Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method and information processing program

Abstract

To block unnecessary card insertion upon card settlement to guide a user to touch settlement.SOLUTION: An information processing device 13 includes a communication unit 131 that performs radio communication with a credit card 11, and a control unit 132 that determines whether or not settlement of the credit card 11 by radio communication is possible to control a notification that the settlement by radio communication is possible, according to a determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are various types of credit card payment terminals. For example, as in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a payment terminal that compares the payment amount with the signature-less payment limit to determine whether or not a signature-less payment is possible. Also, for example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 shows a case where the payment card is a hybrid card in which card data for making a payment with electronic money is stored in an IC (Integrated Circuit). In this disclosed technology, card data read by the reading method with the highest priority is output to a higher-level device, so that payment processing can be performed appropriately regardless of the upper limit of the transaction amount that can be paid with electronic money. Also, as in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3, for example, it is possible to select the type of credit card with the highest priority from among multiple types of credit cards installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-77082 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-114089 A [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2007 / 116521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in recent years, there has been an increase in payment terminals with a touch payment function that allows payments to be made through close-range wireless communication with the payment terminal, without having to insert a credit card into the payment terminal. However, with conventional payment terminals, credit card users may not realize that touch payment is also possible and may end up making payments by the traditional insertion method. Although the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned patent documents can be used to select a card type with a high payment priority from among multiple types of cards, it does not mean that touch payment can be selected preferentially. Although touch payment is the top-priority payment method due to its convenience, conventional technology does not have a function to notify users that touch payment is possible, which means that credit card users tend to make payments by inserting their cards into their wallets out of habit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can prevent unnecessary card insertion when making a card payment and guide users to touch payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the first aspect is configured to include a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a credit card, and a control unit that determines whether or not payment with the credit card via wireless communication is possible, and controls a notification that the payment via wireless communication is possible based on the determination result.

[0007] According to the information processing device of the first aspect, since the availability of touch payment is notified, it is possible to guide the user to touch payment when making a credit card payment.

[0008] The information processing device of the second aspect is the information processing device of the first aspect, wherein the control unit determines whether the payment is possible via wireless communication based on payment information obtained via wireless communication with the credit card before the payment.

[0009] According to the information processing device of the second aspect, for example, touch payment can be made according to a payment amount limit acquired from payment information.

[0010] The information processing device of a third aspect is the information processing device of the first aspect, wherein the communication unit performs wireless communication for acquiring the payment information before the payment at a longer distance than the wireless communication at the time of the payment.

[0011] According to the information processing device of the third aspect, when communicating information on whether or not touch payment is possible, there is no need to touch a credit card to the device as occurs when making a payment.

[0012] The information processing device of a fourth aspect is the information processing device of the first aspect, in which the control unit restricts the insertion of the credit card into the credit card reading unit when it is determined that the payment via wireless communication is possible.

[0013] According to the information processing device of the fourth aspect, when touch payment is available, insertion of a card into the credit card slot is prevented, and touch payment can be reliably guided to be used.

[0014] An information processing device of a fifth aspect is the information processing device of the fourth aspect, in which the control unit prevents the insertion of the credit card by controlling a physical mechanism to prevent the insertion of the credit card.

[0015] According to the information processing device of the fifth aspect, when touch payment is available, insertion of a card into the credit card slot is prevented, and touch payment can be reliably induced.

[0016] An information processing device of a sixth aspect is an information processing device of the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls via wireless communication to change the state of at least one of the visible portion and the contact portion of the credit card when it is determined that the payment via wireless communication is possible.

[0017] According to the information processing device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to inform the user through his / her credit card that touch payment is available.

[0018] The information processing device of the seventh aspect is the information processing device of the first aspect, wherein the control unit acquires image information attached to the credit card and determines whether or not payment with the credit card can be made via wireless communication based on the image information.

[0019] According to the information processing device of the seventh aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not touch payment is available by recognizing the image attached to the credit card.

[0020] An information processing system of an eighth aspect is a payment system comprising an information processing device of any one of the first to seventh aspects and a credit card that performs wireless communication with the communication unit, wherein the credit card includes a change unit that changes the state of at least one of a visible unit and a contact unit of the credit card depending on a determination result in the information processing device of whether the payment via wireless communication is possible.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to inform the user through his / her credit card that touch payment is available.

