Information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information processing system (10) comprises: a first terminal (100) that executes otoacoustic authentication which uses echo sounds that echo within the ear of a subject; a second terminal (200) by which a prescribed operation is enabled in accordance with the otoacoustic authentication; a detection means (210) that detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a control means (220) which, when the amount of change in the distance has exceeded a prescribed value, executes notification to the first terminal and / or prohibition of the prescribed operation in the second terminal. According to such an information processing system, an appropriate measure can be executed when a terminal is lost or stolen.

Description

Information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

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

[0002] There is known a technology for performing authentication processing of a target (so-called ear acoustic authentication) based on characteristics of the ear canal acquired by utilizing sound reverberation. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for performing ear acoustic authentication using sound waves acquired by earphones and unlocking a locked screen of an information communication device according to the authentication result.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 195792

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium that are capable of taking appropriate measures when a terminal is lost or stolen.

[0005] One aspect of the information processing system disclosed herein comprises a first terminal that performs earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds reverberating within a target's ear, a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in response to the earacoustic authentication, a detection means for detecting a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a control means that, when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, notifies the first terminal and / or prohibits the predetermined operation on the second terminal.

[0006] One aspect of the information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method that uses at least one computer to control an information processing system that includes a first terminal that performs earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds reverberating in a target's ear, and a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the earacoustic authentication, and that detects a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, performs at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the predetermined operation on the second terminal.

[0007] One aspect of the recording medium of this disclosure is an information processing method for controlling an information processing system on at least one computer, which includes a first terminal that performs earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds reverberating in a target's ear, and a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the earacoustic authentication, and on which a computer program is recorded that causes the information processing method to execute the information processing method, which detects a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and, when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, executes at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the predetermined operation on the second terminal.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a first information processing system. 2 is a block diagram showing the terminal configuration of the first information processing system. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the first information processing system. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the second information processing system. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the third information processing system. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of registration operations in the fourth information processing system. 7 is a block diagram showing the terminal configuration of a fifth information processing system. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the fifth information processing system.

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

[0010] First Embodiment A first information processing system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0011] (Hardware Configuration) First, the hardware configuration of the first information processing system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first information processing system.

[0012] 1, a first information processing system 10 includes a processor 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, and a storage device 14. The information processing system 10 may further include an input device 15 and an output device 16. The processor 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16 are connected to each other via a data bus 17. The data bus 17 may be an interface other than a data bus (for example, a LAN, a USB, etc.).

[0013] The processor 11 loads a computer program. For example, the processor 11 is configured to load a computer program stored in at least one of the RAM 12, the ROM 13, and the storage device 14. Alternatively, the processor 11 may load a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The processor 11 may acquire (i.e., load) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the information processing system 10 via a network interface. The processor 11 controls the RAM 12, the storage device 14, the input device 15, and the output device 16 by executing the loaded computer program. In particular, in this embodiment, when the processor 11 executes the loaded computer program, functional blocks are realized within the processor 11 for detecting changes in the distance between the terminals and executing various controls. In other words, the processor 11 may function as a controller that executes each control in the information processing system 10.

[0014] The processor 11 may be configured as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a quantum processor. The processor 11 may be configured as one of these, or may be configured to use multiple processors in parallel.

[0015] The RAM 12 temporarily stores computer programs executed by the processor 11. The RAM 12 temporarily stores data that the processor 11 temporarily uses while it is executing the computer programs. The RAM 12 may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). Alternatively, other types of volatile memory may be used instead of the RAM 12.

[0016] The ROM 13 stores computer programs executed by the processor 11. The ROM 13 may also store fixed data. The ROM 13 may be, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM) or an erasable read-only memory (EPROM). Alternatively, other types of non-volatile memory may be used instead of the ROM 13.

[0017] The storage device 14 stores data that is to be saved long-term by the information processing system 10. The storage device 14 may operate as a temporary storage device for the processor 11. The storage device may store computer programs executed by the processor 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0018] The input device 15 is a device that receives input instructions from a user of the information processing system 10. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 15 may be configured as part of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, an earphone-type terminal, a watch-type terminal, or the like. The input device 15 may be, for example, a device that allows voice input, including a microphone. The input device 15 may be, for example, a device that is used only for maintenance. In such cases, the input device 15 may be omitted as appropriate from the components used when operating the information processing system 10.

