Payment device and payment method

Abstract

The present invention provides a payment device that verifies the identity of the user when a user of a facility such as a parking lot pays the usage fee using an ETC card, and then processes the payment. [Solution] The settlement device includes an acquisition unit, a storage unit that stores the user's registered biometric information and the user's ETC card information in association, a first determination unit that determines whether the user's acquired biometric information acquired by the acquisition unit matches the registered biometric information stored in the storage unit, and a settlement unit that, if the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, settles the usage fee for the user's use of the facility based on the ETC card information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement device and a settlement method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle has an in-vehicle ETC device to which an ETC card is attached. As a method for paying parking fees when a vehicle parks in a parking lot, fee settlement using an ETC card has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] An ETC communication device is arranged at each of the entrance gate and the exit gate of the parking lot. When the vehicle passes through the entrance gate and when it passes through the exit gate, the parking fee is calculated based on the time when the ETC card number is acquired, and the parking fee is settled using the ETC card.

[0004] By settling the parking fee using an ETC card, the burden on the user in the settlement process is reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Here, when the ETC card is stolen, there is a risk that the parking fee may be settled even if someone else's ETC card is used.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a settlement device that confirms that the user of a facility such as a parking lot is the user himself / herself and executes settlement when the user settles the usage fee using an ETC card.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a payment device is provided. The payment device is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit; a storage unit that stores the user's registered biometric information, the user's ETC card information, and the time of entry of the user's vehicle into the facility in association with each other; a first determination unit that determines whether the user's acquired biometric information acquired by the acquisition unit matches the registered biometric information stored in the storage unit; and a payment unit that, if the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, pays the usage fee for the user's use of the facility based on the ETC card information.

[0009] (2) In this toll payment device, the storage unit preferably stores the registered biometric information and ETC card information together with the time the user's vehicle entered the facility, and the payment unit preferably calculates the usage fee based on the time of entry and the time the acquired biometric information was acquired.

[0010] (3) In this payment device, the storage unit stores one or more registered biometric information and ETC card information in association, and the device further has a selection unit that selects one or more registered biometric information associated with the ETC card information from one or more registered biometric information stored in the storage unit based on the ETC card information obtained when the user's vehicle enters the facility, which is acquired by the acquisition unit, and the first determination unit preferably determines whether the acquired biometric information matches any of the one or more registered biometric information selected by the selection unit.

[0011] (4) In this payment device, it is preferable that the acquisition unit acquires the user's acquired biometric information transmitted from the user's terminal.

[0012] (5) In this settlement device, if the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, the settlement unit calculates the usage fee and transmits the usage fee to the user's terminal via the communication unit. If the settlement unit obtains acceptance information from the user's terminal via the acquisition unit indicating acceptance of payment of the usage fee, it is preferable to settle the usage fee based on the ETC card information.

[0013] (6) In this payment device, the storage unit stores multiple registered biometric information and ETC card information in association, and it is preferable that the first determination unit determines whether the acquired biometric information matches any of the multiple registered biometric information stored in the storage unit.

[0014] (7) In this payment device, the storage unit stores registered biometric information and ETC card information together with discount information representing information that discounts the usage fee, and it is preferable that the payment unit calculates the discounted usage fee based on the discount information associated with the acquired biometric information.

[0015] (8) In this payment device, the storage unit stores multiple registered biometric information and ETC card information in association with exit information indicating that a vehicle has left the facility. The first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches any of the multiple registered biometric information, and the second determination unit determines whether or not the exit information is registered in association with the said registered biometric information. If the second determination unit determines that the exit information is associated with the registered biometric information, it is preferable that the payment unit does not settle the usage fee based on the ETC card information, even if the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information.

[0016] (9) In this payment device, the storage unit stores reservation information representing a reservation for the use of the facility by the user's vehicle, along with multiple registered biometric information and one ETC card information, and has a third determination unit that determines whether or not the reservation information is associated with the acquired biometric information. If the third determination unit determines that the reservation information is associated with the acquired biometric information, and the first determination unit determines that the multiple acquired biometric information matches all of the multiple registered biometric information, the payment unit settles the usage fee for the user's use of the facility based on the ETC card information.

[0017] (10) According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a settlement method is provided. This settlement method is characterized in that the settlement device determines whether the biometric information of the user acquired by the acquisition unit matches the registered biometric information included in management information that associates the user's registered biometric information with the user's ETC card information, and if it is determined that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, settles the usage fee for the user's use of the facility based on the ETC card information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The settlement device described in this disclosure has the effect of verifying that the user is the actual user when a user who has used a facility such as a parking lot settles the usage fee using an ETC card. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the billing system in which the management server of the first embodiment is implemented. [Figure 2] This is an example of a sequence diagram for the entry process of a fare payment system. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the management table. [Figure 4] This is an example of a sequence diagram for the settlement process in a fare settlement system. [Figure 5] This is an example of a sequence diagram for the exit process in a fare settlement system. [Figure 6] It is a hardware configuration diagram of the management server. [Figure 7] It is an example of an operation flowchart of the admission process of the management server. [Figure 8] It is an example of an operation flowchart of the settlement process of the management server. [Figure 9] It is an example of an operation flowchart of the departure process of the management server. [Figure 10] It is a modified example of the operation flowchart of the settlement process of the management server. [Figure 11] It is an example of a sequence diagram of the settlement process of the fee settlement system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is an example of a sequence diagram of the discount information registration process of the fee settlement system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] It is an example of an operation flowchart of the settlement process of the management server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the management table.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fee settlement system 1 in which a management server 10 according to the first embodiment is implemented. The fee settlement system 1 includes a management server 10, an ETC server 11, a communication network 40, each device 31 to 34 arranged in a parking lot 30, and a settlement device 35. The fee settlement system 1 according to the present embodiment executes a settlement process for usage fees in at least one parking lot 30. The parking lot 30 is an example of a facility. The management server 10 is an example of a settlement device.

