Server device, control method of server device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a server device that contributes to improvement of convenience for employees working in a company or the like. This server device includes a storage means, an authentication means, and an information providing means. The storage means stores, in a database, biological information of each of a plurality of employees working in a first business operator. The authentication means executes first authentication processing using biological information of persons to be authenticated included in a first authentication request transmitted from a first authentication terminal, and a plurality of pieces of stored biological information. The authentication means stores first action history obtained from the first authentication processing. The authentication means executes second authentication processing using the biological information of the persons to be authenticated included in a second authentication request transmitted from a second authentication terminal, and the plurality of pieces of stored biological information. The authentication means stores second action history obtained from the second authentication processing. On the basis of the first and / or second action history stored in the database, the information providing means provides information for an employee working at least in the first business operator.

Description

Server device, server device control method and storage medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a control method for a server device, and a storage medium.

[0002] There are technologies related to the registration of biometric information and the utilization of the registered biometric information.

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a system and method that allows a user to register biometric information at a location where the biometric information is used and that allows the user to use the biometric information at a location different from the location where the biometric information was registered. The system in Patent Literature 1 includes a registration device, an information processing device, a data center, and an authentication device. The registration device includes a first reading unit that reads the user's biometric information, a registration unit that registers the read biometric information in accordance with an instruction from the information processing device, and a first communication unit that transmits the registered biometric information to the data center. The information processing device includes an instruction unit that instructs the registration device to register the biometric information in accordance with an instruction from the user, and a second communication unit that transmits the instruction to the registration device. The data center includes a biometric information storage unit that stores the registered biometric information, and a third communication unit. The third communication unit receives the registered biometric information from the registration device and stores it in the biometric information storage unit, or transmits the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit to an authentication device that authenticates the user using the registered biometric information. The authentication device includes a second reading unit that reads biometric information of a user, and an authentication unit that compares the read biometric information with biometric information received from the data center and authenticates the user.

[0004] JP 2015-170083 A

[0005] In buildings where employees of large corporations work, services using biometric authentication are provided to employees, such as work management and payment services using biometric authentication.

[0006] Furthermore, many businesses, such as restaurants, operate in the vicinity of the large company. To enhance the convenience of employees working at the large company, the businesses may provide services using biometric authentication to the employees. As a result, results of biometric authentication performed both within the company and outside the company (neighboring businesses) are accumulated, but the accumulated results are not currently being effectively utilized. The inventors of the present application have discovered that the results of biometric authentication performed both inside and outside the company can be effectively utilized to enhance employee convenience.

[0007] Note that application of the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not improve convenience for employees. Patent Document 1 does not disclose the provision of services using biometric authentication by different businesses.

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium that contribute to improving convenience for employees working in a company or the like.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication means for executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of employees who are determined to have been successfully authenticated; and a second authentication process for executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of employees who are determined to have been successfully authenticated; and an information provision means for providing information targeted at at least employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a server device, comprising: a storage step of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication step of executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of employees who are determined to have been successfully authenticated, and a second authentication process of executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of employees who are determined to have been successfully authenticated; and an information provision step of providing information to at least employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following steps: a storage process for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication process for executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of employees who are determined to have been successfully authenticated in the database; and a second authentication process for executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of employees who are determined to have been successfully authenticated in the database; and an information provision process for providing information targeted at at least employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database.

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for a server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to improving convenience for employees working at a company, etc. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a head office building according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an employee management database according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an authentication unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a head office terminal according to the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure.

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a storage unit 101, an authentication unit 102, and an information providing unit 103 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 stores biometric information for each of multiple employees working for a first business in a database (step S1 in FIG. 2). The authentication unit 102 performs a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request transmitted from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored biometric information (step S2). The authentication unit 102 stores a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process for employees who are determined to be successfully authenticated in the database (step S3). The authentication unit 102 performs a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request transmitted from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored biometric information (step S4). The authentication unit 102 stores a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process for employees who are determined to be successfully authenticated in the database (step S5). The information providing means 103 provides information to at least employees working for the first business operator based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database (step S6).

[0016] The server device 100 accumulates the behavioral history of employees working for a company or the like based on biometric authentication performed inside or outside the company or the like. The server device 100 utilizes the accumulated behavioral history to provide employees with information that is useful to them. As a result, convenience for employees is improved.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System Configuration] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system (authentication system) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system includes a first business operator and a second business operator that is affiliated with the first business operator. In the example of Fig. 3, restaurants, retail stores, etc. operating in the vicinity of the company (first business operator) correspond to the second business operator. Restaurants, retail stores, etc. operating in the vicinity of the building of the company, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the head office building or simply the head office building) are the second business operator.

[0020] In the following description, it is assumed that the second business operator has a predetermined partnership with the first business operator. However, there does not have to be a partnership between the first business operator and the second business operator. Alternatively, the first business operator and the second business operator may have an indirect partnership through a third business operator.

[0021] As mentioned above, companies and restaurants, etc. have partnerships, and company employees can receive various benefits when they visit partner restaurants, etc. For example, company employees can purchase products from partner business A or partner business B using biometric authentication.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10, a head office terminal 20, and a partner terminal 30.

[0023] The server device 10 is a device that manages and controls employees working at a company (headquarters building). The server device 10 stores biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working at the company (first business entity).

[0024] The server device 10 receives an authentication request from an authentication terminal (headquarters terminal 20, partner terminal 30). The server device 10 performs biometric authentication using the stored biometric information to identify the person to be authenticated. The server device 10 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication terminal.

[0025] The server device 10 may be installed in a head office building or on the cloud.

