Electronic payment device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic settlement apparatus, system, method, and program for performing settlement using a settlement service appropriate for a user at the time of the settlement.SOLUTION: An electronic settlement apparatus 1 includes: a storage unit 11 that stores a user and authentication information of the user in each of a plurality of electronic settlement means in association with each other; an authentication control unit 12 that causes an authentication apparatus storing face characteristic information of the user to perform face authentication for a captured image of the user captured during settlement; a collection unit 13 that collects value-related information relating to a settlement value possessed by the user in each electronic settlement means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; a determination unit 14 that presents, to the user, a predetermined number of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information and presents electronic payment means designated in advance, to determine electronic payment means of a settlement object from among the presented electronic settlement means; and an execution instruction unit 15 that issues an execution instruction of settlement processing using the electronic settlement means of the settlement object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic payment device, system, method, and program, and particularly to an electronic payment device, system, method, and program for performing electronic payment.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a biometric authentication payment system. The biometric authentication payment system presents a plurality of credit card options to a user, transmits the user's biometric information and the payment amount to a payment system corresponding to one credit card specified by the user, and performs payment based on the payment amount when the authentication is successful.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology related to an electronic payment system. The electronic payment system sets priorities in advance for a plurality of payment services and performs payment processing according to the priorities.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In various payment services, the point awarding and redemption rates vary depending on the situation, and the advantageous payment service differs for each payment. The technology according to Patent Document 1 only lists the options of credit cards, and does not show the selection criteria of the user. The technology according to Patent Document 2 has a priority order set in advance among a plurality of payment services, and the priority order cannot be set flexibly according to the user and the payment timing. Therefore, the technologies according to Patent Documents 1 and 2 have the problem that it is not always possible to make a payment with an appropriate payment service for the user at the time of payment.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic payment device, a system, a method, and a program for making a payment with an appropriate payment service for the user at the time of payment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electronic payment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure storage means for storing in association with each other the user and the authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means; authentication control means for performing face authentication on a captured image of the user at the time of payment using an authentication device that stores the face feature information of the user; collection means for collecting value-related information regarding the payment value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; determination means for determining an electronic payment means to be a payment target from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for a payment process using the electronic payment means to be the payment target; and is provided with.

[0008] The electronic payment device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure storage means for storing in association with each other the user, the face feature information of the user, and the authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means; At the time of settlement, authentication control means for performing face authentication using the face feature information on a captured image captured by the user; Collection means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; Determination means for determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled; It is provided with.

[0009] The electronic payment system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is An authentication device that stores face feature information of a user; An electronic payment device; It is provided with The electronic payment device is Storage means for storing in association with each other the user and the authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means; Authentication control means for causing face authentication to be performed on a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement using the authentication device; Collection means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; Determination means for determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled; It is provided with

[0010] The electronic payment method according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is A computer having storage means for storing in association with each other the user and the authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means causes Face authentication to be performed on a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement using an authentication device that stores the face feature information of the user, Using the authentication information associated with the user who has successfully passed the face authentication, collect value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means. Based on the collected value-related information, determine the electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means. Give an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled.

[0011] The electronic payment method according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is A computer including storage means for associating and storing a user, the user's face feature information, and authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means Perform face authentication using the face feature information on a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement. Using the authentication information associated with the user who has successfully passed the face authentication, collect value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means. Based on the collected value-related information, determine the electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means. Give an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled.

[0012] The electronic payment program according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is On a computer including storage means for associating and storing a user and authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means An authentication control process for causing face authentication to be performed on a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement using an authentication device storing the user's face feature information, A collection process for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has successfully passed the face authentication, A determination process for determining the electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information, An execution instruction process for giving an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled, to be executed.

[0013] The electronic payment program according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer including a storage means for storing in association a user, the user's face feature information, and authentication information for each of a plurality of electronic payment means, to perform an authentication control process for performing face authentication using the face feature information on a captured image captured by the user at the time of payment, a collection process for collecting value-related information regarding the payment value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication, a determination process for determining an electronic payment means to be a payment target from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information, and an execution instruction process for issuing an execution instruction for a payment process using the electronic payment means to be the payment target.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic payment device, system, method, and program for performing payment by an appropriate payment service for a user at the time of payment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0017] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic payment device 1 according to the first embodiment. The electronic payment device 1 is an information processing device that determines one electronic payment means from a plurality of electronic payment means and instructs a payment process using the determined electronic payment means. Note that the electronic payment device 1 may perform a payment process internally in response to a payment instruction. Here, the electronic payment means is a means for processing payments by transmitting and receiving electronic data without directly delivering cash. Examples of the electronic payment means include, but are not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, and QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) payments.

[0018] The electronic payment device 1 is connected to a payment system (not shown), a payment terminal (not shown), and an authentication device (not shown) corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic payment means. Note that the electronic payment device 1 may be integrated with the payment terminal.

[0019] The payment system is an information system that performs a payment process using the corresponding electronic payment means. For example, the payment system receives a payment request including authentication information such as an ID and a password and a payment amount from a payment terminal or the like via a network, and performs a payment (payment) by the requested payment amount from the balance of the user corresponding to the authentication information. Note that the payment system may receive a payment request from the electronic payment device 1.

[0020] The payment terminal is a POS terminal or the like installed in a store or the like, and is an information processing device including a photographing device and a display device. The payment terminal photographs the user at the time of payment, transmits the photographed image and the payment amount to the electronic payment device 1, and receives and displays at least the payment result by any one of the plurality of electronic payment means.

[0021] It is assumed that the authentication device stores the user's facial feature information in advance. Also, the authentication device receives the input of a facial image or facial feature information from the electronic payment device 1, collates it with the pre-stored facial feature information, determines whether they match or not, and outputs the determination result to the electronic payment device 1. Here, in the case of a match, the determination result is that the face authentication has succeeded, and in the case of a mismatch, the determination result is that the face authentication has failed.

[0022] The electronic payment device 1 includes a storage unit 11, an authentication control unit 12, a collection unit 13, a determination unit 14, and an execution instruction unit 15. The storage unit 11 stores the authentication information 111 to 11n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) for each of the user 110a (the person to be paid) and a plurality of electronic payment means in association with each other. The user 110a refers to identification information such as a user ID.

[0023] The authentication control unit 12 causes face authentication using the authentication device to be performed on the captured image captured by the user at the time of payment. The collection unit 13 collects value-related information regarding the payment value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information 111 etc. associated with the user who has succeeded in face authentication. That is, the collection unit 13 accesses each of the payment systems corresponding to the respective electronic payment means using the corresponding authentication information, and acquires the value-related information held by the user. Here, the value-related information includes the payment value itself such as the remaining recharge amount and the remaining point amount, and reduction information (information such as point reduction information) for reducing the payment value.