[0021] The management server 10 settles the usage fees of the vehicle 70 parked in the parking lot 30 by using the ETC card information. The ETC server 11 provides a service using the ETC card information to a user who uses the ETC card.

[0022] An entrance ETC communication device 31 and an entrance gate device 32 are installed at the entrance gate of parking lot 30. An exit ETC communication device 33 and an exit gate device 34 are installed at the exit gate of parking lot 30.

[0023] The entrance ETC communication device 31, entrance gate device 32, exit ETC communication device 33, and exit gate device 34 are connected to the management server 10 and ETC server 11 via the communication network 40 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0024] Furthermore, the user terminal 60 carried by users of the parking lot 30 is connected to the management server 10 and the ETC server 11 via the macrocell base station 50 and the communication network 40, enabling communication between them.

[0025] Near the parking lot 30 are stores 80 that are available to users of the parking lot 30. Store terminals 81 located in the stores 80 are connected to the management server 10 via a macrocell base station 50 and a communication network 40.

[0026] Although Figure 1 shows only one parking lot 30, the fee settlement system 1 may perform fee settlement processing for multiple parking lots. Furthermore, multiple macrocell base stations 50 may be connected to the communication network 40.

[0027] Vehicle 70 has an ETC onboard unit 71. An ETC card is installed in the ETC onboard unit 71. The ETC onboard unit 71 performs narrow-area communication such as DSRC with the entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33. The ETC onboard unit 71 has a Wireless Call Number (WCN) to identify the ETC onboard unit 71 and ETC card information to identify the installed ETC card. The vehicle-specific information and ETC card information are encrypted. The ETC onboard unit 71 transmits the WCN as unencrypted information to the ETC communication device 31 and transmits the ETC card information as encrypted information to the entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33. As a method for encrypting the ETC card information, for example, the ETC security standard is used.

[0028] The entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33 communicate with the ETC on-board unit 71 installed in the vehicle 70 at vehicle detection times that have a predetermined cycle. If a vehicle 70 equipped with an ETC on-board unit 71 is within the communication range of the entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33, the entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33 begin communication with the ETC on-board unit 71. Alternatively, vehicle detection sensors may be placed on the road in front of the entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33 so that when the vehicle detection sensors detect a vehicle 70, the entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33 begin communication with the ETC on-board unit 71.

[0029] The entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33 communicate with the ETC onboard unit 71 installed in the vehicle 70 to obtain encrypted ETC card information. The entry ETC communication device 31 and the exit ETC communication device 33 transmit this encrypted ETC card information to the ETC server 11 via the communication network 40.

[0030] The entrance gate device 32 and the exit gate device 34 open and close the gates in response to an opening request from the management server 10.

[0031] The payment device 35 is used when a user pays the usage fee for using the parking lot 30. The payment device 35 may be located near the parking lot 30.

[0032] Figure 2 is an example of a sequence diagram for the entry process of the toll payment system 1. Each time a vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30, the toll payment system 1 executes the entry process according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 2. Although only one parking lot 30 is illustrated in Figure 1, the toll payment system 1 can also execute the entry process when a vehicle enters other parking lots.

[0033] First, when vehicle 70 approaches the entrance gate of parking lot 30, the entrance ETC communication device 31 starts communication with the ETC on-board unit 71 installed in vehicle 70 and obtains encrypted ETC card information from the ETC on-board unit 71 (step S101).

[0034] Next, the entry ETC communication device 31 transmits encrypted ETC card information to the ETC server 11 via the communication network 40 (step S102). The ETC server 11 manages information about users who use ETC cards. The ETC server 11 has a membership table 11a in which a user ID that identifies the user using the ETC card is registered in association with ETC card information and credit card information.

[0035] Next, the ETC server 11 decrypts the encrypted ETC card information (step S103).

[0036] Next, the ETC server 11 transmits the decrypted ETC card information, along with information indicating that it was transmitted from the entry ETC communication device 31, to the management server 10 via the communication network 40 (step S104). It is preferable that the ETC server 11 transmits this information to the management server 10 if the decrypted ETC card information is registered in the member table 11a.

[0037] Next, the management server 10 confirms that the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 is registered in the management table 100, which contains the user's ETC card information and the user's registered biometric information (step S106).

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the management table 100. The management table 100 has a user ID field 101 for identifying the user, an ETC card information field 102, a registered biometric information field 103, an entry time field 104, an acquired biometric information field 105, an exit time field 106, a usage fee field 107, a settlement flag field 108, an exit flag field 109, and a discount information field 110. The management table 100 can register the user ID, ETC card information, registered biometric information, entry time, acquired biometric information, exit time, usage fee, settlement flag, exit flag, and discount information in association with each other.

[0039] The User ID field 101 registers information that identifies the user. The ETC card information field 102 registers the ETC card information of the user's ETC card. The Registered Biometric Information field 103 registers the biometric information of the registered user. Examples of biometric information that can be used include facial features, fingerprints, iris, auricle, voiceprint, and palm print. One or more types of biometric information may be registered. For registered users, the ETC card information and registered biometric information are registered in the management table 100 in association with the User ID. Other information may be registered in the management table 100 as appropriate, depending on the user's usage of the parking lot 30.

[0040] The entry time column 104 registers the time when vehicle 70 entered parking lot 30. The acquired biometric information column 105 displays the user's biometric information acquired by the payment device 35, etc. The exit time column 106 registers the time when vehicle 70 exited parking lot 30. The usage fee column 107 registers the fee charged by the user for using parking lot 30. The settlement flag column 108 registers whether or not the user has settled the usage fee. The exit flag column 109 registers whether or not the user's vehicle 70 has exited parking lot 30. The discount information column 110 registers discount information given when the user made a purchase at a store 80 near parking lot 30. If discount information is registered, the usage fee is calculated based on the discount information. Note that the management table 100 shown in Figure 14 is just an example, and there are no particular restrictions as long as the relationships between each piece of information are shown.

