Payment terminals, systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide a payment terminal, system, method, and program that reduces the burden on store clerks when processing payments for products subject to age restrictions. [Solution] The payment terminal includes: an acquisition unit that acquires master biometric information and age verification information from a storage medium carried by the payer and which stores the payer's master biometric information and age verification information; an authentication unit that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination unit that, if biometric authentication is successful and the payer's payment target product information includes products with age requirements, determines whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age requirements; and a payment unit that performs payment according to the result of the determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a settlement terminal, a system, a method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to processing for selling products with sales restrictions in a sales form in which a customer registers products purchased using a mobile terminal. The technique according to Patent Document 1 displays an age confirmation screen for confirming whether the age is eligible for purchasing the age confirmation product when the registered products include an age confirmation product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Currently, when settling a product with an age condition at a self-checkout terminal, a store clerk needs to go to the customer who is settling and confirm the age, which causes a large burden on the store clerk.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a settlement terminal, a system, a method, and a program for reducing the burden on a store clerk when settling a product with an age condition in view of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The settlement terminal according to the present disclosure is an acquisition unit that acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information from a storage medium carried by a settler and storing the master biometric information and the age certification information of the settler; An authentication means that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the obtained master biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes a product subject to age restrictions, the system includes a determination means for determining whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions, A payment means that performs payment according to the result of the above determination, It is equipped with.

[0007] The payment system relating to this disclosure is A storage medium carried by the payer and containing the payer's master biometric information and age verification information, Equipped with a payment terminal, The aforementioned payment terminal is An acquisition means for acquiring the master biometric information and the age verification information from the storage medium, An authentication means that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the obtained master biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes a product subject to age restrictions, the system includes a determination means for determining whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions, A payment means that performs payment according to the result of the above determination, It is equipped with.

[0008] The payment method for this disclosure is: Computers The master biometric information and age verification information are obtained from a storage medium carried by the payer and on which the payer's master biometric information and age verification information are stored. Biometric authentication is performed by comparing the query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information. If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment information of the payer includes products subject to age restrictions, it is determined whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. A settlement will be made according to the result of the above determination.

[0009] The settlement program relating to this disclosure is An acquisition process to acquire the master biometric information and the age verification information from a storage medium carried by the payer and on which the payer's master biometric information and age verification information are stored, An authentication process that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the obtained master biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes a product subject to age restrictions, a determination process is performed to determine whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. A settlement process that performs settlement according to the result of the above determination, Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides payment terminals, systems, methods, and programs to reduce the burden on store clerks when processing payments for products subject to age restrictions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal according to this first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the flow of the payment method according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system according to this second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to this second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal according to this second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the payment processing flow according to this second embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an age verification screen displayed on a payment terminal according to this second embodiment and an example of a user terminal. [Figure 8] This is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship concept among the payer, user terminal, and payment terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment process according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This is a diagram for explaining the concept of the payment process according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment process according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment process according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment process according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 18] This is a diagram for explaining the concept of the payment process according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 19] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment process according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 21] This is a diagram for explaining the concept of the payment process according to Embodiment 7.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal 1 according to this embodiment 1. The payment terminal 1 is an information processing device that performs payment processing when a shopper makes a purchase (payment) for goods at a store. The payment terminal 1 is installed in a designated physical store and is typically a so-called self-checkout terminal where the shopper (payer, user) performs the payment operation themselves, without the store clerk's operation.

[0014] The payment terminal 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11, an authentication unit 12, a determination unit 13, and a payment unit 14. The acquisition unit 11 acquires master biometric information and age verification information from a predetermined storage medium. Here, it is assumed that the payer carries the predetermined storage medium when shopping at a predetermined physical store. In other words, the predetermined storage medium is carried by the payer at the time of payment. The storage medium is assumed to store at least the payer's master biometric information and age verification information. The storage medium may be, for example, a storage device built into a portable information terminal (user terminal) such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. Alternatively, the storage medium may be one built into a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) card. The information terminal or contactless IC card can communicate using a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication, and can transmit the master biometric information and age verification information stored on the storage medium using this method. Therefore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the master biometric information and age verification information stored on the storage medium by receiving it via short-range wireless communication, or other wireless communication methods, communication networks, etc. Furthermore, information terminals and contactless IC cards may support two or more methods of short-range wireless communication.

[0015] Furthermore, "master biometric information" refers to pre-registered biometric information that is used for matching with query biometric information in the biometric authentication of the payer. Master biometric information is associated with age verification information within the storage medium. It should also be noted that master biometric information may be associated with the payer's (user's) identification information (user ID, etc.) within the storage medium. Here, "biometric information" is data representing a set of feature quantities, such as multiple feature points and the distance between feature points, extracted from an image of at least a part of the user's body. "Age verification information" is information used to verify the payer's age. Age verification information includes, but is not limited to, information such as date of birth and age.

[0016] The authentication unit 12 performs biometric authentication by comparing the query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the master biometric information obtained from the storage medium by the acquisition unit 11. Here, "biometric authentication" refers to information processing that confirms the authenticity of an individual by comparing the master biometric information with the query biometric information obtained from or entered by the individual at the time of authentication, and checking if the degree of match is above a threshold. Here, "query biometric information" is biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment and is the data subject to biometric authentication. For example, query biometric information is biometric information obtained by extracting it from an image taken by the payer at the time of payment.

[0017] The determination unit 13 determines whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age requirement if biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes products with age requirements. Here, "payment target product information" refers to information about products that the payment recipient wishes to purchase at the store. In other words, payment target product information is information about products that the payment recipient needs to pay for at the payment terminal. For example, payment target product information includes a list of products that the payment recipient (shopper) has selected as items to purchase at the store's sales floor, the price and attributes of each product, etc. "Age requirement" refers to being above or below a certain age, or belonging to a specific age group (adult, minor, elderly, preschooler, compulsory education age, etc.). "Products with age requirements" are products for which meeting the age requirement is required for at least one of the following: payment for the product, discount on the payment amount, or use or granting of benefit information. In other words, "products with age requirements" are products for which age verification is required for purchase or to enjoy benefits. Furthermore, the determination unit 13 may further determine whether or not the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 12 was successful. The determination unit 13 may also determine whether or not the payment target product information includes products that are subject to age restrictions.

[0018] The settlement unit 14 performs the settlement according to the result determined by the determination unit 13. The "result determined by the determination unit 13" is the result of determining whether the age verification information obtained when biometric authentication is successful and the payer's payment target product information includes products with age restrictions meets the age restrictions. For example, if the age verification information meets the age restrictions, the settlement unit 14 processes the settlement for the payment target product information, including the products with age restrictions. On the other hand, if the age verification information does not meet the age restrictions, the settlement unit 14 processes the settlement for the payment target product information, excluding the products with age restrictions. Alternatively, if the age verification information does not meet the age restrictions, the settlement unit 14 may notify the payer in a recognizable manner that payment for products with age restrictions cannot be made or that discounts, etc., will not be applied. For example, if the age verification information does not meet the age restrictions, the settlement unit 14 may display this information on the screen (not shown) of the settlement terminal 1. Furthermore, if the age verification information does not meet the age requirements, the payment unit 14 may notify store staff, security guards, etc. (via an information terminal accessible to them) to proceed to the location of payment terminal 1. In addition, the determination result by the determination unit 13 may include whether biometric authentication was successful or not, and whether the payment target product information includes products subject to age requirements. Therefore, if biometric authentication fails, the payment unit 14 may display a message to that effect on the screen of payment terminal 1 or notify store staff, etc. If the payment target product information does not include products subject to age requirements, the payment unit 14 will process the payment for the payment target product information as usual.

[0019] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the payment method according to this embodiment 1. First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires master biometric information and age verification information from a storage medium carried by the payer and containing the payer's master biometric information and age verification information (S11). Next, the authentication unit 12 performs biometric authentication by comparing the query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information (S12). Then, the determination unit 13 determines whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age requirement if biometric authentication is successful and the payer's payment target product information includes products with age requirements (S13). After that, the payment unit 14 performs payment according to the result of the determination (S14).

[0020] In this embodiment, at the time of payment, the identity of the payer is verified by comparing master biometric information stored on a storage medium carried by the payer with query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment. If the identity is verified, it is determined whether the age requirement is met based on age verification information obtained along with the master biometric information, so that the age of the payer can be verified without the store clerk having to visually check the payer's identification documents. As a result, payment processing for products that require age verification can be performed appropriately, and payment for products that do not meet the age requirement can be prevented. Therefore, the burden on store clerks when processing payments for products with age requirements can be reduced. In addition, the payer does not have to take out and present their identification documents for age verification.

[0021] The payment terminal 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown in the diagram). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of the payment method according to this embodiment. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. In this way, the processor realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the authentication unit 12, the determination unit 13, and the payment unit 14.

[0022] Alternatively, each component of the payment terminal 1 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may consist of a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Additionally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., can be used as the processor.

