Server apparatus, server apparatus control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server apparatus which contributes to the improved convenience of a user who uses electronic money.SOLUTION: A server apparatus comprises memory means and charge control means. The memory means links the respective biological information and charge amounts of plural users, and memorizes them. When the charge control means receives the biological information of a charge applicant from a charge terminal, it executes collation processing using the received biological information and the memorized biological information. The charge control means specifies the charge applicant from among the plural users by executing the collation processing, and executes control related to the charge of electronic money using the charge money of the specified charge applicant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a control method for the server device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic money has become widespread as a means of payment for purchases of goods and the like. There are technologies related to charging for using electronic money.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing a charge control device that efficiently charges a charge amount. The mediation server as the charge control device of Patent Document 1 has a transmission unit, a reception unit, a determination unit, and an instruction unit. The transmission unit transmits a list of financial institutions to the user terminal. The reception unit receives information regarding the financial institution selected in the first application and information regarding the charge amount from the user terminal. The determination unit determines whether user authentication information has been acquired. The instruction unit instructs the second server to transfer the input charge amount from the account of the user who has an account opened at the selected financial institution and is associated with the second application based on the user authentication information. When the charge amount has been transferred, the instruction unit instructs the first server to charge the charge amount to the first application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, charging from a financial institution is required for using electronic money. As a charging form of electronic money, there is an auto-charge in which charging is automatically performed when the balance of the electronic money falls below a predetermined amount. However, in many cases, a dedicated credit card or the like is required to use the auto-charge. In other words, users who do not own a credit card dedicated to auto-charge cannot use the auto-charge.

[0006] A main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a control method of the server device, and a program that contribute to improving the convenience of users who use electronic money.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device including: a storage means for storing by associating biometric information of each of a plurality of users with a charge amount; and a charge control means for, when receiving biometric information of a charge applicant from a charge terminal, identifying the charge applicant from among the plurality of users by executing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, and executing control regarding charging of electronic money using the charge amount of the identified charge applicant.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of a server device including: a storage step of storing by associating biometric information of each of a plurality of users with a charge amount; and a charge control step for, when receiving biometric information of a charge applicant from a charge terminal, identifying the charge applicant from among the plurality of users by executing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, and executing control regarding charging of electronic money using the charge amount of the identified charge applicant.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute a storage process of associating and storing biometric information and a charge amount for each of a plurality of users, and when receiving biometric information of a person wishing to charge from a charging terminal, executing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the person wishing to charge from among the plurality of users, and executing control regarding charging of electronic money using the charge amount of the identified person wishing to charge.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for the server device, and a program are provided that contribute to improving the convenience of users who use electronic money. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above. Instead of or together with the above effects, other effects may be achieved by the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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[0012] First, an overview of an embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings appended to this overview are for convenience of each element as an example to assist understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Also, unless otherwise specified, the blocks described in each drawing represent a configuration of a functional unit, not a configuration of a hardware unit. The connection lines between the blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional ones. For a unidirectional arrow, it schematically shows the flow of the main signal (data) and does not exclude bidirectionality. In this specification and the drawings, for elements that can be similarly described, duplicate description may be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0013] The server device 100 according to an embodiment includes a storage unit 101 and a charge control unit 102 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 stores by associating the biometric information of each of a plurality of users with the charge amount (step S1 in FIG. 2). When the charge control unit 102 receives the biometric information of a person who wishes to charge from a charge terminal, the charge control unit 102 executes a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information (step S2). By executing the collation process, the charge control unit 102 identifies the person who wishes to charge from among the plurality of users, and executes control regarding the charging of electronic money using the charge amount of the identified person who wishes to charge (step S3).

[0014] The server device 100 accepts a user's request regarding the charging of electronic money using biometric authentication. As a result, even a user who does not have a dedicated credit card for auto-charging as described above can charge electronic money. As a result, the convenience of users who use electronic money is improved.

[0015] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [System Configuration] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10, at least one or more charge terminals 20, at least one or more settlement terminals 30, and a terminal 40.

[0018] The server device 10 is a server that provides an electronic money service using an application that operates on a smartphone or a transportation IC (Integrated Circuit) card.

[0019] The server device 10 manages the accounts of users. The server device 10 manages, in the said account, the user's name, the balance of electronic money, the usage history of electronic money, account information (for example, bank account, credit card information), etc.

[0020] The server device 10 may be installed inside the building of the operator providing the electronic money service, or may be installed on the network (in the cloud).

[0021] The charge terminal 20 is a terminal for realizing the transfer of money from the account (bank account, credit card company) registered in the account to the account for electronic money. The charge terminal 20 is a terminal for realizing the so-called charging of electronic money. For example, the charge terminal 20 is a pole-type terminal (a terminal that can be installed on a pole). There is no restriction on the installation location of the charge terminal 20, but for example, the charge terminal 20 is installed at stations, bus stops, etc.

[0022] The method of charging electronic money using the charge terminal 20 will be described later.

[0023] The settlement terminal 30 is a terminal for settling the user's consumption behavior with electronic money. There is no restriction on the installation location of the settlement terminal 30, but for example, the settlement terminal 30 is installed at stations, retail stores, restaurants, etc. For example, the settlement terminal 30 is a gate-type device (for example, a ticket gate installed at a station ticket gate) or a POS (Point of Sale) terminal capable of reading a two-dimensional barcode.

[0024] The user possesses the terminal 40. The user operates the terminal 40 to access the server device 10. Also, an application for electronic money is installed on the terminal 40. The user can enjoy the electronic money service by installing the said application.

[0025] Each device shown in FIG. 3 is connected to a network. Specifically, the server device 10, the charge terminal 20, the payment terminal 30, and the terminal 40 are connected to the network by wired or wireless communication means.

[0026] The configuration of the information processing system shown in FIG. 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, a plurality of server devices 10 may be included in the information processing system. Load distribution and redundancy may be achieved by the plurality of server devices 10. Also, the number of charge terminals 20 and payment terminals 30 included in the information processing system is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 3.

