Payment method management system, payment method setting system, payment processing system, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a payment method management system that allows the payment method to be changed when authentication for payment is performed. [Solution] The payment method management system 50 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying a target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; a setting unit 55 that associates the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information; and a payment processing unit 56 that, when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information, executes a payment process based on the payment method associated with the second identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment instrument management system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, payment instruments have diversified. Patent Document 1 discloses a payment apparatus that allows an employee to make a payment (settlement) at a cafeteria using an electronic employee ID card.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a payment instrument management system and the like that can change a payment instrument when authentication for payment is performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A payment instrument management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire setting information for associating second identification information for identifying a target person, which is associated with first identification information for identifying the target person that is used for access control of the target person to a predetermined area, with a payment instrument selected from one or more payment instrument candidates, a setting unit configured to associate the second identification information with the selected payment instrument based on the acquired setting information, and a payment processing unit configured to, when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information, execute processing for payment based on the payment instrument associated with the second identification information.

[0006] A payment method setting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods, which is associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person; and a setting unit that associates the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information.

[0007] A payment processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first communication unit that communicates with a payment means setting system, a second communication unit that communicates with a payment authentication system, and a payment processing unit that, when authentication for payment is performed in the payment authentication system using the second identification information, executes a payment processing based on the payment means associated with the second identification information.

[0008] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first communication unit that communicates with the payment means setting system, a second communication unit that communicates with the payment authentication system, and a third communication unit that communicates with the payment processing system, wherein the third communication unit transmits information for executing a payment process based on the payment means associated with the second identification information when authentication for payment is performed in the payment authentication system using the second identification information.

[0009] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by a computer system, comprising the steps of: acquiring setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; and associating the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer system to execute the information processing method.

[0011] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by an information terminal, and includes the steps of receiving a setting operation to associate a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; and transmitting the second identification information to a reader for authentication for payment by communicating with the reader.

[0012] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the information terminal to execute the information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The payment method management system of the present invention can change the payment method when authentication for payment is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the ID recorded on the card medium. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the external appearance of the second reader and the payment terminal. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the payment method setup process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of payment method management information. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a payment process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an authentication system according to Modification 2. [Description of Embodiments]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection modes of constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in the independent claims will be described as optional constituent elements.

[0016] Each drawing is a schematic diagram, and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. In each drawing, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0017] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the authentication system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the authentication system according to the embodiment.

[0018] The authentication system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that performs authentication for entry / exit management (in other words, access control) and authentication for payment. A user of the authentication system 10 is, for example, an employee of a company (a worker who receives salary payment from the company), and a first reading device 31 and a second reading device 41 are installed in an office building used by the company. The company is an example of an organization.

[0019] A user is issued a card medium 20 by a company. The card medium 20 functions, for example, as an employee ID card. When entering or exiting a room (a predetermined space within a facility) in an office building, the user holds the card medium 20 over a first reader 31 installed at the entrance / exit of the relevant room. This makes it possible to unlock (open) an electric lock type door, an entry / exit gate, an automatic door, or the like (hereinafter also referred to as a door or the like) installed at the entrance / exit of the relevant room. Hereinafter, authentication performed by the user holding the card medium 20 over the first reader 31 is also referred to as entry / exit authentication.

[0020] Further, a second reader 41 for performing payment for food and drinks is installed in a cafeteria within the office building, and the user can make payment for food and drinks by holding the card medium 20 over the second reader 41. Hereinafter, authentication performed by the user holding the card medium 20 over the second reader 41 is also referred to as payment authentication.

[0021] In general, when payment authentication is performed using the card medium 20 that is an employee ID card, payment is made based on a predetermined payment method (fixed payment method) such as salary deduction. In contrast, in the authentication system 10, even though the card medium 20 used for payment is an employee ID card, the user can arbitrarily select a payment method (described later). The payment methods herein include credit card payment, barcode payment, electronic money payment, salary deduction, and the like.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the authentication system 10 includes the card medium 20, the first reader 31, an authentication device 32, a checkout terminal 42, the second reader 41, a payment method management system 50, a plurality of payment processing servers 60, and a mobile terminal 70. The first reader 31 and the authentication device 32 constitute an entry / exit authentication system 30, and the second reader 41 and the checkout terminal 42 constitute a payment authentication system 40.