[0026] The head office terminals 20 are placed in various locations in the head office building. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the head office terminals 20-1 and 20-2 are installed near the entrances and exits of the building. Alternatively, the head office terminals 20-3 and 20-4 are installed in facilities such as a shop or cafeteria.

[0027] The head office terminals 20-1 and 20-2 are authentication terminals that control employees' entry and exit to the head office building. If the head office terminals 20-1 and 20-2 successfully authenticate an individual to be authenticated, the individual is permitted to pass through the door or gate.

[0028] The head office terminals 20-3 and 20-4 are authentication terminals for making payments for products and services purchased by employees, and are so-called POS (Point of Sale) terminals.

[0029] For example, the head office terminal 20-3 transmits biometric information of the person to be authenticated and payment information regarding the purchased product (purchased product name, price, etc.) to the server device 10. The server device 10 identifies the product purchaser through biometric authentication and performs payment processing.

[0030] The partner terminal 30 is placed in a partner restaurant or the like. For example, the partner terminal 30 is installed at a counter where products are handed over.

[0031] The partner terminal 30 is an authentication terminal for making payments for products purchased by employees at partner restaurants, etc. Similar to the head office terminal 20-3, the partner terminal 30 transmits payment information and biometric information regarding the products, etc. purchased by the employee to the server device 10. The server device 10 identifies the product purchaser through biometric authentication and performs payment processing.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, a user (an employee of a company, an employee of a partner company, etc.) carries a terminal 40 .

[0033] The devices shown in Fig. 3 are interconnected. For example, the server device 10 and the authentication terminals (head office terminal 20 and partner terminal 30) are connected by wired or wireless communication means and configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0034] 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration of the information processing system disclosed herein. For example, the information processing system may include two or more server devices 10. Furthermore, the information processing system may include at least one authentication terminal.

[0035] [Overall Operation] Next, an overall operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0036] <User Registration> Employees working at a company (head office building) register as users in advance. Specifically, the employees operate terminals 40 to access the server device 10. The employees register their name, gender, date of birth, address, employee number, department, biometric information, email address, credit card information, etc. in the server device 10.

[0037] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, or iris pattern. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In the embodiment disclosed herein, a case where biometric information related to a person's "face" (a face image or features generated from a face image) is used will be described.

[0038] The server device 10 associates and stores employee biometric information, employee numbers, etc. in the employee management database. The server device 10 uses the employee management database to associate and store biometric information, names, employee numbers, etc. for each of multiple employees. Details of the employee management database will be described later.

[0039] <Biometric authentication in the head office building> When an employee arrives at the head office building, he or she moves to the head office terminal 20-1. The head office terminal 20-1 acquires the employee's biometric information (e.g., a facial image) and transmits an "authentication request" including the acquired biometric information and the terminal ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0040] The terminal ID is identification information for identifying the authentication terminal (headquarters terminal 20, partner terminal 30). The terminal ID may be the MAC (Media Access Control) address, IP (Internet Protocol) address, or the like of each authentication terminal. The terminal ID is shared between the server device 10 and the authentication terminal by any means.

[0041] The server device 10 identifies the sender of the authentication request based on the terminal ID included in the authentication request. Based on the terminal ID, the server device 10 identifies that the sender of the authentication request is the head office terminal 20-1 installed at the entrance / exit of the head office building.

[0042] The server device 10 performs biometric authentication (matching process) using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information registered in the employee management database. The server device 10 then sends the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the head office terminal 20-1.

[0043] If the biometric authentication is successful, the server device 10 stores the fact that the employee has clocked in as a behavioral history in the employee management database. For example, the server device 10 stores the authentication time as the employee's clocking in time in the employee management database.

[0044] If the authentication is successful, the head office terminal 20-1 opens the door or gate to allow the person to pass through. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the head office terminal 20-1 closes the door or gate to deny the person to pass through.

[0045] The basic operation of the head office terminal 20-2 can be the same as that of the head office terminal 20-1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The server device 10 stores the authentication time of the head office terminal 20-2 in the employee management database as the employee's clock-out time.

[0046] When an employee purchases an item at a store, the employee pays using the head office terminal 20-3. For example, the head office terminal 20-3 identifies the purchased item using a barcode or the like, calculates the price, and presents the calculated price to the employee.

[0047] The head office terminal 20-3 then acquires the biometric information (e.g., a facial image) of the purchaser. The head office terminal 20-3 then transmits an "authentication request" including the terminal ID, payment information, and biometric information to the server device 10. The payment information includes the name and price of the purchased product, etc.

[0048] The server device 10 identifies the sender of the authentication request based on the terminal ID, and determines that the sender of the authentication request is the head office terminal 20-3 installed in the shop based on the terminal ID.

[0049] The server device 10 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information registered in the employee management database. After identifying the employee through the matching process using the biometric information, the server device 10 executes a payment process using the identified employee's credit card information.

[0050] If the payment process is successful, the server device 10 notifies the head office terminal 20-3 of the authentication success. If the verification process or the payment process is unsuccessful, the server device 10 notifies the head office terminal 20-3 of the authentication failure.

[0051] The head office terminal 20-3 outputs a message or the like according to the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure).

[0052] If the payment process is successful, the server device 10 stores the fact that the employee has purchased a product or the like as a behavioral history in the employee management database. The server device 10 stores the payment information and the like in the employee management database.

[0053] The basic operation of the head office terminal 20-4 installed in the cafeteria can be the same as that of the head office terminal 20-3, so a description thereof will be omitted. The server device 10 uses the payment information obtained from the head office terminal 20-4 to store the dishes ordered by the employee in the cafeteria in the employee management database.