[0027] [Schematic Operation] Subsequently, the schematic operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0028] [Preparation of Application] The user installs an application for electronic money (hereinafter, may also be simply referred to as an app) on the terminal 40. The user uses the installed app to generate an account on the server device 10 or access the generated account.

[0029] [Generation of Account] After installing the app, the user generates an account for electronic money. The user operates the terminal 40 to access the server device 10.

[0030] The server device 10 acquires the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, login information, contact information (e.g., phone number, email address), biometric information, account information (e.g., bank account, credit card information), etc. on a web page or the like for user registration.

[0031] Note that examples of biometric information include data (feature amounts) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, vein, retina, and iris pattern of the pupil. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or a fingerprint image. The biometric information only needs to include the user's physical characteristics as information. In the present disclosure, the case of using biometric information (a face image or a feature amount generated from a face image) related to a person's "face" will be described.

[0032] When the server device 10 acquires the name, biometric information, account information, etc. from the user, it generates an account ID for identifying the user's account. The server device 10 stores the generated account ID and the acquired information in association with each other in an account management database. Details of the account management database will be described later.

[0033] In addition, the server device 10 pays out the generated account ID to the user. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits the generated account ID to the terminal 40. The terminal 40 stores the received account ID.

[0034] Note that, on behalf of the user, an agent or the like of the user may generate an account. For example, a parent of a child may generate an account in the name of the child. In this case, the parent operates the child's terminal 40 and inputs the child's name, the child's biometric information (face image), etc. to the server device 10. At that time, the parent may register their own bank account or credit card information with the server device 10.

[0035] <Charge Setting> The user who has generated an account can set the charge of electronic money. The user can set the amount that can be charged (charge amount) and the timing at which the charge is executed (charge timing) for the charge of electronic money in one procedure.

[0036] Regarding the recharge amount, the user can set the amount to be transferred from their own bank account or the like to the account for electronic money through a single recharge procedure. For example, the user determines the amount to be transferred from the bank account or the like to the account for electronic money in a single recharge, such as 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or 10,000 yen.

[0037] Furthermore, the user selects the desired recharge timing from two options.

[0038] The first option is the option where the recharge is executed when the remaining balance of the electronic money falls below the preset amount. When this option is selected, even if the user performs the procedure at the recharge terminal 20, the recharge is not immediately made, and the recharge is executed when the remaining balance of the electronic money falls below the preset amount.

[0039] The second option is the option where the recharge is executed at the timing when the user performs the recharge procedure at the recharge terminal 20. When this option is selected, regardless of the remaining balance of the electronic money, the preset recharge amount is charged at the timing when the user performs the procedure at the recharge terminal 20.

[0040] In the following description, the first option is referred to as "execute as appropriate" and the second option is referred to as "execute immediately".

[0041] <Implementation of Recharge> When using electronic money at a station, a retail store, or the like, or when accessing the account using an application, the user checks the remaining balance of the electronic money. If the user checks the remaining balance and determines that a recharge of the electronic money is necessary, the user moves in front of the recharge terminal 20 installed at the station or the like (see FIG. 4).

[0042] When the recharge terminal 20 detects the user in front of it, the recharge terminal 20 acquires the biometric information (for example, a face image) of the user. The recharge terminal 20 transmits a "recharge request" including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10.

[0043] The server device 10 executes a collation process (authentication process) using the biometric information included in the charge request and the biometric information stored in the account management database. The server device 10 identifies the user (the user's account) standing in front of the charge terminal 20 through the collation process.

[0044] When the charge timing of the identified user is set to "execute as appropriate", the server device 10 stores in the account that the user wishes to charge. The server device 10 accesses the account management database at regular intervals or at a predetermined timing, and when "charge desired" is set and the electronic money balance is less than or equal to the set amount, it executes the charge of the electronic money.

[0045] When the charge timing of the user identified by the collation process is set to "execute immediately", the server device 10 executes the charge of the electronic money regardless of the balance of the electronic money.

[0046] When executing the charge of the electronic money, the server device 10 charges the charge amount previously set by the identified user. Specifically, the server device 10 uses the account information previously set by the identified user to perform the charge. The server device 10 instructs the bank, credit card company, etc. designated by the user to transfer the charge amount to a predetermined account (the account of the electronic money service provider).

[0047] In addition, the server device 10 transmits a response to the charge request to the charge terminal 20. When the charge request can be processed correctly, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response indicating that to the charge terminal 20. When the charge request cannot be processed correctly, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating that to the charge terminal 20.

[0048] <Usage of Electronic Money> When using e-money, the user touches a terminal 40 equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication) function to a payment terminal 30 (a ticket gate), for example. For example, a user who attempts to exit the ticket gate after passing through the ticket gate touches the terminal 40 to a predetermined area of the payment terminal 30.

[0049] Alternatively, the user operates the terminal 40 to display a two-dimensional barcode. An employee at a retail store or the like operates the payment terminal 30 to read the displayed two-dimensional barcode.

[0050] The terminal 40 transmits the account ID issued from the server device 10 to the payment terminal 30 using NFC or a two-dimensional barcode.

[0051] The payment terminal 30 transmits a "payment request" including the acquired account ID and terminal ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0052] The terminal ID is an ID for identifying the payment terminal 30. For the terminal ID, the MAC (Media Access Control) address or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the payment terminal 30 can be used.

[0053] Note that the payment terminal 30 transmits a payment request including payment information to the server device 10 as necessary. The payment information includes information about the store where e-money was used, information about products purchased with e-money, the payment amount, and the like.

[0054] The server device 10 that has received the payment request performs a payment using the user's e-money. Specifically, the server device 10 identifies the user (the user's account) who used e-money using the account ID included in the payment request. Further, the server device 10 identifies the station, retail store, etc. where the user used e-money using the terminal ID.