[0023] The card medium 20 is a card-shaped authentication medium that incorporates an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The card medium 20 (RFID tag) records an access ID for access authentication and a payment ID for payment authentication. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the IDs recorded on the card medium 20.

[0024] The entry / exit ID is an example of first identification information used for communication with the first reader 31 for entry / exit authentication (access control authentication), and the payment ID is an example of second identification information used for communication with the second reader 41 for payment authentication.

[0025] The entry / exit ID and payment ID recorded on the card medium 20 are identification information (identification information that indicates the same user) used to identify the same user. The company to which the user belongs manages which entry / exit ID and payment ID are assigned to which user. In other words, the entry / exit ID and payment ID assigned to a user are associated with the system (computer) used by the company.

[0026] The first reader 31 is an authentication reader for access control, and reads the access ID recorded on the card medium 20 and outputs (transmits) the read access ID to the authentication device 32. The first reader 31 is installed, for example, at the entrance to a room (space) within a company. The first reader 31 is equipped with a wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication according to RFID communication standards such as NFC (Near Field Communication), and reads the access ID recorded on the card medium 20 by short-range wireless communication using the wireless communication unit.

[0027] The authentication device 32 authenticates the access ID obtained (received) from the first reader device 31, and unlocks the door, etc., if authentication is successful. The authentication device 32 may be a device located near the first reader device 31 (for example, an edge server) or a device located far away from the first reader device 31 (for example, a cloud server).

[0028] The second reader 41 is an authentication reader for payment, and it reads the payment ID recorded on the card medium 20 and outputs (transmits) the read payment ID to the settlement terminal 42. The second reader 41 is installed, for example, in a company cafeteria and used for payment of food served in the cafeteria. Figure 3 shows the external appearance of the second reader 41 and the settlement terminal 42.

[0029] The second reader 41 is equipped with a wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication in accordance with RFID communication standards such as NFC, and reads the payment ID recorded on the card medium 20 by short-range wireless communication using the wireless communication unit.

[0030] The payment terminal 42 is equipped with a reading function (wireless communication unit) for RFID tags (hereinafter also referred to as food tags) attached to food containers or trays, acquires food identification information from the food tags, and displays the food menu (verbalized identification information) and the amount the user should pay for it on the display unit 43 based on the acquired identification information.

[0031] Furthermore, the payment terminal 42 can communicate with the second reader 41 via a local communication network. The payment terminal 42 can generate payment information that associates the identification information of the food obtained by reading the food tag with the price of the food, the payment ID read by the second reader 41, and time information (timestamp) indicating the time when the payment ID was read. The payment terminal 42 transmits the generated payment information to the payment method management system 50.

[0032] The payment terminal 42 may be a dedicated terminal or a general-purpose terminal such as a personal computer. The payment terminal 42 may also be a terminal in which the salesperson or user manually inputs the food identification information. In this case, the salesperson or user can input the food identification information into the payment terminal 42 by, for example, reading the barcode attached to the food. The display unit 43 of the payment terminal 42 may be implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0033] The payment method management system 50 performs information processing based on payment information received from the payment authentication system 40 (settlement terminal 42) to enable the user to make a payment using a pre-set method. Hereinafter, the information processing for making a payment refers to the information processing that requests the payment processing server 60, which corresponds to the pre-set method, to perform the actual payment processing. Hereafter, the information processing for making a payment will also be referred to as the payment request processing.

[0034] The payment method management system 50 is implemented by one or more servers (cloud servers). The payment method management system 50 may also be implemented by a personal computer or the like. The payment method management system 50 comprises a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0035] The communication unit 51 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the payment method management system 50 to communicate with the settlement terminal 42, multiple payment processing servers 60, and mobile terminal 70 via a wide-area communication network. The communication unit 51 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for wired communication, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0036] The information processing unit 52 performs information processing such as payment request processing. The information processing unit 52 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 52 comprises, as functional components, an acquisition unit 54, a setting unit 55, a payment processing unit 56, and a registration unit 57. The functions of the acquisition unit 54, the setting unit 55, the payment processing unit 56, and the registration unit 57 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or other hardware constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 53. Details of the functions of the acquisition unit 54, the setting unit 55, the payment processing unit 56, and the registration unit 57 will be described later.

[0037] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the information processing unit 52 to perform the above-mentioned information processing, as well as computer programs. The storage unit 53 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory.

