Terminal, server, terminal control method, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a terminal that contributes to improving the convenience of inbound travelers, for example. The terminal includes a first control means and a second control means. The first control means uses information on the destination of a user to perform control for delivering the user's baggage to the destination. The second control means uses information on a service which the user receives at the destination to perform control related to a pre-procedure associated with the service. The first control means may use information on a hotel for which the user has made an accommodation reservation to perform control for delivering the user's baggage to the hotel for which the accommodation reservation has been made. The second control means may use information on the passport held by the user to perform control related to a check-in procedure at the hotel for which the accommodation reservation has been made.

Description

Terminal, server, terminal control method and storage medium

[0001] The present invention is based on the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-197051 (filed November 21, 2023), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a terminal, a server, a terminal control method, and a program.

[0002] There is technology for sending and receiving packages.

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a server, system, server control method, and program that improve the efficiency of package delivery in a service that delivers packages to recipients. The delivery locker in Patent Literature 1 includes a controller, a storage unit, and a communication unit. The controller reserves a storage unit in response to a request for reserving a storage unit received from the server by the communication unit. After the storage unit is reserved, based on the recipient's selection of a package receiving method, when the package is delivered by hand delivery, the reservation of the storage unit is canceled in response to a request for canceling the reservation of the storage unit received from the server by the communication unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-103507

[0005] There are services that deliver the luggage of entrants to their hotels. To use such services, users must enter the address of the hotel to which their luggage will be delivered. Entering an address can be a significant burden for users, especially foreigners such as inbound tourists.

[0006] Furthermore, many inbound tourists stay in hotels, which require them to provide their name, address, nationality, passport number, etc. However, providing such information, like the delivery of luggage, can be a significant burden for foreign tourists.

[0007] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technology related to receiving packages, and therefore, even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, the above problems cannot be solved.

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to provide a terminal, a server, a terminal control method and a program that contribute to improving convenience for inbound passengers and the like.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal comprising: a first control means that uses information regarding a user's destination to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination; and a second control means that uses information regarding a service that the user will enjoy at the destination to control pre-procedures related to the service.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server comprising: a storage means for storing reservation information for each of a plurality of hotel reservation holders; and a check-in control means for acquiring, from a user wishing to check in, information identifying the reservation information of the user and information regarding the passport held by the user, identifying the user wishing to check in from among the plurality of hotel reservation holders based on the information identifying the reservation information, executing the check-in procedure for the identified user using the reservation information of the identified user, and storing information regarding the acquired passport if the check-in procedure for the identified user is successful.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a terminal, comprising: a first control step of using information regarding a user's destination to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination; and a second control step of using information regarding a service that the user will enjoy at the destination to control pre-procedures related to the service.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on a terminal to execute a first control process that uses information regarding a user's destination to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination, and a second control process that uses information regarding a service that the user will enjoy at the destination to control pre-procedures related to the service.

[0013] According to each aspect of the present invention, a terminal, a server, a terminal control method, and a program are provided that contribute to improving convenience for inbound passengers, 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.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of an operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a hotel server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hotel reservation customer management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a check-in control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a reception terminal according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a terminal according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal according to the present disclosure.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The terminal 100 according to one embodiment includes a first control means 101 and a second control means 102 (see FIG. 1). The first control means 101 uses information about the user's destination to control delivery of the user's luggage to the destination (step S1 in FIG. 2). The second control means 102 uses information about services the user will enjoy at the destination to control pre-procedures related to the services (step S2).

[0017] The terminal 100 uses information about the user's destination to control delivery of the user's luggage to the destination. For example, the terminal 100 uses information about the hotel where the user is staying (e.g., hotel name, address, contact information, etc.) to control delivery of the user's luggage to the hotel. For example, the terminal 100 uses the information about the hotel to print a shipping slip for shipping the luggage or obtains it from another device. The terminal 100 also uses information about a service the user will enjoy at the destination to control pre-procedures related to the service. For example, the terminal 100 uses information about the user's passport to control the user's check-in (procedures for receiving accommodation services from a hotel). For example, the terminal 100 transmits information about the passport to a hotel server that manages information about guests, thereby requesting the hotel server to check the user in (remote check-in). In this way, the terminal 100 performs procedures related to luggage delivery and check-in using the information about the hotel and the passport. In this case, the user does not need to write down their name, nationality, etc. by hand on the shipping slip or hotel ledger, which improves convenience for the user.

[0018] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [System Configuration] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system includes at least one accommodation provider and one delivery provider.

[0021] Each accommodation business (for example, a hotel) included in the information processing system provides a service of delivering luggage of passengers (especially inbound passengers from abroad) to the hotel where the passengers are staying.

[0022] Furthermore, users can complete hotel check-in at the airport where they arrive. Users (inbound passengers) can complete hotel check-in procedures at a location away from the hotel. In the following explanation, check-in procedures that are performed at a location other than the hotel will be referred to as "remote check-in."

[0023] Each accommodation provider (hotel) is provided with a hotel server 10 .

[0024] The hotel server 10 is a server that performs the main business of the hotel. Specifically, the hotel server 10 controls and manages information related to reservation holders and guests. For example, the hotel server 10 stores information about reservation holders (e.g., name, gender, address, date of birth, telephone number, email address, etc.) and reservation information (e.g., length of stay, room type, etc.). The hotel server 10 uses the reservation information, etc. to execute check-in procedures for reservation holders and check-out procedures for guests.

[0025] The hotel server 10 may be installed in each hotel, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0026] The delivery company has business partnerships with each accommodation provider. The delivery company sets up reception counters inside and outside the airport to accept luggage from users (inbound passengers). The delivery company sets up a reception terminal 20 at the reception counter. The reception terminal 20 is a terminal (device, apparatus) used when delivering the user's luggage to the hotel where the user is staying.

[0027] A user (inbound passenger) carries a terminal 30 such as a smartphone.

[0028] The devices shown in FIG. 3 (hotel server 10, reception terminal 20) are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0029] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Figure 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, each accommodation provider may have multiple hotel servers 10. The multiple hotel servers 10 may achieve load balancing and redundancy.

[0030] 3 illustrates three accommodation providers (Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C), this is not intended to limit the number of accommodation providers included in the system. The information processing system may include at least one accommodation provider.

[0031] [Overall Operation] Next, an overall operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0032] <Installing the application> The user installs the "hotel application" on the terminal 30. The user acquires the hotel application by any means and installs it on the terminal 30. For example, the user operates the terminal 30 to access an application sales site and acquires the hotel application from the sales site.

[0033] <Storage of Passport Information> A user who has installed the hotel application stores information about the passport he or she possesses in the terminal 30. Specifically, the terminal 30 acquires information about the passport possessed by the user (hereinafter referred to as passport information) in response to an operation by the user.

[0034] More specifically, the terminal 30 acquires the name, gender, date of birth, address, nationality, passport number, biometric information (facial image), etc., written on the passport. For example, the terminal 30 may acquire the passport information from image data obtained by photographing the passport, or from an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip mounted on the passport. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may acquire the passport information from an electronic passport (digital passport) issued by a public institution such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and may store the digital passport as the passport information.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The terminal 30 stores the acquired passport information therein.

[0037] <Hotel Reservation> A user (inbound passenger) makes a hotel reservation before departure. The user operates the terminal 30 to launch a hotel application. The user accesses the hotel server 10 of the hotel they wish to reserve via the hotel application. More specifically, the terminal 30 accesses a room reservation site provided by the hotel server 10.

[0038] A user makes a reservation for a room on the room reservation site. At that time, the user inputs their name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, etc. (See Figure 4.) At that time, a user who wishes to use the delivery service inputs this information into the room reservation site.

[0039] The hotel application internally stores information that users input to the room reservation site (e.g., name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, etc.). In the following explanation, information about users such as name and gender will be referred to as "user information."

[0040] Once the hotel server 10 has completed the reservation of a room for a user, it stores the information of the guest who made the reservation and the reservation information in a guest reservation management database in association with each other. The reservation information includes a reservation number that identifies the reservation, the length of stay (scheduled check-in date, scheduled check-out date), the room type, etc. The guest reservation management database will be described in detail later.

[0041] When the room reservation is complete, the hotel server 10 sends a "reservation completion notice" to the terminal 30, which includes information about the hotel (e.g., hotel name, address, contact information, etc.) and the reservation information. The hotel application (terminal 30) stores the hotel information and reservation information included in the received reservation completion notice. In the following explanation, information about the hotel where the user has made a reservation (the hotel where the user is staying) will be referred to as "staying hotel information."

[0042] <Identity verification at the time of entry> The user (inbound passenger) boards an aircraft and arrives at the arrival airport. Upon arrival at the airport, the user completes the procedures for using the delivery service and remote check-in.