[0041] Next, if the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 is registered in the management table 100, the management server 10 sends an opening request to the entrance gate device 32 via the communication network 40, requesting that the gate be opened (step S106). The management server 10 also registers the time at which it sent the opening request to the entrance gate device 32 as the entrance time, in association with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11, in the management table 100, and ends the series of processes. When the entrance gate device 32 opens the entrance gate, the vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30 and parks in a designated parking space.

[0042] If the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 is not registered in the management table 100, the ETC server 11 may send a request to the entrance gate device 32 via the communication network 40 to issue a parking ticket. The parking ticket contains information indicating the time of entry. After issuing the parking ticket, the entrance gate device 32 opens the gate. The vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30 and parks in the designated parking space.

[0043] Furthermore, users not registered in the management table 100 can register in the management table 100 using the user terminal 60. The user sends their ETC card number and biometric information to the management server 10 using the user terminal 60, and the management server 10 associates the ETC card number and biometric information with the user ID and registers it in the management table 100.

[0044] Figure 4 is an example of a sequence diagram of the settlement process of the fee settlement system 1. The fee settlement system 1 executes the settlement process according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 4 each time a user settles the usage fee for using the parking lot 30 using the settlement device 35.

[0045] First, the payment device 35 acquires the user's biometric information (step S201). When the user pays the usage fee for using the parking lot 30, they provide their biometric information using the payment device 35.

[0046] For example, the payment device 35 uses camera 35a to acquire a facial image representing the user's face, detects facial features based on the facial image, and uses them as acquired biometric information. Examples of facial features that can be used include the distance between the left and right eyes and the distance between the nose and mouth. The acquired biometric information is of the same type as the registered biometric information registered in the management table 100.

[0047] Next, the payment device 35 transmits the acquired biometric information to the management server 10 via the communication network 40 (step S202). Alternatively, the payment device 35 may transmit a face image to the management server 10, and the management server 10 may detect facial features based on the face image and acquire the biometric information.

[0048] Next, the management server 10 determines whether the biometric information of the user transmitted from the payment device 35 matches the registered biometric information registered in the management table 100 in association with the entry time (step S203).

[0049] Next, if the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information associated with the entry time, the management server 10 calculates the usage fee for the user's use of the parking lot 30 (step S204). For example, the management server 10 calculates the usage fee based on the entry time and the time the user's acquired biometric information was received from the payment device 35.

[0050] Next, the management server 10 sends the user's ETC card information, the usage fee, and a settlement request for the settlement of parking fees to the ETC server 11 via the communication network 40 (step S205).

[0051] Next, the ETC server 11 refers to the membership table 11a to obtain the credit card information associated with the ETC card information received from the management server 10, and uses this credit card information to perform electronic payment of the usage fee (step S206). In this specification, the management server 10 performing the settlement process for usage fees based on the ETC card information includes the management server 10 performing the settlement process for usage fees in cooperation with the ETC server 11 based on the ETC card information.

[0052] Next, the ETC server 11 sends a settlement completion notification to the management server 10 via the communication network 40, indicating that the settlement process for the usage fee has been completed (step S207).

[0053] Next, the management server 10 registers a settlement flag "Completed" in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information linked to the acquired biometric information, to indicate that settlement has been completed. Then, it transmits the usage fee to the settlement device 35 via the communication network 40 (step S208).

[0054] Next, the settlement device 35 displays the usage fee on the display unit 35b (step S209) and completes the series of processes. The user checks the usage fee displayed on the display unit 35b, confirms the usage fee, and understands that the settlement has been completed.

[0055] If the acquired biometric information does not match the registered biometric information, the management server 10 may notify the user via the payment device 35 to settle the usage fee using the parking ticket.

[0056] Figure 5 is an example of a sequence diagram for the exit process of the payment system 1. The payment system 1 executes the exit process according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5 each time a user's vehicle 70 exits the parking lot 30.

[0057] First, when vehicle 70 approaches the exit gate of parking lot 30, the exit ETC communication device 33 starts communication with the ETC on-board unit 71 installed in vehicle 70 and obtains encrypted ETC card information from the ETC on-board unit 71 (step S301).

[0058] Next, the exit ETC communication device 33 transmits the encrypted ETC card information to the ETC server 11 via the communication network 40 (step S302).

[0059] Next, the ETC server 11 decrypts the encrypted ETC card information (step S303).

[0060] Next, the ETC server 11 transmits the decrypted ETC card information, along with information indicating that it was transmitted from the exit ETC communication device 33, to the management server 10 via the communication network 40 (step S304). The ETC server 11 preferably transmits this information to the management server 10 if the decrypted ETC card information is registered in the member table 11a.

[0061] Next, the management server 10 refers to the management table 100 and determines whether the settlement flag associated with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 indicates that the settlement has been completed (step S305).

[0062] Next, if the settlement flag associated with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 indicates the completion of settlement, the management server 10 sends an opening request to the exit gate device 34 via the communication network 40 (step S306), requesting that the gate be opened, and ends the series of processes. When the exit gate device 34 opens the gate, the vehicle 70 exits the parking lot 30. The management server 10 also registers an exit flag in the management table 100, indicating that the vehicle 70 has exited the parking lot 30.

[0063] If the settlement flag associated with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 does not indicate the completion of settlement, the management server 10 may notify the user via the exit gate device 34 of a notification request asking the management server 10 to notify the user that settlement of the usage fee will be performed at the exit gate device 34. The user can use the camera 34a of the exit gate device 34 to acquire a facial image and perform the settlement process.

[0064] According to the payment system 1 of this embodiment described above, when a user who has used the parking lot 30 pays the usage fee using an ETC card, it is possible to confirm that the user of the parking lot 30 is the user themselves before payment is processed.

