Payment terminal, system, method and program

Abstract

A settlement terminal (1) comprises: an acquisition unit (11) that acquires master biometric information and proof-of-age information from a storage medium which is carried by a person settling a transaction and which stores the master biometric information and the proof-of-age information for the person settling a transaction; an authentication unit (12) that performs biometric authentication by verifying query biometric information acquired from the person settling a transaction at the time of settlement against the acquired master biometric information; a determination unit (13) that, if the biometric authentication is successful and a product with an imposed age condition is included in settlement target product information of the person settling a transaction, determines whether the acquired proof-of-age information satisfies the age condition; and a settlement unit (14) that performs settlement in accordance with the determined result.

Description

Payment terminal, system and method, and computer-readable medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a payment terminal, a system, a method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to the processing of sales of products with sales restrictions in a sales format in which customers themselves register products to be purchased using a mobile terminal. In the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1, if an age verification product is included in the registered products, an age verification screen is displayed to confirm whether the customer is old enough to purchase the age verification product.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-179927

[0004] Currently, when paying for items with age restrictions at a self-checkout terminal, store staff must go to the customer making the payment to confirm their age, which places a heavy burden on the staff.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a payment terminal, system, method, and program for reducing the burden on store clerks when paying for products that have age restrictions.

[0006] The payment terminal according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition means carried by the person making a payment and acquiring the master biometric information and age proof information of the person making a payment from a storage medium storing the master biometric information and age proof information of the person making a payment; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the person making a payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination means for determining whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age condition if the biometric authentication is successful and the information on products subject to payment by the person making a payment includes products with age conditions; and a payment means for making a payment according to the result of the determination.

[0007] The payment system according to the present disclosure comprises: a storage medium carried by a payer and storing the payer's master biometric information and age proof information; and a payment terminal, wherein the payment terminal comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring the master biometric information and the age proof information from the storage medium; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination means for determining whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age condition when the biometric authentication is successful and the payer's product information for payment includes a product with an age condition; and a payment means for making payment according to the result of the determination.

[0008] The payment method disclosed herein involves a computer: acquiring the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer from a storage medium carried by the payer and storing the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer; performing biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; if the biometric authentication is successful and the information on products subject to payment by the payer includes products with age conditions, determining whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age conditions; and making payment according to the result of the determination.

[0009] The payment program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition process for acquiring master biometric information and age proof information of the payer from a storage medium carried by the payer and storing the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer; an authentication process for performing biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination process for determining whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age condition if the biometric authentication is successful and the product information of the payer to be paid for includes a product with an age condition; and a payment process for making payment according to the result of the determination.

[0010] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a payment terminal, system, method, and program for reducing the burden on store clerks when paying for products that have age restrictions.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a payment method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an age verification screen displayed on the payment terminal and a user terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining the concept of the positional relationship between a payer, a user terminal, and a payment terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining the concept of payment processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram explaining the concept of payment processing according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram explaining the concept of payment processing according to the seventh embodiment.

[0012] 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 designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment terminal 1 according to the present embodiment 1. The payment terminal 1 is an information processing device that executes payment processing when a shopper shopping at a store purchases (pays for) a product. The payment terminal 1 is installed in a predetermined physical store and is typically a so-called self-checkout terminal that is not operated by a store clerk but is operated by the shopper (payer, user) himself / herself for payment.

[0014] The payment terminal 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, an authentication unit 12, a determination unit 13, and a payment unit 14. The acquisition unit 11 acquires master biometric information and age proof information from a predetermined storage medium. Here, it is assumed that the payment person carries the predetermined storage medium when shopping at a predetermined physical store. In other words, it is assumed that the predetermined storage medium is carried by the payment person at the time of payment. The storage medium is assumed to store at least the payment person's master biometric information and age proof information. The storage medium may be, for example, a storage device built into a portable information terminal (user terminal) such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. Alternatively, the storage medium may be built into a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) card. The information terminal or the contactless IC card can communicate using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method and can transmit the master biometric information and age proof information stored in the storage medium using this method. Therefore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the master biometric information and age proof information by receiving them from the storage medium via short-range wireless communication, another wireless communication method, a communication network, or the like. The information terminal and the non-contact IC card may be compatible with two or more short-distance wireless communication methods.

[0015] Furthermore, "master biometric information" refers to pre-registered biometric information that is to be compared with query biometric information in the biometric authentication of the payer. The master biometric information is associated with age certification information in the storage medium. The master biometric information may also be associated with the identification information (user ID, etc.) of the payer (user) in the storage medium. Here, "biometric information" refers to data indicating a set of features, such as multiple feature points extracted from an image capturing at least a portion of the user's body and the distances between the feature points. Furthermore, "age certification information" refers to information for certifying the age of the payer. Age certification information is, for example, information indicating date of birth, age, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0016] The authentication unit 12 performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with master biometric information acquired from the storage medium by the acquisition unit 11. Here, "biometric authentication" refers to information processing in which the master biometric information is compared with query biometric information acquired from an individual or input by the individual at the time of authentication, and the authenticity of the individual is confirmed if the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold. Here, "query biometric information" refers to biometric information acquired from the payer himself / herself at the time of payment and is the target data for biometric authentication. For example, the query biometric information is biometric information acquired by extracting it from an image of the payer taken at the time of payment.