[0038] The payment processing server 60 is a server (cloud server) that performs the actual payment processing based on payment requests from the payment method management system 50. For the sake of simplicity, in this specification, multiple payment processing servers 60 are described as servers that correspond to different payment methods. Payment methods here include credit card payments, barcode payments, electronic money payments, and payroll deductions. In other words, payment methods include payroll deductions and the user's personal payment methods (payment methods that the user has personally contracted).

[0039] Furthermore, among the multiple payment processing servers 60, there may be two or more payment processing servers 60 that support the same payment method but are provided by different service providers for that payment method. Specifically, this may include a payment processing server 60 of business A that provides credit card payments and a payment processing server 60 of business B that provides credit card payments.

[0040] The mobile terminal 70 is a portable information terminal used by the user to set up payment methods. The mobile terminal 70 can also be used as an authentication medium in place of the card medium 20. The mobile terminal 70 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet device. The mobile terminal 70 comprises an operation reception unit 71, a display unit 72, a first communication unit 73, a second communication unit 74, an information processing unit 75, and a storage unit 76.

[0041] The operation reception unit 71 receives user input for setting payment methods, etc. The operation reception unit 71 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel.

[0042] The display unit 72 displays an image (moving image or still image). The display unit 72 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0043] The first communication unit 73 is a wireless communication circuit (communication module) that performs short-range wireless communication in accordance with RFID communication standards such as NFC. In other words, the first communication unit 73 is a wireless communication circuit that enables the mobile terminal 70 to perform short-range wireless communication with the first reader 31 and the second reader 41.

[0044] The second communication unit 74 is a wireless communication circuit (communication module) for the mobile terminal 70 to communicate with the payment method management system 50 via a mobile communication network or a wide-area communication network such as the Internet.

[0045] The information processing unit 75 performs information processing related to the setting of payment methods. The information processing unit 75 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 75 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or other hardware constituting the information processing unit 75 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 76.

[0046] The memory unit 76 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the information processing unit 75 to perform the above-mentioned information processing, as well as computer programs. The memory unit 76 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0047] Furthermore, the setting of payment methods may be performed by an information terminal other than the mobile terminal 70, such as a personal computer. When the mobile terminal 70 is used as an authentication medium, the setting of payment methods may be performed by an information terminal other than the mobile terminal 70.

[0048] [Setting up payment methods] As described above, users can arbitrarily select (set) the payment method when performing payment authentication using the card medium 20. First, let's explain the operation of setting the payment method. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of setting the payment method.

[0049] The user performs a registration operation to register one or more payment method candidates on a mobile terminal 70 running a browser or a predetermined application program (native app) for setting up payment methods. When the registration operation is received by the operation reception unit 71 (S11), the information processing unit 75 sends a registration request to the payment method management system 50 using the second communication unit 74 to register one or more payment method candidates (S12). The registration request is an example of candidate information.

[0050] The communication unit 51 of the payment method management system 50 receives a registration request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received registration request (S13). Here, the storage unit 53 has pre-stored payment method management information in which the user ID for the user to use the payment method management system 50, the user's entry / exit ID, and the payment ID are pre-associated. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of payment method management information. Note that it is not mandatory for the entry / exit ID to be included in the payment method management information. If the entry / exit ID is not included in the payment method management information, the entry / exit ID and the payment ID may be associated in other information stored in the storage unit 53, or in a system other than the payment method management system 50 (computer).

[0051] In step S13, the registration request obtained indicates a user ID and one or more payment methods. The registration unit 57 identifies the same user ID as indicated in the registration request from among the multiple user IDs included in the payment method management information, and registers one or more payment method candidates by associating the one or more payment method candidates indicated in the registration request with the identified user ID (S14). In other words, the registration unit 57 updates the payment method management information.

[0052] Next, the user selects one of the registered payment method candidates as a payment method and performs a setting operation on the mobile terminal 70 to set the selected payment method. In other words, the setting operation is an operation to associate the payment ID with the payment method selected from the one or more payment method candidates. When the setting operation is received by the operation reception unit 71 (S15), the information processing unit 75 sends a setting request to the payment method management system 50 using the second communication unit 74 to set the selected payment method (S16).

[0053] The communication unit 51 of the payment method management system 50 receives a setting request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received setting request (S17). The setting unit 55 sets the payment method based on the acquired setting request (S18). The setting unit 55 activates the payment method indicated by the received setting request from among the one or more payment methods in the payment method management information updated in step S14. The setting request is an example of setting information for associating a payment ID with a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods, and the process in step S18 can be said to be the process of associating the payment ID with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information.

