Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

An information processing device 1 comprises a determination unit 11 that determines an authentication method for a target in the case of entering a second area adjacent to a first area on the basis of whether or not first biometric authentication using biometric information obtained from an image of the target in the first area has been successful, and a communication unit 12 that communicates the authentication method for the target determined by the determination unit 11 to the target before entering the second area.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical fields of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002]

[0005] Patent Literature 1 describes a technology including a first terminal capable of providing services using a biometric authentication function or a non-biometric authentication function, second terminals each capable of switching between the biometric authentication function and the non-biometric authentication function and capable of providing services using the biometric authentication function or the non-biometric authentication function, and a server device connected to the first terminal and a plurality of second terminals, wherein the server device calculates a usage rate of the biometric authentication function in at least one first terminal and determines an operation mode of at least one of the plurality of second terminals based on the calculated usage rate.

[0006] Patent Literature 2 describes a technology for automatically selecting one user authentication method from a predetermined plurality of user authentication methods based on output from at least one of an imaging device built into the electronic device, an acceleration sensor built into the electronic device, and a position detection device built into the electronic device, and performing user authentication using the selected user authentication method. Patent Document 3 describes a technology in which, based on the security level of a room or area, one authentication method or a combination of two or more authentication methods is determined as the authentication method to be executed by a mobile terminal device, authentication method information corresponding to the determined authentication method is transmitted to the mobile terminal device, authentication information obtained from the user when the mobile terminal device executes the authentication method corresponding to the authentication method information is received from the mobile terminal device, and whether or not to permit entry to or exit from the room or area is determined based on the results of verifying the authentication information.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 130948 International Publication No. 2018 / 128047 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-064722

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium that aim to improve upon the techniques described in prior art documents.

[0005] One aspect of the information processing device includes a determination means for determining an authentication method for a subject when the subject enters a second area adjacent to a first area, depending on whether a first biometric authentication using biometric information acquired from an image of the subject in the first area is successful, and a notification means for notifying the subject before entering the second area of ​​the authentication method for the subject determined by the determination means.

[0006] One aspect of the information processing method determines an authentication method for a subject when entering a second area adjacent to the first area, depending on whether a first biometric authentication using biometric information obtained from an image of the subject in the first area is successful, and notifies the subject of the determined authentication method for the subject before entering the second area.

[0007] One aspect of the recording medium has recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method that determines an authentication method for a subject when entering a second area adjacent to a first area, depending on whether a first biometric authentication using biometric information obtained from an image of the subject in the first area is successful, and notifies the subject of the determined authentication method for the subject before entering the second area.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of an information processing system in a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gate device in the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing operation of the gate device in the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of an information processing system in a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gate device in the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a notification of the gate device in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gate device in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a screen visually recognized by an employee in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of an information processing system in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gate device in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device in a sixth embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings. [1: First Embodiment]

[0010] A first embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described below. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing device 1 to which the first embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium is applied. [1-1: Configuration of Information Processing Device 1]

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a determination unit 11 and a notification unit 12. The determination unit 11 determines an authentication method for a subject when the subject enters a second area adjacent to the first area, depending on whether biometric authentication using biometric information of the subject acquired from an image in the first area is successful. The notification unit 12 notifies the subject attempting to enter the second area of ​​the authentication method for the subject determined by the determination unit 11. [1-2: Technical Effects of the Information Processing Device 1]

[0012] The information processing device 1 in the first embodiment notifies the target of its authentication method before entering the second area, so that the target can know in advance which authentication method will be used and can prepare for authentication. This allows the information processing device 1 to achieve smooth authentication. [2: Second Embodiment]

[0013] Next, a second embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described. In the following, the second embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing device to which the second embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium is applied. Hereinafter, the information processing device in this embodiment may be referred to as a gate device. [2-1: Overview of Gate Device 2]

[0014] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an application example of an information processing system S2 including a gate apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system S2 may be applied to, for example, a boarding gate at an airport, a ticket gate at a train station, or an entrance to a restricted area such as an office, a theme park, or an event venue. The information processing system S2 may also be applied to an authentication operation of a subject T to determine whether the subject T is permitted to enter the restricted area.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system S2 may include a plurality of gate devices 2 (2-1, 2-2, 2-3 in FIG. 2) and a camera C.

[0016] In FIG. 2 , the area below the entrance E of each gate device 2 on the drawing is referred to as the first area A1, and the area above the entrance E of each gate device 2 on the drawing is referred to as the second area A2. The first area A1 and the second area A2 are adjacent to each other. Each gate device 2 may be provided in the second area A2 as the entrance E to the second area A2. The entrance E to the gate area GA may be the entrance E to the second area A2. The area within the gate device 2 is referred to as the gate area GA.

[0017] The gate device 2 may be a device that can control the passage of the subject T. The gate device 2 may include a gate G that can control the passage of the subject T. The subject T may be able to pass through a gate G included in any of the gate devices 2.

[0018] The second area A2 is a destination of the target person T, and may be a restricted area that only authenticated target person T can enter. A gate G may be controlled to open for the authenticated target person T, and the target person T may move from the first area A1 to the second area A2 through the gate G.

