Payment support device, payment support method, and program

Abstract

We provide technology that allows users to easily utilize electronic payments. [Solution] The payment support device includes an acquisition means for acquiring location information relating to the customer's location, a determination means for determining whether the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are possible based on the location information, and a setting means for setting the payment method for a payment using the customer's terminal device to payroll deduction payments, if it is determined that the customer is located at a store.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a payment support device, a payment support method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As a payment method at the time of purchasing a product in a store, there is a technology for performing electronic payment such as mobile payment or face recognition payment using a smartphone.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a face recognition payment system that authenticates a user registered in advance based on an image, and performs a payment process for the price of a purchased product based on the registered user information when recognizing an operation indicating that payment is made from an image of a user making a payment. Further, Patent Document 1 describes that in the payment process, payment is made by deduction from a salary specified in the group information associated with the user information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in mobile payment, there may be cases where a plurality of payment methods in payment can be registered in advance. Also, among the payment methods, there are those that can be used in some stores where mobile payment can be used, such as salary payment or payment independently provided by a local government.

[0006] However, for a user using mobile payment, it may be troublesome to change the setting of the payment method of mobile payment to a payment method available in some stores.

[0007] One example of the purpose of this disclosure is to provide technology that allows users to easily utilize electronic payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A payment support device in one aspect of this disclosure includes: acquisition means for acquiring location information relating to the location of a customer; determination means for determining, based on the location information, whether the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are possible; and setting means for setting a payment method for a payment using the customer's terminal device to payroll deduction payments, if it is determined that the customer is located at a store.

[0009] A payment support method in one aspect of this disclosure acquires location information relating to the customer's location, determines based on the location information whether the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are possible, and if it is determined that the customer is located at a store, sets the payment method for a payment using the customer's terminal device, which allows for setting multiple payment methods, to payroll deduction payment.

[0010] A program in one aspect of this disclosure obtains location information relating to the location of a customer, determines based on the location information whether the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are possible, and if it is determined that the customer is located at a store, causes the computer to execute a process to set the payment method for a payment using the customer's terminal device, which allows for setting multiple payment methods, to payroll deduction payments.

[0011] Each program may be stored on a non-temporary storage medium that is readable by the computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] One example of the benefits of this disclosure is that it can provide technology that allows users to easily utilize electronic payments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]It is a diagram showing the configuration of a system including a settlement support device. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the settlement support device. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement support device. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the settlement support device. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the settlement support device. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the settlement support device. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the settlement support device. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the settlement support device. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of an output screen. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the settlement support device. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration for realizing the settlement support device in the present disclosure with a computer and its peripheral devices. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system including the settlement support device of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, a system including the settlement support device 100 includes, for example, the settlement support device 100, a terminal device, a camera installed in a store, and a store terminal. However, the configuration of the system including the settlement support device 100 is not limited to this example.

[0016] The payment support device 100 is a device that supports setting the payment method for payment. The payment is a payment that allows setting of multiple payment methods. For example, the payment is a payment using the customer's terminal device, and for example, it is a code payment using a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Also, for example, the payment may be a face recognition payment or the like.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the payment support device 100 may be realized by a server, a cloud computing system, etc., or may be realized by the terminal device used by the customer for payment, but the device realizing the payment support device 100 is not limited to these examples. For example, the payment support device may be realized by a plurality of devices.

[0018] When the payment support device 100 is realized by a server or the like, it is communicably connected to the terminal device that is the target for setting the payment method for payment. Also, when the payment support device 100 is realized by a server or the like, it is communicably connected to the device for acquiring the location information. For example, the device for acquiring the location information is at least one of the terminal device, the camera installed in the store, and the store terminal.

[0019] The terminal device is the terminal device used by the customer. For example, the terminal device is the terminal device used by the customer for payment in the store. The terminal device is realized by a smartphone, a wearable terminal, etc., but is not limited to this example.

[0020] The terminal device is set with the payment method in the payment function of the terminal device by the payment support device 100. Also, for example, the terminal device may transmit the location information, which is the location information, to the payment support device 100.

[0021] The camera is the camera installed in the store. For example, the camera is installed near the entrance and exit of the store or near the POS (Point Of Sales) device, but the installation location is not particularly limited. It may be installed so that it is possible to determine that a customer is present in the store based on the image captured by the camera. That is, the camera may be installed in the store so that it can capture the face of the customer.

[0022] For example, the camera takes images at predetermined time intervals and transmits the images to the payment support device 100. The camera may transmit all or part of the images taken at predetermined time intervals to the payment support device 100.

[0023] A store terminal is a terminal device installed in a store. Examples of store terminals include, but are not limited to, POS devices and kiosk terminals. In this disclosure, it is assumed that the store terminal has a reading function for reading member identification information, such as point cards, that can be used by customers in the store. Examples of the reading function include, but are not limited to, a code scanning function and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip reading function.

[0024] For example, the store terminal reads the member identification information and transmits it to the payment support device 100.

[0025] In a system including a payment support device 100, when a customer makes a payment using their terminal device, for example, the POS device reads a code or IC chip displayed by the terminal device to process the payment for the goods purchased by the customer. In this case, the POS device processes the payment using the terminal device by transmitting payment information to the payment server. The payment support device 100 may be provided, for example, in the payment server.