[0054] In this way, the user can arbitrarily select a payment method when performing payment authentication using the card medium 20, and the payment method management system 50 can associate the payment ID recorded on the card medium 20 with the selected payment method.

[0055] Furthermore, when changing the payment method settings, only steps S15 to S18 of the processes S11 to S18 need to be performed. In other words, once a user registers multiple payment method candidates, they can change the payment method settings with simple operations thereafter.

[0056] [Payment process] Next, we will explain the payment process. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the payment process.

[0057] When the user holds the card medium 20 over the second reader 41, communication between the card medium 20 and the second reader 41 begins, and the second reader 41 reads the payment ID recorded on the card medium 20 (S21). In other words, authentication for payment is performed. The second reader 41 transmits the read payment ID to the settlement terminal 42 (S22).

[0058] The payment terminal 42 generates payment information by associating the food identification information obtained by reading the food tag with the price of the food, the payment ID received from the second reader 41, and time information (timestamp) indicating the time when the payment ID was read, and transmits the generated payment information to the payment method management system 50 (S23). The payment information transmitted from the payment terminal 42 to the payment method management system 50 only needs to include time information, payment ID, and food identification information; other information such as price and calories may be added by the payment method management system 50.

[0059] The communication unit 51 of the payment method management system 50 receives payment information. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received payment information (S24). The payment processing unit 56 identifies the user's payment method based on the acquired payment information (S25). The payment processing unit 56 identifies a payment ID from among the multiple payment IDs included in the payment method management information stored in the storage unit 53 that is the same as the payment ID included in the payment information acquired in step S24, and considers the payment method associated with the payment ID identified in the payment method management information to be the user's payment method.

[0060] The settlement processing unit 56 selects a settlement processing server 60 from among multiple settlement processing servers 60 that corresponds to the settlement method identified in step S25 (S26), and sends settlement request information to the selected settlement processing server 60 using the communication unit 51 (S27). The settlement request information is information for requesting (demanding) a settlement from the settlement processing server 60 with the same content as the settlement information obtained in step S24. The processing in steps S25 to S27 is an example of processing for settlement based on a settlement method associated with a settlement ID.

[0061] When the settlement processing server 60 receives settlement request information, it performs the settlement (the actual settlement process) (S28).

[0062] Thus, when authentication for payment is performed using a payment ID, the payment processing unit 56 of the payment method management system 50 can execute payment processing based on the payment method associated with the payment ID. In other words, a user can authenticate for payment using the card medium 20 used as an employee ID, and then make a payment using a payment method that the user has set in advance.

[0063] Incidentally, when it comes to payment for food in a company cafeteria, there are two possibilities: when company employees pay using a card (20), and when visitors who are not employees pay with cash or other means. In this case, when payment is made using a card (20), a reduction in the payment amount (employee discount) may be applied.

[0064] Specifically, in step S27, the settlement processing unit 56 may, instead of requesting the settlement processing server 60 to perform a settlement with the same details as the settlement information obtained in step S24, correct (reduce) the amount in the settlement information obtained in step S24 and then request the settlement processing server 60 to perform the corrected settlement. In other words, if authentication for settlement is performed based on the settlement ID, the settlement processing unit 56 may correct the settlement amount, and this correction to the settlement amount includes a reduction in the settlement amount.

[0065] This allows the payment management system 50 to encourage employees to use card media 20 for payments.

[0066] Furthermore, as described later, when the authentication system 10 is used at an accommodation facility and guests use the provided card medium 20 to make payments (payment authentication) at restaurants, etc., within the facility, adjustments to increase the payment amount (adjustments to impose visitor charges) may be made. In other words, adjustments to the payment amount include increasing the payment amount.

[0067] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the entry / exit ID and payment ID were recorded on the card medium 20 (a physical medium), but they may also be recorded on the mobile terminal 70. For example, they may be recorded on a virtual medium realized by an application program installed on the mobile terminal 70. In this case, the entry / exit ID and payment ID can be said to be contained in the same medium or the same virtual medium. However, the entry / exit ID and payment ID may be contained in different mediums or different virtual media.

