Payment processing device, payment processing method, program, payment processing system

Abstract

We provide payment processing devices, payment processing methods, programs, and payment processing systems that improve services for store users. [Solution] When the payment processing device obtains instruction information for one of several payment methods from the terminal used by the store user who has completed the payment processing, it performs the payment processing again using one of the multiple payment methods indicated by the instruction information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement processing apparatus, a settlement processing method, a program, and a settlement processing system.

Background Art

[0002] As settlement methods at the time of purchasing goods, there are cases where settlement processing is performed using a credit card, or cases where a discount is applied to a person presenting a coupon ticket and settlement processing is performed. Patent Document 1 discloses, as a related technique, a technique for accumulating or using mileage, stamps, or coupons of affiliated companies that match representative card information when a user settles using a representative card.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Automation of settlement is being considered in stores that sell goods. Regarding the processing of settlement automation in such stores, a settlement method that improves services for store users is required in anticipation of an increase in store usage.

[0005] Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a settlement processing apparatus, a settlement processing method, a program, and a settlement processing system that solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the payment processing device comprises: a store usage detection unit that detects store usage by a store user based on an action detection signal output from an action detection sensor; and a payment processing unit that, upon receiving exit information indicating that the store user whose store usage has been detected has left the store, acquires the identification information of the store user contained in the exit information, acquires the identification information of the product picked up by the store user from a database which is recorded in association with the identification information of the store user, identifies a payment method relating to the store user, performs payment processing for the product using the identified payment method, and transmits payment confirmation page information including the payment amount to be paid in the payment processing to the store user's terminal.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the payment processing method is characterized in that a payment processing device detects a store user's use of the store based on an action detection signal output from an action detection sensor, and when the payment processing device receives exit information indicating that the store user whose use of the store has been detected has left the store, it obtains the identification information of the store user contained in the exit information, obtains the identification information of the product picked up by the store user from a database which is recorded in association with the identification information of the store user, identifies a payment method relating to the store user, performs payment processing for the product using the identified payment method, and transmits payment confirmation page information including the payment amount to be paid in the payment processing to the store user's terminal.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the program is characterized in that it causes a computer to function as a store usage detection means that detects store usage by a store user based on an action detection signal output from an action detection sensor, and a payment processing means that, upon receiving exit information indicating that the store user whose store usage has been detected has left the store, acquires the identification information of the store user contained in the exit information, acquires the identification information of the products picked up by the store user from a database which is recorded in association with the identification information of the store user, identifies a payment method relating to the store user, performs payment processing for the products using the identified payment method, and transmits payment confirmation page information including the payment amount to be paid in the payment processing to the store user's terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a payment method that improves services for store users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a store system equipped with a payment processing device. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a payment processing device. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of the payment processing unit. [Figure 4] This is the first diagram showing the processing flow of the payment processing device. [Figure 5] This is the second diagram showing the processing flow of the payment processing device. [Figure 6] This is the third diagram showing the processing flow of the payment processing device. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the minimum configuration of a payment processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A payment processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a store system equipped with a payment processing device according to the same embodiment. As shown in this diagram, the payment processing device 1 is connected to various devices installed inside the store 20. For example, an entrance / exit gate 2 is installed inside the store. Multiple product shelves 21 are installed in the store 20. Products are displayed on the product shelves 21.

[0012] The store 20 managed by the store system 100 according to this embodiment has a structure in which store users enter or exit through the entrance / exit gate 2. Store 20 does not need to have store staff permanently stationed there. Store users pick up products from the shelves 21 and exit through the entrance / exit gate 2. When a store user exits through the entrance / exit gate 2, one of the devices in the store notifies the payment processing device 1 of the store user's identification information, the identification information of the products the store user has taken, etc. The payment processing device 1 automatically processes the payment based on the received store user identification information and product identification information.

[0013] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the payment processing device. As shown in Figure 2, the payment processing device 1 includes, as an example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, HDD (Solid State Drive) 104, interface 105, and communication module 106.

