Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information regarding a subject utilizing any of a plurality of seats; a tracking means for using the biometric information to track the subject; and a control means for identifying the seat related to the subject on the basis of the results of the tracking of the subject by the tracking means and for controlling subject information relating to the subject.

Description

Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

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

[0002] As an example of this type of device, a device has been proposed that authorizes access to private information based on the result of authentication of a user at each seat in a vehicle (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2023 / 190375

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium that aim to improve the technology related to the above-mentioned prior art documents.

[0005] One aspect of the information processing device comprises an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats, a tracking means for tracking the subject using the biometric information, and a control means for identifying a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject by the tracking means, and for controlling subject information for the subject, including the identified seat.

[0006] One aspect of the information processing system includes an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats, a tracking means for tracking the subject using the biometric information, and a control means for identifying a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject and controlling the subject information for the subject.

[0007] One aspect of the information processing method involves acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a number of seats, tracking the subject using the biometric information, identifying a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject, and controlling subject information for the subject, including the identified seat.

[0008] One aspect of the recording medium has recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method that acquires biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats, tracks the subject using the biometric information, identifies a seat related to the subject based on the tracking results of the subject, and controls subject information related to the subject, including the identified seat.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another example of a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a space where a plurality of seats are provided. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a tracking method. FIG. 7 is an example of a table showing tracking results. FIG. 8 is an example of a table showing seats used by targets. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of a configuration of an arithmetic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is another example of a table showing tracking results. FIG. 11 is an example of a table showing devices used for biometric authentication of targets. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another example of a configuration of an arithmetic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is an example of a table showing the relationship between seats and content. FIG. 14 is an example of a table showing the relationship between targets, seats, usage history, customer rank, and allergy information. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another example of a configuration of an arithmetic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is an example of a table showing the relationship between targets, seats, and seat types. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another example of a configuration of an arithmetic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is an example of a table showing the relationship between targets, seats, seat types, and relationships. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another example of a configuration of an arithmetic device according to an embodiment.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing device 10.

[0011] In FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a tracking unit 12, and a control unit 13. Note that the information processing device 10 does not need to include all of the acquisition unit 11, the tracking unit 12, and the control unit 13. In this case, the information processing device 10 may include parts of the acquisition unit 11, the tracking unit 12, and the control unit 13, and another device different from the information processing device 10 may include the remaining parts of the acquisition unit 11, the tracking unit 12, and the control unit 13. In this case, the information processing device 10 and the other device may constitute an information processing system. The information processing system may include the information processing device 10 and the other device. In this case, it can be said that the information processing system includes the acquisition unit 11, the tracking unit 12, and the control unit 13. Note that the information processing device 10 including the acquisition unit 11, the tracking unit 12, and the control unit 13 may constitute part of the information processing system. In this case, it can also be said that the information processing system includes the acquisition unit 11, the tracking unit 12, and the control unit 13.

[0012] The acquisition unit 11 acquires biometric information of a target. Here, the target refers to a person using one of multiple seats. "Multiple seats" refers to multiple seats provided in a single space. "One space" is a concept that includes, for example, at least one of a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a space defined by a building. For example, in a vehicle consisting of multiple connected cars, such as a train, each passenger compartment of the multiple cars may correspond to a "single space." Examples of spaces defined by a building include at least one of a room, a hall, a theater, an outdoor stadium, and an indoor stadium. Note that if a room is divided into multiple sections, each of the multiple sections may be interpreted as a "single space," or a room with multiple sections may be interpreted as a "single space." For example, if it is difficult to move between multiple sections, each of the multiple sections may be interpreted as a "single space." For example, if it is easy to move between multiple sections, a room with multiple sections may be interpreted as a "single space." "Biometric information" refers to information regarding the characteristics of a target that can distinguish the target from others. "Biometric information" is a concept that includes not only information used for biometric authentication such as face, iris, fingerprint, palm print, vein pattern, voiceprint, and ear acoustics, but also information related to external characteristics such as appearance and clothing.

[0013] The tracking unit 12 tracks the target using the biometric information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The tracking unit 12 may track the target along the entire moving path of the target, or along a portion of the moving path of the target. The term "tracking" is not limited to identifying the position of the target in real time, but may also include, for example, identifying the position of the target at a certain point in time at a later point in time. The term "tracking" may also include identifying at least one of a position through which the target has passed and a position to which the target has arrived (in other words, the end point of the moving path of the target). In other words, the tracking unit 12 may or may not identify the moving path of the target by tracking.

[0014] The control unit 13 identifies a seat related to the target based on the tracking results of the target by the tracking unit 12. The "seat related to the target" is not limited to a seat used by the target, but may also include, for example, a seat the target showed interest in (e.g., a seat where the target stopped but did not use). The control unit 13 controls target information related to the target. Note that in this embodiment, the target does not need to be specifically identified. "Specifically identified" may mean that an individual can be identified. In other words, in this embodiment, it is sufficient that the information processing device 10 can identify the target, and the target does not need to be identified as a specific individual. Therefore, in this embodiment, the target may be represented by any character string including at least one of numbers, letters, and symbols, such as a temporary ID. The target information may link the target to a seat related to the target. For example, if the target uses one seat at a first time point and uses another seat at a second time point later than the first time point, the target information may include the one seat used by the target at the first time point and the other seat used by the target at the second time point. In this case, the information processing device 10 may detect that the target has moved from one seat to another seat by referring to the target information. "Controlling the target information" may mean, for example, generating and / or updating the target information. Note that "controlling the target information" may also mean, for example, deleting the target information. For example, when it is detected from the target tracking result by the tracking unit 12 that the target has left one space (i.e., a space with multiple seats), the control unit 13 may delete the target information related to the target.

[0015] The operation of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 . In FIG. 2 , the acquisition unit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires biometric information of a target (step S101). The tracking unit 12 of the information processing device 10 tracks the target using the biometric information acquired in the processing of step S101 (step S102). The control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 identifies a seat for the target based on the tracking results of the target and controls the target information (step S103). In this way, the information processing device 10 performs an information processing method in which the biometric information of a target using one of multiple seats is acquired, the target is tracked using the biometric information, the seat for the target is identified based on the tracking results of the target, and the target information for the target is controlled.

[0016] The information processing device 10 described above may be realized by a computer reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. In this case, the recording medium may have recorded thereon a computer program that causes the computer to execute an information processing method for acquiring biometric information of a target using one of a plurality of seats, tracking the target using the biometric information, identifying a seat for the target based on the tracking results of the target, and controlling target information for the target.

[0017] (Technical Effect) The target may be a person receiving a service from a service provider in a space with multiple seats. For example, the target may move from an initially assigned seat to another seat without the service provider's permission. In this case, the service provider may be unable to provide the planned service to the target. The target may also be unable to receive the expected service. The information processing device 10 identifies a seat related to the target based on the tracking results of the target and controls the target information including the identified seat. Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to the first embodiment can identify a seat related to the target. For example, by referring to the target information related to the information processing device 10, the service provider can detect a target that has moved to another seat without permission. For example, the service provider may provide the planned service to the target that has moved to the other seat. In this case, the target that has moved to the other seat can receive the expected service.

