Server device, settlement terminal, control method of server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device which contributes to alleviation congestion in a retail store or a shop.SOLUTION: A server device includes storage means and information providing means. The storage means stores, for each of a plurality of users, biometric information and settlement requirement information that a business operator selling a commodity or a service needs to make inquiry to a customer about, in association with each other. The information providing means acquires, from a settlement terminal of the business operator, biometric information of a prospective purchaser who desires to purchase the commodity or the service, and identifies the prospective purchaser by collation using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information. The information providing means 102 transmits, to the settlement terminal, settlement requirement information of the identified prospective purchaser.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a payment terminal, a method for controlling a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are technologies related to settlement when selling products, etc.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that can identify a customer's membership code at the time of payment, even if the customer does not have a medium indicating the membership code. The information processing system in Patent Document 1 includes an authentication device and an information processing device. The authentication device includes a first acquisition unit, a reading unit, and a first transmission unit. The first acquisition unit acquires a customer's facial image or biometric information. The reading unit reads identification information attached to an object that the customer can carry when shopping. The first transmission unit associates the facial image or biometric information with the identification information and transmits them to the information processing device. The information processing device includes a second acquisition unit, an identification unit, and a second transmission unit. The second acquisition unit acquires the facial image or biometric information and the identification information from the authentication device. The identification unit identifies the customer's membership code from the facial image or biometric information and associates the membership code with the identification information. The second transmission unit transmits the membership code associated with the identification information transmitted from the payment device to the payment device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-135591 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] At amusement parks and other stores, there are many customers who try to purchase products just before closing time. As a result, stores become very crowded. One of the reasons for this congestion is that store clerks have to ask customers whether they need plastic bags or whether they want to use points.

[0006] The above problem cannot be solved even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied. Patent Document 1 merely discloses using biometric authentication to obtain the membership code of a customer who does not possess a medium (e.g., a membership card) that indicates the membership code.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a payment terminal, a method for controlling the server device, and a program that contribute to alleviating congestion during payment in retail stores, kiosks, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer; and an information providing means for acquiring biometric information of a prospective purchaser who intends to purchase the product or service from the business's payment terminal, identifying the prospective purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmitting the payment information of the identified prospective purchaser to the payment terminal.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a payment terminal comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting biometric information of a prospective purchaser who is attempting to purchase a product or service to a server device that stores the biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling the product or service needs to inquire about from the customer; a receiving means for receiving the payment information of the prospective purchaser from the server device; and an output means for outputting the received payment information.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, which stores, in a server device, biometric information of each of a plurality of users and payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer, in association with each other; acquires the biometric information of a prospective purchaser who intends to purchase the product or service from a payment terminal of the business; identifies the prospective purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information; and transmits the payment information of the identified prospective purchaser to the payment terminal.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute the following processes: storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire of the customer; acquiring biometric information of a prospective purchaser who intends to purchase the product or service from the business's payment terminal; identifying the prospective purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information; and transmitting the payment information of the identified prospective purchaser to the payment terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, there are provided a server device, a payment terminal, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to alleviating congestion during payments in retail stores, kiosks, etc. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the payment terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a member management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the customer information providing unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the payment control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a payment terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes a storage unit 101 and an information providing unit 102 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 101 stores biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer (step S1 in FIG. 2). The information providing unit 102 acquires biometric information of a potential purchaser who intends to purchase a product or service from the business's payment terminal, and identifies the potential purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information (step S2). The information providing unit 102 transmits the payment information of the identified potential purchaser to the payment terminal (step S3).

[0016] The server device 100 acquires a customer's biometric information and payment information in advance, and stores this information in association with one another. When a customer purchases a product, the server device 100 acquires the customer's biometric information from a payment terminal installed in a retail store or convenience store. The server device 100 identifies the customer who wishes to purchase the product through biometric authentication and transmits the identified customer's payment information (e.g., whether a plastic bag is required and a point policy) to the payment terminal. The payment terminal presents the received payment information to a store clerk. The clerk can provide services related to the customer's payment without having to ask the customer whether a plastic bag is required or their point preferences. As a result, the time a clerk spends with each customer (product purchaser) during payment is reduced, easing congestion (crowding at checkout counters) during payment at retail stores, convenience stores, etc.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System Configuration] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10 and at least one payment terminal 20.

