Electronic settlement system, electronic settlement method, and settlement device

Abstract

To improve interest of electronic settlement under a situation in which a user can select a device for settlement from a plurality of settlement devices supporting electronic settlement according to a same method.SOLUTION: An electronic settlement system is provided. The electronic settlement system comprises a plurality of settlement devices installed in specific facilities. Each of the plurality of settlement devices accepts electronic settlement processing in accordance with a same method that can be used by a user. A control unit of each of the plurality of settlement devices executes the electronic settlement processing by the same method according to operation by the user on the settlement device, and outputs notification sound to the user by executing the electronic settlement processing. One or more specific settlement devices among the plurality of settlement devices output notification sound different from that of another settlement devices during the electronic settlement processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic payment system, an electronic payment method, and a payment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Public transportation facilities, such as train stations, may be equipped with automated ticket gates that allow electronic payment, for example, by IC cards, to quickly process users entering and exiting the station. To prevent large numbers of users entering and exiting the station from forming queues, multiple automated ticket gates are usually arranged in a line at a ticket gate. The number of these automated ticket gates is determined mainly based on the expected number of users during peak demand times, such as rush hour. The automated ticket gates output a sound such as a "beep" after successful completion of payment, to let users know that payment has been successfully completed by IC card or the like.

[0003] Furthermore, in retail stores such as convenience stores, multiple cash registers capable of electronic payment may be installed in order to make product payments cashless and faster. Such cash registers support one or more types of electronic payment methods, and after a payment has been successfully completed, may output a different sound depending on the electronic payment method. By outputting a different sound depending on the electronic payment method in this way, the user can recognize that the payment has been successfully completed, as well as which method the electronic payment was made according to. Furthermore, by the cash register outputting a different sound depending on the electronic payment method in this way, a secondary effect of impressing the user who has made the payment and people around them of the electronic payment method supported by the cash register can be expected.

[0004] Patent document 1 proposes an electronic money payment terminal device that aims to make the volume of payment sounds and error sounds output by the electronic money payment terminal device adjustable based on the volume in the surrounding environment so as to suit the surrounding environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-121990 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional electronic payment systems, the type of notification sound output when a payment is made is generally fixed as long as the electronic payment method is the same. Therefore, as a user repeatedly makes electronic payments according to the same method, the notification sound output when a payment is made tends to become monotonous and less stimulating for the user, and may even be annoying. On the other hand, if the type of notification sound is changed arbitrarily, it becomes difficult for the user to know which electronic payment service he or she has used among the many types of electronic payment services, which may result in unnecessary confusion for the user.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the interest of electronic payment in a situation where a user can select a device to use for payment from a plurality of payment devices that support electronic payment according to the same method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment, there is provided an electronic payment system. The electronic payment system includes a plurality of payment devices installed in a specific facility. All of the plurality of payment devices accept electronic payment processing in the same method available to users. A control unit of each of the plurality of payment devices executes electronic payment processing in the same method in response to an action of the user on the payment device, and outputs a notification sound to the user upon execution of the electronic payment processing, and one or more specific payment devices among the plurality of payment devices output a notification sound different from that of the other payment devices during electronic payment processing.

[0009] According to one embodiment, there is provided an electronic payment method performed by a plurality of payment devices installed in a specific facility. All of the plurality of payment devices accept electronic payment processing in the same method available to users. The electronic payment method includes a control unit of each of the plurality of payment devices executing electronic payment processing in the same method in response to an action of the user on the payment device, and outputting a notification sound to the user upon execution of the electronic payment processing. Among the plurality of payment devices, one or more specific payment devices output a notification sound different from that of the other payment devices during electronic payment processing.

[0010] According to one embodiment, there is provided a payment device that is installed in a specific facility together with one or more other payment devices. The payment device accepts electronic payment processing in the same manner as the other payment devices and that is available to users. The payment device includes a control unit. The control unit includes a notification sound setting unit that sets a notification sound to be output by the payment device when the electronic payment processing is executed, a payment execution unit that executes the electronic payment processing in response to a user's action on the payment device, and an output control unit that causes a speaker to output the notification sound set by the notification sound setting unit when the electronic payment processing is executed. The notification sound set by the notification sound setting unit is different from the notification sound output by at least one of the other payment devices when the electronic payment processing is executed. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the interest of electronic payment in a situation where a user can select a device to use for payment from a plurality of payment devices that support electronic payment according to the same method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic payment system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the payment device in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the payment device in FIG. 1. [Figure 4]2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external appearance of an environment in which a plurality of payment devices in FIG. 1 are installed. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external appearance of an environment in which a specific one of the multiple payment devices in FIG. 1 is installed when footprint marks are provided around the specific payment device as a guide means. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external appearance of the environment in which the multiple payment devices in FIG. 1 are installed when their light-emitting devices are made to emit light in different colors depending on the type of notification sound being set. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the payment device of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, hereinafter, elements that are the same or similar to elements already described will be given the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will basically be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common reference numeral may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, and a subnumber may be used in addition to the common reference numeral to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0014] (Embodiment) 1, an electronic payment system 5 according to an embodiment includes a plurality of payment devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, and a payment server 200. The payment device 100 is connected to the payment server 200 via a network, and can exchange various data.

[0015] Multiple payment devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ... (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "payment device 100") may be installed in specific indoor or outdoor facilities, such as public transportation facilities such as train stations, airports, and bus terminals, stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores, or event venues.

[0016] These payment devices 100 are used, for example, by users to pay for the provision of products or services from an electronically recorded balance.

[0017] (i) Example in which the settlement device 100 performs settlement processing using a medium that is not associated with user information The payment device 100 accepts electronic payments by, for example, transmitting and receiving signals to and from a medium (eg, an IC card) on which a prepaid or postpaid balance is recorded without being associated with user information.

[0018] A user can enter or exit the premises of a building by, for example, bringing an IC card close to a payment device 100 installed at an entrance / exit to the premises of a building such as a station or an office building. When the user enters the premises, the payment device 100 detects the approach of the IC card and determines whether or not the user can enter the premises by reading information on the IC card, etc. If the user can enter the premises, it emits a predetermined electronic sound to notify the user that entry is permitted, and if the user cannot enter the premises, it emits an error sound and closes the gate, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, when the payment device 100 is installed at the entrance and exit of a transportation facility building such as a station, it determines whether or not the fare can be paid from the balance associated with the IC card based on the station records at the time of the user's entry and exit, and if the fare can be paid, it opens the exit gate while emitting a predetermined electronic sound to notify the user that the user can pass through the exit gate, and if the balance to pay the fare is insufficient, it emits an electronic sound indicating that the balance is insufficient and closes the exit gate. Note that when a user enters a station, if the balance on the IC card is less than the minimum fare, the payment device may notify an error sound and close the entrance gate, or may allow entry even if the balance on the IC card is less than the minimum fare and emit a predetermined electronic sound.