[0018] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Below, the second embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. Note that, for the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the description of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0019] 3 , the information processing device 100 includes a calculation device 110, a storage device 120, a communication device 130, an input device 140, and an output device 150. The calculation device 110, the storage device 120, the communication device 130, the input device 140, and the output device 150 may be connected via a data bus 160. Note that the information processing device 100 does not necessarily include at least one of the input device 140 and the output device 150.

[0020] The arithmetic device 110 may include a processor 1101. The arithmetic device 110 may include other processors in addition to the processor 1101. That is, the arithmetic device 110 may include one or more processors. The processor 1101 may be a multi-core processor. When the arithmetic device 110 includes a single processor 1101 that is a multi-core processor, it can be said that the arithmetic device 110 logically includes multiple processors.

[0021] The processor 1101 may be, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), and a quantum processor.

[0022] The storage device 120 may include a memory 1201. The storage device 120 may include other memories in addition to the memory 1201. That is, the storage device 120 may include one or more memories. The memory 1201 may be, for example, at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, a SSD (Solid State Drive), and an optical disk array. Therefore, the storage device 120 may include the memory 1201 as a non-transitory recording medium. The storage device 120 is capable of storing desired data. The memory 1201 of the storage device 120 may store a computer program 1201a executed by the arithmetic device 110. The storage device 120 may temporarily store data temporarily used by the arithmetic device 110 when the arithmetic device 110 is executing the computer program 1201a.

[0023] The computer program 1201a may be recorded on a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium. In this case, the computer program 1201a may be stored in the memory 1201 by reading the recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown) included in the information processing device 100. The recording medium may be at least one of an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and any other medium capable of storing a program. The computer program 1201a may be acquired (in other words, downloaded) from a device (not shown) external to the information processing device 100 via the communication device 130. The acquired computer program 1201a may be stored in the memory 1201.

[0024] The communication device 130 may be capable of communicating with devices external to the information processing device 100. The communication device 130 may perform wired communication or wireless communication.

[0025] The input device 140 is a device capable of accepting information input to the information processing device 100 from outside. The input device 140 may include an operation device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.) that can be operated by a user of the information processing device 100. The input device 140 may include a recording medium reading device that can read information recorded on a recording medium that is detachable from the information processing device 100, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Note that when information is input to the information processing device 100 via the communication device 130 (in other words, when the information processing device 100 acquires information via the communication device 130), the communication device 130 may function as an input device.

[0026] The output device 150 is a device capable of outputting information to the outside of the information processing device 100. The output device 150 may output visual information such as text or images, auditory information such as sound, or tactile information such as vibration, as the information. The output device 150 may include, for example, at least one of a display, a speaker, a printer, and a vibration motor. The output device 150 may be capable of outputting information to a recording medium that is detachable from the information processing device 100, such as a USB memory. Note that when the information processing device 100 outputs information via the communication device 130, the communication device 130 may function as the output device.

[0027] The processor 1101 of the arithmetic device 110, together with the memory 1201 of the storage device 120 in which the computer program 1201a is stored (in other words, together with the memory 1201 and the computer program 1201a stored in the memory 1201), may execute the processing to be performed by the information processing device 100. For example, the processor 1101 may execute the computer program 1201a, thereby realizing a logical functional block in the arithmetic device 110 (for example, in the processor 1101) for executing the processing to be performed by the information processing device 100.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4 , the computing device 110 may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, and a control unit 113, which may be implemented as logically implemented functional blocks or physically implemented processing circuits. At least one of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113 may be implemented as a mixture of logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware). When the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113 are implemented as functional blocks, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113 may be implemented by a single processor (e.g., processor 1101). Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113 may be implemented by different processors. Alternatively, parts of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113 may be implemented by a single processor, and the remaining parts of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113 may be implemented by one or more other processors different from the single processor. The "acquisition unit 111," "tracking unit 112," and "control unit 113" are components corresponding to the "acquisition unit 11," "tracking unit 12," and "control unit 13" in the first embodiment, respectively. The information processing device 100 may constitute a part of an information processing system. In this case, it can be said that the information processing system includes the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, and the control unit 113.

[0029] The acquisition unit 111 acquires biometric information of the target. The tracking unit 112 tracks the target using the biometric information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The control unit 113 identifies a seat related to the target based on the tracking result of the target by the tracking unit 112. The control unit 113 controls target information related to the target, including the identified seat.

[0030] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 of the second embodiment, it is possible to identify a seat related to an object, similar to the information processing device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0031] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. In the third embodiment, an example of a method for tracking an object will be specifically described. Note that, for the third embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the descriptions for the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of seats are provided in space 1. A camera CAM capable of capturing an image of at least a portion of space 1 is disposed in space 1. Note that, in addition to camera CAM, one or more other cameras may be disposed in space 1. In other words, a plurality of cameras may be disposed in space 1. By capturing an image of at least a portion of space 1 with camera CAM, camera CAM may generate a camera image that is an image including at least a portion of space 1.

[0033] The acquisition unit 111 of the information processing device 100 may acquire a camera image as biometric information of the target. The tracking unit 112 of the information processing device 100 may track the target using the camera image as the biometric information of the target. An example of a method for tracking the target by the tracking unit 112 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .

[0034] Images Img1, Img2, and Img3 shown in FIG. 6 are images including object P (in other words, images in which object P is captured). Image Img1 may be a camera image generated by camera CAM capturing space 1 at time t1. Image Img2 may be a camera image generated by camera CAM capturing space 1 at time t2, which is later than time t1. Image Img3 may be a camera image generated by camera CAM capturing space 1 at time t3, which is later than time t2. Images Img1, Img2, and Img3 may each be an image corresponding to one frame of a video. In this case, image Img2 does not have to be an image corresponding to a frame immediately after the frame corresponding to image Img1. In other words, image Img2 may be an image corresponding to a frame two or more frames later than the frame corresponding to image Img1. Similarly, image Img3 does not have to be an image corresponding to a frame immediately after the frame corresponding to image Img2. In other words, image Img3 may be an image corresponding to a frame that is two or more frames later than the frame corresponding to image Img2.

[0035] The tracking unit 112 may detect an object P contained in the image Img1 from the image Img1. Note that, since an existing technology is applied to a method for detecting the object P (e.g., a person) from an image, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The tracking unit 112 may set an area including the object P as a tracking area TA1 based on the detected object P. Note that in FIG. 6 , the tracking areas (e.g., tracking areas TA1, TA2, and TA3) are set as areas including the entire body of the object P. However, the tracking area may be set as an area including only a part of the object P (e.g., the upper body, the head, etc.).