[0020] The server device 10 is managed and operated by a service provider such as an operator of an amusement park, theme park, concert venue, or the like, or a retail store, restaurant, or the like. Alternatively, the server device 10 may be managed and operated by a business operator that has been entrusted with business by the above-mentioned service provider. The server device 10 may be installed in an amusement park, or the like, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0021] The server device 10 provides a payment service using biometric authentication to a user (customer). The server device 10 also controls the user's membership registration and points awarded according to the purchase amount of a product or the like.

[0022] The payment terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user to pay for products and services purchased. The payment terminal 20 is installed in a store, shop, etc. of a service provider. For example, the payment terminal 20 is a tablet or a POS (Point of Sale) terminal.

[0023] A user carries a terminal 30. The user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10.

[0024] 3 are connected to a network. Specifically, the server device 10, the payment terminal 20, and the terminal 30 are connected to the network by wired or wireless communication means.

[0025] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, multiple server devices 10 may be included in the information processing system. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by using multiple server devices 10. Furthermore, the number of payment terminals 20 included in the information processing system is not limited to the number shown in Fig. 3.

[0026] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] <Membership registration> The user registers as a member with the service provider. The user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10. The user creates an account in the server device 10 for biometric authentication payment.

[0028] The server device 10 acquires the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, login information, contact information (e.g., telephone number, email address), biometric information, account information (e.g., bank account, credit card information), etc. on a web page for account creation.

[0029] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, and iris pattern. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In this disclosure, a case where biometric information related to a person's "face" (a face image or features generated from a face image) is used will be described.

[0030] When the server device 10 acquires the name, sex, biometric information, etc. from the user, it generates a member ID for identifying the user. The server device 10 associates the generated member ID with the acquired information and stores them in a member management database. The member management database will be described in detail later.

[0031] Furthermore, server device 10 issues the generated member ID to the user. Specifically, server device 10 transmits the generated member ID to terminal 30. Terminal 30 stores the received member ID.

[0032] <Registering required information for payment> A user who has created an account registers "information required for payment" in the server device 10.

[0033] The information required at the time of payment is information that a service provider (such as a store clerk at the service provider) needs to inquire about from a customer when paying for a product, etc. Alternatively, the information required at the time of payment is also information that a customer needs to notify a service provider (such as a store clerk at the service provider) when paying for a product or service.

[0034] For example, examples of information required at the time of payment include whether or not a plastic bag is required, and the customer's thoughts on points (point policy; hereafter referred to as point policy). Point policies include "accumulate points," which accumulate points without using them, "use all points," which use all available points, and "use set points," which use points once they have accumulated up to the number set by the customer.

[0035] <Payment for products, etc.>

[0036] When a customer appears at the checkout location, payment terminal 20 acquires biometric information of the customer (a person wishing to purchase a product, etc.) in response to an operation by a store clerk, etc. For example, payment terminal 20 photographs the person wishing to purchase and acquires a facial image.

[0037] After acquiring the biometric information, the payment terminal 20 transmits a "customer information provision request" including the biometric information of the person who wishes to purchase a product or the like to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0038] The server device 10 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the customer information request and the biometric information stored in the member management database to identify the intended purchaser. The server device 10 notifies the payment terminal 20 of the customer information of the identified intended purchaser, including the member ID, name, point balance, information required for payment, etc.

[0039] The payment terminal 20 provides the received customer information to a store clerk of the service provider. For example, the payment terminal 20 displays a screen such as that shown in FIG. 5. The payment terminal 20 is equipped with an LCD monitor or the like that is visible to the customer. The payment terminal 20 displays a screen for the customer similar to that shown in FIG. 5. For example, the payment terminal 20 presents the customer with details of the purchased items, the total amount, the point balance, information required for payment, etc.

[0040] The store clerk refers to the necessary payment information displayed on the payment terminal 20 and provides the customer with services related to the payment of the product or the like.

[0041] For example, if the payment required information indicates that the customer wishes to purchase a shopping bag, the store clerk will sell the bag to the customer without asking whether or not the customer needs one.

[0042] Alternatively, the clerk provides service according to the customer's point policy without inquiring about point usage to the customer. Specifically, the clerk presses a button (a button displayed on the payment terminal 20) according to the point policy. If the customer tells the clerk a point preference that differs from the point policy, the clerk selects a button giving priority to the customer's preference.

[0043] The payment terminal 20 generates payment information that reflects the sale of plastic bags, etc. For example, the payment terminal 20 generates payment information when the store clerk presses the "Finish" button shown in FIG.