[0023] <Embodiment 2> This second embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system 1001 according to this second embodiment. The payment system 1001 is an information system for assisting in verifying the age of the payer when paying for products with age restrictions using a self-checkout terminal at a store 700. The store 700 comprises at least a sales floor 71 and a checkout area 72.

[0024] Sales area 71 displays multiple products 3-1, ... Product 3-1 has product code 30-1 displayed or printed on it. Product code 30-1 is an example of an information code generated according to a predetermined rule, containing identification information that can identify the product information of the corresponding product 3-1. Product code 30-1 may be, for example, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, or information that is a combination of alphanumeric characters and symbols, but is not limited to these. In the following explanation, product 3-1 etc. may be simply referred to as "product 3," and product code 30-1 etc. may be simply referred to as "product code 30." The product information for each product 3 is registered in a product database (not shown) that can be connected to the management server (not shown) of store 700. The product database manages the identification information that can be identified from product code 30 and the corresponding product information in association. Product information includes, for example, product details, price, age restrictions imposed on payment for the product, etc. Customer U1 enters store 700 carrying user terminal 100-1 and places one or more desired items 3 into shopping cart 4-1 at sales floor 71. Then, customer U1 proceeds to checkout area 72 and makes a payment.

[0025] The checkout area 72 is a payment area for purchased goods, equipped with one or more self-checkout terminals 200-1 to 200-m (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1). Note that self-checkout terminals 200-1, etc., have equivalent functions and may be simply referred to as "self-checkout terminal 200" in the following description. The payer U2 is the same person as the aforementioned shopper U1, who is staying in the checkout area 72. That is, payer U2 carries a user terminal 100-2, and the shopping cart 4-2 contains items such as product 3-2. Product 3-2 has product code 30-2 displayed or printed on it. In the following description, shopper U1 and payer U2 may be referred to as "user U". Furthermore, store employees and security guards (not shown) are stationed within the store 700, either in the checkout area 72 or elsewhere. Then, in response to a notification from the self-checkout terminal 200, the store staff will rush to the location of the self-checkout terminal 200 and provide customer service and assistance to the payer (user) U2.

[0026] The user terminal 100-2 has a built-in storage medium 5 and can communicate via one or more types of short-range wireless communication and other wireless communication methods. The storage medium 5 stores the user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age verification information 53 in association with each other. The detailed configuration of the user terminal 100 will be described later.

[0027] The payment process according to this embodiment is performed as follows, for example. First, the payer U2 holds the product code 30-2 of product 3-2 in the shopping cart 4-2 over the product code reader (not shown) of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 to read the product code and inputs the payment item information into the self-checkout terminal 200-1. The payer U2 then sequentially has the self-checkout terminal 200-1 read the product codes 30 of the other products 3 in the shopping cart 4-2 in the same manner. If the input payment item information includes products with age restrictions, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains at least facial feature information 52 and age verification information 53 from the storage medium 5 in the user terminal 100-2. Also, if the input payment item information includes products with age restrictions, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 takes a picture of the payer U2's face. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then performs facial recognition based on facial feature information 52 (master biometric information) obtained from the storage medium 5 and facial feature information (query biometric information) extracted from the captured facial image. If the self-checkout terminal 200-1 successfully recognizes the face of the payer U2 and the age verification information 53 obtained from the storage medium 5 meets the age requirements, it determines that product 3-2 can be paid for and adds it to the group of products to be paid for, and proceeds with the payment process. On the other hand, if facial recognition of the payer U2 fails, or if facial recognition is successful but the obtained age verification information 53 does not meet the age requirements, it displays that product 3-2 cannot be paid for and notifies the store staff, etc.

[0028] The payment system 1001 is configured such that the self-checkout terminal 200, the management server, and the product database are communicated to each other via a communication network (not shown). Furthermore, the user terminal 100 may also be communicated to the communication network. Here, the communication network is a wired or wireless communication line or network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a wireless communication network, or a mobile phone network. The communication network is not limited to any type of communication protocol.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 100 according to this second embodiment. The user terminal 100 is an example of an information terminal carried by user U when entering the store 700, when paying for product 3, and when leaving the store 700. For example, the user terminal 100 is a mobile information processing device such as a tablet or smartphone. The user terminal 100 includes a storage unit 110, memory 120, communication unit 130, control unit 140, display unit 150, and camera 160. The storage unit 110 includes the storage medium 5 described above and is an example of a storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 110 stores user information 111 and program 112.

[0030] User information 111 is information that associates user U's user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age verification information 1113. User ID 1111 is user U's identification information and may be, for example, the member ID of store 700. Facial feature information 1112 is an example of master biometric information and is a feature vector that shows a set of feature quantities such as the distance between each feature point corresponding to the position of the eyes, nose, mouth, etc., extracted from user U's facial image. Age verification information 1113 is information that certifies user U's age-related information, such as date of birth, age, and age group to which they belong. Age verification information 1113 may be, for example, electronic data of a My Number Card, driver's license data, passport, health insurance card, or other identity verification information. Furthermore, the age verification information 1113 may be information used for KYC (Know Your Customer) that identifies age, such as year of birth, month of birth, day of birth, age group (teens, 20s, etc.), age type flag (adult flag, minor flag, elderly flag), etc. Also, the user information 111 may be the member information of store 700.

[0031] Program 112 is a computer program that implements the facial information registration process and the transfer of user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200 according to this embodiment 2. Program 112 may also include, for example, an application program (member app) for members of the store 700.

[0032] Furthermore, the memory unit 110 may also store payment information. This payment information is information that allows user U to make electronic payments using a self-checkout terminal 200 or the like. Examples of payment information include bank account information, credit card information, user U's identification information (account information) and balance for code payments and electronic money.

[0033] Memory 120 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 140 is operating. Communication unit 130 is a wireless communication interface with the communication network described above. Communication unit 130 may be connected to the Internet via a wireless communication network or a mobile phone network. Furthermore, communication unit 130 is capable of short-range wireless communication using a predetermined method. Specifically, communication unit 130 includes a short-range wireless communication interface (IF) 131. The short-range wireless communication interface 131 establishes a connection with the interface of another device using the same method within a predetermined range and communicates using the short-range wireless communication method X. Method X may correspond to standards and methods such as Bluetooth® or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), but is not limited to these. Note that communication unit 130 may have two or more short-range wireless communication interfaces.

[0034] The display unit 150 is a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence (OLED) display. The display unit 150 displays information instructed by the control unit 140. The camera 160 is one or more imaging devices that, in response to user U's operations or instructions from the control unit 140, capture images of user U's face, output the captured images to the control unit 140, and also display the images on the display unit 150.

[0035] The control unit 140 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the user terminal 100. The control unit 140 loads program 112 from the storage unit 110 into the memory 120 and executes program 112. In this way, the control unit 140 realizes the functions of the registration unit 141, acquisition unit 142, wireless communication unit 143, and display control unit 144.

[0036] The registration unit 141 performs the facial information registration process for user U. The registration unit 141 controls the camera 160 in response to user U's actions to capture user U's face. The registration unit 141 transmits user U's facial image to the authentication infrastructure system (not shown) via the network and receives the facial feature information extracted by the authentication infrastructure system and the issued user ID. The registration unit 141 associates the received user ID 1111 with the facial feature information 1112 and stores it in the storage unit 110 as user information 111. The registration unit 141 also registers the age verification information 1113, read by the wireless communication unit 143 from a contactless IC card (not shown) on which user U's age verification information is recorded, in the storage unit 110 as user information 111, associating it with user ID 1111 and facial feature information 1112.

[0037] The acquisition unit 142 controls the camera 160 in response to user U's operation to photograph information codes displayed on the screen of the self-checkout terminal 200 or information codes printed on paper or objects. The acquisition unit 142 then analyzes the captured images to obtain the information codes. In other words, the acquisition unit 142 reads the information codes displayed on a screen, etc., analyzes the information codes, and obtains information related to processing. This information related to processing may include, but is not limited to, connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection or control commands for the user terminal 100. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 142 may output the connection information contained in the acquired information codes to the wireless communication unit 143. The connection information may include identification information and addresses of the self-checkout terminal 200, which is the connection destination for the short-range wireless communication. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 142 may execute control commands, etc., contained in the acquired information codes.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 143 performs wireless communication with a self-checkout terminal 200 or the like that is capable of short-range wireless communication using a method supported by the short-range wireless communication IF 131. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 143 uses connection information contained in the information code acquired by the acquisition unit 142 to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200. Then, the wireless communication unit 143 transmits user information 211 to the self-checkout terminal 200 with which the connection has been established via short-range wireless communication. In other words, the wireless communication unit 143 transmits at least facial feature information 1112 and age verification information 1113 to the self-checkout terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication in response to reading an information code displayed on a screen or the like. The wireless communication unit 143 may also receive payment results, payment failure messages, payment completion codes, etc., from the self-checkout terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication.

[0039] The display control unit 144 displays the received payment result, payment failure message, payment completion code, etc., on the display unit 150.