[0055] When the user or the like is identified, the server device 10 processes the payment request received from the payment terminal 30. For example, when the user exits from the ticket gate, the server device 10 calculates the fare of the user and deducts the calculated fare from the electronic money balance. Alternatively, when the user purchases goods or the like, the server device 10 deducts the payment amount included in the payment information from the electronic money balance.

[0056] When the payment using electronic money is successful, the server device 10 generates a usage history of the electronic money and stores it in the account.

[0057] The server device 10 transmits a response to the payment request to the payment terminal 30. When the payment process is successful, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response indicating that to the payment terminal 30. At that time, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response including the electronic money balance to the payment terminal 30. When the payment process fails, the server device 10 transmits a negative response indicating that to the payment terminal 30.

[0058] When the payment is successful, for example, the user can exit from the ticket gate. Alternatively, when the payment is successful, the user can leave the store such as a retail store. The payment terminal 30 notifies the electronic money user of the remaining balance of the electronic money notified from the server device 10 as necessary.

[0059] Subsequently, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] [Server Device] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the embodiment disclosed in the present application. Referring to FIG. 6, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, an account control unit 202, a charge control unit 203, a payment control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0061] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the charging terminal 20. Also, the communication control unit 201 transmits data to the charging terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 delivers the data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits the data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules perform data transmission and reception with other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit for receiving data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit for transmitting data to other devices.

[0062] The account control unit 202 is a means for performing control related to accounts.

[0063] The account control unit 202 acquires the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, login information (ID, password), contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), biometric information (face image), account information, etc. on a predetermined web page or the like.

[0064] The account control unit 202 generates feature amounts from the acquired face image. Since existing technologies can be used for the generation process of feature amounts, detailed description thereof is omitted. For example, the account control unit 202 extracts eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Thereafter, the account control unit 202 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between the feature points as feature amounts (generates a feature vector composed of a plurality of feature amounts).

[0065] Furthermore, the account control unit 202 generates an account ID for identifying the account. The account ID may be any information as long as it can uniquely identify the account. For example, the account control unit 202 may assign a unique value each time an account is generated and use it as the account ID.

[0066] The account control unit 202 stores the generated account ID, biometric information (feature amount), etc. in the account management database (see Fig. 7). Note that the account management database shown in Fig. 7 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, a face image of the user may be stored in the account management database.

[0067] The account control unit 203 transmits the generated account ID to the terminal 40.

[0068] The charge control unit 203 is a means for executing control related to the charge of electronic money.

[0069] The charge control unit 203 acquires charge-related settings in response to a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a charge setting button) by the user logged in to the account.

[0070] For example, the charge control unit 203 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) as shown in Fig. 8 on the terminal 40 to acquire the charge amount desired by the user.

[0071] After acquiring the charge amount, the charge control unit 203 acquires the charge timing desired by the user. For example, the charge control unit 203 acquires the charge timing (execute as appropriate, execute immediately) desired by the user using a GUI as shown in Fig. 9.

[0072] When the user selects "execute immediately", the charge control unit 203 ends the charge setting by the user.

[0073] When the user selects "execute as appropriate", the charge control unit 203 acquires the amount (set amount) that triggers the charge. For example, the charge control unit 203 acquires the set amount using a GUI as shown in Fig. 10.

[0074] In this way, in addition to the recharge amount, the charge control unit 203 acquires from the user settings regarding the timing at which the electronic money is recharged.

[0075] The charge control unit 203 processes the charge request received from the charge terminal 20.

[0076] When the charge control unit 203 receives the biometric information of the person wishing to recharge from the charge terminal 20, it executes a collation process using the received biometric information and the biometric information stored in the account management database. By executing the collation process, the charge control unit 203 identifies the person wishing to recharge from among a plurality of users, and executes control regarding the recharge of electronic money using the recharge amount of the identified person wishing to recharge.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 11, the operation of the charge control unit 203 when processing a charge request will be described.

[0078] Upon receiving a charge request, the charge control unit 203 executes a collation process using the biometric information included in the request and the biometric information stored in the account management database (step S101).

[0079] More specifically, the charge control unit 203 generates a feature amount from the face image included in the charge request. The charge control unit 203 sets the generated feature amount as the collation target, and performs a collation process (1-to-N collation; N is a positive integer, the same hereinafter) with the feature amounts stored in the account management database.

[0080] The charge control unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature amount of the collation target and each of the plurality of feature amounts on the registration side. For the similarity, a chi-square distance, a Euclidean distance, or the like can be used. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0081] If there is no feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be collated among the plurality of feature amounts stored in the account management database is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the charge control unit 203 determines that the collation process has failed.

[0082] If there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be collated among the plurality of feature amounts stored in the account management database is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the charge control unit 203 determines that the collation process has succeeded. In this case, the user of the entry with the highest similarity is specified as the charge requester.

[0083] When the collation process fails (branch to No in step S102), the charge control unit 203 transmits a negative response as a response to the charge request (step S103).

[0084] When the collation process succeeds (branch to Yes in step S102), the charge control unit 203 refers to the settings regarding the charge timing of the user identified by the collation process.

[0085] When the charge timing setting is "appropriately set" (branch to Yes in step S104), the charge control unit 203 sets that a charge is requested for the user's account (step S105). Specifically, the charge control unit 203 sets a flag in the charge request field of the account management database.

[0086] When the charge timing setting is "execute immediately" (branch to No in step S104), the charge control unit 203 executes the charge of the electronic money (step S106).

[0087] Specifically, the charge control unit 203 instructs a bank, a credit card company, etc. stored in the user's account to transfer the pre-set charge amount from the user's account, etc. to a predetermined account (the account of the electronic money service provider).

[0088] Details regarding requests for money transfers to banks or credit card companies will be omitted. Transferring money from a bank account or the like to an electronic money account is obvious to those skilled in the art and is different from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0089] When the verification process is successful and the charge request can be processed normally (when a charge request is set or when the charge is executed immediately), the charge control unit 203 transmits an affirmative response to the charge terminal 20 (step S107).