[0065] Figure 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of the management server 10. The management server 10 performs judgment processing, control processing, registration processing, selection processing, and settlement processing. To this end, the management server 10 has a communication interface (IF) 21, a storage device 22, memory 23, and a processor 24. The communication IF 21, storage device 22, and memory 23 are connected to the processor 24 via signal lines 25. The management server 10 may further have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0066] The communication IF21 has an interface circuit for connecting the management server 10 to the communication network 40. The communication IF21 is configured to communicate with the entrance ETC communication device 31, entrance gate device 32, exit ETC communication device 33, exit gate device 34, and ETC server 11 via the communication network 40. The communication IF21 is an example of an acquisition unit and a communication unit. The communication IF21 is also configured to communicate with the user terminal 60 and the store terminal 81 via the communication network 40 and the macrocell base station 50.

[0067] The storage device 22 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or an optical recording medium and its access device. The storage device 22 stores the management table 100. If the payment system 1 manages multiple parking lots, the management table 100 may be stored in the storage device 22 for each parking lot.

[0068] Next, referring to Figure 3, the management table 100 will be explained below. In the example of management table 100 shown in Figure 3, the ETC card information N1 and the registered biometric information B1 are associated and registered with user ID 001. This is an example in which one user and registered biometric information are associated with one ETC card information.

[0069] Furthermore, in management table 100, the same ETC card information N2 is associated and registered for three user IDs 002 to 004. Each of the three user IDs 002, 003, and 004 is associated and registered with registered biometric information B2, B21, and B22, respectively. This is an example where three users and their registered biometric information are registered for a single ETC card. For example, if a family of three uses one ETC card, three users and their registered biometric information will be associated with that single ETC card information.

[0070] Furthermore, in management table 100, user ID 005 is associated with one ETC card information N3 and three registered biometric information B3, B31, and B32. This is another example where three users and registered biometric information are registered for one ETC card information. Thus, it is possible for three registered biometric information to be associated with one ETC card information.

[0071] Furthermore, the storage device 22 may store a computer program that runs on the processor 24 for executing the processes of the management server 10 related to settlement processing. The storage device 22 is an example of a storage unit.

[0072] Memory 23 includes, for example, volatile semiconductor memory and non-volatile semiconductor memory. Memory 23 stores computer programs and various data of applications used in information processing performed by the processor 24. The management table 100 may also be stored in memory 23. Memory 23 is an example of a storage unit.

[0073] All or part of the functions of the management server 10 are functional modules implemented by computer programs running on the processor 24, for example. The processor 24 includes a determination unit 241, a control unit 242, a registration unit 243, a selection unit 244, and a settlement unit 245. The determination unit 241 is an example of a first determination unit. Alternatively, the functional modules of the processor 24 may be dedicated arithmetic circuits provided on the processor 24. The processor 24 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits. The processor 24 may further have other arithmetic circuits such as a logic unit, a numerical unit, or a graphics processing unit.

[0074] Figure 7 is an example of an operation flowchart for the entry process of the management server 10. The entry process of the management server 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 7. At entry processing times with a predetermined cycle, the management server 10 executes the entry process for vehicles 70 entering the parking lot 30 according to the operation flowchart shown in Figure 7.

[0075] First, the determination unit 241 determines whether or not the ETC card information has been received from the ETC server 11 via the communication IF 21, along with information indicating that it was transmitted from the entry ETC communication device 31 (step S401). If the ETC card information has not been received from the ETC server 11 (step S401-No), the series of processes is terminated.

[0076] On the other hand, if ETC card information has been received from the ETC server 11 (step S401-Yes), the determination unit 241 refers to the management table 100 stored in the storage device 22 and determines whether the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 matches the information registered in the management table 100 (step S402).

[0077] If the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 matches the information registered in the management table 100 (step S402-Yes), the control unit 242 sends an opening request to the entrance gate device 32 via the communication network 40, requesting that the gate be opened (step S403).

[0078] Next, the registration unit 243 registers the time when the control unit 242 sent the opening request to the entrance gate device 32 as the entrance time, in association with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11, in the management table 100 (step S404).

[0079] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, when ETC card information N1 is received from the ETC server 11, the registration unit 243 registers the entry time T1 in the management table 100 in association with the ETC card information N1.

[0080] Furthermore, when ETC card information N2 is received from the ETC server 11, the registration unit 243 registers the entry time T2 in the management table 100 in association with the ETC card information N2. In this case, since the ETC card information N2 is associated with three user IDs, the entry time T2 is registered in association with the ETC card information N2 of each of the three user IDs. In the management table 100, the entry time T2 is registered in association with one ETC card information N2 and the registered biometric information B2, B21, and B22 of the three user IDs 002, 003, and 004 associated with this ETC card information N2.

[0081] In this manner, when multiple user IDs and registered biometric information are associated with a single ETC card, a single entry time is registered in the management table 100, associated with each of the multiple user IDs and registered biometric information.

[0082] Furthermore, when ETC card information N3 is received from the ETC server 11, the registration unit 243 registers the entry time T3 in the management table 100 in association with the ETC card information N3. The management table 100 registers the entry time T3 in association with one ETC card information N3 and the three registered biometric information B2, B21, and B22 individuals associated with this ETC card information N3.

[0083] Next, the selection unit 244, based on the ETC card information obtained when the user's vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30, selects one or more registered biometric information associated with this ETC card information from the multiple registered biometric information registered in the management table 100 (step S405), and ends the series of processes. The registered biometric information selected by the selection unit 244 is used for comparison with the acquired biometric information in the settlement process, which will be described later. Note that the selection process in step S405 may be omitted.

[0084] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, when ETC card information N1 is obtained when the user's vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30, the selection unit 244 selects one registered biometric information B1.

[0085] Furthermore, if ETC card information N2 is obtained when the user's vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30, the selection unit 244 selects three registered biometric information B2, B21, and B22.

[0086] Furthermore, if ETC card information N3 is obtained when the user's vehicle 70 enters the parking lot 30, the selection unit 244 selects three registered biometric information B3, B31, and B32.

[0087] If the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 does not match the information registered in the management table 100 (step S402-No), the series of processes will be terminated.