[0036] When the tracking unit 112 sets the tracking area TA1, it sets a tracking ID, which is identification information for identifying the target P related to the tracking area TA1, to the target P. The tracking unit 112 may calculate the position of the target P (for example, the position of the target P's feet) based on the tracking area TA1. Note that existing technology can be applied to a method for calculating the position of a subject (for example, the target P) included in an image from the image, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The tracking unit 112 may link the tracking ID and the position of the target P to each other and register them in a table 210 shown in FIG. Note that the table 210 may be stored in the storage device 120, for example.

[0037] The tracking unit 112 may use the image Img2 and the image Img1 to identify the object P included in the image Img2. Identifying the object P included in the image Img2 is synonymous with associating the object P included in the image Img1 with the object P included in the image Img2. Therefore, at least one of a matching method and an optical flow method related to association between images can be applied to identify the object P included in the image Img2. Note that various existing methods can be applied to each of the matching method and the optical flow method, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] When the target P included in the image Img2 is identified, the tracking unit 112 may set the area including the target P as a tracking area TA2 based on the identified target P. Since the target P included in the image Img1 and the target P included in the image Img2 are the same target, the tracking ID of the target P related to the tracking area TA2 is the same as the tracking ID of the target P related to the tracking area TA1. The tracking unit 112 may calculate the position of the target P based on the tracking area TA2.

[0039] The tracking unit 112 may register the position of the target P in the table 210 in association with the tracking ID associated with the target P. In this case, since the position of the target P calculated based on the tracking area TA1 is registered in the table 210, the tracking unit 112 updates the position of the target P by registering the position of the target P calculated based on the tracking area TA2 in the table 210.

[0040] The tracking unit 112 may use the images Img3 and Img2 to identify the target P included in the image Img3. When the target P included in the image Img3 is identified, the tracking unit 112 may set the area including the target P as a tracking area TA3 based on the identified target P. Since the target P included in the image Img2 and the target P included in the image Img3 are the same target, the tracking ID of the target P related to the tracking area TA3 is the same as the tracking ID of the target P related to the tracking area TA2. The tracking unit 112 may calculate the position of the target P based on the tracking area TA3.

[0041] The tracking unit 112 may register the position of the target P in the table 210 in association with the tracking ID associated with the target P. In this case, since the position of the target P calculated based on the tracking area TA2 is registered in the table 210, the tracking unit 112 updates the position of the target P by registering the position of the target P calculated based on the tracking area TA3 in the table 210.

[0042] However, for example, it may become difficult for the tracking unit 112 to continue tracking the target P due to the target P being hidden behind at least one of another person and an object. When tracking of the target P is interrupted, the tracking unit 112 may perform the following process. After tracking of the target P is interrupted, the tracking unit 112 may determine whether a new target (e.g., a person) has been detected from the camera image acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Note that a "new target" means a target for which a tracking ID has not been set.

[0043] When a new target is detected, the tracking unit 112 may determine whether the target P and the new target are the same target by comparing the feature amount of the tracking area (e.g., at least one of the tracking areas TA1, TA2, and TA3) related to the target P with the feature amount of the tracking area related to the new target. If it is determined that the target P and the new target are the same target, the tracking unit 112 may set the tracking ID related to the target P to the new target. As a result, the tracking unit 112 can track the target P again. Note that the feature amount may be obtained, for example, by person re-identification technology.

[0044] The control unit 113 may identify the seat of the target (e.g., target P) based on the table 210 (i.e., the tracking result of the target by the tracking unit 112) and information indicating the position of each of the multiple seats in the space 1 (e.g., a seat map). For example, the control unit 113 may register the identified seat in the table 220 shown in FIG. 8. Note that the table 220 corresponds to an example of target information. Note that in the table 220, the ID related to the target may be the same as the tracking ID or may be different from the tracking ID. In the table 220, seats and time are linked. Therefore, it can be said that the table 220 shows the seat history related to the target.

[0045] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to identify a seat related to an object, similar to the information processing device 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0046] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. In the fourth embodiment, biometric authentication of the target may be performed in parallel with tracking of the target. Note that, for the fourth embodiment, a description that overlaps with the description of the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

[0047] The information processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment may include a calculation device 110a instead of the calculation device 110. The calculation device 110a may include one or more processors, similar to the calculation device 110.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9 , the computing device 110a may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, a control unit 113, and an authentication unit 114 as logically realized functional blocks or as physically realized processing circuits. At least one of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the authentication unit 114 may be realized in a form that combines logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware). When the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the authentication unit 114 are realized as functional blocks, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the authentication unit 114 may be realized by a single processor (e.g., processor 1101). Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the authentication unit 114 may each be realized by a different processor. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and part of the authentication unit 114 may be realized by one processor, and the remaining parts of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the authentication unit 114 may be realized by one or more other processors different from the one processor.

[0049] The tracking unit 112 may track a target (e.g., target P) using a method similar to the tracking method described in the third embodiment. For example, the tracking unit 112 may set an area of ​​the image Img1 that includes the target P as a tracking area TA1. The tracking unit 112 may determine whether the face of the target P is captured in the tracking area TA1. In other words, the tracking unit 112 may perform face detection on the tracking area TA1. If it is determined that the face of the target P is captured in the tracking area TA1, the tracking unit 112 may generate a facial image from the area that includes the face of the target P. In other words, the tracking unit 112 may generate a facial image by extracting (e.g., trimming) an area that includes the face of the target P from the image Img1. The tracking unit 112 may associate the generated facial image with a tracking ID related to the target P and transmit the resulting image to the authentication unit 114. If it is determined that the face of the target P is not captured in the tracking area TA1, the tracking unit 112 does not need to generate a face image.

[0050] The authentication unit 114 may perform facial authentication, an example of biometric authentication, using the facial image transmitted from the tracking unit 112. For example, the authentication unit 114 may extract facial features indicating the facial features of the target P from the facial image. The authentication unit 114 may acquire facial information related to the registrant from a database (not shown) in which facial information related to the registrant is registered. Herein, the facial information related to the registrant may be a facial image including the registrant's face or facial features indicating the registrant's facial features. Hereinafter, a facial image including the registrant's face will be referred to as a "registered facial image" as appropriate. Hereinafter, facial features indicating the registrant's facial features will be referred to as a "registered facial feature." When the facial information related to the registrant is a registered facial image, the authentication unit 114 may extract facial features indicating the registrant's facial features from the registered facial image. The authentication unit 114 may calculate a matching score by matching the facial features indicating the facial features of the target P with the facial features indicating the registrant's facial features. When the facial information relating to the registrant is a registered facial feature, the authentication unit 114 may calculate a matching score by matching the facial feature indicating the facial features of the target P with the registrant facial feature.