[0019] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information related to the information processing system 10 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device (e.g., a display) that can display information related to the information processing system 10. The output device 16 may also be a speaker or the like that can output information related to the information processing system 10 as audio. The output device 16 may be configured as part of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, an earphone-type terminal, a watch-type terminal, or the like.

[0020] The first information processing system 10 is configured to include a first terminal and a second terminal, as described below. Each of the components described in Fig. 1 may be configured to be included in at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal included in the first information processing system 10. Furthermore, some of the components described in Fig. 1 may be configured to be included in an external device (e.g., an external server, a cloud, etc.) different from the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0021] (Terminal Configuration) Next, the terminal configuration of the first information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the terminal configuration of the first information processing system.

[0022] 2, the first information processing system 10 includes a first terminal 100 and a second terminal 200. The first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 are connected, for example, via wireless communication, and are configured to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other. The first terminal 100 is configured, for example, as an earphone-type hearable terminal, and includes an ear acoustic authentication unit 110 as a processing block for realizing its functions. The second terminal 200 is configured, for example, as a portable terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or watch-type terminal, and includes a detection unit 210 and a control unit 220 as processing blocks for realizing its functions. Each of the ear acoustic authentication unit 110, the detection unit 210, and the control unit 220 may be a processing block configured, for example, by the above-mentioned processor 11 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] The earacoustic authentication unit 110 is configured to perform earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds reverberating within the target's ear. The earacoustic authentication unit 110, for example, controls the first terminal 100 worn in the target's ear to acquire a reverberant sound signal containing characteristics of the target's ear (specifically, characteristics of the internal shape of the ear). More specifically, the earacoustic authentication unit 110 controls the first terminal 100 to emit sound waves into the target's ear and acquires a reverberant sound signal based on the reverberant sounds of the emitted sound waves. The earacoustic authentication unit 110 then performs earacoustic authentication using the acquired reverberant sound signal. The earacoustic authentication unit 110 performs earacoustic authentication, for example, by comparing features extracted from the reverberant sound signal with features of a registered user registered in advance. The earacoustic authentication unit 110 may perform earacoustic authentication, for example, when the target wears the first terminal 100. Furthermore, the earacoustic authentication unit 110 may periodically perform earacoustic authentication at a predetermined interval after the target wears the first terminal 100. The earacoustic authentication unit 110 may perform earacoustic authentication at the timing when the subject performs an operation for performing authentication.

[0024] The authentication result by the earacoustic authentication unit 110 is transmitted to the second terminal 200. The second terminal 200 then permits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 based on the received authentication result. The predetermined operation may include all operations executable on the second terminal 200, or may be only a portion of the operations executable on the second terminal 200. For example, if the second terminal 200 is configured as a smartphone, the lock screen of the smartphone may be unlocked on the condition that the earacoustic authentication is successful. In this case, successful earacoustic authentication enables general smartphone operation. Alternatively, successful earacoustic authentication may enable use of various smartphone apps. Note that the predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 may be permitted by other authentication methods (e.g., facial authentication, fingerprint authentication, passcode authentication, etc.) other than earacoustic authentication on the second terminal 200. In this case, the earacoustic authentication on the first terminal 100 may skip other authentication methods on the second terminal 200 to permit the predetermined operation.

[0025] The detection unit 210 is configured to detect the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. The detection unit 210 may detect the amount of change in the distance by, for example, detecting the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 multiple times and comparing the detected distances. In this case, the detection unit 210 may estimate the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 using, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Alternatively, the detection unit 210 may detect the amount of change in the distance using the position when the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 are in contact as the origin. Specifically, the detection unit 210 detects the acceleration applied to each of the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 after they are in contact. Then, the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 may be calculated by calculating the change in position from the origin based on the detected acceleration. The detection unit 210 may be configured to detect the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 when the subject is using at least one of the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. Alternatively, the detection unit 210 may be configured to detect the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 even when the subject is not using either the first terminal 100 or the second terminal 200. The amount of change in the distance detected by the detection unit 210 is configured to be output to the control unit 220.

