Information notification system, information notification method, and program

Abstract

An information notification system according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a user when the user who is allowed to enter an entry restricted area using a ticket or to exit from the entry restricted area enters a first area; an identification unit that performs face authentication on the basis of the image of the user, and identifies the user and ticket information owned by the user; and a notification unit that reports to the user, when the user enters a second area, entry / exit privilege information of the user that is generated on the basis of the ticket information.

Description

Information notification system, information notification method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information notification system, an information notification method, and a program.

[0002] Various techniques for detecting the entry and exit of users have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for identifying a user who enters or exits a railway station (hereinafter simply referred to as a "station") based on an image captured by a camera. In Patent Document 1, a face authentication area is set near the boundary between the inside and outside of the station where the user enters and exits, and the user is identified from an image of the user including a part of the face authentication area, and the railway usage fee of the user is settled.

[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 189677

[0004] When the entry / exit detection device does not have a ticket gate as in the ticket gate system according to Patent Document 1, even a user who does not intend to undergo entry / exit processing can pass through the boundary of the station. In this case, the ticket gate system will perform entry / exit processing on the user. Therefore, there is a possibility that the ticket gate system cannot perform entry / exit processing based on the user's intention.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information notification system, an information notification method, and a program capable of realizing entry / exit processing based on the user's intention.

[0006] The information notification system according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a user when the user who can enter or exit an entry-restricted area using a ticket enters a first area, a specification unit that performs face authentication based on the image of the user and specifies the user and the ticket information owned by the user, and a notification unit that notifies the user of the entry / exit right information of the user generated based on the ticket information when the user enters a second area.

[0007] The information notification method relating to this disclosure involves a computer acquiring an image of a user who is able to enter or exit a restricted entry area using a ticket when the user enters a first area, performing facial recognition based on the user's image to identify the user and the ticket information the user possesses, and notifying the user of their entry and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information when the user enters a second area.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps when a user who is able to enter or exit an area with an admission restriction using a ticket enters a first area: acquire an image of the user; perform facial recognition based on the image of the user; identify the user and the ticket information owned by the user; and when the user enters a second area, notify the user of the user's admission and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information.

[0009] This disclosure enables the provision of an information notification system, information notification method, and program that can realize entry and exit processing based on the user's will.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information notification system related to this disclosure. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information notification method by the information notification system. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information notification system related to this disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between areas. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the position where the acquisition unit images the user in the second area. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the face recognition method related to the first area by the information notification system. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the face recognition method related to the second area by the information notification system. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the face recognition method related to the entry restriction area and the non-entry restriction area. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification method by the notification unit in the second area. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification method by the notification unit in the entry restriction area and the non-entry restriction area. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the entry / exit processing method by the processing unit. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between areas related to the information notification system. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between areas related to the information notification system. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between areas related to the information notification system. Figure 15 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information notification system related to this disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information notification system 1 according to the present disclosure. The information notification system 1 is a system that performs predetermined functions when a user who is allowed to enter or exit an entry-restricted area using a ticket enters a predetermined area. The ticket is typically an electronic ticket. That is, the ticket is stored and managed on a predetermined server.

[0012] The information notification system 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a specification unit 12, and a notification unit 13. The acquisition unit 11 and specification unit 12 and the specification unit 12 and notification unit 13 are capable of data communication with each other. Data communication between these components may be wired or wireless. Such data communication may use an internet connection or short-range wireless communication technology. Furthermore, there is no restriction on the type of communication protocol used for such data communication.

[0013] The acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of a user when the user enters a first area. The first area is the area before entering the restricted entry area and the area before exiting the restricted entry area. The user's image is typically an image of the user's face. The user's image is acquired by a camera. That is, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the user's image by performing data communication with the camera. The acquisition unit 11 and the camera perform data communication via wired or wireless connection. This data communication may use an internet connection, short-range wireless communication technology, or any communication protocol. Here, the acquisition unit 11 may be used as an acquisition means for acquiring the user's image. That is, the acquisition unit 11 may be the camera itself that acquires the user's image. The acquisition unit 11 transmits the acquired user's image to the identification unit 12.

[0014] The identification unit 12 performs facial recognition based on the user image received from the acquisition unit 11 to identify the user and the ticket information owned by that user. First, the identification unit 12 identifies the user by comparing the user's image with the facial images of users that have been registered in advance. Then, the identification unit 12 identifies the ticket information associated with the identified user. The identification unit 12 transmits the identified user and the ticket information of that user to the notification unit 13.

[0015] The notification unit 13 generates entry / exit right information for the user based on the user's ticket information received from the identification unit 12. The notification unit 13 then notifies the user of the entry / exit right information when the user enters the second area. In other words, the notification unit 13 identifies the entry / exit right information for the user based on the user's ticket information received from the identification unit 12 and notifies the user of that information. The second area is typically the area entered after the first area when entering an entry-restricted area, and is the area before entering the entry-restricted area. Also, when exiting an entry-restricted area, the second area is typically the area entered after the first area, and is the area before leaving the entry-restricted area. Entry / exit right information is information generated by the notification unit 13 based on the ticket information owned by the user, and is information relating to the content of the right that the user can enter or exit. The right that the user can enter or exit can be determined by the ticket information owned by the user.

[0016] Next, the flow of the information notification method by the information notification system 1 will be explained. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the flow of the information notification method by the information notification system 1. First, the information notification system 1 determines whether or not the user has entered the first area (S101). If it is determined to be NO in step S101, the system returns to step S101 and the information notification system 1 performs the determination again. If it is determined to be YES in step S101, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the user's image (S102). Next, the identification unit 12 performs facial recognition based on the user's image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (S103). After that, the identification unit 12 identifies the user and the ticket information owned by the user (S104). After that, the information notification system 1 determines whether or not the user has entered the second area (S105). If it is determined to be NO in step S105, the system returns to step S105 and the information notification system 1 performs the determination again. If it is determined to be YES in step S105, the notification unit 13 notifies the user of the entry and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information (S106).