[0051] If the calculated matching score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the authentication unit 114 may determine that the target P corresponds to the registrant related to the facial information (e.g., registered facial image or registered facial feature amount) used to calculate the matching score. The authentication unit 114 may link the authentication ID of the registrant to the tracking ID of the target P and register the ID in the table 210a shown in FIG. 10 . Here, the authentication ID may be linked to information for identifying the registrant as a specific individual (e.g., name, age, address, telephone number, email address, etc.). Linking the tracking ID and the authentication ID may specifically identify the target P. Note that the "authentication ID" is an example of a name for identification information for identifying the registrant. Note that the table 210a showing the linked tracking IDs and authentication IDs can be said to indicate the correspondence between the tracking IDs and the authentication IDs. For this reason, the table 210a may be referred to as an ID correspondence table. Note that the table 210a may be stored in, for example, the storage device 120.

[0052] If the calculated matching score is smaller than a predetermined threshold, there is a high possibility that there is no registered person corresponding to the target P (in other words, a person corresponding to the target P is not registered in the database). Therefore, if the calculated matching score is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the authentication unit 114 may link information indicating that there is no corresponding person (for example, "N / A (Not Applicable)") to the tracking ID related to the target P and register it in the table 210a.

[0053] For example, in table 210a, if the tracking ID for target P is not associated with the authentication ID for the registrant or with information indicating that there is no corresponding person (e.g., "N / A"), the tracking unit 112 may determine whether or not the face of target P is reflected in tracking area TA2 of image Img2. If it is determined that the face of target P is reflected in tracking area TA2, the tracking unit 112 may generate a facial image from an area including the face of target P. The tracking unit 112 may associate the generated facial image with the tracking ID for target P and transmit it to the authentication unit 114. Note that if it is determined that the face of target P is not reflected in tracking area TA2, the tracking unit 112 does not need to generate a facial image. Furthermore, even if, in table 210a, the tracking ID for target P is linked to the authentication ID for the registrant or information indicating that there is no corresponding person (e.g., “N / A”), the tracking unit 112 may determine whether or not the face of target P is reflected in the tracking area TA2 of image Img2.

[0054] For example, in table 210a, if the tracking ID for target P is not associated with the authentication ID for the registrant or with information indicating that there is no corresponding person (e.g., "N / A"), the tracking unit 112 may determine whether or not the face of target P is reflected in tracking area TA3 of image Img3. If it is determined that the face of target P is reflected in tracking area TA3, the tracking unit 112 may generate a facial image from an area including the face of target P. The tracking unit 112 may associate the generated facial image with the tracking ID for target P and transmit it to the authentication unit 114. Note that if it is determined that the face of target P is not reflected in tracking area TA3, the tracking unit 112 does not need to generate a facial image. Furthermore, even if, in table 210a, the tracking ID for target P is linked to the authentication ID for the registrant or information indicating that there is no corresponding person (e.g., “N / A”), the tracking unit 112 may determine whether or not the face of target P is reflected in the tracking area TA3 of image Img3.

[0055] The control unit 113 may identify the seat of the target (e.g., target P) based on the table 210a (i.e., the tracking result of the target by the tracking unit 112) and information indicating the positions of each of the multiple seats in the space 1 (e.g., a seat map). For example, the control unit 113 may register the identified seat in a table 220 shown in Fig. 8. Note that in the table 220, the ID associated with the target may be the same as the tracking ID, may be the same as the authentication ID, or may be different from the tracking ID and the authentication ID.

[0056] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to identify a seat related to an object, and also to specifically identify the object.

[0057] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11. Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. In the fifth embodiment, another example of a method for tracking an object will be specifically described. Note that, for the fifth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the descriptions for the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted.

[0058] The information processing device 100 according to the fifth embodiment may include a calculation device 110a instead of the calculation device 110. As shown in Fig. 9 , the calculation device 110a may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, a control unit 113, and an authentication unit 114 as logically realized functional blocks or as physically realized processing circuits.

[0059] In the fifth embodiment, each of the plurality of seats is provided with a device for acquiring biometric information of a target to be used in biometric authentication. For example, if the biometric authentication is at least one of facial authentication and iris authentication, the device provided at each seat may be a camera. For example, if the biometric authentication is at least one of fingerprint authentication, palm print authentication, and vein authentication, the device provided at each seat may be a scanner. For example, if the biometric authentication is at least one of voice print authentication and ear acoustic authentication, the device provided at each seat may be a microphone. When a target uses one of the plurality of seats, the device provided at that seat may acquire the target's biometric information. The device may associate the target's biometric information with device identification information (e.g., a device ID) for identifying the device and transmit it to the information processing device 100. Note that the target's biometric information may be an image or sound, or may be a feature extracted from the image or sound.

[0060] The acquisition unit 111 of the information processing device 100 may acquire biometric information linked to the device identification information via the communication device 130. The authentication unit 114 of the information processing device 100 may perform biometric authentication of a target using the biometric information. The authentication unit 114 may acquire biometric information related to a registrant from a database (not shown) in which face information related to the registrant is registered. The authentication unit 114 may calculate a matching score by matching the biometric information of the target with the biometric information related to the registrant.

[0061] If the calculated matching score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the authentication unit 114 may determine that the target corresponds to the registrant related to the biometric information used to calculate the matching score. The authentication unit 114 may link the authentication ID related to the registrant with device identification information (e.g., a device ID) linked to the target's biometric information and the authentication time, which is the time when the biometric authentication was performed, and transmit the linked authentication ID related to the registrant to the tracking unit 112 of the information processing device 100.

[0062] For example, the tracking unit 112 may register device identification information and authentication time in a table 230 shown in FIG. 11. As is clear from FIG. 11, the table 230 may be generated for each authentication ID. In the table 230, device identification information (e.g., device ID) and authentication time are linked. As described above, a device for acquiring biometric information is provided at each of a plurality of seats. Therefore, a change in the device identification information registered in the table 230 means that the subject has changed seats. Therefore, it can be said that the table 230 indicates the tracking results of the subject. The table 230 may be stored in, for example, the storage device 120.

[0063] The control unit 113 of the information processing device 100 may identify the seat of the target based on the table 230 (i.e., the tracking result of the target by the tracking unit 112) and information indicating the relationship between the device for acquiring biometric information and the plurality of seats. For example, the control unit 113 may register the identified seat in the table 220 shown in Fig. 8. Note that in the table 220, the ID associated with the target may be an authentication ID.

[0064] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to identify a seat related to an object, and also to specifically identify the object.

[0065] <Application Example> An application example of the information processing device 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. It is assumed that the seat to be used by the subject is not specified in advance. In other words, the subject can freely use any seat among a plurality of seats provided in one space (e.g., space 1). It is also assumed that each of the plurality of seats is provided with a device for acquiring biometric information of the subject to be used for biometric authentication.

[0066] When a subject uses one of the seats, a device installed at the seat (i.e., a device for acquiring the subject's biometric information used in biometric authentication) may acquire the subject's biometric information. The device may associate the subject's biometric information with device identification information (e.g., a device ID) for identifying the device, and transmit the associated information to the information processing device 100.