[0019] The gate G may be a flapper gate, which is a plate-shaped member capable of controlling the passage of the subject T. The gate G may be a gate bar, which is a rod-shaped member capable of controlling the passage of the subject T. If authentication of the subject T is successful, the gate device 2 may control the gate G to an open state that allows the subject T to pass through the gate G. On the other hand, if authentication of the subject T is unsuccessful, the gate device 2 may control the gate G to a closed state that prevents the subject T from passing through the gate G.

[0020] An authentication information acquirer R is provided in each gate area GA. The authentication information acquirer R is a mechanism that acquires information used for authentication from the subject T. For example, when the subject T is authenticated by facial recognition, the authentication information acquirer R may function as an imaging device that captures a facial image. Also, when the subject T is authenticated by iris recognition, the authentication information acquirer R may function as an imaging device that captures an iris image. In this case, the imaging device may be an infrared camera. Also, when the subject T is authenticated by non-biometric authentication other than biometric authentication, the authentication information acquirer R may function as a reader that reads authentication information other than biometric information, such as a code. For example, the authentication information acquirer R may function as a reader that reads authentication information from a ticket on which authentication information is printed, a terminal device equipped with a display that displays authentication information, or the like.

[0021] The camera C captures an image of the first area A1 and generates an area image. While Fig. 2 illustrates an example in which the camera C captures an image of the entire first area A1, the camera C may be provided for each gate device 2.

[0022] For example, an information processing device may be present as an external device to the gate devices, controlling each gate device. In this case, the information processing system S2 may include the information processing device, multiple gate devices, and a camera C. [2-2: Configuration of Gate Device 2]

[0023] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gate device 2 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the gate device 2 includes a calculation device 21 and a storage device 22. The gate device 2 may further include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25. However, the gate device 2 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25. The calculation device 21, the storage device 22, the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0024] The arithmetic device 21 includes, for example, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The arithmetic device 21 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium using a storage medium reading device (e.g., an input device 24, described later) not shown in the drawings provided in the gate device 2. The arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the gate device 2 via the communication device 23 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device 21 executes the read computer program. As a result, logical functional blocks for executing the operations to be performed by the gate device 2 are realized within the arithmetic device 21. In other words, the arithmetic device 21 can function as a controller for realizing logical functional blocks for executing the operations (in other words, processing) to be performed by the gate device 2.

[0025] 3 shows an example of logical functional blocks implemented within the computing device 21 to execute information processing operations. As shown in FIG. 3 , the computing device 21 includes a determination unit 211, which is a specific example of a "determination means" described in the appendix, a notification unit 212, which is a specific example of a "notification means" described in the appendix, a switching unit 213, which is a specific example of a "switching means" described in the appendix, an area authentication unit 214, an in-gate authentication unit 215, an authentication result registration unit 216, and a gate control unit 217. However, at least one of the switching unit 213, the area authentication unit 214, the in-gate authentication unit 215, the authentication result registration unit 216, and the gate control unit 217 does not have to be implemented within the computing device 21. Details of the operations of the determination unit 211, the notification unit 212, the switching unit 213, the area authentication unit 214, the in-gate authentication unit 215, the authentication result registration unit 216, and the gate control unit 217 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0026] The storage device 22 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 22 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 21. The storage device 22 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 21 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 21 is executing a computer program. The storage device 22 may store data that the gate device 2 stores long-term. The storage device 22 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 22 may include a non-transitory recording medium. A registration database 221 and an authentication result database 222 may be implemented within the storage device 22.

[0027] The communication device 23 is capable of communicating with devices external to the gate device 2 via a communication network (not shown). The communication device 23 may be a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0028] The input device 24 is a device that accepts information input to the gate device 2 from outside the gate device 2. For example, the input device 24 may include an operation device (e.g., at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the gate device 2. For example, the input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the gate device 2.

[0029] The output device 25 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the gate device 2. For example, the output device 25 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 25 may include a display device (a so-called display) that can display an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device 25 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 25 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) that can output sound. For example, the output device 25 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 25 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) that can print desired information on paper. [2-3: Information Processing Operation Performed by Gate Device 2]

[0030] The information processing operation performed by the gate device 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing operation performed by the gate device 2. FIG. 4(a) shows the flow of the area authentication operation for the subject T in the first area A1, and FIG. 4(b) shows the flow of the in-gate authentication operation for the subject T in the gate area GA. The area authentication may be an operation performed to determine the authentication method for the in-gate authentication. The authentication method for the in-gate authentication includes biometric authentication that authenticates the subject T using biometric information, and non-biometric authentication that authenticates the subject T using authentication information other than biometric information.

[0031] The operations from "Start" to "End" shown in FIG. 4(a) may be operations related to one area image. For example, if camera C is capturing a video, the operations from "Start" to "End" shown in FIG. 4(a) may be operations for each frame. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the area authentication unit 214 acquires an area image of the first area A1 (step S10). The area authentication unit 214 may acquire the area image of the first area A1 captured by camera C via the communication device 23. The area authentication is biometric authentication. The biometric authentication may be face authentication using a face image.