[0024] The determination unit 14 determines the electronic payment means to be paid from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information. The execution instruction unit 15 issues an execution instruction for payment processing using the electronic payment means to be paid. The execution instruction unit 15 issues an execution instruction to the payment terminal or the payment system.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic payment method according to Embodiment 1. First, the authentication control unit 12 causes the authentication device to perform face authentication on the captured image captured by the user at the time of payment (S11). Next, the collection unit 13 collects value-related information of each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has successfully passed the face authentication (S12). Then, the determination unit 14 determines the electronic payment means to be the payment target from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information (S13). Thereafter, the execution instruction unit 15 issues an execution instruction for payment processing using the electronic payment means to be the payment target (S14).

[0026] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic payment means to be the payment target is determined using the latest value-related information at the time of payment for each of the plurality of electronic payment means available to the user. Therefore, it is possible to perform payment with an appropriate payment service for the user at the time of payment.

[0027] Note that the electronic payment device 1 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device as a configuration not shown. Further, a computer program in which the processing of the electronic payment method according to the present embodiment is implemented is stored in the storage device. Then, the processor causes the memory to read the computer program from the storage device and executes the computer program. Thereby, the processor realizes the functions of the authentication control unit 12, the collection unit 13, the determination unit 14, and the execution instruction unit 15.

[0028] Alternatively, the authentication control unit 12, the collection unit 13, the determination unit 14, and the execution instruction unit 15 may each be implemented by dedicated hardware. Also, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuitry, a processor, etc., or a combination thereof. These may be constituted by a single chip, or may be constituted by a plurality of chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the circuitry etc. described above and a program. Also, as the processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc. can be used.

[0029] Also, when some or all of the components of the electronic payment device 1 are implemented by a plurality of information processing devices, circuitry, etc., the plurality of information processing devices, circuitry, etc. may be centrally arranged or may be distributed. For example, the information processing devices, circuitry, etc. may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. Also, the function of the electronic payment device 1 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0030] <Embodiment 2> This Embodiment 2 is a modification of the above-described Embodiment 1. The electronic payment device 1 according to Embodiment 1 caused an external authentication device to perform face authentication. On the other hand, the electronic payment device 1a according to this Embodiment 2 performs face authentication inside the device.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic payment device 1a according to this Embodiment 2. The electronic payment device 1a includes a storage unit 11, an authentication control unit 12a, a collection unit 13, a determination unit 14, and an execution instruction unit 15. Note that the functions of the collection unit 13, the determination unit 14, and the execution instruction unit 15 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0032] The storage unit 11 has the face feature information 110b further associated with the user 110a. The authentication control unit 12a performs face authentication on the captured image of the user at the time of payment using the face feature information 110b.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic payment method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is obtained by replacing step S11 in FIG. 2 with step S11a, and the other steps are the same as those in FIG. 2. In step S11a, the authentication control unit 12a performs face authentication on the captured image using the face feature information 110b.

[0034] Thus, also according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be achieved.

[0035] <Embodiment 3> The third embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment described above. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the electronic payment system 1000 according to the third embodiment. The electronic payment system 1000 includes a payment terminal 100, a user terminal 200, an electronic payment device 300, an authentication device 400, and payment systems 500a, 500b ··· and 500n. Each of the payment terminal 100, the user terminal 200, the electronic payment device 300, the authentication device 400, and the payment systems 500a, 500b ··· and 500n is connected via a network N. The network N is a wired or wireless communication line.

[0036] The authentication device 400 is an information processing device that stores the user ID and the face feature information in association with each other. Further, the authentication device 400 collates the face image or the face feature information included in the request with the face feature information of each user in response to a face authentication request received from the outside, and returns the collation result (authentication result) to the requester.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication device 400 according to Embodiment 3. The authentication device 400 includes an information DB (DataBase) 410, a face detection unit 420, a feature point extraction unit 430, a registration unit 440, and an authentication unit 450. The face information DB 410 stores the user ID 411 and the face feature information 412 of the user ID in association with each other. The face feature information 412 is a set of feature points extracted from a face image. Note that the authentication device 400 may delete the face feature information 412 in the face information DB 410 according to the request of the registered user of the face feature information 412. Alternatively, the authentication device 400 may delete the face feature information 412 after a certain period has elapsed since the registration of the face feature information 412.

[0038] The face detection unit 420 detects a face area included in a registration image for registering face information and outputs it to the feature point extraction unit 430. The feature point extraction unit 430 extracts feature points from the face area detected by the face detection unit 420 and outputs face feature information to the registration unit 440. Here, the face feature information is a set of the extracted feature points. Further, the feature point extraction unit 430 extracts feature points included in the face image received from the electronic payment device 300 and outputs face feature information to the authentication unit 450.

[0039] When registering face feature information, the registration unit 440 newly issues a user ID 411. The registration unit 440 registers the issued user ID 411 and the face feature information 412 extracted from the registration image in the face information DB 410 in association with each other. The authentication unit 450 performs face authentication using the face feature information 412. Specifically, the authentication unit 450 collates the face feature information extracted from the face image with the face feature information 412 in the face information DB 410. The authentication unit 450 returns to the electronic payment device 300 whether or not the face feature information matches. Whether or not the face feature information matches corresponds to the success or failure of the authentication.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing according to Embodiment 3. First, the authentication device 400 acquires a registration image included in a face information registration request (S21). For example, the authentication device 400 receives a face information registration request from the user terminal 200 or the like via the network N. Next, the face detection unit 420 detects a face area included in the registration image (S22). Next, the feature point extraction unit 430 extracts feature points from the face area detected in step S22 and outputs face feature information to the registration unit 440 (S23). Finally, the registration unit 440 issues a user ID 411, associates the user ID 411 with the face feature information 412, and registers them in the face information DB 410 (S24). Note that the authentication device 400 may receive the face feature information 412 from the user terminal 200 or the like, associate it with the user ID 411, and register it in the face information DB 410.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of face authentication processing by the authentication device 400. First, the feature point extraction unit 430 acquires a face image for authentication included in a face authentication request (S31). For example, the authentication device 400 receives a face authentication request from the electronic payment device 300 via the network N, and extracts face feature information from the face image included in the face authentication request as in steps S21 to S23. Alternatively, the authentication device 400 may receive face feature information from the electronic payment device 300. Next, the authentication unit 450 collates the acquired face feature information with the face feature information 412 in the face information DB 410 (S32). When the face feature information matches (Yes in S33), the authentication unit 450 identifies the user ID 411 of the user whose face feature information matches (S34), and returns a message indicating that the face authentication has succeeded and the identified user ID 411 to the electronic payment device 300 (S35). When there is no matching face feature information (No in S33), the authentication unit 450 returns a message indicating that the face authentication has failed to the electronic payment device 300 (S36).