[0068] If the entry / exit ID and payment ID are recorded on the mobile terminal 70, the user can use the mobile terminal 70 for entry / exit authentication or payment authentication in place of, or in addition to, the card medium 20. For example, in step S21 of the payment operation, the user may hold the mobile terminal 70 over the second reader 41.

[0069] When a user holds the mobile terminal 70 over the second reader 41, communication between the mobile terminal 70 (first communication unit 73) and the second reader 41 begins, and the second reader 41 can read the payment ID recorded in the mobile terminal 70. In other words, the mobile terminal 70 can transmit the payment ID to the second reader 41 by communicating with the second reader 41, which is used for authentication for payment.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the entry / exit ID and payment ID as having different values, they may also have the same value. In this case, the card medium 20 may record only one ID that is used as both the entry / exit ID and the payment ID, or it may record two IDs with the same value as both the entry / exit ID and the payment ID.

[0071] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a case where the authentication system 10 is used in a facility such as an office building, and the user is a user of the facility. However, the authentication system 10 may also be used in facilities other than office buildings.

[0072] For example, the authentication system 10 may be used in accommodation facilities such as hotels. In this case, a card medium 20 is lent to the guests of the accommodation facility, and the guests (temporary users of the accommodation facility) can use the card medium 20 to lock and unlock the door of the room they have reserved (entry and exit authentication) and to make payments at the hotel's dining hall or shop (payment authentication). The authentication system 10 may also be used in facilities such as golf courses or public baths, and users of these facilities (temporary users) can use the lent card medium 20 to lock and unlock lockers (authentication for access control) and to make payments at the facility's dining hall or shop (payment authentication).

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the payment authentication was for the payment of food in a cafeteria, but it may also be used for payments in places other than cafeterias, or for payments of goods or services other than food.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the first reader 31 and the second reader 41 are installed in the same office building. In other words, it was explained that the first reader 31 and the second reader 41 are installed in the same facility. However, the first reader 31 and the second reader 41 may be installed in different facilities. For example, if the facility containing the offices (first facility) and the facility containing the cafeteria (second facility) are different within the same company's premises, the first reader 31 may be installed in the first facility and the second reader 41 may be installed in the second facility. Thus, the first reader 31 and the second reader 41 may be installed in multiple facilities located in the vicinity of each other (such as on the same premises).

[0075] [Modified configuration 1] A modified example 1 of the configuration of the authentication system 10 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to modified example 1. In the following description, the differences between the authentication system 10a shown in Figure 7 and the authentication system 10 will be the main focus.

[0076] The authentication system 10a comprises a payment authentication system 40, a payment method setting system 50a, a plurality of payment processing servers 60, and a mobile terminal 70. Although not shown in the figures, the authentication system 10a may also include a card medium 20 and an access authentication system 30.

[0077] The payment method setting system 50a has the same configuration as the payment method management system 50, but does not have a payment processing unit 56. In the authentication system 10a, the processing described as being performed by the payment processing unit 56 is performed by the payment processing unit 66 of the payment processing server 60. The detailed configuration of the payment processing server 60 will be described below.

[0078] The payment processing server 60 is an example of a payment processing system. The payment processing server 60 comprises a first communication unit 61, a second communication unit 62, an information processing unit 64, and a storage unit 65. The first communication unit 61 and the second communication unit 62 may be implemented as a single communication circuit, or they may each be implemented as separate communication circuits, and the circuit configuration (hardware configuration) is not particularly limited.

[0079] The first communication unit 61 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the payment processing server 60 to communicate with the payment method setting system 50a via a wide-area communication network. The first communication unit 61 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for wired communication, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0080] The second communication unit 62 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the payment processing server 60 to communicate with the payment authentication system 40 via a wide-area communication network. The second communication unit 62 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for wired communication, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0081] The information processing unit 64 performs information processing such as settlement processing. The information processing unit 64 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 64 includes a settlement processing unit 66 as a functional component. When authentication for settlement is performed in the settlement authentication system 40 using the second identification information, the settlement processing unit 66 executes settlement processing (e.g., actual settlement processing) based on the settlement means associated with the second identification information. The function of the settlement processing unit 66 is realized, for example, by the microcomputer or other hardware constituting the information processing unit 64 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 65.

[0082] The storage unit 65 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the information processing unit 64 to perform the above-mentioned information processing, as well as computer programs. The storage unit 65 is implemented by, for example, an HDD, but may also be implemented by a semiconductor memory.