[0032] The area authentication unit 214 detects the facial area of ​​the subject T included in the area image (step S11). The area authentication unit 214 extracts facial features from the image of the facial area (step S12). The area authentication unit 214 authenticates the subject T by comparing the features extracted in step S12 with the features registered in the registration database 221 (step S13). The area authentication unit 214 performs first biometric authentication using biometric authentication of the subject T located in the first area A1. The authentication result registration unit 216 registers the authentication result of the subject T in the authentication result database 222 (step S14). The operations from step S11 to step S14 are performed for each subject T included in the area image.

[0033] The above-described operations from step S10 to step S13 shown in FIG. 4A are repeatedly performed. Specifically, (1) they may be repeatedly performed until the subject T leaves the first area A1. Also, (2) they may be repeatedly performed on the subject T a predetermined number of times. Also, (3) they may be repeatedly performed on the subject T for a predetermined period of time. The success or failure of the first biometric authentication may be determined after one or more of (1) to (3) are completed. Depending on the determination of the success or failure of the authentication, an authentication method for the subject T when entering the second area A2 adjacent to the first area A1 may be determined. Furthermore, even after the success or failure of the authentication is determined, the subject T may be tracked until the subject T leaves the first area A1, regardless of whether the authentication is successful or unsuccessful. Furthermore, if the subject T lines up in front of the entrance E, tracking of the subject T may be terminated.

[0034] Furthermore, the subject T may be determined to be in one of the following three statuses (i), (ii), and (iii) based on the success or failure of the first biometric authentication and information about the individual. The information about the individual is information that can be referenced when the first biometric authentication is successful and the individual can be identified. For example, if the subject T is a passenger before boarding an aircraft, the information about the individual may be information about the airline ticket. (i) A status where the first biometric authentication is successful and the individual can pass through gate G based on the information about the individual. (ii) A status where the first biometric authentication is successful but the individual cannot pass through gate G based on the information about the individual. (iii) A status where the first biometric authentication has failed.

[0035] Even if the subject T is registered, biometric authentication using the subject T's biometric information in the first area A1 may fail depending on, for example, the subject's physical condition.

[0036] Furthermore, the area authentication unit 214 may distinguish whether or not the subject T is a target of area authentication in the first area A1 depending on the location of the subject T. For example, when the first area A1 in FIG. 2 is an example of the first boarding gate of an airport, the area authentication unit 214 may determine that the subject TO, who is in a position that is likely to leave the first area A1, is a person who will be authenticated at a boarding gate other than the first boarding gate. In this case, the area authentication unit 214 may exclude the subject TO from the target of area authentication in the first area A1.

[0037] 4A may be performed by a device external to the gate device 2. In this case, the authentication result database 222 is realized in the external device, and therefore, for example, the operation of step S20 described later may be performed via the communication device 23.

[0038] The actions from "START" to "END" shown in Fig. 4(b) may be actions related to a single target person T. Note that the gate device 2 may also perform actions related to multiple targets T in parallel.

[0039] 4(b), the determination unit 211 determines whether or not the subjects T are lined up in front of the entrance E (step S20). The determination unit 211 may determine that the subjects T are lined up in a vertical direction parallel to the direction of travel toward the gate G (the direction from the first area A1 toward the second area A2) indicated by the arrow DG in FIG. 2, but not in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0040] For example, in the case illustrated in FIG. 2, the determination unit 211 of the gate device 2-1 may determine that the subjects T12 and T13 are subjects T who are waiting in line. On the other hand, the determination unit 211 of the gate device 2-1 may not determine that the subjects T1a and T1b are subjects T who are waiting in line. Furthermore, the determination unit 211 of the gate device 2-2 may determine that the subjects T22, T23, T24, and T25 are subjects T who are waiting in line. Furthermore, the determination unit 211 of the gate device 2-3 may determine that the subjects T32 and T33 are subjects T who are waiting in line.

[0041] The determination unit 211 may determine that a predetermined number of subjects T are queued up from the entrance E. If the subjects T are queued up in front of the entrance E (step S20: Yes), the determination unit 211 acquires the authentication result of the subjects T registered in the authentication result database 222 (step S21).

[0042] Whether the area authentication of the subject T has failed may be determined, for example, when it is determined which gate area GA the subject T will enter. That is, the area authentication unit 214 may determine that the area authentication of the subject T has failed if the area authentication has not yet been successful when it is determined which gate area GA the subject T will enter. Also, whether the area authentication of the subject T has failed may be determined when it is determined that the subject T is lining up in front of the entrance E to one of the gate areas GA.

[0043] 2, subjects T who have been successfully authenticated are surrounded by a solid line frame, and subjects T who have not been successfully authenticated are surrounded by a dotted line. For example, when the determination unit 211 of the gate device 2-1 determines that the subject T13 is a subject T standing in line, if the area authentication of the subject T13 has not yet been successful, the determination unit 211 may determine that the subject T13 has failed biometric authentication in the first area A1.