[0026] Furthermore, as described above, the payment support device 100 may be implemented using the customer's terminal device. In this case, the system including the payment support device 100 may be implemented using only the customer's terminal device. Thus, the configuration of the system including the payment support device 100 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the payment support device 100 in the embodiment will be described.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment support device 100. Referring to Figure 2, the payment support device 100 comprises an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a setting unit 103.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the payment support device 100 in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0030] The acquisition unit 101 is an example of an acquisition means for acquiring location information relating to the customer's location.

[0031] Location information is information relating to the customer's location. Location information is information used by the determination unit 102, which will be described later, to determine the customer's location. Location information may include, for example, the location information of a terminal device, an image taken by a camera installed in the store, or member identification information read by a store terminal.

[0032] An example of location information is location data. Location data is information that identifies the location of a customer's terminal device. For example, location data may be location data obtained from a satellite positioning system, or location data detected through communication with a short-range wireless communication device.

[0033] If the payment support device 100 is implemented using a terminal device used by the customer, for example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the location information of the terminal device from the location information detection function of the terminal device.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, if the payment support device 100 is implemented as a server, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the location information of the terminal device detected by the terminal device's location information detection function from the terminal device.

[0035] Another example of location information is images captured by cameras installed in stores. These images are used to identify customers who are present in the store.

[0036] The images acquired by the acquisition unit 101 may be part or all of the images taken at predetermined time intervals. Part of the images taken at predetermined time intervals may, for example, be images of people taken at predetermined time intervals, or images taken at a frequency lower than the predetermined time interval.

[0037] Furthermore, the image acquired by the acquisition unit 101 may be an image in which a region used to identify a customer, such as a facial image, has been cut out from an image taken at a certain point in time, or it may be the image taken at a certain point in time itself.

[0038] As described above, when the image acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is part of an image captured by the camera, the function for extracting the image to be transmitted from the camera may be provided in the camera, or in another device that is communicatively connected to the camera and the payment support device 100. The other device may be, for example, a store computer installed in a store, but is not limited to this example.

[0039] If the payment support device 100 is implemented on a server, for example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires images taken by cameras installed in the store.

[0040] Another example of location information is member identification information read by a store terminal. Member identification information read by a store terminal is information used to identify a customer located in the store.

[0041] Here, the store terminal is, for example, a POS system, but is not limited to this example. Also, the member identification information may be, for example, identification information such as a customer's point card usable at the store.

[0042] If the payment support device 100 is implemented on a server, for example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires member identification information read by the store terminal from the store terminal.

[0043] Furthermore, the location information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is not limited to these examples; any information that allows determination that the customer is located within the store is acceptable. Also, the combination of the location information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and the device that implements the payment support device 100 is not limited to these examples.

[0044] The determination unit 102 is an example of a determination means that determines, based on location information, whether a customer is located at a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer.

[0045] In this disclosure, payroll deduction payment is a payment method in which the customer pays for goods or services they purchase from the salary paid by the company or other organization to which the customer belongs. For example, with payroll deduction payment, the customer makes payments for a predetermined period, such as one month, by having the payment deducted from the following month's salary.

[0046] Stores that offer payroll deduction as a payment method are those where the company or organization to which the customer belongs has integrated its systems to enable payroll deduction payments. For example, a customer may be able to use payroll deduction payments at a limited number of stores, such as stores located on the premises of the organization to which the customer belongs.

[0047] Furthermore, even if a store accepts payroll deduction payments from a certain organization as a payment method, if the customer belongs to a different organization, the customer cannot use payroll deduction payments at that store unless that other organization has cooperated with the store to enable payroll deduction payments at that store.

[0048] Therefore, the determination unit 102 determines whether the combination of the customer and the store where the customer intends to settle the payment for the goods purchased is eligible for payroll deduction, by determining that the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction is possible. The store where the customer intends to settle the payment for the goods purchased is assumed to be the store where the customer is located.

[0049] Next, an example of the processing performed by the determination unit 102 will be described.

[0050] First, let's explain an example of the processing performed by the determination unit 102 based on location information. For example, the determination unit 102 determines, based on the location information of the terminal device, that the customer is located at a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer. In this case, the location information is the location information of the terminal device. For example, the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is located at a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer, by determining that the location information is at the location of the store.

[0051] Here, the store's location should be pre-configured so that it can be determined whether a customer is located inside or near the store, depending on the type of location information.

[0052] For example, if location information is expressed by latitude and longitude, the location of a store may be defined by the range of latitude and longitude in which the store is located. In this case, the determination unit 102 determines, for example, whether the location information of the customer's terminal device, expressed by latitude and longitude, falls within the range of the store's location.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, if the location information is location information detected through communication with a near-field communication device, the store's location may be set by information that identifies the near-field communication device transmitted by the device. In this case, the determination unit 102 determines whether the information that identifies the near-field communication device, transmitted by the near-field communication device and received by the customer's terminal device, corresponds to information that identifies a near-field communication device installed in a store where the customer can receive payroll deductions. The near-field communication device is, for example, a beacon. The near-field communication device and the method of identifying location information based on the near-field communication device are not limited to this example.