[0067] The acquisition unit 111 of the information processing device 100 may acquire biometric information linked to the device identification information via the communication device 130. The authentication unit 114 of the information processing device 100 may perform biometric authentication of a target using the biometric information. The authentication unit 114 may acquire biometric information related to a registrant from a database (not shown) in which face information related to the registrant is registered. The authentication unit 114 may calculate a matching score by matching the biometric information of the target with the biometric information related to the registrant.

[0068] If the calculated matching score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the authentication unit 114 may determine that the target corresponds to the registrant related to the biometric information used to calculate the matching score. The authentication unit 114 may link the authentication ID related to the registrant with device identification information (e.g., a device ID) linked to the target's biometric information and transmit the linked authentication ID to the control unit 113 of the information processing device 100. The control unit 113 of the information processing device 100 may identify the seat of the target (i.e., the registrant identified by the authentication ID) based on the device identification information linked to the authentication ID and information indicating the relationship between the device for acquiring the biometric information and multiple seats.

[0069] According to this application example, even if the seat used by the target is not specified in advance, the seat used by the target (i.e., the registered person identified by the authentication ID) can be identified. For example, a usage fee may be set for each of multiple seats provided in one space. In this case, after the target uses the seat, the usage fee for the seat used by the target (i.e., the registered person identified by the authentication ID) may be charged.

[0070] Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. In the sixth embodiment, it is assumed that an object is tracked using the tracking method described in the third embodiment. However, the object may also be tracked using the tracking method described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, a description that overlaps with the description of the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted.

[0071] The information processing device 100 according to the sixth embodiment may include a calculation device 110b instead of the calculation device 110. The calculation device 110b may have one or more processors, similar to the calculation device 110. As shown in Fig. 12 , the calculation device 110b may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, a control unit 113, and a distribution unit 115 as logically realized functional blocks or as physically realized processing circuits.

[0072] At least one of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the distribution unit 115 may be realized in a form that combines logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware). When the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the distribution unit 115 are realized as functional blocks, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the distribution unit 115 may be realized by a single processor (e.g., processor 1101). Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the distribution unit 115 may be realized by different processors. Alternatively, some of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the distribution unit 115 may be realized by a single processor, and the remaining parts of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, and the distribution unit 115 may be realized by one or more other processors different from the single processor. The computing device 110 b may include an authentication unit 114 .

[0073] It is assumed that a plurality of content data are stored in the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100 according to the sixth embodiment. The plurality of content data may include, for example, video data (movie data, TV program data, etc.) and / or music data. It is also assumed that a playback device capable of playing back the content data is provided at each of the plurality of seats. Note that in this embodiment, the playback devices are managed by seat name (e.g., seat number). However, the playback devices may also be managed by identification information for identifying the playback devices. In this case, a table may be provided that indicates the correspondence between the identification information of the playback devices and the seats in which the playback devices are provided.

[0074] For example, if a subject using a certain seat instructs playback of certain content data via a playback device installed at the seat, the distribution unit 115 of the information processing device 100 may distribute the content data instructed by the subject to the playback device installed at the seat. In this case, the distribution unit 115 may associate a seat name (e.g., the seat number of the certain seat) indicating the playback device installed at the certain seat, a content name indicating the content data being distributed, and a playback position, and register them in, for example, table 240 shown in FIG. 13 . The distribution unit 115 may sequentially update the playback position. Furthermore, if the subject using the certain seat changes from certain content data to other content data, the distribution unit 115 may update the content name and playback position.

[0075] The control unit 113 of the information processing device 100 may detect, based on the table 220, that a target using a certain seat has moved from the certain seat to another seat. In this case, the control unit 113 may change the seat name in the table 240 from the certain seat to the other seat. As a result, the distribution unit 115 may distribute the certain content data from the playback position registered in the table 240 to the playback device installed at the other seat. The table 240 corresponds to another example of target information.

[0076] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 of the sixth embodiment, if a target who is reproducing one piece of content data in one seat moves from one seat to another seat and the reproduction of the one piece of content data is interrupted, the target can resume the reproduction of the one piece of content data in the other seat. In other words, according to the information processing device 100 of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to continuously provide services to the target even if the target moves to another seat.

[0077] Seventh Embodiment A seventh embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. Note that in the seventh embodiment, an object is tracked using the tracking method described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. Note that, for the seventh embodiment, a description that overlaps with the description of the first to sixth embodiments will be omitted.

[0078] In the seventh embodiment, an example of a plurality of seats is a plurality of seats provided in a cabin of an aircraft. The target is assumed to be a passenger of the aircraft. For example, biometric authentication of the target is performed during check-in procedures. When the check-in procedures of the target are completed, the authentication ID of the target and a seat on the aircraft, etc. may be linked and registered in, for example, table 250 shown in FIG. 14 . Note that the table 250 may be stored in, for example, the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100.

[0079] In table 250, a blank "Usage History" column may indicate a passenger (i.e., a target) using a particular airline for the first time. The "Usage History" column may contain, for example, information (e.g., a link) for identifying history information indicating detailed usage history. In other words, detailed usage history does not need to be registered in table 250. A blank "Customer Rank" column may indicate a passenger (i.e., a target) who has not registered as a customer (or member) with a particular airline. The "Customer Rank" may indicate a customer classification determined based on the usage history of a particular airline. A blank "Allergy" column may indicate the absence of allergies or the absence of registered allergy information. Table 250 corresponds to another example of target information. Table 250 does not need to include at least one of "Usage History," "Customer Rank," and "Allergy." The information registered in the table 250 may be viewable, for example, from at least one of a terminal device for cabin crew members located on the aircraft and a terminal device carried by the cabin crew members.

[0080] The information processing device 100 according to the seventh embodiment may include a calculation device 110a shown in Fig. 9 instead of the calculation device 110. The control unit 113 of the information processing device 100 may detect, based on the table 220, that a subject using one seat has moved from the one seat to another seat. In this case, the control unit 113 may change the seat name in the table 250 from the one seat to the other seat.

[0081] (Technical Effect) For example, a flight attendant may refer to the usage history shown in table 250 and issue at least one of a coupon usable for in-flight sales, a coupon usable at an online shop operated by the airline, and a coupon usable the next time the passenger boards a flight to a passenger (i.e., a target) flying with a certain airline for the first time. For example, the flight attendant may refer to the usage history shown in table 250 and proactively encourage passengers flying with a certain airline for the first time. For example, the flight attendant may refer to at least one of the usage history and customer rank shown in table 250 and refrain from encouraging passengers who fly with a certain airline relatively frequently. For example, the flight attendant may refer to the customer rank shown in table 250 and provide each passenger with a benefit according to their customer rank. Examples of such benefits include at least one of the right to have priority in selecting in-flight meals, adding at least one of special dishes and sweets to in-flight meals, distributing novelty goods, and increasing the number of content available for viewing in-flight. For example, a flight attendant may provide information or suggestions about in-flight meals to at least some of the passengers by referring to the allergy information shown in table 250. The "usage history" in table 250 may include, for example, the use history of blankets. For example, a flight attendant may provide information or suggestions about the use of blankets to at least some of the passengers by referring to the usage history shown in table 250.