[0044] The judgment unit 211 determines the authentication method for the subject T when entering the second area A2 adjacent to the first area A1, depending on whether biometric authentication using the subject T's biometric information in the first area A1 is successful or not (step S22).

[0045] If the biometric authentication of the subject T in the first area A1 is successful, the in-gate authentication unit 215 authenticates the subject T by biometric authentication when the subject T enters the second area A2. The authentication mode in which authentication is performed by biometric authentication is called the biometric authentication mode. In the example shown in Figure 2, the subject T surrounded by the solid line frame is authenticated by biometric authentication, and the authentication mode used to authenticate the subject T can be understood as the biometric authentication mode.

[0046] If biometric authentication of the subject T is not successful in the first area A1, the in-gate authentication unit 215 authenticates the subject T using non-biometric authentication when the subject T enters the second area A2. An authentication mode using non-biometric authentication is called a non-biometric authentication mode. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the subject T enclosed in a dotted line frame is authenticated using non-biometric authentication, and the authentication mode used to authenticate the subject T is the non-biometric authentication mode. In the non-biometric authentication mode, non-biometric authentication is performed using authentication information other than biometric information. Non-biometric authentication may include code authentication, which authenticates a code readable from a ticket or a smartphone screen. Information stored in an IC chip mounted on an IC card may also be authenticated. The code used in the code authentication may include a two-dimensional code, a barcode, etc. The IC card may include a transportation IC card, a My Number card, a passport, a driver's license, etc.

[0047] The determination unit 211 determines whether the authentication mode when authenticating the subject T is the biometric authentication mode or the non-biometric authentication mode. The determination unit 211 determines the authentication mode when authenticating the subject T based on whether the subject T has been successfully biometrically authenticated in the first area A1. The determination unit 211 also determines whether the authentication mode when authenticating an object to be authenticated before the subject T is the biometric authentication mode or the non-biometric authentication mode.

[0048] The switching unit 213 determines whether the authentication mode needs to be switched based on the set authentication mode and the authentication method of the subject T (step S23). The switching unit 213 determines whether the authentication mode needs to be switched by comparing the authentication mode of the subject to be authenticated before the subject T with the authentication mode of the subject T. If the authentication mode of the subject to be authenticated before the subject T is the biometric authentication mode and the subject T arriving at the second area A2 does not succeed in biometric authentication in the first area A1, the switching unit 213 determines that the mode needs to be switched to the non-biometric authentication mode. Alternatively, if the authentication mode of the subject to be authenticated before the subject T is the non-biometric authentication mode and the subject T arriving at the second area A2 succeeds in biometric authentication in the first area A1, the switching unit 213 determines that the mode needs to be switched to the biometric authentication mode. The switching unit 213 may also determine whether the authentication mode needs to be switched by comparing the current authentication mode, i.e., the authentication mode of the subject T in the gate area GA, with the authentication mode of the next subject T to be authenticated within the gate, i.e., the authentication mode of the subject in front of the entrance E.

[0049] If switching of the authentication mode is necessary (step S23: Yes), the notification unit 212 notifies the target person T arriving at the second area A2 of the authentication method of the target person T determined by the determination unit 211 (step S24). When the switching unit 213 switches from one of the biometric authentication mode and the non-biometric authentication mode to the other, the notification unit 212 notifies the target person T arriving at the second area A2 of the authentication method of the target person T determined by the determination unit 211. Specific notification methods by the notification unit 212 will be described in the third to sixth embodiments. The notification unit 212 may notify the target person T of the authentication method using at least one of the notification methods described in the third to sixth embodiments. The notification unit 212 may notify the target person T of the authentication method using a combination of multiple notification methods described in the third to sixth embodiments.

[0050] 2, the authentication method of the subject T22 differs from that of the subject T21, and therefore the authentication mode needs to be switched, so the notification unit 212 notifies the subject T22 of the authentication method. Also, the authentication method of the subject T23 differs from that of the subject T22, and therefore the authentication mode needs to be switched, so the notification unit 212 notifies the subject T23 of the authentication method. On the other hand, the authentication method of the subject T24 is the same as that of the subject T23, and therefore the authentication mode does not need to be switched, so the notification unit 212 does not need to notify the subject T24 of the authentication method. Also, the authentication method of the subject T25 differs from that of the subject T24, and therefore the authentication mode needs to be switched, so the notification unit 212 notifies the subject T25 of the authentication method.

[0051] That is, the notification unit 212 determines the notification mode of the authentication method based on whether or not the authentication mode needs to be switched, as determined by the switching unit 213. For example, the notification unit 212 may change whether or not to notify the authentication method based on whether or not the authentication mode needs to be switched, as determined by the switching unit 213. In other words, the notification unit 212 changes the display mode between when the first authentication mode is switched to the second authentication mode and when the first authentication mode is not switched to the second authentication mode. That is, even if the final authentication mode is the same, the notification unit 212 executes control to change the display mode depending on whether or not the authentication mode is switched.