[0054] Next, we will describe an example of the processing performed by the determination unit 102 based on images captured by cameras installed in the store. For example, the determination unit 102 determines, based on images captured by cameras installed in the store, that a customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments are possible. In this case, the location information is the images captured by cameras installed in the store. For example, the determination unit 102 determines that a customer is located in the store by determining that the customer is visible in the images captured by cameras installed in the store.

[0055] This is because if a customer is photographed by a camera installed in a store, it can be assumed that the customer is present in the store. In other words, if a customer is not present in the store, it is unlikely that they will be photographed by a camera installed in the store.

[0056] For example, the determination unit 102 uses known techniques to determine whether a customer is visible in the image captured by the camera installed in the store, based on the facial image contained in the image captured by the camera installed in the store and the facial image of a customer that has been registered in advance. The presence of a customer means that the customer identified by the identification information stored in association with the facial image of a customer that has been registered in advance is visible.

[0057] Furthermore, the facial images of pre-registered customers may be stored in a database that is communicatively connected to a payment support device 100 (not shown), associated with the identification information of customers who are eligible for salary payment.

[0058] Next, an example of the processing performed by the determination unit 102 based on member identification information read by the store terminal will be described. For example, the determination unit 102 determines, based on the member identification information read by the store terminal, that the customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments are possible. For example, the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is located in a store because the member identification information has been read by the store terminal.

[0059] This is because the fact that customer identification information can be read by a store terminal installed in the store means that it can be assumed that the customer is present in the store.

[0060] For example, the determination unit 102 determines that a customer is located at a store when the store terminal reads the member identification information of a customer who is eligible for payroll deduction payments at the store. Alternatively, the determination unit 102 may determine that a customer identified by the member identification information is eligible for payroll deduction payments at the store based on information indicating the member identification information of customers who are eligible for payroll deduction payments, which is stored in advance in a database or the like. The information indicating the member information of customers who are eligible for payroll deduction payments may be, for example, a list of member identification information of customers who are eligible for payroll deduction payments at the store, or it may be information that associates member identification information with whether or not the customer identified by the member identification information is eligible for payroll deduction payments at the store.

[0061] Furthermore, the method of determination by the determination unit 102 is not limited to these examples; it is sufficient to determine whether the customer is located in a store where payroll deductions are possible.

[0062] The setting unit 103 is an example of a setting means that, when it is determined that a customer is located in a store, sets the payment method for a payment made using the customer's terminal device to pay by payroll deduction.

[0063] The setting unit 103 may, for example, select "payroll deduction payment" from other pre-configured payment methods. Alternatively, the setting unit 103 may set the payment method to "payroll deduction payment" even if no payment method is currently set. Furthermore, if the pre-configured payment method is "payroll deduction payment," the setting unit 103 does not need to perform the process of setting the payment method to "payroll deduction payment."

[0064] For example, if the payment support device 100 is a terminal device, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method for payments using the terminal device.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, if the payment support device 100 is a server, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method for payments made using terminal devices that have acquired location information. Also, for example, if the payment support device 100 is a server, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method for payments made using terminal devices logged in with customer identification information associated with customer identification information identified from images taken by cameras installed in the store or member identification information read by terminal devices installed in the store.

[0066] An example of the operation of the payment support device 100 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0067] First, the acquisition unit 101 acquires location information regarding the customer's location (step S101).

[0068] Next, the determination unit 102 determines, based on the location information obtained in step S101, whether the customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments can be made by the customer (step S102).

[0069] In step S102, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not located at a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer (step S102: No), then, for example, the payment support device 100 returns to step S101.

[0070] In step S102, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments are possible (step S102: Yes), the setting unit 103 sets the payment method for a payment using the customer's terminal device, which is a payment method that allows multiple payment methods to be set, to payroll deduction payment (step S103).

[0071] With this, the payment support device 100 completes its series of operations.

[0072] The series of operations performed by the payment support device 100 may be initiated at the time when the customer attempts to make a payment using the terminal device. The timing when the customer attempts to make a payment using the terminal device is, for example, when the customer changes the payment method to payroll deduction payment on the terminal device, or when the customer opens the payment application on the terminal device.

[0073] For example, the payment support device 100 may perform the processing in step S102 at the time when the customer attempts to make a payment using the terminal device. In this case, the processing in step S101 may be performed, for example, at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, for example, the payment support device 100 may perform a series of processes starting from step S101 at the time when the customer attempts to make a payment using the terminal device.

[0074] The timing of each operation of the payment support device 100 is not limited to these examples; it should be performed at a time that allows the customer to smoothly set up their payment method before paying for the goods they purchase at the store.

[0075] Next, another example of the operation of the payment support device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4. The flowchart in Figure 4 shows an example of the operation of the payment support device 100 when the payment support device 100 is implemented by a terminal device and the location information of the terminal device is used as location information.

[0076] First, the acquisition unit 101 acquires location information of the customer's terminal device, which is its own device (step S201). The operation of step S201 may be performed at predetermined time intervals, or it may be performed when an application for payment using the terminal device is operated.

[0077] Next, the determination unit 102 determines whether the location information acquired in step S201 is in a store where the customer can make a payroll deduction payment (step S202). The operation in step S202 may be performed at a timing corresponding to the operation in step S201, or at the timing when the application for payment using the terminal device is operated, or at the timing when payroll deduction payment is selected as the payment method for payment using the terminal device.