[0054] <Biometric authentication at a partner company> An employee who purchases a product or the like at a partner company makes a payment using the partner company terminal 30. The basic operation of the partner company terminal 30 can be the same as the operation of the head office terminal 20-3 and the head office terminal 20-4.

[0055] The server device 10 identifies the sender of the authentication request (the restaurant or other establishment where the employee purchased a product or other product) based on the terminal ID included in the authentication request sent by the partner terminal 30. When the server device 10 identifies the employee who purchased a product or other product at the partner through a matching process using biometric information, it stores the product purchase by the identified employee in the employee management database as a behavioral history. The server device 10 stores payment information and other information in the employee management database.

[0056] <Information Provision> Through the biometric authentication described above, the server device 10 accumulates the behavioral history (behavioral data) of each employee. Specifically, the server accumulates behavioral history such as the employee's arrival time, departure time, meal contents (company cafeteria, external cafeteria, meal menu), and purchased products (purchased within the company, purchased externally).

[0057] The server device 10 uses the accumulated behavioral history to provide information to employees, companies (for example, managers, personnel in charge of the human resources department, etc.), partner businesses, etc.

[0058] For example, the server device 10 analyzes the behavioral history of the employee and makes suggestions based on the employee's preferences, etc. For example, the server device 10 provides the employee with information about events, club activities, etc. held within the company.

[0059] Alternatively, the server device 10 may refer employees to affiliated businesses. For example, the server device 10 may introduce affiliated businesses that sell products related to the employee's hobbies. Alternatively, the server device 10 may notify the employee of campaigns or other events offered by affiliated businesses. In this way, the server device 10 provides information to employees using their behavioral history.

[0060] Alternatively, the server device 10 may provide information to a company (such as the manager or a person in charge of the human resources department). For example, the server device 10 may perform a behavioral analysis of multiple employees to analyze trends in the days of the week and times when many employees come to work.

[0061] The company (management, human resources staff, etc.) utilizes the results of this trend analysis in the operation of the head office building. For example, the company may reduce the amount of ingredients used in the dishes served in the employee cafeteria on days when fewer employees come to work. In this way, the server device 10 may provide the management, etc. with information that is useful for efficient operation of the head office building and promoting utilization.

[0062] Alternatively, the server device 10 may provide information about employee preferences (preferences of all employees working in the head office building) to partner businesses operating in the vicinity of the head office building. The partner businesses can use the provided information to provide better services. In this way, the server device 10 contributes to revitalizing the local economy by providing information to partner businesses operating in the vicinity of the head office building.

[0063] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a user registration unit 202, an authentication unit 203, an information providing unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0065] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the head office terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the head office terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0066] The user registration unit 202 is a means for realizing the user registration of employees. The user registration unit 202 acquires biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a company (first business operator) and registers the information in an employee management database.

[0067] The user registration unit 202 uses any means to acquire the employee's biometric information, name, sex, date of birth, address, employee number, department, biometric information (facial image), email address, credit card information, etc.

[0068] For example, the user registration unit 202 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for inputting biometric information and the like on the terminal 40 carried by the employee, and acquires the information.

[0069] The user registration unit 202 generates a feature amount (a feature vector consisting of a plurality of feature amounts) from the acquired face image.

[0070] Note that, since existing technology can be used for the process of generating feature amounts, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the user registration unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Thereafter, the user registration unit 202 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between each feature point as feature amounts, and generates a feature vector (vector information that characterizes the face image) consisting of multiple feature amounts.

[0071] The user registration unit 202 associates the generated features with the employee's name, gender, employee number, etc. and stores them in the employee management database (see FIG. 7). The employee management database shown in FIG. 7 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, biometric information related to a facial image may be stored in the employee management database instead of or in addition to the features.

[0072] The authentication unit 203 is a means for authenticating the person to be authenticated. Specifically, the authentication unit 203 authenticates the person to be authenticated detected by the authentication terminal (head office terminal 20, partner terminal 30). The authentication unit 203 processes an authentication request received from the authentication terminal.

[0073] The operation of the authentication unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] When the authentication unit 203 receives an authentication request from an authentication terminal (head office terminal 20, partner terminal 30), it performs a matching process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the employee management database (step S101).

[0075] Specifically, the authentication unit 203 generates features from the facial image included in the authentication request. The authentication unit 203 sets the generated features as targets for matching and performs a matching process (one-to-N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies hereinafter) with features registered in the employee management database.

[0076] The authentication unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0077] The authentication unit 203 determines that the matching process has failed if, among the multiple feature quantities registered in the employee management database, there is no feature quantity whose similarity with the feature quantity to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.The authentication unit 203 determines that the matching process has succeeded if, among the multiple feature quantities registered in the employee management database, there is a feature quantity whose similarity with the feature quantity to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0078] If the matching process fails (step S102, No branch), the authentication unit 203 sets "authentication failed" as the authentication result (step S103).

[0079] If the matching process is successful (step S102, Yes branch), the authentication unit 203 executes authentication process according to the type of authentication terminal on which the employee (person to be authenticated) is detected (step S104).

[0080] Specifically, the authentication unit 203 identifies the employee whose entry corresponds to the feature with the highest similarity as the person to be authenticated (the employee detected by the authentication terminal). Furthermore, the authentication unit 203 identifies the authentication terminal on which the person to be authenticated was detected based on the terminal ID included in the authentication request.