[0082] In the information processing device 100 according to the seventh embodiment, when it is detected that a target (i.e., a passenger) has moved from one seat to another seat, the control unit 113 may change the seat name associated with the target in the table 250 from the one seat to the other seat. Therefore, according to the information processing device 100 according to the seventh embodiment, even if the passenger (i.e., the target) has moved seats, the cabin crew can continue to provide the passenger with, for example, the above-mentioned services.

[0083] Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. In the eighth embodiment, it is assumed that an object is tracked using the tracking method described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, a description that overlaps with the description of the first to seventh embodiments will be omitted.

[0084] In the eighth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, an example of a plurality of seats is a plurality of seats provided in a cabin of an aircraft. The target is assumed to be a passenger of the aircraft. For example, biometric authentication of the target is performed during check-in procedures. When the check-in procedures of the target are completed, the authentication ID of the target may be linked to a seat on the aircraft or the like and registered in, for example, table 250 shown in FIG. 14 .

[0085] The information processing device 100 according to the eighth embodiment may include a computing device 110c instead of the computing device 110. The computing device 110c may have one or more processors, similar to the computing device 110. As shown in FIG. 15 , the computing device 110c may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, a control unit 113, an authentication unit 114, and a distribution unit 115 as logically realized functional blocks or as physically realized processing circuits. It is assumed that a plurality of content data are stored in the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100 according to the eighth embodiment. It is also assumed that a playback device capable of playing back the content data is provided at each of a plurality of seats.

[0086] The "usage history" in the table 250 may include a viewing history of content data. For example, the distribution unit 115 of the information processing device 100 may suggest content data that is likely to interest a subject (i.e., a passenger) using a certain seat indicated in the table 250, based on the usage history of the subject. The control unit 113 of the information processing device 100 may detect, based on the table 220, that a subject using a certain seat has moved from the certain seat to another seat. In this case, the control unit 113 may change the seat name in the table 250 from "seat one" to "other seat." Furthermore, the control unit 113 may change the seat name in the table 240 (see FIG. 13 ) related to the distribution of content data from "seat one" to "other seat."

[0087] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 according to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to distribute content data that is optimized for a target.

[0088] Ninth Embodiment A ninth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Hereinafter, the ninth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. Note that in the ninth embodiment, an object is tracked using the tracking method described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. Note that, for the ninth embodiment, explanations that overlap with the explanations for the first to eighth embodiments will be omitted.

[0089] In the ninth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, an example of a plurality of seats is a plurality of seats provided in a cabin of an aircraft. The target is assumed to be a passenger of the aircraft. For example, biometric authentication of the target is performed during the check-in procedure. When the check-in procedure of the target is completed, the authentication ID of the target and a seat on the aircraft, etc., may be linked and registered in, for example, table 260 shown in FIG. 16 . Note that table 260 corresponds to another example of target information. Note that table 260 may be stored, for example, in the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100.

[0090] The information processing device 100 according to the ninth embodiment may include a calculation device 110d instead of the calculation device 110. The calculation device 110d may have one or more processors, similar to the calculation device 110. As shown in Fig. 17 , the calculation device 110d may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, a control unit 113, an authentication unit 114, and an alarm unit 116 as logically realized functional blocks or as physically realized processing circuits.

[0091] At least one of the acquisition unit 111, tracking unit 112, control unit 113, authentication unit 114, and alarm unit 116 may be realized in a format that combines logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware). When the acquisition unit 111, tracking unit 112, control unit 113, authentication unit 114, and alarm unit 116 are realized as functional blocks, the acquisition unit 111, tracking unit 112, control unit 113, authentication unit 114, and alarm unit 116 may be realized by a single processor (e.g., processor 1101). Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, tracking unit 112, control unit 113, authentication unit 114, and alarm unit 116 may each be realized by a different processor. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, tracking unit 112, control unit 113, authentication unit 114, and part of the alarm unit 116 may be realized by one processor, and the remaining parts of the acquisition unit 111, tracking unit 112, control unit 113, authentication unit 114, and alarm unit 116 may be realized by one or more other processors different from the one processor.

[0092] The control unit 113 of the information processing device 100 may detect that a subject using one seat has moved from one seat to another seat, based on the table 220. In this case, the control unit 113 may change the seat name in the table 260 from one seat to another seat.

[0093] Incidentally, a rank may be assigned to each of the multiple seats provided in an aircraft cabin. Examples of ranks include at least two: first class, business class, premium economy class, and economy class. The "seat type" column in table 260 may indicate the seat rank.

[0094] When the control unit 113 detects that the target has moved from one seat to another seat, the control unit 113 may determine whether the rank of the one seat is the same as the rank of the other seat. When it is determined that the rank of the one seat is not the same as the rank of the other seat (i.e., different), the warning unit 116 of the information processing device 100 may transmit warning information to, for example, at least one of a terminal device for cabin crew arranged on the aircraft and a terminal device carried by the cabin crew.

[0095] If it is determined that the rank of the one seat is not the same as (i.e., different from) the rank of the other seat, the control unit 113 may determine whether the rank of the other seat is higher than the rank of the one seat. If it is determined that the rank of the other seat is higher than the rank of the one seat, the warning unit 116 may transmit warning information to, for example, at least one of a terminal device for cabin crew members arranged on the aircraft and a terminal device carried by the cabin crew member. On the other hand, if it is determined that the rank of the other seat is not higher than (i.e., lower than) the rank of the one seat, the warning unit 116 may not transmit warning information.

[0096] (Technical Effect) In aircraft cabins, services provided often differ depending on the seat rank. Furthermore, usage fees also differ depending on the seat rank. Therefore, if the seat rank changes as a target moves, the target may be provided with services that the target cannot enjoy, or services that the target could enjoy may not be provided. In the information processing device 100 according to the ninth embodiment, when the seat rank changes as a target moves, the alarm unit 116 transmits alarm information. This allows cabin crew to notice a change in the seat rank of the target. In other words, the information processing device 100 according to the ninth embodiment can detect a target that has moved to a seat with a different rank from its original seat rank.

[0097] <Application Example> An application example of the information processing device 100 according to the ninth embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that at least one of a toilet and a shower room exclusively for first class passengers is installed in an aircraft cabin. It is assumed that biometric authentication is used to unlock the door of at least one of the toilet and shower room exclusively for first class passengers. Therefore, it is assumed that a device for acquiring biometric information of a target to be used in biometric authentication is installed on at least one of the doors of the toilet and shower room exclusively for first class passengers.