[0042] Still, in step S32, the authentication unit 450 does not need to attempt to match with all the face feature information 412 in the face information DB 410. For example, the authentication unit 450 may preferentially attempt to match with the face feature information registered on the day when the face authentication request is received. Or, even if the face feature information was registered before the previous day, if a reservation to perform a settlement (using the settlement terminal 100 and the electronic payment device 300) was made on a specific day in advance, the authentication unit 450 may preferentially attempt to match with the face feature information of the reserved user. By these means, the matching speed can be improved. Also, when the preferential matching fails, it is advisable to perform matching with all the remaining face feature information.

[0043] The user terminal 200 is an information terminal possessed by the user U. The user terminal 200 is, for example, a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer) equipped or connected with a camera, etc. The user terminal 200 is associated with the user ID or face feature information of the user U. That is, the user terminal 200 is a display terminal that can be specified by the user ID or face feature information in the electronic payment device 300 or the like. For example, the user terminal 200 is a terminal on which the user U has logged in using his / her own user ID.

[0044] The user terminal 200 transmits a registration image used for face authentication of the user U to the authentication device 400 and makes a face information registration request. Note that the user terminal 200 may transmit the face feature information extracted from the registration image to the authentication device 400 and make a face information registration request. Also, the user terminal 200 may be a terminal that performs electronic payment by face authentication.

[0045] Next, the user terminal 200 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 200 according to Embodiment 3. The user terminal 200 includes a camera 210, a storage unit 220, a communication unit 230, a display unit 240, and a control unit 250. The camera 210 is a photographing device that performs photographing according to the control of the control unit 250. The storage unit 220 is a storage device in which programs for realizing each function of the user terminal 200 are stored. The communication unit 230 is a communication interface with the network N. The display unit 240 is an input / output unit including a display device and an input device, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 240 displays a selection screen for electronic payment means and receives a selection operation on the screen by the user U. The control unit 250 controls the hardware of the user terminal 200. The control unit 250 includes a photographing unit 251, a registration unit 252, a product reading unit 253, and a payment request unit 254.

[0046] The photographing unit 251 controls the camera 210 and photographs a registration image of the user U. The registration image is an image including at least the face area of the user. The photographing unit 251 outputs the registration image to the registration unit 252. Further, the photographing unit 251 may photograph the user U at the time of payment by the camera 210. In that case, the photographing unit 251 outputs a photographed image for authentication (for payment) by the camera 210 to the payment request unit 254. The registration unit 252 transmits a face information registration request including the registration image to the authentication device 400 via the network N. The product reading unit 253 reads a barcode or the like from the product image photographed by the camera 210, totals the prices of each product associated with the barcode or the like, and calculates the payment amount.

[0047] The payment request unit 254 transmits a payment means presentation request including a captured image for authentication and the payment amount to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N. The payment request unit 254 receives a selection screen of electronic payment means from the electronic payment device 300 via the network N and displays the selection screen on the display unit 240. The payment request unit 254 accepts the user U's selection of electronic payment means for the selection screen and transmits a payment request including the selected electronic payment means ID to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N. The payment request unit 254 receives a payment result from the electronic payment device 300 via the network N and displays it on the display unit 240.

[0048] Subsequently, the payment terminal 100 is a terminal that performs electronic payment by face authentication. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal 100 according to the third embodiment. The payment terminal 100 includes a camera 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, a display unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0049] The camera 110 is a photographing device that performs photographing according to the control of the control unit 150. In particular, the camera 110 photographs the user U at the time of payment. The storage unit 120 is a storage device in which programs for realizing each function of the payment terminal 100 are stored. The communication unit 130 is a communication interface with the network N. The display unit 140 is an input / output unit including a display device and an input device, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 240 displays a selection screen of electronic payment means and accepts a selection operation on the user U's screen. The control unit 150 controls the hardware of the payment terminal 100. The control unit 150 includes a photographing unit 151, a product reading unit 153, and a payment request unit 154. Note that the control unit 150 may include a component corresponding to the registration unit 252 described above.

[0050] The imaging unit 151 controls the camera 110 and captures an image of the user U at the time of settlement. The captured image is an image including at least the face area of the user U. The imaging unit 151 outputs the captured image for authentication (for settlement) by the camera 110 to the settlement request unit 154. The product reading unit 153 reads barcodes or the like of products by a scanner (not shown), totals the prices of each product associated with the barcodes or the like, and calculates the settlement amount. Incidentally, the product reading unit 153 may read barcodes or the like from the captured image of the product by the camera 110.

[0051] The settlement request unit 154 transmits a settlement means presentation request including the captured image for authentication and the settlement amount to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N. The settlement request unit 154 receives a selection screen of electronic settlement means from the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N and displays the selection screen on the display unit 140. The settlement request unit 154 accepts the selection of the electronic settlement means by the user U for the selection screen, and transmits a settlement request including the selected electronic settlement means ID to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N. The settlement request unit 154 receives the settlement result from the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N and displays it on the display unit 140.

[0052] The settlement system 500a is an information system that performs settlement processing by the corresponding electronic settlement means as described above. The settlement system 500a stores the authentication information 501, balance 502, point balance 503, and reduction information 504 in association with each other. Incidentally, the balance 502, point balance 503, and reduction information 504 are examples of the value-related information described above. Also, the balance 502 and point balance 503 are examples of the settlement value held by the user.

[0053] The authentication information 501 is the user ID and password in the payment system 500a. The balance 502 is the remaining balance of the cash recharge held by the corresponding user. The point balance 503 is the remaining balance of the points given to the corresponding user and is an example of privilege information. Note that the privilege information may be miles or others. The reduction information 504 is information for reducing the payment value, for example, the rate of reducing points or cash for the payment amount, the number of points to be reduced, the amount, etc. The reduction information 504 can also be called reduction schedule information. Also, the reduction information 504 may be campaign information with a set expiration date. For example, the reduction schedule information may be information such as a 30% discount within one month from new membership. Also, the reduction information 504 is not limited to the reduction of the payment value and may be campaign information such as a gift of a product by lottery. The reduction schedule information may be information according to the usage record of the user U in each electronic payment means. For example, when there is a payment record of a certain amount or more by the corresponding electronic payment means, the discount rate may be increased. Note that the balance 502 and the reduction information 504 are not essential. For example, when the electronic payment means is a credit card, the balance 502 does not exist.

[0054] The payment system 500a receives a value-related information request including authentication information from the electronic payment device 300 via the network N, and returns the balance 502, the point balance 503, and the reduction information 504 associated with the authentication information included in the request. Also, the payment system 500a receives a payment instruction from the electronic payment device 300 via the network N, and executes a payment process based on the payment amount for the user associated with the authentication information included in the payment instruction. For example, when the electronic payment means is code payment, the payment system 500a subtracts the payment amount from the balance 502 associated with the authentication information included in the payment instruction, calculates the points based on the reduction information 504, and adds the calculated points to the point balance 503. Then, the payment system 500a returns the payment result, which is the result of the payment process, to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N.