[0022] A ninth aspect is an information processing method in which a computer executes a process of wirelessly communicating with a credit card, determining whether or not payment with the credit card via wireless communication is possible, and controlling a notification that the payment via wireless communication is possible based on the determination result.

[0023] According to the information processing method of the ninth aspect, the user is notified of whether or not touch payment can be used, so that the user can be guided to touch payment when making a credit card payment.

[0024] A tenth aspect is an information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process of wirelessly communicating with a credit card, determining whether or not payment with the credit card via wireless communication is possible, and controlling a notification that the payment via wireless communication is possible based on the determination result.

[0025] According to the information processing program of the tenth aspect, since it notifies the user whether or not touch payment is available, it is possible to guide the user to touch payment when making a credit card payment. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, unnecessary card insertion during card payment can be prevented, and touch payment can be encouraged. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a payment terminal. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payment process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of light emission of a credit card. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payment process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) 1, the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment includes a payment terminal 13 as an information processing device, a general-purpose terminal 12 for making payments, and a credit card 11. The general-purpose terminal 12 is connected to a higher-level server 14 such as a payment agency and a card company via a communication line N, and transmits and receives data between them.

[0029] The payment terminal 13 is connected to the general-purpose terminal 12 and transmits and receives data to and from the general-purpose terminal 12. The payment terminal 13 is capable of accepting magnetic stripe payment, IC chip payment, and touch payment as payment methods.

[0030] Credit card 11 is a payment card used by a customer, and is assumed to be a type that allows touch payment in addition to the conventional insertion payment. When performing touch payment, credit card 11 communicates wirelessly with payment terminal 13 to send and receive data to and from each other.

[0031] The general-purpose terminal 12 is a POS (Point of Sales) terminal for making payments, and may take any form, such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a tablet terminal. The total amount is input into the general-purpose terminal 12 when making a payment for goods or food and drink, and the general-purpose terminal 12 communicates with a server 14 of a payment agency that is higher up in the general-purpose terminal 12, and exchanges messages. The general-purpose terminal 12 starts up the payment terminal 13 based on the received message. The number of each of payment terminals 13 and general-purpose terminals 12 included in information processing system 100 is not limited to the example in FIG. 1, and for example, two or more payment terminals 13 and two or more general-purpose terminals 12 may be included.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the payment terminal 13 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 55, an input / output I / F 57, an input device 59, a speaker 61, a display device 63, a magnetic stripe reader 65, an IC card reader 67, a wireless communication device 69, and an LED light 71. The CPU 51, RAM 53, ROM 55, input / output I / F 57, input device 59, speaker 61, display device 63, magnetic stripe reader 65, IC card reader 67, wireless communication device 69, and LED light 71 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via an internal bus 73.

[0033] The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 51 reads the programs from the ROM 55 and executes the programs using the RAM 53 as a working area. The CPU 51 controls each component and performs various arithmetic processing according to the programs stored in the ROM 55.

[0034] The memory constituted by the RAM 53 temporarily stores programs and data as a working area. The storage device constituted by the ROM 55 stores various programs including an operating system, and various data. The ROM 55 stores a payment processing program for executing the payment processing described below.

[0035] The input / output I / F 57 is an interface for communicating with the general-purpose terminal 12. For this communication, for example, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is used.

[0036] The input device 59 is a device for allowing a store clerk or a customer to input various information. The input device 59 includes a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a PIN pad, and is used to input various information. The speaker 61 is a device for outputting various types of information to customers by sound.

[0037] The display device 63 is a device for displaying various information to store clerks or customers, and is exemplified by a display etc. A touch panel display may be adopted as the display device 63 to function as the input device 59.

[0038] The magnetic stripe reader 65 is a device that reads information from a magnetic stripe 77 provided on the credit card 11. The magnetic stripe reader 65 is used when making a magnetic stripe payment.

[0039] The IC card reader 67 is a device that reads information from an IC chip 75 provided in the credit card 11. The IC card reader 67 is used when making an IC chip payment.

[0040] The wireless communication device 69 is an interface for communicating with the credit card 11. The wireless communication device 69 of this embodiment uses NFC (Near Field Communication) communication. The wireless communication device 69 is used during touch payment. The wireless communication device 69 supplies power necessary for the processing unit 111 of the credit card 11 to operate.

[0041] The LED light 71 is a Light Emitting Diode light, and emits light when touch payment is used, etc.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the credit card 11 also has an IC chip 75, a magnetic stripe 77, an antenna 79, and a light emitting portion 81.