[0078] In this case, for example, the determination unit 102 determines whether the location information is at a store where a customer using the terminal device can make payroll deduction payments. The locations of stores where a customer using the terminal device can make payroll deduction payments may be stored in a storage unit provided in the payment support device 100, or they may be stored in an external database or the like that the payment support device 100 is communicatively connected to.

[0079] In step S202, if the determination unit 102 determines that the location information is not at a store where a customer using the terminal device can make a payroll deduction payment (step S202: No), then, for example, the payment support device 100 returns to step S201.

[0080] In step S202, if the determination unit 102 determines that the location information is at a store where a customer using a terminal device can make a payroll deduction payment (step S202: Yes), the setting unit 103 sets the payment method for settlements using the customer's terminal device, which is its own device, to payroll deduction payment (step S203).

[0081] With this, the payment support device 100 completes its series of operations. In this example, as described above, each operation should be performed at a time when the customer can smoothly set up the payment method before paying for the goods purchased at the store.

[0082] Next, another example of the operation of the payment support device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. The flowchart in Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of the payment support device 100 when it is implemented by a server and images taken by a camera installed in the store are used as location information.

[0083] First, the acquisition unit 101 acquires images captured by cameras installed in the store (step S301).

[0084] Next, the determination unit 102 determines, based on the image acquired in step S301, whether a customer is visible in the image taken by the camera installed in the store (step S302).

[0085] In step S302, if the determination unit 102 determines that no customers are visible in the image captured by the camera installed in the store (step S302: No), then, for example, the payment support device 100 returns to step S301.

[0086] In step S302, if the determination unit 102 determines that a customer is visible in the image captured by the camera installed in the store (step S302: Yes), the setting unit 103 sets the payment method for a payment method that allows multiple payment methods to be set, using the customer's terminal device, to payroll deduction payment (step S303).

[0087] With this, the payment support device 100 completes its series of operations. In this example, as described above, each operation should be performed at a time when the customer can smoothly set up the payment method before paying for the goods purchased at the store.

[0088] Note that the operation of the payment support device 100 is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0089] The payment support device 100 described above comprises an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a setting unit 103. The acquisition unit 101 acquires location information regarding the customer's location. The determination unit 102 determines, based on the location information, whether the customer is located at a store where they can make payroll deduction payments. If the setting unit 103 determines that the customer is located at a store where they can make payroll deduction payments, it sets the payment method for a payment using the customer's terminal device, which allows for setting multiple payment methods, to payroll deduction payment.

[0090] The payment support device 100 sets the payment method for payments made using the customer's terminal device to pay by payroll deduction when the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are possible. As a result, the payment support device 100 can provide technology that allows users to easily use electronic payments.

[0091] For example, changing the payment method for a payment system that allows multiple payment options can be cumbersome for the user. In particular, setting a payment method that can only be used at certain stores, such as payroll deduction payments, each time the user uses those stores can be inconvenient. In such cases, the payment support device 100 can make it easier for the user to use electronic payments.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, payroll deduction payments may be implemented by having a dedicated payment terminal read the IC chip on an employee ID card, but this may require the use of a different payment terminal than those used for other payment methods. In contrast, with the payment support device 100, since payroll deduction payments can be selected and used from multiple payment methods in general electronic payments, it may become unnecessary to install a payment terminal device for payroll deduction payments. In this case, the payment support device 100 may reduce the implementation costs of payroll deduction payments.

[0093] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that this description of the embodiment does not become unclear, any information that overlaps with the previous description will be omitted.

[0094] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment support device 200. In Figure 6, the payment support device 200 is equipped with an acquisition unit 201 in place of the acquisition unit 101 of the payment support device 100, and a setting unit 203 in place of the setting unit 103 of the payment support device 100.

[0095] In addition to the functions of the payment support device 100, the payment support device 200 may also set payment methods according to the product information of the items included in the accounting.

[0096] The acquisition unit 201 acquires product information for registered products in addition to location information.

[0097] Here, product registration refers to the process of registering product information for items purchased by a customer for accounting purposes. For example, product registration is performed on a POS system installed in a store or on a customer terminal device equipped with a product registration function. The customer terminal device implements the product registration function, for example, through an application that provides product registration capabilities.

[0098] Product information is information about a product. Product information is product identification information used to identify a product. Product information may also include information such as the product name, product price, and product category.

[0099] For example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires product identification information for registered products from a product registration device such as a POS device or terminal device. Then, the acquisition unit 201 uses the product identification information to acquire product information stored in a database that stores product information, associating it with the product identification information.

[0100] Alternatively, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire product information of registered products from a product registration device such as a POS device or a terminal device. In this case, the POS device or terminal device uses the product identification information of the registered product to acquire the product information stored in association with the product identification information from a database that stores product information.

[0101] The acquisition unit 201 may also acquire the total amount of registered products from a product registration device such as a POS system or terminal device. In this case, the total amount of registered products may be calculated by the product registration device such as a POS system or terminal device based on the product information of each registered product.