[0017] As described above, the information notification system 1 according to this embodiment notifies the user of entry and exit rights information when the user enters the second area. That is, the user can know the entry and exit rights information in the second area before entering the restricted entry area. Similarly, the user can know the entry and exit rights information before leaving the restricted entry area. As a result, the user can enter or exit the restricted entry area after being aware of their own entry and exit rights in advance. Therefore, the information notification system 1 can realize entry and exit processing based on the user's will.

[0018] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Embodiment 2 is a specific example of Embodiment 1 described above. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information notification system 2 according to the present disclosure. The information notification system 2 includes an acquisition unit 11, a specification unit 12, a notification unit 13, and a processing unit 14. In Figure 3, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are the same as or correspond to the information notification system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Also, in order to clarify the explanation, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0019] Information notification system 2 is a system that manages the boundary between restricted access areas and non-restricted access areas, for example, in train stations, tourist facilities, and event venues. In other words, information notification system 2 can also be called a gateless system. In the case of a train station, for example, the area inside the ticket gates may be the restricted access area, and the area outside the ticket gates may be the non-restricted access area. In tourist facilities and event venues, the inside of the facility is the restricted access area, and the outside of the facility is the non-restricted access area. The boundary between the restricted access area and the non-restricted access area in a train station is not limited to the location where automatic ticket gates are installed. In other words, the boundary in a train station may be the boundary between the inside and outside of the station, the boundary between the inside of the station and the platform, or the boundary between the station platform and a train stopped at that platform. Furthermore, for example, if the fare differs depending on the train car, the boundary between the restricted access area and the non-restricted access area may be established between the cars within the train.

[0020] First, we will explain specific examples of areas that users can enter in the Information Notification System 2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between areas. As shown in Figure 4, in the Information Notification System 2, users can enter the restricted entry area 21 and the non-restricted entry area 22. Specifically, users in the non-restricted entry area 22 can enter the restricted entry area 21. Also, users in the restricted entry area 21 can enter the non-restricted entry area 22. The direction in which a user in the non-restricted entry area 22 moves toward the restricted entry area 21 is called the entry direction. Also, the direction in which a user in the restricted entry area 21 moves toward the non-restricted entry area 22 is called the exit direction. Furthermore, a user moving toward the entry direction from the non-restricted entry area 22 is called an entering user, and a user moving toward the exit direction from the restricted entry area 21 is called an exiting user. Multiple users can enter the non-restricted entry area 22 and the restricted entry area 21 simultaneously.

[0021] The non-restricted area 22 contains a first area 23a and a second area 24a. Multiple users can enter each of the first area 23a and the second area 24a simultaneously. Users in the non-restricted area 22 pass through the first area 23a and the second area 24a in the process of proceeding to the restricted area 21. The first area 23a is located further from the restricted area 21 than the second area 24a. Furthermore, users cannot enter the second area 24a without passing through the first area 23a. In other words, the first area 23a and the second area 24a are arranged so that users proceeding to the restricted area 21 enter the first area 23a and then the second area 24a. In addition, the first area 23a and the second area 24a are located approximately adjacent to each other.

[0022] Here, the first area 23a does not have to be located further from the restricted access area 21 than the second area 24a. That is, as long as a user can enter the first area 23a and then the second area 24a in the process of proceeding to the restricted access area 21, the first area 23a and the second area 24a may be placed at equal distances from the restricted access area 21. Also, the first area 23a and the second area 24a may be placed at a certain distance apart.

[0023] In the restricted access area 21, similar to the non-restricted access area 22, there are a first area 23b and a second area 24b. Multiple users can enter each of the first area 23b and the second area 24b simultaneously. Users in the restricted access area 21 pass through the first area 23b and the second area 24b in the process of proceeding to the non-restricted access area 22. The positional relationship between the first area 23b and the second area 24b in the restricted access area 21 is the same as the positional relationship between the first area 23a and the second area 24a in the non-restricted access area 22, so no explanation is provided.

[0024] Cameras are positioned around these areas where users enter to capture images of the users. As shown in Figure 4, the information notification system 2 acquires images of users using two cameras. The first camera is positioned to capture the face area of ​​entering users. The second camera is positioned to capture the face area of ​​exiting users.

[0025] Furthermore, when moving from one restricted entry area 21 to another, restricted entry area 21 is treated as a non-restricted entry area with respect to the other restricted entry area. In other words, the information notification system 2 may anticipate cases where a user moves from one restricted entry area 21 to another. For example, a user moving from one restricted entry area 21 to another means that the user exits one restricted entry area 21 and enters the other restricted entry area.

[0026] Returning to Figure 3, the configurations of the information notification system 2 will be explained. Similar to the information notification system 1, the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of a user when the user enters the first area 23. In the information notification system 2, the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of a user by capturing the user with a camera when the user enters the first area 23. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire images of the user using multiple cameras, as shown in Figure 4. When the acquisition unit 11 acquires images of the user from multiple cameras, each camera is equipped with unique identification information to distinguish it from other cameras.

[0027] The acquisition unit 11 typically acquires the user's image using a visible light camera, but is not limited to this; the acquisition unit 11 may also acquire the user's image using a camera equipped with an infrared sensor. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the user's image using both a visible light camera and an infrared sensor. In particular, when the identification unit 12 identifies the user by 3D authentication, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire depth information such as the contours of the user's face by acquiring information from the infrared sensor in addition to the visible light camera. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire information from the infrared sensor by using an infrared camera or a 3D camera.

[0028] The acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of the user that includes at least a portion of the user's face. Typically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image that shows the entire user's face. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire an image that shows the user's entire body. In addition, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire metadata for the image, including the time information when the image was captured, the identification information of the camera that captured the image, and the location information of the camera, along with the user's image. The acquisition unit 11 can transmit the metadata for the image, along with the user's image, to the identification unit 12.

[0029] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire one or more user images in the first area 23. The acquisition unit 11 may capture images of a user at one location multiple times, or capture images of each user at multiple locations multiple times. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire a series of still images of the user.