[0014] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the payment processing device. The CPU 101 of the payment processing device 1 executes the payment processing program. As a result, the payment processing device 1 is equipped with the functions of a control unit 11, a store usage detection unit 12, and a payment processing unit 13. As shown in Figure 3, the payment processing device 1 is connected to the database 10. The payment processing device 1 is also connected to various devices within the store 20, such as the entrance / exit gates 2, cameras 3, and product detection sensors 4, via the first communication network 6. The first communication network 6 is, for example, a dedicated communication network connecting the payment processing device 1 to the various devices within the store 20. The entrance / exit gates 2, cameras 3, and product detection sensors 4 are installed in the store 20. The payment processing device 1 is also connected to terminals 5 carried by store users via the second communication network 7. The second communication network 7 is a mobile phone network or the internet.

[0015] The settlement processing device 1 according to this embodiment detects the store usage of a store user based on a motion detection signal output from a motion detection sensor. Note that the store usage may be defined as the store user entering the store. Also, before store usage may be defined as before the store user enters the store, after store usage may be defined as after the store user leaves the store, and during store usage may be defined as when the store user is inside the store, respectively. Then, the settlement processing device 1 identifies any one of a plurality of settlement methods related to the store user and performs settlement processing according to the identified settlement method. The plurality of settlement methods in this embodiment may be settlement using an electronic coupon, settlement using an electronic ticket, settlement using a point reduction service, settlement by electronic money, etc. The electronic coupon may be an electronic discount coupon, an electronic price reduction coupon, a point reduction coupon, a point awarding up coupon, etc.

[0016] Next, the purchased item detection process of the settlement processing device 1 will be described. When the store user passes through the entrance / exit gate 2, the store user holds the barcode image displayed on the terminal 5 in front of the barcode reader provided on the entrance / exit gate 2. Thereby, the entrance / exit gate 2 reads the barcode image and outputs the identification information of the store user indicated by the barcode to the settlement processing device 1. The entrance / exit gate 2 may be connected to the terminal 5 by wireless communication and automatically receive the identification information of the store user indicated by the barcode from the terminal 5 and output it to the settlement processing device 1. The camera 3 outputs an image or a moving image of the store user to the settlement processing device 1. As an example, the store usage detection unit 12 of the settlement processing device 1 performs processing to detect the time of entry, the trajectory of the store user's movement, and the time of exit based on the trajectory, based on the image or moving image of the store user. The store usage detection unit 12 associates the identification information of the store user, the time of entry, the time of exit, and the trajectory with the database 10 according to the time when the identification information of the store user is received, the time of entry or exit, and the trajectory of the store user (the coordinates inside the store and the time when the store user is at those coordinates).

[0017] The product detection sensor 4 is installed for each product displayed on the product shelf 21, for example. When a store user picks up a product, the product detection sensor 4 outputs a product acquisition signal including the identification information of the product and the in-store coordinates of the product on the product shelf 21 to the settlement processing device 1. Based on the correspondence relationship between each coordinate and time indicated by the trajectory of the store user and the correspondence relationship between the identification information and coordinates of the product in the product acquisition signal received from the product detection sensor 4, the store use detection unit 12 associates the identification information of the store user with the identification information of the product and records it in the database 10.

[0018] When the product is returned to the product shelf 21, the product detection sensor 4 outputs a product return signal including the identification information of the product and the in-store coordinates of the product on the product shelf 21 to the settlement processing device 1. Based on the correspondence relationship between each coordinate and time indicated by the trajectory of the store user and the correspondence relationship between the identification information and coordinates of the product in the product return signal received from the product detection sensor 4, the store use detection unit 12 releases the association between the identification information of the store user and the identification information of the product recorded in the database 10.

[0019] As a result, the settlement processing device 1 can store information on which products the store user picked up and which products the store user returned to the product shelf 21. Also, when the store user passes through the entry / exit gate 2 when leaving the store, the store user holds the barcode image displayed on the terminal 5 in front of the barcode reader provided at the entry / exit gate 2. Thereby, the entry / exit gate 2 reads the barcode image and outputs the identification information of the store user indicated by the barcode to the settlement processing device 1. When the store user passes through the entry / exit gate 2 and leaves the store, the settlement processing device 1 can automatically detect the purchased products of the store user based on the relationship between the identification information of the store user recorded in the database 10 and the identification information of the products. The settlement processing device 1 can automatically perform settlement processing using the identification information of the store user recorded in the database 10, the identification information of the products, the credit card information for settlement of the store user, and the like. Note that the above processing of each device in the store 20 and the above processing of the settlement processing device 1 from the entry of the store user into the store 20 to the exit from the store are examples, and other processing may be performed so that the products purchased by the store user can be detected.