[0102] The configuration unit 203 sets the payment method based on the product information. For example, the configuration unit 203 sets the payment method for each registered product, or the payment method for all registered products.

[0103] Next, we will explain an example of how the setting unit 203 sets the payment method based on the product information.

[0104] One example of setting payment methods based on product information is setting payment methods according to the type of product. For example, the setting unit 203 sets the payment method based on the product information of the registered product and the payment methods that are set in advance according to the product or product category. In this case, the payment method for purchasing a specific product or product category is set in advance. The payment method for purchasing a specific product or product category may be set for each customer or for each store. For example, the payment method for purchasing a specific product or product category may be set to payroll deduction payment.

[0105] This is because, for example, everyday items such as food and stationery are expected to be paid through salary deductions, while luxury goods and other non-salary payment methods are expected to be used.

[0106] In this case, for example, the setting unit 203 may set the payment method for products or product categories that are set to be paid by payroll deduction to payroll deduction, and set the payment method for other products among the registered products to be paid by payroll deduction.

[0107] Here, "other payment methods" refers to payment methods other than salary deductions, such as credit cards, debit cards, bank account withdrawals, withdrawals from pre-loaded electronic money accounts, and the use of points, but is not limited to these examples.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, in this case, if the registered products include products or product categories for which payable by payroll deduction is set, the setting unit 203 may set the payment method for accounting, including all registered products, to payroll deduction payment.

[0109] Another example of setting a payment method based on product information is setting a payment method based on the price of the products. For example, the setting unit 203 sets a payment method based on the price of some or all of the products identified based on the product information. In this case, a predetermined value for the price of the products or a predetermined value for the total price of the products may be used to set a payment method for purchasing products that are worth more than or equal to a predetermined value. Alternatively, for example, a predetermined value for the price of the products or a predetermined value for the total price of the products may be used to set a payment method for purchasing products that are worth less than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the payment method for purchasing products worth more than or equal to a predetermined value or products that are worth more than or equal to a predetermined value may be set to payable by payroll deduction.

[0110] Here, the predetermined value may be set in advance for each customer or each store. Alternatively, the predetermined value may be set according to the payment amount for a predetermined period, such as one month. Furthermore, the predetermined value may be the balance in the bank account or electronic money account used as the source of payment in the payment method.

[0111] For example, consider a scenario where payment for goods below a certain price is set to be deducted from salary. This is because it is assumed that inexpensive items such as everyday food and stationery will be paid for through salary deductions, while expensive items such as luxury goods will be paid for using methods other than salary deductions.

[0112] In this case, for example, the setting unit 203 may set the payment method for registered products below a predetermined price for which salary deduction payments are set to be made, to salary deduction payments, and set the payment method for registered products above the predetermined price to another payment method. Also, for example, if the registered products include products above the predetermined price, the setting unit 203 may set the payment method to another payment method.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, in this case, the setting unit 203 may set the payment method for accounting where the total amount of registered products is less than or equal to a predetermined price to payroll deduction, and set the payment method for accounting where the total amount of registered products is greater than or equal to a predetermined price to another payment method.

[0114] The above explanation mainly described examples of restricting the types and prices of goods for which salary deductions are made. However, setting payment methods according to product information is not limited to these examples. For example, other payment methods may be used to restrict the types and prices of goods for which a particular payment method is applicable.

[0115] An example of the operation of the payment support device 200 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0116] First, the acquisition unit 201 acquires location information regarding the customer's location (step S401).

[0117] Next, the determination unit 102 determines, based on the location information obtained in step S401, whether the customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments can be made by the customer (step S402).

[0118] In step S402, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not located in a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer (step S402: No), then, for example, the payment support device 200 returns to step S401.

[0119] In step S402, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is located in a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer (step S402: Yes), the acquisition unit 201 acquires the product information of the registered product (step S403).

[0120] Next, the setting unit 203 sets the payment method for a settlement that uses the customer's terminal device, which is a settlement that can set multiple payment methods, including payroll deduction payments, based on the product information (step S404).

[0121] With this, the payment support device 200 completes its series of operations.

[0122] Note that the operation of the payment support device 200 is not limited to this example. For example, if the acquisition unit 201 acquires product information and there is a product for which payroll deduction payment is used as the payment method, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire location information and the determination unit 102 may perform a determination.

[0123] The payment support device 200 described above comprises an acquisition unit 201, a determination unit 102, and a setting unit 203. The acquisition unit 201 acquires location information regarding the customer's location. The acquisition unit 201 also acquires product information for registered products. Based on the location information, the determination unit 102 determines whether the customer is located at a store where they can make payroll deduction payments. If the setting unit 203 determines that the customer is located at a store where they can make payroll deduction payments, it sets the payment method for a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods and uses the customer's terminal device to payroll deduction payments, based on the product information.

[0124] The payment support device 200 sets the payment method for payments made using the customer's terminal device to pay by payroll deduction when the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are possible. As a result, the payment support device 200 can provide technology that allows users to easily use electronic payments.

[0125] Furthermore, the payment support device 200 sets the payment method for customer terminal payments to payable by payroll deduction when the type and price of the product are eligible for payroll deduction by the customer. As a result, the payment support device 200 can provide technology that allows users to easily utilize electronic payments.