[0081] For example, the authentication unit 203 identifies the authentication terminal that detected the person to be authenticated by referring to table information that stores the terminal ID and the type and use of the authentication terminal (for example, the gate at the head office entrance, the gate at the head office exit, the POS terminal at the head office cafeteria, the POS terminal of each affiliated business).

[0082] The authentication unit 203 executes authentication processing (determination processing) according to the identified authentication terminal.

[0083] For example, when a person to be authenticated is detected in the head office terminal 20-1, the authentication unit 203 determines whether or not the person to be authenticated is qualified to enter the head office building. For example, the authentication unit 203 makes this determination based on the department to which the person to be authenticated belongs, etc. If the person to be authenticated is qualified to enter the head office building, the authentication unit 203 determines that the authentication is successful. If the person to be authenticated is not qualified to enter the head office building, the authentication unit 203 determines that the authentication is unsuccessful.

[0084] Alternatively, when the person to be authenticated is detected in the head office terminal 20-1, the authentication unit 203 may determine that the authentication is successful without making any special determination. Similarly, when the person to be authenticated is detected in the head office terminal 20-2, the authentication unit 203 may determine that the authentication is successful without making any special determination.

[0085] When the person to be authenticated is detected at any of the authentication terminals among the head office terminal 20-3, the head office terminal 20-4, and the partner terminal 30, the authentication unit 203 executes a settlement process using the credit card information of the person to be authenticated identified by the matching process. The authentication unit 203 transmits the settlement information and the credit card information to the server of the credit card company, thereby requesting the server to make a settlement.

[0086] The authentication unit 203 determines that the authentication is successful when it receives a notification from the server that the payment is successful.The authentication unit 203 determines that the authentication is unsuccessful when it receives a notification from the server that the payment is unsuccessful.

[0087] The payment processing by the credit card company's server will be clear to those skilled in the art and is not within the scope of the present disclosure, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0088] If the authentication process fails (step S105, No branch), the authentication unit 203 sets "authentication failed" as the authentication result (step S103).

[0089] If the authentication process is successful (step S105, Yes branch), the authentication unit 203 sets the authentication result to "authentication successful" (step S106).

[0090] If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 203 stores the behavior history of the person who has been successfully authenticated (the person to be authenticated who has been determined to have been successfully authenticated) in the employee management database (storing behavior history; step S107).

[0091] For example, if the authentication process for an authentication request received from head office terminal 20-1 is successful, authentication unit 203 stores in the behavior history field of the employee management database that the employee came in on the date and time the authentication request was received. Alternatively, if the authentication process for an authentication request received from head office terminal 20-2 is successful, authentication unit 203 stores in the behavior history field of the employee management database that the employee left work on the date and time the authentication request was received.

[0092] Alternatively, if the authentication process for an authentication request received from the head office terminal 20-3, the head office terminal 20-4, or the partner terminal 30 is successful, the authentication unit 203 stores in the behavior history field of the employee management database that the person to be authenticated purchased a product, meal, etc. on the date and time the authentication request was received. The authentication unit 203 stores the employee's product purchase history in the employee management database. The product names and prices of the purchased products are listed in the payment information included in the authentication request.

[0093] If an employee purchases multiple products in one transaction (if the payment information includes information about multiple products), the authentication unit 203 may store the purchase history for each product in the employee management database. The authentication unit 203 may add an entry for each purchased product and store the product purchase date and time, the purchased product name, the product price, etc. in the behavior history field of the added entry.

[0094] In this way, the authentication unit 203 stores the behavior history of the person to be authenticated in the employee management database according to the type of authentication terminal at which the person to be authenticated was detected, the purpose, etc.

[0095] The authentication unit 203 transmits the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) to the authentication terminal that is the sender of the authentication request (step S108).

[0096] In this manner, the authentication unit 203 executes a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in the first authentication request transmitted from the first authentication terminal (headquarters terminal 20) installed at the first business (company) and the plurality of biometric information stored in the employee management database. The authentication unit 203 stores in the employee management database a first behavioral history (e.g., work attendance history, work departure history, purchase history of products, etc.) obtained from the first authentication process for the employee determined to be successfully authenticated. The authentication unit 203 executes a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in the second authentication request transmitted from the second authentication terminal (partner terminal 30) installed at a second business (partner business) that has a partnership with the first business, and the plurality of stored biometric information. The authentication unit 203 stores in the employee management database a second behavioral history (e.g., purchase history of products, etc.) obtained from the second authentication process for the employee determined to be successfully authenticated.

[0097] The information providing unit 204 is a means for providing information using the behavioral history stored in the employee management database. The information providing unit 204 provides information to at least employees working for the first business (company) based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the employee management database.

[0098] More specifically, the information providing unit 204 provides information that is useful to employees, companies (management, personnel department staff, etc.), and partner companies (employees of partner companies, etc.).

[0099] For example, the information providing unit 204 acquires information desired by the user, such as an employee, from a predetermined web page. At that time, the information providing unit 204 authenticates (identifies) the user accessing the website using the user's name, email address, etc.

[0100] The information providing unit 204 displays the types of information that can be provided to each user according to the identified user type (employee, human resources department, partner business), on the terminal 40. More specifically, the information providing unit 204 displays a menu screen on the terminal 40 for the user to input the information that the user wishes to obtain.

[0101] For example, when an employee accesses the website, the information providing unit 204 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as that shown in Fig. 9 on the terminal 40. Alternatively, when a person in the human resources department accesses the website, the information providing unit 204 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 10 on the terminal 40. Alternatively, when an employee of a partner company accesses the website, the information providing unit 204 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 11 on the terminal 40.