[0043] First, the terminal 30 performs identity verification of the user. The user launches a hotel application. The hotel application (terminal 30) acquires the user's biometric information in response to a predetermined action by the user (e.g., pressing an "identity verification" button). For example, the terminal 30 acquires a facial image of the user by taking a selfie.

[0044] The terminal 30 performs identity verification using a facial image included in the passport information acquired in advance and a facial image obtained by taking a selfie. If identity verification is successful, the user can enjoy delivery services and remote check-in services.

[0045] <Using the Delivery Service> After successfully verifying their identity, the user (inbound passenger) visits the reception counter with their luggage (see Figure 5). Upon arriving at the reception counter, the user launches the hotel application and performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Delivery Service" button).

[0046] In response to the user's operation, the terminal 30 provides the reception terminal 20 with the user information entered by the user (all or part of the user information; for example, name) and the hotel information of the hotel where the user is staying obtained from the hotel server 10 where the accommodation reservation was made.

[0047] For example, the terminal 30 converts the user information and the hotel information into a two-dimensional barcode format and displays the two-dimensional barcode. The user or an employee (an employee of the delivery company) waiting at the reception counter operates the reception terminal 20 to read the two-dimensional barcode (user information, hotel information).

[0048] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may provide the user information and the hotel information to the reception terminal 20 using a short-range wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0049] The reception terminal 20, which has acquired the user information and the hotel information, generates a shipping slip for delivering the user's (inbound passenger's) luggage to the hotel where the user is staying. The reception terminal 20 acquires the shipping address of the luggage from the hotel information. The reception terminal 20 acquires the name of the luggage recipient from the user information.

[0050] The reception terminal 20 prints the generated shipping slip. The user or an employee of the delivery company attaches the printed shipping slip to the luggage. The delivery company then delivers the user's luggage to the hotel where the user is staying.

[0051] <Remote Check-in> Before or after completing the procedure for using the delivery service, the user will complete the procedure for remote check-in. Specifically, the user will launch the hotel application and perform a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Remote Check-in" button).

[0052] In response to the user's operation, the terminal 30 transmits the passport information and reservation information (all or part of the reservation information; for example, the reservation number) previously acquired to the hotel server 10 of the hotel where the user is staying. Specifically, the terminal 30 transmits a "check-in request" including the passport information and reservation information to the hotel server 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0053] When the check-in request is received, the hotel server 10 performs the check-in procedure for the corresponding guest who has made a reservation. Specifically, the hotel server 10 searches the guest reservation management database using the acquired reservation number as a key, and identifies the user who wishes to check in (the user who has entered the country) from among the guests who have made a reservation.

[0054] The hotel server 10 assigns a room to the identified guest who has made a reservation and stores the room number of the assigned room in the guest reservation management database. The hotel server 10 also stores passport information. At this time, the hotel server 10 generates features from the facial image included in the passport information and stores the generated features in the guest reservation management database.

[0055] After completing the check-in procedure, the hotel server 10 notifies the person who made the reservation (inbound passenger) of the fact that check-in has been completed and the assigned room number. Specifically, the hotel server 10 sends a "check-in result notification" including the room number to the terminal 30 carried by the user.

[0056] Upon receiving the check-in result notification indicating that check-in has been completed, the terminal 30 notifies the user that check-in has been completed and the assigned room number.

[0057] <Arrival at the Hotel> A user who has finished sightseeing (a user who has completed check-in) arrives at the hotel. The user heads to their assigned room without stopping by the front desk or the like. Each room in the hotel is compatible with biometric authentication. An authentication module 31 is attached to the door of each room (see FIG. 7).

[0058] An authentication module 31 installed in the guest room unlocks the door through biometric authentication. The door is automatically locked.

[0059] The authentication module 31 includes a camera device for photographing the person to be authenticated, an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the door, a communication device for connecting to a network, a touch panel for displaying messages and accepting user operations, and the like.

[0060] When the authentication module 31 detects a user standing in front of the door, it acquires biometric information of the user (person to be authenticated). The authentication module 31 then transmits an "authentication request" including the acquired biometric information (e.g., a facial image) and the room number to the hotel server 10.

[0061] The hotel server 10 identifies the sender of the authentication request (the room the person to be authenticated is attempting to enter) based on the room number included in the authentication request. Furthermore, the hotel server 10 authenticates the person to be authenticated (guest) who has visited the room using biometric information. If the hotel server 10 successfully authenticates the person to be authenticated, it notifies the authentication module 31 of the authentication success.

[0062] When the authentication is successful, the authentication module 31 unlocks the door, and the user (inbound passenger) enters the cabin.

[0063] If the baggage arrives at the hotel before the guest arrives, it will be carried to the assigned room after check-in. If the baggage arrives at the hotel after the guest arrives, it will be handed over to the guest by hotel staff.

[0064] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0065] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the terminal 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the terminal 30 includes a communication control unit 201, a passport information acquisition unit 202, a hotel reservation unit 203, an identity verification unit 204, a delivery service usage control unit 205, a remote check-in control unit 206, and a storage unit 207.

[0066] 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 hotel server 10. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the hotel server 10. 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.

[0067] The passport information acquisition unit 202, hotel reservation unit 203, personal identification unit 204, delivery service usage control unit 205, and remote check-in control unit 206 implement a hotel application installed on the terminal 30. A detailed description of the installation of the hotel application will be omitted because installing an application is obvious to those skilled in the art and is not within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] The passport information acquisition unit 202 is a means for acquiring information relating to a passport (passport information) from a passport held by a user. For example, the passport information acquisition unit 202 acquires the passport information using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

[0069] For example, the passport information acquisition unit 202 instructs the user to photograph the face of the passport. The passport information acquisition unit 202 extracts a facial area from image data obtained by photographing the face of the passport and acquires a facial image (passport facial image). The passport information acquisition unit 202 also acquires the name and other information written on the face of the passport using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology.

[0070] Alternatively, the passport information acquisition unit 202 may read passport information from an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip mounted on the passport. When reading information from the IC chip, the passport information acquisition unit 202 reads MRZ information written in a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) printed on the face of the passport. The MRZ information includes name, gender, date of birth, nationality, etc. The passport information acquisition unit 202 uses the acquired MRZ information as a password to read passport information such as a facial image and name from the IC chip.

[0071] The passport information acquisition unit 202 stores the acquired passport information in the storage unit 207 .

[0072] The hotel reservation unit 203 is a means for controlling hotel reservations. In response to a user's operation, the hotel reservation unit 203 accesses a room reservation site of the hotel where the user wishes to make a reservation. Specifically, the hotel reservation unit 203 accesses the room reservation site provided by the hotel server 10.

[0073] The hotel reservation unit 203 transmits user information (such as name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number, and email address) to the hotel server 10 in response to the user's operation.

[0074] Furthermore, the hotel reservation unit 203 inputs information such as the length of stay (scheduled check-in date, scheduled check-out date), room type, etc. into the hotel server 10 in accordance with the user's operation. When the user's reservation is accepted, the hotel reservation unit 203 receives a reservation completion notification from the hotel server 10.

[0075] The reservation completion notice includes information about the reserved hotel (e.g., hotel name, address, contact information, etc.) and reservation information (e.g., reservation number, stay period, room type, etc.). The hotel reservation unit 203 stores the acquired information about the reserved hotel and reservation information, etc., in the storage unit 207.

[0076] The identity verification unit 204 is a means for verifying the identity of a user who wishes to receive the delivery service and remote check-in service. The identity verification unit 204 acquires biometric information of the user by photographing the user, and performs identity verification using the biometric information obtained from the passport and the biometric information obtained by photographing the user.

[0077] Specifically, the identity verification unit 204 acquires biometric information (a facial image) of the user in response to a predetermined action by the user (for example, pressing a "Verify Identity" button). For example, the identity verification unit 204 acquires the facial image of the user by taking a so-called selfie.

[0078] When acquiring the photographed face image, the identity verification unit 204 may utilize a technique for acquiring a face image suitable for biometric authentication. For example, the identity verification unit 204 may use a frontal face photographing technique for acquiring a frontal face image or a liveness photographing technique for preventing fraud using photographs, etc.

[0079] When the user is instructed to take a selfie and a facial image of the user (photographed facial image) is obtained, the identity verification unit 204 performs identity verification using the facial image obtained by photographing the user (photographed facial image) and the facial image read from the passport (passport facial image).

[0080] The personal identification unit 204 performs one-to-one authentication using the two facial images. The personal identification unit 204 determines whether the two facial images substantially match and performs personal identification.

[0081] The personal identification unit 204 generates feature amounts from each of the photographed face image and the passport face image.

[0082] Since existing technology can be used for the process of generating feature quantities, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the personal identification unit 204 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the facial image as feature points. Then, the personal identification unit 204 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between each feature point as feature quantities (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature quantities).

