggests to the user U a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (step S207). The communication unit 330 then transmits a guidance instruction to the authentication terminal 200 proposing a priority admission ticket for the alternative destination (step S208). Next, the benefit granting unit 346 grants a benefit to the user U when the user U uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination (step S209). Next, the second suggestion unit 347 determines whether the congestion level 313B of the desired destination of the user U is higher than a predetermined value (step S210). If the congestion level 313B of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value (Yes in step S210), this process ends. If the congestion level 313B of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (No in step S210), the second suggestion unit 347 proposes a priority admission ticket for the desired destination to the user U (step S211).Then, the communication unit 330 transmits a guide instruction to the authentication terminal 200 proposing a priority admission ticket to the desired destination (step S212), and the process ends.

[0053] 12 shows an example of the display on the output unit 250 of the authentication terminal 200 that has received the guidance instruction in step S208. As shown in FIG. 12, the display unit 251 of the output unit 250 displays a message 251A indicating that attraction A, which is the desired destination, is crowded, that attractions B, C, and D, which are alternative destinations, are available, and including a suggestion of a priority admission ticket for any of attractions B, C, and D. The display unit 251 of the output unit 250 also displays a selectable button 251B for selecting whether or not to obtain a priority admission ticket for the alternative destination. Note that the audio output unit 252 of the output unit 250 may output the message 251A by voice.

[0054] 13 shows an example of the display on the output unit 250 of the authentication terminal 200 that has performed facial authentication on user U who will use a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination. As shown in FIG. 13 , if facial authentication is successful, the display unit 251 of the output unit 250 displays a message of gratitude 251C such as "Thank you for your cooperation in alleviating congestion!!" Furthermore, if a favorite character of user U is registered in advance in the user information 312, the display unit 251 of the output unit 250 may display an illustration 251D of the character conveying the message 251C. The audio output unit 252 of the output unit 250 may output the message 251C by voice.

[0055] According to the authentication system 100 of the second embodiment described above, when the desired destination is crowded, a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination with a relatively less crowded level is proposed to the user U. This allows the user U to move to a location with a relatively less crowded level, thereby alleviating the level of congestion. Furthermore, a benefit is given to the user U who uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination, thereby improving the satisfaction of the user U. Therefore, it is possible to improve the satisfaction of the user while alleviating congestion.

[0056] Furthermore, in the authentication system 100 according to the second embodiment, when congestion at a desired destination of the user U is resolved, the desired destination is proposed to the user U. Therefore, even if a less congested destination is used, if the destination desired by the user is not included in the less congested destinations, it is possible to prevent the user from being unable to use the desired destination. This can further improve user satisfaction.

[0057] Furthermore, in the authentication system 100 according to the second embodiment, when congestion at a destination desired by the user U is resolved, a priority admission ticket to the desired destination is offered to the user U. This can further improve user satisfaction.

[0058] Although the above-described embodiment has been described as a hardware configuration, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any processing in the present disclosure can also be realized by causing a processor to execute a computer program.

[0059] In the above examples, the program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or an optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above. Various modifications within the scope of the invention that are understandable to those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention. For example, if the congestion level of a location other than the user U's desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, the first suggestion unit 345 may suggest to the user U a priority admission ticket for a location whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as a "priority admission ticket for avoiding congestion"). Then, the benefit granting unit 346 may grant a benefit to the user U when the user U uses the priority admission ticket for avoiding congestion. This allows congestion to be avoided regardless of the user U's desired destination.