[0088] Figure 8 is an example of an operation flowchart for the settlement process of the management server 10. The settlement process of the management server 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 8. At settlement processing times with predetermined cycles, the management server 10 executes the settlement process for the usage fee for the user's use of the parking lot 30, according to the operation flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0089] First, the determination unit 241 determines whether or not the acquired biometric information has been received from the settlement device 35 via the communication IF 21 (step S501). If the acquired biometric information has not been received from the settlement device 35 (step S501-No), the series of processes is terminated.

[0090] On the other hand, if biometric information is received from the payment device 35 (step S501-Yes), the determination unit 241 refers to the management table 100 stored in the storage device 22 and determines whether the biometric information received from the payment device 35 matches the registered biometric information registered in the management table 100 in association with the entry time (step S502).

[0091] Even if the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, if this registered biometric information is not associated with an entry time, the determination unit 241 determines that the acquired biometric information does not match the registered biometric information registered in the management table 100 in association with an entry time. If an entry time is not associated, it is interpreted that the user associated with this registered biometric information did not enter the parking lot 30.

[0092] In step S405 described above, if one or more registered biometric information is selected by the selection unit 244, the determination unit 241 determines whether the acquired biometric information matches any of the one or more registered biometric information selected by the selection unit 244. This reduces the time required for determination.

[0093] On the other hand, if one or more registered biological information is not selected by the selection unit 244, the determination unit 241 compares the acquired biological information with all registered biological information registered in the management table 100 to determine whether or not they match.

[0094] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, if the acquired biometric information A1 received from the settlement device 35 matches the registered biometric information B1 associated with the ETC card information N1, the registration unit 243 registers the acquired biometric information A1 in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N1 and the registered biometric information B1.

[0095] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A2 received from the payment device 35 matches the registered biometric information B21 associated with the ETC card information N2, the registration unit 243 registers the acquired biometric information A2 in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N2 and the registered biometric information B21.

[0096] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A3 received from the payment device 35 matches any of the registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32 associated with the ETC card information N3, the registration unit 243 registers the acquired biometric information A3 in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N3 and the registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32. If three registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32 are associated with one ETC card information N3, the determination unit 241 determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information if the acquired biometric information A3 matches any of the three registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32.

[0097] If it is determined that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information (step S502-Yes), the settlement unit 245 calculates the usage fee for the user's use of the parking lot 30 (step S503). For example, the settlement unit 245 calculates the usage fee based on the entry time associated with the acquired biometric information in the management table 100 and the time the acquired biometric information was received from the settlement device 35. The settlement unit 245 registers the usage fee in the management table 100, associated with the acquired biometric information.

[0098] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, if the acquired biometric information A1 received from the settlement device 35 matches the registered biometric information B1 associated with the ETC card information N1, the registration unit 243 registers the usage fee C1 in the management table 100 in association with the acquired biometric information A1.

[0099] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A2 received from the payment device 35 matches the registered biometric information B21 associated with the ETC card information N2, the registration unit 243 registers the usage fee C2 in the management table 100 in association with the acquired biometric information A2.

[0100] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A3 received from the settlement device 35 matches any of the registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32 associated with the ETC card information N3, the registration unit 243 registers the usage fee C3 in the management table 100, associating it with the acquired biometric information A3.

[0101] Next, the settlement unit 245 transmits the ETC card information and usage fee, along with the settlement request, to the ETC server 11 via the communication IF 21 (step S504). After the ETC server 11 performs the settlement process for the usage fee, it sends a settlement completion notification to the management server 10 indicating that the settlement process has been completed.

[0102] Next, upon receiving a settlement completion notification, the registration unit 243 registers a settlement flag in the management table 100 to indicate that the settlement of usage fees has been completed (step S505).

[0103] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, if the acquired biometric information A1 received from the settlement device 35 matches the registered biometric information B1 associated with the ETC card information N1, the registration unit 243 registers "Completed" as a settlement flag in the management table 100, associating it with the registered biometric information B1 and the ETC card information N1.

[0104] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A2 received from the settlement device 35 matches the registered biometric information B21 associated with the ETC card information N2, the registration unit 243 registers "Completed" as the settlement flag in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N2 associated with the registered biometric information B21. In this case, the settlement flag "Completed" is associated with user IDs 002, 003, and 004 and registered in the management table 100.

[0105] In this manner, when multiple user IDs and registered biometric information are associated with a single ETC card, the settlement flag "Completed" is registered in the management table 100, associated with each of the multiple user IDs and registered biometric information.

[0106] As a result, if three family members ride in vehicle 70 and use parking lot 30, one of the family members can pay the usage fee by providing biometric information using payment device 35.

[0107] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A3 received from the settlement device 35 matches any of the registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32 associated with the ETC card information N3, the registration unit 243 registers "Completed" as a settlement flag in the management table 100, associating it with the registered biometric information B3, B31, B32 and the ETC card information N3.

[0108] As a result, if three family members ride in vehicle 70 and use parking lot 30, one of the family members can pay the usage fee by providing biometric information using payment device 35.

[0109] Next, the control unit 242 transmits the usage fee to the settlement device 35 via the communication network 40 (step S506), and ends the series of processes.

[0110] If the acquired biometric information is not determined to match the registered biometric information (step S502-No), the series of processes will be terminated.

[0111] Figure 9 is an example of an operation flowchart for the exit process of the management server 10. The exit process of the management server 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 9. The management server 10 executes the exit process according to the operation flowchart shown in Figure 9 at exit processing times that have a predetermined cycle.

[0112] First, the determination unit 241 determines whether or not the ETC card information has been received from the ETC server 11 via the communication IF 21, along with information indicating that it was transmitted from the exit ETC communication device 33 (step S601). If the ETC card information has not been received from the ETC server 11 (step S601-No), the series of processes is terminated.

[0113] On the other hand, if ETC card information has been received from the ETC server 11 (step S601-Yes), the determination unit 241 refers to the management table 100 stored in the storage device 22 and determines whether the settlement flag associated with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 indicates that settlement has been completed (step S602).