[0020] Depending on the transportation route, the fare may be a fixed amount regardless of the distance traveled by the user (for example, the fare for a public bus that operates on a specific route is a fixed amount). In this case, when the user boards the train, the payment device 100 determines whether the balance of the IC card is sufficient to pay the fare, and if the balance is sufficient, a specific electronic sound is emitted to notify the user that the train can be boarded, and if the balance is insufficient, an error sound is emitted.

[0021] Although IC cards may be issued by different businesses, the payment device 100 can accept payment processing using IC cards issued by different businesses. In this case, the payment device 100 makes the same electronic sound when making a payment, regardless of which business issued the IC card.

[0022] (ii) Example in which the settlement device 100 performs settlement processing based on a balance associated with user information The settlement device 100 corresponds to, for example, a settlement system in which a prepaid or postpaid balance is recorded in association with user information.

[0023] For example, there are debit cards in which the balance is recorded in correspondence with the user's information, virtual credit cards (wherein a credit card number is issued without the need to issue a physical credit card), and payment applications that run on the user's terminal such as a smartphone.

[0024] The payment device 100 is, for example, a POS (Point of Sale) terminal installed in a store. When the user's terminal executes a payment application, information for identifying the user is displayed on the display of the user's terminal in a form readable by the payment device 100 (for example, a two-dimensional code). The payment device 100 reads the two-dimensional code and performs a payment process using the balance associated with the user's information.

[0025] (iii) Example in which the payment device 100 performs payment processing by reading authentication information The payment device 100 includes, for example, a device that reads information indicating that a service is available. There may also be a device that allows the payment device 100 to read information issued in advance according to the content of a service to be used by a user. For example, a code (e.g., a two-dimensional code such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark)) is issued in advance when the user pays a fare according to the user's origin to destination online or at a ticket vending machine of a transportation facility. The code may be issued electronically in association with user information, or a ticket (or boarding ticket) on which the code is printed may be issued at a ticket vending machine or the like without being associated with user information.

[0026] The payment device 100 is installed, for example, in airports, train stations, buses, etc., and allows the user to enter or exit by reading a code displayed on the user's terminal or a code printed on a printed matter, and opens or closes the gate.

[0027] Each of the multiple payment devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ... accepts electronic payments according to at least one of the same methods (whichever payment device 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ... a user uses, at least the payment service used and the content of the payment are the same). Here, the "payment service" used by the multiple payment devices 100 is specified by technical means, and there may be multiple payment service providers. For example, the "payment service" can be, as described above, (i) An example in which the payment device 100 performs payment processing using a medium that is not associated with user information, (ii) An example in which the payment device 100 performs payment processing based on a balance associated with user information; (iii) An example in which the payment device 100 performs a payment process by reading authentication information, The payment device 100 may be compatible with payment services of various businesses.

[0028] Therefore, a user who can use such a method can select any one of the plurality of payment devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, . . . to perform electronic payment according to the same method.

[0029] In other words, no matter which of the multiple payment devices 100 (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ...) a user uses, there is no difference in the content of the payment (e.g., payment amount, authentication content) that can be received in the payment service. Therefore, it is generally assumed that a user will use multiple payment devices 100 in the following manner: without being motivated to use any of the multiple payment devices 100, the user will use a payment device 100 that happens to be available, or the user will use a payment device 100 that the user unconsciously selected.

[0030] Although the multiple payment devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. are typically arranged adjacent to each other, they may be arranged separately from each other within the facility. For example, the multiple payment devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. may be distributed and arranged at the east and west ticket gates of the railway station A. The number of payment devices 100 installed within the facility is not limited to three, and may be four or more, or may be two.

[0031] The payment device 100 may be installed in, for example, an automatic ticket gate, a cash register, a vending machine, etc. Here, it is intended that the payment device 100 referred to in this specification may include not only an automatic ticket gate that may be installed at a railway station and that settles fares or admission fees to a station, but also an authentication device that may be installed at an entrance / exit gate that manages the entrance and exit of users and that may be installed at an airport or an event venue. Although such an authentication device does not necessarily exchange money, i.e., make a payment, when a user enters or leaves the venue, it may be similar to the payment device 100 that attempts to settle fares or admission fees based on information on an IC card ticket and outputs a notification sound when the payment is successfully completed, in that it attempts authentication based on information on an electronic ticket and outputs a notification sound when the authentication is successfully completed.

[0032] The payment server 200 may receive a payment request, payment log data, or the like from the payment device 100 via the network. The payment server 200 may also transmit an approval response or a denial response to the payment request to the payment device 100 via the network. How the payment device 100 exchanges data with the payment server 200 may depend mainly on the electronic payment method. That is, the payment device 100 has a configuration capable of communicating in accordance with the electronic payment method. Also, a payment server 200 may exist for each electronic payment method. Therefore, when the payment device 100 supports a plurality of types of electronic payment methods, the payment device 100 may be connected to a plurality of different payment servers 200 via the network. Also, in this embodiment, each device (payment device, payment server, etc.) may be understood as an information processing device. That is, a collection of each device may be understood as one "information processing device", and the electronic payment system 5 may be formed as a collection of a plurality of devices. The manner in which the multiple functions required to realize the electronic payment system 5 of this embodiment are allocated to one or more hardware devices can be determined appropriately taking into account the processing capacity of each hardware device and / or the specifications required for the electronic payment system 5.

[0033] 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of a payment device 100 constituting the electronic payment system 5 according to this embodiment. The payment device 100 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication IF (Interface) 14, and an input / output IF 15.

[0034] The processor 11 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, peripheral circuits, etc. The memory 12 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0035] The storage 13 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The communication IF 14 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the payment device 100 communicates with an external device.

[0036] The input / output IF15 is an interface with an input device (e.g., a touch panel, a touchpad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for accepting input operations from a user, and an output device (a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the user.

[0037] 3 shows a block diagram of a payment device 100 constituting the electronic payment system 5 according to this embodiment. The payment device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, an input / output unit 140, and a battery 150. Each element in the payment device 100 may be electrically connected via a bus.