[0083] Such an authentication system 10a can perform the same processing as the authentication system 10.

[0084] [Modified configuration 2] A second modified example of the configuration of the authentication system 10 will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication system according to the second modified example. In the following description, the differences between the authentication system 10b shown in Figure 8 and the authentication system 10a will be the main focus.

[0085] The authentication system 10b comprises a payment authentication system 40, a payment method setting system 50a, an information processing system 90, a plurality of payment processing servers 60, and a mobile terminal 70. Although not shown, the authentication system 10b may also include a card medium 20 and an access authentication system 30.

[0086] In the authentication system 10b, an information processing system 90 is interposed between the payment authentication system 40 and the payment method setting system 50a, and between the multiple payment processing servers 60.

[0087] The information processing system 90 is a system intended for use by, for example, companies that provide welfare services. In the authentication system 10b, the welfare service ID obtained by converting entry / exit IDs may be used as the second identification information. If the welfare service ID or an ID that can be converted to the welfare service ID is used as the second identification information, benefits can be granted when using stores contracted by the welfare service. Specifically, benefits can be granted such as discounts on fees incurred when using stores, the ability to select payment methods set by the welfare service as the payment method, or the awarding of points associated with using the welfare service.

[0088] Furthermore, the second identification information may include IDs for various membership services other than welfare services. In this case, benefits (incentives) such as point accrual may be provided in connection with the use of the membership services.

[0089] The information processing system 90 is implemented by one or more servers (cloud servers). The information processing system 90 may also be implemented by a personal computer or the like. The information processing system 90 comprises a first communication unit 91, a second communication unit 92, a third communication unit 93, an information processing unit 94, and a storage unit 95. The first communication unit 91, the second communication unit 92, and the third communication unit 93 may be implemented as a single communication circuit, or each may be implemented as an individual communication circuit, and the circuit configuration (hardware configuration) is not particularly limited.

[0090] The first communication unit 91 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the information processing system 90 to communicate with the payment method setting system 50a via a wide-area communication network. The first communication unit 91 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for wired communication, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0091] The second communication unit 92 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the information processing system 90 to communicate with the payment authentication system 40 via a wide-area communication network. The second communication unit 92 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for wired communication, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0092] The third communication unit 93 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the information processing system 90 to communicate with multiple payment processing servers 60 via a wide-area communication network. The third communication unit 93 is, for example, a wired communication circuit, but it may also be a wireless communication circuit. Specifically, when authentication for payment is performed in the payment authentication system 40 using the second identification information, the third communication unit 93 transmits information for executing payment processing based on the payment means associated with the second identification information.

[0093] The information processing unit 94 performs information processing to transmit information for executing settlement processing. The information processing unit 94 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 94 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or other hardware constituting the information processing unit 94 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 95.

[0094] The storage unit 95 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the information processing unit 94 to perform the above-mentioned information processing, as well as computer programs. The storage unit 95 is implemented by, for example, an HDD, but may also be implemented by a semiconductor memory.

[0095] Such an authentication system 10b can perform the same processing as the authentication system 10. Although it was explained that the information processing system 90 transmits information to the payment processing server 60 for executing payment processing, it may also be a system that simply relays the information received from the payment authentication system 40 and the payment method setting system 50a to the payment processing server 60.

[0096] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0097] Invention 1 is a payment method management system 50 comprising: an acquisition unit 54 that acquires setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access of a target person to a predetermined area, which is associated with the first identification information for identifying a target person, with a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; a setting unit 55 that associates the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information; and a payment processing unit 56 that, when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information, executes a payment process based on the payment method associated with the second identification information. In the above embodiment, the user, entry / exit ID, payment ID, and setting request are examples of the target person, first identification information, second identification information, and setting information.

[0098] Such a payment method management system 50 can configure payment methods based on configuration information, thereby allowing the payment method to be changed when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information.

[0099] Invention 2 is a payment means management system 50 of Invention 1, wherein the first identification information is read by a first reader device 31 for access control authentication.

[0100] Such a payment method management system 50 can change the payment method when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information associated with the first identification information read by the first reader 31.

[0101] Invention 3 is a payment means management system 50 of Invention 2, wherein the first reading device 31 and the second reading device 41 for authentication for payment are installed in the same facility accessible to the target person, or are installed in multiple nearby facilities.

[0102] Such a payment method management system 50 can be applied to a single facility or to multiple facilities located in the vicinity.