[0114] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, when ETC card information N1 is received from the ETC server 11, the determination unit 241 determines that the settlement has been completed because the settlement flag associated with ETC card information N1 is "completed".

[0115] Furthermore, when the ETC card information N2 is received from the ETC server 11, the determination unit 241 determines that the payment has been completed because all three payment flags associated with the ETC card information N2 are set to "completed".

[0116] Furthermore, when the ETC card information N3 is received from the ETC server 11, the determination unit 241 determines that the payment has been completed because the payment flag associated with the ETC card information N3 is "completed".

[0117] If payment has been completed (step S602-Yes), the control unit 242 sends an opening request to the exit gate device 34 via the communication network 40, requesting that the gate be opened (step 603).

[0118] Next, the registration unit 243 registers an exit flag in the management table 100 to indicate that the user has left, and also registers the time when the control unit 242 sent an opening request to the exit gate device 34 as the exit time in the management table 100, in association with the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 (step S604), and then terminates the series of processes.

[0119] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, when ETC card information N1 is received from the ETC server 11, the registration unit 243 registers the exit flag "Completed" and the exit time E1 in the management table 100 in association with the ETC card information N1.

[0120] Furthermore, when ETC card information N2 is received from the ETC server 11, the registration unit 243 registers the exit flag "Completed" and exit time E2 in the management table 100 in association with the ETC card information N2. In this case, since the ETC card information N2 is associated with three user IDs, the exit flag "Completed" and exit time E2 are registered in association with the ETC card information N2 of each of the three user IDs. In the management table 100, the registered biometric information B2, B21, and B22 of the three user IDs 002, 003, and 004 are registered in association with one ETC card information N2 and the exit flag "Completed" and exit time E2 associated with this ETC card information N2.

[0121] In this manner, when multiple user IDs and registered biometric information are associated with a single ETC card, the exit time is registered in the management table 100, associated with each of the multiple user IDs and registered biometric information.

[0122] Furthermore, when the ETC card information N3 is received from the ETC server 11, the registration unit 243 registers the exit flag "completed" and exit time E3 in the management table 100 in association with the ETC card information N3. In the management table 100, the registered biometric information B2, B21, and B22 of three individuals are registered in association with one ETC card information N3 and the exit flag "completed" and exit time E3 associated with this ETC card information N3.

[0123] If the ETC card information received from the ETC server 11 does not match the information registered in the management table 100 (step S602-No), the series of processes will be terminated.

[0124] Furthermore, if the time at which ETC card information is received from the ETC server 11 is delayed by a predetermined reference time or more compared to the exit time associated with this ETC card information, the control unit 242 may notify the user via the exit gate device 34 that the settlement process will be performed again at the exit gate device 34. The reference time can be, for example, 30 minutes.

[0125] As described in detail above, according to the management server of this embodiment, when a user who has used a facility such as a parking lot settles the usage fee using an ETC card, it is possible to confirm that the user of the facility is the actual user and then settle the payment.

[0126] Next, a modified version of the first embodiment described above will be explained below with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a modified version of the operation flowchart of the settlement process of the management server 10. .

[0127] The settlement process shown in Figure 10 differs from the settlement process shown in Figure 8 above in that step S703 is added. Steps S701, S702, and S704-S707 are the same as steps S501-S506 above.

[0128] In this modified example, if the acquired biometric information is determined to match the registered biometric information registered in association with the entry time (step S702-Yes), the determination unit 241 refers to the management table 100 and determines whether an exit flag, indicating that the user's vehicle 70 has left the parking lot 30, is registered in association with the entry time and registered biometric information associated with the acquired biometric information (step S703). The exit flag is an example of exit information. The determination unit 241 is an example of a second determination unit.

[0129] If the exit flag is set to "completed," the determination unit 241 determines that the user's vehicle 70 has exited the parking lot 30 (step S703-Yes). On the other hand, if the exit flag is set to "not yet," the determination unit 241 determines that the user's vehicle 70 has not exited the parking lot 30 (step S703-No).

[0130] If the user's vehicle 70 has not left the parking lot 30 (step S703-No), the settlement unit 245 calculates the usage fee for the user's use of the parking lot 30 (step S704).

[0131] On the other hand, if the user's vehicle 70 is leaving the parking lot 30 (step S703-Yes), the series of processes ends. That is, even if the determination unit 241 determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information (step S702-Yes), the settlement unit 245 does not settle the usage fee based on the ETC card information.

[0132] For example, a family of three might enter the parking lot 30 in one vehicle 70, and while some remain inside, the others might leave the parking lot 30 in vehicle 70. According to this modified example, if the person remaining in the parking lot 30 mistakenly provides biometric information to the payment device 35, the payment of usage fees will not be processed.

[0133] Next, the second to fourth embodiments of the billing system of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 11 to 14. For the second to fourth embodiments, the description of the first embodiment described above will apply as appropriate to any configurations not specifically described.

[0134] First, the fare settlement system 1 of the second embodiment will be described below. Figure 11 is an example of a sequence diagram of the settlement process of the fare settlement system 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, steps S801, S802, S808 and S809 differ from the sequence diagram shown in Figure 4 described above.

[0135] In the toll settlement system 1 of the second embodiment, the determination unit 241 of the management server 10 determines whether the acquired biometric information obtained by the communication IF 21 matches the registered biometric information of the user associated with the entry time in the management table 100. If the determination unit 241 determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, the settlement unit 245 settles the payment based on the ETC card information.

[0136] First, the user terminal 60 is operated by the user to acquire the user's biometric information (step S801). When the user settles the usage fee for using the parking lot 30, they provide their biometric information using the user terminal 60.

[0137] For example, the user terminal 60 uses the camera 60a to acquire a facial image representing the user's face, detects facial features based on the facial image, and acquires them as acquired biometric information. Examples of facial features that can be used include the distance between the left and right eyes and the distance between the nose and mouth. The acquired biometric information is of the same type as the registered biometric information registered in the management table 100.