[0044] The payment information includes the name of the purchased product (service), the place of purchase of the product, the total price of the product, information regarding point usage, etc. Information regarding point usage (hereinafter referred to as point usage information) includes whether or not points were used (point accumulation, point usage), the number of points used when points were used, etc.

[0045] The payment terminal 20 transmits a payment request including the generated payment information and the member ID to the server device 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0046] The server device 10 identifies the customer (a person who wishes to purchase a product, etc.) using the member ID included in the payment request, and performs payment processing using credit card information, etc., registered in the account of the identified customer. At this time, the server device 10 also controls points (point usage, point accumulation).

[0047] The server device 10 sends the result of the payment process (payment success or failure) to the payment terminal 20. The payment terminal 20 notifies the store clerk of the payment result. The store clerk provides the customer with a service according to the result of the payment process. For example, if the payment is successful, the store clerk hands the product purchaser a printed receipt.

[0048] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0049] [Server device] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, an account management unit 202, a customer information providing unit 203, a payment control unit 204, and a storage unit 205.

[0050] 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 payment terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the payment terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, the other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201.

[0051] The account management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing accounts.

[0052] The account management unit 202 acquires the user's (customer's) name, gender, date of birth, address, login information (ID, password), contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.), biometric information (e.g., facial image), account information, etc. on a specified web page, etc.

[0053] The account management unit 202 generates a feature amount from the acquired face image.

[0054] Since existing technology can be used for the process of generating feature amounts, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the account management unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. After that, the account management unit 202 calculates the positions of each feature point and the distances between each feature point as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0055] Furthermore, the account management unit 202 generates a member ID for identifying the customer (member). The member ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the member. For example, the account management unit 202 may assign a unique value each time an account is created and use this as the member ID.

[0056] The account management unit 202 stores the generated member ID, biometric information (features), etc. in a member management database (see FIG. 8). The member management database shown in FIG. 8 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored. For example, the member management database may also store facial images of members.

[0057] The account management unit 202 transmits the generated member ID to the terminal 30.

[0058] Furthermore, the account management unit 202 acquires information required for payment from the user who has logged in to the account. For example, the account management unit 202 acquires the information required for payment by displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as that shown in FIG. 9 on the terminal 30.

[0059] For example, the account management unit 202 acquires information necessary for payment, such as whether a shopping bag is required (whether to purchase a shopping bag) and a policy regarding points (point policy).

[0060] If "Use set points" is selected from the three options for point policy (accumulate points, use all points, use set points), the account management unit 202 acquires the number of points the user desires to use. For example, if 1000 points are set as the number of points to use, when the number of points reaches 1000, those 1000 points will be used.

[0061] The account management unit 202 stores the acquired necessary information for payment in the account.

[0062] The customer information providing unit 203 is a means for providing the user's customer information (member ID, name, point balance, information required for payment, etc.) to the service provider (payment terminal 20).

[0063] The customer information providing unit 203 acquires biometric information of a potential purchaser who is attempting to purchase a product or service from the payment terminal 20 of the service provider. The customer information providing unit 203 identifies the potential purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and biometric information stored in the member management database. The customer information providing unit 203 transmits at least the payment information of the identified potential purchaser to the payment terminal 20.

[0064] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the customer information providing unit 203 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the customer information providing unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0065] When receiving a customer information provision request, the customer information provision unit 203 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the request and the biometric information stored in the member management database (step S101).

[0066] More specifically, the customer information providing unit 203 generates features from the face image included in the customer information provision request. The customer information providing unit 203 sets the generated features as a matching target and performs a matching process (1:N matching; N is a positive integer, the same applies below) with the features stored in the member management database.

[0067] The customer information providing unit 203 calculates the similarity between the feature to be matched and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registered side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0068] If there is no feature among the multiple features stored in the member management database that has a similarity with the feature to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the customer information providing unit 203 determines that the matching process has failed.

[0069] The customer information providing unit 203 determines that the matching process is successful if there is a feature among the multiple feature amounts stored in the member management database that has a similarity with the feature amount to be matched that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the entry with the highest similarity is identified as the entry of the prospective purchaser.

[0070] If the matching process fails (step S102, No branch), the customer information providing unit 203 sends a negative response to the customer information provision request (step S103). The customer information providing unit 203 sends a negative response to the payment terminal 20 indicating that the customer information cannot be provided.