[0040] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the self-checkout terminal 200 according to this second embodiment. The self-checkout terminal 200 is a specific example of the payment terminal 1 described above. The self-checkout terminal 200 may be a tablet terminal or the like. The self-checkout terminal 200 includes a storage unit 210, memory 220, communication unit 230, control unit 240, display unit 250, camera 260, and reading unit 280.

[0041] The storage unit 210 is an example of a storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 210 stores user information 211 and program 212. User information 211 is information that associates user ID 2111, facial feature information 2112, and age verification information 2113, which are acquired from the storage medium 5 by a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication. Therefore, user ID 2111, facial feature information 2112, and age verification information 2113 are equivalent to user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age verification information 1113 described above. Program 212 is a computer program (payment program) on which payment processing, etc., according to this embodiment 2 is implemented.

[0042] Furthermore, the storage unit 210 only needs to store at least the program 212. Therefore, user information 211 may be stored in an external storage device or memory 220 connected to the self-checkout terminal 200.

[0043] Memory 220 is a volatile storage device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 240 is operating. The communication unit 230 is a wireless communication interface with the communication network described above. The communication unit 230 may also be connected to the communication network by wired or wireless connection.

[0044] Furthermore, the communication unit 230 is capable of wireless communication using a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication. Specifically, the communication unit 230 includes short-range wireless communication IFs 231 and 232. The short-range wireless communication IF 231 establishes a connection and communicates with the IF of another device using the same method within a predetermined range, using the short-range wireless communication method X. Method X is the same method as the short-range wireless communication IF 131 described above. The short-range wireless communication IF 232 establishes a connection and communicates with the IF of another device using the same method within a predetermined range, using the short-range wireless communication method Y. The short-range wireless communication IF 232 may be implemented by an antenna, interface circuit, etc. Method Y may correspond to standards and methods such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), but is not limited to these.

[0045] The display unit 250 is a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 250 displays information instructed by the control unit 240. The camera 260 is one or more imaging devices that, in response to instructions from the control unit 240, capture images of the face of user U, the payer, and output the captured images to the control unit 240. The display unit 250 may also display the captured face images. The self-checkout terminal 200 may also be equipped with a human presence sensor (not shown) that detects people within a predetermined range. In that case, the camera 260 may, in response to the human presence sensor 270 detecting a person, capture images of user U, output the captured images to the control unit 240, and also display the images on the display unit 250.

[0046] The reading unit 280 outputs the product code 30 read by a handheld scanner (not shown) connected to the self-checkout terminal 200 to the acquisition unit 241. Alternatively, the reading unit 280 may be the handheld scanner itself.

[0047] Furthermore, when a contactless IC card, which is an example of a storage medium, is held over the reader unit 280, the reader unit 280 may establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the contactless IC card, read data from the contactless IC card, and output the read data to the acquisition unit 241. In other words, the reader unit 280 may also have the function of a transmitting and receiving unit for wireless communication via the short-range wireless communication IF132 using the short-range wireless communication method Y.

[0048] The control unit 240 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the edge terminal 200. The control unit 240 loads program 212 from the storage unit 210 into memory 220 and executes program 212. In this way, the control unit 240 realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 241, storage unit 242, authentication unit 243, determination unit 244, settlement unit 245, and output unit 246.

[0049] The acquisition unit 241 is an example of the acquisition unit 11 described above. The acquisition unit 241 acquires facial feature information 1112 and age verification information 1113 that have been read from the storage medium 5 and transmitted by the user terminal 100 in response to the user terminal 100 reading the first information code. Here, the first information code is an information code displayed on the display unit 250 in order to transmit the master biometric information and age verification information to the payment terminal. In particular, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the master biometric information and age verification information transmitted from the user terminal 100 via short-range wireless communication in response to the user terminal 100 reading the first information code. Here, the first information code includes connection information such as the identification information and address of the self-checkout terminal 200, which is the connection destination for the short-range wireless communication. The acquisition unit 241 then acquires the master biometric information and age verification information via short-range wireless communication by establishing a connection with the user terminal 100 using the connection information read by the user terminal 100. In other words, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the user ID, master biometric information, and age verification information from the storage medium 5 carried by user U using a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication.

[0050] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 241 may be enabled and on standby for acquisition using each of the predetermined methods of short-range wireless communication. For example, if a user terminal 100 with method X enabled enters the communication range of the short-range wireless communication IF 231, the acquisition unit 241 will acquire the user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age verification information 1113 from the storage medium 5 via the short-range wireless communication IF 231 using method X. Alternatively, if a contactless IC card enters the communication range of the short-range wireless communication IF 232, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire the user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age verification information 1113 from the storage medium 5 in the contactless IC card via the short-range wireless communication IF 232 using method Y. In other words, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire master biometric information and age verification information, etc., via short-range wireless communication using method Y with the contactless IC card. Alternatively, as described above, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire master biometric information and age verification information, etc., from the storage medium 5 in the contactless IC card via short-range wireless communication IF232 and the reading unit 280.

[0051] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire the product code 30 read by the reading unit 280, analyze the product code 30, and acquire it as payment target product information. In this case, the acquisition unit 241 may use the identification information of product 3 obtained by analyzing the product code 30 as a search key to search the product database and acquire the product information of the retrieved product 3 as payment target product information. Furthermore, each time multiple product codes 30 are acquired, the acquisition unit 241 may sequentially add the product information corresponding to each product code 30 to the payment target product information. The acquisition unit 241 may store the payment target product information, that is, the list of payment target product information, in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0052] The storage unit 242 associates the user ID 2111, facial feature information 2112, and age verification information 2113 acquired by the acquisition unit 241 and stores them as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220. The storage unit 242 may delete the user information 211 after a certain period of time has elapsed since saving it. In other words, the storage unit 242 may temporarily store the user information 211 in the storage unit 210. User information 211 is stored and deleted sequentially in the storage unit 210, but there may be cases where multiple user information 211, that is, two or more facial feature information 2112, are temporarily stored.

[0053] The authentication unit 243 is an example of the authentication unit 12 described above. The authentication unit 243 performs facial authentication by comparing query biometric information (face feature information B) extracted from an image of user U captured by controlling the camera 260 with master biometric information (face feature information A, face feature information 2112) stored in the user information 211 of the storage unit 210. Specifically, the authentication unit 243 comprises a face detection unit 2431, a feature information extraction unit 2432, and an authentication processing unit 2433.

[0054] The face detection unit 2431 detects the face region from the image of user U captured by the camera 260 and outputs the face image corresponding to the detected face region to the feature information extraction unit 2432. The feature information extraction unit 2432 extracts multiple feature points that represent the features of a person's face from the face region (face image) detected by the face detection unit 2431 and calculates a feature vector, which is a set of feature quantities such as the distance between each extracted feature point. In other words, the feature information extraction unit 2432 extracts the feature vector calculated from the face image as face feature information. The feature information extraction unit 2432 then outputs the extracted face feature information to the authentication processing unit 2433. The authentication processing unit 2433 compares the face feature information (query biometric information) extracted by the feature information extraction unit 2432 with one or more face feature information 2112 (master biometric information) in the user information 211 and calculates the degree of match. The authentication processing unit 2433 then determines that facial recognition was successful if the degree of matching is above the threshold, and that facial recognition failed if the degree of matching is below the threshold.

[0055] The determination unit 244 is an example of the determination unit 13 described above. The determination unit 244 determines whether or not facial recognition was successful by the authentication unit 243. If facial recognition is successful, the determination unit 244 refers to the storage unit 210 and identifies the user ID 2111 and age verification information 2113 associated with the facial feature information 2112. The determination unit 244 also determines whether or not the payment target product information acquired by the acquisition unit 241 includes products with age restrictions. The order in which the determination unit 244 determines the facial recognition result and the presence of products with age restrictions does not matter. If facial recognition is successful and the payment target product information includes products with age restrictions, the determination unit 244 determines whether or not the identified age verification information 2113 satisfies the age restriction.

[0056] The settlement unit 245 and output unit 246 are examples of the settlement unit 14 described above. The settlement unit 245 processes payment for all products in the product information if there are no products with age restrictions imposed on them, or if the age verification information 2113 of user U, the payer, meets the age restrictions imposed on each product. The settlement unit 245 calculates the total amount of all products in the product information and outputs the breakdown of the amount for each product, the amount of discount applied, the total amount, etc., to the output unit 246. The settlement unit 245 also processes payment according to whether user U pays in cash or using various payment methods. Alternatively, if facial recognition by the authentication unit 243 is successful, the settlement unit 245 may process payment using the payment information associated with user ID 2111. On the other hand, if there are products in the product information that do not meet the age requirements for which the age verification information 2113 does notify the output unit 246 of this fact.