[0026] The control unit 220 is configured to be able to control at least one of the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 in accordance with the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 detected by the detection unit 210. Specifically, the control unit 220 is configured to be able to execute at least one of notifying the first terminal 100 and prohibiting a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 when the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value. Note that the "predetermined value" here is a threshold value for determining that the subject is no longer holding at least one of the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. For example, the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 may be set to exceed the predetermined value when the subject starts moving while still wearing the first terminal 100 on their ear and leaves the second terminal 200 behind. Alternatively, when the target is wearing the first terminal 100 on his / her ear and a person other than the target tries to steal the second terminal 200 and run away, the change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 may be set to exceed a predetermined value.

[0027] The notification from the control unit 220 to the first terminal 100 may be sufficient as long as it can notify the target that some abnormality has occurred. Furthermore, the content of the notification to the target may include information for notifying the target that the second terminal 200 has been lost or stolen. For example, the control unit 220 may perform control such that an alarm sound, a message, or the like is output from the first terminal 100. The control unit 220 may change the content of the notification to the first terminal 100 depending on the situation. For example, the control unit 220 may send a notification to the target to notify the target that the second terminal 200 has been left behind if it is determined that the target is likely to have left the second terminal 200 behind. Furthermore, the control unit 220 may send a notification to notify the target that the second terminal 200 has been stolen if it is determined that a person other than the target is likely to have stolen the second terminal 200. These situation determinations may be made based on, for example, the amount of change in distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 detected by the detection unit 210. For example, if the amount of change in distance exceeds a first predetermined value, it may be determined that there is a high possibility that the target has left second terminal 200 behind, and if the amount of change in distance exceeds a second predetermined value that is higher than the first predetermined value, it may be determined that there is a high possibility that a person other than the target has stolen second terminal 200. In this way, control unit 220 may change the mode of notification to first terminal 100 depending on the amount of change in distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200 detected by detection unit 210.

[0028] The control unit 220 may prohibit a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 regardless of the authentication result of the earacoustic authentication by the earacoustic authentication unit 110. For example, the control unit 220 may prohibit a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 even in a situation where the earacoustic authentication is successful and the predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 would normally be permitted. Furthermore, the control unit 220 may prohibit a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 regardless of an authentication result other than that of the earacoustic authentication unit 110 (e.g., the result of another authentication process on the second terminal 200). For example, the control unit 220 may prohibit a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 even in a situation where another authentication process on the second terminal 200 is successful and the predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 would normally be permitted.

[0029] Although the above example illustrates a configuration in which the first terminal 100 includes the earacoustic authentication unit 110, the second terminal 200 may also be configured to include the earacoustic authentication unit 110. In this case, the first terminal 100 transmits a reverberant sound signal acquired from the target ear to the second terminal 200. The earacoustic authentication unit 110 included in the second terminal 200 then performs earacoustic authentication using the reverberant sound signal received from the first terminal 100. Furthermore, while the above example illustrates a configuration in which the second terminal 200 includes the detection unit 210 and the control unit 220, the first terminal 100 may also be configured to include both or either the detection unit 210 and the control unit 220. When the first terminal 100 includes both the detection unit 210 and the control unit 220, the detection unit 210 in the first terminal 100 detects a change in distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. Then, the control unit 220 in the first terminal 200 may execute a notification in the first terminal 100 and transmit a signal to the second terminal 200 to prohibit a predetermined operation. Furthermore, in the above example, an example in which a notification is made to the first terminal 100 has been given, but a notification may also be made to the second terminal 200. That is, a notification may be made to the second terminal 200 in addition to or instead of the first terminal 100. Furthermore, in the above example, an example in which a predetermined operation is prohibited in the second terminal has been given, but a predetermined operation in the first terminal may be prohibited. That is, a predetermined operation in the first terminal 100 (for example, an operation related to music playback on an earphone-type terminal) may be prohibited in addition to or instead of the second terminal 200.

[0030] (Flow of Operation) Next, the flow of operation of the first information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation in the first information processing system.