[0030] The acquisition unit 11 can acquire an image of a user when the user enters the second area 24. Specifically, the user can acquire images of themselves as they pass through one or more predetermined locations in the second area 24. Here, the locations where the acquisition unit 11 images the user in the second area 24 will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the locations where the acquisition unit 11 images the user in the second area 24. Figure 5 is a top view of the second area 24 as seen from above. In Figure 5, ten imaging positions 25 are defined. Specifically, imaging positions 2501 to 2510 are defined. Imaging positions 2501 to 2510 are evenly distributed in the second area 24. The acquisition unit 11 acquires images of the user located at imaging position 25 from cameras installed at each of imaging positions 2501 to 2510. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire images of users located at each of the imaging positions 2501 to 2510 by attaching markers to the floor or the like that can identify each of the imaging positions 2501 to 2510.

[0031] When a user moves in the direction of the arrow in Figure 5 within the second area 24 and enters each of the imaging positions 2501 to 2510, the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of the user by imaging the user. That is, in Figure 5, the acquisition unit 11 acquires at least 10 images of an entering user moving in the direction of travel. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire multiple images at each imaging position 25. Also, the number of imaging positions 25 is not limited to 10; there may be one or five.

[0032] When the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of the user in the second area 24, the acquisition unit 11 can associate the image with the image acquisition position 25 and transmit it to the identification unit 12. For example, in Figure 5, the acquisition unit 11 can transmit to the identification unit 12, along with the image, information that the image was taken at the image acquisition position 2501, for an image of the user taken at the image acquisition position 2501.

[0033] Returning to Figure 3, we will continue the explanation of each component in the information notification system 2. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire images of users who have entered the restricted entry area 21 and users who have left the restricted entry area 21. In other words, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire images of users related to the restricted entry area 21 and images of users related to the non-restricted entry area 22. The acquisition unit 11 transmits these images to the identification unit 12.

[0034] Typically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires images of users by detecting, using sensors (not shown), that a user has entered each of the following areas: the restricted entry area 21, the non-restricted entry area 22, the first area 23, and the second area 24. In other words, the acquisition unit 11 detects that a user has entered the target area by having a camera capture images of the location detected by the sensor. The sensors are, for example, infrared sensors or pressure sensors.

[0035] The identification unit 12, similar to the information notification system 1, performs facial recognition based on the user's image to identify the user and the ticket information owned by that user. The identification unit 12 can identify a user by performing facial recognition based on the image of the user entering the first area 23, the image of the user entering the second area 24, the image of the user entering the restricted entry area 21, and the image of the user exiting the restricted entry area 21.

[0036] The identification unit 12 may perform two-dimensional authentication or three-dimensional authentication. In the case of two-dimensional authentication, the identification unit 12 typically acquires an image of the user captured by a visible light camera from the acquisition unit 11. In the case of three-dimensional authentication, the identification unit 12 typically receives an image of the user captured by a visible light camera, as well as depth information of the user's face from an infrared sensor, from the acquisition unit 11. The identification unit 12 may also receive an image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 using a three-dimensional camera.

[0037] When facial recognition is performed by the specific unit 12, the user registers their facial information in the facial information database (database) (not shown). The facial information database stores the user ID (Identification) and the facial feature information of that user ID in association. Facial feature information is a set of feature points extracted from a facial image.

[0038] The following describes an example of face recognition processing by the identification unit 12. The identification unit 12 detects the user's face region from the user's image and extracts feature points from the user's face region. Next, the identification unit 12 compares the user's face feature information based on the user's image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 with the face feature information stored in the face information DB. If, as a result of the comparison, there is face feature information in the face information DB that matches the user's face feature information from the acquisition unit 11, the identification unit 12 identifies the user ID corresponding to that face feature information. Here, "matching" of face feature information means that the degree of matching is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The identification unit 12 can set the predetermined value to any value.

[0039] If the user ID can be identified based on the image related to the first area 23, the identification unit 12 identifies the ticket information corresponding to the identified user ID. The ticket information is registered in the ticket information DB (not shown). The ticket information DB stores the user ID in association with the ticket information of that user ID. Ticket information refers to information about tickets owned by the user. Ticket information includes the type of ticket owned by the user, the date and time of purchase of the ticket, and the usage status of the ticket. Specifically, the type of ticket refers to information about the right that the user can use to enter and exit using the ticket. For example, if a user uses a ticket to board a train, the type of ticket includes information about the boarding station, alighting station, transfer station, permitted boarding and alighting sections, the train number of the train to be boarded, seat location, scheduled boarding time, and scheduled alighting time. The user may purchase the ticket to be used in advance and register the ticket information related to that ticket in the ticket DB before the identification unit 12 identifies the user's ticket information.

[0040] The identification unit 12 transmits the identified user ID and ticket information to the notification unit 13 based on the ticket information DB. The identification unit 12 also transmits the identified user ID to the processing unit 14. The identification unit 12 may also transmit to the processing unit 14 the identification information of the camera that captured the image identifying the user ID. The identification unit 12 may also transmit the time information that identified the user.

[0041] When the user ID cannot be identified based on the image related to the first area 23, the specifying unit 12 tracks the user based on, for example, the face, head, or clothing of the user shown in the image of the user acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Then, the specifying unit 12 transmits, for example, the coordinate data with an arbitrary location as the origin, which is the position information of the user, to the notification unit 13.

[0042] When the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of a user passing through one or more predetermined positions in the second area 24, the specifying unit 12 identifies the user based on the image. In this case, the specifying unit 12 receives, from the acquisition unit 11, information related to the imaging position 25 of the image together with the image of the user in the second area 24. The specifying unit 12 detects the face area of the user from the image in the second area 24, and identifies the user ID by collating with the face feature information stored in the face information DB as described above.

[0043] Here, there may be a case where the specifying unit 12 cannot identify the user based on the images at all the imaging positions 25 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, in FIG. 5, the specifying unit 12 can identify the user based on the image related to the imaging position 2501, but may not be able to identify the user from the image related to the imaging position 2505. This is a case where, for example, the face area of the user cannot be extracted because the user is facing the direction opposite to the entry direction at the imaging position 2505.

[0044] The specifying unit 12 transmits the user ID of the identified user, the imaging position 25 related to the image where the user could be identified, and the imaging position 25 related to the image where the user could not be identified to the processing unit 14. Here, the specifying unit 12 may transmit only the user ID and the number of times the identification was successful to the processing unit 14. Also, when the user cannot be identified more than a predetermined number of times, the specifying unit 12 can transmit the user ID and the fact that the identification could not be made more than the predetermined number of times to the notification unit 13 and the processing unit 14.