[0055] However, although the payment systems 500b to 500n correspond to different electronic payment means from the payment system 500a, since they have the same functions as the payment system 500a, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic payment device 300 according to the third embodiment. The electronic payment device 300 includes a storage unit 310, a control unit 320, a memory 330, and a communication unit 340. The storage unit 310 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 310 stores a program 311, payment means management information 312, and a ranking rule 313. The program 311 is a computer program in which the processing of the electronic payment method according to the present embodiment is implemented.

[0057] The payment means management information 312 is information for managing available electronic payment means and their authentication information for each user. For the user ID 3120, the payment means management information 312 is associated with a set of an electronic payment means ID 3121a and authentication information 3122a, a set of an electronic payment means ID 3121b and authentication information 3122b, ···, a set of an electronic payment means ID 3121n and authentication information 3122n. The electronic payment means IDs 3121a to 3121n are identification information of the electronic payment means and are respectively associated with the payment systems 500a to 500n. The electronic payment means IDs 3121a to 3121n are assumed to include the respective destination information (addresses) of the payment systems 500a to 500n. The authentication information 3122a to 3122n is information such as the ID and password in each of the payment systems of the corresponding electronic payment means for the target user in the user ID 3120.

[0058] The ranking assignment rule 313 is an example of a ranking assignment criterion. The ranking assignment rule 313 is information that defines criteria for assigning ranks based on value-related information for a plurality of electronic payment means. For example, the ranking assignment rule 313 may be a sorting rule (sort key) based on value-related information. The ranking assignment rule 313 may be, for example, a ranking rule when sorted by remaining charge amount or remaining point amount. Also, the ranking assignment rule 313 may be a ranking rule when sorted by point reduction amount or reduction rate. Further, the ranking assignment rule 313 may be a ranking rule when sorting with the remaining amount paid with the remaining point amount as the new payment amount with respect to the payment amount. Additionally, the ranking assignment rule 313 may be a ranking rule when sorting while further considering the point reduction amount etc. based on the reduction information within the deadline. Also, the ranking assignment rule 313 may be a rule (popularity order) based on the usage record of the electronic payment means.

[0059] The memory 330 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information during the operation of the control unit 320. The communication unit 340 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0060] The control unit 320 is a processor that controls each component of the electronic payment device 300, that is, a control device. The control unit 320 causes the program 311 to be read from the storage unit 310 into the memory 330 and executes the program 311. Thereby, the control unit 320 realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 321, the authentication control unit 322, the collection unit 323, the determination unit 324, and the execution instruction unit 325.

[0061] The acquisition unit 321 receives the above-described payment means presentation request from the payment terminal 100 or the user terminal 200 via the network N, and acquires the photographed image and the payment amount included in the payment means presentation request. Here, the photographed image is one photographed by the user U at the time of payment.

[0062] The authentication control unit 322 is an example of the authentication control unit 12 described above. The authentication control unit 322 causes the authentication device 400 to perform face authentication on the captured image acquired by the acquisition unit 321. For example, the authentication control unit 322 transmits a face authentication request including the acquired captured image to the authentication device 400 via the network N, and receives a face authentication result from the authentication device 400. Note that the authentication control unit 322 may detect the face area of the user U from the captured image and include the image of the face area in the face authentication request. Alternatively, the authentication control unit 322 may extract face feature information from the face area and include the face feature information in the face authentication request.

[0063] The collection unit 323 is an example of the collection unit 13 described above. When the face authentication result received by the authentication control unit 322 indicates successful face authentication, the collection unit 323 identifies the user ID included in the face authentication result. Then, the collection unit 323 reads out the set of each electronic payment means ID and the associated authentication information associated with the identified user ID 3120 from the storage unit 310. Then, the collection unit 323 transmits a value-related information request including authentication information to each of the payment systems indicated by the addresses corresponding to the electronic payment means IDs via the network N. The collection unit 323 collects by receiving a reply of value-related information from each payment system.

[0064] The determination unit 324 is an example of the determination unit 14 described above. The determination unit 324 applies the ranking rule 313 to the value-related information collected by the collection unit 323 to assign a rank to each electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means to be settled according to the rank. In particular, the determination unit 324 presents a plurality of electronic payment means to the user U according to the assigned rank. Specifically, the determination unit 324 transmits a plurality of electronic payment means to which ranks are assigned to the requester of the payment means presentation request via the network N. For example, the determination unit 324 sorts a plurality of electronic payment means according to the assigned rank, generates a screen (payment means selection screen) in which the top predetermined number of the sorting results are arranged in ascending order, and transmits the screen to the requester via the network N.

[0065] Furthermore, assume that among a plurality of electronic payment means, there is one that is designated in advance for always being displayed separately from the ranking. In that case, the determination unit 324 may generate a screen so as to display, in ascending order, a predetermined number of the top-ranked electronic payment means in the sorting result of the electronic payment means, and also display the above-mentioned pre-designated electronic payment means. For example, it can be applied to the electronic payment means targeted for advertising. And even if an electronic payment means is ranked lower and not a display target based on the ranking rule 313, if it is designated as an advertisement, it can be preferentially displayed in a dedicated display area.

[0066] Also, the determination unit 324 may present value-related information corresponding to the electronic payment means. Specifically, for each type of electronic payment means, it is advisable to list the authentication information 501, the balance 502, and the point balance 503 together.

[0067] Then, the determination unit 324 accepts a selection by the user U from among the presented electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means selected by the user U as the payment target. Specifically, the determination unit 324 includes, as a selection result, the ID of one electronic payment means selected by the user U for the payment means selection screen displayed on the terminal of the requester (for example, the payment terminal 100), and receives it via the network N in the payment request. Then, the determination unit 324 determines the electronic payment means ID indicated by the received selection result as the payment target electronic payment means.

[0068] The execution instruction unit 325 is an example of the above-described execution instruction unit 15. The execution instruction unit 325 reads out the authentication information associated with the determined payment target electronic payment means ID from the storage unit 310. Then, the execution instruction unit 325 transmits a payment instruction including the authentication information and the payment amount to the payment system indicated by the electronic payment means ID via the network N. Then, the execution instruction unit 325 receives the payment result via the network N, and returns the received payment result to the requester via the network N.

[0069] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of the electronic payment process according to Embodiment 3. Hereinafter, an example using the payment terminal 100 will be described, but the same applies to the user terminal 200. First, the payment terminal 100 scans the merchandise that the user U wishes to pay for, and it is assumed that the scanning is completed (S401). Next, the payment terminal 100 calculates the payment amount for the scanned merchandise (group) (S402). Then, the payment terminal 100 photographs the user U with the camera 110 (S403), and transmits a payment method presentation request including the photographed image and the payment amount to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N (S404).

[0070] The acquisition unit 321 of the electronic payment device 300 acquires the photographed image and the payment amount from the received payment method presentation request. The authentication control unit 322 transmits a face authentication request including the acquired photographed image to the authentication device 400 via the network N (S405). Then, the authentication control unit 322 receives a face authentication result indicating successful authentication from the authentication device 400 via the network N (S406). Note that the face authentication result includes the user ID for which face authentication was successful.