[0031] 3 , when the operation of the first information processing system 10 starts, the detection unit 210 first detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 (step S101). The detection unit 210 outputs information related to the detected amount of change in the distance to the control unit 220.

[0032] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the amount of change in distance detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined value (step S102). If the amount of change in distance does not exceed the predetermined value (step S102: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time.

[0033] On the other hand, if the amount of change in distance exceeds the predetermined value (step S102: YES), the control unit 220 executes a notification to the first terminal 100 (step S103). The control unit 220 also prohibits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 (step S104). The control unit 220 may execute the processes of steps S103 and S104 one after the other, or may execute them simultaneously in parallel. The control unit 220 may also execute only one of the processes of steps S103 and S104.

[0034] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the first information processing system 10 will be described.

[0035] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 , in the first information processing system 10, when a change in distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value, at least one of notifying the first terminal 100 and prohibiting a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 is performed. In this manner, it is possible to take appropriate measures when a terminal is lost or stolen. For example, when a subject leaves the second terminal 200 behind or when the second terminal 200 is stolen, the subject can be promptly notified of the occurrence of the loss or theft. Furthermore, by prohibiting a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being illegally operated by a person other than the subject.

[0036] Second Embodiment A second information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The second information processing system 10 differs from the first information processing system 10 described above only in some of its operations, and other parts may be the same as the first information processing system 10. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and will omit a description of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0037] (Operational Flow) First, the operational flow of the second information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operational flow in the second information processing system. Note that in Fig. 4, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] 4, when the operation of the second information processing system 10 starts, the detection unit 210 first detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 (step S101). The detection unit 210 outputs information related to the detected amount of change in the distance to the control unit 220.

[0039] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the amount of change in distance detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined value (step S102). If the amount of change in distance does not exceed the predetermined value (step S102: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time.

[0040] On the other hand, if the amount of change in distance exceeds the predetermined value (step S102: YES), detection unit 210 detects the inter-terminal distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200 (step S201). That is, detection unit 210 in second information processing device 10 is configured to be able to detect the inter-terminal distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200 in addition to the amount of change in distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200. Detection unit 210 may, for example, detect a sound output from second terminal 200 at first terminal 100 and estimate the inter-terminal distance based on the sound pressure at that time. Conversely, detection unit 210 may detect a sound output from first terminal 100 at second terminal 200 and estimate the inter-terminal distance based on the sound pressure at that time. Note that detection unit 210 may detect the inter-terminal distance again in step S201, but if the inter-terminal distance has been detected when detecting the amount of change in distance (i.e., in step S101), that value may be used as is. Detection unit 210 outputs information related to the detected inter-terminal distance to control unit 220.

[0041] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the inter-terminal distance detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time (step S202). The "predetermined distance" here is a preset threshold value for determining whether the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 are far enough apart to determine that a misplacement, theft, or the like has occurred. For example, if the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 are only a few meters apart, it is unlikely that a misplacement or theft has occurred. On the other hand, if the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 are several hundred meters apart, it can be determined that a misplacement or theft has likely occurred. The predetermined distance may be set as a threshold value for determining such a situation. The "predetermined time" is a threshold value set to avoid a momentary increase in the inter-terminal distance or erroneous detection of the inter-terminal distance. For example, even if the inter-terminal distance temporarily exceeds several tens of meters, if the inter-terminal distance immediately returns to a few meters, it is unlikely that a misplacement or theft has occurred. On the other hand, if the distance between the devices exceeds several tens of meters for an hour or more, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the device has been left behind or stolen. The predetermined time can be set as a threshold for determining such a situation.

[0042] If the inter-terminal distance detected by the detection unit 210 does not exceed the predetermined distance for a predetermined consecutive time (step S202: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time. On the other hand, if the inter-terminal distance exceeds the predetermined distance for a predetermined consecutive time (step S202: YES), the control unit 220 executes a notification to the first terminal 100 (step S103). In addition, the control unit 220 prohibits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 (step S104).

[0043] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the second information processing system 10 will be described.