[0038] The control unit 110 reads a program stored in the memory 12 as the storage unit 120 and executes instructions included in the program to control the operation of the payment device 100. The control unit 110 includes, for example, the above-mentioned processor 11. The control unit 110 performs the functions of a notification sound setting unit 111, a payment execution unit 112, and an output control unit 113 by operating according to the program.

[0039] The notification sound setting unit 111 selects and sets a notification sound to be output when a payment is executed for at least one type (hereinafter simply referred to as a target method) of the multiple types of electronic payment methods supported by the payment device 100 from among the notification sound data 121 stored in the storage unit 120. Here, the execution of a payment refers to, for example, when a payment is normally completed, but may also include when a payment is completed with an error.

[0040] The notification sound setting unit 111 may set the notification sound based on various data stored in the memory unit 120 (e.g., time zone data 122, usage history data 123, remaining battery charge data 124, location data 125, identifiers, or flags, etc.) and / or in response to a command that is directly input or received via a network from an external device such as the payment server 200.

[0041] In any case, the notification sound setting unit 111 included in each payment device 100 determines the notification sound so that some of the multiple payment devices 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as specific payment devices) placed in a specific facility output a special notification sound (first notification sound) when performing a payment according to the target method, and the remaining payment devices 100 output a normal notification sound (second notification sound) when performing a payment according to the target method. In other words, among the multiple payment devices 100 placed in a specific facility, a payment device 100 with a normal notification sound set for the target method and the above-mentioned specific payment device are mixed. Such a difference in the setting of the notification sound between the multiple payment devices 100 may be guaranteed, for example, by a command from the payment server 200 or another external device, may be guaranteed by cooperation between these multiple payment devices 100, or may be guaranteed by the algorithm of the notification sound setting unit 111.

[0042] Depending on the payment service supported by the payment device 100, a normal notification sound may be set for each payment service provider. The payment device 100 may output a notification sound that identifies the provider or the brand name that provides the payment service. This will output a normal notification sound according to the provider or brand name of the payment service used by the user to the user every time a payment process is performed, which may increase the possibility that the user will recognize the provider or brand name.

[0043] On the other hand, when the payment device 100 is set to output a special notification sound (when it is a specific payment device), (i) the same special notification sound may be output regardless of the business providing the payment service. For example, when a specific payment device supports payment by IC card, the same special notification sound may be output regardless of the business providing the payment service by IC card (i.e., regardless of the issuer of the IC card).

[0044] (ii) In addition, a particular payment device may output the same special notification sound regardless of the payment service used by the user (for example, regardless of whether payment is made by IC card or using a two-dimensional code).

[0045] (iii) In addition, when a specific payment device among the multiple payment devices 100 is set to output a special notification sound, the specific payment device may output a different special notification sound for each payment service provider. For example, when a specific payment device supports payment by a payment application executed on a user's terminal, a different special notification sound may be output for each payment application provider.

[0046] Below, some specific examples of notification sound settings will be described. For example, when a first condition is satisfied, for example, the identifier does not match a specific value or the flag is OFF, the notification sound setting unit 111 sets a normal notification sound for the target method. On the other hand, when a second condition is satisfied, for example, the identifier matches the specific value or the flag is ON, the notification sound setting unit 111 sets a special notification sound for the target method.

[0047] Here, the normal notification sound may be, for example, a default notification sound that is output when a payment is made according to the target method, whereas the special notification sound may be anything different from the normal notification sound, and specifically may be a voice of a fictional character or a real person (e.g., a musician, a celebrity, etc.), or a part of a song, etc.

[0048] Such a special notification sound is expected to strongly attract the interest of fans of characters, people, music, etc., and to have the effect of changing the flow of people. For example, when an event occurs in which a specific character appears in a so-called location game, the automatic ticket gate equipped with the payment device 100 may output the voice of the character or the background music of the location game as a special notification sound. For example, in a game that uses the location information of a user's terminal, an event (so-called raid battle) in which multiple players fight together against a powerful boss character at a specific location is assumed to occur. It is assumed that the terminals of users around the specific location where the event is occurring can participate in the event. In this case, the notification sound setting unit 111 may be set to output the voice of the boss character (the cry, lines, etc. of the boss character) or the background music related to the event (such as background music output only during a raid battle event) as a special notification sound. Alternatively, when a concert by a specific musician is held, the automatic ticket gate equipped with the payment device 100 may output the voice or music of the musician as a special notification sound.

[0049] For example, by outputting a special notification sound from (at least a part of) the payment device 100 mounted on an automatic ticket gate installed at a ticket gate closest to the location where a character appears in a location game or a concert venue, players of the location game or spectators of a concert can be guided. Alternatively, by outputting a special notification sound from (at least a part of) the payment device 100 mounted on an automatic ticket gate installed at a ticket gate other than the nearest ticket gate, the concentration of users at the nearest ticket gate can be alleviated. In other words, it is possible to disperse the flow of people between users who head to the concert venue via the shortest route and users who make a detour to hear the output of the special notification sound.

[0050] In addition, some of the payment devices 100 installed in multiple adjacent automatic ticket gates or cash registers may set a special notification sound for the target method, and the remaining may set a normal notification sound for the target method. This allows general users who are not interested in special notification sounds to be less affected by congestion in public transportation or stores due to a large number of users who intend to use the special notification sound. In other words, general users can enter and exit public transportation and purchase products at stores with the same level of comfort as usual by using an empty automatic ticket gate or cash register equipped with a payment device 100 that has the normal notification sound set.

[0051] Furthermore, even when the payment device 100 is installed in a vending machine, it is useful for some of the payment devices 100 to output a special notification sound. For example, if a special notification sound is set for a vending machine with a low sales amount or a vending machine with a large inventory, the speed at which the inventory of the vending machines in the facility is consumed can be adjusted, so that a vending machine that is easily noticeable to users will sell out early, which can reduce loss of sales opportunities that would otherwise occur if users gave up on purchasing.

[0052] The notification sound setting unit 111 sets a notification sound for the target method when the notification sound setting timing arrives. As an example, the notification sound setting unit 111 may schedule the notification sound setting timing based on the time period data 122 stored in the storage unit 120. For example, when the time period data 122 represents a time period during which an in-game or real event occurs in the vicinity of the payment device 100, for example, within walking distance, the notification sound setting unit 111 may schedule a timing that is a predetermined time, for example, one hour back from the start point of the time period as the notification sound setting timing. This makes it possible to guide the flow of users who have begun to gather for the event.