[0102] <Providing Information to Employees> For example, if an employee requests information about "events," the information providing unit 204 calculates the employee's hobbies and preferences based on the behavioral history stored in the employee management database. For example, the information providing unit 204 determines that the hobby of an employee who purchases many music CDs and the like from the company's convenience store or affiliated businesses is "music."

[0103] The information providing unit 204 generates information (provided information) to be provided to employees based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. In the above example, the information providing unit 204 generates information to be provided about music events. For example, the information providing unit 204 generates information (date, time, and location) about concerts sponsored by the company or concerts held near the head office.

[0104] The information providing unit 204 displays the generated information to be provided on the employee's terminal 40. For example, the information providing unit 204 displays a screen such as that shown in FIG.

[0105] Alternatively, if an employee requests information about "company activities," the information providing unit 204 generates suggested information about company activities based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. For example, the information providing unit 204 introduces company clubs that are active in bands to an employee who likes music.

[0106] When calculating the hobbies and preferences of employees, the information providing unit 204 can use a learning model (AI (Artificial Intelligence) model) obtained by machine learning. For example, the information providing unit 204 can obtain the hobbies and preferences of an employee who wishes to receive information by inputting the product purchase history from the behavioral history of the employee into the learning model.

[0107] The learning model is obtained by machine learning using a large amount of training data in which product purchase histories are labeled (interests and preferences). Any algorithm, such as a support vector machine, boosting, or neural network, can be used to generate the learning model. Since well-known techniques can be used for the algorithms, such as the support vector machine, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] Furthermore, the information providing unit 204 can also use the learning model to determine the content (events, company activities, etc.) to be proposed to an employee based on the employee's hobbies and preferences. For example, the information providing unit 204 inputs the employee's hobbies and preferences and a list of events that can be proposed to the employee into the learning model. The learning model outputs the event that is most likely to be accepted by the employee among the events that can be proposed to the employee. For example, if no music-related events are scheduled in the near future, the information providing unit 204 may propose a movie-related event to an employee who likes music.

[0109] The information providing unit 204 may provide information that will lead employees to affiliated businesses. For example, if an employee requests information about "recommended stores," the information providing unit 204 may provide information about affiliated businesses based on the employee's hobbies and preferences. For example, the information providing unit 204 generates information about affiliated ramen shops for an employee who likes noodles.

[0110] In this way, the information providing unit 204 calculates the hobbies and preferences of the employee to whom information is to be provided based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the employee management database. The information providing unit 204 provides the employee with information based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. More specifically, the information providing unit 204 provides information about events or information about in-house activities of the first business (the company where the employee works) based on the calculated hobbies and preferences of the employee.

[0111] <Providing Information to a Company (Manager, Personnel Department, etc.)> Alternatively, the information providing unit 204 may provide information to a manager or a person in the personnel department of a company.

[0112] For example, if a personnel department employee requests information regarding employees' attendance trends, the information provision unit 204 calculates the attendance trends (number of employees coming to work at the head office building) for each day of the week based on the behavioral history of multiple employees (each employee registered in the employee management database).

[0113] Specifically, the information providing unit 204 calculates the number of employees who came to work each day for a predetermined period (for example, one month, six months, or one year). The information providing unit 204 calculates the attendance employee ratio for each day by dividing the calculated number of employees by the number of registered employees. The information providing unit 204 calculates the average attendance employee ratio for each day of the week using the attendance employee ratio for each day. The information providing unit 204 provides the average attendance employee ratio for each day of the week to a person in the human resources department, etc., as an attendance trend.

[0114] For example, the information providing unit 204 displays information about attendance trends as shown in FIG. 13 on the terminal 40 carried by the personnel department staff.

[0115] Alternatively, the information providing unit 204 may calculate the attendance tendency (employee staying tendency) for each time period. The information providing unit 204 calculates the proportion of employees working for each time period on each day during a predetermined period. The information providing unit 204 calculates the average value of the calculated proportion of employees working for each time period. The information providing unit 204 provides the average value of the proportion of employees working for each time period as the attendance tendency to a person in the human resources department, etc.

[0116] Human resources personnel use attendance trends to manage the headquarters building. For example, on days when fewer employees tend to come to work, the personnel personnel may reduce the amount of ingredients used in the dishes served in the employee cafeteria. Alternatively, the personnel personnel may eliminate or reduce floors that can be used for free addressing on days when fewer employees tend to come to work. Alternatively, the personnel personnel may increase or decrease the number of lights turned on in the headquarters building depending on the percentage of employees who are in the office.

[0117] In this way, the information providing unit 204 may provide information to the manager or human resources department of the first business operator (company) based on the first behavioral history among the behavioral histories of each of the multiple employees stored in the employee management database. More specifically, the information providing unit 204 calculates information regarding the attendance trends of employees working for the first business operator based on the first behavioral history of each of the multiple employees stored in the employee management database. The information providing unit 204 may provide the calculated information regarding the attendance trends to the manager or human resources department of the first business operator.

[0118] Alternatively, if a personnel department employee requests information regarding the utilization rate of the employee cafeteria, the information providing unit 204 calculates the cafeteria utilization rate for each day during a specified period based on the behavioral history of multiple employees (each employee registered in the employee management database).

[0119] Specifically, the information providing unit 204 calculates the ratio of the number of cafeteria users (the number of employees ordering food from the cafeteria) to the number of employees working each day during a specified period. The information providing unit 204 displays the calculated ratio as a line graph, bar graph, or the like on a terminal 40 carried by a person in the human resources department, etc.

[0120] In this way, the information providing unit 204 calculates the utilization rate of a predetermined facility (e.g., a cafeteria) of the first business operator based on the first behavioral history of each of the multiple employees stored in the employee management database. The information providing unit 204 may provide the calculated utilization rate to the manager or the human resources department of the first business operator.