[0138] Next, the user terminal 60 transmits the acquired biometric information to the management server 10 via the communication network 40 (step S802). Alternatively, the user terminal 60 may transmit a face image to the management server 10, and the management server 10 may detect facial features based on the face image and acquire the biometric information.

[0139] Then, after receiving a settlement completion notification from the ETC server 11 indicating that the settlement process for the usage fee has been completed, the registration unit 243 of the management server 10 registers "Completed" as a settlement flag in the management table 100, associated with the ETC card information, to indicate that the settlement has been completed. After that, the control unit 242 transmits the usage fee to the user terminal 60 via the communication network 40 (step S808).

[0140] Next, the user terminal 60 displays the usage fee (step S809) and completes the series of processes. The user checks the usage fee displayed on the user terminal 60, confirms the fee, and understands that the settlement has been completed.

[0141] If the determination unit 241 determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, the settlement unit 245 calculates the usage fee for the user's use of the parking lot 30. Before step S805 described above, the control unit 242 may transmit this usage fee to the user terminal 60 via the communication IF 21. When the user accepts the usage fee, the user terminal 60 transmits acceptance information to the management server 10 indicating that the user terminal 60 accepts the payment of the usage fee. If the settlement unit 245 receives the acceptance information from the user terminal 60 via the communication IF 21, it may settle the usage fee in step S805 based on the ETC card information.

[0142] According to the payment system of this embodiment described above, users can perform the payment process using their own user terminal without using a payment device. Furthermore, the payment system of this embodiment provides the same advantages as the first embodiment described above.

[0143] Next, the fare settlement system 1 of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is an example of a sequence diagram of the discount information registration process of the fare settlement system 1 of the third embodiment.

[0144] In the third embodiment of the billing system 1, if discount information, which is associated with the user's registered biometric information and represents information that discounts the usage fee, is registered in the management table 100, the billing unit 245 calculates the discounted usage fee based on the discount information.

[0145] Users may purchase goods at store 80 located near parking lot 30. Store 80 offers a discount on parking lot 30 usage fees to users who have purchased goods from the store.

[0146] First, when a user purchases a product at store 80, the store terminal 81 uses camera 81a to acquire the user's biometric information (step S901). The user provides their biometric information to the store terminal 81 in order to receive a discount on the parking fee for parking lot 30.

[0147] Next, the store terminal 81 transmits the acquired biometric information to the management server 10 via the communication network 40 (step S902). Alternatively, the store terminal 81 may transmit a face image to the management server 10, and the management server 10 may detect facial features based on the face image and acquire the biometric information.

[0148] Next, the registration unit 243 registers the discount information in the management table 100 (step S903) by associating it with the registered biometric information that matches the acquired biometric information and the associated ETC card information, and then completes the series of processes. The settlement unit 245 calculates the discounted usage fee based on the discount information associated with the acquired biometric information.

[0149] Discount information may be determined according to the store 80. For example, the discount information may be a percentage discount on the usage fee. Alternatively, the discount information may be determined according to the purchase amount at the store 80. In this case, the store terminal 81 transmits the purchase amount along with the acquired biometric information to the management server 10.

[0150] In the example of the management table 100 shown in Figure 3, if the acquired biometric information A1 received from the store terminal 81 matches the registered biometric information B1 associated with the ETC card information N1, the registration unit 243 registers the discount information in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N1 and the registered biometric information B1.

[0151] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A2 received from the payment device 35 matches the registered biometric information B21 associated with ETC card information N2, the registration unit 243 registers the discount information in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N2 associated with the registered biometric information B21. The discount information is registered as being associated with the three user IDs associated with ETC card information N2. As a result, if any of the three family members purchase goods at store 80, the user with the ETC card of ETC card information N2 can receive a discount on the usage fee.

[0152] Furthermore, if the acquired biometric information A3 received from the payment device 35 matches any of the registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32 associated with the ETC card information N3, the registration unit 243 registers the discount information in the management table 100, associating it with the ETC card information N3 and the registered biometric information B3, B31, or B32. As a result, if any of the three family members purchase goods at store 80, the user with the ETC card of ETC card information N3 can receive a discount on the usage fee.

[0153] According to the payment system of this embodiment described above, users can receive a discount on usage fees by using the store, thereby increasing their motivation to use the store and the parking lot. Furthermore, the payment system of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0154] Next, the payment settlement system 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is an example of an operation flowchart of the settlement process of the management server 10 of the fourth embodiment.

[0155] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the management table 100A. In addition to the information contained in management table 100, management table 100A has a reservation column 111. The reservation column 111 registers information indicating whether or not the user has reserved parking space 30. If reserved, "Yes" is registered in the reservation column 111. On the other hand, if not reserved, "No" is registered in the reservation column 111. Reservations for parking space 30 can be made, for example, using the user terminal 60.

[0156] The determination unit 241 determines whether the acquired biometric information of multiple users obtained by the communication IF 21 matches all of the registered biometric information associated with the entry time in the management table 100 stored in the storage device 22.

[0157] If the determination unit 241 determines that multiple acquired biometric data matches all of the multiple registered biometric data, the settlement unit 245 settles the usage fee for the user's use of the parking lot 30 based on the ETC card information.

[0158] Referring to Figure 13, the settlement process of the management server 10 in this embodiment will be described below. The settlement process shown in Figure 13 differs from the settlement process shown in Figure 8 described above in that steps S1003 and S1004 are added. Steps S1001, S1002, S1005 to S1008 are the same as steps S501 to S506 described above.

[0159] In this embodiment, if it is determined that the acquired biometric information matches one registered biometric information (step S1002-Yes), the determination unit 241 refers to the management table 100 stored in the storage device 22 and determines whether reservation information indicating that the user's vehicle 70 has reserved entry to the parking lot 30 is registered in association with the acquired biometric information received from the payment device 35 (step S1003). The determination unit 241 is an example of a third determination unit.