[0045] Furthermore, the identification unit 12 identifies the user ID based on an image of a user who has entered the restricted entry area 21 or an image of a user who has exited the restricted entry area 21. In other words, the identification unit 12 can identify the user ID based on an image of a user related to the restricted entry area 21 or an image of a user related to the non-restricted entry area 22. If the identification unit 12 is able to identify the user ID, it transmits the user ID of the user who entered or exited, and the user's ticket information, to the notification unit 13 and the processing unit 14 based on the ticket information DB. If the user ID of a user cannot be identified based on the image, the identification unit 12 tracks, for example, a user inside the restricted entry area 21 or a user outside the restricted entry area 21 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The identification unit 12 transmits, for example, coordinate data as the user's location information to the notification unit 13.

[0046] The notification unit 13 notifies the user of their entry and exit rights when the user enters the second area. The notification unit 13 notifies the user, for example, by displaying the entry and exit rights information on a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet owned by the user. In this case, the notification unit 13 generates the display content of the entry and exit rights information using, for example, an application program stored in the user's terminal device. However, the method of notifying the user is not limited to this. The notification unit 13 may also notify the user of the entry and exit rights information by outputting audio to the second area or by outputting audio to an audio output device such as earphones or headphones worn by the user. Alternatively, the notification unit 13 may notify the user by displaying the entry and exit rights information on a display (not shown) provided in the second area 24.

[0047] The notification recipients that the notification unit 13 notifies the user of are registered in the user management information database (not shown). The user management information database stores user IDs in association with the user's personal information. User personal information includes the user's email address, terminal device identification information, and voice output device identification information. The notification unit 13 refers to the user management information database as needed and notifies the user of entry / exit rights information based on the user's personal information associated with the identified user ID.

[0048] When the user owns a ticket, that is, when the user has the right to enter the restricted access area 21, the notification unit 13 can notify the user of the ticket information as the entry / exit right information. Here, a user who has the right to enter the restricted access area 21 can be referred to as a right holder. Also, when a user in the restricted access area 21 has the right to exit, the notification unit 13 can similarly notify the user of the ticket information. Here, the right to exit is, for example, the right when the user is in the restricted access area 21 to which the user has the right based on the ticket owned by the user. For example, when the user uses the ticket to board a train and moves for a predetermined section, if the station where the user gets off is within the scope of the right in the ticket purchased by the user, the user has the right to exit to the non-restricted access area 22 at that station.

[0049] On the other hand, when the user does not have the right to enter the restricted access area 21, the notification unit 13 can notify the user of at least one of the areas where the user can enter / exit and the areas where the user cannot enter / exit as the entry / exit right information. Here, a user who does not have the right to enter the restricted access area 21 can be referred to as a non-right holder. The area where the non-right holder can enter / exit is the non-restricted access area 22. Also, the area where the non-right holder cannot enter / exit is the restricted access area 21. That is, the notification unit 13 can notify the non-right holder of information related to at least one of the restricted access area 21 and the non-restricted access area 22.

[0050] The notification unit 13 can notify the non-right holder of information indicating the positional relationship between the restricted access area 21 and the non-restricted access area 22. Typically, the notification unit 13 can notify map information showing the restricted access area 21 and the non-restricted access area 22. Also, the notification unit 13 can notify identification information for distinguishing the restricted access area 21 and the non-restricted access area 22. The identification information is, for example, information regarding the color of the floor surface that distinguishes the restricted access area 21 and the non-restricted access area 22.

[0051] Let's consider the case where the identification unit 12 is unable to identify the user based on the image relating to the first area 23. In this case, the notification unit 13 receives coordinate data, which is, for example, the location information of the user (unidentified user), from the identification unit 12. The notification unit 13 notifies the user that the user is an unidentified user by, for example, displaying the area around the unidentified user's feet in the second area 24 in a different color (for example, red) from the rest of the floor surface, based on the coordinate data. In this case, the notification unit 13 can notify the user by projecting an image displayed in a predetermined color using a projector placed above the user. Alternatively, the notification unit 13 can achieve this by providing multiple light-emitting panels on the floor surface of the second area 24 and changing the color of the panels.

[0052] Furthermore, the notification unit 13 may notify an unspecified user of this fact via an audio output device (not shown) provided in the second area 24. In addition, the notification unit 13 may notify a third party other than the user in question that an unspecified user is in the second area 24. Here, the third party is typically the administrator of the restricted entry area 21. If the information notification system 2 is installed at a station, the third party is, for example, a station employee. That is, the notification unit 13 may notify a station employee that an unspecified user is in the second area 24.

[0053] The notification unit 13 can notify a user who is not a right holder when they enter or leave the restricted entry area 21. In this case, the notification unit 13 notifies the user that they are not a right holder based on the user management information DB, similar to the method of notifying users for the second area 24. That is, the notification unit 13 can, for example, display a message indicating that the user is not a right holder on the user's terminal device, or output a message to the user's voice output device. The notification unit 13 may also notify the user of this fact through a display provided in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22, or through voice output to the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22.

[0054] Furthermore, the notification unit 13 notifies the user that they are not a rights holder by, for example, displaying a different color around the user's feet in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22 compared to other floor surfaces. Similarly, when a rights holder user enters or leaves the restricted entry area 21, the notification unit 13 displays a different color around the user's feet in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22 compared to the feet of a non-right holder. In this way, the notification unit 13 notifies the user that they are a rights holder. The notification unit 13 may also notify the user by providing multiple panels on the floor surface near the second area 24 in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22 and changing the color of the panels. Alternatively, the notification unit 13 may achieve this by projecting an image from a projector. Furthermore, the notification unit 13 may also inform a third party that a non-right holder is in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22.

[0055] The following describes a case where the identification unit 12 is unable to identify a user based on images of users who entered the restricted entry area 21 and images of users who exited the restricted entry area 21. In this case, the notification unit 13 receives coordinate data of the unidentified user from the identification unit 12, similar to the case of the first area 23. The notification unit 13 notifies the user that they are an unidentified user by, for example, displaying a different color around the feet of the unidentified user in the restricted entry area 21 and the non-restricted entry area 22 compared to other floor surfaces, based on the coordinate data. The notification unit 13 can achieve this by providing multiple projectors or light-emitting panels on the floor surfaces of the restricted entry area 21 and the non-restricted entry area 22, which are positioned above the user.