[0126] For example, with payroll deduction payments, the payment amount is deducted from the salary, so customers purchasing goods may want to minimize the amount they pay through payroll deduction payments. For instance, with payroll deduction payments, customers may want to minimize their payments by purchasing only necessities, or by setting a spending limit for a predetermined period, such as one month. Even in such cases, the payment support device 200 can provide technology that allows users (customers) to easily utilize electronic payments by setting payment methods based on product information.

[0127] [Example 1] Next, Modification 1 of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that the description of this modification does not become unclear, any information that overlaps with the above description will be omitted.

[0128] This Modification 1 may be applied to either the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The following description will explain an example in which this Modification 1 is applied to the first embodiment.

[0129] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment support device 300. In Figure 8, the payment support device 300 includes an output unit 304 in addition to the configuration of the payment support device 100.

[0130] The payment support device 300 prevents customers from paying for their purchases using payment methods they did not anticipate by allowing them to choose whether or not to set up a payment method.

[0131] The output unit 304 is an example of an output means that, when it is determined that a customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments are possible, outputs a screen allowing the customer to select whether or not to set the payment method to payroll deduction payment.

[0132] The output unit 304 outputs a screen to the customer's terminal device prompting them to select whether or not to set the payment method to payroll deduction payment. The customer then performs an operation on the terminal device. The setting unit 103 sets the payment method according to the customer's selection received through the operation performed on the terminal device.

[0133] The screen on the customer's terminal device that allows them to choose whether or not to set the payment method to payroll deduction may be a screen for permitting or denying payroll deduction, or it may be a screen for the customer to select a payment method from several payment methods, including payroll deduction.

[0134] For example, on a screen where a customer selects a payment method from several options, including payroll deductions, the payment method options are displayed. In this case, payroll deductions may be displayed preferentially among the payment method options. Prioritization may be achieved by, for example, placing it higher in the display order, increasing the display area, or using highlighting methods such as coloring, flashing, or changing the font.

[0135] Figure 9 is an example of an output screen output by the output unit 304, which allows the customer to select whether or not to set the payment method to payroll deduction payment on their terminal device. In the example of Figure 9, the output screen includes "ABC Pay," which is the name of the payment service using the terminal device, and "User Number," which is customer identification information in the payment service. Also in Figure 9, the output screen includes a message indicating that the customer is at a store where payroll deduction payment is possible, and the store name. This includes the customer's current location, which is a store where payroll deduction payments are possible. Furthermore, in Figure 9, the output screen includes buttons for selecting a payment method: a button to change to payroll deduction payment and a button not to change to payroll deduction payment. In Figure 9, the button not to change to payroll deduction payment has two parts: a button to select another payment method without changing to payroll deduction payment, and a button to return to the home screen of the payment service application without changing to payroll deduction payment. For example, the button to select another payment method without changing to payroll deduction payment is expected to be selected when the customer wants to make a payment without using payroll deduction payment, and if selected, the output screen will display the payment method options as selectable. Also, for example, the button to return to the home screen of the payment service application without changing to payroll deduction payment is expected to be selected when the customer does not want to make a payment or wants to check other information related to the payment service before making a payment.

[0136] The output method, including the type and content of the output, is not limited to these examples; it is sufficient that the customer can confirm the payment method before the setting unit 103 sets the payment method.

[0137] An example of the operation of the payment support device 300 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0138] First, the acquisition unit 101 acquires location information regarding the customer's location (step S501).

[0139] Next, the determination unit 102 determines, based on the location information obtained in step S501, whether the customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments are possible (step S502).

[0140] In step S502, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not located in a store where payroll deductions can be made by the customer (step S502: No), then, for example, the payment support device 300 returns to step S501.

[0141] In step S502, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is located in a store where payroll deduction payments are possible (step S502: Yes), the output unit 304 outputs a screen prompting the customer to select whether or not to set the payment method to payroll deduction payment (step S503). Next, the setting unit 103, in accordance with the customer's selection on the screen output in step S503, sets the payment method for a settlement that allows setting multiple payment methods and uses the customer's terminal device to pay by payroll deduction (step S504).

[0142] With this, the payment support device 300 completes its series of operations. In this example, as described above, each operation should be performed at a time when the customer can smoothly set up the payment method before paying for the goods purchased at the store.

[0143] The payment support device 300 configured as described above can prevent the payment of purchased goods from being processed using a payment method unexpected by the customer, by having the customer confirm the payment method.

[0144] [Differentiation 2] Next, we will describe Modification 1 of this disclosure. To the extent that this description of the modification does not become unclear, we will omit explanations that overlap with the above description.

[0145] This modified example 2 may be applied to the first embodiment, to the second embodiment, or to each embodiment to which modified example 1 is applied.

[0146] In this modified example 2, if the setting unit 103 or setting unit 203 sets the payment method for settlement to another payment method at an appropriate time when a payment method is set for payroll deduction payment, the setting unit 103 may set the payment method for settlement to another payment method. In the following description, the operation of setting unit 103 setting another payment method after setting the payment method for payroll deduction payment will be described, but the setting unit 203 may perform the same operation.

[0147] For example, in electronic payment systems that allow multiple payment methods to be set, the previously used payment method may remain set. This often saves the user the trouble of setting up a payment method each time.