[0043] The IC chip 75 is an integrated circuit that stores information necessary for settlement.

[0044] The magnetic stripe 77 is a magnetic stripe provided on the credit card 11, and stores information necessary for payment.

[0045] Antenna 79 is a device for wireless communication with payment terminal 13. Specifically, antenna 79 receives power from wireless communication device 69 of payment terminal 13. Antenna 79 activates IC chip 75 with the generated current and communicates with payment terminal 13. At that time, information in IC chip 75 is transmitted to payment terminal 13.

[0046] The light emitting unit 81 is, for example, an LED light provided on each of the four sides of the credit card 11, and emits light when touch payment is available.

[0047] Next, the functional configuration of payment terminal 13 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, payment terminal 13 according to this embodiment functions as communication unit 131, control unit 132, and payment processing unit 133 by CPU 51 executing an information processing program stored in ROM 55.

[0048] The communication unit 131 performs wireless communication with the credit card 11 via the wireless communication device 69. Before payment, payment information is acquired by wireless communication with the credit card 11. The payment information mainly includes store attributes, an upper limit of the amount of use for touch payment, and information on payment methods available for the credit card 11. For example, information on the payment methods available is included as a character string. The communication unit 131 performs wireless communication to acquire payment information before payment at a longer distance than wireless communication at the time of payment. For example, wireless communication when acquiring payment information before payment from the credit card 11 by NFC communication is performed within a concentric range of 20 cm in diameter. On the other hand, wireless communication at the time of payment is performed between the payment terminal 13 and the credit card 11 at a closer distance than wireless communication to acquire payment information. In this way, the communication unit 131 may change the output or type between the wireless communication before payment and the wireless communication at the time of payment.

[0049] The control unit 132 determines whether or not payment via wireless communication is possible based on the information on the payment method included in the payment information acquired via wireless communication. That is, the control unit 132 determines whether or not touch payment is possible with the credit card 11 used for the payment terminal 13. For example, the control unit 132 makes this determination by searching whether the information on the available payment methods includes a character string indicating that touch payment is possible.

[0050] The control unit 132 controls the notification that payment by wireless communication is possible according to the determination result. Specifically, the control unit 132 performs control such as illuminating the area where the credit card 11 is to be touched during touch payment (more specifically, the area around the touch payment unit 91 described later) to make it stand out, outputting sound from the payment terminal 13, and displaying a message on the screen of the payment terminal 13.

[0051] When it is determined that payment by wireless communication is possible, the control unit 132 restricts the insertion of the credit card 11 into the credit card reading unit. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the insertion port of the IC card reader 67 is closed with a shutter 67A, thereby physically preventing the insertion of the credit card 11.

[0052] The control unit 132 enables the use of the touch payment when the amount is within the limit for the touch payment. Usually, the limit for the touch payment is set by the card issuing company or various regulations. However, in this embodiment, a fixed limit is not assumed, and the limit for the touch payment may be set for each store, for example.

[0053] The payment processing unit 133 executes payment processing using a credit card. The payment terminal 13 acquires the amount entered in the general-purpose terminal 12, and executes credit card payment for that amount. Specifically, the payment processing unit 13 transmits the credit card user information and the amount acquired through the magnetic stripe reader 65, IC card reader 67, or wireless communication device 69 to the credit card company or payment agency. The payment processing unit 133 acquires information on whether or not payment can be made from the credit card company or payment agency.

[0054] The processing unit 111 of the credit card 11 performs processing to control the credit card 11. The processing unit 111 controls the antenna 79 and transmits and receives information including payment information by wireless communication. When the credit card 11 is inserted into the IC card reader 57, the processing unit 111 transmits and receives information to and from the payment terminal via the IC chip 75.

[0055] The control unit 121 of the general-purpose terminal 12 controls each unit of the general-purpose terminal 12. For example, the control unit 121 controls the transmission of the amount inputted at the time of payment to the payment terminal 13.

[0056] The physical configuration of payment terminal 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the arrangement, size, and the like are not limited to the example in Fig. 3.