[0098] The acquisition unit 111 of the information processing device 100 may acquire biometric information of a target acquired by a device for acquiring biometric information of a target used in biometric authentication. The authentication unit 114 of the information processing device 100 may perform biometric authentication of the target using the biometric information. The authentication unit 114 may acquire biometric information of a registrant from a database (not shown) in which face information of the registrant is registered. The authentication unit 114 may calculate a matching score by matching the biometric information of the target with the biometric information of the registrant. If the calculated matching score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the authentication unit 114 may determine that the target corresponds to the registrant associated with the biometric information used to calculate the matching score.

[0099] The authentication unit 114 may transmit the authentication ID of the registrant to the control unit 113 of the information processing device 100. The control unit 113 may determine, based on the table 260, whether the registrant (i.e., the target) indicated by the authentication ID is a user of a first-class seat. If it is determined that the registrant indicated by the authentication ID is a user of a first-class seat, the control unit 113 may unlock at least one of the doors to the toilet and shower room exclusively for first-class passengers. On the other hand, if it is determined that the registrant indicated by the authentication ID is not a user of a first-class seat, the control unit 113 may not unlock at least one of the doors to the toilet and shower room exclusively for first-class passengers.

[0100] Tenth Embodiment A tenth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to FIG. 18 . Hereinafter, the tenth embodiment of the information processing device, the information processing system, the information processing method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. Note that in the tenth embodiment, an object is tracked using the tracking method described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. Note that, for the tenth embodiment, explanations that overlap with the explanations for the first to ninth embodiments will be omitted.

[0101] In the tenth embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, an example of a plurality of seats is a plurality of seats provided in a cabin of an aircraft. The target is assumed to be a passenger of the aircraft. For example, biometric authentication of the target is performed during the check-in procedure. When the check-in procedure of the target is completed, the authentication ID of the target and a seat on the aircraft, etc. may be linked and registered in, for example, table 260a shown in FIG. 18 . Note that table 260a corresponds to another example of target information. Note that table 260a may be stored, for example, in the storage device 120 of the information processing device 100.

[0102] For example, in table 260a, a person whose authentication ID is "U0001" is considered to be the parent of a person whose authentication ID is "U0002". In other words, a person whose authentication ID is "U0002" is considered to be the child of a person whose authentication ID is "U0001". In other words, a person whose authentication ID is "U0001" and a person whose authentication ID is "U0002" are in a parent-child relationship. The seat type of a person whose authentication ID is "U0001" is considered to be business class. The seat type of a person whose authentication ID is "U0002" is considered to be economy class.

[0103] For example, a parent may accompany a child on an overseas business trip. In this case, the parent purchases the child's airline ticket, so the seat rank used by the parent may differ from the seat rank used by the child. Furthermore, the child may move to the parent's seat during flight. In the information processing device 100 according to the ninth embodiment, if the seat rank changes as the target seat moves, the alarm unit 116 transmits alarm information. However, if alarm information is transmitted in the above-described circumstances, it may impair the convenience of the aircraft passengers.

[0104] Therefore, in the information processing device 100 according to the tenth embodiment, when a subject (for example, the above-mentioned child) moves from one seat to another seat and it is determined that the rank of the one seat is not the same as (i.e., different from) the rank of the other seat, the control unit 113 may determine, based on table 260a, whether the relationship between the original user of the one seat (for example, the above-mentioned child) and the original user of the other seat (for example, the above-mentioned parent) is a specified relationship.

[0105] If it is determined that the relationship between the user of the original one seat and the user of the original other seat is a predetermined relationship, the warning unit 116 may not transmit warning information. Note that the predetermined relationship is not limited to parent-child relationships, but may include, for example, husband and wife, siblings, relatives, and groups. Note that a group may refer to multiple passengers each associated with multiple airline tickets purchased at the same time.

[0106] (Technical Effect) In the information processing device 100 according to the tenth embodiment, even if seats are swapped between multiple passengers who have a predetermined relationship, the alarm unit 116 does not need to transmit alarm information. Therefore, the information processing device 100 according to the tenth embodiment can prevent unnecessary alarms from being issued. As a result, it can be expected that the burden on cabin crew, for example, can be reduced.

[0107] <Eleventh Embodiment> An eleventh embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to Fig. 19 . Hereinafter, the eleventh embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. Note that in the eleventh embodiment, an object is tracked using the tracking method described in the fourth or fifth embodiment. Note that, for the eleventh embodiment, a description that overlaps with the description of the first to tenth embodiments will be omitted.

[0108] In the eleventh embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, an example of a plurality of seats is a plurality of seats provided in an aircraft cabin. The target is assumed to be passengers on the aircraft. The information processing device 100 according to the eleventh embodiment may constitute a part of an airline ticket reservation system.

[0109] The information processing device 100 according to the eleventh embodiment may include a calculation device 110e instead of the calculation device 110. The calculation device 110e may have one or more processors, similar to the calculation device 110. As shown in Fig. 19 , the calculation device 110e may include an acquisition unit 111, a tracking unit 112, a control unit 113, an authentication unit 114, and a proposal unit 117 as logically realized functional blocks or as physically realized processing circuits.

[0110] At least one of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, the authentication unit 114, and the proposal unit 117 may be realized in a form that combines logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits (i.e., hardware). When the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, the authentication unit 114, and the proposal unit 117 are realized as functional blocks, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, the authentication unit 114, and the proposal unit 117 may be realized by a single processor (e.g., processor 1101). Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, the authentication unit 114, and the proposal unit 117 may each be realized by a different processor. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, the authentication unit 114, and part of the proposal unit 117 may be realized by one processor, and the remaining parts of the acquisition unit 111, the tracking unit 112, the control unit 113, the authentication unit 114, and the proposal unit 117 may be realized by one or more other processors different from the one processor.

[0111] For example, when a subject (i.e., a passenger) identified by a certain authentication ID selects a seat on an aircraft at at least one of an online airline ticket reservation site, an airport check-in counter, and a boarding gate, the suggestion unit 117 of the information processing device 100 may acquire a table 220 (see FIG. 8 ) related to the certain authentication ID. Here, the table 220 may indicate seats used by the subject identified by the certain authentication ID when the subject has previously flown on an aircraft. Therefore, the table 220 can be said to indicate the subject's behavioral history. For example, the suggestion unit 117 may estimate a seat position (e.g., window seat, aisle seat, center seat, etc.) preferred by the subject identified by the certain authentication ID based on the table 220. The suggestion unit 117 may suggest the estimated seat position to the subject identified by the certain authentication ID. Specifically, the suggestion unit 117 may transmit seat information indicating the estimated seat position to a terminal device used by at least one of the subject identified by the certain authentication ID and a ground staff member via the communication device 130. As a result, the seat position suggested by the suggestion unit 117 may be displayed on the terminal device.