[0090] The charge control unit 203 accesses the account management database at regular or predetermined timings. The charge control unit 203 detects an entry (account) in which a flag is set in the charge request field and the remaining balance of the electronic money is less than the set amount. If there is an entry that meets the above conditions, the charge control unit 203 executes the charge of the electronic money.

[0091] In this way, the charge control unit 203 executes the charge of the electronic money at the timing when the remaining balance of the electronic money of the charge applicant identified by the verification process becomes less than or equal to the preset set amount. Alternatively, the charge control unit 203 immediately executes the charge of the electronic money at the timing when the charge applicant is identified by the verification process.

[0092] The settlement control unit 204 is a means for performing control related to settlement accompanying the use of electronic money. The settlement control unit 204 performs control related to settlement accompanying the use of electronic money for each of a plurality of users. The settlement control unit 204 generates a usage history of electronic money for each of a plurality of users.

[0093] The settlement control unit 204 processes the settlement request received from the settlement terminal 30.

[0094] Upon receiving a settlement request, the settlement control unit 204 searches the account management database using the account ID included in the request. The settlement control unit 204 identifies the electronic money user using the account ID.

[0095] In addition, the settlement control unit 204 identifies the type of the settlement terminal 30, which is the source of the settlement request, based on the terminal ID. For example, the settlement control unit 204 refers to table information or the like that stores the correspondence between the terminal ID and the type of the settlement terminal 30, and identifies the station where the ticket gate is installed, the store where the POS terminal is installed, and the like.

[0096] The settlement control unit 204 executes a settlement process according to the identified type of the settlement terminal 30. For example, when the user attempts to exit the station through the ticket gate, the settlement control unit 204 calculates the fare based on the station where the user entered and the station where the user exited. The settlement control unit 204 deducts the electronic money corresponding to the calculated fare from the user's electronic money balance.

[0097] When the user enters the ticket gate, the ticket gate (gate device type settlement terminal 30) transmits an "entry notice" including the account ID and the terminal ID to the server device 10. The server device 10 identifies the user (the person entering the ticket gate) based on the account ID included in the entry notice, and sets the entry station for the account corresponding to the account ID.

[0098] Alternatively, when the user purchases goods or the like at a retail store or the like, the settlement control unit 204 deducts the settlement amount included in the settlement information from the electronic money balance.

[0099] When the settlement using electronic money is successful, the settlement control unit 204 generates a usage history of the electronic money. For example, the settlement control unit 204 generates usage histories such as "January 10, 2024; railway use; boarding at Station A, alighting at Station B; fare 800 yen" and "January 10, 2024; Retail Store A; purchase of Product B; price 1000 yen".

[0100] The settlement control unit 204 stores the generated usage history in the account management database. In the usage history fields H01, H02, H03, etc. of FIG. 7, specific usage histories related to railway use and product purchases as exemplified above are described.

[0101] The settlement control unit 204 transmits a response to the settlement request to the settlement terminal 30. When the settlement process is successful, the settlement control unit 204 transmits an affirmative response indicating that fact to the settlement terminal 30. The settlement control unit 204 transmits an affirmative response including the electronic money balance of the electronic money user to the settlement terminal 30.

[0102] When the settlement process fails, the settlement control unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating that fact to the settlement terminal 30. For example, when the account ID included in the settlement request is not registered in the account management database, the settlement control unit 204 fails in the settlement process. Or, when the electronic money balance of the user is insufficient, the settlement control unit 204 also fails in the settlement process.

[0103] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 205 stores at least the biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with the recharge amount.

[0104] [Charge Terminal] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the charge terminal 20 according to the embodiment disclosed in the present application. Referring to FIG. 12, the charge terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a biometric information acquisition unit 302, a charge control unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

[0105] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. Also, the communication control unit 301 transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 delivers the data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits the data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules perform data transmission and reception with other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0106] The biological information acquisition unit 302 is a means for acquiring the biological information of the charge applicant. The biological information acquisition unit 302 acquires image data from the camera device at regular intervals or at a predetermined timing. When acquiring image data from the camera device, the biological information acquisition unit 302 attempts to extract a face image from the acquired image data.

[0107] Note that since existing technologies can be used for the face image extraction process by the biological information acquisition unit 302, a detailed description is omitted. For example, the biological information acquisition unit 302 may extract a face image (face region) from the image data using a learning model learned by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the biological information acquisition unit 302 may extract a face image using a method such as template matching.

[0108] If a face image is not extracted, the biological information acquisition unit 302 does not perform any special processing.

[0109] If a face image is extracted, the biological information acquisition unit 302 delivers the extracted face image to the charge control unit 303.

[0110] The charge control unit 303 is a means for executing control related to the charging of electronic money.

[0111] When the charge control unit 303 acquires biometric information (face image) from the biometric information acquisition unit 302, it transmits a charge request including the biometric information to the server device 10.

[0112] The charge control unit 303 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the charge request from the server device 10.

[0113] When receiving a positive response, the charge control unit 303 notifies the charge requester that the charge request has been processed normally. When receiving a negative response, the charge control unit 303 notifies the charge requester that the charge request has not been processed normally.

[0114] The storage unit 304 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the charging terminal 20.

[0115] [Payment Terminal] Examples of the payment terminal 30 include a gate device, a POS terminal, etc. Since the configuration of the payment terminal 30 and the like are obvious to those skilled in the art, detailed description is omitted. The payment terminal 30 acquires an account ID from the terminal 40 possessed by the user, and transmits a payment request including the acquired account ID to the server device 10. The payment terminal 30 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the payment request, and performs an operation according to the received response.

[0116] [Terminal] Examples of the terminal 40 include portable terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game machines, tablets, and computers (personal computers, notebook personal computers). The terminal 40 can be any device or apparatus as long as it can receive the user's operation and communicate with the server device 10 or the like.

[0117] [System Operation] Subsequently, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment disclosed in the present application. Referring to FIG. 13, the system operation regarding the charging procedure will be described.