[0057] The payment terminal 13 physically comprises a speaker 61 for sound output, a magnetic stripe reader 65, an IC card reader 67, a shutter 67A provided at the insertion port of the IC card reader, a display device 63 for displaying messages, and an LED light 71. An antenna (not shown) for a wireless communication device 69 is built into the upper part of the display device 63 on the front of the payment terminal 13, and is configured as a touch payment unit 91 for touching the credit card 11 for wireless communication. The LED light 71 is provided to surround the touch payment unit 91.

[0058] 3, and has an insertion port below (on the lower side of the figure) payment terminal 13. When control unit 132 restricts the insertion of credit card 11, shutter 67A closes the insertion port.

[0059] The speaker 61 as an output device outputs a sound as one of the notification processes when touch payment is possible. For example, instead of outputting the sentence "touch payment is possible", it may be a sound effect indicating the correct answer (for example, a "ping pong" sound). In this way, a sound is output from the payment terminal 13 to notify that touch payment is possible.

[0060] The LED light 71 is illuminated around the touch payment unit 91 under the control of the control unit 132 as one of the notification processes when touch payment is possible. The control unit 132 notifies that touch payment is possible by embedding the LED light 71 at regular intervals as shown in FIG. 3 and making it blink, so that the control unit 132 notifies that touch payment is possible. Specifically, the control unit 132 issues a command to the LED light 71 mounted on the payment terminal 13 to illuminate when the control unit 132 determines that touch payment is possible. When illuminating the LED light 71, the control unit 132 controls it to blink or to repeatedly emit strong and weak light so that the user can easily notice it.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 132 causes the display of the display device 63, which is the display of the payment terminal 13, to display a message such as "Touch payment is possible. Please touch the top" as one of the notification processes when touch payment is possible.

[0062] Next, the operation of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the payment terminal 13, the payment process shown in Fig. 4 is executed. Each process in the payment terminal 13 is executed by the CPU 51 functioning as the communication unit 131, the control unit 132, and the payment processing unit 133. The payment process is an example of an information processing method of the present invention.

[0063] The payment process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] In step S101, CPU 51 receives a signal including the amount (payment amount) input at the time of payment from general-purpose terminal 12 and starts up payment terminal 13. Next, in step S103, CPU 51 puts settlement terminal 13 into a standby state in which wireless communication is possible.

[0065] Next, in step S105, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the credit card 11 is within the communication range of the payment terminal 13. If the CPU 51 determines that the credit card 11 is not within the communication range of the payment terminal 13 (step S105: NO), the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the credit card 11 is within the communication range of the payment terminal 13 (step S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0066] Next, in step S107, the CPU 51 executes NFC communication of the payment terminal 13 to communicate with the credit card 11.

[0067] Next, in step S109, the CPU 51 acquires payment information from the credit card 11 and determines whether or not touch payment is possible. If the CPU 51 determines that touch payment is not possible (step S109: NO), the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that touch payment is possible (step S109: YES), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0068] Next, in step S111, the CPU 51 determines whether the payment amount for the touch payment is within the range of the possible touch payment amount. That is, the CPU 51 determines whether the payment amount acquired from the general-purpose terminal 12 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the amount that can be paid by touch. For example, the CPU 51 may make this determination by referring to the payment limit amount stored in advance in the memory area of ​​the payment terminal 13. The CPU 51 may also make this determination by referring to the payment limit amount included in the payment information. If the CPU 51 determines that the payment amount is not within the range of the possible touch payment amount (step S111: NO), the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the payment amount is within the range of the possible touch payment amount (step S111: YES), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0069] Next, in step S113, the CPU 51 closes the insertion slot for inserting the credit card 11. That is, the CPU 51 operates the shutter 67A.

[0070] Next, in step S115, CPU 51 executes a notification process from payment terminal 13 to the user. The notification process mainly executes processes using three types of methods. Specifically, a notification by illuminating the area around touch payment unit 91, which causes LED light 71 to light up. A notification by sound output from payment terminal 13, which causes a predetermined sound to be output from speaker 61. A notification by displaying text in a location of payment terminal 13 that is visible to the user, which indicates that touch payment is possible, which causes the text to be displayed on display device 63. Note that these notifications may not be executed simultaneously, but may be executed partially.