[0112] If there is an empty seat on the aircraft used by the subject identified by the authentication ID, the suggestion unit 117 may suggest the estimated seat position to a flight attendant. In this case, the flight attendant may guide the subject identified by the authentication ID to the seat suggested by the suggestion unit 117.

[0113] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing device 100 according to the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to suggest a seating position preferred by a subject.

[0114] 19 and 20, a twelfth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the twelfth embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described using an information processing device 100. Note that, for the twelfth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with the descriptions of the first to eleventh embodiments will be omitted.

[0115] In the twelfth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, an example of a plurality of seats is a plurality of seats provided in a cabin of an aircraft. The target is assumed to be a passenger of the aircraft. For example, biometric authentication of the target is performed during the check-in procedure. When the check-in procedure of the target is completed, the authentication ID of the target and a seat on the aircraft, etc., may be linked and registered in, for example, table 270 shown in FIG. 20 . In table 270, the "famous" column indicates whether the passenger (i.e., the target) is a famous person. Note that the criteria for determining whether or not a person is a famous person may be arbitrary. The "alert" column indicates whether or not the passenger (i.e., the target) is a person requiring caution. For example, a passenger registered on a so-called blacklist may be considered to be a person requiring caution.

[0116] The time attendance management of cabin crew members is performed by biometric authentication of the cabin crew members. The identification information for identifying the cabin crew members may be linked to at least one of their work history, achievements, and qualifications. The placement of cabin crew members on an aircraft is often determined based on their work history, for example.

[0117] The information processing device 100 according to the twelfth embodiment may include a calculation device 110e shown in FIG. 19 instead of the calculation device 110. The suggestion unit 117 of the information processing device 100 may suggest multiple cabin crew members to be on board an aircraft based on the cabin crew members' attendance information and their work histories, etc. The suggestion unit 117 may further suggest the placement of cabin crew members on an aircraft based on, for example, the work histories, etc. of multiple cabin crew members to be on board an aircraft and the table 270. For example, the suggestion unit 117 may suggest an experienced cabin crew member to be in charge of a seat occupied by a famous person who requires caution.

[0118] (Technical Effect) In the information processing device 100 according to the twelfth embodiment, the allocation of cabin crew members is proposed by the proposing unit 117. Therefore, the information processing device 100 according to the twelfth embodiment is expected to reduce the burden on a person who decides on the allocation of cabin crew members.

[0119] <Supplementary Notes> A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target using one of a plurality of seats; a tracking means for tracking the target using the biometric information; and a control means for identifying a seat for the target based on a tracking result of the target by the tracking means, and for controlling target information for the target.

[0121] (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control means changes the identified seat included in the target information from the first seat to the second seat when the tracking result indicates that the target has moved from a first seat to a second seat.

[0122] (Supplementary Note 3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a distribution means for distributing content to a seat used by the target, wherein the target information includes information indicating the identified seat and information indicating the content to be distributed by the distribution means.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 4) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the target information includes at least one of a usage history, a customer rank, and allergy information in addition to information indicating the identified seat.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 5) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2, further comprising an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the tracking result indicates that the target has moved from a first seat to a second seat and the rank of the first seat differs from the rank of the second seat.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 6) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: a suggestion unit that suggests a seat when the subject makes a new seat reservation based on the behavior history of the subject based on the tracking result.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 7) The information indicating the content includes information indicating a playback position of the content, and when the tracking result indicates that the target has moved from a first seat to a second seat, the control means changes the identified seat included in the target information from the first seat to the second seat, and the distribution means distributes the content to the second seat from the playback position. An information processing device as described in Supplementary Note 3.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 8) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 4, further comprising a distribution means for distributing content to a seat used by the target, wherein the usage history includes a content viewing history, and the distribution means suggests content to the target based on the viewing history.

[0128] (Supplementary Note 9) The information processing device described in Supplementary Note 5, wherein the alarm means issues an alarm when the tracking result indicates that the object has moved from a first seat to a second seat, and the rank of the first seat is different from the rank of the second seat, and the relationship between the object and the person using the second seat is not a predetermined relationship.

[0129] (Supplementary Note 10) An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target using one of a plurality of seats; a tracking means for tracking the target using the biometric information; and a control means for identifying a seat for the target based on a tracking result of the target by the tracking means, and for controlling target information for the target.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 11) An information processing method comprising: acquiring biometric information of a target using one of a plurality of seats; tracking the target using the biometric information; identifying a seat for the target based on a tracking result of the target; and controlling target information for the target, including the identified seat.

[0131] (Supplementary Note 12) A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method, which includes acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats, tracking the subject using the biometric information, identifying a seat related to the subject based on the tracking results of the subject, and controlling subject information related to the subject, including the identified seat.

[0132] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 9 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 10, 11, and 12 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 9. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 10, 11, and 12, 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.

[0133] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information processing devices, information processing systems, information processing methods, and recording media that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0134] 10, 100 Information processing device 11, 111 Acquisition unit 12, 112 Tracking unit 13, 113 Control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats; a tracking means for tracking the subject using the biometric information; and a control means for identifying a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject by the tracking means, and for controlling subject information for the subject.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes the identified seat included in the target information from the first seat to the second seat when the tracking result indicates that the target has moved from the first seat to the second seat.

3. An information processing device as described in claim 1, further comprising a distribution means for distributing content to a seat used by the target, wherein the target information includes information indicating the identified seat and information indicating the content to be distributed by the distribution means.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the target information includes at least one of usage history, customer rank, and allergy information in addition to information indicating the specified seat.

5. An information processing device as described in claim 2, further comprising an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the tracking result indicates that the object has moved from the first seat to the second seat and the rank of the first seat differs from the rank of the second seat.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a suggestion means for suggesting a seat when the subject makes a new seat reservation based on the subject's behavioral history based on the tracking results.

7. The information processing device described in claim 3, wherein the information indicating the content includes information indicating the playback position of the content, and when the tracking result indicates that the target has moved from a first seat to a second seat, the control means changes the identified seat included in the target information from the first seat to the second seat, and the distribution means distributes the content to the second seat from the playback position.

8. An information processing device as described in claim 4, further comprising a distribution means for distributing content to a seat used by the subject, wherein the usage history includes a content viewing history, and the distribution means suggests content to the subject based on the viewing history.

9. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the alarm means issues an alarm when the tracking result indicates that the object has moved from the first seat to the second seat, and the rank of the first seat is different from the rank of the second seat, and the relationship between the object and the person using the second seat is not a predetermined relationship.

10. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats; a tracking means for tracking the subject using the biometric information; and a control means for identifying a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject and controlling subject information for the subject.

11. An information processing method that acquires biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats, tracks the subject using the biometric information, identifies a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject, and controls subject information for the subject.

12. A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method, which comprises acquiring biometric information of a subject using one of a plurality of seats, tracking the subject using the biometric information, identifying a seat for the subject based on the tracking results of the subject, and controlling subject information for the subject.

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