[0044] 4, in the second information processing system 10, in addition to determining whether the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value, it is also determined whether the inter-terminal distance exceeds a predetermined distance for a predetermined consecutive time. In this way, it is possible to prevent a notification from being sent to the first terminal 100 or a predetermined operation from being prohibited on the second terminal 200 in cases such as when the inter-terminal distance temporarily increases or when an erroneous detection of the inter-terminal distance occurs.

[0045] <Third Embodiment> A third information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that the third information processing system 10 only differs in some operations from the first and second information processing systems 10 described above, and other parts may be similar to the first and second information processing systems 10. Therefore, hereinafter, only parts that differ from the embodiments already described will be described in detail, and explanations of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] (Operational Flow) First, the operational flow of the third information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operational flow in the third information processing system. Note that in Fig. 5, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0047] 5 , when the operation of the third information processing system 10 starts, the detection unit 210 first detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 (step S101). The detection unit 210 outputs information related to the detected amount of change in the distance to the control unit 220.

[0048] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the amount of change in distance detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined value (step S102). If the amount of change in distance does not exceed the predetermined value (step S102: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time.

[0049] On the other hand, if the amount of change in distance exceeds the predetermined value (step S102: YES), detection unit 210 detects the inter-terminal distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200 (step S301). That is, detection unit 210 in third information processing device 10 is configured to be able to detect the inter-terminal distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200, similar to second information processing device 10. Detection unit 210 outputs information related to the detected inter-terminal distance to control unit 220.

[0050] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the inter-terminal distance detected by the detection unit 210 is increasing over time (step S302). The control unit 220 may determine that the inter-terminal distance is increasing over time if the inter-terminal distance is monotonically increasing. Alternatively, the control unit 220 may determine that the inter-terminal distance is increasing over time if the inter-terminal distance continues to increase overall, even if it temporarily decreases. Note that the control unit 220 may determine whether the inter-terminal distance is increasing over time only for a certain period after the inter-terminal distance begins to increase. This is because, for example, even if the second terminal 200 is left behind or stolen, it is conceivable that the inter-terminal distance will no longer increase after a certain amount of time has passed (in other words, after the second terminal 200 has moved a certain distance away).

[0051] If the inter-terminal distance detected by the detection unit 210 has not increased over time (step S302: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time. On the other hand, if the inter-terminal distance has increased over time (step S302: YES), the control unit 220 executes a notification to the first terminal 100 (step S103). In addition, the control unit 220 prohibits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 (step S104).

[0052] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the third information processing system 10 will be described.

[0053] 5, in the third information processing system 10, in addition to determining whether the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value, it is also determined whether the inter-terminal distance is increasing over time. In this way, it is possible to prevent a notification from being sent to the first terminal 100 or a predetermined operation from being prohibited on the second terminal 200 in cases such as when the inter-terminal distance temporarily increases or when an erroneous detection of the inter-terminal distance occurs.

[0054] <Fourth Embodiment> A fourth information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the fourth information processing system 10 only differs in some of its operations from the first to third information processing systems 10 described above, and other parts may be similar to the first to third information processing systems 10. Therefore, hereinafter, only the parts that differ from the embodiments already described will be described in detail, and explanations of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] (Operation Flow) First, the operation flow of the fourth information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation flow in the fourth information processing system. Note that in Fig. 6, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0056] 6 , when the operation of the fourth information processing system 10 starts, the detection unit 210 first detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 (step S101). The detection unit 210 outputs information related to the detected amount of change in the distance to the control unit 220.

[0057] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the amount of change in distance detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined value (step S102). If the amount of change in distance does not exceed the predetermined value (step S102: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time.

[0058] On the other hand, if the amount of change in distance exceeds the predetermined value (step S102: YES), the detection unit 210 detects the acceleration difference between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 (step S401). That is, the detection unit 210 in the fourth information processing device 10 is configured to be able to detect the acceleration difference between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 in addition to the amount of change in distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. The detection unit 210 may detect the acceleration difference between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200, for example, by acquiring the acceleration of the first terminal 100 and the acceleration of the second terminal 200 and calculating the difference between them. Note that the accelerations of the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 may be detected by a sensor or the like provided in each terminal. The detection unit 210 outputs the detected acceleration difference between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 to the control unit 220.