[0053] Here, the notification sound setting timing does not have to be once per event. For example, in order to guide people flow flexibly according to the real-time situation, the notification sound setting unit 111 may schedule the notification sound setting timing at a predetermined interval, for example, every 5 minutes, or may schedule the notification sound setting timing according to a command that is directly input or received via a network from an external device such as the payment server 200.

[0054] Furthermore, when the time period data 122 indicates a time period during which an event is held, the notification sound setting unit 111 may forcibly set a normal notification sound for the target method at a timing when a predetermined time, for example, one hour, has elapsed from the end of the time period during which the event is held. This allows the payment device 100 to function as a normal payment device, i.e., a payment device with a fixed notification sound for the target method, during a time period unrelated to the holding of the event.

[0055] The notification sound setting unit 111 may set a notification sound based on the usage history data 123. For example, when the number of uses, frequency of use, or amount of use of the payment device 100 indicated by the usage history data 123 is below a threshold, or when the ranking of the number of uses, frequency of use, or amount of use of the entirety of the multiple payment devices 100 arranged in the facility, or of a subset arranged adjacently, is below a reference ranking, the notification sound setting unit 111 may set a special notification sound for the target method unconditionally or further depending on other data (e.g., identifier, flag, time period data 122, usage history data 123, battery remaining amount data 124, position data 125, etc.). This allows the user to be guided to a payment device 100 with a low usage history, thereby improving the usage history of the payment device 100.

[0056] Furthermore, the notification sound setting unit 111 may set a notification sound based on the battery remaining amount data 124. For example, when the remaining amount of the battery 150 of the payment device 100 indicated by the battery remaining amount data 124 exceeds a threshold, or when the ranking of the remaining amount of the battery 150 in the whole of the multiple payment devices 100 arranged in the facility or in a subset arranged adjacently exceeds a reference ranking, the notification sound setting unit 111 may set a special notification sound for the target method unconditionally or further depending on other data (e.g., identifier, flag, time period data 122, usage history data 123, location data 125, etc.). This allows the user to be kept away from the payment device 100 whose capacity of the battery 150 is running low, thereby prolonging the life of the battery 150.

[0057] In addition, the notification sound setting unit 111 may set a notification sound based on the location data 125. For example, the notification sound setting unit 111 identifies a ticket gate to which the user is guided based on the location of the event occurrence place or venue indicated by the location data 125. Then, when the payment device 100 is installed at this ticket gate, the notification sound setting unit 111 may set a special notification sound for the target method unconditionally or further depending on other data (e.g., an identifier, a flag, time period data 122, usage record data 123, remaining battery amount data 124, etc.).

[0058] The payment execution unit 112 executes electronic payment processing in response to a user's action on the payment device 100, such as holding up a card bearing an IC chip for payment or a two-dimensional code for payment, or a user terminal. Here, the user terminal is, for example, a smartphone equipped with an IC chip for payment and / or capable of displaying a two-dimensional code for payment.

[0059] Depending on the target method, the payment execution unit 112 may perform payment by rewriting the balance data recorded in the IC chip, or may perform payment by requesting the payment server 200 to update the data recorded in the IC chip or the user's account data linked to the two-dimensional code.

[0060] When making a payment by rewriting the balance data recorded in the IC chip, the payment execution unit 112 reads data recorded in the IC chip, such as user data and balance data, from the reader / writer 144 via the input / output IF 15. The payment execution unit 112 then subtracts the balance data according to the amount of the payment to calculate the post-payment balance data. The payment execution unit 112 then causes the reader / writer 144 to write the post-payment balance data into the IC chip.

[0061] When making a payment by requesting the payment server 200 to update the user's account data, the payment execution unit 112 causes the communication unit 130 to transmit a payment request including the user data and the amount data of the payment to the payment server 200. Then, in response to the received payment request, the payment server 200 executes a payment process for the user's account data.

[0062] In either case, the payment execution unit 112 may update the usage history data 123 after the payment is completed.

[0063] When electronic payment processing according to the target method is being executed by payment execution unit 112, for example after the electronic payment processing has been normally completed, output control unit 113 causes speaker 141 to output the notification sound currently set for the target method by notification sound setting unit 111. Specifically, output control unit 113 converts notification sound data 121 corresponding to the normal notification sound or special notification sound into an audio signal and transmits it to speaker 141 via input / output IF 15.

[0064] In addition, the output control unit 113 may transmit a light emission control signal to the light emitting device 142 via the input / output IF 15. Furthermore, the output control unit 113 may transmit a video signal to the display 143 via the input / output IF 15.

[0065] In addition, as described later, when the light-emitting device 142 is used as a guiding means, the output control unit 113 responds to the change in the notification sound setting by the notification sound setting unit 111 by The emission control signal output to the light emitting device 142 may be changed.

[0066] The storage unit 120 includes, for example, the above-mentioned memory 12 and / or storage 13, and stores data and programs used by the payment device 100. In one aspect, the storage unit 120 stores notification sound data 121, time period data 122, usage history data 123, remaining battery amount data 124, and position data 125.

[0067] The notification sound data 121 includes at least the sound data of the normal notification sound and the special notification sound described above. The sound data of the special notification sound may be used temporarily only when one event is held, for example, or may be used repeatedly when multiple events are held. In other words, the sound data of the special notification sound may be changed for each event, or may be reused across multiple events. The notification sound data 121 may be read by the output control unit 113 to output the notification sound when a payment is made.

[0068] The notification sound data 121 may be preset in the storage unit 120, or may be directly input to the payment device 100, or may be received from an external device such as the payment server 200 via a network.

[0069] The time period data 122 indicates a time period such as a time period during which an event is held, a rush hour, etc. The time period data 122 may be read by the notification sound setting unit 111, for example, to set the notification sound setting timing and / or the notification sound. The time period data 122 may be directly input to the payment device 100 or may be received from an external device such as the payment server 200 via a network.

[0070] The usage history data 123 indicates the number of times, frequency, and / or amount of use of the payment device 100. The usage history data 123 may be a data set including, for example, the execution date and time, the status code (OK / NG), and the amount of each payment process executed by the payment device 100.

[0071] The usage history data 123 may be read by the notification sound setting unit 111 in order to set a notification sound, for example. The usage history data 123 may be updated by the payment execution unit 112.