[0119] The charging terminal 20 transmits a "charging request" including the biometric information of the person who wishes to charge to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0120] Upon receiving the charging request, the server device 10 executes a collation process using the biometric information (step S02).

[0121] The server device 10 executes a process related to charging according to the settings (charging timing setting; execute as appropriate, execute immediately) of the user identified by the collation process (execute a charging-related process; step S03).

[0122] The server device 10 transmits a response corresponding to the charging request to the charging terminal 20 (step S04).

[0123] The charging terminal 20 notifies the user of the result of the charging procedure (step S05).

[0124] Subsequently, a modification according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0125] <Modification 1> The server device 10 may set a plurality of chargeable persons for one account. For example, when a parent creates a child's account, not only the child but also the parent may be able to charge the electronic money. That is, the server device 10 may make the electronic money used by the child chargeable by the parent.

[0126] In this case, the server device 10 acquires not only the biometric information of the child but also the biometric information of the parent at the time of account creation. The server device 10 stores the biometric information (feature amounts) of the parent and the child in one account (entry) of the account management database.

[0127] The server device 10 performs processes related to charging (setting of charging desire, immediate execution of charging) for an account identified by collation processing using the biometric information included in the charging request and the biometric information stored in the account management database.

[0128] In this way, the server device 10 may realize charging of electronic money by a person other than the user of the electronic money (for example, a guardian, etc.) by storing the biometric information of such a person.

[0129] That is, the storage unit 205 stores, using the account management database, the biometric information of a first user among a plurality of users in association with the biometric information of a second user who can charge the electronic money of the first user. When the second user is identified as the person desiring charging by the collation processing, the charge control unit 203 executes control regarding charging of the electronic money of the first user.

[0130] In addition, when control regarding charging of electronic money is performed, the server device 10 may notify the fact to a predetermined contact. For example, when a designated person desires charging (when the designated person is identified by biometric authentication), the server device 10 may notify the fact that control regarding charging has been executed to the email address registered in the account. For example, when a child desires charging (when the child is identified by biometric authentication), the server device 10 may notify the fact to the email address registered in the account (an address that can be received by the parent's terminal 40).

[0131] Note that the server device 10 may prohibit charging of electronic money by the user (account holder) and permit it only for charging of electronic money by a person other than the user. For example, regarding the electronic money used by a child, there may be a case where the parent wants to set the right to charge the electronic money not for the child but for himself / herself (the parent). In this case, the parent may register his / her own biometric information in the account instead of the biometric information of the child.

[0132] Alternatively, the server device 10 may store in the account management database that the account holder is not chargeable and store the biometric information of the person who can be charged.

[0133] In this way, the person who can charge the electronic money may be not only the user himself / herself but also his / her relatives (e.g., parents). Alternatively, the person who can charge the electronic money may be a person other than the user (e.g., parent) instead of the user himself / herself (e.g., child). Alternatively, both the child and the parent may be able to charge the electronic money.

[0134] Note that there may be a case where each of the parent and child has an account and the electronic money of the child is set to be chargeable by both the parent and the child. In this case, the same biometric information (the biometric information of the parent) is registered in the parent's account and the child's account, and the server device 10 cannot recognize which account to execute the charge control for based on the biometric authentication. Therefore, when the server device 10 receives one charge request and performs biometric authentication, if two or more accounts are identified, the server device 10 may notify the charge terminal 20 of the information regarding the two identified accounts. For example, the server device 10 notifies the charge terminal 20 of the information regarding the account holders of the two accounts (e.g., the names of the parent and the child respectively). The charge terminal 20 that receives the notification displays the two names and obtains which account the person who wishes to charge hopes to charge the electronic money for. The charge terminal 20 notifies the server device 10 of the account that the person who wishes to charge hopes to charge the electronic money for. The server device 10 executes the charge control for the notified account.

[0135] <Modification Example 2> The server device 10 may determine whether to accept a charge request from the user according to the user's attributes. That is, the charge control unit 203 may determine whether the identified person who wishes to charge can charge the electronic money based on the attributes of the identified person who wishes to charge obtained by the collation process.

[0136] For example, if the user is a minor, the server device 10 may set a limit on the number of charges that can be made within a predetermined period. For example, when the user is a minor, the server device 10 may limit the number of charges that can be made in one month to one time. In this case, the server device 10 rejects charge requests received after the second time within one month.

[0137] Specifically, when a charge is made a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period (when a charge request is processed normally), the server device 10 sends a negative response to the charge terminal 20 without processing charge requests that are more than the predetermined number of times.

[0138] Alternatively, when the user is a "child", the server device 10 may set a limit on the number of charges made by the child. In this case, when generating an account, the server device 10 acquires the attributes of the user (identity and position within the family). If the identity of the user is set to "child", the server device 10 may impose a limit on charge execution.

[0139] Alternatively, for each of the user and the person other than the user who can charge, the server device 10 may set the above restrictions on charge execution. For example, when a parent generates a child's account on behalf of the child, the parent may have no limit on the number of charges, and a limit on the number of charges may be set for the child. Also in this case, when generating an account, the server device 10 acquires the attributes (identity within the family, for example, parent, child) of each of the user and the person other than the user.

[0140] Note that the account control unit 202 of the server device 10 may obtain from the user (or the proxy account generator; for example, the parent) whether to limit the charge according to the above attributes, and settings regarding the predetermined period and number of times when the charge is limited.

[0141] <Modification Example 3> The server device 10 may determine whether to accept a charge request from a user according to the usage history of the electronic money. That is, the charge control unit 203 may determine whether the electronic money of the identified charge applicant can be charged based on the usage history of the charge applicant identified by the collation process.

[0142] For example, the charge control unit 203 analyzes the usage history of the charge applicant during a predetermined period. For example, the charge control unit 203 calculates, for the charge applicant, the number of payments to transportation facilities and the number of payments to retail stores, restaurants, etc. during a predetermined period, respectively.