[0071] If the matching process is successful (step S102, Yes branch), the customer information providing unit 203 transmits an affirmative response in response to the customer information request (step S104). The customer information providing unit 203 transmits the affirmative response including the customer information (member ID, name, point balance, information required for payment, etc. of the member identified by the matching process) to the payment terminal 20.

[0072] The payment control unit 204 is a means for controlling payment for products and the like.

[0073] The payment control unit 204 acquires the identification information (e.g., member ID) of the intended purchaser and payment information related to payment for the product or service from the payment terminal 20. The payment control unit 204 executes payment processing for the product or service purchased by the intended purchaser using the account information (e.g., credit card information) corresponding to the acquired identification information (member ID) and the acquired payment information.

[0074] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the payment control unit 204 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the payment control unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] When a payment request is received, the payment control unit 204 searches the member management database using the member ID included in the payment request as a key to identify the corresponding entry (member, person wishing to purchase a product, etc.) (identifying the person wishing to purchase; step S201).

[0076] Furthermore, the payment control unit 204 calculates the final payment amount based on the total amount of the products and the point usage information included in the payment request (step S202).

[0077] Specifically, if the prospective purchaser wishes to accumulate points, the payment control unit 204 sets the total price of the products, etc. as the payment amount.

[0078] If the prospective purchaser wishes to use points, the payment control unit 204 deducts an amount corresponding to the number of points used from the total amount. The payment control unit 204 calculates the discount amount based on the point conversion rate predetermined by the service provider and the number of points used. The payment control unit 204 also obtains the number of points used from the point usage information included in the payment information.

[0079] After calculating the final payment amount, the payment control unit 204 executes the payment process using the account information (bank account, credit card information, etc.) of the intending purchaser identified by the verification process (step S203).

[0080] For example, the payment control unit 204 requests the server of the credit card company corresponding to the credit card information to settle the payment amount. The payment control unit 204 obtains the processing result (payment success, payment failure) from the server of the credit card company.

[0081] It should be noted that the payment process using a credit card or bank account will be clear to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail as it is outside the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] If the payment fails (step S204, No branch), the payment control unit 204 notifies the payment terminal 20. Specifically, the payment control unit 204 sends a negative response indicating that the payment failed to the payment terminal 20 (step S205).

[0083] If the payment is successful (step S204, branch Yes), the payment control unit 204 updates the point balance of the purchaser (member) (step S206).

[0084] If the prospective purchaser wishes to accumulate points, the settlement control unit 204 calculates the number of points according to the total price of the products, etc., and adds the calculated number of points to the set value in the points field of the corresponding entry.

[0085] If the prospective purchaser wishes to use points, the payment control unit 204 subtracts the number of points to be used, obtained from the payment information, from the set value in the points field of the corresponding entry.

[0086] If the service provider specifies that new points will not be awarded to the customer when points are used, the payment control unit 204 subtracts the number of points used from the points field and ends the process.

[0087] If the service provider specifies that new points are to be awarded to the customer based on the total amount of the discounted product when points are used, the payment control unit 204 calculates the number of points to be awarded to the customer based on the total amount after the discount. The payment control unit 204 adds the calculated number of points to the value set in the point field of the corresponding entry.

[0088] After updating the points field, the payment control unit 204 notifies the payment terminal 20 that the payment was successful. Specifically, the payment control unit 204 sends an acknowledgment indicating the success of the payment to the payment terminal 20 (step S207). The payment control unit 204 sends an acknowledgment including the final payment amount and the point balance to the payment terminal 20.

[0089] The storage unit 205 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 205 stores, for each of a plurality of users, biometric information and payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer, in association with each other. Furthermore, the storage unit 205 stores, for each of a plurality of users, biometric information, payment information, identification information (member ID), and account information in association with each other.

[0090] [Payment terminal] 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of payment terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, payment terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a payment control unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0091] 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. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices.

[0092] The payment control unit 302 is a means for controlling the payment of product prices and the like.

[0093] The payment control unit 302 has the functions of a transmitter, a receiver, and an output unit. As a transmitter, the payment control unit 302 transmits biometric information of a prospective purchaser who is trying to purchase a product or service to the server device 10. The server device 10 stores the biometric information of each of multiple users in association with payment information that a business selling the product or service needs to inquire about from the customer. As a receiver, the payment control unit 302 receives the payment information of the prospective purchaser from the server device 10. As an output unit, the payment control unit 302 outputs the received payment information.