[0072] The battery remaining amount data 124 indicates the remaining amount of the battery 150. If the settlement device 100 does not include the battery 150, the battery remaining amount data 124 is not stored in the storage unit 120.

[0073] The remaining battery amount data 124 may be read by the notification sound setting unit 111, for example, to set a notification sound. The remaining battery amount data 124 may be updated by a battery management unit (not shown).

[0074] The location data 125 indicates, for example, the location or venue of an event, or the nearest ticket gate. The location data 125 can be read by the notification sound setting unit 111, for example, to set a notification sound. The location data 125 can be directly input to the payment device 100 or can be received from an external device, such as the payment server 200, via a network.

[0075] The communication unit 130 is a communication module that performs various signal processing such as modulation and demodulation processing so that the payment apparatus 100 communicates with the payment server 200 or other external devices in a wired or wireless manner. The communication unit 130 provides a received signal to the control unit 110, and conversely receives a transmitted signal from the control unit 110. The communication unit 130 includes the communication IF 14 described above.

[0076] The input / output unit 140 includes one or more output devices. Specifically, the input / output unit 140 may include a speaker 141, a light-emitting device 142, a display 143, and a reader / writer 144.

[0077] The speaker 141 receives an audio signal of a notification sound from the output control unit 113 via the input / output IF 15, converts this into sound, and outputs it to the outside of the payment device 100.

[0078] The light-emitting device 142 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that functions as a backlight for the reader / writer 144. The light-emitting device 142 receives a light-emitting control signal from the output control unit 113 via the input / output IF 15, and emits light of various colors and intensities in response to the light-emitting control signal.

[0079] The display 143 receives a video signal from the output control unit 113 via the input / output IF 15, and can display, for example, an image indicating whether the payment has been successful or not, the amount used, the remaining balance, and the like when the payment is made.

[0080] The reader / writer 144 reads data recorded on an IC chip mounted on a card or user terminal held over by a user, and rewrites the data recorded on the IC chip under the control of the payment execution unit 112. Alternatively, depending on the procedure of the target method, a two-dimensional code reader may be provided instead of the reader / writer 144 for the IC chip.

[0081] The battery 150 is a source of power supply to each element of the payment device 100. The payment device 100 does not necessarily need to be driven only by the battery 150, and may be driven only by a commercial power source, or may be driven by a combination of a commercial power source and the battery 150. In other words, the payment device 100 does not need to include the battery 150.

[0082] By providing a guidance means for enabling users to recognize which of the multiple payment devices 100 corresponds to a specific payment device, it is possible to encourage users to use the specific payment device and further enhance the effect of guiding people flow. In other words, the electronic payment system 5 may be provided with a guidance means that can be visually recognized by users to encourage users to use one or more specific payment devices.

[0083] Specifically, the guiding means may be visually recognizable by the user. As an example, the guiding means may be provided on the floor, wall, or air around a particular payment device along a path of movement for the user to use the particular payment device.

[0084] It is assumed that three payment apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 are arranged as illustrated in FIG.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 4, the payment device 100-1 includes a reader / writer 144-1, and the payment device 100-2 includes a reader / writer 144-2. The payment device 100-3 includes a reader / writer 144-3 and a reader / writer 144-4. The payment device 100-1 and the payment device 100-2 can pass through the lane in only one direction, and the reader / writer 144 for performing the payment process is provided only on the entrance side in the traveling direction. For example, the payment device 100-1 and the payment device 100-2 function as a gate for accepting exit from the premises, not as a gate for accepting entry into the premises.

[0086] The payment device 100-3 can pass through the lane in both directions. In other words, the payment device 100-3 functions as an entrance / exit gate that accepts entry into the premises and also accepts exit from the premises. The payment device 100-3 has multiple readers / writers 144 (readers / writers 144-3, 144-4) to enable bidirectional currency transfer through the lane. For example, in the payment device 100-3, the reader / writer 144-3 accepts payment processing at the time of exit, and the reader / writer 144-4 accepts payment processing at the time of entry.

[0087] Of the multiple payment devices 100, only one on the entrance side or exit side may be provided with a payment means (in the illustrated example, a reader / writer 144) for outputting a special notification sound at the time of payment.

[0088] In addition, when multiple payment devices 100 output special notification sounds during payment processes at the time of entry and exit, different special notification sounds may be output for the payment process at the time of entry and the payment process at the time of exit.

[0089] When payment is abnormally terminated or when a user attempts to pass through lanes L1, L2 and L3 without making payment, payment devices 100-1, 100-2 and 100-3 close the flap doors to prevent the user from passing through lanes L1, L2 and L3, respectively.

[0090] When the payment devices 100-1 and 100-3 among the payment devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 in Fig. 4 correspond to specific payment devices, footprint marks F1 and F3 may be provided on the floor surfaces of the lanes L1 and L3 as illustrated in Fig. 5. This allows users to visually recognize that the payment devices 100-1 and 100-3 are specific payment devices.

[0091] The footprint mark may be realized by, for example, a sticker so that it can be easily placed / removed. The appearance of the footprint mark may be determined based on the profile of a character or person associated with the special notification sound. This allows the user to enjoy associating the footprint mark with a character or person.

[0092] In addition, a display may be displayed not only on the floor around the payment device, but also on the wall around the payment device or in the air to encourage users to use a specific payment device. For example, a floating object such as a balloon may be floated in association with the payment device, or an air vehicle such as a drone may be flown.

[0093] In addition, the guiding means that can be placed on the floor, wall, or in the air is not limited to footprint marks and may be any display, but from the perspective of increasing the user's interest, a display suggesting the presence of a character or person associated with the special notification sound, or a display suggesting the special notification sound itself (for example, a song title, a line, etc.) may be adopted.

[0094] As another example, the guidance means may be arranged to make the user aware that the payment device is a specific payment device in a manner that is visually recognizable by the user around the location where the user performs an action to perform electronic payment processing on the specific payment device.

[0095] For example, in a particular payment device, there are locations that are likely to be viewed by the user when performing payment processing, or locations to which the user brings the user's body or the user's belongings, etc., in order to perform payment processing. For example, if the payment device performs payment processing by holding an IC card over it, the location where a reader / writer device for reading the IC card is installed is likely to be viewed by the user when performing payment processing. Also, the user brings the IC card in close proximity to or into contact with the location of the reader / writer device.

[0096] In this case, the guiding means may be provided at or around the reader / writer device and may emit light of a specific color, for example. That is, a light-emitting device 142 that emits light of a specific color, intensity, or pattern may be used as the guiding means.