[0056] Furthermore, the notification unit 13 may notify unspecified users of this fact using audio output devices (not shown) provided in the restricted entry area 21 and the non-restricted entry area 22. In addition, the notification unit 13 may notify a third party other than the unspecified user that the unspecified user is in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22.

[0057] The notification unit 13 can notify a user when the identification unit 12 has identified the user based on the image in the first area. In other words, the notification unit 13 can notify the user that they have been identified by the information notification system 2. That is, the notification unit 13 can notify the user that the identification unit 12 has begun the process of identifying the ticket information held by the user. In this case, the notification unit 13 can notify the user in the same manner as when notifying the user of entry / exit rights information.

[0058] The following describes a case where the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of a user passing through one or more predetermined locations in the second area 24, and the identification unit 12 fails to identify the user based on the image more than a predetermined number of times. In this case, the notification unit 13 receives from the identification unit 12 the user ID and the fact that the user could not be identified more than a predetermined number of times. Upon receiving the above, the notification unit 13 notifies the user of this fact. The user who receives the notification returns, for example, to the first imaging position 25 in the second area 24. As a result, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire the user's image again.

[0059] The processing unit 14 has a function to perform entry / exit processing for tickets owned by a user who is a rights holder when the user enters or exits the restricted entry area 21. Specifically, when a user who is a rights holder enters the restricted entry area 21, the processing unit 14 performs entry processing for the ticket owned by the user. Also, when the user exits the restricted entry area 21, the processing unit 14 performs exit processing for the ticket owned by the user.

[0060] Entry / exit processing refers to the process of changing the usage status of a ticket in the ticket information database. Specifically, in the case of entry processing, processing unit 14 changes the usage status of the ticket from, for example, "unused" to "in use". Similarly, in the case of exit processing, processing unit 14 changes the usage status of the ticket from, for example, "in use" to "used".

[0061] Entry and exit processing is typically irreversible. That is, once entry and exit processing is performed on a ticket, the processing unit 14 cannot, in principle, cancel the processing. This is likely due to reasons related to the settlement of fees for the restricted entry area 21, for example. In other words, if the usage fee for the user who entered and exited is determined by performing the entry and exit processing, it would not be appropriate for the processing unit 14 to be able to cancel the entry and exit processing.

[0062] Furthermore, security management reasons at the facility may also be a reason for making entry and exit processing irreversible. Typically, by performing entry and exit processing, a facility management system such as the information notification system 2 can ascertain the number of tickets currently in use. In other words, the system can ascertain the number of people in the restricted entry area 21. If the system uses the number of people in the restricted entry area 21 as a standard for security management, a certain level of accuracy may be required for the number of people in the restricted entry area 21. In addition, the processing unit 14 may make entry and exit processing irreversible from the perspective of ensuring security by the facility management system. For example, if the processing unit 14 processes the entry of a user's ticket after the safety of the user's baggage etc. entering the restricted entry area 21 has been confirmed, strictness may be required in this entry process for security reasons.

[0063] Furthermore, the entry and exit process does not have to be irreversible. That is, the processing unit 14 may cancel the entry and exit process. For example, suppose a user who mistakenly entered the restricted entry area 21 from the second area 24 immediately returns to the second area 24. In this case, for example, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire an image of the user. Then, the identification unit 12 can determine, based on the image, that the user has returned to the second area 24 from the restricted entry area 21. In this case, the processing unit 14 may change the ticket usage status, which was previously set to "in use," back to "unused."

[0064] If the identification unit 12 is able to identify a user based on the image relating to the first area 23, the processing unit 14 receives the user ID and ticket information of that user from the identification unit 12. Here, the processing unit 14 performs flag processing on the ticket information of the user to indicate that the user has been identified. The processing unit 14 also receives identification information of the camera that captured the image of the user identified by the identification unit 12 from the identification unit 12 to determine whether the user is an entering user or an exiting user. The processing unit 14 adds information to the ticket information of the user indicating whether the user is an entering user or an exiting user.

[0065] Subsequently, if the identification unit 12 is able to identify a user based on the image relating to the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22, the processing unit 14 receives the user ID and ticket information of that user from the identification unit 12. If the above flag is set in the ticket information of that user, the processing unit 14 executes either an entry or exit process for that user's ticket.

[0066] When the acquisition unit 11 acquires images of a user passing through one or more predetermined locations in the second area 24, the processing unit 14 receives from the identification unit 12 the user ID of the user identified by the identification unit 12, the imaging location 25 for images in which the user could be identified, and the imaging location 25 for images in which the user could not be identified. Here, the processing unit 14 can only receive from the identification unit 12 the user ID and the number of times the user could be identified. Furthermore, if the identification unit 12 fails to identify the user more than a predetermined number of times, the processing unit 14 can receive from the identification unit 12 the user ID and a statement indicating that the user could not be identified more than the predetermined number of times.

[0067] In the above case, if the identification unit 12 identifies a user more than a predetermined number of times, the processing unit 14 performs entry / exit processing. If the identification unit 12 fails to identify a user more than a predetermined number of times, the processing unit 14 does not have to perform entry / exit processing. For example, if an entering user passes through the second area 24, and the identification unit 12 fails to identify the user more than a predetermined number of times from the image related to the second area 24, the processing unit 14 does not have to perform entry processing even if the user subsequently enters the entry restriction area 21.

[0068] Next, the processing flow of the information notification system 2 will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the face recognition method for the first area 23 by the information notification system 2. First, the information notification system 2 determines whether or not the user has entered the first area 23 (S201). If it is determined to be NO in step S201, the system returns to step S201 and the information notification system 2 performs the determination again. If it is determined to be YES in step S201, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the user's image (S202). Next, the acquisition unit 11 transmits the acquired image to the identification unit 12 (S203). After that, the identification unit 12 performs face recognition and determines whether the user has been identified (S204).