[0059] Next, the control unit 220 determines whether the acceleration difference detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S402). The "predetermined threshold" here is a preset value used to determine whether a large difference has occurred between the acceleration of the first terminal 100 and the acceleration of the second terminal 200, enough to determine whether the first terminal 100 has been left behind, theft, or the like has occurred. For example, if a subject wearing the first terminal 100 leaves the second terminal 200 on a bus and gets off, the acceleration of the first terminal 100 will be a value corresponding to the subject's walking, and the acceleration of the second terminal 200 will be a value corresponding to the bus's movement. Furthermore, if a third party steals the second terminal 200 from the subject wearing the first terminal 100 and escapes on a bicycle, the acceleration of the first terminal 100 will be a value corresponding to the subject's walking, and the acceleration of the second terminal 200 will be a value corresponding to the bicycle's movement. Thus, if the first terminal 100 is left behind, theft, or the like, it is expected that a large acceleration difference will occur between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. The predetermined threshold may be set as a threshold for determining such a situation.

[0060] If the acceleration difference detected by the detection unit 210 does not exceed the predetermined threshold (step S402: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S101 may be started again after a predetermined period of time. On the other hand, if the acceleration difference exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S402: YES), the control unit 220 executes a notification to the first terminal 100 (step S103). In addition, the control unit 220 prohibits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 (step S104).

[0061] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the fourth information processing system 10 will be described.

[0062] 6 , in the fourth information processing system 10, in addition to determining whether the amount of change in distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value, it is also determined whether the difference in acceleration between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this way, it is possible to determine whether a device has been left behind or stolen from the difference between the acceleration of the first terminal 100 and the acceleration of the second terminal 200 (in other words, the difference in the movement patterns of the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200). This makes it possible to notify the first terminal 100 or prohibit a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 at a more appropriate time.

[0063] Fifth Embodiment A fifth information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The fifth information processing system 10 differs only in part of its configuration and operation from the first to fourth information processing systems 10 described above, and other parts may be similar to the first to fourth information processing systems 10. Therefore, the following will describe in detail only the parts that differ from the already described embodiments, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate. (Terminal Configuration) First, the terminal configuration of the fifth information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the terminal configuration of the fifth information processing system.

[0064] 7 , the fifth information processing system 10 includes a first terminal 100, a second terminal 200, and a third terminal 300. That is, the fifth information processing system 10 further includes a third terminal 300 in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2 ). Like the second terminal 200, the third terminal 300 is a terminal connected to the first terminal 100 via wireless communication or the like. The third terminal 300 may also be connected to the second terminal 200. That is, the first terminal 100, the second terminal 200, and the third terminal 300 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other. For example, if the first terminal 100 is an earphone-type hearable terminal and the second terminal 200 is a smartphone, the third terminal may be configured as a smartwatch. These terminals may be paired with each other to be able to communicate with each other.

[0065] The third terminal 300 is configured to include a detection unit 310 and a control unit 320. The detection unit 310 and the control unit 320 in the third terminal 300 may have the same functions as the detection unit 210 and the control unit 220 in the second terminal 200 described above. Specifically, the detection unit 310 may be configured to be able to detect the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300. The control unit 220 may be configured to be able to control at least one of the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300 in accordance with the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300 detected by the detection unit 310. Specifically, the control unit 320 may be configured to be able to perform at least one of notifying the first terminal 100 and prohibiting a predetermined operation on the third terminal 300 when the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0066] (Flow of Operation) Next, the flow of operation of the fifth information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation in the fifth information processing system.

[0067] 8 , when the operation of the fifth information processing system 10 starts, first, the detection unit 210 in the second terminal 200 detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200. Furthermore, the detection unit 310 in the third terminal 300 detects the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300. The fifth information processing device 10 detects the amount of change in the distance between the multiple terminals in this manner (step S501).

[0068] Next, the control unit 220 in the second terminal 200 determines whether the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 detected by the detection unit 210 exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 320 in the third terminal 300 determines whether the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300 detected by the detection unit 310 exceeds a predetermined value. The fifth information processing device 10 detects whether any of the detected distance changes exceeds a predetermined value (step S502). If none of the distance changes exceeds the predetermined value (step S502: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted. In this case, the operation of step S501 may be started again after a predetermined period of time.