[0103] Invention 4 is a payment means management system 50 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the acquisition unit 54 further acquires candidate information for registering one or more payment means candidates, and the payment means management system 50 further includes a registration unit 57 that registers one or more payment means candidates based on the acquired candidate information.

[0104] Such a payment method management system 50 can select a payment method from one or more registered payment method candidates when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information.

[0105] Invention 5 is a payment method management system 50 of any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the target is an employee of an organization who receives salary payments from the organization, and the candidate payment methods include salary deduction and the target's personal payment method.

[0106] Such a payment method management system 50 can set the payment method when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information to either payroll deduction or the individual payment method of the person concerned.

[0107] Invention 6 is a payment means management system 50 of Invention 2, wherein the first reader 31 and the second reader 41 for authentication for payment are installed in the same facility that the target person can use, or are installed in multiple nearby facilities, and the target person is a temporary user of the facility or multiple facilities.

[0108] Such a payment method management system 50 can be applied to a single facility or multiple nearby facilities that are used temporarily by the target person.

[0109] Invention 7 is a payment means management system 50 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the payment processing unit 56 makes a correction to the payment amount when authentication for payment is performed based on the second identification information.

[0110] Such a payment method management system 50 can correct the payment amount.

[0111] Invention 8 is the settlement means management system 50 of Invention 7, in which the correction to the settlement amount includes a reduction in the settlement amount.

[0112] Such a payment method management system 50 can reduce the payment amount.

[0113] Invention 9 is a settlement means management system 50 according to any of Inventions 1 to 8, wherein the first identification information and the second identification information are contained in the same medium or in the same virtual medium.

[0114] According to such a payment method management system 50, users can receive authentication for access control and authentication for payment using a single medium or a single virtual medium.

[0115] Invention 10 is a payment means management system 50 according to any of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein the first identification information and the second identification information have the same value.

[0116] Such a payment method management system 50 can simplify the management of the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0117] Invention 11 is a payment method setting system 50a comprising: an acquisition unit 54 that acquires setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a subject with a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods, which is associated with the first identification information for identifying the subject; and a setting unit 55 that associates the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information.

[0118] Such a payment method setting system 50a can set the payment method based on the setting information, thereby changing the payment method when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information.

[0119] Invention 12 is a payment processing system comprising a first communication unit 61 that communicates with the payment means setting system 50a of Invention 11, a second communication unit 62 that communicates with the payment authentication system 40, and a payment processing unit 66 that, when authentication for payment is performed in the payment authentication system 40 using the second identification information, executes processing for payment based on the payment means associated with the second identification information. The payment processing server 60 is an example of a payment processing system.

[0120] Such a payment processing system can realize payments using the payment method set by the payment method setting system 50a.

[0121] Invention 13 is an information processing system 90 comprising a first communication unit 91 that communicates with the payment means setting system 50a of Invention 11, a second communication unit 92 that communicates with the payment authentication system 40, and a third communication unit 93 that communicates with the payment processing server 60. The third communication unit 93 transmits information for executing payment processing based on the payment means associated with the second identification information when authentication for payment is performed in the payment authentication system 40 using the second identification information.

[0122] Such an information processing system 90 can realize payment using the payment method set by the payment method setting system 50a.

[0123] Invention 14 is an information processing method performed by a computer system, comprising the steps of: acquiring setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a subject with a second identification information used for identifying a subject, which is associated with the first identification information for identifying a subject, with a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; and associating the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information.

[0124] This information processing method allows for the configuration of payment methods based on configuration information, thereby enabling the change of payment method when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information.

[0125] Invention 15 is an information processing method of Invention 14, further comprising the step of performing a settlement process based on a settlement means associated with the second identification information when authentication for settlement is performed using the second identification information.

[0126] This type of information processing method can enable payment using payment methods configured based on the set information.

[0127] Invention 16 is a program for causing a computer system to execute the information processing method of Invention 14 or 15.

[0128] According to such a program, the computer system can configure payment methods based on configuration information, thereby changing the payment method when authentication for payment is performed using second identification information.

[0129] Invention 17 is an information processing method performed by an information terminal, comprising the steps of: receiving a setting operation to associate a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; and transmitting the second identification information to a second reader 41 for authentication for payment by communicating with the second reader 41. The mobile terminal 70 in the above embodiment is an example of an information terminal.