[0052] The notification unit 212 emphasizes the notification when the authentication mode needs to be switched compared to when the authentication mode does not need to be switched. When the authentication mode needs to be switched, the notification unit 212 may emphasize the notification by, for example, increasing the frequency of notifications compared to when the authentication mode does not need to be switched. Furthermore, the notification unit 212 may change the timing of the notification between when the authentication mode needs to be switched and when the authentication mode does not need to be switched. When the authentication mode needs to be switched, the notification unit 212 may issue the notification earlier compared to when the authentication mode does not need to be switched. For example, when the authentication mode does not need to be switched, the notification unit 212 may issue the notification when the subject T reaches the front of the line, and when the authentication mode needs to be switched, the notification unit 212 may issue the notification when the subject T reaches the second from the front of the line. Furthermore, the notification unit 212 may change the font, color, etc. of the text between when the authentication mode needs to be switched and when the authentication mode does not need to be switched. When the authentication mode needs to be switched, the notification unit 212 may use a font, color, or the like that is more eye-catching than when the authentication mode does not need to be switched.When the authentication mode needs to be switched, the notification unit 212 may use more notification means than when the authentication mode does not need to be switched.

[0053] As described above, when it is determined that the subject T is in one of the three statuses (i), (ii), or (iii) based on the success or failure of the first biometric authentication and information about the individual, the timing of the notification may be changed depending on the status. For example, when the subject T is in status (ii), the notification unit 212 may notify the subject T at the timing when it is determined that the subject T has lined up. When the subject T in status (ii) lines up behind the subject T in status (i), there is no need to switch the authentication mode, but the notification unit 12 may notify the subject T at an earlier stage. The notification unit 12 may notify the subject T in status (ii) when triggered by the subject T in status (ii) lining up in line.

[0054] The determination unit 211 determines whether the subject T is in front of any entrance E (step S25). The determination unit 211 may determine whether the subject T is at the head of the queue. The determination unit 211 may determine whether authentication of a target to be authenticated before the subject T has been completed.

[0055] If the subject T is in front of any of the entrances E (step S25: Yes), the switching unit 213 switches the authentication mode (step S26). If the subject T has not succeeded in the first biometric authentication in the first area A1, the switching unit 213 switches from the biometric authentication mode to the non-biometric authentication mode. Alternatively, if the subject T has succeeded in the first biometric authentication in the first area A1, the switching unit 213 switches from the non-biometric authentication mode to the biometric authentication mode.

[0056] The in-gate authentication unit 215 authenticates the subject T (step S27). In the biometric authentication mode, the in-gate authentication unit 215 authenticates the subject T using a biometric authentication engine, and in the non-biometric authentication mode, the in-gate authentication unit 215 authenticates the subject T using a non-biometric authentication engine. In the biometric authentication mode, the in-gate authentication unit 215 acquires biometric information of the subject T from the authentication information acquirer R and performs biometric authentication. In the biometric authentication mode, the in-gate authentication unit 215 may perform facial authentication again in the gate area GA. The authentication information acquirer R may capture an image with a higher resolution than the image captured by the camera C, and the in-gate authentication unit 215 may perform facial authentication with increased accuracy. If the subject T has registered iris information, the authentication information acquirer R may capture an iris image, and the in-gate authentication unit 215 may perform iris authentication. In the non-biometric authentication mode, the in-gate authentication unit 215 acquires authentication information via the authentication information acquirer R and performs non-biometric authentication.

[0057] Even if the set authentication mode and the authentication mode corresponding to the authentication method of subject T are the same and there is no need to switch the authentication mode, if subject T's authentication method is non-biometric authentication, the notification unit 212 may notify subject T that the authentication method is non-biometric authentication. On the other hand, if the set authentication mode and the authentication mode corresponding to subject T's authentication method are the same, there is no need to switch the authentication mode, and subject T's authentication method is biometric authentication, the notification unit 212 may notify subject T with a message such as "Please pass through as is." This can further improve throughput.

[0058] Note that, once the target person T passes through the gate, the authentication information of the target person T registered in the authentication result database 222 may be deleted. Whether or not the target person T has passed through the gate may be determined based on whether or not the target person T has left the first area A1. Even if the target person T has not passed through the gate, if the target person T has left the first area A1, the authentication information of the target person T registered in the authentication result database 222 may be deleted. If the target person T moves to another boarding gate, the authentication information of the target person T registered in the authentication result database 222 may also be deleted. [2-4: Technical Effects of Gate Device 2]

[0059] For example, if a gate device that performs biometric authentication and a gate device that performs non-biometric authentication are separate devices, a situation may occur in which a long line forms in front of one gate device while the other gate device is empty. The gate device 2 in the second embodiment can perform biometric authentication and non-biometric authentication depending on the subject T. The gate device 2 can switch in real time between authenticating a subject T who has successfully passed biometric authentication using biometric authentication and authenticating a subject T who has not successfully passed biometric authentication using authentication information other than biometric information. The gate device 2 can switch the authentication mode depending on the subject T, and notify the subject T of the authentication method when the authentication mode is switched, so that notifications can be sent to subjects who need to be notified. [3: Third Embodiment]