[0069] On the other hand, if the amount of change in any of the distances exceeds a predetermined value (step S502: YES), control unit 220 or control unit 320 executes a notification to first terminal 100 (step S503). Specifically, if the amount of change in the distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200 detected by detection unit 210 in second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value, control unit 220 in second terminal 200 executes a notification to first terminal 100. Similarly, if the amount of change in the distance between first terminal 100 and third terminal 300 detected by detection unit 310 in third terminal 300 exceeds a predetermined value, control unit 320 in third terminal 300 executes a notification to first terminal 100.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 220 or the control unit 320 prohibits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 or the third terminal 300 (step S504). Specifically, if the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the second terminal 200 detected by the detection unit 210 in the second terminal 200 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 220 in the second terminal 200 prohibits a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200. Similarly, if the amount of change in the distance between the first terminal 100 and the third terminal 300 detected by the detection unit 310 in the third terminal 300 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 320 in the third terminal 300 prohibits a predetermined operation on the third terminal. Note that the control units 220 and 320 may execute the processes of steps S503 and S504 one after the other, or may execute them simultaneously in parallel. Alternatively, the control units 220 and 320 may execute only one of the processes of steps S503 and S504.

[0071] In the above example, a configuration has been described in which the amount of change in distance between first terminal 100 and second terminal 200 and the amount of change in distance between first terminal 100 and third terminal 300 is used, but the amount of change in distance between second terminal 200 and third terminal 300 may also be detected. For example, at least one of detection unit 210 in second terminal 200 and detection unit 310 in third terminal 300 may detect the amount of change in distance between second terminal 200 and third terminal 300.

[0072] In the above configuration, when the amount of change in the distance between the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300 exceeds a predetermined value, a notification may be sent to at least one of the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300 in addition to or instead of the first terminal 100. For example, when it is determined that there is a risk of the second terminal 200 being lost or stolen based on the amount of change in the distance between the terminals, a notification may be sent to the third terminal 300 in addition to or instead of the first terminal 100. Furthermore, when it is determined that there is a risk of the third terminal 300 being lost or stolen based on the amount of change in the distance between the terminals, a notification may be sent to the second terminal 200 in addition to or instead of the first terminal 100. Note that when it is not possible to determine from the amount of change in the distance between the terminals whether there is a risk of the second terminal 200 being lost or stolen or the third terminal 300 being lost or stolen, a notification may be sent to both the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300. Alternatively, a notification may be sent to the terminal with a higher priority based on a preset priority.

[0073] In the above configuration, a predetermined operation on at least one of the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300 may be prohibited when the amount of change in the distance between the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300 exceeds a predetermined value. For example, if it is determined based on the amount of change in the distance between the terminals that there is a risk of the second terminal 200 being lost or stolen, a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 may be prohibited. Also, if it is determined based on the amount of change in the distance between the terminals that there is a risk of the third terminal 300 being lost or stolen, a predetermined operation on the third terminal 300 may be prohibited. Note that if it is not possible to determine from the amount of change in the distance between the terminals whether there is a risk of the second terminal 200 being lost or stolen or whether there is a risk of the third terminal 300 being lost or stolen, a predetermined operation on both the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300 may be prohibited. Alternatively, a predetermined operation on a terminal with a higher priority may be prohibited based on a preset priority.

[0074] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the fifth information processing system 10 will be described.

[0075] 7 and 8, in the fifth information processing system 10, based on the amount of change in the distance between multiple terminals, at least one of notifying the first terminal 100 and prohibiting a predetermined operation on the second terminal 200 and the third terminal 300 is performed. In this way, even if a user owns multiple terminals, it is possible to take appropriate measures if one of the terminals is lost or stolen. Note that, although the above example has been described using an example in which three terminals are connected, similar technical effects can be obtained by performing similar processing even when four or more terminals are connected.

[0076] The scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method in which a program that operates the configuration of each embodiment to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded on a recording medium, the program recorded on the recording medium is read as code, and the program is executed on a computer. In other words, a computer-readable recording medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, each embodiment includes not only a recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded, but also the program itself.