[0057] The output unit 246 displays the breakdown of the amounts for each product, the amount of discount applied, the total amount, etc., output from the settlement unit 245, on the display unit 250. The output unit 246 also displays on the display unit 250 that the settlement process by the settlement unit 245 has been completed. The output unit 246 may also send a settlement completion information code to the user terminal 100 after settlement. The settlement completion information code is proof that the payer U2 has made a payment within the store 700. When the payer U2 leaves the store 700, they can leave after the settlement completion is confirmed by having the settlement completion information code displayed on the user terminal 100-2 read by an authentication terminal (not shown) installed at the exit of the store 700.

[0058] The output unit 246 outputs a first information code to be displayed on the display unit 250 for transmitting master biometric information and age verification information to the self-checkout terminal 200. In particular, in this embodiment, the output unit 246 outputs the first information code to be displayed on the display unit 250 if the payment target product information includes products for which age conditions are imposed.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the payment processing flow according to this embodiment 2. First, the payer U2 has the reader 280 of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 read (scan) the product code 30 of the product 3 to be paid for. In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the product information of the scanned product code 30 (S201). For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the product information of product 3 obtained by analyzing the product code 30 from the product database. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 adds the acquired product information to the payment target information and saves it. The payer U2 will scan the product code 30 for all products 3 in the shopping cart 4. Therefore, the payment target product information includes information on all products that the payer U2 wishes to purchase.

[0060] Next, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether or not there are age restrictions imposed on the product information to be paid for (S202). Specifically, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether or not age restrictions are included in the attributes of the product information. For example, if the product is an alcoholic beverage or tobacco, and there are age restrictions on the purchase of the product, and age verification is required at the time of purchase (payment), then it is determined that age restrictions are imposed on the product. Alternatively, in the case of products to which discounts for teenagers or seniors are applicable, the age restriction may be that the person is under 20 years old or 60 years old or older.

[0061] If it is determined in step S202 that an age restriction is imposed on the product information, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays an age verification code on the screen (S206). Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the age verification screen displayed on the payment terminal (self-checkout terminal 200-1) and the user terminal 100-2 according to this embodiment 2. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the positional relationship between the payer U2, the user terminal 100-2, and the payment terminal (self-checkout terminal 200-1) according to this embodiment 2. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the processes from steps S201 to S208 in Figure 6 will be explained.

[0062] First, the payer U2 picks up the reader unit 280 (handheld scanner) of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 and scans the product code 30-x of the product 3-x (alcoholic beverage) that they wish to purchase (S201). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines that there is an age restriction imposed on the product information corresponding to product code 30-x (YES in S202), and displays confirmation messages M11 and M12, as well as the age verification code C1-1, on the display unit 250. Confirmation message M11 is an example of an operation support message for the payer U2, such as "Please operate without touching the screen." This makes it easier for the payer U2 to pay by making a contactless payment, which may contribute to curbing the spread of infectious diseases. Confirmation message M12 is an example of a message prompting the user terminal 100-2 to scan the age verification code C1-1. The age verification code C1-1 is an example of a first information code. The age verification code C1-1 includes connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1, and a control command to transmit user information ((user ID), facial feature information, and age verification information) to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication.

[0063] The payer U2 uses the camera 160 of the user terminal 100-2 that he carries to photograph the age verification code C1-1 displayed on the display unit 250 (S204-0 in Figure 8). In response, the user terminal 100-2 analyzes the age verification code C1-1 contained in the captured image and obtains the connection information and control commands described above. The user terminal 100-2 may also display the captured age verification code C1-2 on the display unit 150. Then, the user terminal 100-2 uses the connection information in response to the control commands to attempt to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100-2 (S207).

[0064] Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires facial feature information A and age verification information, etc., from the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication (S208). For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may send a request to the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication to acquire facial feature information A and age verification information, etc. In this case, when the user terminal 100-2 receives the acquisition request from the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, it reads user information 111 from the storage unit 110 and transmits the read user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication. In other words, the user terminal 100-2 transmits the user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age verification information 1113 stored in the storage unit 110 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. Alternatively, instead of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 sending the acquisition request, the user terminal 100-2 may read user information 111 from the storage unit 110 in response to a control command obtained by analyzing the age verification code C1-1. Then, the user terminal 100-2 may transmit the read user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, as described above.

[0065] Subsequently, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 stores the acquired user ID 2111, facial feature information A (2112), and age verification information 2113 as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0066] Furthermore, steps S203 to S205 are executed in parallel with or before / after steps S206 to S208. Specifically, if the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines in step S202 that an age restriction is imposed on the product information, it displays a face-taking message (S203). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 takes a picture of the user's face (S204). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 extracts face feature information B (query biometric information) from the face image (S205).

[0067] After steps S205 and S208, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs facial recognition by matching facial feature information A and B (S209). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether or not facial recognition was successful (S210). If facial recognition is successful, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether or not the age verification information meets the age requirements (S211). If different age requirements are imposed on multiple products, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether or not the age verification information meets all of the age requirements. If all of the age requirements imposed on each product are met, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment for the product information (S212). In other words, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment for all of the product information subject to payment, including products subject to age requirements. If it is determined in step S202 that no age requirements are imposed on the product information, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment for all of the product information subject to payment (S212).

[0068] After step S212, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 transmits a payment completion code to the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication (S213). In response, the user terminal 100-2 receives the payment completion code from the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication and stores the payment completion code in the storage unit 110. Then, the user terminal 100-2 can display the payment completion code on the display unit 150 in response to an operation by the payer U2.

[0069] On the other hand, if facial recognition fails in step S210, or if the age requirement is not met in step S211, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays a message on the display unit 250 indicating that payment is not possible and notifies the store staff (or their terminal) of this fact (S214).

[0070] The above describes a case where the payer U2 scans the product code 30 for all items 3 in the shopping cart 4 before performing step S202, but this is not limited to this case. For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may perform step S202 each time a product code 30 is scanned (S201), and then perform steps S203 to S211 each time the product has an age requirement. In that case, if the payer U2's age verification information meets the age requirement, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may add the product to the product information for payment, perform steps S201 and S202 for the next product, and repeat these steps for all products. In other words, each time a product code is read, it may be determined whether an age requirement is imposed on the product (whether age verification is required), and age verification may be performed each time for products that require it. Alternatively, if the system determines whether an age restriction is imposed on a product each time the product code is read, and the age restriction is the same as that imposed on a previously read product and the system has already determined that the age restriction is met, the system may display that the product has also been age-verified and omit further age verification (steps S203 to S211).

[0071] In this embodiment, when a product has an age requirement, the self-checkout terminal performs age verification at the time of payment. If the age requirement is met, the payer U2 can complete the payment without notifying the store staff. Therefore, store staff do not need to rush to the self-checkout terminal to verify the age of the payer U2, nor do they need to visually check the payer U2's identification documents. Thus, the burden on store staff can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, if the product information imposes age restrictions, an age verification code and a face-scan message will be displayed. Therefore, the payer U2 can perform face recognition, provide age verification information, and verify their age simply by scanning the age verification code with their user terminal 100 as instructed by the message. In other words, the payer U2 can avoid the trouble of taking out and presenting identification documents from their wallet, etc. On the other hand, if the product information to be paid for does not include any products with age restrictions, the payment process can be carried out as is, so the convenience of payment when no age restrictions are imposed is not compromised.

[0073] Furthermore, due to the installation angle of the display unit 250 shown in Figure 8, the display position of the age verification code C1-1 in Figure 7, and the installation position of the camera 260, the position of the user terminal 100-2 when the payer U2 photographs the age verification code C1 is less likely to overlap with the field of view of the camera 260. As a result, the accuracy of facial recognition using the facial image captured by the camera 260 may be improved.

[0074] <Embodiment 3> This third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment described above. Specifically, each time a shopper selects an item, they have the store's information terminal read the item code, and at the time of payment, the information about the items to be paid for, stored in the information terminal, is transferred to the self-checkout terminal to complete the payment.

[0075] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system 1002 according to this third embodiment. The payment system 1002 is an additional version of the payment system 1001 described above, with the addition of loan terminals 6-1, 6-2, etc. In addition, adjacent to each of the self-checkout terminals 200-1 to 200-m, the accounting codes C2-1 to C2-m are displayed, posted, printed, etc., in a readable manner. In the following description, loan terminals 6-1, etc. may be simply referred to as "loan terminal 6," and accounting codes C2-1, etc., may be simply referred to as "accounting code C2."

[0076] The loaned terminal 6 is loaned from store 700 to shoppers and is an information terminal for generating payment item information. Like the user terminal 100, the loaned terminal 6 can communicate using one or more short-range wireless communication methods and other wireless communication methods. The loaned terminal 6 has the store 700's shopping application program (shopping app) installed on it. The shopping app implements the process of generating payment item information 62 and the process of transmitting payment item information 62 using a predetermined communication method.

[0077] The accounting code C2 is an example of a second information code used to enable payment processing at the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200. Specifically, the accounting code C2 includes connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200 as the connection destination, and a control command for causing the loaned terminal 6 to execute the process of transmitting payment target product information to the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200. The accounting code C2 is posted on a bulletin board installed near the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, printed on a sheet of paper attached to the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, or displayed on the screen of the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200.