[0071] Then, the collection unit 323 reads out from the storage unit 310 the set of each electronic payment means ID associated with the user ID for which face authentication has succeeded and the associated authentication information. Then, for example, the collection unit 323 transmits a value-related information request including the authentication information 3122a to the payment system 500a corresponding to the electronic payment means ID 3121a via the network N (S407). Also, the collection unit 323 transmits a value-related information request including the authentication information 3122b to the payment system 500b corresponding to the electronic payment means ID 3121b via the network N (S408). Similarly, the collection unit 323 transmits a value-related information request including the authentication information 3122n to the payment system 500n corresponding to the electronic payment means ID 3121n via the network N (S409). In response to these, the collection unit 323 receives, via the network N from the payment system 500a, for example, the balance 502, the point balance 503, and the redemption information 504 held by the user U in the payment system 500a (S410). Also, the collection unit 323 receives, via the network N from the payment system 500b, for example, the point balance 503 and the redemption information 504 held by the user U in the payment system 500b (S411). Also, the collection unit 323 receives, via the network N from the payment system 500n, for example, the balance 502 and the point balance 503 held by the user U in the payment system 500n (S412). Note that the order of steps S407, S408, and S409 is not limited, and they may be in parallel. Also, the order of steps S410, S411, and S412 is not limited either.

[0072] After steps S410, S411, and S412, the determination unit 324 applies the ranking rule 313 to the collected value-related information to rank each electronic payment means (S413). Then, the determination unit 324 presents the electronic payment means according to the ranking (S414). For example, the determination unit 324 generates a payment means selection screen for displaying the sorted result according to the ranking and receiving a selection, and transmits it to the payment terminal 100 via the network N.

[0073] The settlement terminal 100 displays the received settlement method selection screen on the display unit 140 (S415). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the settlement method selection screen 600 according to the third embodiment. The settlement method selection screen 600 is, for example, a screen that displays the results of ranking and sorting electronic settlement methods by the reduction rate. The sorting result display selection areas 610 to 630 indicate that the names of the electronic settlement methods, remaining recharge amounts, held points, and reduction information from the first to the third in terms of the reduction rate are displayed. The advertisement display selection area 640 is an area that is displayed because it is an electronic settlement method below the fourth place but is designated as an advertisement. It is assumed that the electronic settlement method for which the advertisement fee is paid is displayed in the advertisement display selection area 640. Also, the size of the area displayed may vary according to the amount of the advertisement fee. For example, when a plurality of electronic settlement methods are displayed in the advertisement display selection area 640, the size and display content displayed according to the advertisement area may be different. Also, it is assumed that the sorting result display selection areas 610 to 630 and the advertisement display selection area 640 can receive a selection operation on the display unit 140 by the user U.

[0074] The settlement terminal 100 receives a selection operation from the user U for one area within the settlement method selection screen 600, and transmits a settlement request including the electronic settlement method ID of the selection result to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N (S416). Then, the determination unit 324 of the electronic settlement device 300 extracts the electronic settlement method ID from the received settlement request, and determines the electronic settlement method indicated by the extracted electronic settlement method ID as the settlement target (S417). Here, it is described that the electronic settlement method ID 3121a is determined as the settlement target.

[0075] After that, the execution instruction unit 325 reads out the authentication information 3122a associated with the determined electronic payment means ID 3121a from the storage unit 310. Then, the execution instruction unit 325 transmits a payment instruction including the authentication information 3122a and the payment amount to the payment system 500a indicated by the electronic payment means ID 3121a via the network N (S418). The payment system 500a performs an authentication process by comparing the authentication information 3122a with the authentication information 501, and when the authentication is successful, executes a payment process for the payment amount (S419). Then, the payment system 500a returns the payment result to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N (S420). The execution instruction unit 325 receives the payment result via the network N and returns the received payment result to the payment terminal 100 via the network N (S421). The payment terminal 100 displays the received payment result on the display unit 140 (S422).

[0076] In this way, according to the present embodiment, since the user can select after grasping the latest situation for each electronic payment means, the user can make a payment with an appropriate payment service at the time of payment.

[0077] Note that the electronic payment system 1000 may make a face authentication request to the authentication device 400 instead of the electronic payment device 300. In that case, for example, after step S403 in FIG. 12, the payment terminal 100 transmits a face authentication request including a photographed image to the authentication device 400 via the network N. Then, the payment terminal 100 receives a face authentication result indicating successful authentication from the authentication device 400 via the network N. After that, the payment terminal 100 transmits a payment means presentation request including the user ID for which the face authentication was successful to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N. In response to this, the collection unit 323 may read out a set of each electronic payment means ID associated with the user ID for which the face authentication was successful and the associated authentication information from the storage unit 310 and execute step S407.

[0078] <Embodiment 4> Embodiment 4 is a modification of Embodiment 3 described above, in which the electronic payment device 300 determines an electronic payment means based on a rule specified in advance regardless of the user's selection and performs the payment.

[0079] Note that the electronic payment system according to Embodiment 4 has an improved determination unit 324 in the electronic payment device 300. Since other configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 3, duplicate descriptions will be omitted below.

[0080] The determination unit 324 applies the ranking rule 313 to the value-related information collected by the collection unit 323 to rank each electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means to be settled according to the ranking. In particular, the determination unit 324 according to Embodiment 4 determines the electronic payment means with the highest rank among the plurality of electronic payment means as the settlement target.

[0081] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the electronic payment process according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is an improvement of the electronic payment processes in FIGS. 12 and 13 described above, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0082] After step S403, the payment terminal 100 transmits a payment request including the captured image and the payment amount to the electronic payment device 300 via the network N (S404a). The acquisition unit 321 of the electronic payment device 300 acquires the captured image and the payment amount from the received payment request. Subsequently, steps S405 to S412 are performed as in FIG. 12.

[0083] After step S412, the determination unit 324 applies the ranking rule 313 to the collected value-related information to rank each electronic payment means (S413). Then, the determination unit 324 determines the electronic payment means with the highest rank as the settlement target (S417a). Thereafter, steps S418 to S422 are performed as in FIG. 13.

[0084] In this way, in the fourth embodiment, the electronic payment device 300 automatically determines the optimal electronic payment method at that time as the payment target according to the ranking rule 313. Therefore, the user can perform payment by the optimal electronic payment method in a short time without selecting the electronic payment method.

[0085] <Embodiment 5> The fifth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment described above. When the determination unit 324 according to the fifth embodiment does not receive a selection from the user within a predetermined time after presenting the electronic payment methods to the user, it determines the one with the highest rank among the plurality of electronic payment methods as the payment target.

[0086] Note that the electronic payment system according to the fifth embodiment is an improved version of the determination unit 324 in the electronic payment device 300. Since the other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment, the following description will omit the overlapping parts.