[0077] Examples of recording media that can be used include floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. Furthermore, the scope of each embodiment is not limited to programs that execute processes by themselves, but also includes programs that execute processes by operating on an OS in conjunction with other software or expansion board functions. Furthermore, the program itself may be stored on a server, and part or all of the program may be downloadable from the server to a user terminal. The program may be provided to the user in, for example, a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0078] <Supplementary Notes> The above-described embodiment may be further described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited to the following.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 1) The information processing system described in Supplementary Note 1 is an information processing system comprising: a first terminal that performs earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds that reverberate in a target ear; a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the earacoustic authentication; a detection means that detects a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a control means that, when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, notifies the first terminal and / or prohibits the predetermined operation on the second terminal.

[0080] (Appendix 2) The information processing system described in Appendix 2 is the information processing system described in Appendix 1, wherein the control means executes at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal when the amount of change in the distance exceeds the specified value and the inter-terminal distance between the first terminal and the second terminal exceeds the specified distance for a specified consecutive period of time.

[0081] (Appendix 3) The information processing system described in Appendix 3 is the information processing system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control means executes at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal when the amount of change in the distance exceeds the predetermined value and the inter-terminal distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is increasing over time.

[0082] (Appendix 4) The information processing system described in Appendix 4 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the control means executes at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal when the amount of change in the distance exceeds the specified value and the difference in acceleration between the first terminal and the second terminal exceeds a specified threshold.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 5) The information processing method described in Supplementary Note 5 is an information processing method for controlling, by at least one computer, an information processing system including a first terminal that performs ear acoustic authentication using reverberant sounds reverberating in a target ear, and a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the ear acoustic authentication, the information processing method detecting a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the predetermined operation on the second terminal is performed.

[0084] (Appendix 6) The recording medium described in Appendix 6 is a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded that causes at least one computer to execute an information processing method for controlling an information processing system that includes a first terminal that performs earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds that reverberate in the ear of a target, and a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the earacoustic authentication, the information processing method detecting a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and, when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the predetermined operation on the second terminal.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 7) The computer program described in Supplementary Note 7 is an information processing method for controlling an information processing system, which includes at least one computer, a first terminal that performs earacoustic authentication using reverberant sounds reverberating in a target ear, and a second terminal that is capable of performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the earacoustic authentication, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the information processing method, which detects a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and, when the change in distance exceeds a predetermined value, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the predetermined operation on the second terminal.

[0086] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information processing systems, information processing methods, and recording media that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0087] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing system 11 Processor 100 First terminal 110 Ear acoustic authentication unit 200 Second terminal 210 Detection unit 220 Control unit 300 Third terminal 310 Detection unit 320 Control unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: a first terminal that performs ear acoustic authentication using sounds reverberating in a target's ear; a second terminal that is capable of performing a specified operation in response to the ear acoustic authentication; a detection means for detecting a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a control means for, when the change in distance exceeds a specified value, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal.

2. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the control means at least one of notifies the first terminal and prohibits the specified operation on the second terminal when the amount of change in the distance exceeds the specified value and the inter-terminal distance between the first terminal and the second terminal exceeds the specified distance for a specified consecutive period of time.

3. The information processing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means, when the amount of change in the distance exceeds the predetermined value and the inter-terminal distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is increasing over time, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal.

4. The information processing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means, when the amount of change in the distance exceeds the predetermined value and the difference in acceleration between the first terminal and the second terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal.

5. An information processing method for controlling, by at least one computer, an information processing system comprising: a first terminal that performs ear acoustic authentication using sound reverberating in a target's ear; and a second terminal that is capable of performing a specified operation in response to the ear acoustic authentication, the information processing method detecting a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the change in distance exceeds a specified value, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal.

6. A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for controlling an information processing system comprising at least one computer: a first terminal that performs ear acoustic authentication using sound reverberating in a target's ear; and a second terminal that is capable of performing a specified operation in response to the ear acoustic authentication, the information processing method comprising: detecting a change in distance between the first terminal and the second terminal; and, when the change in distance exceeds a specified value, at least one of notifying the first terminal and prohibiting the specified operation on the second terminal.

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