[0083] Next, the identity verification unit 204 performs a matching process (one-to-one matching) using the two generated feature amounts. Specifically, the identity verification unit 204 calculates the similarity between corresponding face images using the two feature amounts. Based on the result of threshold processing on the calculated similarity, the identity verification unit 204 determines whether the two images are face images of the same person. Note that the similarity can be calculated using a chi-squared distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. The greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0084] If the similarity is greater than a predetermined value (if the distance is shorter than a predetermined value), the identity verification unit 204 determines that identity verification is successful. If the similarity is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the identity verification unit 204 determines that identity verification is unsuccessful.

[0085] If the identity verification is successful, the identity verification unit 204 stores the result of the identity verification (identity verification successful, identity verification failed).

[0086] The delivery service usage control unit 205 is a means for executing control regarding the use of delivery services. The delivery service usage control unit 205 corresponds to a first control unit that uses information about the user's destination to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination. The delivery service usage control unit 205 uses information about the hotel where the user has made a reservation (staying hotel information) as information about the destination to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination (hotel where the reservation has been made).

[0087] Once the user has successfully verified their identity, and has performed a predetermined action (e.g., pressing the "Delivery Service" button), the delivery service usage control unit 205 will provide all or part of the user information and information about the hotel where the user will be staying to the reception terminal 20.

[0088] For example, the delivery service usage control unit 205 converts the user information and the hotel information into a two-dimensional barcode format, and displays the two-dimensional barcode on a display.

[0089] Alternatively, the delivery service usage control unit 205 may transmit the user information and the hotel information to the reception terminal 20 using a short-range wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0090] The remote check-in control unit 206 is a means for executing control related to remote check-in. The remote check-in control unit 206 corresponds to a second control unit that uses information about the service the user will receive at their destination to control pre-procedures related to the service. The remote check-in control unit 206 uses information about the passport held by the user (passport information) as information about the service (accommodation service) the user will receive at their destination. The remote check-in control unit 206 uses the passport information to control check-in procedures (pre-procedures for receiving accommodation service) at the hotel for which the user has made a reservation.

[0091] Once the user has successfully verified their identity, and has performed a predetermined action (for example, pressing the "remote check-in" button), the remote check-in control unit 206 will send all or part of the passport information and reservation information previously acquired to the hotel server 10 of the hotel where the user is staying. Specifically, the remote check-in control unit 206 will send a "check-in request" including the passport information and reservation information to the hotel server 10.

[0092] The remote check-in control unit 206 may obtain the destination of the check-in request (the address of the hotel server 10) from the hotel information. Alternatively, the address of the hotel server 10 corresponding to the name of the hotel may be set in advance in the hotel application. In this case, the remote check-in control unit 206 may obtain the name of the hotel reserved by the user from the hotel information, and send the check-in request to the hotel server 10 corresponding to the obtained hotel name.

[0093] The remote check-in control unit 206 receives a check-in result notification from the hotel server 10 .

[0094] Here, the check-in result notification can include three types of results. Specifically, the check-in result notification indicates one of "check-in completed," "check-in provisionally accepted," and "check-in not possible."

[0095] Upon receiving a check-in result notification indicating that check-in is complete, the remote check-in control unit 206 displays a pop-up, for example, as shown in Fig. 9. In other words, in response to a successful remote check-in, the remote check-in control unit 206 notifies the user that check-in is complete and the room number of the guest room assigned to the user.

[0096] When the check-in result notification indicating the provisional acceptance of the check-in is received, the remote check-in control unit 206 notifies the user that the check-in is not complete. For example, the remote check-in control unit 206 displays a pop-up message as shown in FIG. 10 .

[0097] When the hotel server 10 transmits a check-in result notification indicating provisional acceptance of check-in to the terminal 30, the hotel server 10 transmits another check-in result notification indicating check-in completion to the terminal 30 as soon as check-in is completed. In this case, the remote check-in control unit 206 displays a screen as shown in Fig. 10 and then displays a screen as shown in Fig. 9.

[0098] When receiving a check-in result notification indicating that check-in is not possible, the remote check-in control unit 206 displays a pop-up screen such as that shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the user should contact the hotel where they have made their reservation by telephone or the like.

[0099] In this way, the remote check-in control unit 206 transmits at least the passport information to the hotel server 10 of the hotel where the reservation has been made, and receives the result of the check-in process from the hotel server 10. The remote check-in control unit 206 notifies the user of the received result of the check-in process. Furthermore, when the remote check-in control unit 206 obtains the room number of the room assigned to the user from the hotel server 10, it notifies the user of the obtained room number.

[0100] The storage unit 207 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the terminal 30 .

[0101] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the hotel server 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, the hotel server 10 includes a communication control unit 301, a reservation management unit 302, a check-in control unit 303, an authentication unit 304, and a storage unit 305.

[0102] 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 terminal 30. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the terminal 30. 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.

[0103] The reservation management unit 302 is a means for managing hotel (guest room) reservations made by users. The reservation management unit 302 acquires the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, etc. from the terminal 30 that has accessed the guest room reservation site. Furthermore, the reservation management unit 302 acquires the user's desired stay period, room type, etc., as well as whether or not delivery service will be used.

[0104] The reservation management unit 302 displays a GUI or the like on the terminal 30 to acquire the user's name, length of stay, whether or not delivery service is being used, and the like.

[0105] When the user has finished selecting a room, the reservation management unit 302 determines whether or not the reservation desired by the user can be accepted. The reservation management unit 302 determines whether or not the reservation can be accepted by referring to a database that manages room availability and the like.

[0106] A detailed description of room reservations will be omitted. The reservation management unit 302 presents information such as room availability and prices to users on the room reservation site. Users decide which room to reserve by taking into consideration the purpose of their stay, the type of room, etc.

[0107] When the reservation of the desired room by the user is accepted, the reservation management unit 302 sends a reservation completion notice including information about the hotel (hotel name, address, contact information, etc.) and reservation information to the terminal 30. The reservation information includes a reservation number that identifies the reservation, the period of stay, the type of room, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, the reservation management unit 302 stores the name, sex, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, whether or not delivery service is used, reservation information, etc. of the person making the reservation in the reservation management database. Specifically, the reservation management unit 302 adds a new entry to the reservation management database and stores the name, email address, reservation information, etc. in that entry (see FIG. 13).

[0109] The hotel reservation management database shown in FIG. 13 is merely an example, and is not intended to limit the items stored therein.

[0110] Furthermore, when the hotel server 10 receives a reservation from a user, the hotel server 10 has not yet acquired passport information from the user, and therefore the biometric information field of the person making the reservation is set to blank.

[0111] When the guest has checked out, the reservation management unit 302 deletes the entry corresponding to that guest (entry in the guest reservation management database).

[0112] The check-in control unit 303 is a means for controlling the check-in of guests who have made reservations. The check-in control unit 303 processes a “check-in request” received from the hotel server 10.

[0113] 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the check-in control unit 303 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the check-in control unit 303 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] When a check-in request is received, the check-in control unit 303 searches the hotel reservation management database using the reservation number included in the request as a key (database search; step S101).

[0115] If there is no corresponding entry, the check-in control unit 303 sets the check-in processing result to "check-in not possible."

[0116] If a corresponding entry exists, the check-in control unit 303 executes check-in processing for the guest who has made a reservation and who has been identified by the search (step S102).

[0117] Specifically, if the processing date of the check-in request is not the scheduled check-in date of the guest who has made a reservation and is identified by the search, the check-in control unit 303 sets the check-in processing result to "check-in not possible."

[0118] If the processing date of the check-in request is the scheduled check-in date of the person making the reservation, and the cleaning of the room has not been completed and there is no room to be assigned, the check-in control unit 303 sets the check-in processing result to "check-in provisionally accepted."

[0119] Alternatively, if the processing date of the check-in request is the scheduled check-in date of the person making the reservation and the processing time is not included in the check-in time period set by the hotel, the check-in control unit 303 may set the result of the check-in processing to "provisional check-in acceptance."

[0120] If the processing date for the check-in request is the scheduled check-in date of the person making the reservation, and a room is available to be allocated to the person making the reservation, the check-in control unit 303 sets the check-in processing result to "check-in completed." In this case, the check-in control unit 303 determines the room to be allocated to the person making the reservation. The check-in control unit 303 references a database or the like that manages the status of guest rooms, and determines a room that is appropriate for the type of room reserved by the person making the reservation.

[0121] The check-in control unit 303 updates the database for managing guests who have made check-in (step S103).

[0122] For example, if the result of the check-in process is "check-in completed," the check-in control unit 303 updates the status field of the guest who has booked the room to "checked in." The check-in control unit 303 also stores the room number of the guest room assigned to the guest in the corresponding entry.