[0087] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic payment process according to the fifth embodiment. First, it is assumed that steps S401 to S413 in FIG. 12 have been executed. At this time, the determination unit 324 presents a plurality of electronic payment methods to the user according to the ranking in the same manner as in step S414 (S501). Then, the electronic payment device 300 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S502). Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 3 seconds, but it is not limited to this. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since step S501, the determination unit 324 determines whether it has received a selection of an electronic payment method from the user U (S504). For example, the determination unit 324 determines whether it has received a payment request including the selection result from the payment terminal 100 via the network N. If it has not received a selection of an electronic payment method from the user U (NO in S504), it returns to step S502. At this time, it may wait for a certain period of time.

[0088] In step S502, when a predetermined time has elapsed since step S501 (YES in S502), the determination unit 324 determines the electronic payment means with the highest given rank as the payment target (S503). Also, in step S504, when the selection of an electronic payment means is received from the user U, the determination unit 324 determines the selected electronic payment means as the payment target (S505). After step S503 or S505, similar to step S418, the execution instruction unit 325 issues a payment instruction using the determined electronic payment means (S506).

[0089] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the user is given a choice of electronic payment means for a predetermined time. If not selected, the highest-ranked one is automatically determined as the payment target. Therefore, if the user's desired electronic payment means is displayed at the top, there is no need for a selection operation and it is not cumbersome. On the other hand, if the user's desired electronic payment means is not displayed at the top, the user can select the desired electronic payment means, which is highly convenient.

[0090] <Embodiment 6> The sixth embodiment is an improved example of the third embodiment described above. An AI (Artificial Intelligence) model is trained using the user's electronic payment selection history as learning data, and the learned model is used to assign ranks to electronic payment means.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic payment device 300a according to the sixth embodiment. Compared with the above-described electronic payment device 300, in the storage unit 310 of the electronic payment device 300a, the ranking rule 313 is replaced by the ranking model 313a, and the history information 314 is added. Also, in the control unit 320, the determination unit 324 is replaced by the determination unit 324a, and the history registration unit 326 and the learning unit 327 are added. Since the other configurations of the electronic payment system according to the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment, duplicate descriptions will be omitted below.

[0092] The history information 314 is information that associates a plurality of value-related information 3141 collected in a certain settlement with the electronic payment means ID 3142 determined as the payment target at that time. It is assumed that information in a plurality of settlements is accumulated in the history information 314.

[0093] The ranking model 313a is an example of a ranking criterion. The ranking model 313a is an AI model that performs a process of assigning ranks to a plurality of electronic payment means using value-related information as input, and is a program module or model formula in which the process of assigning such ranks is implemented. For example, the ranking model 313a is a mathematical model that uses numerical values (balances, point balances, discount rates of reduction information, etc.) of value-related information of each of a plurality of electronic payment means as input data and is calculated using predetermined parameters (weighting coefficients) for each input data. Then, the ranking model 313a outputs the result of assigning ranks to each electronic payment means as the calculation result.

[0094] The history registration unit 326 registers, in the storage unit 310 as history information 314, a set of the collected value-related information 3141 and the determined electronic payment means ID 3142 of the payment target. The learning unit 327 uses the history information 314 as learning data to learn the ranking model 313a. For example, the learning unit 327 may learn the ranking model 313a using the value-related information 3141 in the history information 314 as input data and the electronic payment means ID 3142 as correct answer data. The determination unit 324a assigns ranks to a plurality of electronic payment means using the learned ranking model 313a as a ranking criterion. For example, the determination unit 324a inputs the plurality of value-related information collected by the collection unit 323 at the time of payment to the ranking model 313a, and assigns ranks to each electronic payment means from the output result of the ranking model 313a.

[0095] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the learning process according to Embodiment 6. First, the history registration unit 326 registers, as history information 314, a set of value-related information collected at the time of settlement and the electronic payment means to be settled in the storage unit 310 (S601). Next, the learning unit 327 learns the ranking model 313a using the history information 314 as learning data (S602). For example, the learning unit 327 updates the parameters of the ranking model 313a so that the electronic payment means to be settled is optimized in the learning data. Then, the learning unit 327 stores the learned ranking model 313a in the storage unit 310 (S603). As a result, the determination unit 324a can use the learned ranking model 313a in subsequent ranking.

[0096] In this way, according to Embodiment 6, since learning is performed using the history of the electronic payment means selected by the user according to the value-related information at that time, the learned model can present the electronic payment means that conforms to the user's preference with high accuracy at the time of settlement. Further, when Embodiment 6 is applied to Embodiment 4 described above, the user can settle using the top-ranked electronic payment means derived by the ranking model 313a without making a selection. Further, when Embodiment 6 is applied to Embodiment 5 described above, the user can receive the presentation of the payment means in the optimal order according to the value-related information at that time each time they settle, and can confirm that the rank of the selected one gradually increases.

[0097] <Embodiment 7> Embodiment 7 is a modification of Embodiment 3 described above. In Embodiment 3, after scanning all the products to be settled, the user's face image was captured and options for electronic payment means were presented. In contrast, in Embodiment 7, the capture is started before all the products are scanned, that is, before at least the settlement amount is determined, and options for electronic payment means are presented.

[0098] The acquisition unit 321 according to Embodiment 7 acquires a captured image before the completion of the reading process of all settlement target goods for settlement. The execution instruction unit 325 according to Embodiment 7 issues an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic settlement means for settlement after the completion of the reading process of all settlement target goods. Note that since other configurations of the electronic settlement system according to Embodiment 7 are the same as those of Embodiment 3, duplicate explanations will be omitted below.

[0099] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the electronic settlement process according to Embodiment 7. First, the settlement terminal 100 starts scanning a plurality of settlement target goods (S701). Then, the settlement terminal 100 captures the user U with the camera 110 (S702), and transmits a settlement means presentation request including the captured image to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N (S703). Then, the acquisition unit 321 of the electronic settlement device 300 acquires the captured image from the received settlement means presentation request. Thereafter, steps S405 to S415 are the same as those in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0100] Here, it is assumed that the settlement means selection screen 600 is being displayed on the display unit 140 of the settlement terminal 100 during the scanning of the goods. Also, at this point, although the settlement amount has not been determined, the user can select an electronic settlement means with a certain remaining charge amount or a credit card, etc.

[0101] Then, the settlement terminal 100 receives a selection operation from the user U for one area within the settlement means selection screen 600, and transmits the electronic settlement means ID of the selection result to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N (S416a). That is, at this point, the settlement amount has not been determined and the settlement request is not transmitted.

[0102] Then, the determination unit 324 of the electronic settlement device 300 determines the electronic settlement means indicated by the received electronic settlement means ID as the settlement target (S417).

[0103] Also at this time, it is assumed that the settlement terminal 100 has completed scanning all the goods to be settled (S710). Then, the settlement terminal 100 calculates the settlement amount of the scanned goods (group) (S711). Then, the settlement terminal 100 transmits a settlement request including the settlement amount to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N (S712). In response to this, the execution instruction unit 325 issues an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic settlement means to be settled. Thereafter, steps S418 to S422 are performed in the same manner as in FIG. 13.