[0060] Next, a third embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described. Below, the third embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using a gate device 3 to which the third embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium is applied. [3-1: Overview of Gate Device 3] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an application example of an information processing system S3 including a gate device 3 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing system S3 includes a display D (D1, D2, and D3 in FIG. 5). The display D introduced in the third embodiment may be fixed in a fixed position. A display D may be provided for each gate device 3. The display D may be provided, for example, at the entrance E. The display D may be provided in a location that is easily visible to subjects T lined up at the entrance E of the gate area GA. In other words, the display D may be provided in a location that makes it easy to notify the authentication method to a subject T (e.g., subject T12) who is to be authenticated in the gate next to a subject T (e.g., subject T11) who has already been authenticated in the gate. [3-2: Configuration of gate device 3]

[0061] The configuration of the gate device 3 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gate device 3 in the third embodiment.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the gate device 3 in the third embodiment differs from the gate device 2 in the second embodiment in that the notification unit 312 includes a display control unit 3121. Other features of the gate device 3 may be the same as other features of the gate device 2. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, and will omit descriptions of other overlapping parts as appropriate. [3-3: Information Processing Operation Performed by Gate Device 3]

[0063] The display control unit 3121 displays the authentication method of the subject T determined by the determination unit 211 on a display D provided in the entrance area to the gate area GA, and notifies the subject T who arrives at the gate area GA of the authentication method of the subject T. The display D always notifies the authentication method of the subject T who will be authenticated next, but may also notify the subject T when the authentication method changes so that the change is more easily understood. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a display may be used to make it easy to visually recognize that the authentication method is being switched, such as one displaying black text on a white background and the other displaying white text on a black background. [3-4: Technical Effects of Gate Device 3]

[0064] The gate device 3 in the third embodiment notifies a target before entering the second area of ​​the authentication method by displaying a message on a display provided at the entrance to the second area, so that the target can recognize his or her own authentication method. [4: Fourth Embodiment]

[0065] Next, a fourth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using a gate device 4 to which the fourth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium is applied. [4-1: Configuration of the gate device 4]

[0066] The configuration of the gate device 4 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gate device 4 in the fourth embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the gate device 6 in the fourth embodiment differs from the gate device 2 in the second embodiment and the gate device 3 in the third embodiment in that the notification unit 412 includes a screen control unit 4122. Other features of the gate device 4 may be the same as at least one other feature of the gate device 2 and the gate device 3. Therefore, in the following, differences from the embodiments already described will be described in detail, and descriptions of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate. [4-2: Example of a screen controlled by the gate device 4]

[0068] The notification unit 412 transmits information indicating the authentication method of the subject T before entering the second area A2 to the staff member waiting in the first area A1. The staff member in the first area A1 may carry a terminal device capable of displaying a screen S on which the authentication method of the subject T in the first area A1 can be visually confirmed. FIG. 9 shows an example of the display of the screen S of the terminal device carried by the staff member. The screen control unit 4122 included in the notification unit 412 may control the display of the screen S of the terminal device carried by the staff member. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the screen control unit 4122 may display information on the screen S that allows the position and authentication method of each subject T to be visually confirmed. Also, for example, in the fourth embodiment, if a display D is provided at the entrance E as in the third embodiment, the screen control unit 4122 may display information on the screen S that allows the positional relationship of each subject T to the display D to be visually confirmed, in addition to the position and authentication method of each subject T. By visually checking the screen S, the staff member may receive information from the gate device 4 indicating the authentication method for the subject T before entering the second area A2.

[0069] Based on the information displayed on the screen S, the staff member can approach the target person T to whom the authentication method should be notified and notify them of the authentication method. Also, based on the information displayed on the screen S, the staff member may approach the target person T who appears to be in trouble.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, if a display D is provided at the entrance E as in the third embodiment, the staff may wait in a position facing the display D and encourage the subject T to look at the display D. Alternatively, the staff may notify the subject T of the authentication method by speech, gestures, etc., and encourage the subject T to prepare for authentication. [4-3: Technical Effects of the Gate Device 4]

[0071] The gate device 4 in the fourth embodiment can appropriately operate the staff in the first area A1. [5: Fifth Embodiment]

[0072] Next, a fifth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using a gate device 5 to which the fifth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium is applied. [5-1: Overview of Gate Device 5]

[0073] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an application example of an information processing system S5 including a gate device 5 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the information processing system S5 includes a notification robot M (in FIG. 10, Ma and Mb) as a mobile object. The notification robot M introduced in the fifth embodiment moves within a first area A1.