[0143] When the ratio of the number of payments to the transportation facilities to the number of payments to retail stores, etc. exceeds a predetermined ratio, the charge control unit 203 rejects the charge request from the charge applicant. Alternatively, the charge control unit 203 may reject the charge request from the charge applicant when the number of payments to retail stores, etc. is greater than a predetermined number.

[0144] Alternatively, the charge control unit 203 may determine whether to accept a request (charge request) from the charge applicant based on the total payment amount to retail stores, etc. during a predetermined period. Specifically, if the total payment amount to retail stores during a predetermined period is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the charge control unit 203 rejects the charge request from the charge applicant.

[0145] In this way, the server device 10 may impose restrictions on the implementation of charging according to the usage history of the user's electronic money. For example, when the usage at retail stores is more than the number of times of using transportation means, the server device 10 may reject the charge request from the user.

[0146] Note that the account control unit 202 may obtain settings such as whether to restrict charging according to the usage history and the conditions (for example, the number of payments and the total payment amount to retail stores, etc.) when restricting charging from the user (or the proxy generator of the account; for example, the parent).

[0147] <Modification Example 4> If the server device 10 fails in the verification process executed in response to the reception of a charge request, it may treat the charge applicant as an unauthorized user of the charging terminal 20. In this case, the charge control unit 203 of the server device 10 may notify the administrator or security guard of the facility where the charging terminal 20 is installed of the biometric information (e.g., face image) of the charge applicant who failed in the verification process.

[0148] That is, when a person whose biometric information is not registered in the server device 10 attempts to charge using the charging terminal 20, the server device 10 may notify the security guard or the like of the face image of the person as the face image of an unauthorized user. The notified security guard or the like will rush to the charging terminal 20 and act appropriately. As a result, the security of the information processing system is ensured.

[0149] <Modification Example 5> The charging terminal 20 may be provided with a function to stop the use of electronic money. For example, when a user loses the terminal 40, the user is concerned about unauthorized use of the lost terminal 40 by a third party.

[0150] In this case, the user performs an electronic money use stop procedure using the charging terminal 20. Specifically, when the charging terminal 20 detects a user standing in front of the device, it acquires whether the user wishes to charge electronic money or wishes to stop the use of electronic money. For example, the charging terminal 20 acquires the user's wish using a GUI as shown in FIG. 14.

[0151] When the user wishes to charge, the charging terminal 20 transmits the charge request described above to the server device 10.

[0152] When the user wishes to stop the use of electronic money, the charging terminal 20 transmits a "use stop notice" including the biometric information of the user to the server device 10.

[0153] The account control unit 202 of the server device 10 that has received the stop notice identifies the user who wishes to suspend the use of the electronic money through the verification process using biometric information. The account control unit 202 sets "temporary suspension" for the entry (account) of the identified user.

[0154] If the "temporary suspension" is set for the account of the user identified based on the account ID included in the payment request, the payment control unit 204 rejects the payment request. The payment control unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating the unavailability of the electronic money to the payment terminal 30.

[0155] In addition, when an attempt is made to use the electronic money with an account for which the temporary suspension of the electronic money is set, the payment control unit 204 may submit information regarding the payment terminal 30 that is the source of the payment request (for example, the location where the lost terminal 40 was misused) to an investigative agency or the like.

[0156] In this way, the charging terminal 20 may accept an application to suspend the use of the electronic money. Since the suspension of the use of the electronic money is performed using biometric information, the user can immediately suspend the use of the electronic money without notifying the electronic money service provider or the like of the account ID or the like.

[0157] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment identifies a user who wishes to charge electronic money using biometric authentication. The server device 10 charges the electronic money using the charge method desired by the identified user. Specifically, when the charge method is set to "per-minute execution," the server device 10 charges the user's electronic money by a preset charge amount when the user's electronic money balance falls below a set amount. Furthermore, when the charge method is set to "instant execution," the server device 10 immediately charges the user's electronic money by the preset charge amount. In this manner, the server device 10 processes the user's charge application (charge request) using biometric authentication. As a result, even users who do not have a dedicated credit card for auto-charge can charge electronic money. In other words, any user can easily (empty-handedly) automatically charge electronic money. As a result, convenience for users who use electronic money is improved. Furthermore, the increased number of electronic money charging methods broadens the scope of fee collection for electronic money service providers. Furthermore, since the user who charged electronic money is identified using biometric authentication, fraudulent use of charging is prevented.

[0158] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0159] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 15. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0160] However, the configuration shown in FIG. 15 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, or may not be provided with the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Also, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example of FIG. 15. For example, a plurality of processors 311 may be included in the server device 10.

[0161] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), for example. Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0162] The memory 312 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0163] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like. The input device is a device that receives user operations such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example.

[0164] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, or the like that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like.

[0165] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. Further, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory one such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. Also, the above program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the above processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0166] Note that the charge terminal 20, the payment terminal 30, etc. can also be configured by an information processing device in the same manner as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is the same as that of the server device 10, so the description thereof is omitted. The charge terminal 20 may be provided with a camera device for photographing a person who wishes to charge.

[0167] The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. Also, the server device 10 executes a control method of the server device 10 by the program.

[0168] [Modification Example] Note that the configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are examples and are not intended to limit the configuration of the system.

[0169] In the above embodiment, it has been described that charging of electronic money is performed using the charging terminal 20. However, the charging of the electronic money may be performed by the terminal 40 possessed by the user. The user operates the terminal 40 to start the application. The terminal 40 acquires the biometric information of the user and transmits a charging request including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10. The server device 10 may process the charging request received from the terminal 40 in the same manner as the charging request received from the charging terminal 20.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the description has been made on the premise that the charging terminal 20 is installed at places such as stations and bus stops. However, there is no limitation on the installation location of the charging terminal 20, and the charging terminal 20 may be installed in private companies, local governments, retail stores, restaurants, etc.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the case where the user uses electronic money using the terminal 40 has been described. However, the user may use electronic money using a medium such as a transportation IC card. In this case, the account control unit 202 of the server device 10 may acquire the ID of the transportation IC card possessed by the user at the time of account generation and use the acquired ID as the account ID.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the case where the user of the electronic money is specified using the account ID has been described. However, the user of the electronic money may be specified by biometric authentication (face authentication). In this case, the settlement terminal 30 transmits an authentication request including the biometric information of the user who uses the electronic money to the server device 10. The server device 10 may specify the user of the electronic money by performing a collation process using the biometric information included in the authentication request and the biometric information stored in the account management database.