[0104] Note that the photographing in step S702 may be performed before the start of scanning in step S701.

[0105] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the user can select the electronic settlement means in advance without waiting for the completion of scanning of the goods. Therefore, the settlement process is immediately performed after the completion of scanning. Thus, the overall time of the electronic settlement process can be shortened.

[0106] Note that the electronic settlement process according to the seventh embodiment may be performed in the following flow. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing another flow of the electronic settlement process according to the seventh embodiment. As a difference from FIG. 19 described above, after the settlement means presentation request in step S703, the settlement terminal 100 completes scanning all the goods to be settled (S710) and calculates the settlement amount of the scanned goods (group) (S711). Thereafter, the determination unit 324 presents the electronic settlement means in order (S414), and the settlement terminal 100 displays the received settlement means selection screen on the display unit 140 (S415). Then, the settlement terminal 100 receives a selection operation from the user U for one area in the settlement means selection screen 600, and transmits a settlement request including the selected electronic settlement means ID and the settlement amount to the electronic settlement device 300 via the network N (S416b).

[0107] Also, FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing another flow of the electronic payment process according to Embodiment 7. As a difference from FIG. 19 described above, after presenting the electronic payment means in step S414, the payment terminal 100 completes the scanning of all the goods to be paid (S710), and calculates the payment amount of the scanned goods (group) (S711). Then, the payment terminal 100 displays the received payment means selection screen on the display unit 140 (S415). And the payment terminal 100 executes step S416b in the same manner as above. By these, the effects in Embodiment 7 can also be achieved.

[0108] <Other Embodiments> Note that, in the above-described embodiments, the configuration has been described as hardware, but it is not limited thereto. The present disclosure can also realize any process by causing a CPU to execute a computer program.

[0109] In the above example, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (such as flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (such as magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)). Also, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can supply the program to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication channels.

[0110] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist. Also, the present disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining each embodiment.

[0111] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited thereto. (Appendix A1) Storage means for storing in association with a user the authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means; Authentication control means for causing face authentication to be performed using an authentication device that stores face feature information of the user on a captured image of the user taken at the time of payment; Collecting means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means by using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; Determining means for determining the electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled; An electronic payment device comprising: (Appendix A2) The determining means: Applies a predetermined ranking criterion to the collected value-related information to assign a rank to each electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means to be settled according to the rank; The electronic payment device according to Appendix A1. (Appendix A3) The determining means: Presents the plurality of electronic payment means to the user according to the assigned rank, Accepts the user's selection from among the presented electronic payment means, Determines the electronic payment means selected by the user as the payment target; The electronic payment device according to Appendix A2. (Appendix A4) The determining means: If no selection is received from the user within a predetermined time after the presentation to the user, determines the electronic payment means with the highest assigned rank among the plurality of electronic payment means as the payment target; The electronic payment device according to Appendix A3. (Appendix A5) The determining means: Presents, for the plurality of electronic payment means, a predetermined number from the top of the assigned ranks and presents a pre-specified electronic payment means; The electronic payment device according to Appendix A3 or A4. (Appendix A6) The determining means: Determines the electronic payment means with the highest assigned rank among the plurality of electronic payment means as the payment target; The electronic payment device described in Supplementary Note A2. (Supplementary Note A7) A history registration means for registering, as history information, a set of the collected value-related information and the determined electronic payment means for the payment target in the storage means; A learning means for learning a ranking model that performs a process of assigning ranks to the plurality of electronic payment means using the value-related information as an input, using the history information as learning data; further comprising The determination means assigns ranks to the plurality of electronic payment means using the learned ranking model as the ranking criterion The electronic payment device according to any one of Supplementary Notes A2 to A6. (Supplementary Note A8) further comprising an acquisition means for acquiring the captured image before completion of the reading process of all payment target goods for the payment; The execution instruction means gives an execution instruction for a payment process using the electronic payment means for the payment target after completion of the reading process of all payment target goods. The electronic payment device according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A7. (Supplementary Note A9) The value-related information includes the balance of privilege information given to the user in each electronic payment means. The electronic payment device according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A8. (Supplementary Note A10) The value-related information includes reduction schedule information that is scheduled to be returned to the user in each electronic payment means in the current payment. The electronic payment device according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A9. (Supplementary Note A11) The reduction schedule information is information according to the usage record of the user in each electronic payment means. The electronic payment device according to Supplementary Note A10. (Supplementary Note B1) A storage means for associating and storing a user, the face feature information of the user, and authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means; Authentication control means for performing face authentication using the face feature information on the captured image taken by the user at the time of settlement; Collection means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; Determination means for determining the electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled; An electronic payment device comprising the above. (Appendix B2) The determination means: Applies a predetermined ranking criterion to the collected value-related information to rank each electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means to be settled according to the ranking. The electronic payment device according to Appendix B1. (Appendix C1) An authentication device for storing the face feature information of the user; An electronic payment device; Comprising: The electronic payment device: Storage means for associating and storing the user with the authentication information in each of a plurality of electronic payment means; Authentication control means for causing face authentication using the authentication device to be performed on the captured image taken by the user at the time of settlement; Collection means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; Determination means for determining the electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled; An electronic payment system comprising the above. (Appendix C2) The determination means: Applying a predetermined ranking criterion to the collected value-related information to rank each electronic payment means, and determining the electronic payment means to be settled according to the ranking The electronic payment system according to appended note C1 (Appended note D1) A computer comprising storage means for associating and storing authentication information for each of a user and a plurality of electronic payment means For a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement, performing face authentication using an authentication device storing face feature information of the user Using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication, collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means Based on the collected value-related information, determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means Issuing an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled Electronic payment method (Appended note E1) A computer comprising storage means for associating and storing a user, face feature information of the user, and authentication information for each of a plurality of electronic payment means For a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement, performing face authentication using the face feature information Using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication, collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means Based on the collected value-related information, determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means Issuing an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be settled Electronic payment method (Appended note F1) In a computer comprising storage means for associating and storing authentication information for each of a user and a plurality of electronic payment means An authentication control process for causing face authentication to be performed on a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement using an authentication device storing face feature information of the user Using the authentication information associated with the user who has successfully passed the face authentication, a collection process for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means; A determination process for determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; An execution instruction process for giving an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled; A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an electronic payment program for executing the above. (Appendix G1) A computer including storage means for associatively storing a user, the face feature information of the user, and authentication information for each of a plurality of electronic payment means; An authentication control process for performing face authentication using the face feature information on a captured image captured by the user at the time of settlement; Using the authentication information associated with the user who has successfully passed the face authentication, a collection process for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each electronic payment means; A determination process for determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; An execution instruction process for giving an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled; A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an electronic payment program for executing the above.