[0074] The notification robot M includes an output device. The output device included in the notification robot M may include a display. The notification robot M may have, for example, a head and a body, and the head may include a display. The notification robot M may include a speaker. The notification robot M may notify the target person T of the authentication method by voice using a speaker that can output voice with directionality. [5-2: Configuration of the gate device 5]

[0075] The configuration of the gate device 5 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gate device 5 in the fifth embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, the gate device 5 in the fifth embodiment differs from the gate device 2 in the second embodiment to the gate device 4 in the fourth embodiment in that the notification unit 512 includes a robot control unit 5123. Other features of the gate device 4 may be the same as at least one other feature of the gate devices 2 to 3. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, and will omit a description of other overlapping parts as appropriate. [5-3: Information Processing Operation Performed by the Gate Device 2]

[0077] The robot control unit 5123 causes the authentication information acquirer R moving within the first area A1 to display the authentication method of the subject T determined by the determination unit 211, and notifies the subject T who is about to enter the gate area GA of the authentication method of the subject T. When the authentication method of the subject T1 and the authentication method of the subject T2 are different, the robot control unit 5123 may control the movement of the notification robot M so as to approach the subject T2.

[0078] In the case where the display D described in the third embodiment is provided in the information processing system S5, and the authentication method for the target person T12 (or the target person T22, or the target person T32) is different from the authentication method for the target person T13 (or the target person T23, or the target person T33), the robot control unit 5123 may control the notifying robot M to approach the target person T13 (or the target person T23, or the target person T33). In this case, the target person T13 (or the target person T23, or the target person T33) may be notified of the authentication method again from the display D at the entrance E. For example, the robot control unit 5123 may move the notifying robot M to a position where it is lined up second or later from the entrance E of the gate area GA and is easily visible to the target person T whose authentication mode is different from that of the target in front of it.

[0079] The notification robot M may be remotely controlled online. The notification robot M may function as an avatar of an operator who remotely controls the notification robot M online. The operator may operate the notification robot M while checking a screen S such as the one illustrated in FIG. 9 . The robot control unit 5123 may control the notification robot M in accordance with the operator's operation.

[0080] If an operator attempts to notify a target person T himself, one operator can only notify one target person T. In contrast, if an operator can operate multiple notification robots M, he or she can notify multiple target people T at the same time. [5-4: Technical Effects of the Gate Device 5]

[0081] The gate device 5 in the fifth embodiment notifies the target person by outputting the mobile object that can approach the target person, so that the target person can recognize his / her own authentication method. [6: Sixth Embodiment]

[0082] Next, a sixth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using a gate device 6 to which the sixth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing method, and the recording medium is applied. [6-1: Configuration of Gate Device 6]

[0083] As shown in FIG. 12, the gate device 6 in the sixth embodiment differs from the gate device 2 in the second embodiment to the gate device 5 in the fifth embodiment in that an entry determination unit 618 is further implemented in the calculation device 21, and the notification unit 612 includes a transmission control unit 6124. Other features of the gate device 6 may be the same as at least one other feature of the gate devices 2 to 5. Therefore, in the following, only the parts that differ from the embodiments already described will be described in detail, and other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate. [6-2: Information Processing Operation Performed by Gate Device 6]

[0084] The transmission control unit 6124 transmits information indicating the authentication method of the subject T determined by the determination unit 211 to a terminal device carried by the subject T before entering the gate area GA. When the subject T has succeeded in area authentication, the transmission control unit 6124 may transmit information indicating the authentication method of the subject T determined by the determination unit 211 to a terminal device carried by the subject T.

[0085] Alternatively, the entrance determination unit 618 determines that the subject T is lining up at the entrance E of the second area A2. When it is determined that the subject T is lining up at the entrance E of the second area A2, the transmission control unit 6124 may transmit information indicating the authentication method for the subject T determined by the determination unit 211 to the terminal device carried by the subject T.

[0086] The target person T to whom the information indicating the authentication method is sent to the terminal device carried by the target person T may be limited to a person who has succeeded in area authentication, has been identified as an individual, and whose contact information has been identified. [6-3: Technical Effects of Gate Device 6]

[0087] The gate device 6 in the sixth embodiment can recognize its own authentication method by notifying the information processing terminal carried by the subject T. The gate device 6 can notify the subject T of the authentication method at an appropriate timing. [7: Supplementary Note]