[0094] The payment control unit 302 acquires biometric information of a customer who appears at the checkout location in response to an operation by a store clerk or other person. Specifically, the payment control unit 302 acquires image data from a camera device. Once the image data is acquired from the camera device, the payment control unit 302 extracts a facial image from the acquired image data.

[0095] The facial image extraction process by the payment control unit 302 can use existing technology, so a detailed description will be omitted. For example, the payment control unit 302 may extract a facial image (facial area) from image data using a learning model trained by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Alternatively, the payment control unit 302 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0096] The payment control unit 302 transmits a customer information provision request including the acquired biometric information (for example, a facial image) to the server device 10.

[0097] The payment control unit 302 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the request for providing customer information.

[0098] If a negative response indicating that the customer information cannot be provided is received, the payment control unit 302 notifies the store clerk or the like that acquisition of the customer information failed. In this case, the store clerk asks whether the customer is a member of the company. If the customer is a member, the store clerk may operate the payment terminal 20 to acquire biometric information again. If the customer is not a member, the store clerk provides service on the assumption that the customer is a non-member.

[0099] When an affirmative response including the customer information is received, the payment control unit 302 displays a screen such as that shown in FIG. 5 using the customer information included in the affirmative response.

[0100] In FIG. 5, the purchased product area and total price are updated every time the store clerk reads the barcode attached to the product.

[0101] Furthermore, the point policy listed in the payment information required area shown in Figure 5 displays "accumulate points," "use all points," and "use set points." In the case of "use set points," the number of set points previously set by the customer is also displayed. For example, if a customer has set it so that when 1,000 points or more are accumulated, the screen shown in Figure 5 will be displayed.

[0102] The store clerk provides the payment service by referring to the information displayed in the payment required information area as shown in FIG.

[0103] Specifically, for customers who have a sign indicating that they need a plastic bag, the store clerk will sell them a plastic bag (proceed with the payment for the plastic bag) without asking if they need one. On the other hand, for customers who have a sign indicating that they do not need a plastic bag, the clerk will proceed with the payment for the product, etc. without asking if they need a plastic bag.

[0104] If a customer tells the store clerk a preference that differs from the required payment information, such as whether or not a plastic bag is needed, the clerk will prioritize the customer's preference. Even if the required payment information states "no plastic bag needed," if the customer requests a plastic bag, the clerk will sell the customer a plastic bag. As described above, payment terminal 20 is equipped with an LCD monitor or the like that is visible to customers. The customer can check the required payment information (e.g., whether or not a plastic bag is needed, point policy, etc.) displayed on the LCD monitor or the like, and tell the clerk their preference (a request different from the required payment information) according to the situation at the time of payment, etc.

[0105] The store clerk also presses a button according to the point policy displayed in the payment required information area as shown in FIG.

[0106] For customers who wish to "accumulate points," the store clerk presses the "accumulate points" button. For customers who wish to "use all points," the store clerk presses the "use all points" button.

[0107] For a customer who wishes to "use set points," if the point balance is equal to or greater than the set number of points, the store clerk presses the "use set points" button. Note that the payment control unit 302 may display the "use set points" button when the point balance is equal to or greater than the set number of points. Alternatively, the payment control unit 302 may make it possible to press the "use set points" button when the point balance is equal to or greater than the set number of points.

[0108] If a customer tells a store clerk about their point preferences that differ from the point policy, the store clerk will select a button that prioritizes the customer's preferences. For example, if the point policy is set to "Use all points," but the customer wishes to accumulate points, the store clerk will press the "Accumulate points" button.

[0109] When the customer specifies the number of points to be used, the store clerk presses the "Enter points to be used" button. When this button is pressed, the payment control unit 302 acquires the number of points to be used using a GUI for inputting the number of points to be used specified by the customer.

[0110] When the store clerk determines that the payment is ready (when the store clerk has finished reading the product, etc. and pressed the button related to points), the "Finish" button is pressed.

[0111] In response to pressing the end button, the payment control unit 302 generates payment information. Specifically, the payment control unit 302 generates payment information including the name of the purchased product (service), the purchase location of the product (e.g., the name of the store preset in the payment terminal 20), the total price of the product, point usage information, etc.

[0112] When the "Accumulate points" button is pressed, the payment control unit 302 sets the point usage information to "Accumulate points." When the "Use all points" button is pressed, the payment control unit 302 sets the point usage information to "Use points, number of used points = point balance."

[0113] When the "Use set points" button is pressed, the payment control unit 302 sets the point usage information to "Use points, number of points used = number of set points." When the customer specifies the number of points to use, the payment control unit 302 sets the point usage information to "Use points, number of points used = number of points acquired using the GUI."