[0130] This information processing method allows for the configuration of payment methods based on setting operations, thereby enabling the change of payment method when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information.

[0131] Invention 18 is a program for causing an information terminal to execute the information processing method of Invention 17.

[0132] According to such a program, the information terminal can configure the payment method based on the configuration device, thereby changing the payment method when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information.

[0133] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0134] For example, in the above embodiment, the authentication system was implemented by multiple devices, but it may also be implemented by a single device. The same applies to other systems such as authentication systems. Thus, the systems described herein may consist of a single device or multiple devices. When a system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0137] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. Each component may also be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0138] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0139] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an apparatus or system as described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by an apparatus or system (computer or computer system) as described in the above embodiments. The present invention may also be implemented as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer or computer system to execute such a method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0140] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0141] 10, 10a, 10b Authentication System 20 card media 30 Access Control System 31. First reading device 32 Authentication device 40 Payment Authentication System 41. Second reading device 42 Payment terminal 43, 72 Display section 50 Payment Method Management Systems 50a Payment Method Setting System 51 Communications Department 52, 64, 75, 94 Information Processing Unit 53, 65, 76, 95 storage section 54 Acquisition Department 55 Setting section 56, 66 Payment Processing Unit 57 Registration Department 60 Payment Processing Server 61, 73, 91 First Communications Department 62, 74, 92 Second Communications Department 70 Mobile devices 71 Operation Reception Section 90 Information Processing Systems 93 Third Communications Department

Claims

1. An acquisition unit acquires setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods. A setting unit that associates the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information, The system includes a settlement processing unit that, when authentication for settlement is performed using the second identification information, executes settlement processing based on the settlement means associated with the second identification information. Payment method management system.

2. The first identification information is read by the first reader for authentication of the access control. The payment means management system according to claim 1.

3. The first reader and the second reader for authentication for payment are either installed in the same facility accessible to the person concerned, or they are installed in multiple nearby facilities. The payment means management system according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit further acquires candidate information for registering one or more candidate payment methods, The payment method management system further includes a registration unit that registers one or more candidate payment methods based on the acquired candidate information. The payment means management system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned subject is an employee of the organization who receives salary payments from the organization, The candidate payment methods include payroll deduction and the individual payment methods of the person concerned. A payment means management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first reader and the second reader for authentication for payment are either installed in the same facility accessible to the person concerned, or they are installed in multiple nearby facilities. The aforementioned persons are temporary users of the aforementioned facility or the aforementioned multiple facilities. The payment means management system according to claim 2.

7. The settlement processing unit, when authentication for settlement is performed based on the second identification information, performs a correction to the settlement amount. A payment means management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The adjustment to the settlement amount includes a reduction in the settlement amount. The payment means management system according to claim 7.

9. The first identification information and the second identification information are contained in the same medium or in the same virtual medium. A payment means management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The first identification information and the second identification information have the same value. A payment means management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. An acquisition unit acquires setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods. The system includes a setting unit that associates the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information. Payment method setting system.

12. A first communication unit that communicates with the payment method setting system described in claim 11, The second communication unit communicates with the payment authentication system, The payment authentication system includes a payment processing unit that, when authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information, executes a payment process based on the payment means associated with the second identification information. Payment processing system.

13. A first communication unit that communicates with the payment method setting system described in claim 11, The second communication unit communicates with the payment authentication system, It is equipped with a third communication unit that communicates with the payment processing system, The third communication unit transmits information for executing a payment process based on the payment means associated with the second identification information when authentication for payment is performed in the payment authentication system using the second identification information. Information processing system.

14. An information processing method performed by a computer system, A step of obtaining setting information for associating a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods, which is associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, The process includes the step of associating the second identification information with the selected payment method based on the acquired setting information. Information processing methods.

15. Furthermore, if authentication for payment is performed using the second identification information, the process includes executing a payment process based on the payment means associated with the second identification information. The information processing method according to claim 14.

16. A program for causing the computer system to execute the information processing method according to claim 14 or 15.

17. An information processing method performed by an information terminal, A step of receiving a setting operation to associate a first identification information used for controlling access to a predetermined area of ​​a target person with a second identification information associated with the first identification information for identifying the target person, and a payment method selected from one or more candidate payment methods; The process includes the step of transmitting the second identification information to a reader device by communicating with the reader device for authentication for payment. Information processing methods.

18. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the information processing method described in claim 17.

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