[0078] Shopping at the sales area 71 according to this embodiment is carried out as follows, for example. First, at the entrance of the store 700, shopper U1 picks up a rental terminal 6-1 along with a shopping cart 4-1, places the rental terminal 6-1 on the shopping cart 4-1, and selects the products that the shopper U1 wishes to purchase at the sales area 71. Shopper U1 has the rental terminal 6-1 read the product code 30-1 of the selected product 3-1. For example, shopper U1 takes a picture of the product code 30-1 with the camera of the rental terminal 6-1. In response, the rental terminal 6-1 analyzes the captured image and obtains the product code 30-1. Then, the rental terminal 6-1 obtains product information corresponding to the product code 30-1 from the product database, adds it to the payment target product information, and stores it internally. At this time, the rental terminal 6-1 may display the payment target product information, that is, the scanned product details, price, age requirements, etc., on its screen.

[0079] Subsequently, shopper U1 enters the checkout area 72 and will be referred to as the payer U2 from now on. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the payment processing flow according to this embodiment 3. Note that explanations of the same processes as those described in Figure 6 above will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the payment processing according to this embodiment 3.

[0080] First, the payer U2, carrying the user terminal 100-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where payment will be made. Then, the payer U2 uses the camera of the loaned terminal 6-2 to photograph the accounting code C2-1 written on the bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 (S300 in Figure 11). In response, the loaned terminal 6-2 analyzes the accounting code C2-1 from the captured image and obtains connection information and control commands. In response to the control commands, the loaned terminal 6-2 uses the connection information to attempt to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the loaned terminal 6-2 (S301).

[0081] Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains payment item information from the loaned terminal 6-2 via short-range wireless communication (S302). For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may send a request to the loaned terminal 6-2 to obtain payment item information via short-range wireless communication. In this case, when the loaned terminal 6-2 receives the acquisition request from the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, it reads the payment item information 62 stored internally and sends the read payment item information 62 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication. Alternatively, instead of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 sending the acquisition request, the loaned terminal 6-2 may read the payment item information 62 in accordance with the control command obtained by parsing the accounting code C2-1. Then, the loaned terminal 6-2 may send the read payment item information 62 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication in the same manner as above.

[0082] Here, we will explain assuming that it has been determined that an age restriction is imposed on the product information to be paid for (YES in step S202). Next, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays the confirmation message M12 and the age verification code C1-1 on the display unit 250, as described above (S206). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 may also display the confirmation message M11, as described above. Then, as described above, the user terminal 100-2 photographs the age verification code C1-1 with the camera 160 in response to the operation of the payer U2, and attempts to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1 using the connection information obtained by analyzing the age verification code C1-1. Thus, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100-2 (S207), and obtains facial feature information A and age verification information, etc. from the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication (S208).

[0083] If the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines in step S202 that an age restriction is imposed on the product information, it displays a confirmation message M13 on the display unit 250 (S203, Figure 11). Note that confirmation message M13 is an example of a message indicating that a facial photograph will be taken for identity verification. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then takes a photograph of the user's face (S204) and extracts facial feature information B (query biometric information) from the facial image (S205).

[0084] After steps S205 and S208, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs facial authentication by comparing facial feature information A and B (S209). If facial authentication is successful (YES in S210), it determines whether the age verification information meets the age requirements (S211). If the age requirements are met, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment for the product information (S212).

[0085] Thus, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as Embodiment 2 described above. Furthermore, when the payer U2 places product 3 into the shopping cart 4 at the sales floor 71, they can scan the product code 30 using the loaned terminal 6, thereby eliminating the need to individually scan the product code 30 for each self-checkout terminal 200 at the checkout area 72.

[0086] <Embodiment 4> This fourth embodiment is a modification of embodiments 2 and 3 described above. Specifically, instead of using the loaned terminal 6 in embodiment 3, a user terminal 100b with a shopping application installed is used. In other words, the program installed on the user terminal 100b integrates the functions of a shopping application program with the application program for members of the store 700.

[0087] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system 1003 according to this embodiment 4. The payment system 1003 replaces the user terminal 100 in the payment system 1002 described above with a user terminal 100b that has the added functionality of a loaned terminal 6. The user terminal 100b generates and stores the payment target product information 113. The other configurations of the payment system 1003 are the same as described above, so redundant illustrations and explanations will be omitted as appropriate below.

[0088] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of user terminal 100b according to this fourth embodiment. Compared to Figure 4 described above, user terminal 100b has been modified with changes to program 112b, registration unit 141b, acquisition unit 142b, and wireless communication unit 143b, and payment target product information 113 has been added. Program 112b is the same as program 112 described above, with the processing of the shopping application program described above added. Payment target product information 113 is the same as payment target product information 62 in the loan terminal 6-2 in Figure 9 described above.

[0089] In addition to the processing performed by the registration unit 141 described above, the registration unit 141b performs the process of generating payment target product information by the loan terminal 6 described above. That is, each time a product code 30 is read, the registration unit 141b retrieves product information corresponding to the product code 30 from the product database, adds it to the payment target product information 113, and stores it in the storage unit 110 or memory 120. At this time, the display control unit 144 may display the payment target product information 113, that is, the scanned product details, price, age requirements, etc., on the screen.

[0090] In addition to the processing of the acquisition unit 142 described above, if the accounting code C2 is captured by the camera 160 in response to the user U's operation, the acquisition unit 142b analyzes the accounting code C2 from the captured image and obtains connection information and control commands. The acquisition unit 142b may also output the acquired connection information to the wireless communication unit 143b.

[0091] The wireless communication unit 143b, in response to the acquired control command, uses connection information to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, and transmits the payment target product information 113 to the self-checkout terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication.

[0092] Returning to Figure 12, the explanation continues. In addition to the processing performed by the acquisition unit 241 of the self-checkout terminal 200, the acquisition unit 241 performs the following processing: Specifically, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the payment target product information 113 transmitted from the information terminal (e.g., user terminal 100b) in response to the information terminal (e.g., user terminal 100b) reading the second information code (e.g., accounting code C2) displayed for payment. Furthermore, if the acquired payment target product information 113 includes products subject to age restrictions, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the master biometric information and age verification information transmitted from the information terminal (e.g., user terminal 100b) in response to the information terminal (e.g., user terminal 100b) reading the first information code (e.g., age verification code C1).

[0093] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the payment processing flow according to this embodiment 4. Steps S401 and S402 can be described as the user terminal 100b performing the processing of steps S301 and S302 in Figure 10 described above. Specifically, shopper U1 scans the product code 30 using the user terminal 100b instead of the loaned terminal 6 in the sales area 71. Therefore, the user terminal 100b-2 carried by shopper U1 (payer U2) when he enters the checkout area 72 has the product information 113 to be paid for stored in it. Then, payer U2 moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where payment will be made, while still carrying the user terminal 100b-2. Then, payer U2 uses the camera on the user terminal 100b-2 to photograph the accounting code C2-1 written on the bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. In response, the user terminal 100b-2 analyzes the accounting code C2-1 from the captured image and obtains connection information and control commands. User terminal 100b-2 attempts to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with self-checkout terminal 200-1 using connection information in response to a control command. That is, self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with user terminal 100b-2 (S401). Then, self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains payment target product information 113 from user terminal 100b-2 via short-range wireless communication (S402). Subsequently, self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processing from step S202 onward with user terminal 100b-2 and payer U2, similar to Figure 10 described above.

[0094] Thus, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as Embodiment 3 described above. Furthermore, when the payer U2 places product 3 into the shopping cart 4 at the sales floor 71, they can scan the product code 30 using their own user terminal 100b, eliminating the need to individually scan the product code 30 for each self-checkout terminal 200 at the checkout area 72. This improves the convenience for shoppers. In addition, the payer U2 can eliminate the need to borrow a loaned terminal 6 at the entrance of the store 700 and return it at the exit. Moreover, the store 700 does not need to prepare, lend, or collect the loaned terminal 6, thus saving on associated costs.

[0095] <Embodiment 5> This 5th embodiment is a modification of the embodiments 2, 3, and 4 described above. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the user terminal 100b reads the accounting code C2, facial recognition and age verification are performed if age verification is required. In other words, the role of the age verification code C1 in the 4th embodiment described above is integrated into the accounting code C2. Therefore, the age verification code C1 or accounting code C2 in this 5th embodiment is both the first information code and the second information code described above. For example, the control command included in the age verification code C1 or accounting code C2 is a command to transmit the payment target product information 113 along with user information 111 ((user ID,) facial feature information and age verification information) to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication. Also, in this embodiment, the user terminal 100b has a program installed that integrates the functions of a shopping application program (shopping app) with the application program for store 700 members (member app), similar to the 4th embodiment.

[0096] In this embodiment 5, the wireless communication unit 143b of the user terminal 100b establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200 using connection information in response to the reading of the accounting code C2, and transmits the user information 111 along with the payment target product information 113 to the self-checkout terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication.