[0020] The entrance / exit gate 2, camera 3, and product detection sensor 4 described above are all forms of motion detection sensors. The payment processing device 1 detects store users' use of the store based on motion detection signals output from motion detection sensors such as the entrance / exit gate 2, camera 3, and product detection sensor 4. Similarly, if terminal 5 is installed within the store, touching it can detect a person's arrival, and therefore it can be defined as a motion detection sensor for detecting store users' use of the store. A terminal 5 carried by a store user can also be defined as a motion detection sensor for detecting store users' use of the store. For example, using terminal 5 to select coupon information and payment methods and sending them to the payment processing device 1 is an act that identifies a visit to the store. Therefore, a terminal 5 carried by a store user can also be defined as a motion detection sensor for detecting store users' use of the store.

[0021] (First embodiment) Figure 4 is the first diagram showing the processing flow of the payment processing device. The following describes the first example of the payment method determination process. While the above-mentioned purchase item detection process is performed, the payment processing unit 1 performs the payment method determination process. Specifically, the payment processing unit 13 receives store user exit information from the entrance / exit gate 2 (step S401). The payment processing unit 13 obtains the store user's identification information from the exit information (step S402). The payment processing unit 13 obtains the product identification information associated with the store user's identification information from the database 10 and calculates the payment amount for that store user (step S403). The payment processing unit 13 performs the payment process based on the calculated payment amount (step S404).

[0022] The payment processing unit 13 retrieves the email address of the store user, which is recorded in the database 10 in association with the store user's identification information. The payment processing unit 13 generates an electronic receipt containing the store user's payment amount and sends the information of the payment confirmation page, including the electronic receipt, to the retrieved email address (step S405). The payment confirmation page sent to the email address can be viewed on the terminal 5 held by the store user. The payment processing unit 13 may also send the payment confirmation page to the terminal 5 via push notification.

[0023] Terminal 5, having obtained information for the payment confirmation page based on the store user's operation, displays the payment confirmation page. The payment confirmation page displays a payment method change button. When the store user presses the payment method change button on Terminal 5, Terminal 5 sends a request to the payment processing device 1 to obtain the payment method change page. The payment processing device 1 may be equipped with a web server device that has web server functionality. In this case, the payment processing device 1 receives the request to obtain the payment method change page (step S406). The payment processing device 1 sends the information for the payment method change page to Terminal 5 (step S407). Terminal 5 displays the payment method change page on its screen. The store user can use the payment method change page displayed on Terminal 5 to issue coupon usage instructions or payment method change instructions. Terminal 5 sends coupon usage instruction information or payment method change instruction information to the payment processing device 1 based on the store user's operation on the payment method change page. The payment processing unit 13 of the payment processing device 1 receives the coupon usage instruction information or payment method change instruction information via the web server device (step S408). The payment method change page displayed on terminal 5 may include not only the information described above, but also a screen where the user can confirm their intention to use a specific payment method from among payment methods using coupons, points, tickets (vouchers), and electronic money, and a screen where they can specify (input) the number of points to use. Alternatively, the payment processing unit 13 may determine, based on the information transmitted from terminal 5, that the store user has viewed an electronic coupon or electronic ticket using terminal 5 while using the store. Based on the determination result, the payment processing unit 13 may determine that the user has confirmed their intention to use a specific payment method and identify the payment method corresponding to the determination result.

[0024] The coupon usage instruction information may include the identification information of the store user and the identification information of the coupon. The payment method change instruction information may include the identification information of the store user and the destination credit card number. The payment processing unit 13 obtains this information from the web server device. Based on the obtained coupon usage instruction information and payment method change instruction information, the payment processing unit 13 changes the payment method (step S409). This determination of the payment method is an example of identifying one of several payment methods based on instructions given to the store user's terminal 5.

[0025] Specifically, when the payment processing unit 13 receives coupon usage instruction information, it retrieves the service amount from the database 10 based on the coupon identification information. The payment processing unit 13 subtracts the service amount from the payment amount calculated in step S403 and performs the payment processing again (step S410). The payment processing may include billing the credit card company based on the store user's credit card number. When the payment processing unit 13 receives payment method change instruction information, it performs the payment processing using information such as the destination credit card number included in the payment method change instruction information. In addition, if the payment processing unit 13 first performs the payment processing with the payment amount calculated in step S403, and then receives a coupon usage instruction or payment method change instruction, it may cancel the payment processing already performed, perform a refund, and then perform the payment processing again based on the coupon usage or payment method change. It is preferable, but not limited to, that the payment method change be possible after the payment processing, for example, within a predetermined time.