[0114] After generating the payment information, the payment control unit 302 transmits a payment request including the customer's member ID and the payment information to the server device 10.

[0115] The payment control unit 302 receives a response (positive response, negative response) to the payment request.

[0116] If a positive response indicating successful payment is received, the payment control unit 302 generates a receipt using the payment amount, point balance, etc. included in the positive response. The payment control unit 302 prints the receipt. The store clerk hands the printed receipt to the customer.

[0117] If a negative response indicating that the payment has failed is received, the payment control unit 302 notifies the store clerk of this fact. For example, the store clerk may perform payment using a payment method other than a pre-registered credit card (for example, cash).

[0118] In this way, if the payment required information includes a policy regarding points for the prospective purchaser (customer), the payment control unit 302 displays the policy regarding points. At that time, the payment control unit 302 displays a button corresponding to the policy regarding points. Furthermore, if the payment required information includes whether or not a plastic bag is required, the payment control unit 302 displays whether or not a plastic bag is required.

[0119] The storage unit 303 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the payment terminal 20.

[0120] [Device] Examples of the terminal 30 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The terminal 30 can be any equipment or device that can accept user operations and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0121] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0122] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 13, the system operation when paying for a product or the like will be described.

[0123] The settlement terminal 20 transmits a "customer information provision request" including biometric information of a product purchaser (a person who wishes to purchase a product or the like) to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0124] Upon receiving the request for providing customer information, the server device 10 executes a matching process using biometric information (step S02).

[0125] The server device 10 generates customer information using information obtained from the entry identified by the matching process, and transmits the generated customer information to the payment terminal 20 (step S03).

[0126] The payment terminal 20 provides the necessary information for payment, which is included in the customer information, to the store clerk (step S04).

[0127] In response to an operation by a store clerk or the like who has determined that preparations for payment are complete, payment terminal 20 transmits a "payment request" including payment information to server device 10 (step S05).

[0128] The server device 10 performs payment based on the total amount of the products and the point usage information included in the payment information (executes payment processing; step S06).

[0129] The server device 10 notifies the payment terminal 20 of the result of the payment process (payment success or payment failure) (step S07).

[0130] The payment terminal 20 notifies the store clerk or the like of the result of the payment process (step S08).

[0131] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0132] <Variation 1> The server device 10 may generate and store a product purchase history (payment history) of the customer.

[0133] In this case, the payment control unit 204 generates a product purchase history when processing the payment request, and stores the generated purchase history in the member's corresponding account.

[0134] <Variation 2> The server device 10 may have a function of providing information related to product purchase history, etc. In this case, the server device 10 includes an information provision control unit 206 as shown in FIG.

[0135] The information provision control unit 206 is a means for providing information relating to product purchase history etc. stored in the member management database. The information provision control unit 206 provides information relating to product purchase history stored in the account to the user.

[0136] For example, the information provision control unit 206 provides information about the product purchase history accumulated in the account in response to a request from a user who has logged in to the account (for example, pressing a history confirmation button). For example, the information provision control unit 206 displays the product purchase history (most recent purchase history) for a predetermined period on the terminal 30.

[0137] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment stores biometric information of members, payment required information, and the like, in association with each other. When the server device 10 is requested by the payment terminal 20 to provide payment required information (customer information), the server device 10 identifies the member who wishes to purchase a product or the like through biometric authentication. The server device 10 transmits the payment required information of the identified member (for example, a policy regarding whether a plastic bag is required or points) to the payment terminal 20. The payment terminal 20 presents the received payment required information to a store clerk or the like. The clerk provides the customer with payment-related services without asking the customer whether a plastic bag is required or their point preferences. As a result, the time required for a store clerk to handle each customer (product purchaser) during payment is reduced, and congestion (crowding at checkout areas) in retail stores, stores, and the like is alleviated. Furthermore, the alleviation of congestion in stores and the like improves customer (product purchaser) satisfaction.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 15, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0141] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0142] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0143] 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. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0144] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0145] 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. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0146] The payment terminal 20 and the like can also be configured using an information processing device, just like the server device 10, and their basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. The payment terminal 20 may be equipped with a camera device or the like for taking a picture of the prospective purchaser.