[0097] In this embodiment 5, the acquisition unit 241 of the self-checkout terminal 200 acquires the payment target product information 113 transmitted along with (user ID 1111,) facial feature information 1112 and age verification information 1113 in response to the information terminal (e.g., user terminal 100b) reading the first information code. Here, the first information code may be a second information code displayed for payment, for example, the accounting code C2. Furthermore, the authentication unit 243 of the self-checkout terminal 200 in this embodiment 5 performs biometric authentication if the payment target product information includes products with age restrictions.

[0098] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the payment processing flow according to this embodiment 5. Step S501 is the same as step S401 in Figure 14 described above. However, the information code read by the user terminal 100b may be either the age verification code C1 or the accounting code C2. Furthermore, the age verification code C1 or the accounting code C2 may be either written on a bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 or pre-displayed on the screen of the self-checkout terminal 200-1.

[0099] Specifically, the payer U2 uses the camera on the user terminal 100b-2 to photograph the accounting code C2-1 displayed on the bulletin board next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. In response, the user terminal 100b-2 analyzes the accounting code C2-1 from the captured image to obtain connection information and control commands. The user terminal 100b-2 uses the connection information in response to the control commands to attempt to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100b-2 (S501). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then obtains the user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, age verification information 1113, and payment target product information 113 from the user terminal 100b-2 via short-range wireless communication (S502). Subsequently, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 stores the acquired user ID 2111, facial feature information A (2112), and age verification information 2113 as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 also stores the acquired payment target product information in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0100] Subsequently, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processing from steps S202 to S205 with the user terminal 100b-2 and the payer U2, similar to Figure 10 described above. However, since the self-checkout terminal 200-1 has already obtained the payment target product information in step S502, the processing from steps S206 to S208 in Figure 14 described above can be omitted. Then, after step S205, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processing from step S209 onwards with the user terminal 100b-2 and the payer U2, similar to Figure 14 described above.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment 4, the payer U2 had to use the user terminal 100b-2 to photograph the accounting code C2, and then the age verification code C1. In other words, the payer U2 had to perform two information code scanning operations using the user terminal 100b-2 during payment. In contrast, in this embodiment 5, the payer U2 can achieve the same effect as in the above-described embodiment 4 by simply photographing the information code, which serves both accounting and age verification purposes, once using the user terminal 100b-2. Therefore, the convenience for shoppers can be further improved.

[0102] <Embodiment 6> This sixth embodiment is a different embodiment from the second to fifth embodiments described above. In this sixth embodiment, a contactless IC card is used as a specific example of the storage medium according to the first embodiment.

[0103] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system 1006 according to this embodiment 6. Compared to Figure 3 described above, the payment system 1006 is modified in that the user terminal 100 is replaced with a contactless IC card 500. In addition, the self-checkout terminal 200 has been appropriately modified to suit the payment processing according to embodiment 6, as will be described later, compared to the one described above.

[0104] The contactless IC card 500 corresponds to a digital identification card for user U (shopper U1 or payer U2). In addition to the storage medium 5, the contactless IC card 500 includes, in configurations not shown, a short-range wireless communication interface (IF) and a RW (Reader-Writer) control unit. The contactless IC card 500, including the storage medium 5, the short-range wireless communication IF, and the RW control unit, can be considered an IC tag that incorporates a so-called IC chip and can communicate using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method. The storage medium 5 records user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age verification information 53 in association with each other. User ID 51 is the identification information of user U and may be the same as the ID (such as My Number) in the digital identification card. However, user ID 51 may be different from the ID in the digital identification card; for example, it may be a member ID of store 700. Furthermore, user ID 51 is associated with at least facial feature information 52 and age verification information 53. Facial feature information 52 is the same as facial feature information 1112 described above, and age verification information 53 is the same as age verification information 1113 described above. In the following explanation, contactless IC cards 500-1 and 500-2, etc., may be simply referred to as "contactless IC card 500".

[0105] The short-range wireless communication interface (IF) of the contactless IC card 500 establishes a connection and communicates with the IFs of other devices using the same method within a predetermined range, using the short-range wireless communication method Y. The short-range wireless communication IF 1021 may be implemented using an antenna, interface circuit, etc. Method Y may correspond to standards and methods such as NFC and RFID, but is not limited to these.

[0106] The RW control unit of the contactless IC card 500 communicates wirelessly with the IC tag attached to the contactless IC card 500 and a reader / writer device capable of short-range wireless communication using method Y. Specifically, when the contactless IC card 500 enters the communication range of the method Y reader / writer (reading unit 280) of the self-checkout terminal 200, the RW control unit communicates with the self-checkout terminal 200 via the short-range wireless communication interface using method Y. That is, the RW control unit reads the user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age verification information 53 from the storage medium 5 and transmits the user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age verification information 53 to the self-checkout terminal 200 via the short-range wireless communication interface.

[0107] In this embodiment, shopping at the sales area 71 is carried out as follows: A shopper (user) U1 enters the store 700 carrying a contactless IC card 500-1, and at the sales area 71, places one or more desired items 3 into a shopping cart 4-1. Then, the shopper U1 goes to the checkout area 72 and makes a payment.

[0108] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the payment processing flow according to this embodiment 6. Note that explanations of the same processes as those described in Figure 6 within Figure 17 will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the payment processing according to this embodiment 6.

[0109] First, the payer U2, while carrying the contactless IC card 500-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where payment will be made. Then, the payer U2 holds the contactless IC card 500-2 over the reader unit 280-2 of the self-checkout terminal 200-1. As a result, the reader unit 280-2 scans the contactless IC card 500-2 (S600 in Figure 18). In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the contactless IC card 500-2 (S601).

[0110] Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains the user ID 51, facial feature information 52 (facial feature information A), and age verification information 53 from the contactless IC card 500-2 via short-range wireless communication (S602). Subsequently, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 stores the obtained user ID 2111, facial feature information A (2112), and age verification information 2113 as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0111] Subsequently, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processes from steps S202 to S205 with the user terminal 100b-2 and the payer U2, similar to Figure 10 described above. After step S205, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs facial authentication by comparing facial feature information A and B (S209) and determines whether facial authentication was successful (S210). If facial authentication is successful, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays an age verification message M14 on the display unit 250 (S603, Figure 18). The age verification message M14 is an example of a message requesting prior consent from the payer U2 for age verification, such as "Do you agree to age verification when paying for goods?". When the self-checkout terminal 200-1 receives the payer U2's response to the age verification message M14, it determines whether they have agreed to age verification (S604). For example, if the payer U2 presses "Yes", it is determined that they have agreed to age verification (YES in S604). Next, the payer U2 has the reader unit 280-1 (handheld scanner) of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 read (scan) the product code 30-y of the product to be paid for 3-y. In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains the product information of the scanned product code 30 (S605). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 adds the obtained product information to the payment target information and saves it. Next, the payer U2 has the reader unit 280-1 read the product code 30-z of the product to be paid for 3-z. Then, the payer U2 scans the product code 30 for all products 3 in the shopping cart 4. Therefore, the payment target product information includes the information of all products that the payer U2 wishes to purchase.

[0112] The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then determines whether or not there are age restrictions imposed on the product information to be paid for (S606). For example, if product 3-y has no age restrictions, but product 3-z has age restrictions, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines that there are age restrictions imposed on the product information to be paid for, that is, that the product information to be paid for contains products with age restrictions (YES in S606). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then determines whether or not the age verification information satisfies the age restrictions (S211). If different age restrictions are imposed on multiple products, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether or not the age verification information satisfies all of the age restrictions. If all of the age restrictions imposed on each product are met, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the payment process for the product information (S212). Furthermore, if step S606 determines that no age restrictions are imposed on the product information, that is, that no products with age restrictions are included in the product information subject to payment, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment for all of the product information subject to payment (S212). After step S212, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays a message on the display unit 250 indicating that the payment is complete (S607).

[0113] On the other hand, if facial recognition fails in step S210, if the user does not agree to age verification in step S604, or if the user does not meet the age requirements in step S211, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays a message on the display unit 250 indicating that payment is not possible and notifies the store staff (or their terminal) of this fact (S214).

[0114] Thus, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as Embodiment 1 described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the master biometric information and age verification information of the payer U2 are obtained before scanning the product code, and facial recognition is performed. Therefore, the deterrent effect against impersonation using another person's contactless IC card 500 when purchasing products with age requirements can be enhanced. It can also enhance the deterrent effect against shoplifting using self-checkout terminals. In addition, if age verification is required after scanning the product code, there is no need to ask the payer U2, who meets the age requirements, to take action for age verification. Thus, the convenience of shoppers can be improved.

[0115] Furthermore, in the payment processing of this embodiment 6, the contactless IC card scan may be performed not before the first product is scanned, but rather as the products are scanned, and the user is instructed to scan the contactless IC card when a product requiring age verification is scanned. Furthermore, if the contactless IC card is scanned once during the payment processing and age verification information is obtained, the scanning of the contactless IC card may be omitted when subsequent products requiring age verification are scanned. Moreover, if the age requirement is the same as that imposed on a previously scanned product and it has already been determined that the age requirement is met, the product may also be displayed as having already been age-verified, and further age verification may be omitted.