[0069] If the result in step S204 is determined to be YES, the identification unit 12 identifies the user ID based on the face information DB (S205). Then, the identification unit 12 identifies the user's ticket information based on the ticket information DB (S206). Here, steps S205 and S206 may be performed simultaneously, or step S205 may be performed after step S206. Then, the identification unit 12 transmits the user ID and ticket information to the notification unit 13 (S207). Then, the identification unit 12 transmits the user ID to the processing unit 14 (S208). Here, steps S207 and S208 may be performed simultaneously, or step S207 may be performed after step S208. On the other hand, if the result in step S204 is determined to be NO, the identification unit 12 transmits coordinate data to the notification unit 13 (S209).

[0070] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the facial recognition method for the second area 24 by the information notification system 2. First, the information notification system 2 determines whether or not the user has entered the second area 24 (S210). If the result in step S210 is NO, the system returns to step S210 and the information notification system 2 performs the determination again. If the result in step S210 is YES, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the user's image (S211). Next, the acquisition unit 11 transmits the acquired image and the imaging position 25 related to the image to the identification unit 12 (S212). After that, the initial value i = 1 (S213).

[0071] The identification unit 12 identifies the user at the i-th imaging position 25 (S214). Next, the identification unit determines whether or not it was able to identify the user (S215). If it is determined to be YES in step S215, that is, if it was able to identify the user, the identification unit 12 counts the number of times it was able to identify the user (S216). If it is determined to be NO in step S215, that is, if it was not possible to identify the user, the identification unit 12 counts the number of times it was not possible to identify the user (S217). After that, the identification unit 12 determines whether or not it performed face recognition for all imaging positions 25 (S218). If it is determined to be NO in step S218, it updates i = i + 1 and returns to step S214 (S219). If it is determined to be YES in S218, the identification unit 12 transmits the user ID and the imaging positions 25 related to the images in which the user was identified and the imaging positions 25 related to the images in which the user was not identified to the processing unit 14 (S220).

[0072] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the facial recognition method for the restricted entry area 21 and the non-restricted entry area 22. First, the information notification system 2 determines whether the user has entered the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22 (S221). If the result in step S221 is NO, the system returns to step S221 and the information notification system 2 performs the determination again. If the result in step S221 is YES, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the user's image (S222). Next, the acquisition unit 11 transmits the acquired image to the identification unit 12 (S223). After that, the identification unit 12 performs facial recognition and identifies the user (S224).

[0073] Subsequently, the identification unit 12 determines whether or not it was able to identify the user (S225). If the determination in step S225 is YES, that is, if the user was identified, the identification unit 12 transmits the user ID of the identified user to the notification unit 13 and the processing unit 14 (S226). On the other hand, if the determination in step S225 is NO, that is, if the user could not be identified, the identification unit 12 transmits coordinate data to the notification unit 13 (S227).

[0074] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification method of the notification unit 13 in the second area 24. First, the information notification system 2 determines whether the identification unit 12 was able to identify the user based on the user's image related to the first area 23 (S228). If the result in step S228 is YES, that is, if the identification unit 12 was able to identify the user, the notification unit 13 receives the user ID and ticket information of the identified user from the identification unit 12 (S229). If the result in step S228 is NO, that is, if the identification unit 12 was unable to identify the user, the notification unit 13 receives coordinate data from the identification unit 12 (S230).

[0075] If a user is identified, the notification unit 13 determines whether the user is the rights holder based on the received information (S231). If the result in step S231 is YES, that is, if the user is determined to be the rights holder, the notification unit 13 notifies the user of the ticket information (S232). If the result in step S231 is NO, that is, if the user is determined to be a non-right holder, the notification unit 13 notifies the user of at least one of the areas the user can enter and exit and areas the user cannot enter and exit (S233). On the other hand, if a user is not identified, the notification unit 13 notifies the unidentified user of this fact based on the coordinate data (S234).

[0076] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification methods by the notification unit 13 in the restricted entry area 21 and the non-restricted entry area 22. First, the information notification system 2 determines whether the identification unit 12 was able to identify the user based on the user's image in the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22 (S235). If the result in step S235 is YES, that is, if the identification unit 12 was able to identify the user, the notification unit 13 receives the user ID and ticket information of the identified user from the identification unit 12 (S236). If the result in step S235 is NO, that is, if the identification unit 12 was unable to identify the user, the notification unit 13 receives coordinate data from the identification unit 12 (S237).

[0077] If a user is identified, the notification unit 13 determines whether the user is the rights holder based on the received information (S238). If the result in step S238 is YES, that is, if the user is determined to be the rights holder, the notification unit 13 notifies that the user is the rights holder (S239). If the result in step S238 is NO, that is, if the user is determined not to be the rights holder, the notification unit 13 notifies that the user is not the rights holder (S240). On the other hand, if a user is not identified, the notification unit 13 notifies the unidentified user of that fact based on the coordinate data (S241).

[0078] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the entry / exit processing method by the processing unit 14. First, the processing unit 14 receives the user ID of the user identified by the identification unit 12 in the first area 23 (S242). Next, the processing unit 14 performs flag processing in the ticket information DB to indicate that the user has been identified (S243). The processing unit 14 also adds information to the ticket information indicating whether the user is an entry user or an exit user. Subsequently, the processing unit 14 receives the user ID of the user identified by the identification unit 12 and the imaging position 25 related to the image in which the user was identified and the imaging position 25 related to the image in which the user could not be identified in the second area 24 (S244). Subsequently, the processing unit 14 receives the user ID of the user identified by the identification unit 12 and ticket information in the entry restriction area 21 or the non-entry restriction area 22 (S245).

[0079] Subsequently, the processing unit 14 determines, based on the user's image in the second area 24, whether the identification unit 12 has been able to identify the user a predetermined number of times or more (S246). If the result in step S246 is YES, the processing unit 14 performs entry / exit processing for the user's ticket (S247). On the other hand, if the result in step S247 is NO, the processing unit 14 does not perform entry / exit processing for the user's ticket (S248).