[0026] The payment processing unit 13 may send information about coupons that can be used after payment processing to the terminal 5. In addition to the above processing, for example, the payment processing unit 13 may send information about coupons that can be used when the store user makes an additional purchase within a predetermined period after payment processing to the terminal 5. For example, such coupon information may be information indicating a coupon that deducts the service amount when an additional purchase of that amount is made. More specifically, for example, such coupon information may include various information that can increase the user's willingness to purchase, such as "If you purchase an additional XX yen, you can use the XX coupon."

[0027] According to the process described above, the payment processing device 1 can change the payment method at the request of the store user after the store user leaves the store 20. Furthermore, according to the payment processing device 1, a discount on the service fee can be applied to the payment amount after the payment processing based on the use of coupon information delivered to the store user's terminal 5. In this way, regarding the automation of payment processing in stores, it is possible to provide a payment method that improves the service to store users, with the expectation of an increase in store usage.

[0028] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a second diagram showing the processing flow of the payment processing device. The following describes a second example of the payment method determination process. While the above-mentioned purchase item detection process is performed, the payment processing unit 1 performs the payment method determination process. Specifically, before using the store 20 or upon arrival, before payment processing is performed, the store user uses terminal 5 to access the web server device provided in the payment processing unit 1. The web server device provided in the payment processing unit 1 transmits information from the payment method specification page to terminal 5 (step S501). Terminal 5 displays the payment method specification page on its screen. The store user can use the payment method specification page displayed on terminal 5 to give instructions to use a coupon or specify a payment method. Based on the store user's operations on the payment method specification page, terminal 5 transmits coupon usage instruction information and payment method specification instruction information to the payment processing unit 1. The payment processing unit 13 of the payment processing unit 1 receives coupon usage instruction information and payment method change instruction information via the web server device (step S502).

[0029] The coupon usage instruction information may include the identification information of the store user and the identification information of the coupon. The payment method change instruction information may include the identification information of the store user and the new credit card number. The payment processing unit 13 determines the payment method based on the acquired coupon usage instruction information and payment method change instruction information (step S503). This determination of the payment method is an example of identifying one of several payment methods based on the operation (instruction) of the store user's terminal 5.

[0030] Furthermore, the payment processing unit 13 may, after receiving the coupon usage instruction information, determine the payment method based on the coupon usage instruction information if it receives entry information indicating the identification information of the store user from the entry / exit gate 2 within a predetermined time, or if it calculates the payment amount for the store user. In this case, since the store user has purchased the product within a predetermined time after viewing the coupon information on the terminal 5, it is clear that the product was purchased as a result of viewing the coupon information delivered to the store user's terminal 5. In other words, the payment processing unit 13 may determine the payment method based on the coupon usage instruction information if it is clear that the coupon information has led to increased sales to the store user.

[0031] The payment processing unit 13 performs payment processing using the payment method determined in step S503 (step S504). Specifically, if the payment processing unit 13 obtains coupon usage instruction information, it obtains the service amount from the database 10 based on the coupon identification information. The payment processing unit 13 subtracts the service amount from the payment amount calculated in step S403 and performs payment processing. If the payment processing unit 13 obtains payment method specification instruction information, it performs payment processing using information such as the new credit card number.

[0032] In the process described above, terminal 5 is a terminal installed in store 20, and store users may use terminal 5 to send coupon usage instructions or payment method change instructions.

[0033] According to the process described above, the payment processing device 1 can determine the payment method according to the store user's request before or after using the store. Furthermore, according to the payment processing device 1, a discount on the service fee can be applied to the payment amount after payment processing based on the use of coupon information delivered to the store user's terminal 5. In this way, regarding the automation of payment processing in stores, it is possible to provide a payment method that improves the service to store users, with the expectation of an increase in store usage.