[0123] Alternatively, if the result of the check-in process is "check-in provisionally accepted," the check-in control unit 303 updates the status field of the guest whose check-in has been put on hold to "check-in provisionally accepted."

[0124] If the result of the check-in process is "check-in not possible," the check-in control unit 303 does not update the status field of the guest who has made a reservation and who has been determined to be unable to check in (the status of not having checked in remains unchanged).

[0125] The check-in control unit 303 stores the passport information included in the check-in request received from the terminal 30 (step S104). More specifically, the check-in control unit 303 stores at least the nationality and passport number obtained from the passport information in a database other than the hotel reservation management database. Note that passport information may be deleted after a predetermined period of time (e.g., several years) has passed since it was registered in the database.

[0126] If the result of the check-in process is "check-in completed" or "check-in provisionally accepted," the check-in control unit 303 stores the acquired passport information in the corresponding entry in the hotel reservation management database. On the other hand, if the result of the check-in process is "check-in not permitted," the check-in control unit 303 discards the acquired passport information.

[0127] When storing the passport information in the hotel reservation management database, the check-in control unit 303 generates features from the facial image included in the passport information. The check-in control unit 303 stores the generated features (biometric information) in the biometric information field of the hotel reservation management database.

[0128] The check-in control unit 303 notifies the user of the result of the check-in process. Specifically, the check-in control unit 303 transmits a check-in result notification to the terminal 30 (step S105).

[0129] If the result of the check-in process is "check-in not possible," the check-in control unit 303 transmits a check-in result notification to the terminal 30 indicating that the check-in (remote check-in) has failed.

[0130] If the result of the check-in process is "check-in provisional acceptance", the check-in control unit 303 transmits to the terminal 30 a check-in result notification indicating that check-in is not complete and is in a provisional acceptance state.

[0131] If the result of the check-in process is "check-in completed," the check-in control unit 303 sends a check-in result notification indicating that check-in is completed to the terminal 30. The check-in result notification includes the room number assigned by the check-in process.

[0132] The check-in control unit 303 accesses the hotel reservation management database periodically or at a predetermined timing. The check-in control unit 303 references the check-in status field of each entry and extracts entries that are set to "check-in provisionally accepted." The check-in control unit 303 determines whether or not the extracted entry (guest) can check in by referring to a database that manages the status of the guest room, etc.

[0133] When the preparation of the guest room is completed and a guest room to be assigned to the guest who made the reservation is available, the check-in control unit 303 assigns the guest room to the guest. Furthermore, the check-in control unit 303 sends a check-in result notification indicating "check-in completed" to the terminal 30 of the user whose check-in was on hold.

[0134] If the guest room preparation is not complete and there is no room to allocate to the guest who has made a reservation, the check-in control unit 303 does not perform any special processing.

[0135] In this way, the check-in control unit 303 acquires, from a user wishing to check in, information identifying the user's reservation information (reservation number) and information regarding the user's passport (passport information). The check-in control unit 303 identifies the user wishing to check in from among multiple hotel reservation holders based on the information identifying the reservation information. The check-in control unit 303 executes the check-in procedure for the identified user using the reservation information of the identified user. If the check-in procedure for the identified user is successful, the check-in control unit 303 stores the acquired information regarding the passport.

[0136] The authentication unit 304 is a means for authenticating an individual who attempts to enter a hotel room, and processes an authentication request received from an authentication module 31 installed in each guest room.

[0137] Upon receiving the authentication request, the authentication unit 304 searches the guest reservation management database using the room number included in the authentication request as a key.

[0138] If there is no corresponding entry, the authentication unit 304 sets the authentication result to "authentication failure."

[0139] If a corresponding entry exists, the authentication unit 304 generates features from the facial image included in the authentication request. The authentication unit 304 sets the generated features on the matching side and the features of the guests (at least one guest) staying in the room specified by the room number on the registration side, and performs one-to-N authentication (N is a positive integer). Note that N indicates the number of guests staying in the same room, and is usually a number between 1 and 4.

[0140] The authentication unit 304 calculates the similarity between the feature to be compared and each of at least one or more feature on the registered side. If there is no feature among the at least one or more feature registered in the hotel reservation customer management database that has a similarity to the feature to be compared that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the authentication unit 304 determines that the authentication process has failed.

[0141] The authentication unit 304 determines that the authentication process is successful if there is at least one feature registered in the hotel reservation management database that has a similarity with the feature to be compared that is greater than a predetermined value.

[0142] If the authentication fails, the authentication unit 304 sends a negative response indicating that fact to the authentication module 31. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 304 sends a positive response indicating that fact to the authentication module 31.

[0143] The storage unit 305 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the hotel server 10. The storage unit 305 stores reservation information for each of a plurality of guests who have made reservations for accommodation.

[0144] <Reception Terminal> Examples of the reception terminal 20 include a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The reception terminal 20 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from users or employees of delivery companies and print shipping slips. Furthermore, the configuration of the reception terminal 20 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0145] <Authentication Module> The configuration and operation of the authentication module 31 will be clear to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail as they are not within the scope of the present disclosure. The authentication module 31 sends an authentication request to the hotel server 10. If the authentication module 31 receives a successful authentication (a positive response to the authentication request), it may unlock the door.

[0146] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0147] 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The provision of the delivery service and the remote check-in service by the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0148] The terminal 30 executes identity verification of the user (inbound passenger) in response to an operation by the user (step S01).

[0149] If the identity verification is successful, the terminal 30 provides the reception terminal 20 with information such as the hotel where the guest is staying (step S02).

[0150] Based on the acquired hotel information, the reception terminal 20 outputs a shipping slip for delivering the user's (inbound passenger's) luggage to the hotel (step S03).

[0151] Before or after the provision of the hotel information, the terminal 30 transmits a check-in request to the hotel server 10 of the hotel for which the user has made a reservation (step S04).

[0152] The hotel server 10 executes the check-in process for the user (inbound passenger) (step S05).

[0153] The hotel server 10 transmits a check-in result notification including the result of the check-in process to the terminal 30 (step S06). The check-in result notification indicating that check-in is complete includes the room number of the room assigned to the user.

[0154] The terminal 30 notifies the user of the result of the check-in process (step S07).

[0155] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0156] <First Modification of First Embodiment> All or part of the operations of the terminal 30 described above may be executed by the reception terminal 20. For example, consider a case where a user makes a hotel reservation using a personal computer or the like and enters the country without carrying the terminal 30 such as a smartphone.

[0157] In this case, the terminal 30 converts the user information, hotel information, reservation information, etc. obtained at the time of the hotel reservation into a two-dimensional barcode format. The user prints out the two-dimensional barcode and arrives in Japan (enters Japan).

[0158] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the reception terminal 21 according to the modified example of the embodiment disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 16, the reception terminal 21 includes a communication control unit 201a, a passport information acquisition unit 202a, a personal identification unit 204a, a delivery service usage control unit 205a, a remote check-in control unit 206a, and a storage unit 207a.

[0159] In FIG. 16, the processing modules provided in the terminal 30 and the receiving terminal 21 are given reference numerals so that the comparison between the processing modules is clear.

[0160] The communication control unit 201a is a means for controlling communication with other devices, similar to the communication control unit 201.

[0161] A user (inbound passenger) visits the reception counter with their luggage. The passport information acquisition unit 202a acquires passport information from the passport held by the user in response to an operation by the user or an employee waiting at the reception counter.

[0162] After acquiring the passport information, the personal identification unit 204a performs personal identification of the user. The personal identification unit 204a acquires a facial image (photographed facial image) of the user in response to an operation by the user or an employee waiting at the reception counter. The personal identification unit 204a performs personal identification using the passport facial image and the photographed facial image.

[0163] If the user's identity is successfully verified, the delivery service usage control unit 205a acquires the user information, the hotel information, and the reservation information (see FIG. 17). For example, the user presents a two-dimensional barcode that has been printed in advance to the reception terminal 20. The delivery service usage control unit 205a decodes the two-dimensional barcode and acquires the user information, the hotel information, and the reservation information.

[0164] The delivery service usage control unit 205a uses the acquired user information (user name) and hotel information to generate and print a shipping slip for delivering the user's luggage to the hotel where the user is staying.

[0165] The remote check-in control unit 206a transmits a check-in request including the reservation information obtained from the two-dimensional barcode and the passport information acquired during identity verification to the hotel server 10 of the hotel where the user is staying.

[0166] The remote check-in control unit 206a receives a check-in result notification from the hotel server 10. The remote check-in control unit 206a performs display or the like in accordance with the received check-in result notification. For example, the remote check-in control unit 206a performs displays similar to those shown in FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0167] Alternatively, the remote check-in control unit 206 a may print out the room number notified by the hotel server 10 .