[0116] <Embodiment 7> This embodiment 7 is a modification of the embodiment 6 described above. Specifically, shoppers use the provided terminal and contactless IC card described above to make purchases and payments.

[0117] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment system 1007 according to this embodiment 7. Compared to the payment system 1006 described above, the payment system 1007 has the addition of loan terminals 6-1, 6-2, etc., similar to those in Figure 9 described above. Also, similar to Figure 9 described above, accounting codes C2-1 to C2-m are displayed, posted, printed, etc., in a readable manner adjacent to each of the self-checkout terminals 200-1 to 200-m.

[0118] Furthermore, the shopping at the sales area 71 according to this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 3 described above, except that the shopper U1 is carrying a contactless IC card 500-1.

[0119] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the payment processing flow according to this embodiment 7. Note that explanations of the same processes as those described in Figure 6 will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the payment processing according to this embodiment 7.

[0120] First, the payer U2, carrying the contactless IC card 500-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where payment will be made. Then, the payer U2 uses the camera of the loaned terminal 6-2 to photograph the accounting code C2-1 written on the bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 (S700 in Figure 21). In response, the loaned terminal 6-2 analyzes the accounting code C2-1 from the captured image and obtains connection information and control commands. In response to the control commands, the loaned terminal 6-2 uses the connection information to attempt to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the loaned terminal 6-2 (S701). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains payment item information from the loaned terminal 6-2 via short-range wireless communication (S702).

[0121] If it is determined that there is an age restriction on the product information to be paid for (YES in step S202), the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs steps S203 to S205 as in Figure 10 described above. Next, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays an age verification message M14 on the display unit 250 (S703, Figure 21). When the self-checkout terminal 200-1 receives the paymenter U2's response to the age verification message M14, it determines whether or not the paymenter U2 has agreed to the age verification (S704). For example, if the paymenter U2 presses "Yes", it is determined that the paymenter has agreed to the age verification (YES in S704). In this case, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may display a membership verification message M15 on the display unit 250, as shown in Figure 21. At this point, the paymenter U2 holds the contactless IC card 500-2 over the reader unit 280-2 of the self-checkout terminal 200-1. Therefore, the reading unit 280-2 scans the contactless IC card 500-2 (S705-0 in Figure 21). In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the contactless IC card 500-2 (S705). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 obtains the user ID 51, facial feature information 52 (facial feature information A), and age verification information 53 from the contactless IC card 500-2 via short-range wireless communication (S706).

[0122] Subsequently, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs facial recognition by comparing facial feature information A and B (S209). If facial recognition is successful (YES in S210), it determines whether the age verification information meets the age requirements (S211). If the age requirements are met, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment for the product information (S212). After step S212, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays a message on the display unit 250 indicating that payment is complete (S707).

[0123] On the other hand, if the customer does not agree to age verification in step S704, if facial recognition fails in step S210, or if the customer does not meet the age requirements in step S211, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays a message on the display unit 250 indicating that payment is not possible and notifies the store staff (or their terminal) of this fact (S214).

[0124] Thus, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as Embodiment 1 described above. Furthermore, when the payer U2 places the product 3 into the shopping cart 4 at the sales floor 71, they can scan the product code 30 using the loaned terminal 6, thus eliminating the need to individually scan the product code 30 for each item at the self-checkout terminal 200 in the checkout area 72. In addition, in this embodiment, when purchasing products with age restrictions, the payer U2 is given consent to age verification. Therefore, the deterrent effect against impersonation using another person's contactless IC card 500 when purchasing products with age restrictions can be enhanced. Furthermore, the deterrent effect against shoplifting using self-checkout terminals can also be enhanced.

[0125] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, in step S302 in Figure 10 and S402 in Figure 14, the loaned terminal 6-2 may send all the product information contained in the payment target product information 62 scanned at the sales floor 71 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. In this case, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 retrieves all the product information contained in the payment target product information from the loaned terminal 6-2 and performs the subsequent processing. Alternatively, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may retrieve the product information contained in the payment target product information one by one from the loaned terminal 6-2 and perform steps S202 to S211 for each retrieved product information. In other words, each time the self-checkout terminal 200-1 retrieves product information, it may determine whether an age restriction is imposed on the product (whether age verification is required) (S202), and perform age verification each time for products that require it. Alternatively, if it is determined each time product information is obtained whether an age restriction is imposed on the product, and the age restriction is the same as that imposed on a previously read product and it has already been determined that the age restriction is met, the product may also be displayed as having been age-verified, and the repeated age verification (steps S203 to S211) may be omitted.

[0126] Furthermore, the contactless IC card in embodiments 6 and 7 described above may be replaced with a user terminal.

[0127] Furthermore, the payment information described above may be stored in the storage medium 5, and in steps S208, S502, S602, and S706, the payment information may be transmitted from the user terminal 100 to the self-checkout terminal 200 together with the facial feature information and age verification information. The self-checkout terminal 200 may then perform payment processing using the received payment information. This enables payment using facial recognition in conjunction with age condition determination.

[0128] Furthermore, the acquisition unit of the self-checkout terminal may acquire the payer's identification information along with the master biometric information and age verification information, and the payment unit may, if biometric authentication is successful, perform payment using the payment information associated with the identification information. For example, a contactless IC card 500 may also serve as a membership card for store 700, and the membership ID (user ID 51) may be registered on a management server or the like in association with the payment information of payer U2. In this case, payer U2 can make a payment using the membership card by holding the contactless IC card 500-2 over the reader unit 280-2 (S600, S705-0). Specifically, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the user ID 51 from the contactless IC card 500-2 and performs payment processing using the payment information associated with the user ID 51. Here, since facial recognition of payer U2 has already been successful in step S210, further identity authentication can be avoided.

[0129] Alternatively, the payer U2 may carry a store 700 membership card (magnetic card, etc.) in addition to the contactless IC card 500, and the member ID recorded on the membership card may be associated with the payer U2's payment information and registered on the management server, etc. In this case, in step S212, the payer U2 will have the magnetic card reader (reading unit) of the self-checkout terminal 200 read the membership card, enabling payment using the membership card. Specifically, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 processes the payment using the payment information associated with the member ID read from the membership card. Therefore, the payer U2 may have the membership card read in addition to the contactless IC card 500. Alternatively, if the user ID 51 (transmitted to the payment terminal via short-range wireless communication, etc.) recorded on the contactless IC card 500 is associated with the member ID, the reading of the membership card may be omitted.

[0130] Furthermore, the payment terminal according to this embodiment may not be a self-checkout register, but a register terminal operated by a store employee. In that case, when a store employee reads the product code, if the product requires age verification, the register terminal should automatically display an age verification code and a facial recognition message on its screen.

[0131] Furthermore, the acquisition unit of the payment terminal may acquire master biometric information and age verification information transmitted from the information terminal via the wireless communication network in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. In other words, the transmission method of master biometric information and age verification information stored in the storage medium is not limited to short-range wireless communication. Also, if the information terminal does not support short-range wireless communication, or if short-range wireless communication is turned OFF, the master biometric information and age verification information may be transmitted to the payment terminal via the wireless communication network.

[0132] Furthermore, age requirements imposed at the time of payment for a product may also be used as a criterion for determining whether or not the benefit information is applicable. In that case, the acquisition unit of the payment terminal may acquire applicable benefit information along with master biometric information and age verification information, and the payment unit may apply the benefit information and process the payment if the result of the determination indicates that the age requirement is met.

[0133] Furthermore, age requirements imposed at the time of payment may also be used as a criterion for determining eligibility for discounts. In that case, the payment terminal's payment unit may apply the age-appropriate discount and process the payment if its determination indicates that the age requirement is met. Student identification information may be used instead of age verification information. In that case, student discounts may be applied.

[0134] Furthermore, the user terminal or loaned terminal may read the master biometric information and age verification information from the contactless IC card using short-range wireless communication method Y, and transmit the master biometric information and age verification information to the payment terminal using short-range wireless communication method X.

[0135] In the embodiments described above, personal authentication (identity verification authentication, identity authentication, identity identification processing, etc.) was explained as facial recognition, but other biometric authentication methods using biometric information may also be used. Biometric authentication and biometric information can be replaced with other technologies that utilize captured images of a person. For example, biometric information may include data (feature quantities) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as fingerprints, voiceprints, veins, retina, iris, and palm patterns. Furthermore, biometric authentication may involve extracting feature information indicating the physical characteristics of a person from captured images of a part of the user's body, comparing the extracted feature information with pre-registered feature information, and considering authentication successful if the degree of match is above a threshold. For example, biometric authentication may also be based on the physical shape of a person. In that case, the feature information would be information related to the physical shape of a person, such as body shape, height, clothing, etc. Also, other forms of personal authentication may be applied instead of biometric authentication, and biometric information may also be other forms of personal authentication information. For example, personal authentication information includes, but is not limited to, a user ID, a combination of ID and password, information on identification documents such as My Number or driver's license (identification number, password, etc.), electronic certificates, and code information. Furthermore, the code information may be a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0136] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0137] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented by combining the respective embodiments as appropriate.