[0080] As described above, the information notification system 2 according to this embodiment 2 can notify the user of appropriate entry and exit area information depending on whether the user is a rights holder or not. If the user is a rights holder, the information notification system 2 can notify the user of ticket information before the entry and exit process is performed. Even if the user is a rights holder, the user may be entered or exited against their will by proceeding in the entry or exit direction. In addition, the user may not be fully aware of the ticket information they purchased in advance. In particular, in the case of a gateless system like the information notification system 2, the user may not be able to correctly recognize the ticket information. In such cases, the information notification system 2 can notify the user of the ticket information in advance, so that the user can recognize that the entry and exit process will be performed soon. In other words, the information notification system 2 can alert the user to the entry and exit process. In addition, the user can recognize the ticket information they possess. As a result, the information notification system 2 can perform the entry and exit process based on the user's will, thereby improving the accuracy of the entry and exit process.

[0081] Furthermore, the information notification system 2 can notify a user, if they are not a right holder, of at least one of the areas they can enter and exit, and areas they cannot enter and exit. Therefore, a user who is not a right holder can understand that they do not have the right to enter or exit. The user can also understand how far they are permitted to move. In other words, even a user who is not a right holder can move freely up to the second area 24. By knowing the extent of the second area 24, the information notification system 2 can prevent users from unnecessarily entering the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22. As a result, the information notification system 2 can improve the accuracy of entry and exit processing.

[0082] For example, consider the case where the Information Notification System 2 is installed at a station. In this case, the Information Notification System 2 can be installed in place of the ticket gate system using automatic ticket gates. In this case, the entry restriction area 21 can be set on the station platform. Also, the second area 24 can be set within the station premises, excluding the platform. For example, if a station has multiple platforms, related technologies may consider installing automatic ticket gates together at the boundary between the inside and outside of the station premises. However, in this case, users who are not rights holders may not be able to use the facilities within the station premises. With the Information Notification System 2, by placing the second area 24, for example, within the station premises, even non-right holders who do not intend to board a train can use the facilities within the station premises. Therefore, the Information Notification System 2 can improve user convenience.

[0083] Furthermore, the information notification system 2 can notify a user if they enter the restricted entry area 21, even if they are not the right holder. This allows the user to recognize that they are not the right holder. Therefore, the information notification system 2 can request appropriate action from the user who is not the right holder. In addition, if the information notification system 2 can identify a user based on their image in the first area 23, it can notify the user of this fact. This allows the user to recognize that their status as a right holder is being verified. The user can also recognize that they are located near the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22. Therefore, the information notification system 2 can draw the user's attention to entry and exit procedures.

[0084] The information notification system 2 can process ticket entry and exit based on whether or not it has been able to identify a user passing through the second area 24. Therefore, the information notification system 2 can choose not to process entry and exit for tickets of users who are not facing the entry or exit direction. If the proportion of users facing the entry or exit direction is low, it can be determined that the user has little intention to enter or exit. In other words, the user's intention can be estimated by using the user's image in the second area 24. By choosing not to process entry and exit for tickets of such users, the information notification system 2 can further improve the accuracy of entry and exit processing.

[0085] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 2) Next, we will describe an information notification system 2a, which is a modification of Embodiment 2. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between areas related to the information notification system 2a. In the information notification system 2a, the passage area for entering users and the passage area for exiting users are separated. In other words, in the information notification system 2a, the entrance lane and the exit lane are predetermined. Therefore, entering users must pass through the entrance lane. Similarly, exiting users must pass through the exit lane.

[0086] As shown in Figure 12, the information notification system 2a, like the information notification system 2, acquires user images using two cameras. The first camera is positioned to capture the face area of ​​entering users. The second camera is positioned to capture the face area of ​​exiting users. In the information notification system 2, there were no entry and exit lanes, so each camera could acquire images of both entering and exiting users. However, in the information notification system 2a, there are entry and exit lanes, so one camera can capture images of entering users and the other camera can capture images of exiting users.

[0087] Furthermore, the entrance lane and exit lane only need to be provided in at least the first area 23. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between areas related to the information notification system 2a. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the entrance lane and exit lane may be provided only in the first area 23.

[0088] Thus, in the information notification system 2a, the acquisition unit 11 acquires images of entering and exiting users when at least the first area 23 is divided into an area for entering users and an area for exiting users. As a result, the identification unit 12 can determine with high accuracy whether a user is an entering user or an exiting user based on the user's image in the first area 23.

[0089] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 2) Next, we will describe the information notification system 2b, which is a modification of Embodiment 2. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between areas related to the information notification system 2b. In the information notification system 2b, as in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 described above, the entrance lane and the exit lane are predetermined. In addition, the two cameras are positioned to capture the facial areas of the entering user proceeding in the entrance lane and the exit user proceeding in the exit lane, respectively.

[0090] The area related to the information notification system 2b is divided into a non-entry restriction area 22, an entry restriction area 21, a facial recognition area 26, and a ticket authentication area 27. Of these, the facial recognition area 26 is divided into a facial recognition area 26a for entry users and a facial recognition area 26b for exit users. Similarly, the ticket authentication area 27 is divided into a ticket authentication area 27a for entry users and a ticket authentication area 27b for exit users. Entry users pass through in the order of facial recognition area 26a, ticket authentication area 27a, and entry restriction area 21. Similarly, exit users pass through in the order of facial recognition area 26b, ticket authentication area 27b, and non-entry restriction area 22.

[0091] The facial recognition area 26 corresponds to the first area 23 according to Embodiment 2. That is, the facial recognition area 26 is an area for the acquisition unit 11 to acquire an image of the user who has entered the area. Also, when the user enters the facial recognition area 26, the identification unit 12 starts facial recognition of the user. The ticket authentication area 27 corresponds to the second area 24 according to Embodiment 2. That is, when the user enters the area, the ticket authentication area 27 can notify the user of the entry and exit rights information that the user possesses.

[0092] The identification unit 12 begins identifying the ticket information owned by the user after detecting that the user has entered the ticket authentication area 27 from the facial recognition area 26. In other words, the identification unit 12 begins identifying the ticket information owned by the user when the user enters the second area 24. That is, even if the identification unit 12 can identify the user from the user's image in the facial recognition area 26, the identification unit 12 will not begin identifying the user's ticket information unless the user enters the ticket authentication area 27.

[0093] The process leading up to the identification of ticket information by the identification unit 12 is as follows: First, sensors such as infrared sensors and pressure sensors detect that a user has entered the ticket authentication area 27. Next, the acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of the detected user. Subsequently, the identification unit 12 confirms that the user is the user identified from the image in the facial recognition area 26. If the identification unit 12 has made this confirmation, it begins to identify the user's ticket information.