[0088] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments. [Supplementary Note 1] An information processing device comprising: a determination means for determining an authentication method for a target when the target enters a second area adjacent to a first area, depending on whether first biometric authentication using biometric information of the target in a first area is successful; and a notification means for notifying the target before entering the second area of ​​the authentication method for the target determined by the determination means. [Supplementary Note 2] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 further comprises: a switching means for switching between a plurality of authentication modes based on the determined authentication method, the switching means determining whether or not to switch the authentication mode based on the set authentication mode and the authentication method for the target, and the notification means determining a notification manner based on the determined whether or not to switch the authentication mode. [Supplementary Note 3] The switching means does not switch the authentication mode when the set authentication mode and a target authentication mode corresponding to the authentication method of the target are the same, and switches the authentication mode when the set authentication mode and the target authentication mode corresponding to the authentication method of the target are different, and the notifying means emphasizes the notification when the switching means has switched the authentication mode compared to when the switching means has not switched the authentication mode. [Supplementary Note 4] The authentication method includes second biometric authentication that authenticates the target using biometric information of the target, and non-biometric authentication that authenticates the target using authentication information of the target other than the biometric information of the target, and if the first biometric authentication of the target in the first area is successful, the target is authenticated by the second biometric authentication when entering the second area, and if the first biometric authentication of the target in the first area is unsuccessful, the target is authenticated by the non-biometric authentication when entering the second area. The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3.[Supplementary Note 5] The switching means, when in a biometric authentication mode for authenticating using the second biometric authentication, switches the biometric authentication mode to a non-biometric authentication mode for authenticating using the non-biometric authentication if the target entering the second area does not succeed in the first biometric authentication in the first area, when in the non-biometric authentication mode, switches the non-biometric authentication mode to the biometric authentication mode if the target entering the second area succeeds in the first biometric authentication in the first area, and when the switching means switches from one of the biometric authentication mode and the non-biometric authentication mode to the other when the target enters the second area, the notifying means notifies the target before entering the second area of ​​the authentication method for the target determined by the determining means. [Supplementary Note 6] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the notifying means displays the authentication method for the target determined by the determining means on a display provided at an entrance to the second area, to notify the target before entering the second area of ​​the authentication method for the target. [Supplementary Note 7] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the notification means transmits to an employee in the first area information indicating the authentication method determined by the determination means for the target before entering the second area. [Supplementary Note 8] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the notification means causes a mobile object equipped with an output mechanism and moving within the first area to output the authentication method for the target determined by the determination means, thereby notifying the target of the authentication method before entering the second area. [Supplementary Note 9] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the notification means transmits information indicating the authentication method for the target determined by the determination means to an information processing terminal carried by the target before entering the second area. [Supplementary Note 10] The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 9, further comprising entrance determination means for determining whether the target is lining up at an entrance to the second area, wherein the notification means transmits information indicating the authentication method for the target determined by the determination means to an information processing terminal carried by the target when the entrance determination means determines that the target is lining up at the entrance to the second area.[Supplementary Note 11] An information processing method for determining an authentication method for a subject when entering a second area adjacent to a first area, depending on whether a first biometric authentication using biometric information acquired from an image of the subject in the first area is successful, and notifying the subject of the determined authentication method for the subject before entering the second area. [Supplementary Note 12] A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method for determining an authentication method for a subject when entering a second area adjacent to the first area, depending on whether a first biometric authentication using biometric information acquired from an image of the subject in the first area is successful, and notifying the subject of the determined authentication method for the subject before entering the second area.

[0089] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the technical idea that can be read from the entire specification. Information processing devices, information processing methods, and recording media that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing device 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Gate device 11, 211 Determination unit 12, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612 Notification unit 213 Switching unit 214 Area authentication unit 215 In-gate authentication unit 216 Authentication result registration unit 217 Gate control unit 221 Registration database 222 Authentication result database 3121 Display control unit 4122 Screen control unit 5123 Robot control unit 6124 Transmission control unit 618 Entry determination unit

Claims

1. a determination means for determining an authentication method for a target when the target enters a second area adjacent to the first area, depending on whether or not the first biometric authentication using biometric information acquired from an image of the target in the first area is successful; a notification means for notifying the target before the target enters the second area of ​​the authentication method for the target determined by the determination means; An information processing device comprising:

2. a switching means for switching between a plurality of authentication modes based on the determined authentication method; the switching means determines whether or not the authentication mode needs to be switched based on the set authentication mode and the target authentication method; The notification means determines a notification mode based on the determined necessity of switching the authentication mode. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the switching means does not switch the authentication mode when the set authentication mode and a target authentication mode corresponding to the target authentication method are the same, and switches the authentication mode when the set authentication mode and a target authentication mode corresponding to the target authentication method are different, When the switching means switches the authentication mode, the notification means emphasizes the notification compared to when the switching means does not switch the authentication mode. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the authentication method includes second biometric authentication that authenticates the target using biometric information of the target, and non-biometric authentication that authenticates the target using authentication information of the target other than the biometric information of the target, If the first biometric authentication of the target in the first area is successful, the target is authenticated by the second biometric authentication when entering the second area; If the first biometric authentication of the subject in the first area is unsuccessful, the subject is authenticated by the non-biometric authentication when entering the second area.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The notification means displays the authentication method of the target determined by the determination means on a display provided at the entrance of the second area, and notifies the target of the authentication method before entering the second area.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The notification means transmits information indicating the authentication method determined by the determination means of the target before entering the second area to the staff member in the first area.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The notification means causes a mobile object equipped with an output mechanism and moving within the first area to output the authentication method of the target determined by the determination means, thereby notifying the target of the authentication method before it enters the second area.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The notification means transmits information indicating the authentication method of the target determined by the determination means to an information processing terminal carried by the target before the target enters the second area.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. determining an authentication method for the subject when the subject enters a second area adjacent to the first area, depending on whether or not the first biometric authentication using the biometric information acquired from the image of the subject in the first area is successful; Notifying the subject of the determined authentication method before the subject enters the second area. A computer-implemented information processing method.

10. On the computer, determining an authentication method for the subject when the subject enters a second area adjacent to the first area, depending on whether or not the first biometric authentication using the biometric information acquired from the image of the subject in the first area is successful; Notifying the subject of the determined authentication method before the subject enters the second area. A computer program for executing an information processing method.