[0173] The server device 10 may submit a report on the user's behavior history (electronic money usage history) to the user or a related person (e.g., a guardian). In this case, the server device 10 includes an information providing unit. The information providing unit may transmit the usage history of electronic money during a predetermined period to the terminal 40 held by the user or a related person. Note that the information providing unit may disclose (provide) the usage history of electronic money to the user who has logged in to the account.

[0174] The server device 10 (account control unit 202) may access the account management database at regular intervals or at a predetermined timing, and detect an account with an electronic money balance below a predetermined amount. The account control unit 202 may send a message indicating insufficient balance to the email address (user's address or related person's address) stored in the detected account. Alternatively, the charge control unit 203 may automatically execute a charge for an account with insufficient balance.

[0175] When the charge control unit 203 executes a charge triggered by the electronic money balance falling below the user's set amount, the charge control unit 203 may notify the user of the details of the charge. For example, the charge control unit 203 may send information such as the date and time of the charge, the amount of the charge, and the balance of the electronic money after the charge to the user's email address.

[0176] When the charge control unit 203 normally processes a charge request, the charge control unit 203 may transmit information regarding the process to the charge terminal 20. For example, the charge control unit 203 may transmit information such as the charge amount selected by the person wishing to charge, the charge timing (execute as appropriate, execute immediately), and the electronic money balance to the charge terminal 20. For example, the charge control unit 203 may transmit an affirmative response (response to the charge request) including the above information to the charge terminal 20.

[0177] The server device 10 may generate a charge history of electronic money. Further, the server device 10 may provide information using the charge history. For example, the server device 10 detects a user who frequently charges electronic money. Specifically, the charge control unit 203 detects a user who has executed a charge a predetermined number of times or more during a predetermined period. The charge control unit 203 may transmit a message prompting the terminal 40 of the detected user to increase the charge amount. By increasing the charge amount, the number of charges is reduced, and the fees required for remittance are saved.

[0178] The server device 10 may set an upper limit on the balance of electronic money. The server device 10 may make a charge exceeding the upper limit impossible. For example, when receiving a charge request, if the balance of the user's electronic money is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the charge control unit 203 may reject the acceptance (processing of the charge request) of the charge request. In this case, the charge control unit 203 may transmit a negative response to the charge terminal 20 as a response to the charge request. By adding a limit to the balance of electronic money, the server device 10 can prevent a user (for example, a child) from charging electronic money without limit.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the case where a face image is transmitted from the charge terminal 20 to the server device 10 as biometric information has been described. However, a feature amount generated from the face image may be transmitted from the charge terminal 20 to the server device 10 as biometric information. In this case, the server device 10 may execute the collation process without generating a feature amount from the face image.

[0180] The form of data transmission and reception between each device (for example, the server device 10, the charge terminal 20, and the settlement terminal 30) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Between these devices, biometric information of the user and the like is transmitted and received, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable that encrypted data is transmitted and received.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the case where an account management database or the like is configured inside the server device 10 has been described. However, the database may be constructed in an external database server or the like. That is, some functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another server. More specifically, as long as the "charge control unit (charge control means)" or the like described above is implemented in any device included in the system.

[0182] In the flowcharts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order. However, the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiment is not limited to the order of the description. In the embodiment, for example, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not affect the content, such as executing each process in parallel.

[0183] The above embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate the understanding of the disclosure of the present application, and it is not intended that all the configurations described above are necessary. Also, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0184] From the above description, the industrial applicability of the present invention is clear, and the present invention is suitably applicable to an information processing system that provides an electronic money service or the like.

[0185] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto.