[0112] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments (and examples). However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (and examples). Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 1 Electronic payment device 1a Electronic payment device 11 Storage unit 110a User 110b Face feature information 111 Authentication information 11n Authentication information 12 Authentication control unit 12a Authentication control unit 13 Collection unit 14 Decision-making unit 15 Execution instruction unit 1000 Electronic payment system 100 Payment terminal 110 Camera 120 Memory unit 130 Communication unit 140 Display unit 150 Control unit 151 Photographing unit 153 Commodity reading unit 154 Payment request unit 200 User terminal 210 Camera 220 Memory unit 230 Communication unit 240 Display unit 250 Control unit 251 Photographing unit 252 Registration unit 253 Commodity reading unit 254 Payment request unit 300 Electronic payment device 300a Electronic payment device 310 Memory unit 311 Program 312 Payment method management information 3120 User ID 3121a Electronic payment method ID 3121b Electronic payment method ID 3121n Electronic payment method ID 3122a Authentication information 3122b Authentication information 3122n Authentication information 313 Ranking rule 313a Ranking model 314 History information 3141 Value-related information 3142 Electronic payment method ID 320 Control unit 321 Acquisition unit 322 Authentication Control Unit 323 Collection Unit 324 Decision Unit 324a Decision Unit 325 Execution Instruction Unit 326 History Registration Unit 327 Learning Unit 330 Memory 340 Communication Unit 400 Authentication Device 410 Face Information DB 411 User ID 412 Face Feature Information 420 Face Detection Unit 430 Feature Point Extraction Unit 440 Registration Unit 450 Authentication Unit 500a Payment System 501 Authentication Information 502 Balance 503 Point Balance 504 Reduction Information 500b Payment System 500n Payment System 600 Payment Method Selection Screen 610 Sort Result Display Selection Area 620 Sort Result Display Selection Area 630 Sort Result Display Selection Area 640 Advertisement Display Selection Area N Network U User

Claims

1. Storage means for associating and storing a user with the user's authentication information in each electronic payment of a plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user; Authentication control means for causing an authentication device that stores the face feature information of the user with respect to the captured image of the user captured at the time of payment to perform face authentication; Collection means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each of the plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user, using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; First determination means for determining a predetermined number of electronic payment means from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information, and determining a previously designated electronic payment means from among the plurality of electronic payment means; Presentation means for presenting to the user the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the value-related information for each of the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the previously designated electronic payment means, and the value-related information of the previously designated electronic payment means; Second determination means for determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the presented electronic payment means; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled; An electronic payment device comprising:

2. The electronic payment device according to claim 1, wherein the presented value-related information includes at least one of an electronic settlement means name, a remaining charge amount, a held point, and reduction information.

3. The second determination means: Receives a selection by the user from among the presented electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means selected by the user as the settlement target. The electronic payment device according to claim 1.

4. The second determination means: Applies a predetermined ranking criterion to the collected value-related information to rank each electronic payment means, Presents a predetermined number of electronic payment means to the user based on the assigned rank, and presents the previously designated electronic payment means. The electronic payment device according to claim 3.

5. Storage means for associating and storing a user with the user's authentication information in each electronic payment of a plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user; Authentication control means for causing an authentication device that stores the face feature information of the user with respect to the captured image of the user captured at the time of payment to perform face authentication; ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Collecting means for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each of the plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user, using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication; Determining a predetermined number of electronic payment means from among the plurality of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information; First determining means for determining a pre-specified electronic payment means from among the plurality of electronic payment means; Presentation means for presenting to the user the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the value-related information for each of the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the pre-specified electronic payment means, and the value-related information of the pre-specified electronic payment means; Second determining means for determining an electronic payment means to be the settlement target from among the presented electronic payment means; Execution instruction means for giving an execution instruction for settlement processing using the electronic payment means to be the settlement target; Comprising; The second determining means receives a selection by the user from among the presented electronic payment means, and determines the electronic payment means selected by the user as the settlement target; The second determining means applies a predetermined ranking criterion to the collected value-related information to rank each electronic payment means, presents a predetermined number of electronic payment means to the user based on the assigned rank, and presents the pre-specified electronic payment means; If the second determining means does not receive a selection from the user within a predetermined time after the presentation to the user, the second determining means determines the electronic payment means with the highest assigned rank among the plurality of electronic payment means as the settlement target. An electronic payment device.

6. History registration means for registering, as history information, the set of the collected value-related information and the determined electronic payment means to be the settlement target in the storage means; Learning means for learning a ranking model that performs a process of ranking the plurality of electronic payment means using the value-related information as an input, using the history information as learning data; Further comprising; The second determining means Ranks the plurality of electronic payment means using the learned ranking model as the ranking criterion. The electronic payment device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. Further comprising acquisition means for acquiring the captured image before completion of the reading process of all settlement target goods for the settlement; The execution instruction means, after completion of the reading process of all settlement target goods, the settlement target ​ ​ ​ ​ Execute an instruction to perform a settlement process using an elephant's electronic payment means The electronic payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6

8. The value-related information includes the remaining balance of the privilege information given to the user in each electronic payment means Including The electronic payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7

9. The value-related information includes the reduction schedule information that is expected to be returned to the user in each electronic payment means in this settlement Including The electronic payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8

10. A computer having storage means for storing in association with each other the user and the authentication information of the user in each electronic payment of a plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user, For the photographed image of the user taken at the time of settlement, cause an authentication device that stores the face feature information of the user to perform face authentication, Using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication, collect value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each of the plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user, From among the plurality of electronic payment means, determine a predetermined number of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information, From among the plurality of electronic payment means, determine a pre-specified electronic payment means, Present to the user the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the value-related information for each of the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the pre-specified electronic payment means, and the value-related information of the pre-specified electronic payment means, Determine an electronic payment means to be settled from among the presented electronic payment means, An electronic payment method for executing an instruction to perform a settlement process using the determined electronic payment means to be settled

11. A computer having storage means for storing in association with each other the user and the authentication information of the user in each electronic payment of a plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user, An authentication control process for causing an authentication device that stores the face feature information of the user to perform face authentication on the photographed image of the user taken at the time of settlement, A collection process for collecting value-related information regarding the settlement value held by the user in each of the plurality of electronic payment means owned by the user using the authentication information associated with the user who has succeeded in the face authentication, From among the plurality of electronic payment means, determine a predetermined number of electronic payment means based on the collected value-related information, ​ ​ ​ A first determination process for determining a pre-specified electronic payment means from among the plurality of electronic payment means; presenting to the user the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the value-related information for each of the predetermined number of electronic payment means, the pre-specified electronic payment means, and the value-related information of the pre-specified electronic payment means; a second determination process for determining an electronic payment means to be settled from among the presented electronic payment means; and an execution instruction process for giving an execution instruction to perform a settlement process using the electronic payment means to be settled. A program for causing the above to be performed.

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