[0160] In the example of management table 100A shown in Figure 14, the reservation flag indicating that a reservation has been made is registered in association with ETC card information N3. The registered biometric information B3, B31, and B32 of three users are registered in association with the entry time T3 which is associated with this ETC card information N3.

[0161] The determination unit 241 determines that a user associated with registered biometric information A3, which is determined to match the acquired biometric information A3 received from the payment device 35, has made a reservation for the parking lot 30.

[0162] If the reservation information is associated with the acquired biometric information received from the payment device 35 (step S1003-Yes), the determination unit 241 determines whether the acquired biometric information of multiple users matches all of the registered biometric information B3, B31, and B32 of multiple users associated with the entry time in the management table 100A (step S1004).

[0163] If all items match, the process proceeds to step S1005, where the usage fee is calculated (step S1005). On the other hand, if all items do not match, the process ends.

[0164] In the example of management table 100A shown in Figure 14, the usage fee is calculated when all acquired biometric information A3, A31, and A32 that match the registered biometric information B3, B31, and B32 of the three users are acquired for ETC card information N3 associated with user ID 005.

[0165] According to the embodiment described above, it is confirmed that all biometric information associated with the ETC card information used to reserve the parking lot 30 has been acquired, so it is possible to reliably confirm that all users who made a reservation have used the parking lot 30. Furthermore, the payment system of this embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0166] The fare settlement system of this embodiment can be applied to facilities other than parking lots. For example, the fare settlement system of this embodiment can also be applied to the settlement of car ferry usage fees.

[0167] Before the vehicle boards the car ferry, the user makes a reservation for the ferry. The user drives the vehicle onto the car ferry. The user's family members are also in the vehicle. The car ferry fare is determined by the number of people in the vehicle. Therefore, payment processing can be performed after confirming that all users in the vehicle have boarded the car ferry by obtaining the biometric information of all users.

[0168] In this invention, the settlement apparatus and settlement method of the embodiments described above can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0169] For example, in the embodiment described above, the management server and the ETC server worked together to perform the settlement process, but the management server may perform the settlement process alone.

[0170] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, payment for parking fees was made when a vehicle used the parking lot, but the facility where payment for parking fees is made is not limited to a parking lot. For example, the facility may be an amusement park, a commercial facility, or a park. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0171] 1. Payment System 10. Management Server (Settlement Device) 21 Communication Interface 22 Storage devices 23 memory 24 processors 241 Judgment section 242 Control Unit 243 Registration Department 244 Selection Section 245 Settlement Department 25 signal lines 11 ETC Server 30 Parking 31 Entrance ETC communication device 32 Entrance gate device 33 Exit ETC communication device 34 Exit gate device 35 Settlement device 40 Communication Networks 50 Macrocell Base Stations 60 User Terminals 70 vehicles 80 store terminals

Claims

1. Acquisition section, A storage unit that stores the user's registered biometric information, the user's ETC card information, and the time of entry of the user's vehicle into the facility in association with each other. A first determination unit determines whether the user's acquired biometric information acquired by the acquisition unit matches the registered biometric information stored in the storage unit, If the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, the settlement unit settles the usage fee for the user's use of the facility based on the ETC card information, A settlement device characterized by having the following features.

2. The storage unit stores the registered biometric information and the ETC card information together with the time the user's vehicle entered the facility. The settlement unit calculates the usage fee based on the entry time and the time the acquired biometric information was acquired, as described in claim 1.

3. The storage unit stores one or more of the registered biometric information and the ETC card information in association with each other. The system further includes a selection unit that, based on the ETC card information obtained by the acquisition unit when the user's vehicle enters the facility, selects one or more registered biometric information associated with the ETC card information from one or more registered biometric information stored in the storage unit. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether the acquired biological information matches any of the one or more registered biological information selected by the selection unit.

4. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the acquired biometric information of the user transmitted from the user's terminal.

5. If the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches the registered biometric information, the settlement unit calculates the usage fee and transmits the usage fee to the user's terminal via the communication unit. The settlement device according to claim 4, wherein the settlement unit settles the usage fee based on the ETC card information when acceptance information indicating acceptance of payment of the usage fee is obtained from the user's terminal via the acquisition unit.

6. The storage unit stores multiple registered biometric information and the ETC card information in association with each other. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether the acquired biological information matches any of the plurality of registered biological information stored in the storage unit.

7. The storage unit stores the registered biometric information and the ETC card information together with discount information representing information that discounts the usage fee, in association with each other. The settlement unit calculates the discounted usage fee based on the discount information associated with the acquired biological information, as described in claim 1.

8. The memory unit stores multiple registered biometric information and ETC card information in association with exit information indicating that a vehicle has left the facility. If the first determination unit determines that the acquired biological information matches any of the registered biological information, the system has a second determination unit that determines whether or not the exit information is registered in association with the registered biological information. If the second determination unit determines that the exit information is associated with the registered biometric information, the settlement unit will not settle the usage fee based on the ETC card information, even if the first determination unit determines that the acquired biometric information matches any of the multiple registered biometric information.

9. The storage unit stores a plurality of registered biometric information and one of the ETC card information, along with reservation information representing a reservation for the use of the facility by the user's vehicle, in association with each other. The system includes a third determination unit that determines whether the reservation information is associated with the acquired biological information. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the third determination unit determines that the reservation information is associated with the acquired biometric information, and the first determination unit determines that the multiple acquired biometric information matches all of the multiple registered biometric information, the settlement unit settles the usage fee for the user's use of the facility based on the ETC card information.

10. The payment machine, The system determines whether the biometric information of the user acquired by the acquisition unit matches the registered biometric information of the user included in the management information that associates the user's registered biometric information with the user's ETC card information. If the acquired biometric information is determined to match the registered biometric information, the usage fee for the user's use of the facility will be settled based on the ETC card information. A settlement method characterized by performing the following.

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