[0097] When payment devices 100-1 and 100-3 among payment devices 100-1, 100-2, and 100-3 in Figure 4 correspond to specific payment devices, as illustrated in Figure 6, light-emitting device 142-1 serving as a backlight for reader / writer 144-1 of payment device 100-1 and light-emitting device 142-3 serving as a backlight for reader / writer 144-3 of payment device 100-3 may emit light in a color different from that of light-emitting device 142-2 serving as a backlight for reader / writer 144-2 of payment device 100-2.

[0098] For example, while the payment device 100-2 is in a standby state, the light-emitting device 142-2 emits light in a default light color that depends on the target method, for example, blue, in response to a light-emitting control signal from the output control unit 113-2. On the other hand, while the payment device 100-1 / 100-3 is in a standby state, the light-emitting device 142-1 / 142-3 emits light in a special light color different from the default light color, for example, yellow, in response to a light-emitting control signal from the output control unit 113-1 / 113-3.

[0099] This allows the user to visually recognize that the payment devices 100-1 and 100-3 are specific payment devices. The special light emission color may be determined based on the profile of a character or person associated with the special notification sound. This allows the user to enjoy associating the light emission color with a character or person.

[0100] The special light emitting color may be any light emitting color other than the default light emitting color, but from the viewpoint of increasing the interest of the user, a light emitting color suggesting the presence of a character or person associated with the special notification sound, for example, a theme color, may be adopted. As a modification of the guidance means described here, it is also conceivable to change the image displayed on the display 143 instead of the light emitting color, or the background color thereof, depending on whether the normal notification sound is set or the special notification sound is set.

[0101] Furthermore, as another example, when a user makes a payment using a user terminal, the user terminal may be notified of which of the multiple payment devices 100 corresponds to a specific payment device. For example, an image of a character or person associated with a special notification sound may be displayed around the specific payment device using an AR (Augmented Reality) function of a location-based game.

[0102] Also, the user terminal may notify which of the multiple payment devices 100 corresponds to the specific payment device by a text message, video, or the like. For example, when a game program is being executed on the user terminal, the user may be notified which is the "specific payment device" as a notification during the game in the game program. For example, in the case of a game that uses location information, when the user terminal is within a predetermined distance around the payment device, or when there is a possibility that the user will use the facility in which the payment device is installed (for example, when the payment device is installed in a station premises, it is determined that the user will use the transportation facility that operates the station), the user may be notified that there is a specific payment device and which of the multiple payment devices 100 corresponds to the specific payment device.

[0103] An example of the operation of the settlement device 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. After starting up the payment device 100, the notification sound setting unit 111 sets a normal notification sound for the target method (step S201). Then, the control unit 110 waits for the arrival of the notification sound setting timing and the detection of the IC chip (or two-dimensional code) for payment (steps S202 and S204).

[0104] When the notification sound setting timing arrives, the notification sound setting unit 111 sets the notification sound based on various data (e.g., time period data 122, usage record data 123, remaining battery amount data 124, position data 125, identifier, flag, etc.) stored in the storage unit 120 and / or in response to a command input directly or received via a network from an external device such as the payment server 200 (step S203). Then, the control unit 110 waits for the re-arrival of the notification sound setting timing and for detection of an IC chip for payment (steps S202 and S204).

[0105] On the other hand, when the payment execution unit 112 detects the IC chip for payment based on, for example, a signal from the reader / writer 144, it executes the payment process according to the target method (step S205). If the payment process ends normally in step S205, the process proceeds to step S207, and if not, the process proceeds to step S208 (step S206).

[0106] In step S207, the output control unit 113 causes the speaker 141 to output the notification sound currently set for the target method by the notification sound setting unit 111. In step S208, a predetermined error process is performed. As an example, the automatic ticket gate serving as the payment device 100 may close the flap door and cause the output control unit 113 to output a notification sound for error notification from the speaker 141.

[0107] As described above, in the electronic payment system according to the present embodiment, a specific payment device that is part of a plurality of payment devices installed in a specific facility and supporting the same electronic payment method outputs a special notification sound when a payment is made according to that method, and payment devices other than the specific payment device output a normal notification sound when a payment is made according to that method. Therefore, according to this electronic payment system, in a situation where a user can select a device to make a payment from among the plurality of payment devices, it is possible to provide the user with the pleasure of selecting a specific payment device for the special notification sound that is different from the normal notification sound. In other words, it is possible to improve the interest of electronic payment in such a situation.

[0108] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the payment device outputs a notification sound when a payment is made according to the target method. However, the notification sound may be output by a user terminal, not limited to the payment device, when a payment is made according to the target method.

[0109] The user terminal according to this first modified example may have a control unit and a storage unit similar to the above-mentioned control unit 110 and storage unit 120. Specifically, the control unit of the user terminal may set a notification sound for a target method based on various data stored in the storage unit of the user terminal (e.g., time period data 122, usage history data 123 of the payment device selected by the user, remaining battery power data 124 of the payment device selected by the user, location data 125, an identifier of the payment device selected by the user, or a flag set for the payment device selected by the user, etc.) and / or in response to a command received from an external device such as the payment device selected by the user.

[0110] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the specific payment device outputs a special notification sound when a payment according to the target method is executed. However, the specific payment device may output a normal notification sound in addition to the special notification sound when a payment according to the target method is executed.

[0111] In this case, the specific payment device may output the normal notification sound and then the special notification sound, may output the special notification sound and then the normal notification sound, or may output the normal notification sound and the special notification sound in parallel. Also, the specific payment device may set the volume of the normal notification sound lower than the volume of the special notification sound and output the normal notification sound.

[0112] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the special notification sound is different from the normal notification sound. Here, the notification sound setting unit 111 may be capable of selecting and setting one of multiple types of special notification sounds, not limited to one type. That is, a part of a specific payment device may output a first type of special notification sound, and the remaining part may output a second type of special notification sound. The special notification sound may vary in how much and what type of users it attracts, depending on its contents. Therefore, by using multiple types of special notification sounds, it is possible to further finely adjust the effect of inducing people flow.