[0121] <Providing Information to Partner Businesses> Alternatively, the information providing unit 204 may provide information to partner businesses (such as employees of the partner business).

[0122] For example, when an employee of a partner business requests information on "employees' favorite meal menus," the information providing unit 204 calculates the overall employee trend regarding meal menus. For example, the information providing unit 204 calculates the favorite meal menu for each employee. For example, the information providing unit 204 calculates the meal menus that each employee prefers, such as "curry," "soba," and "sushi."

[0123] The information providing unit 204 determines the most frequently ordered dish by each employee during a predetermined period as the employee's favorite meal menu. For example, if an employee eats curry three days and ramen two days out of a week (five days), the employee's favorite meal menu is determined to be "curry."

[0124] Furthermore, the information providing unit 204 calculates the percentage of employees who like each meal menu. For example, the information providing unit 204 calculates that the percentage of employees who like "curry" is "40%" and the percentage of employees who like "soba" is "25%." For example, the information providing unit 204 generates the percentage of employees who like each meal menu as information to be provided.

[0125] The information providing unit 204 provides the generated information to employees of the partner business, etc. For example, the information providing unit 204 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 14 on a terminal 40 or the like carried by an employee of the partner business, etc.

[0126] The partner business uses the provided information to improve its own business, for example, by developing new menu items.

[0127] In this way, the information providing unit 204 provides information (information provided to employees of the second business) targeted at employees of the second business (affiliated business) based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of the multiple employees stored in the employee management database. More specifically, the information providing unit 204 calculates information regarding the overall employee tendency with respect to a predetermined item (e.g., meal menu) based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of the multiple employees stored in the employee management database. The information providing unit 204 provides the calculated information regarding the overall employee tendency with respect to the predetermined item to the employees of the second business.

[0128] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. For example, the storage unit 205 stores information about partner companies and email addresses of employees of the partner companies. The storage unit 205 also stores biometric information of each of multiple employees working for the first company in an employee management database. The storage unit 205 stores (manages) the biometric information of each of multiple employees working for the company using the employee management database.

[0129] Next, the authentication terminals (head office terminal 20, partner terminal 30) will be described.

[0130] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the head office terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 15, the head office terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 301, an authentication control unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0131] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0132] The authentication control unit 302 is a means for executing control relating to the authentication of the person to be authenticated.

[0133] The authentication control unit 302 executes operations and processes according to the type of the head office terminal 20 .

[0134] The authentication control unit 302 of the head office terminal 20-1 or 20-2 controls the camera to acquire image data periodically or at a predetermined timing. The authentication control unit 302 determines whether the acquired image data includes a human face image, and if a face image is included, extracts the face image from the acquired image data.

[0135] Since existing technology can be used for the facial image extraction process by the authentication control unit 302, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the authentication control unit 302 may extract a facial image (face area) from image data using a learning model trained by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Alternatively, the authentication control unit 302 may extract a facial image using a technique such as template matching.

[0136] The authentication control unit 302 transmits an authentication request including the extracted face image (biometric information) and the terminal ID of the own device to the server device 10 .

[0137] The authentication control unit 302 obtains the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) from the server device 10 .

[0138] If the authentication fails, the authentication control unit 302 notifies the person who has failed authentication (the person who has been determined to have failed authentication) of this fact. For example, the authentication control unit 302 notifies the person who has failed authentication by displaying a message on a display or by voice using a speaker. If the authentication fails, the authentication control unit 302 does not allow the person who has failed authentication to pass through a door or gate.

[0139] If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 302 opens a gate or the like to allow the person to pass through. The authentication control unit 302 may notify the person who has been successfully authenticated that the authentication has been successful by displaying a message, sound, or the like.

[0140] The authentication control unit 302 of the head office terminal 20-3 and the head office terminal 20-4 acquires information about the purchased product in response to operations by the product purchaser, a store clerk, etc. The authentication control unit 302 identifies the purchased product using a barcode or the like attached to the product, and acquires the name, price, etc. of the purchased product.

[0141] The authentication control unit 302 then acquires the biometric information of the product purchaser (person to be authenticated) and sends an authentication request to the server device 10, including the acquired biometric information, terminal ID, and payment information (product name, price, etc. of the purchased product).

[0142] The authentication control unit 302 obtains the authentication result (authentication success, authentication failure) from the server device 10 .

[0143] If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 302 notifies the user that payment for the product has been completed. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication control unit 302 may, for example, provide guidance on payment methods other than biometric authentication. For example, the authentication control unit 302 may provide guidance on payment by cash, electronic money, etc.

[0144] The storage unit 303 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the head office terminal 20 .

[0145] [Cooperation Partner Terminal] The operation of the cooperation partner terminal 30 can be the same as that of the head office terminal 20-3 and the head office terminal 20-4, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] [Terminal] Examples of the terminal 40 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, and tablets, as well as computers (personal computers, laptop computers). The terminal 40 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from employees and communicate with the server device 10. The configuration of the terminal 40 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0147] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 provides the type of information desired by the user (such as an employee, a person in the human resources department, or an employee of a partner company). That is, in the first embodiment, a pull-type information provision was described in which information is provided in response to a request from the user.

[0149] The server device 10 may provide information in a push-type manner, that is, provide information without a request from the user.

[0150] For example, the information providing unit 204 of the server device 10 may calculate the hobbies and preferences of employees periodically or at a predetermined timing, and if there are events or in-house activities that match the calculated hobbies and preferences, may send push notifications of information about the events, etc. to the employees.