[0148] In contrast, if a payment method that can only be used at certain stores, such as payroll deduction payments, is set up, the next time the electronic payment is used, if a payment method that can only be used at certain stores is set up, stores that cannot use that payment method will have to go through the trouble of changing the payment method setting.

[0149] The setting unit 103 may, for example, set the electronic payment method to another payment method at a time when it is assumed that the customer will not be making a payroll deduction payment.

[0150] The other payment method to be changed from payroll deduction payment may be a pre-configured payment method, a payment method used before payroll deduction payment was implemented, or a payment method that was implemented before payroll deduction payment was implemented. Furthermore, the customer may pre-configure whether the other payment method to be changed from payroll deduction payment is a payment method used before payroll deduction payment was implemented, or a payment method that was implemented before payroll deduction payment was implemented.

[0151] The timing at which a customer is expected not to make a payroll deduction payment is, for example, when the customer leaves the store where payroll deduction payments are possible, or the facility or region where the store where payroll deduction payments are possible is located.

[0152] In this case, for example, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method to change from payroll deduction payment to another payment method at a time when it is expected that the customer will not be able to make a payroll deduction payment based on the location information. For example, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method to change from payroll deduction payment to another payment method when the location information indicates that the customer has moved away from a store where payroll deduction payments are possible. Also, for example, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method to change from payroll deduction payment to another payment method when the location information indicates that the customer has moved away from a facility or region where a store where payroll deduction payments are possible is located. Also, for example, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method to change from payroll deduction payment to another payment method when the location information indicates that the customer is located at a store where payroll deduction payments are not possible.

[0153] In this case, for example, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method to change from payroll deduction payment to another payment method at a time when it is assumed that the customer will not be making payroll deduction payments, based on the customer's schedule information. Here, the customer's schedule information is information used to determine whether or not the customer is located in a facility or region where a store where the customer can make payroll deduction payments is located. For example, the customer's schedule information may be the customer's schedule information, or it may be the customer's work dates and times that are registered in advance. For example, the setting unit 103 sets the payment method to change from payroll deduction payment to another payment method when it is assumed that the customer will not be at their workplace during a certain time or day of the week, based on the customer's schedule information. The customer's schedule information may be acquired by the acquisition unit 101 or the acquisition unit 201.

[0154] Furthermore, for example, a time when it is assumed that a customer will not make a payment via payroll deduction is when the customer has completed a payment using payroll deduction. In this case, for example, when a POS device or payment server notifies that a payment has been made using payroll deduction by the customer, the system is configured to change the payment method from payroll deduction to another payment method.

[0155] Furthermore, after the setting unit 103 is set to payroll deduction payment, the setting unit 103 does not need to perform the process of setting the payment method to another payment method. Also, based on the customer settings that are registered in advance, the setting unit 103 may choose not to set the payment method from payroll deduction payment to another payment method, or it may choose to set the payment method from payroll deduction payment to another payment method.

[0156] The operation of this modified version 2 may eliminate the need for customers to reconfigure their payment method after it has been set to a payment method usable only at certain stores, such as payroll deduction payments. This may allow customers to smoothly use electronic payments at other stores after their payment method has been set to a payment method usable only at certain stores, such as payroll deduction payments. Therefore, this modified version 2 can make it easier for customers (users) to use electronic payments.

[0157] [Other application examples] As described above, this disclosure may apply not only to payroll deductions but also to the establishment of region-specific or store-specific payment methods. For example, there may be a payment method that can only be used at a specific store located in a region by customers who live, work, or attend school in that region. In this case, payroll deductions may be interpreted as region-specific or store-specific payment methods in the above explanation.

[0158] [Hardware configuration] Some or all of the components of each apparatus or system in each embodiment of the present disclosure described above can be realized by any combination of an information processing device 1000 and a program, for example, as shown in Figure 11. The information processing device 1000 includes, as an example, the following configuration.

[0159] ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)1001 • ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002 ·RAM(Random Access Memory)1003 • Program 1004 loaded into RAM1003 • Storage device 1005 for storing program 1004 • Drive device 1007 for reading and writing recording medium 1006 • Communication I / F 1008 connected to communication network 1009 • Input / output interface 1010 for data input and output. • Bus 1011 connecting each component Note that I / F is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0160] Each component of each device or system in each embodiment is realized by the CPU 1001 acquiring and executing a program that realizes its function. The program that realizes the function of each component of each device is, for example, stored in advance in the storage device 1005 or RAM 1003 and read by the CPU 1001 as needed. The program 1004 may be supplied to the CPU 1001 via a communication network, or it may be stored in advance in the recording medium 1006 and read by the drive device 1007 and supplied to the CPU 1001.

[0161] There are various variations in how each device is implemented. For example, each device or system may be implemented by any combination of a separate information processing device 1000 and a program for each component. Alternatively, the multiple components of each device may be implemented by any combination of a single information processing device 1000 and a program.

[0162] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device or system are realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, including processors, or combinations thereof. Examples of such circuits include CPUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) processing LSIs (Large Scale Integration). These may be comprised of a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by combinations of the aforementioned circuits and programs.

[0163] When some or all of the components of each device or system are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these multiple information processing devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system.