[0186] [Appended Claim 1] Storage means for storing the biometric information and the charge amount of each of a plurality of users in association with each other; When receiving the biometric information of the person who wishes to charge from the charging terminal, the charging control means executes a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information to identify the person who wishes to charge from among the plurality of users, and executes control regarding the charging of electronic money using the charging amount of the identified person who wishes to charge. A server device comprising the same. [Appendix 2] The server device according to Appendix 1, wherein the charging control means acquires a setting regarding the timing at which the electronic money is charged. [Appendix 3] The server device according to Appendix 2, wherein the charging control means executes the charging of the electronic money at a timing when the balance of the electronic money of the identified person who wishes to charge becomes equal to or less than a preset amount. [Appendix 4] The server device according to Appendix 2, wherein the charging control means executes the charging of the electronic money at the timing when the person who wishes to charge is identified by the collation process. [Appendix 5] The storage means stores the biometric information of the first user among the plurality of users in association with the biometric information of the second user who can charge the electronic money of the first user. The server device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein when the second user is identified as the person who wishes to charge by the collation process, the charging control means executes control regarding the charging of the electronic money of the first user. [Appendix 6] The server device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the charging control means determines whether or not the electronic money of the identified person who wishes to charge can be charged based on the attributes of the identified person who wishes to charge. [Appendix 7] The server device further includes settlement control means for performing control regarding settlement associated with the use of the electronic money of each of the plurality of users. The server device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the settlement control means generates a usage history of the electronic money of each of the plurality of users. [Appendix 8] The charge control means is the server device according to Appendix 7, which determines whether the electronic money of the specified charge applicant can be charged based on the usage history of the specified charge applicant. [Appendix 9] A storage step of associating and storing the biometric information and the charge amount of each of a plurality of users; When the biometric information of the charge applicant is received from the charge terminal, by performing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, the charge applicant is identified from among the plurality of users, and control regarding the charging of the electronic money using the charge amount of the identified charge applicant is executed, a charge control step; A control method for a server device, comprising: [Appendix 10] The charge control step is the control method for the server device according to Appendix 9, which acquires a setting regarding the timing at which the electronic money is charged. [Appendix 11] The charge control step is the control method for the server device according to Appendix 10, which executes the charging of the electronic money at the timing when the balance of the electronic money of the specified charge applicant becomes equal to or less than a preset set amount. [Appendix 12] The charge control step is the control method for the server device according to Appendix 10, which executes the charging of the electronic money at the timing when the charge applicant is identified by the collation process. [Appendix 13] The storage step stores the biometric information of the first user among the plurality of users in association with the biometric information of the second user who can charge the electronic money of the first user; The charge control step is the control method for the server device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 12, which executes control regarding the charging of the electronic money of the first user when the second user is identified as the charge applicant by the collation process. [Appendix 14] The charge control step is a control method for the server device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 12, which determines whether the electronic money of the specified charge applicant can be charged based on the attributes of the specified charge applicant. [Appendix 15] It further includes a settlement control step for performing control related to settlement associated with the use of the electronic money by each of the plurality of users. The settlement control step is a control method for the server device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 12, which generates a usage history of the electronic money for each of the plurality of users. [Appendix 16] The charge control step is a control method for the server device according to Appendix 15, which determines whether the electronic money of the specified charge applicant can be charged based on the usage history of the specified charge applicant. [Appendix 17] On a computer installed in the server device, a storage process of storing the biometric information and charge amount of each of the plurality of users in association with each other, When receiving the biometric information of the charge applicant from the charge terminal, it identifies the charge applicant from among the plurality of users by executing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, and executes control related to charging of the electronic money using the charge amount of the identified charge applicant. A charge control process, A program for causing the execution. [Appendix 18] The charge control process is a program according to Appendix 17, which acquires settings regarding the timing at which the electronic money is charged. [Appendix 19] The charge control process is a program according to Appendix 18, which executes charging of the electronic money at the timing when the balance of the electronic money of the identified charge applicant becomes equal to or less than a preset amount. [Appendix 20] The charge control process is a program described in Supplementary Note 18 that executes the charging of the electronic money at the timing when the charge applicant is identified by the verification process. [Supplementary Note 21] The storage process stores, in association with each other, the biometric information of a first user among the plurality of users and the biometric information of a second user who can charge the electronic money of the first user. The charge control process is a program described in any one of Supplementary Notes 17 to 20 that executes control regarding the charging of the electronic money of the first user when the second user is identified as the charge applicant by the verification process. [Supplementary Note 22] The charge control process is a program described in any one of Supplementary Notes 17 to 20 that determines whether the electronic money of the identified charge applicant can be charged based on the attributes of the identified charge applicant. [Supplementary Note 23] It further includes a settlement control process that performs control regarding the settlement associated with the use of the electronic money of each of the plurality of users. The settlement control process is a program described in any one of Supplementary Notes 17 to 20 that generates a usage history of the electronic money of each of the plurality of users. [Supplementary Note 24] The charge control process is a program described in Supplementary Note 23 that determines whether the electronic money of the identified charge applicant can be charged based on the usage history of the identified charge applicant.

[0187] Also, part or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8 that are subordinate to Supplementary Note 1 described above can be subordinate to Supplementary Notes 9 and 17 in the same subordinate relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 17, within the range not departing from the above-described embodiments, similarly for various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, part or all of the configurations described as supplementary notes can be made subordinate.

[0188] Note that each disclosure of the above-cited prior art documents is incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes all disclosures including the claims, as well as various modifications and corrections that can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the technical idea.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0189] 10 Server device 20 Charging terminal 30 Settlement terminal 40 Terminal 100 Server device 101 Storage means 102 Charge control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Account control unit 203 Charge control unit 204 Settlement control unit 205 Storage unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Biometric information acquisition unit 303 Charge control unit 304 Storage unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

1. A storage means for storing by associating the biometric information of each of a plurality of users with the charge amount; When receiving the biometric information of a person wishing to charge from a charging terminal, a charging control means for identifying the person wishing to charge from among the plurality of users by executing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, and executing control regarding charging of electronic money using the charge amount of the identified person wishing to charge; A server device comprising:

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the charging control means acquires a setting regarding the timing at which the electronic money is charged.

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the charging control means executes charging of the electronic money at a timing when the balance of the electronic money of the identified person wishing to charge becomes equal to or less than a preset amount.

4. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the charging control means executes charging of the electronic money at the timing when the person wishing to charge is identified by the collation process.

5. The storage means stores by associating the biometric information of a first user among the plurality of users with the biometric information of a second user who can charge the electronic money of the first user; The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the second user is identified as the person wishing to charge by the collation process, the charging control means executes control regarding charging of the electronic money of the first user.

6. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charging control means determines whether charging of the electronic money of the identified person wishing to charge is possible based on the attributes of the identified person wishing to charge.

7. Further comprising a settlement control means for performing control regarding settlement associated with the use of the electronic money of each of the plurality of users, The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the settlement control means generates a usage history of the electronic money of each of the plurality of users.

8. The server device according to claim 7, wherein the charging control means determines whether charging of the electronic money of the identified person wishing to charge is possible based on the usage history of the identified person wishing to charge.

9. A storage step of storing by associating the biometric information of each of a plurality of users with the charge amount; When receiving the biometric information of a person who wishes to charge from a charging terminal, by performing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, the person who wishes to charge is identified from among the plurality of users, and control regarding charging of electronic money using the charging amount of the identified person who wishes to charge is executed, a charging control step; A control method for a server device, comprising the above.

10. On a computer mounted on a server device, A storage process of storing the biometric information and charging amount of each of a plurality of users in association with each other; When receiving the biometric information of a person who wishes to charge from a charging terminal, by performing a collation process using the received biometric information and the stored biometric information, the person who wishes to charge is identified from among the plurality of users, and control regarding charging of electronic money using the charging amount of the identified person who wishes to charge is executed, a charging control process; A program for causing the above to be executed.

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