[0113] For example, the first special notification sound is reminiscent of a first character in a location-based game, and the second special notification sound is reminiscent of a second character in the location-based game, and the first character is more popular than the second character. Under such a premise, for example, if a specific payment device installed near the end of the ticket gate where users tend to concentrate outputs the second special notification sound, and conversely, a specific payment device installed near the center of the ticket gate where users tend to avoid outputs the first special notification sound, it is possible to alleviate the bias in the flow of people caused by the relative positions of the multiple payment devices 100. In addition, the same effect can be expected by having a specific payment device installed at a ticket gate with many users output the second special notification sound, and conversely, a specific payment device installed at a ticket gate with few users output the first special notification sound.

[0114] In addition, the effect of each of multiple types of special notification sounds on attracting people can be estimated, for example, by referring to the popularity of the characters or people associated with each special notification sound, or it can be calculated based on statistical data collected when the same special notification sound was used in the past.

[0115] Also, a specific payment device does not necessarily need to continue using one type of special notification sound, and may switch the output special notification sound when, for example, the number of uses or the amount of use indicated by the usage history data 123 exceeds a threshold. For example, by using a special notification sound reminiscent of a character in its initial state when the number of uses or the amount of use is equal to or less than the threshold, and using a special notification sound reminiscent of a character after a state change such as transformation, growth, strengthening, or evolution when the number of uses or the amount of use exceeds the threshold, the interest of users who are fans of the character can be further attracted.

[0116] In addition, the special notification sound output by the payment device may be switched depending on the number of times or amount of use by the user of a specific payment device.

[0117] For example, assume that value information having a value equivalent to legal tender in a prepaid manner is associated with user information and managed by a server device, etc. In this case, every time a user makes a payment on a payment device using a two-dimensional code or the like displayed on the user's terminal, the server device, etc. records the number of times and the amount of use that the user has used a specific payment device in association with the user's information.

[0118] The specific payment device may switch the special notification sound to be output by receiving information on the number of times or amount of use of the specific payment device by the user from the server device or the user's terminal. Alternatively, the user's terminal or the server device may set the special notification sound to be output by the payment device based on the information on the number of times or amount of use of the specific payment device by the user. In other words, in addition to the example in which the special notification sound is set in advance in the payment device, the special notification sound may be set in the payment device at the timing of payment processing according to information on the usage history of the user who uses the payment device.

[0119] Furthermore, the specific payment device may switch the notification sound depending on various factors such as user data linked to the user terminal used by the user for payment. For example, assuming that a special notification sound reminiscent of a character in a certain location-based game is set in the specific payment device, the specific payment device may switch the notification sound to be output depending on, for example, the registered age of the user, whether the user is a player of the location-based game, the level of the user's play character, the OS (Operating System) of the user terminal, whether the user used a special IC ticket linked to the location-based game service, and the like.

[0120] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment, it has been described that a plurality of payment devices may be installed in a specific facility, indoors or outdoors. Examples of installation of payment devices include a temporary installation at a booth set up for entry and exit at an outdoor event venue, an exhibition booth owned by an exhibitor, etc.

[0121] For example, when a ticket is issued electronically to a user, at a booth set up for entry and exit, an attendant or other staff member will authenticate whether the user has a ticket by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the user's terminal with a reader (two-dimensional code reader, smartphone, etc.).

[0122] Furthermore, when selling goods at an exhibition booth, the exhibitor's staff may use a reader to read an authentication code displayed on the user's terminal and perform payment processing. The authentication code includes information that identifies the user (such as information on the user's account) in cases where the server device or the user's terminal manages electronic value in association with user information. The electronic value managed by the server device or the user's terminal may be something that is given to the user in exchange for legal tender on a prepaid basis, or something that is given to the user without being prepaid (for example, points given to the user when the user purchases goods or services, or points given to the user with an expiration date (or without an expiration date) as a result of a sales promotion such as a campaign, etc.).

[0123] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a specific payment device among the multiple payment devices 100 outputs a special notification sound. That is, an example has been described in which the subject that outputs the special notification sound is the payment device.

[0124] In addition, the subject that outputs the special notification sound may be a device other than the payment device 100. For example, when a payment process is performed using a user's terminal for a specific payment device (for example, when the user uses a payment application that runs on the user's terminal in the above example (ii) where the payment device 100 performs a payment process using a balance associated with user information), the special notification sound may be output from the user's terminal. In this case, the special notification sound may be output from both the specific payment device and the user's terminal, or the special notification sound may be output from the user's terminal while the normal notification sound is output from the specific payment device.

[0125] When a special notification sound is output from a device other than the payment device, the special notification sound may be output when earphones are connected to the device.

[0126] For example, when a special notification sound is output from a user's terminal, the user's terminal may control whether or not to output the special notification sound depending on whether or not earphones are connected to the user's terminal. For example, when earphones are connected to the user's terminal in a wired or wireless manner, the earphones may be made to output a special notification sound, and when earphones are not connected to the user's terminal, both the specific payment device and the user's terminal may output a normal notification sound.

[0127] In addition, the special notification sound may be output in response to a payment process being performed at a specific payment device not only from a user's terminal but also from a device on the staff side of a store or event venue, etc. For example, the special notification sound may be output in response to a payment process at a specific payment device from a speaker at a store's cash register, earphones worn by staff, a broadcasting speaker installed in a store or event venue, etc.

[0128] As described above, examples have been described in which a special notification sound is output from a specific payment device and from other devices (a user's terminal, an external speaker). However, it is also possible for an administrator (e.g., an administrator of multiple payment devices 100) to set in advance which device is to be used to output the special notification sound depending on the time of day, etc.

[0129] <Additional Notes> The matters explained in the embodiment are additionally noted below.

[0130] (Appendix 1) An electronic payment system (5) comprising a plurality of payment devices (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc.) installed in a specific facility, all of the plurality of payment devices accepting electronic payment processing in the same method available to users, a control unit (11, 110) of each of the plurality of payment devices executing electronic payment processing in the same method in response to an action of the user on the payment device (112, S205) and outputting a notification sound to the user upon executing the electronic payment processing (113, S207), and one or more specific payment devices among the plurality of payment devices output a notification sound different from that of the other payment devices during electronic payment processing (110, S203).

[0131] (Appendix 2) An electronic payment system as described in (Appendix 1), comprising guidance means (F1, F3, 142, 142-1, 142-3, 144-1, 144-3) that is visually recognizable by a user to encourage the user to use one or more specific payment devices.

[0132] (Appendix 3) An electronic payment system as described in (Appendix 2), wherein the guidance means is display (F1, F3) on the floor, wall or air around a specific payment device along the path of travel for a user to use the specific payment device.