[0138] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note A1) An acquisition means for acquiring master biometric information and age verification information from a storage medium carried by the payer and on which the payer's master biometric information and age verification information are stored, An authentication means that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the obtained master biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes a product subject to age restrictions, the system includes a determination means for determining whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions, A payment means that performs payment according to the result of the above determination, A payment terminal equipped with the following features. (Appendix A2) The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age verification information that have been read from the storage medium and transmitted by the information terminal, in response to the information terminal carrying the payer reading the first information code displayed for transmitting the master biometric information and age verification information to the payment terminal. The payment terminal described in Appendix A1. (Note A3) The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age verification information transmitted from the information terminal via short-range wireless communication in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. The payment terminal described in Appendix A2. (Note A4) The first information code includes connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection, The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age verification information via short-range wireless communication by establishing the connection with the information terminal using the connection information read by the information terminal. The payment terminal described in Appendix A3. (Note A5) The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age verification information transmitted from the information terminal via the wireless communication network in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. The payment terminal described in Appendix A2. (Note A6) The acquisition means acquires the payment target product information, If the payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, the system further comprises a display control means for displaying the first information code on a display device. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A2 through A5 of the appendix. (Note A7) The acquisition means acquires the payment target product information transmitted together with the master biometric information and the age verification information in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. The authentication means performs the biometric authentication if the payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A2 through A5 of the appendix. (Note A8) The acquisition means is, When the information terminal reads the second information code displayed for payment, the information terminal transmits the payment target product information, and If the payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, the master biometric information and age verification information transmitted from the information terminal in response to the information terminal reading the first information code are acquired. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A2 through A5 of the appendix. (Note A9) The payment means transmits a payment completion information code to the information terminal after the payment is completed. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A2 through A8 in the appendix. (Note A10) The acquisition means further acquires the identity information of the payer along with the master biometric information and the age verification information. If the biometric authentication is successful, the payment means will perform the payment using the payment information associated with the identification information. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A1 through A9 in the appendix. (Note A11) The acquisition means further acquires benefit information applicable to payment, along with the master biometric information and the age verification information. If the payment method determines that the determination meets the age requirement, it will apply the benefit information and make the payment. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A1 through A10 in the appendix. (Note A12) If the result of the determination indicates that the age condition is met, the payment method will apply a discount corresponding to the age and make the payment. A payment terminal as described in any one of the items A1 through A11. (Note B1) A storage medium carried by the payer and containing the payer's master biometric information and age verification information, Equipped with a payment terminal, The aforementioned payment terminal is An acquisition means for acquiring the master biometric information and the age verification information from the storage medium, An authentication means that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the obtained master biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes a product subject to age restrictions, the system includes a determination means for determining whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions, A payment means that performs payment according to the result of the above determination, A payment system equipped with the following features. (Note B2) The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age verification information that have been read from the storage medium and transmitted by the information terminal, in response to the information terminal carrying the payer reading the first information code displayed for transmitting the master biometric information and age verification information to the payment terminal. The payment system described in Appendix B1. (Note C1) Computers The master biometric information and age verification information are obtained from a storage medium carried by the payer and on which the payer's master biometric information and age verification information are stored. Biometric authentication is performed by comparing the query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information. If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment information of the payer includes products subject to age restrictions, it is determined whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. A settlement will be made according to the result of the above determination. Payment methods. (Note D1) An acquisition process to acquire the master biometric information and the age verification information from a storage medium carried by the payer and on which the payer's master biometric information and age verification information are stored, An authentication process that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information obtained from the payer at the time of payment with the obtained master biometric information, If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment recipient's payment target product information includes a product subject to age restrictions, a determination process is performed to determine whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. A settlement process that performs settlement according to the result of the above determination, A non-temporary, computer-readable medium containing a payment program that causes a computer to execute a payment.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (and examples). Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made, which can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1 Payment terminal 11 Acquisition Department 12. Authentication Department 13 Judgment section 14. Payment Department 1001-1007 Payment System U User U1 Shoppers U2 Settler 100 user terminals 100b User Terminal 110 Storage section 111 User Information 1111 User ID 1112 Facial feature information 1113 Age Verification Information 112 Programs 112b Program 113 Payment-eligible product information 120 memory 130 Communications Department 131 Near field wireless communication IF 140 Control Unit 141 Registration Department 141b Registration Section 142 Acquisition Department 142b Acquisition Department 143 Wireless Communication Section 143b Wireless Communication Department 144 Display Control Unit 150 Display section 160 Cameras 200 self-checkout terminals 210 Storage section 211 User Information 2111 User ID 2112 Facial feature information 2113 Age Verification Information 212 Programs 220 memory 230 Communications Department 231 Near field communication IF 232 Near field wireless communication IF 240 Control Unit 241 Acquisition Department 242 Preservation Department 243 Authentication Department 2431 Face detection unit 2432 Feature Information Extraction Unit 2433 Authentication Processing Unit 244 Judgment section 245 Payment Department 246 Output section 250 Display section 260 Cameras 280 Reading Unit 3 products 30 Product Codes 4 Shopping cart 500 Contactless IC Cards 5 Storage medium 51 User ID 52 Facial features information 53. Age Verification Information 6. Loaned devices 62 Payment-eligible product information 700 stores 71 Sales floor 72 Checkout Area M11 Confirmation Message M12 Confirmation Message M13 Confirmation Message M14 Age Verification Message M15 Membership Confirmation Message C1 Age Verification Code C2 Accounting Code

Claims

1. An acquisition means that, after an information processing terminal carried by the payer and storing the payer's master biometric information and age verification information reads a first information code, acquires the master biometric information and age verification information from the information processing terminal, The payment method includes, if the payment recipient's payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, a payment method that performs biometric authentication based on biometric information obtained from the payment recipient at the time of payment and master biometric information obtained from the information processing terminal, and if the obtained age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. Payment terminal.

2. The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and the age verification information from the information processing terminal via short-range wireless communication in response to the information processing terminal reading the first information code. The payment terminal according to claim 1.

3. The first information code includes connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection. The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age verification information via short-range wireless communication by establishing the connection with the information processing terminal using the connection information read by the information processing terminal. The payment terminal according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and the age verification information from the information processing terminal via a wireless communication network in response to the information processing terminal reading the first information code. The payment terminal according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition means acquires the payment target product information, If the payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, the system further comprises display control means for displaying the first information code on a display device. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The acquisition means acquires the payment target product information along with the master biometric information and the age verification information in response to the information processing terminal reading the first information code. The aforementioned biometric authentication is performed when the payment product information includes products subject to age restrictions. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The acquisition means is, When the information processing terminal reads the second information code displayed for payment, the information processing terminal retrieves the payment target product information. If the payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, the master biometric information and age verification information are obtained from the information processing terminal in response to the information processing terminal reading the first information code. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The payment means transmits a payment completion information code to the information processing terminal after the payment is completed. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The acquisition means further acquires the identity information of the payer along with the master biometric information and the age verification information. If the biometric authentication is successful, the payment means will perform the payment using the payment information associated with the identification information. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The acquisition means further acquires benefit information applicable to payment, along with the master biometric information and the age verification information. The payment method applies the benefit information and makes the payment if the age verification information meets the age requirements. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. The payment method, if the age verification information meets the age requirement, will perform the payment by applying a discount appropriate to the age. A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. An information processing terminal carried by the payer and containing the payer's master biometric information and age verification information, Equipped with a payment terminal, The aforementioned payment terminal is The information processing terminal reads the first information code and then acquires the master biometric information and the age verification information from the information processing terminal. The payment method includes, if the payment recipient's payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, a payment method that performs biometric authentication based on biometric information obtained from the payment recipient at the time of payment and master biometric information obtained from the information processing terminal, and if the obtained age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. Payment system.

13. Computers An information processing terminal carried by the payer and containing the payer's master biometric information and age verification information reads the first information code, and then retrieves the master biometric information and age verification information from the information processing terminal. If the payment recipient's payment information includes products subject to age restrictions, the payment will be processed if biometric authentication is successful based on the biometric information obtained from the payment recipient at the time of payment and the master biometric information obtained from the information processing terminal, and if the obtained age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. Payment methods.

14. An acquisition process is performed in which an information processing terminal carried by the payer and which stores the payer's master biometric information and age verification information reads a first information code, and then acquires the master biometric information and age verification information from the information processing terminal. If the payment recipient's payment target product information includes products subject to age restrictions, the payment process is performed if biometric authentication based on the biometric information obtained from the payment recipient at the time of payment and the master biometric information obtained from the information processing terminal is successful, and the obtained age verification information satisfies the age restrictions. A payment program that causes a computer to execute a payment.

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