[0151] Alternatively, the information providing unit 204 may calculate the attendance trend and cafeteria utilization rate for one week at a predetermined timing such as the weekend, and send a push notification of this information to a person in the human resources department. Similarly, the information providing unit 204 may calculate the employee's favorite meal menu at a predetermined timing, and send a push notification of the calculated information to employees of a partner business.

[0152] <Modification 2> The server device 10 may calculate a so-called engagement index based on the behavioral history of employees. The calculated engagement index may be used for the management of the company. For example, the information providing unit 204 may extract employees with high engagement indexes and provide the behavioral history of the extracted employees to a person in the human resources department, etc.

[0153] A human resources department staff member may identify common behaviors among employees with high engagement indices and introduce them to other employees.

[0154] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment generates and stores employee behavioral histories both inside and outside the company using biometric authentication. The server device 10 can collect a wide range of employee behavioral histories, allowing it to provide more useful information to employees. In other words, since employee behavior both inside and outside the company is stored, the server device 10 can more accurately grasp the employee's hobbies and preferences, allowing it to provide useful information using the grasped hobbies and preferences.

[0155] Furthermore, the server device 10 can provide information useful for the management of a company to managers, personnel department staff, etc., by targeting the behavioral history of all employees.

[0156] Furthermore, the server device 10 provides employees with biometric authentication services using authentication terminals installed inside and outside the head office building. As a result, employees can seamlessly receive services both inside and outside the company. A certain economic zone is formed around the building where employees of a large company work. The server device 10 provides partner businesses with the preferences of employees of the large company, thereby revitalizing the economy of the surrounding area centered around the head office building. By utilizing the information provided by the server device 10, partner businesses can provide services that are more acceptable to employees.

[0157] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0158] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 16. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0159] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 16 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 16, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0160] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0161] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0162] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0163] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0164] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing modules can be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0165] The head office terminal 20 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device in the same way as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is the same as that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0167] [Modification] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0168] When registering an employee as a user, the server device 10 may obtain consent for the employee's behavioral history to be used to provide information. The server device 10 may generate information to be provided by excluding employees who have not given consent for the behavioral history to be used to provide information.

[0169] The server device 10 may also obtain consent regarding the use of the behavioral history from each of the recipients of the provided information. For example, an employee may refuse to have his or her behavioral history used to generate information to be provided to a partner business.

[0170] Alternatively, the server device 10 may provide a predetermined benefit to an employee who has agreed to have their behavioral history used to generate information to be provided to a partner business. For example, the server device 10 may provide the employee with a coupon or the like that can be used at a partner business.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 identifies the person to be authenticated by a matching process using biometric information. However, the server device 10 may identify the person to be authenticated by other methods. For example, the server device 10 may identify the person to be authenticated by acquiring information identifying the employee, such as an employee number, from the person to be authenticated. For example, the server device 10 may identify the person to be authenticated by acquiring the employee's employee number when the employee arrives at work, leaves work, purchases a product, etc. In this case, the employee may present a two-dimensional barcode converted from their employee number to the authentication terminal, enter their employee number into the authentication terminal, or have the authentication terminal read a card on which their employee number is stored.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the head office building is assumed to be a head office building of a private company, but the head office building may also be a building such as a city hall, etc. In other words, the first business operator is not limited to a private business operator, and may also be, for example, a public institution such as a local government or a hospital.

[0173] In the above embodiment, retail stores and restaurants are used as examples of corporate partners, but partners are not limited to restaurants, retail stores, etc. Partners are not limited to private businesses, and may also be public facilities such as libraries. Information on books borrowed from libraries may be stored in the employee management database as behavioral history.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the operation of the information processing system was described using the head office terminals 20-1 and 20-2 for authenticating employees entering and exiting the head office building and the head office terminals 20-3 and 20-4 for making payments for products purchased by employees as examples. The information processing system may also include head office terminals 20 for purposes different from the above four head office terminals 20. For example, the information processing system may include a head office terminal 20 that controls entry and exit to a conference room.

[0175] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the partner terminal 30 that realizes biometric authentication payment is installed at the partner business. The partner business may also have partner terminals 30 for other purposes. For example, the partner business may have partner terminals 30 that control the entrance and exit of customers.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the employee management database is configured inside the server device 10, but the database may also be configured on an external database server, etc. In other words, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "authentication unit (authentication means)" and the like may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0177] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0178] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0179] The above explanation makes it clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems including corporate buildings and restaurants operating in the vicinity of such buildings.