[0071] Next, in step S117, CPU 51 accepts the touch payment process, detects that the distance between payment terminal 13 and credit card 11 has become closer, and executes the touch payment process. For example, CPU 51 detects that the distance has become closer by determining whether or not the strength of the radio waves received by antenna 79 from credit card 11 exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, CPU 51 determines that the distance has become closer by wireless communication using another communication means (including NFC communication) that communicates over a short distance, different from the NFC communication used in step S107. Note that the wireless communication output of payment terminal 13 in step S117 may be set lower than the wireless output in step S107, thereby providing a difference between the wireless communication possible distances in S107 and S117, thereby realizing detection of the distance becoming closer in S117.

[0072] Next, in step S119, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the touch payment is completed. If the CPU 51 determines that the touch payment is not completed (step S119: NO), the process returns to step S113. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the touch payment is completed (step S119: YES), the process ends.

[0073] In step S121, the CPU 51 executes a process of informing the user of the payment by mail insertion. Specifically, the CPU 51 displays a message on the display device 63 of the payment terminal 13 to advise the user to make the payment by mail insertion. Next, in step S123, the CPU 51 executes the deposit settlement. Next, in step S125, the CPU 51 determines whether the merge payment is complete. If the CPU 51 determines that the merge payment is not complete (step S125: NO), the process returns to step S123. If the CPU 51 determines that the merge payment is complete (step S125: YES), the process ends.

[0074] (Summary of the first embodiment) As described above, this embodiment is configured to include a communication unit 131 that performs wireless communication with the credit card 11, and a control unit 132 that determines whether or not payment with the credit card 11 can be made by wireless communication with the communication unit 131, i.e., whether or not touch payment can be made, and controls notification that touch payment is possible according to the determination result. Therefore, since notification of whether touch payment is available or not can be given, it is possible to guide the user to touch payment when making a credit card payment.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, whether or not payment via wireless communication is possible is determined based on payment information acquired prior to payment via wireless communication with the credit card 11. Therefore, for example, touch payment can be performed according to the payment amount limit acquired from the payment information.

[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, the wireless communication for acquiring payment information before payment is performed at a longer distance than the wireless communication during payment. Therefore, when communicating information on whether or not touch payment is possible, there is no need to touch the credit card to the device as in the case of payment.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that payment by wireless communication, i.e., touch payment, is possible, the insertion of the credit card 11 into the credit card reading unit, i.e., the IC card reader 67, is restricted. Therefore, when touch payment is available, the insertion of a card into the credit card insertion slot is prevented, and it is possible to reliably guide the user to touch payment.

[0078] In addition, when touch payment is available, the control unit 132 may not only close the insertion port of the IC card reader 67 with the shutter 67A, but also provide a blocking mechanism that protrudes a pin inside the slide groove of the magnetic stripe reader 65.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can be guided to touch payment by notifying the user by various means that touch payment is available when making a payment with the credit card 11. Preventing unnecessary insertion payments and guiding the user to touch payment has the advantages of shortening the payment processing time for the user, omitting the need to enter a PIN code, and reducing the waiting time for the next user.

[0080] In addition, by notifying the user that touch payment is available not only by emitting light, but also by sound output, displaying on the screen, and physically blocking the insertion port by closing, the notification can be conveyed not only visually but also by hearing and touch, making it possible for blind people and people with low eyesight to know that touch payment is available.

[0081] Second Embodiment The second embodiment is characterized in that, when it is determined that touch payment, which is a payment via wireless communication, is possible, the credit card is made to emit light, that is, the state of the visible portion is changed. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment, in which the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0082] The processing unit 111 (see FIG. 2) of this embodiment performs processing to control changes in the state of the credit card 11. For example, the processing unit 111 performs processing to change the light emission of the light-emitting unit 81, which is a visible unit, as the state of the credit card 11. Specifically, the processing unit 111 supplies power through the payment terminal 13 and controls the power supply to the credit card 11 so that the credit card 11 emits light when there is an instruction to emit light.

[0083] The physical configuration of the light emission of the credit card 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the credit card 11 is provided with LED lights as light emission units 81 so that the four sides around it are illuminated. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the entire or part of the surface of the credit card 11 may be illuminated, or the four corners of the credit card 11 may be illuminated.

[0084] The signal flow when credit card 11 emits light is as follows: a signal is sent from payment terminal 13 to credit card 11, and processing unit 111 of credit card 11 identifies the received signal and emits light to credit card 11. When payment is completed, the signal transmission stops, and the light emission of credit card 11 stops.

[0085] Next, the operation of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the payment terminal 13, the payment process shown in Fig. 6 is executed. Each process in the payment terminal 13 is executed by the CPU 51 functioning as the communication unit 131, the control unit 132, and the payment processing unit 133. The payment process is an example of an information processing method of the present invention.