[0168] The storage unit 207 a is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the reception terminal 21 .

[0169] In this way, when reception terminal 21 includes the functions of terminal 30, delivery service usage control unit 205a (first control means) of reception terminal 21 uses hotel information to output a shipping slip for delivering the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation has been made. Also, remote check-in control unit 206a (second control means) of reception terminal 21 sends the user's passport information to hotel server 10 and requests remote check-in of the user from hotel server 10. Remote check-in control unit 206a notifies the user of the results of the remote check-in process.

[0170] If the user enters the country carrying a terminal 30 such as a smartphone, the terminal 30 may display a two-dimensional barcode based on the hotel information and reservation information in response to an operation by the user after the user enters the country. The user may provide the hotel information and the like to the reception terminal 21 via the two-dimensional barcode.

[0171] <Second Modification of First Embodiment> Even when a user enters the country carrying the terminal 30, some of the operations of the terminal 30 may be executed by the reception terminal 20. For example, processing related to identity verification and remote check-in procedures may be executed by the reception terminal 20.

[0172] <Third Modification of First Embodiment> In the above embodiment, the case where the delivery service usage procedure and the remote check-in procedure are performed at substantially the same time has been described. However, the two procedures may be performed in any order and at any timing.

[0173] For example, the user (inbound passenger) may first perform a remote check-in procedure, in which case the terminal 30 (hotel application) stores the room number included in the check-in result notification indicating that check-in is complete.

[0174] Thereafter, the delivery service usage procedure is carried out. At this time, the terminal 30 (hotel application) may provide the reception terminal 20 with the user information, the hotel information, and also the room number assigned by the hotel server 10. For example, the terminal 30 notifies the reception terminal 20 of the user information (user name), hotel information (hotel name, address, contact details), and room number using a two-dimensional barcode or short-range wireless communication means.

[0175] The reception terminal 20 uses the acquired information (name, hotel name, hotel address, hotel contact information, and room number) to output a shipping slip for shipping the user's luggage. That is, the reception terminal 20 prints out a shipping slip that lists the room number assigned to the user. As a result, the delivery of luggage at the hotel can be carried out more smoothly.

[0176] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may control the procedure for using the delivery service so that the procedure for using the delivery service is performed after the remote check-in procedure. For example, the terminal 30 (hotel application) may not be able to perform the procedure for using the delivery service if the hotel cannot acquire the room number.

[0177] In this way, the reception terminal 20 or the reception terminal 21 may generate a shipping slip for shipping the luggage to the hotel where the user is staying, using the room number of the room assigned to the user obtained from the hotel server 10.

[0178] <Fourth Modification of First Embodiment> In the above embodiment, it has been described that a user enters an assigned guest room after undergoing biometric authentication. However, there may be cases where the hotel room does not support biometric authentication. For example, there may be cases where the hotel room supports authentication using a digital key or a password instead of biometric authentication.

[0179] In this case, the hotel server 10 may send a check-in result notification (a check-in result notification indicating check-in completion) to the terminal 30, which includes a digital key (electronic key) and password corresponding to the room assigned to the user.

[0180] When the digital key is notified, the terminal 30 stores the digital key internally. In this case, the digital key is transmitted and received between the terminal 30 and the guest room using a short-range wireless communication method such as NFC (Near Field Communication). Specifically, when entering a guest room, the user touches the terminal 30 to an NFC reader installed in the guest room. In response to a request from the NFC reader, the terminal 30 transmits the digital key to the NFC reader. When the digital key corresponding to the guest room is obtained, the door opens.

[0181] Alternatively, the digital key may be transmitted and received using a two-dimensional barcode or the like. In this case, the terminal 30 generates a two-dimensional barcode based on the acquired digital key in response to a user's operation. The terminal 30 displays the generated two-dimensional barcode. The user simply has to read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the terminal 30 with a two-dimensional barcode reader installed in the guest room.

[0182] When the password is notified, the user operates the terminal 30 to display the notified password. When entering the guest room, the user enters the notified password into an input device (numeric keypad) installed in the guest room. If the correct password is entered, the door will open. If the password is used as the guest room key, it is desirable for the hotel server 10 to issue a new password every time a guest checks in (each time a new guest stays).

[0183] In this way, the terminal 30 may store the room key (digital key, password) assigned to the user when the terminal 30 acquires the room key (digital key, password) assigned to the user from the hotel server 10. Furthermore, the terminal 30 may include a processing module (key control unit) for unlocking the room door using the stored key.

[0184] <Fifth Modification of First Embodiment> The terminal 30 may use the current location of the user to determine whether or not to proceed with the procedure for using the delivery service or the procedure for remote check-in. For example, the terminal 30 may set the fact that the user has entered the country as a condition for proceeding with the procedure for using the delivery service or the procedure for the remote check-in service.

[0185] In this case, the terminal 30 receives GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to perform positioning and generates location information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the terminal 30. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may communicate with a wireless access point and treat the location of the wireless access point as the location of the terminal 30. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may generate location information based on the strength of radio waves received from the wireless access point.

[0186] If the location information determines that the user has entered the country, the terminal 30 may enable the user to complete procedures for using delivery services or remote check-in services.

[0187] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may set the user's arrival at a destination airport as a condition for proceeding with the delivery service or remote check-in service procedures. In this case, the terminal 30 identifies the nearest airport (airport location information) from the hotel information. The terminal 30 may compare its own location information with the location information of the nearest airport, and when it determines that the user has arrived at the destination airport, it may allow the user to proceed with the delivery service or remote check-in service procedures.

[0188] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may detect the entry of a user (e.g., an inbound passenger) based on information on a landing permit issued to the user (e.g., an inbound passenger) (information obtained from an electronically distributed landing permit or a two-dimensional barcode affixed to a passport). If the terminal 30 determines that the user has entered the country based on the information on the landing permit, the terminal 30 may allow the user to perform a remote check-in procedure.

[0189] As described above, the terminal 30 according to the first embodiment provides the reception terminal 20 with hotel information about the user's hotel, thereby obtaining a shipping slip for delivering the user's luggage to the hotel. The terminal 30 also transmits passport information required for the user's check-in to the hotel server 10, thereby achieving remote check-in. When receiving luggage delivery services, the user (inbound traveler) does not need to enter their name, the address of the destination hotel, or the like, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, when checking in at a hotel, the user does not need to enter their name, nationality, passport number, or the like in a ledger at the hotel front desk. This also improves user convenience. Furthermore, because hotel rooms are biometrically authenticated, users (guests) who arrive at the hotel can enter their rooms without receiving a key at the front desk.

[0190] Furthermore, the terminal 30 performs identity verification of the user before proceeding with the procedures for using the delivery service or remote check-in. By this identity verification, the terminal 30 ensures that the name on the passport submitted to the hotel matches the name of the person operating the terminal 30. As a result, fraudulent check-ins using another person's passport information are prevented.

[0191] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0192] In the first embodiment, a case where a physical key is not required to enter a hotel room is described. In the second embodiment, a case where a physical key is required to enter a hotel room is described.

[0193] The following description will focus on the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0194] The information processing system according to the second embodiment includes a hotel terminal 40 installed in a hotel in addition to the devices shown in Fig. 3. The hotel terminal 40 is installed in the lobby of the hotel, as shown in Fig. 18.

[0195] The hotel server 10 and the hotel terminal 40 are connected by wired or wireless communication means.

[0196] After completing remote check-in, the user moves in front of hotel terminal 40. When hotel terminal 40 detects the user, it takes a picture of the user in front of it and acquires biometric information (face image). Hotel terminal 40 then sends a "key issuance request" including the acquired face image to hotel server 10 (see FIG. 19).

[0197] Upon receiving the key issuance request, the hotel server 10 executes a matching process (authentication process) using the biometric information included in the request and the biometric information stored in the hotel reservation management database.

[0198] If the user (booker) identified by the verification process has completed check-in, the hotel server 10 notifies the hotel terminal 40 of the room number assigned to the user. Specifically, the hotel server 10 sends an affirmative response including the room number to the hotel terminal 40.

[0199] If the verification process fails or if the user (booker) identified by the verification process has not yet completed check-in, the hotel server 10 sends a negative response to that effect to the hotel terminal 40.

[0200] Upon receiving the positive response, hotel terminal 40 issues a physical key corresponding to the received room number. For example, hotel terminal 40 ejects a card-type physical key. When handing over the physical key to the user (guest), hotel terminal 40 may also notify the user of the room number acquired from hotel server 10.

[0201] If a negative response is received, hotel terminal 40 notifies the user that check-in is not complete. At this time, hotel terminal 40 may instruct (guide) the user to go to the front desk where hotel staff are waiting, as necessary.