[0034] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 is a third diagram showing the processing flow of the payment processing device. The following describes a third example of the payment method determination process. While the above-mentioned purchase item detection process is performed, the payment processing device 1 performs the payment method determination process. Specifically, before using store 20, upon arrival at store 20, or while using store 20, before the payment process is performed, the store user uses terminal 5 to access the web server device provided in payment processing device 1. The web server device provided in payment processing device 1 transmits information from the discount usage page to terminal 5 (step S601). Terminal 5 displays the discount usage page on its screen. The store user displays coupon numbers and 2D code information such as barcodes indicating the store user's identification information (membership number, etc.) on the discount usage page displayed on terminal 5. The store user may also specify the coupon to use and the number of points to use on the discount usage page displayed on terminal 5. In this case, the discount usage page displayed on terminal 5 displays 2D code information such as barcodes indicating the store user's identification information (membership number, etc.), coupon numbers, and the number of points to use on terminal 5. The store user holds the 2D code information displayed on terminal 5 over a barcode reader located at the entrance / exit gate 2 or inside the store. The barcode reader then reads the 2D code and outputs a discount payment instruction to payment processing unit 1, which includes the store user's identification information, coupon number, and the number of points to be used for the discount. The payment processing unit 13 receives the discount payment instruction (step 602).

[0035] When the payment processing unit 13 receives a discount payment instruction, it retrieves the service amount from the database 10 based on the coupon identification information, the store user identification information (member number), the coupon number, the number of points to be used, etc. The payment processing unit 13 subtracts the service amount from the payment amount calculated in step S403 and performs the payment processing (step S603). This determination of the payment method is an example of identifying one of several payment methods based on the store user's operation (instruction) to the terminal 5.

[0036] According to the process described above, the payment processing device 1 can determine a payment method with a discount applied according to the customer's request, either before or after the customer enters the store 20. Furthermore, according to the payment processing device 1, a discount on the service fee can be applied to the payment amount after payment processing, based on the use of coupon information delivered to the customer's terminal 5. In this way, regarding the automation of payment processing in stores, it is possible to provide a payment method that improves services to store customers, with the expectation of increased store usage.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the minimum configuration of a payment processing device. The payment processing device 1 only needs to include at least a store usage detection unit 12 and a payment processing unit 13.

[0038] The payment processing device described above has an internal computer system. The program for causing the payment processing device to perform the aforementioned processes is stored on a computer-readable recording medium of the payment processing device, and the above processes are performed when the computer of the payment processing device reads and executes this program. Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the distribution executes the program.

[0039] Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions of the respective processing units described above. In addition, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 1. Payment processing device 2. Entrance / Exit Gates 3. Camera 4. Product detection sensor 5. Terminal 10.. Database 11. Control Unit 12. Store Usage Detection Unit 13. Payment Processing Section 20 stores 21...Product shelf 101···CPU 102···ROM 103...RAM 104...HDD 105... Interface 106...Communication module

Claims

1. When instruction information for one of several payment methods is obtained from the terminal used by a store user who has completed the payment process, the payment processing unit performs the payment process again using one of the multiple payment methods indicated by the instruction information. A payment processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The terminal is sent information including the amount of the payment processing, The instruction information is obtained from the terminal. The payment processing device according to claim 1.

3. After the payment processing, the instruction information is obtained from the terminal. The payment processing device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned settlement processing unit, If instruction information for one of multiple payment methods is obtained from the terminal of a store user who has left the store after the completion of the aforementioned payment processing, the aforementioned payment processing will be performed again. A payment processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The payment processing unit performs the payment processing when it receives information about the store user leaving the store from the store's exit gate. The payment processing device according to claim 4.

6. The payment processing unit transmits payment confirmation page information, including the payment amount calculated based on the payment processing, to the terminal. The payment processing device according to claim 5.

7. When the payment processing unit receives coupon usage instruction information from the terminal before the store is used, it calculates the payment amount within a predetermined time and then performs the payment processing using the payment method based on the coupon usage instruction information. The payment processing device according to claim 6.

8. The payment processing unit When instruction information for one of several payment methods is obtained from the terminal used by a store user who has completed the payment process, the payment process is repeated using one of the payment methods indicated by the instruction information. Payment processing method.

9. Computers, When instruction information for one of several payment methods is obtained from the terminal used by a store user who has completed the payment process, the payment processing means performs the payment process again using one of the multiple payment methods indicated by the instruction information. A program that makes it function as such.

10. A payment processing means that, upon obtaining instruction information for one of several payment methods from a terminal used by a store user who has completed the payment process, performs the payment process again using one of the multiple payment methods indicated by the instruction information. A payment processing system equipped with the following features.

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