[0061] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device comprising: a destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information related to a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; a user information registration means for registering the destination information in a storage means in association with the user's registration biometric information; a congestion level acquisition means for acquiring the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period; an authentication means for controlling biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registration biometric information; an alternative destination suggestion means for suggesting to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value when the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value; and a benefit granting means for granting a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination. (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a desired destination suggestion means that suggests the desired destination to the user when the congestion degree of the desired destination becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value. (Supplementary Note 3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the desired destination suggestion means suggests a priority admission ticket for the desired destination to the user.(Supplementary Note 4) An authentication system comprising: authentication terminals installed at multiple points within a facility; and an information processing device capable of communicating with the authentication terminal, wherein the information processing device comprises: destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information related to a desired destination desired by a user within the facility; user information registration means for correlating the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registering the association in a storage means; congestion level acquisition means for acquiring the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period, wherein the authentication terminal comprises: authentication biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's authentication biometric information, and the information processing device further comprises: authentication means for performing biometric authentication by cross-checking the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of the multiple points within the facility with the registration biometric information, alternative destination suggestion means for suggesting to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value; and benefit granting means for granting a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination. (Supplementary Note 5) The authentication system according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the information processing device further comprises a desired destination suggestion means that suggests the desired destination to the user when the congestion level of the desired destination becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value. (Supplementary Note 6) The authentication system according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the desired destination suggestion means suggests a priority admission ticket for the desired destination to the user. (Supplementary Note 7) An authentication method, wherein a computer: acquires destination information related to a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; associates the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registers it in a storage means; acquires the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period; controls biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registration biometric information; if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, suggests to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value; and grants a benefit to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination.(Supplementary Note 8) The authentication method according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the computer suggests the desired destination to the user when the congestion level of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. (Supplementary Note 9) The authentication method according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the computer suggests a priority admission ticket for the desired destination to the user. (Supplementary Note 10) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire destination information related to a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; associate the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and register it in a storage means; acquire the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination for each predetermined period; control biometric authentication by matching the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registration biometric information; if the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, offer the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value; and grant the user a benefit when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination. (Supplementary Note 11) The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Supplementary Note 10, storing a program that causes the computer to execute the following processes: offer the desired destination to the user when the congestion level of the desired destination becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined value. (Supplementary Note 12) A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Supplementary Note 11, storing a program that causes the computer to execute a process of proposing priority admission tickets to the desired destination to the user.

[0062] 10,300 Information processing device 100 Authentication system 200 Authentication terminal 11,341 Destination acquisition unit (destination information acquisition means) 12,310 Storage unit (storage means) 13,342 Registration unit (user information registration means) 14,343 Congestion level acquisition unit (congestion level acquisition means) 15,344 Authentication unit (authentication means) 16 Alternative destination proposal unit (alternative destination proposal means) 345 First proposal unit (alternative destination proposal means) 17,346 Benefit granting unit (benefit granting means) 347 Second proposal unit (desired destination proposal means) 261 Image acquisition unit (authentication biometric information acquisition means)

Claims

1. Destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information regarding a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; User information registration means for registering, in a storage means, by associating the user's registered biometric information with the destination information; Congestion level acquisition means for acquiring, for each predetermined period, the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination; Authentication means for controlling biometric authentication by collating the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registered biometric information; Alternative destination proposal means for proposing, to the user, a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination where the congestion level is below a predetermined value when the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value; Privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising desired destination proposal means for proposing the desired destination to the user when the congestion level of the desired destination becomes below the predetermined value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The desired destination proposal means proposes a priority admission ticket for the desired destination to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. An authentication terminal installed at a plurality of points within a facility; An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the authentication terminal; Comprising: The information processing apparatus: Destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information regarding a desired destination desired by a user within a facility; User information registration means for registering, in a storage means, by associating the user's registered biometric information with the destination information; Congestion level acquisition means for acquiring, for each predetermined period, the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination; Comprising: The authentication terminal: Authentication biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's authentication biometric information; Comprising: The information processing apparatus: Authentication means for performing biometric authentication by collating the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of the plurality of points within the facility with the registered biometric information; Alternative destination proposal means for proposing, to the user, a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination where the congestion level is below a predetermined value when the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than the predetermined value; Privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination; A authentication system further comprising the above.

5. The information processing apparatus: When the congestion level of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, further comprising desired destination proposal means for proposing the desired destination to the user. The authentication system according to claim 4. **Claim 6** A computer acquires destination information regarding a desired destination desired by a user within a facility, associates the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registers it in a storage means, acquires the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination at predetermined intervals, controls biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registration biometric information, when the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, proposes to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination, confers a privilege on the user. An authentication method. **Claim 7** The computer when the congestion level of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, proposes the desired destination to the user. The authentication method according to claim 6. **Claim 8** On a computer a process of acquiring destination information regarding a desired destination desired by a user within a facility, a process of associating the user's registration biometric information with the destination information and registering it in a storage means, a process of acquiring the congestion level of a predetermined location including the desired destination at predetermined intervals, a process of controlling biometric authentication by comparing the user's authentication biometric information acquired at each of a plurality of points within the facility with the registration biometric information, a process of proposing to the user a priority admission ticket for an alternative destination whose congestion level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value when the biometric authentication is successful and the congestion level of the desired destination is higher than a predetermined value, a process of conferring a privilege on the user when the user uses the priority admission ticket for the alternative destination. A program for causing the above to be executed. **Claim 9** On the computer a process of proposing the desired destination to the user when the congestion level of the desired destination is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. The program according to claim 8, storing a program for causing the above to be executed. **Claim 10** On the computer a process of proposing a priority admission ticket for the desired destination to the user. The program according to claim 9, storing a program for causing the above to be executed.