[0202] After receiving a card-type physical key, users (inbound passengers) head to the room they have been notified of in advance.

[0203] Next, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described.

[0204] <First Modification of the Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the check-in procedure may be performed at the hotel terminal 40. In this case, the hotel terminal 40 transmits a check-in request including biometric information of the user (inbound passenger who has arrived at the hotel) to the hotel server 10.

[0205] Upon receiving the check-in request, the hotel server 10 performs the check-in procedure for the user. If the check-in procedure is successful, the hotel server 10 notifies the hotel terminal 40 of the room number of the room assigned to the authenticated person (inbound passenger who has arrived at the hotel).

[0206] The hotel terminal 40 displays the room number and issues a corresponding physical key (a card-type physical key).

[0207] <Modification 2 of Second Embodiment> Hotel terminal 40 may not be a self-service terminal operated by the user himself / herself, but may be a terminal operated by hotel staff.

[0208] In this case, after receiving a positive response to the key issuance request or check-in request, hotel terminal 40 notifies the hotel staff of the room number notified by hotel server 10. The hotel staff hands the user (guest) a physical key corresponding to the notified room number.

[0209] The key will be handed to the guest by hotel staff and may be an existing cylinder lock.

[0210] <Variation 3 of Second Embodiment> When the terminal 30 or the reception terminal 21 acquires passport information, it may generate a user ID to identify the user and transmit the generated user ID to the hotel server 10 together with the passport information. When the user arrives at the hotel, the user operates the terminal 30 to have the hotel terminal 40 read the user ID. For example, the terminal 30 converts the user ID into a two-dimensional barcode and displays it. The hotel terminal 40 transmits the user ID to the hotel server 10 in place of a facial image. The hotel server 10 identifies the guest who has made a reservation and is stored in the guest reservation management database based on the user ID. In this way, the guest may be identified using the two-dimensional barcode instead of biometric authentication.

[0211] As described above, the information processing system according to the second embodiment includes the hotel terminal 40. By using the hotel terminal 40, even in a hotel that does not support biometric authentication, a user can obtain a key required for entry without meeting hotel staff.

[0212] Even in the second embodiment that includes the hotel terminal 40, each hotel guest room may be unlocked by biometric authentication. Alternatively, the hotel may have a mixture of guest rooms that support biometric authentication (unlocking the door by facial recognition) and guest rooms that do not support biometric authentication.

[0213] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0214] In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which information required for delivery services and remote check-in is provided from a server to the reception terminal 20.

[0215] The following description will focus on the differences between the first to third embodiments.

[0216] The information processing system according to the third embodiment includes a server device 50 connected to the reception terminal 20 in addition to the devices shown in FIG. 3 (see FIG. 20).

[0217] The user registers the hotel information and reservation information obtained by making a hotel reservation in the server device 50. Furthermore, the user registers user information such as the user's name and gender, as well as biometric information (face image) in the server device 50.

[0218] Specifically, the user launches the hotel application and performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Register Information" button). In response to the predetermined operation, the hotel application acquires a facial image of the user and transmits the acquired facial image, information about the hotel where the user is staying, reservation information, and user information to the server device 50.

[0219] The server device 50 generates features from the received facial image, and stores the generated features (biometric information), user information, hotel information, reservation information, etc. in a user management database in association with each other.

[0220] When a user visits the reception counter with their luggage, the reception terminal 20 acquires passport information from the passport held by the user (see FIG. 21).

[0221] When the passport information is acquired, the reception terminal 20 performs identity verification using a face image included in the passport information (passport face image) and a face image obtained by photographing the user in front of the user (photographed face image).

[0222] If the identity verification is successful, the reception terminal 20 transmits the user's biometric information (passport face image or photographed face image) to the server device 50 .

[0223] The server device 50 identifies the user (inbound passenger) who appears at the reception counter through authentication processing using the acquired biometric information and the biometric information stored in the user management database.

[0224] The server device 50 transmits the user information, hotel information, and reservation information of the identified user to the reception terminal 20 .

[0225] The reception terminal 20 uses the acquired user information and hotel information to output a shipping slip for delivering the user's luggage to the hotel where the user is staying.

[0226] The reception terminal 20 also transmits a check-in request to the hotel server 10, which includes the passport information and reservation information acquired during the identity verification.

[0227] The hotel server 10 sends a check-in result notification to the user's email address (terminal 30), or notifies the user of the check-in result via the reception terminal 20.

[0228] As described above, the information processing system according to the third embodiment includes the server device 50. The server device 50 stores biometric information of the user, information about the hotel where the user is staying, and the like. Upon arrival at the airport, the user can obtain a shipping slip by undergoing biometric authentication at the reception terminal 20, and can enjoy the remote check-in service. In other words, the user can enjoy the delivery service and remote check-in service without operating the terminal 30 such as a smartphone.

[0229] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0230] In the first to third embodiments, a case where luggage is delivered from an airport to a hotel and a passenger checks into the hotel from the airport is described. In the fourth embodiment, a case where luggage is delivered from a hotel to an airport and a passenger checks into an airplane from the hotel is described.

[0231] The following description will focus on the differences between the first to fourth embodiments.

[0232] The user uses a hotel terminal 41 installed at the front desk of a hotel, as shown in FIG. 22, to carry out procedures for delivery of baggage to the departure airport and check-in for a return flight.

[0233] <Storing Airline Ticket Information> The user operates the hotel application in advance to store information about the return flight air ticket (hereinafter referred to as air ticket information) in the terminal 30. The air ticket information includes the name of the person who made the flight reservation, the departure airport, the arrival airport, the flight name (flight number), the airline code of the airline operating the aircraft, etc.

[0234] For example, the hotel application may acquire and store airline ticket information from an airline application. Alternatively, the hotel application may photograph an airline ticket in response to a user's operation and acquire the airline ticket information from the image data obtained. Alternatively, the hotel application may acquire the airline ticket information from a two-dimensional barcode containing boarding information, a copy of an e-ticket, or the like.

[0235] <Identity Verification> Before or after checking out of the hotel, the user operates the terminal 30 to launch the hotel application. The hotel application (terminal 30) performs identity verification in response to the user's operation. If identity verification is successful, the user can enjoy delivery services and remote check-in services when returning home.

[0236] <Using the delivery service> After successfully verifying their identity, the user (returning person) goes through the procedure for the delivery service at the hotel counter. For example, the user launches the hotel application and performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Delivery service (returning home)" button).

[0237] In response to the user's operation, the terminal 30 provides the pre-registered airline ticket information to the hotel terminal 41 (see FIG. 23).

[0238] For example, the terminal 30 converts the airline ticket information into a two-dimensional barcode format and displays the two-dimensional barcode. The user or an employee (hotel employee) operates the hotel terminal 41 to read the two-dimensional barcode (airline ticket information).

[0239] Alternatively, the terminal 30 may provide the airline ticket information to the hotel terminal 41 using a short-range wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0240] The hotel terminal 41, having acquired the airline ticket information, generates a shipping slip for delivering the user's (returning passenger's) luggage to the departure airport. The hotel terminal 41 acquires the user's name, departure airport, flight number, and airline (airline code) from the airline ticket information.

[0241] The hotel terminal 41 generates a shipping slip using the acquired information. The hotel terminal 41 prints the generated shipping slip. The user or a hotel employee attaches the printed shipping slip to the luggage. The user's luggage is then delivered to the departure airport by a delivery company.

[0242] <Remote Check-in> Before or after completing the procedure to use the delivery service, the user will complete the procedure for remote check-in. Specifically, the user will launch the hotel application and perform a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Remote Check-in (Return Home)" button).

[0243] In response to a user's operation, terminal 30 sends a "check-in request" including the airline ticket information acquired in advance to a DCS (Departure Control System) server 60 managed by the airline of the flight (see FIG. 24). Once check-in (seat allocation) is completed, DCS server 60 issues a boarding pass to the user.

[0244] The configuration and operation of the DCS server 60 are different from the gist of the present disclosure, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0245] Note that, like regular check-in, remote check-in for return flights can be completed a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) before the departure of the booked flight. The hotel application may request an application provided by the airline to execute the remote check-in procedure. In other words, the hotel application may execute a so-called online check-in.

[0246] There are usually no time restrictions on baggage delivery procedures, unlike the check-in procedures for returning flights. Users can complete the baggage delivery procedures even before checking out of the hotel. In other words, users can complete the baggage delivery procedures during their stay at the hotel, starting a certain time before check-out, just like with remote check-in at a hotel.

[0247] When the boarding pass is issued by the DCS server 60, the terminal 30 notifies the user that check-in for the return flight (remote check-in) has been completed.