[0133] (Appendix 4) An electronic payment system as described in (Appendix 3), wherein a specific payment device outputs the voice of a human or a virtual character as a notification sound during electronic payment processing, and the guidance means is a display (F1, F3) indicating the presence of a human or a virtual character.

[0134] (Appendix 5) An electronic payment system as described in (Appendix 2), wherein the guiding means emits light in a specific color around the location where a user performs an action to perform electronic payment processing on a specific payment device.

[0135] (Appendix 6) An electronic payment system as described in (Appendix 5), wherein the specific payment device outputs the voice of a human or a virtual character as a notification sound during electronic payment processing, and the guiding means emits light in a color that indicates the presence of a human or a virtual character.

[0136] (Appendix 7) An electronic payment system as described in any of (Appendix 2) to (Appendix 5), wherein the multiple payment devices are configured to be able to change the notification sound during electronic payment processing (111), and in response to a result of determining which of the multiple payment devices is to be a specific payment device, the determined payment device changes the notification sound (S203), and the inducement means is a display that is displayed to encourage use of the determined specific payment device.

[0137] (Appendix 8) An electronic payment system as described in (Appendix 7), in which a determination is made as to which of a plurality of payment devices is to be designated as a specific payment device based on the execution history of electronic payment processing of the plurality of payment devices (111, 123) or based on the remaining battery charge of each of the plurality of payment devices (111, 124).

[0138] (Appendix 9) 13. An electronic payment system as described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8), wherein the plurality of payment devices executes electronic payment processing by reading data from a user terminal of a user (112), and the user terminal notifies the user which of the plurality of payment devices at a particular facility is a particular payment device.

[0139] (Appendix 10) An electronic payment system as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 9), wherein the specific facility is a transportation facility for transporting passengers, the payment device is mounted on an automatic ticket gate, and each of the multiple payment devices causes one or more specific payment devices to output different notification sounds during a specific time period.

[0140] (Appendix 11) An electronic payment system as described in (Supplementary Note 10), wherein each of the multiple payment devices sets a specific time period based on the time when a specified event occurs.

[0141] (Appendix 12) An electronic payment system as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 11), wherein the type of notification sound for the payment device and the history of electronic payment processing performed by the payment device are stored in a memory unit, and the notification sound for each of the multiple payment devices is set based on the history. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 11 processor, 12 memory, 13 storage, 14 communication IF, 15 input / output IF, 110 control unit, 111 notification sound setting unit, 112 payment execution unit, 113 output control unit, 120 storage unit, 121 notification sound data, 122 time period data, 123 usage history data, 124 battery remaining amount data, 125 position data, 130 communication unit, 140 input / output unit, 141 speaker, 142 light-emitting device, 143 display, 144 reader / writer, 100 payment device, 200 payment server

Claims

1. 1. An electronic payment system comprising: A system including a plurality of payment devices installed in a specific facility, all of the plurality of payment devices accept electronic payment processing in the same manner that users can use, A control unit of each of the plurality of payment devices executes electronic payment processing according to the same method in response to an operation of the user on the payment device; outputting a notification sound to the user by executing the electronic payment process; An electronic payment system, wherein one or more specific payment devices among the plurality of payment devices output a notification sound different from that of the other payment devices during the electronic payment process.

2. 2. The electronic payment system according to claim 1, further comprising a guidance means that is visually recognizable by a user for encouraging the user to use the one or more specific payment devices.

3. The induction means is 3. The electronic payment system according to claim 2, wherein the display is provided on a floor, a wall or in the air around the specific payment device along a path of travel for a user to use the specific payment device.

4. the specific payment device outputs a voice of a human or a virtual character as the notification sound during the electronic payment process; 4. The electronic payment system according to claim 3, wherein the inducing means is a display suggesting the presence of the human or virtual character.

5. The induction means is 3. The electronic payment system according to claim 2, wherein said specific payment device emits light in a specific color around a location where a user performs an action to carry out electronic payment processing.

6. the specific payment device outputs a voice of a human or a virtual character as the notification sound during the electronic payment process; 6. The electronic payment system according to claim 5, wherein the inducer emits light in a color that suggests the presence of the human or virtual character.

7. The plurality of payment devices The notification sound during the electronic payment process is changeable, In response to a result of determining which of the plurality of payment devices is to be the specific payment device, the determined payment device changes the notification sound; 6. The electronic payment system according to claim 2, wherein the inducement means is a display that is provided to encourage the use of the determined specific payment device.

8. In the electronic payment system, 8. The electronic payment system according to claim 7, wherein the specific payment device is determined based on a history of the execution of the electronic payment process of the plurality of payment devices, or based on a remaining battery charge of each of the plurality of payment devices.

9. the plurality of payment devices execute electronic payment processing by reading data from user terminals of users; The electronic payment system according to claim 1 , wherein the user terminal notifies the user which of the plurality of payment devices at the particular facility is the particular payment device.

10. The specific facility is a facility of a transportation facility that transports passengers, The payment device is mounted on an automated ticket gate, The electronic payment system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of payment devices causes the one or more specific payment devices to output the different notification sounds during a specific time period.

11. The electronic payment system according to claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of payment devices sets the specific time period based on a time at which a predetermined event occurs.

12. In the electronic payment system, The type of the notification sound in the payment device and a record of the electronic payment process in the payment device are stored in a storage unit, The electronic payment system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification sound is set for each of the plurality of payment devices based on the performance.

13. An electronic payment method performed by a plurality of payment devices installed in a specific facility, comprising: all of the plurality of payment devices accept electronic payment processing in the same manner that users can use, A control unit of each of the plurality of payment devices, executing electronic payment processing according to the same method in response to an operation of the user on the payment device; outputting a notification sound to the user by executing the electronic payment process; Equipped with Among the plurality of payment devices, one or more specific payment devices output a notification sound different from that of the other payment devices during the electronic payment process. Electronic payment methods.

14. A payment device installed at a particular facility along with one or more other payment devices, accepts electronic payment processing in the same manner as the other payment device, which is available to users; A control unit is provided. The control unit is a notification sound setting unit that sets a notification sound to be output by the payment device when the electronic payment process is executed; a payment execution unit that executes the electronic payment process in response to an operation of a user on the payment device; an output control unit that outputs the notification sound set by the notification sound setting unit to a speaker when the electronic payment process is being executed; Equipped with the notification sound set by the notification sound setting unit is different from a notification sound output by at least one of the other payment devices when the electronic payment process is executed; Payment device.

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