[0164] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0165] Furthermore, although multiple operations are described sequentially in flowchart format, the order in which they are described does not limit the order in which they must be performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0166] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0167] [Note 1] A means of obtaining location information regarding the customer's location, A determination means that determines whether the customer is located at a store where the customer can make payroll deduction payments, based on the location information, If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to the payroll deduction payment method, A payment support device equipped with the following features.

[0168] [Note 2] The aforementioned location information is the location information of the terminal device, The determination means determines that the customer is located at the store by determining that the location information is at the store's location. The payment support device described in Appendix 1.

[0169] [Note 3] The aforementioned location information is an image taken by a camera installed at the store. The determination means determines that the customer is present in the store by determining that the customer is visible in the image. A payment support device as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0170] [Note 4] The acquisition means further acquires product information of products registered in the terminal device, The setting means sets the payment method based on the product information. A payment support device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0171] [Note 5] The setting means sets the payment method based on the product information and a pre-set payment method corresponding to the product or product category. The payment support device described in Appendix 4.

[0172] [Note 6] The setting means sets the payment method based on the price of some or all of the products identified based on the product information. A payment support device as described in Appendix 4 or 5.

[0173] [Note 7] The setting means sets the payment method for each product registered in the terminal device, or the payment method for all products registered in the terminal device. A payment support device as described in any of the appendices 4 to 6.

[0174] [Note 8] If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, the system further includes an output means that displays a screen prompting the customer to select whether or not to set the payment method to the salary deduction payment method. The setting means sets the payment method according to the customer's selection. A payment support device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0175] [Note 9] The determination means determines that the customer is present at the store at the time the customer attempts to make a payment using a terminal device. A payment support device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0176] [Note 10] The timing at which the customer attempts to make a payment using the terminal device is the timing at which the customer changes the payment method to payroll deduction payment on the terminal device. A payment support device as described in any of Appendix 9.

[0177] [Note 11] The timing at which the customer attempts to make a payment using the terminal device is the timing at which the customer opens the payment application on the terminal device. The payment support device described in Appendix 9 or 10.

[0178] [Note 12] The setting means sets the payment method for the settlement to a payment method other than the salary deduction payment at a time when it is assumed that the customer will not make the salary deduction payment. A payment support device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 11.

[0179] [Note 13] We obtain location information regarding the customer's whereabouts. Based on the location information, it is determined that the customer is located at a store where the customer can receive payroll deductions. If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to the payroll deduction payment. Payment support methods.

[0180] [Note 14] We obtain location information regarding the customer's whereabouts. Based on the location information, it is determined that the customer is located at a store where the customer can receive payroll deductions. If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to the payroll deduction payment. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

[0181] [Note 15] A means of obtaining location information regarding the customer's location, A determination means that determines, based on the location information, whether the customer is located at a store where the customer's store-specific payment method is available, If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to a payment method specific to the store, A payment support device equipped with the following features.

[0182] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 12, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 (payment support device) above, may also be subordinate to Appendice 13 (payment support method), Appendice 14 (program), and Appendice 15 (payment support device) in the same subordinate relationship as Appendices 2 to 12. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 13, 14, and 15, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, as long as they do not deviate from the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 100 Payment support devices 101 Acquisition Department 102 Judgment section 103 Settings Section 200 Payment support devices 201 Acquisition Department 203 Settings Section 300 Payment support devices 304 Output section 1000 Information Processing Devices 1001 CPU 1002 ROM 1003 RAM 1004 Program 1005 Storage device 1006 Recording media 1007 Drive unit 1008 Communication I / F 1009 Communication Network 1010 Input / Output Interface 1011 Bus

Claims

1. A means of obtaining location information regarding the customer's location, A determination means that determines whether the customer is located at a store where the customer can make payroll deduction payments, based on the location information, If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to the payroll deduction payment method, A payment support device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned location information is the location information of the terminal device, The determination means determines that the customer is located at the store by determining that the location information is at the store's location. The payment support device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned location information is an image taken by a camera installed at the store. The determination means determines that the customer is present in the store by determining that the customer is visible in the image. The payment support device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition means further acquires product information of products registered in the terminal device, The setting means sets the payment method based on the product information. The payment support device according to claim 1.

5. The setting means sets the payment method based on the product information and a pre-set payment method corresponding to the product or product category. The payment support device according to claim 4.

6. The setting means sets the payment method based on the price of some or all of the products identified based on the product information. The payment support device according to claim 4.

7. If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, the system further includes an output means that displays a screen prompting the customer to select whether or not to set the payment method to the salary deduction payment method. The setting means sets the payment method according to the customer's selection. The payment support device according to claim 1.

8. The determination means determines that the customer is present at the store at the time the customer attempts to make a payment using a terminal device. A payment support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. We obtain location information regarding the customer's whereabouts. Based on the location information, it is determined that the customer is located at a store where the customer can receive payroll deductions. If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to the payroll deduction payment. Payment support methods.

10. We obtain location information regarding the customer's whereabouts. Based on the location information, it is determined that the customer is located at a store where the customer can receive payroll deductions. If it is determined that the customer is located at the store, a payment method that allows setting multiple payment methods, wherein the payment method for the payment using the customer's terminal device is set to the payroll deduction payment. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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