[0248] <Arrival at departure airport> The returnee's baggage, sent from the hotel, is loaded onto the flight by an employee of the airport company, etc. When the user (returnee) arrives at the departure airport, he or she can undergo departure procedures such as security checks without carrying any baggage such as suitcases. Regarding the baggage tag to be affixed to the baggage, an electronic tag (digital baggage tag) is issued to the user's terminal 30. The baggage tag may be issued when remote check-in is completed, or when the baggage is delivered to the departure airport and the baggage acceptance procedures are completed by the airline.

[0249] <Variation 1 of the Fourth Embodiment> When moving from the current hotel to another hotel (changing accommodation), the terminal 30 may provide a luggage delivery service and a remote check-in service. The terminal 30 provides the hotel terminal 21 with destination hotel information and user information regarding the destination hotel. The hotel terminal 21 prints a delivery slip in the same way as the reception terminal 20 described in the first embodiment. The terminal 30 also transmits a check-in request to the hotel server 10 of the destination hotel.

[0250] <Variation 2 of the Fourth Embodiment> Luggage delivery procedures and check-in procedures for a return flight may be performed without going through the hotel terminal 41 installed at the hotel. For example, the terminal 30 may generate the above-described shipping slip and print the generated shipping slip using a printer installed at the hotel. Alternatively, the terminal 30 may access the hotel server 10 or a server of a delivery company and perform procedures for luggage delivery on these servers.

[0251] <Variation 3 of the Fourth Embodiment> When the terminal 30 receives a boarding pass for a return flight (check-in is completed) and a notification indicating that the baggage acceptance procedure is completed, the terminal 30 may provide guidance (guidance to the user) regarding security inspection. Specifically, when the DCS server 60 notifies the user that "check-in is completed" and a baggage tag is issued by the airline (when a digital baggage tag is notified, which is a notification indicating that the baggage acceptance is completed), the terminal 30 may display a message such as that shown in FIG.

[0252] The operation of each processing module included in the terminal 30 according to the fourth embodiment is clear from the first embodiment, etc., and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the processing configuration of the hotel terminal 41 and the operation of each processing module are clear from the configuration, operation, etc. of the reception terminal 20 described in the first embodiment, etc., and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0253] The delivery service usage control unit 205 of the terminal 30 according to the fourth embodiment uses information about the airline ticket for boarding an aircraft from a departure airport as information about the destination, and controls the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination (departure airport). Furthermore, the remote check-in control unit 206 of the terminal 30 according to the fourth embodiment uses information about the airline ticket for the aircraft the user will board as information about services the user will enjoy at the destination (boarding the aircraft and services associated with boarding the aircraft). The remote check-in control unit 206 uses the airline ticket information to control the check-in procedures for the aircraft reserved by the user.

[0254] As described above, the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment may provide a delivery service for delivering baggage to a departure airport when a user returns home, and a remote check-in service for checking in for the return flight. As a result, the user does not need to travel to the airport with their baggage, reducing the burden on the user associated with traveling from the hotel to the airport.

[0255] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 30.

[0256] The terminal 30 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 26. For example, the terminal 30 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.

[0257] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 26 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the terminal 30. The terminal 30 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 terminal 30 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 26, and for example, the terminal 30 may include multiple processors 311.

[0258] 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).

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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, etc. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0261] 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).

[0262] The functions of the terminal 30 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. The processing modules can also be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0263] The hotel server 10, reception terminal 20, etc. can also be configured by information processing devices in the same way as the terminal 30, and their basic hardware configurations are no different from those of the terminal 30, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0264] The terminal 30, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the terminal 30. The terminal 30 also executes a control method for the terminal 30 by the program.

[0265] [Modifications] 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.

[0266] The reception terminal 20 may select the most suitable delivery company based on the acquired hotel information. For example, the reception terminal 20 may select a delivery company depending on the delivery destination and delivery time period. Alternatively, the reception terminal 20 may request the same delivery company to deliver all luggage belonging to a group of tourists.

[0267] The hotel server 10 may settle the delivery service fee together with the accommodation fee when executing the check-out process for the guest. The hotel server 10 may calculate the fee to be charged to the guest based on whether or not the delivery service was used.

[0268] In the above embodiment, a case where a room reservation is made by the hotel server 10 has been described. The room reservation may also be made via an OTA (Online Travel Agent). In this case, hotel information and reservation information are transmitted to the user's terminal 30 via the OTA.

[0269] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which, when completing the procedure for using the delivery service, the hotel information and user information are provided from the terminal 30 to the reception terminal 20. Here, if the hotel information includes the name of the person who made the reservation, the user information does not need to be provided to the reception terminal 20.

[0270] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which passport information and reservation information are provided from the terminal 30 to the reception terminal 20 during the procedure for the remote check-in service. Here, if the hotel server 10 identifies the person making the reservation by information other than the reservation number, the reservation information (reservation number) does not need to be provided to the reception terminal 20. For example, if the hotel server 10 identifies the person making the reservation by name or a combination of name and date of birth, the reservation information does not need to be transmitted to the hotel server 10 via the reception terminal 20.

[0271] In the above embodiment, a case where a delivery service or a remote check-in service is provided to foreigners entering Japan has been described. However, the information processing system disclosed in the present application can also be applied to a case where a delivery service or a remote check-in service is provided to foreigners entering a country other than Japan.

[0272] In the above embodiment, the check-in control unit 303 of the hotel server 10 determines whether or not a check-in person has a reservation by using the reservation information (reservation number) acquired from the user and the reservation information stored in the hotel reservation management database. In this case, the check-in control unit 303 may determine that a reservation exists for the check-in person if the name and date of birth included in the passport information acquired from the check-in person match the name and date of birth of the hotel reservation person identified by the reservation information.

[0273] In the above embodiment, the reception terminal 20 is included in the information processing system. However, the information processing system does not have to include the reception terminal 20. In this case, the terminal 30 may directly transmit the user information and the hotel information to the delivery company's server. The delivery company's server may transmit the acquired user information and the hotel information to an employee of the delivery company (a terminal carried by the employee). The employee uses the acquired information to deliver the package. In addition, the terminal 30 transmits a check-in request including passport information to the hotel server 10.

[0274] In the above embodiment, the terminal 30 generates passport information from a passport held by a user. The terminal 30 may transmit image data of the passport itself or text information (text data) including the passport information to the hotel server 10 as the passport information. In this case, the hotel server 10 may extract the passport information from the image data of the passport.

[0275] In the third embodiment, the reception terminal 20 acquires biometric information of a user and transmits the acquired biometric information to the server device 50. However, the reception terminal 20 may acquire the passport number printed on the passport from the user instead of the biometric information. The reception terminal 20 transmits the acquired passport number to the server device 50. The server device 50 may use the passport number to identify the user (inbound passenger) who appears at the reception counter.

[0276] In response to a user's operation, the terminal 30 may perform the baggage delivery procedure and the remote check-in procedure at substantially the same time. That is, the delivery service usage control unit 205 and the remote check-in control unit 206 of the terminal 30 may perform control for delivering the user's baggage to the destination and control related to the advance procedures for the service at substantially the same time in response to a user's operation. That is, by storing hotel information and airline ticket information in the terminal 30, such as a smartphone, the user can start the baggage delivery procedure and the remote check-in procedure with one click. The terminal 30 can provide a one-stop service for the baggage delivery procedure and the remote check-in procedure.

[0277] In the above embodiment, the hotel reservation management database is configured inside the hotel server 10, but the database may be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the hotel server 10 may be implemented on another server. More specifically, the above-described "check-in control unit (check-in control means)," "authentication unit (authentication means)," etc. may be implemented on any of the devices included in the system.

[0278] The form of data transmission between each device (hotel server 10, terminal 30, etc.) is not particularly limited, but data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Passport information and the like is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to properly protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0279] 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.

[0280] 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.

[0281] 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 that provide delivery services and remote check-in services to entrants.