[0147] The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and functions of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0148] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as acquiring the user's name, date of birth, etc., when registering as a member. However, the server device 10 only needs to acquire at least the user's (customer's) biometric information and the information required for payment in advance. For example, if a service provider accepts cash as a payment method and does not accept payments by credit card or the like, the server device 10 of the service provider does not need to acquire account information. Furthermore, if a service provider does not offer a point service, the server device 10 does not need to acquire a point policy.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system were described using the necessity of a plastic bag and a point policy as examples of information required at the time of payment. However, the information included in the necessary information at the time of payment is not limited to the necessity of a plastic bag and a point policy. For example, the necessary information at the time of payment may also be stored in the account, such as the necessity of applying a discount on parking fees (whether or not a parking ticket is available), a policy regarding donations, the necessity of creating a point card, the necessity of a delivery service for purchased products, and the necessity of a receipt.

[0151] If the payment request is successfully processed, the server device 10 may notify the product purchaser of detailed payment information. For example, every time the payment request is successfully processed, the payment control unit 204 may send information such as the name of the purchased product, the purchase location, the payment amount, and the remaining points to the product purchaser's terminal 30 (the email address stored in the account).

[0152] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 identifies a person who wishes to purchase a product or the like by performing a matching process using biometric information. However, the server device 10 may identify a person who wishes to purchase (a member stored in an account) by other methods. For example, the server device 10 may identify a person who wishes to purchase by acquiring a member ID from the person who wishes to purchase. For example, the server device 10 may identify a person who wishes to purchase by acquiring a member ID issued to a user during payment processing. In this case, the user displays on the terminal 30 a two-dimensional barcode into which the member ID issued by the server device 10 has been converted. The user presents the displayed two-dimensional barcode to a store clerk (payment terminal 20). The payment terminal 20 acquires the member ID from the presented two-dimensional barcode and transmits customer information including the acquired member ID to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 may store at least the member ID and the information required for payment in association with each other.

[0153] Alternatively, when requesting payment from the server device 10, the payment terminal 20 may transmit biometric information to the server device 10 instead of the member ID. That is, the payment terminal 20 may transmit a payment request including biometric information and payment information to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 may identify the product purchaser (a person who wishes to purchase a product, etc.) by biometric authentication.

[0154] In the above embodiment, when a customer pays for purchased goods, etc., the payment terminal 20 and the server device 10 transmit and receive information in two stages, such as a request for customer information and its response, and a payment request and its response. However, the payment terminal 20 and the server device 10 may exchange necessary information in a single transmission and reception. Specifically, once the payment terminal 20 obtains the total amount of the goods, etc. purchased by the customer, it transmits a payment request to the server device 10, including the customer's biometric information and payment information (such as the total amount of the goods). The server device 10 identifies the customer who wishes to make a payment through biometric authentication using the biometric information included in the payment request. The server device 10 executes the payment process using the payment information and payment information of the identified customer. For example, the server device 10 executes the payment process by reflecting the need for a plastic bag and the point policy in the total amount of the goods, etc. The server device 10 transmits the result of the payment process (payment success or failure) to the payment terminal 20. If the payment is successful, the server device 10 also notifies the payment terminal 20 of the payment information of the customer identified through biometric authentication. Payment terminal 20 provides the necessary payment information to a store clerk or the like along with the payment result. The store clerk provides payment services using the necessary payment information. For example, the store clerk hands over a plastic bag (e.g., a free plastic bag) to a customer who has registered that they require a plastic bag.

[0155] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a facial image is transmitted as biometric information from payment terminal 20 to server device 10. However, feature amounts generated from a facial image may be transmitted as biometric information from payment terminal 20 to server device 10. In this case, server device 10 may perform the matching process without generating feature amounts from the facial image.

[0156] The form of data transmission between each device (e.g., server device 10, payment terminal 20) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information of users and other data is transmitted between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0157] In the above embodiment, a case where a member management database and the like are configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but the database may also be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented on another server. More specifically, the above-described "payment control unit (payment control means)" and the like may be implemented on any of the devices included in the system.

[0158] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0159] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace 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 part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0160] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems that provide payment services, etc.