[0180] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: [Supplementary Note 1] A server device comprising: a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication means for executing a first authentication process using biometric information of an authenticatee included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of an employee determined to be successfully authenticated in the database, and also executing a second authentication process using biometric information of the authenticatee included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of an employee determined to be successfully authenticated in the database; and an information provision means for providing information targeted at at least employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 2] The server device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the information providing means calculates the hobbies and preferences of the employees to whom the information is to be provided based on the first and / or second behavioral histories stored in the database, and provides information based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. [Supplementary Note 3] The server device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the information providing means provides information about events or information about in-house activities of the first business based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. [Supplementary Note 4] The server device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the information providing means provides information targeted at a manager or a human resources department staff of the first business based on the first behavioral history among the behavioral histories of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 5] The server device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the information providing means calculates information about the attendance tendency of employees working for the first business based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information about the attendance tendency to the manager or a human resources department staff of the first business.[Supplementary Note 6] The server device of Supplementary Note 4, wherein the information providing means calculates a utilization rate for a predetermined facility of the first business operator based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated utilization rate to a manager or a human resources department staff of the first business operator. [Supplementary Note 7] The server device of Supplementary Note 1, wherein the information providing means provides information targeted to employees of the second business operator based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 8] The server device of Supplementary Note 7, wherein the information providing means calculates information regarding the tendency of all employees working for the first business operator regarding a predetermined matter based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information regarding the tendency of all employees to employees of the second business operator. [Supplementary Note 9] A server device control method comprising: a storage step of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication step of executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and storing a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of employees who are determined to be successfully authenticated in the database, and also executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and storing a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of employees who are determined to be successfully authenticated in the database; and an information provision step of providing information targeted at at least employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 10] The method for controlling a server device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the information providing step calculates the hobbies and preferences of the employee to whom the information is to be provided based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database, and provides information based on the calculated hobbies and preferences.[Supplementary Note 11] The server device control method according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the information providing step provides information about events or information about in-house activities of the first business based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. [Supplementary Note 12] The server device control method according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the information providing step provides information to a manager or a human resources department employee of the first business based on the first behavioral history among the behavioral histories of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 13] The server device control method according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the information providing step calculates information about the attendance tendency of employees working for the first business based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information about the attendance tendency to the manager or a human resources department employee of the first business. [Supplementary Note 14] The server device control method according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the information providing step calculates a utilization rate for a predetermined facility of the first business based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated utilization rate to the manager or a human resources department employee of the first business. [Supplementary Note 15] The method for controlling a server device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the information providing step provides information targeted at employees of the second business operator based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 16] The method for controlling a server device according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the information providing step calculates information relating to trends of all employees working for the first business operator relating to a predetermined matter based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information relating to trends of all employees to employees of the second business operator.[Supplementary Note 17] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following steps: a storage process for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication process for executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and storing a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of employees who are determined to be successfully authenticated in the database, and a second authentication process for executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and storing a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of employees who are determined to be successfully authenticated in the database; and an information provision process for providing information targeted at at least employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral histories stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 18] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 17, wherein the information provision process calculates the hobbies and preferences of the employee to whom the information is to be provided based on the first and / or second behavioral histories stored in the database, and provides information based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. [Supplementary Note 19] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 18, wherein the information provision process provides information about events or information about the first business's internal activities based on the calculated hobbies and preferences. [Supplementary Note 20] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 17, wherein the information provision process provides information to a manager or a human resources department staff of the first business based on the first behavioral history among the behavioral histories of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 21] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 20, wherein the information provision process calculates information about the attendance tendency of employees working for the first business based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information about the attendance tendency to the manager or a human resources department staff of the first business.[Supplementary Note 22] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 20, wherein the information provision process calculates a utilization rate for a predetermined facility of the first business operator based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated utilization rate to a manager or a human resources department staff member of the first business operator. [Supplementary Note 23] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 17, wherein the information provision process provides information targeted to employees of the second business operator based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database. [Supplementary Note 24] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 23, wherein the information provision process calculates information regarding the tendency of all employees working for the first business operator regarding a predetermined matter based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information regarding the tendency of all employees to employees of the second business operator.

[0181] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof.

[0182] 10 Server device 20 Head office terminal 20-1 Head office terminal 20-2 Head office terminal 20-3 Head office terminal 20-4 Head office terminal 30 Partner terminal 40 Terminal 100 Server device 101 Storage means 102 Authentication means 103 Information providing means 201 Communication control unit 202 User registration unit 203 Authentication unit 204 Information providing unit 205 Storage unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Authentication control unit 303 Storage unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

1. A server device comprising: a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication means for executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of an authenticatee included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of an employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated, and for executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of an authenticatee included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of an employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated; and an information provision means for providing information targeted at at least to employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing means calculates the hobbies and preferences of the employee to whom the information is provided based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database, and provides information based on the calculated hobbies and preferences.

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the information providing means provides information about events or information about in-house activities of the first business operator based on the calculated hobbies and preferences.

4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing means provides information to the manager or human resources department staff of the first business operator based on the first behavioral history among the behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database.

5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the information providing means calculates information regarding the attendance tendencies of employees working for the first business operator based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information regarding the attendance tendencies to a manager or a human resources department staff member of the first business operator.

6. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the information providing means calculates a utilization rate for a specified facility of the first business operator based on the first behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated utilization rate to a manager or a human resources department staff of the first business operator.

7. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing means provides information targeted to employees of the second business operator based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database.

8. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the information providing means calculates information regarding the tendencies of all employees working for the first business operator with respect to specified matters based on the first and / or second behavioral history of each of a plurality of employees stored in the database, and provides the calculated information regarding the tendencies of all employees to employees of the second business operator.

9. A method for controlling a server device comprising: a storage process for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business in a database; an authentication process for executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and storing in the database a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of an employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated, and a second authentication process for executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of pieces of biometric information, and storing in the database a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of an employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated; and an information provision process for providing information targeted at at least to employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following steps: a storage process for storing in a database the biometric information of each of a plurality of employees working for a first business; an authentication process for executing a first authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a first authentication request sent from a first authentication terminal installed at the first business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a first behavioral history obtained from the first authentication process of an employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated, and a second authentication process for executing a second authentication process using the biometric information of the person to be authenticated included in a second authentication request sent from a second authentication terminal installed at a second business and the stored plurality of biometric information, and storing in the database a second behavioral history obtained from the second authentication process of an employee who is determined to have been successfully authenticated; and an information provision process for providing information targeted at at least to employees working for the first business based on the first and / or second behavioral history stored in the database.

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