[0086] The payment process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0087] In step S201, the CPU 51 receives a signal from the general-purpose terminal 12 and starts up the payment terminal 13. Next, in step S203, CPU 51 puts settlement terminal 13 into a standby state.

[0088] Next, in step S205, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the credit card 11 is within the communication range of the payment terminal 13. If the CPU 51 determines that the credit card 11 is not within the communication range of the payment terminal 13 (step S205: NO), the process returns to step S203. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the credit card 11 is within the communication range of the payment terminal 13 (step S205: YES), the process proceeds to step S207.

[0089] Next, in step S207, the CPU 51 executes NFC communication of the payment terminal 13 to communicate with the credit card 11.

[0090] Next, in step S209, the CPU 51 acquires payment information from the credit card 11 and determines whether or not touch payment is possible. If the CPU 51 determines that touch payment is not possible (step S209: NO), the process proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that touch payment is possible (step S209: YES), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0091] Next, in step S211, the CPU 51 determines whether the payment amount for the touch payment is within the range of the possible touch payment amount. That is, the CPU 51 determines whether it is equal to or less than the upper limit of the amount available for touch payment. If the CPU 51 determines that the payment amount is not within the range of the possible touch payment amount (step S211: NO), the process proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the payment amount is within the range of the possible touch payment amount (step S211: YES), the process proceeds to step S213.

[0092] Next, in step S213, the CPU 51 supplies power to the credit card 11 to cause it to emit light.

[0093] Next, in step S215, CPU 51 executes a notification process from payment terminal 13 to the user. The notification process mainly executes processes using three types of methods. Specifically, a notification by illuminating the area around touch payment unit 91, which causes LED light 71 to light up. A notification by sound output from payment terminal 13, which causes a predetermined sound to be output from speaker 61. A notification by displaying text in a location of payment terminal 13 that is visible to the user, which indicates that touch payment is possible, which causes the text to be displayed on display device 63. Note that these notifications may not be executed simultaneously, but may be executed partially.

[0094] Next, in step S217, the CPU 51 executes processing for touch payment.

[0095] Next, in step S219, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the touch payment is completed. If the CPU 51 determines that the touch payment is not completed (step S219: NO), the process returns to step S213. On the other hand, if the CPU 51 determines that the touch payment is completed (step S219: YES), the process ends.

[0096] In step S221, CPU 51 executes a process of informing the user of the payment by mail insertion. Specifically, the process displays a message on display device 63 of payment terminal 13 instructing the user to make the payment by mail insertion. Next, in step S223, the CPU 51 executes the deposit settlement. Next, in step S225, the CPU 51 determines whether the merge payment is complete. If the CPU 51 determines that the merge payment is not complete (step S225: NO), the process returns to step S223. If the CPU 51 determines that the merge payment is complete (step S225: YES), the process ends.

[0097] (Summary of the second embodiment) As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0098] In this embodiment, when it is determined that touch payment is possible, the state of the credit card 11 is controlled via wireless communication so as to change the light emitting unit 81, which is a visible unit. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user through the credit card that touch payment is possible.

[0099] The state of the credit card 11 may be changed by vibration, temperature change, generation of a weak current, expansion of the credit card 11, or the like, in addition to the light emission which is the state change of the visible part exemplified above. This corresponds to a change in the state of the contact part. Also, an electromagnet may be mounted on the credit card 11, and when the credit card 11 is brought close to the insertion slot of the IC card reader 67 of the payment terminal 13 when touch payment is available, a repulsive force may be generated between the credit card 11 and the payment terminal 13, preventing the credit card 11 from coming close to the insertion slot. In this way, in this embodiment, the change in the state of the credit card 11 notifies that touch payment is available.

[0100] In the second embodiment, an example in which the four sides of the credit card 11 are illuminated has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the CPU 51 may perform control so as to illuminate the light-emitting portions arranged around the mark and logo mark on the face of the credit card 11 indicating that touch payment is possible. With this configuration, the payment terminal 13 can more effectively notify the user that touch payment is possible.

[0101] The second embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when touch payment is available, a mechanism for closing the insertion port of the IC card reader 67 may be combined with a change in state, such as light emission, of the credit card 11.