[0094] This allows the information notification system 2b to prevent the identification of unnecessary ticket information. When the information notification system 2 identifies a user who has entered the first area 23, it then begins to identify the ticket information owned by that user. However, not all users who enter the first area 23 will proceed to the restricted entry area 21 or the non-restricted entry area 22. Therefore, the information notification system 2b can reduce the ticket information identification process by not starting the ticket information identification process until the user enters the ticket authentication area 27.

[0095] (Hardware Configuration Example) Figure 15 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the information notification system 3 according to this disclosure. In Figure 15, the information notification system 3 includes a processor 31 and a memory 32. The processor 31 reads software (computer programs) from the memory 32 and executes them. In this way, the processor 31 realizes the functions of the information notification system 3. That is, the processor 31 processes the information notification method in the information notification system 3. Specifically, the processor 31 realizes the functions of each component of the information notification system 1 and the information notification system 2, for example. The processor 31 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 31 may also include multiple processors.

[0096] Memory 32 is composed of a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information during the operation of the processor 31. Non-volatile memory is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. Memory 32 stores at least a computer program in which the processing of the information notification method in the information notification system 3 is implemented. Memory 32 may also include storage located away from the processor 31. In this case, the processor 31 may access memory 32 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface, which is not shown.

[0097] In the above example, the program can be stored and provided to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). Alternatively, the program may be provided to the computer using various types of transient computer-readable medium. Examples of transient computer-readable medium include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels. Computers include various information processing devices such as PCs, servers, CPUs, MPUs, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0099] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments, rather than being associated with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0100] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) An information notification system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a user when the user who is able to enter or exit an entry-restricted area using a ticket enters a first area; an identification unit that performs facial recognition based on the user's image and identifies the user and the ticket information owned by the user; and a notification unit that notifies the user of entry and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information when the user enters a second area. (Note 2) The information notification system according to Note 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of the ticket information as entry and exit rights information when the user is a right holder who owns the ticket. (Note 3) The information notification system according to Note 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of at least one of the areas in which the user can enter and exit and areas in which the user cannot enter and exit, as entry and exit rights information when the user is a non-right holder who does not own the ticket. (Note 4) The information notification system according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, further comprising: a processing unit that performs entry / exit processing for the ticket when the user who is the right holder enters the restricted entry area or exits from the restricted entry area, wherein the acquisition unit acquires images of the user passing through one or more predetermined locations in the second area, and the processing unit performs the entry / exit processing when the identification unit identifies the user a predetermined number of times or more based on the images in the second area. (Note 5) The information notification system according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the identification unit starts identifying ticket information owned by the user when the user enters the second area. (Note 6) The information notification system according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires images of the entering user and the exiting user when the first area is divided into a passage area for entering users passing in the entry direction and a passage area for exiting users proceeding in the exit direction.(Note 7) The notification unit notifies the user when the user, who is a non-rights holder, enters the restricted entry area, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 6. (Note 8) The notification unit notifies the user when the identification unit identifies the user based on the image in the first area, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 7. (Note 9) An information notification method in which a computer acquires an image of a user when the user, who is able to enter or exit the restricted entry area using a ticket, enters the first area, performs facial recognition based on the image of the user, identifies the user and the ticket information owned by the user, and notifies the user of the entry and exit rights information possessed by the user when the user enters the second area. (Note 10) A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps when a user who is able to enter or exit an area with an entry restriction using a ticket enters a first area: acquire an image of the user; perform facial recognition based on the image of the user; identify the user and the ticket information owned by the user; and notify the user of the entry and exit rights information they possess when the user enters a second area.

[0101] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 8 that are subordinate to Appendice 1 may also be subordinate to Appendices 9 and 10 in the same manner as those described in Appendices 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software.

[0102] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-004816, filed on 14 January 2025, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0103] 1 Information notification system 2 Information notification system 2a Information notification system 2b Information notification system 3 Information notification system 11 Acquisition unit 12 Identification unit 13 Notification unit 14 Processing unit 15 Discrimination unit 21 Entry restriction area 22 Non-entry restriction area 23 First area 24 Second area 25 Image acquisition position 26 Face recognition area 27 Ticket authentication area 31 Processor 32 Memory

Claims

1. An information notification system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a user when the user who is able to enter or exit an entry-restricted area using a ticket enters a first area; an identification unit that performs facial recognition based on the user's image and identifies the user and the ticket information owned by the user; and a notification unit that notifies the user of entry and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information when the user enters a second area.

2. The information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of the ticket information as entry / exit right information when the user is the right holder of the ticket.

3. The information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of at least one of the areas from which the user can enter and exit and areas from which the user cannot enter, as entry and exit rights information, when the user is a non-rights person who does not possess the ticket.

4. The information notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a processing unit that performs entry / exit processing for the ticket when the user, who is the right holder, enters or exits the restricted entry area, wherein the acquisition unit acquires images of the user passing through one or more predetermined locations in the second area, and the processing unit performs the entry / exit processing when the identification unit identifies the user a predetermined number of times or more based on the images in the second area.

5. The information notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identifying unit starts identifying ticket information owned by the user when the user enters the second area.

6. The information notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires images of the entering user and the exiting user when at least the first area is divided into a passage area for entering users passing in the direction of entry and a passage area for exiting users proceeding in the direction of exit.

7. The information notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit notifies the user, who is a non-rights holder, when the user enters the restricted entry area.

8. The information notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit notifies the user when the identification unit identifies the user based on the image in the first area.

9. Information notification method comprising: when a user who is permitted to enter or exit an area with an entry restriction using a ticket enters a first area, the computer acquires an image of the user, performs facial recognition based on the user's image, identifies the user and the ticket information owned by the user, and when the user enters a second area, notifies the user of entry and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information.

10. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps when a user who is able to enter or exit an area with an entry restriction using a ticket enters a first area: acquire an image of the user; perform facial recognition based on the image of the user; identify the user and the ticket information owned by the user; and when the user enters a second area, notify the user of entry and exit rights information generated based on the ticket information.

Images