[0161] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0162] [Appendix 1] a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about to a customer; an information providing means for acquiring biometric information of a person who wishes to purchase the product or service from the payment terminal of the business operator, identifying the person who wishes to purchase the product or service by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmitting the information required for payment of the identified person who wishes to purchase the product or service to the payment terminal; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The server device according to claim 1, wherein the information required at the time of payment includes whether or not a plastic bag is required. [Appendix 3] 3. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the information required for payment includes a policy regarding points. [Appendix 4] the storage means stores the biometric information, the payment required information, the identification information, and the account information for each of the plurality of users in association with each other; The server device described in Appendix 1 further comprises a payment control means that acquires the identification information of the intended purchaser and payment information related to payment for the product or service from the payment terminal, and executes payment processing for the product or service purchased by the intended purchaser using the account information corresponding to the acquired identification information and the acquired payment information. [Appendix 5] a transmitting means for transmitting biometric information of a prospective purchaser who is trying to purchase a product or service to a server device that stores the biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling the product or service needs to inquire of the customer; a receiving means for receiving the necessary payment information of the purchaser from the server device; an output means for outputting the received necessary information for settlement; A payment terminal comprising: [Appendix 6] 6. The payment terminal according to claim 5, wherein the output means displays the policy regarding points of the intended purchaser when the necessary information for payment includes the policy regarding points of the intended purchaser. [Appendix 7] The payment terminal according to claim 6, wherein the output means displays a button corresponding to a policy regarding points. [Appendix 8] The payment terminal according to any one of appendix 5 to 6, wherein the output means displays whether or not a plastic bag is required when the information required at the time of payment includes whether or not a plastic bag is required. [Appendix 9] In the server device, The biometric information of each of the plurality of users is stored in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer; A method for controlling a server device, which acquires biometric information of a prospective purchaser who intends to purchase the product or service from the payment terminal of the business operator, identifies the prospective purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmits the payment information required for the identified prospective purchaser to the payment terminal. [Appendix 10] The computer installed in the server device A process of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer; a process of acquiring biometric information of a person who wishes to purchase the product or service from the payment terminal of the business operator, identifying the person who wishes to purchase the product or service by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmitting the payment information of the identified person who wishes to purchase the product or service to the payment terminal; A program to execute.

[0163] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 5, 9, and 10 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 4. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 5, 9, and 10, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0164] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10 Server device 20 Payment terminals 30 devices 100 Server device 101 Memory means 102 Means of providing information 201 Communication control unit 202 Account Management Department 203 Customer Information Provision Department 204 Payment control section 205 Storage section 206 Information provision control section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Payment control section 303 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a storage means for storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about to a customer; an information providing means for acquiring biometric information of a person who wishes to purchase the product or service from the payment terminal of the business operator, identifying the person who wishes to purchase the product or service by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmitting the information required for payment of the identified person who wishes to purchase the product or service to the payment terminal; A server device comprising:

2. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the necessary information at the time of payment includes whether or not a shopping bag is required.

3. 3. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the payment necessary information includes a policy regarding points.

4. the storage means stores the biometric information, the payment required information, the identification information, and the account information for each of the plurality of users in association with each other; 2. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a payment control means for acquiring the identification information of the intended purchaser and payment information relating to payment for the product or service from the payment terminal, and executing payment processing for the product or service purchased by the intended purchaser using the account information corresponding to the acquired identification information and the acquired payment information.

5. a transmitting means for transmitting biometric information of a prospective purchaser who is trying to purchase a product or service to a server device that stores the biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling the product or service needs to inquire of the customer; a receiving means for receiving the necessary payment information of the purchaser from the server device; an output means for outputting the received necessary information for settlement; A payment terminal comprising:

6. 6. The payment terminal according to claim 5, wherein said output means, when said necessary information for payment includes a policy regarding points of said intending purchaser, displays said policy regarding points.

7. The settlement terminal according to claim 6, wherein said output means displays a button corresponding to said policy regarding points.

8. The payment terminal according to claim 5 , wherein the output means, when the necessary information at the time of payment includes whether or not a plastic bag is required, displays whether or not a plastic bag is required.

9. In the server device, The biometric information of each of the plurality of users is stored in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer; A method for controlling a server device, which acquires biometric information of a prospective purchaser who intends to purchase the product or service from the payment terminal of the business operator, identifies the prospective purchaser by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmits the payment information required for the identified prospective purchaser to the payment terminal.

10. The computer installed in the server device A process of storing biometric information of each of a plurality of users in association with payment information that a business selling a product or service needs to inquire about from the customer; a process of acquiring biometric information of a person who wishes to purchase the product or service from the payment terminal of the business operator, identifying the person who wishes to purchase the product or service by performing a matching process using the acquired biometric information and the stored biometric information, and transmitting the payment information of the identified person who wishes to purchase the product or service to the payment terminal; A program to execute.

Images