[0102] In the above embodiment, whether or not touch payment is available is determined via NFC communication, but this is not limited thereto. For example, when the credit card 11 is brought close to the payment terminal 13, the payment terminal 13 acquires an image of the front side of the credit card 11, and performs image analysis in the payment terminal 13 to determine whether or not touch payment is available based on the presence or absence of a logo mark for touch payment. More specifically, the control unit 132 detects that the credit card 11 is brought close to the insertion slot, and takes an image of the front side of the credit card 11 with a camera installed near the insertion slot. After that, the control unit 132 extracts the display of the logo or brand included in the image information of the front side of the credit card 11 using a method such as template matching. The control unit 132 specifies the payment method that can be used for payment from the extracted logo or brand. As an example, the control unit 132 has a storage unit that stores in advance the correspondence between payment methods including touch payment and logo marks, and specifies the available payment method by referring to the storage unit based on the image information. The subsequent processing is omitted because it is similar to S109.

[0103] (Modification) As a modified example, when the credit card 11 is brought close to a place unrelated to the touch payment while the touch payment is available, the control unit 132 may cause the LED light 71 of the payment terminal 13 to emit light in a different color. That is, in the modified example, the emission color of the LED light 71 is changed according to the position of the credit card 11 approaching the payment terminal 13, thereby making it possible to notify the user of the place to bring the credit card 11 close. The following describes the differences from the second embodiment, in which the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0104] When touch payment is available, the control unit 132 causes the LED light 71 of the payment terminal 13 to light up in red, a warning color, when the credit card 11 approaches the insertion slot of the magnetic stripe reader 65 or IC card reader 67, to notify the user that the payment method is incorrect. On the other hand, when the credit card 11 approaches the touch payment unit 91, the LED light 71 lights up in green, the correct color, to notify the user that the payment method is correct. Note that the color combinations are merely examples. Also, not only the colors but also the flashing patterns may be changed.

[0105] In this modification, the color of the LED light 71 in the payment terminal 13 is changed depending on the position of the credit card 11 approaching the payment terminal 13, but this is not limited to the above. For example, as in the second embodiment, the color of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 81 in the credit card 11 may be changed depending on the position of the credit card 11 relative to the payment terminal 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Information Processing Systems 11. Credit Cards 12 General-purpose terminals 13 Payment terminal 14 Server 51 CPU 53 RAM 55 ROM 57 Input / Output Interface 59 Input Devices 61 Speaker 63 Display device 65 Magnetic Stripe Reader 67 IC card reader 69 Wireless communication devices 71 LED Light 73 Bus 75 IC chip 77 Magnetic Stripe 79 Antenna 81 Light emitting part 91 Touch Payment Department 131 Communications Department 132 Control section 133 Payment Processing Unit N Network

Claims

1. a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a credit card; a control unit that determines whether or not the credit card payment via wireless communication is possible, and controls a notification that the payment via wireless communication is possible according to a result of the determination; An information processing device comprising:

2. The control unit is The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing device determines whether the payment via wireless communication is possible based on payment information acquired via wireless communication with the credit card before the payment.

3. The communication unit is The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the wireless communication for acquiring the payment information before the payment is performed at a longer distance than the wireless communication at the time of the payment.

4. The control unit is The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a step of restricting insertion of the credit card into the credit card reading unit when it is determined that the payment via wireless communication is possible.

5. The control unit is 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the insertion of the credit card is prevented by controlling a physical mechanism to prevent the insertion of the credit card.

6. The control unit is The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising control means for changing a state of at least one of a visible portion and a contact portion of the credit card via wireless communication when it is determined that the payment via wireless communication is possible.

7. The control unit is 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: acquiring image information attached to the credit card; and determining whether or not payment with the credit card can be made by wireless communication based on the image information.

8. An information processing system comprising: the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a credit card that wirelessly communicates with the communication unit, The information processing system includes a change unit that changes the state of at least one of a visible portion and a contact portion of the credit card depending on a determination result in the information processing device as to whether the payment via wireless communication is possible.

9. Wireless communication with credit card, determining whether or not the credit card payment via wireless communication is possible, and controlling a notification that the payment via wireless communication is possible according to a result of the determination; A computer implemented information processing method.

10. Wireless communication with credit card, determining whether or not the credit card payment via wireless communication is possible, and controlling a notification that the payment via wireless communication is possible according to a result of the determination; An information processing program executed by a computer.

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