[0282] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0283] [Supplementary Note 1] A terminal comprising: a first control means that uses information about a user's destination to control delivery of the user's luggage to the destination; and a second control means that uses information about a service the user will enjoy at the destination to control pre-procedures related to the service. [Supplementary Note 2] The terminal described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first control means uses information about a hotel where the user has made a reservation to control delivery of the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation has been made, and the second control means uses information about a passport held by the user to control check-in procedures at the hotel where the reservation has been made. [Supplementary Note 3] The terminal described in Supplementary Note 2, further comprising: an acquisition means that acquires information about the passport from the passport held by the user; and an identity verification means that acquires biometric information of the user by photographing the user and performs identity verification using the biometric information obtained from the passport and the biometric information obtained by photographing the user. [Supplementary Note 4] The terminal described in Supplementary Note 3, wherein the first control means uses the information about the hotel to output a shipping slip for delivery of the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation has been made. [Supplementary Note 5] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the second control means receives a result of the check-in process from the hotel server of the hotel where the reservation was made by sending at least information related to the passport to the hotel server of the hotel where the reservation was made, and notifies the user of the received result of the check-in process. [Supplementary Note 6] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the second control means, when acquiring a room number of a room assigned to the user from the hotel server, notifies the user of the acquired room number. [Supplementary Note 7] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the second control means, when acquiring a key of a room assigned to the user from the hotel server, stores the key of the room assigned to the user. [Supplementary Note 8] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first control means generates the shipping slip using the room number of a room assigned to the user acquired from the hotel server of the hotel where the reservation was made.[Supplementary Note 9] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first control means controls the delivery of the user's baggage to the departure airport using information related to an airline ticket for boarding an aircraft from a departure airport, and the second control means controls check-in procedures for boarding the aircraft using the information related to the airline ticket. [Supplementary Note 10] The terminal according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first and second control means control the delivery of the user's baggage to the destination and control pre-procedures related to the service at substantially the same time in response to an operation from the user. [Supplementary Note 11] A server comprising: a storage means for storing reservation information for each of a plurality of hotel reservation holders; and a check-in control means for acquiring, from a user wishing to check in, information identifying the user's reservation information and information related to a passport held by the user, identifying the user wishing to check in from the plurality of hotel reservation holders based on the information identifying the reservation information, performing check-in procedures for the identified user using the reservation information of the identified user, and storing the acquired information related to the passport if the check-in procedures for the identified user are successful. [Supplementary Note 12] A terminal control method comprising: a first control step of using information about a user's destination to perform control to deliver the user's luggage to the destination, and a second control step of using information about a service that the user will enjoy at the destination to perform control related to advance procedures related to the service. [Supplementary Note 13] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the first control step uses information about a hotel where the user has made a reservation to perform control to deliver the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation has been made, and the second control step uses information about a passport held by the user to control check-in procedures at the hotel where the reservation has been made.[Supplementary Note 14] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 13, further comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the passport from a passport held by the user; and an identity verification step of acquiring biometric information about the user by photographing the user and verifying the user's identity using the biometric information obtained from the passport and the biometric information obtained by photographing the user. [Supplementary Note 15] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 14, wherein the first control step outputs a shipping slip for delivering the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation was made, using information about the hotel. [Supplementary Note 16] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the second control step receives a result of check-in processing from a hotel server of the hotel where the reservation was made by transmitting at least information about the passport to the hotel server, and notifies the user of the received result of check-in processing. [Supplementary Note 17] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 14, wherein the second control step, when a room number of a room assigned to the user is obtained from the hotel server, notifies the user of the obtained room number. [Supplementary Note 18] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the second control step stores the key for the room assigned to the user when the key for the room assigned to the user is obtained from the hotel server. [Supplementary Note 19] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the first control step generates the shipping slip using the room number of the room assigned to the user obtained from the hotel server of the hotel where the accommodation reservation was made. [Supplementary Note 20] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the first control step uses information about an airline ticket for boarding an aircraft from a departure airport to control delivery of the user's luggage to the departure airport, and the second control step uses information about the airline ticket to control check-in procedures for boarding the aircraft. [Supplementary Note 21] The terminal control method according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the first and second control steps, in response to an operation from the user, control delivery of the user's luggage to the destination and control of advance procedures related to the service at substantially the same time.[Supplementary Note 22] A program for causing a computer mounted on a terminal to execute: a first control process for controlling delivery of a user's luggage to the destination using information about the user's destination; and a second control process for controlling pre-procedures related to a service to be enjoyed by the user at the destination using information about the service. [Supplementary Note 23] The program according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the first control process controls delivery of the user's luggage to the hotel where the user has made a reservation using information about the hotel where the reservation has been made, and the second control process controls check-in procedures at the hotel where the reservation has been made using information about a passport held by the user. [Supplementary Note 24] The program according to Supplementary Note 23, further comprising: an acquisition process for acquiring information about the passport from the passport held by the user; and an identity verification process for acquiring biometric information of the user by photographing the user, and verifying the user's identity using the biometric information obtained from the passport and the biometric information obtained by photographing the user. [Supplementary Note 25] The program according to Supplementary Note 24, wherein the first control process uses information about the hotel to output a shipping slip for delivering the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation was made. [Supplementary Note 26] The program according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the second control process receives a result of the check-in process from a hotel server of the hotel where the reservation was made by sending at least information about the passport to the hotel server, and notifies the user of the received result of the check-in process. [Supplementary Note 27] The program according to Supplementary Note 26, wherein the second control process, when acquiring a room number of a room assigned to the user from the hotel server, notifies the user of the acquired room number. [Supplementary Note 28] The program according to Supplementary Note 27, wherein the second control process, when acquiring a key for the room assigned to the user from the hotel server, stores the key for the room assigned to the user.[Supplementary Note 29] The program according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the first control process generates the shipping slip using a room number assigned to the user obtained from a hotel server of the hotel where the accommodation reservation has been made. [Supplementary Note 30] The program according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the first control process controls delivery of the user's luggage to the departure airport using information related to an airline ticket for boarding an aircraft from the departure airport, and the second control process controls check-in procedures for boarding the aircraft using information related to the airline ticket. [Supplementary Note 31] The program according to Supplementary Note 22, wherein the first and second control processes control delivery of the user's luggage to the destination and control pre-procedures related to the service at substantially the same time, in response to an operation from the user.

[0284] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 10, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 12 and 22 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 10. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 12, and 22, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0285] 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.

[0286] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Hotel server 20 Reception terminal 21 Reception terminal 30 Terminal 31 Authentication module 40 Hotel terminal 41 Hotel terminal 50 Server device 60 DCS server 100 Terminal 101 First control means 102 Second control means 201 Communication control unit 201a Communication control unit 202 Passport information acquisition unit 202a Passport information acquisition unit 203 Hotel reservation unit 204 Personal identification unit 204a Personal identification unit 205 Delivery service use control unit 205a Delivery service use control unit 206 Remote check-in control unit 206a Remote check-in control unit 207 Memory unit 207a Memory unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Reservation management unit 303 Check-in control unit 304 Authentication unit 305 Memory unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

1. A terminal comprising: a first control means for controlling the delivery of a user's luggage to the destination using information related to the user's destination; and a second control means for controlling pre-procedures related to the services using information related to the services that the user will enjoy at the destination.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first control means uses information relating to the hotel where the user has made a reservation to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the hotel where the reservation has been made, and the second control means uses information relating to a passport held by the user to control check-in procedures at the hotel where the reservation has been made.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, further comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information about the passport from a passport held by the user; and an identity verification means for acquiring biometric information of the user by photographing the user, and performing identity verification using the biometric information obtained from the passport and the biometric information obtained by photographing the user.

4. The terminal according to claim 3, wherein said first control means uses information about said hotel to output a shipping slip for delivering said user's luggage to the hotel where said reservation has been made.

5. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the second control means transmits at least information regarding the passport to a hotel server of the hotel where the reservation was made, receives the results of the check-in process from the hotel server, and notifies the user of the received results of the check-in process.

6. The terminal according to claim 5, wherein when said second control means acquires the room number of the room assigned to said user from said hotel server, said second control means notifies said user of said acquired room number.

7. The terminal according to claim 6, wherein said second control means, when acquiring a key for a room assigned to said user from said hotel server, stores the key for the room assigned to said user.

8. The terminal according to claim 4, wherein said first control means generates said shipping slip using a room number of a room assigned to said user obtained from a hotel server of the hotel where said reservation has been made.

9. The terminal described in claim 1, wherein the first control means uses information relating to an airline ticket to board an aircraft from a departure airport to control the delivery of the user's luggage to the departure airport, and the second control means uses information relating to the airline ticket to control check-in procedures for boarding the aircraft.

10. A terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the first and second control means, in response to operations by the user, perform control for delivering the user's luggage to the destination and control regarding pre-procedures related to the service at substantially the same timing.

11. A server comprising: a storage means for storing reservation information for each of a plurality of hotel reservation holders; and a check-in control means for acquiring, from a user wishing to check in, information identifying the reservation information of the user and information regarding the passport held by the user, identifying a user wishing to check in from among the plurality of hotel reservation holders based on the information identifying the reservation information, executing a check-in procedure for the identified user using the reservation information of the identified user, and storing the acquired information regarding the passport if the check-in procedure for the identified user is successful.

12. A method for controlling a terminal comprising: a first control step of controlling the delivery of the user's luggage to the destination using information regarding the user's destination; and a second control step of controlling pre-procedures related to the service using information regarding a service that the user will enjoy at the destination.

13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on a terminal to execute: a first control process for controlling the delivery of a user's luggage to the destination using information related to the user's destination; and a second control process for controlling pre-procedures related to the service using information related to the service that the user will enjoy at the destination.

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