[0017] If biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payer includes a product with an age requirement, the determination unit 13 determines whether the acquired age verification information satisfies the age requirement. Here, "payment target product information" refers to information about the product the payer wishes to purchase at the store. In other words, the payment target product information refers to information about the product for which the payer must pay using the payment terminal. For example, the payment target product information includes a list of products selected by the payer (shopper) for purchase at the store's sales floor, as well as the price and attributes of each product. An "age requirement" refers to being above or below a certain age, or belonging to a certain generation (e.g., adult, minor, elderly, preschooler, compulsory education age, etc.). An "age-restricted product" refers to a product that requires fulfillment of an age requirement for at least one of the following: payment for the product, a discount on the payment amount, or the use or granting of benefit information. In other words, an "age-restricted product" refers to a product for which age verification is required to purchase the product or receive a benefit. The determination unit 13 may further determine whether or not the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 12 has been successful. The determination unit 13 may also determine whether or not the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition.

[0018] The payment unit 14 performs payment according to the result of the determination by the determination unit 13. The "result of the determination by the determination unit 13" refers to the result of determining whether the age certification information acquired when biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payer includes a product with an age condition satisfies the age condition. For example, if the age certification information satisfies the age condition, the payment unit 14 performs payment processing for the payment target product information, including the product with the age condition. On the other hand, if the age certification information does not satisfy the age condition, the payment unit 14 performs payment processing for the payment target product information, excluding the product with the age condition. Alternatively, if the age certification information does not satisfy the age condition, the payment unit 14 may notify the payer in a recognizable manner that the payment for the product with the age condition cannot be made or that a discount, etc., will not be applied. For example, if the age certification information does not satisfy the age condition, the payment unit 14 may display this information on the screen (not shown) of the payment terminal 1. Furthermore, if the age certification information does not satisfy the age condition, the payment unit 14 may notify a store clerk, security guard, or the like (at an information terminal accessible by such a person) in the store to go to the location of the payment terminal 1. Furthermore, the determination result by the determination unit 13 may include whether the biometric authentication was successful or not, and whether the product information subject to payment includes a product subject to an age condition. Therefore, if the biometric authentication fails, the payment unit 14 may display that fact on the screen of the payment terminal 1 or notify a store clerk, or the like. Note that if the product information subject to payment does not include a product subject to an age condition, the payment unit 14 performs payment processing for the product information subject to payment as usual.

[0019] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment method according to the first embodiment. First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires master biometric information and age certification information from a storage medium carried by the payment person and storing the payment person's master biometric information and age certification information (S11). Next, the authentication unit 12 performs biometric authentication by comparing the query biometric information acquired from the payment person at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information (S12). Then, if the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition, the determination unit 13 determines whether the acquired age certification information satisfies the age condition (S13). Then, the payment unit 14 performs payment according to the determination result (S14).

[0020] As described above, in this embodiment, at the time of payment, the identity of the payer is verified by comparing the master biometric information stored in a storage medium carried by the payer with the query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment. If the identity is verified, the age verification information acquired along with the master biometric information is used to determine whether the age requirement is met. This allows the store clerk to verify the age of the payer without visually checking the payer's identification card or other document. This allows the payment process for products requiring age verification to be properly performed, and prevents the payment of the product if the payer does not meet the age requirement. This reduces the burden on store clerks when paying for products with age requirements. It also eliminates the need for the payer to take out and present their identification card or other document for age verification.

[0021] The payment terminal 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of the payment method according to this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. This allows the processor to implement the functions of an acquisition unit 11, authentication unit 12, determination unit 13, and payment unit 14.

[0022] Alternatively, each component of the payment terminal 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and a program. Furthermore, processors that can be used include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc.

[0023] <Embodiment 2> This embodiment 2 is a specific example of the above-described embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1001 according to this embodiment 2. The payment system 1001 is an information system for supporting age verification of a person making a payment when paying for a product that has an age condition using a self-checkout terminal in a store 700. The store 700 includes at least a sales floor 71 and a cash register area 72.

[0024] The sales floor 71 displays multiple products 3-1, etc. A product code 30-1 is displayed or printed on each product 3-1. The product code 30-1 includes identification information that can identify the product information of the corresponding product 3-1 and is an example of an information code generated according to a predetermined rule. The product code 30-1 may be, for example, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode or a combination of alphanumeric characters and symbols, but is not limited to these. In the following description, the product 3-1, etc. may be simply referred to as "product 3," and the product code 30-1, etc. may be simply referred to as "product code 30." The product information for each product 3 is registered in a product database (not shown) that can be connected to the management server (not shown) of the store 700. The product database manages identification information that can be identified from the product code 30 in association with the corresponding product information. The product information may include, for example, product details, price, and age requirements for payment for the product. A shopper (user) U1 carries a user terminal 100-1 and enters a store 700, and places one or more desired products 3 into a shopping cart 4-1 in a sales area 71. The shopper U1 then goes to the cash register area 72 and makes a payment.

[0025] The cash register area 72 is a payment location for purchased items, where one or more self-checkout terminals 200-1 to 200-m (m is a natural number equal to or greater than 1) are installed. Note that the self-checkout terminals 200-1 and the like have the same functions, and in the following description, they may be simply referred to as "self-checkout terminals 200." The payer U2 is a person similar to the above-mentioned shopper U1 who is staying in the cash register area 72. That is, the payer U2 carries a user terminal 100-2, and the shopping cart 4-2 contains items such as product 3-2. Note that product 3-2 has a product code 30-2 displayed or printed on it. Note that in the following description, shopper U1 and payer U2 may be referred to as "user U." It is also assumed that store clerks or security guards (not shown) are on standby in the cash register area 72 or elsewhere within the store 700. Then, in response to the notification from the self-checkout terminal 200, a store clerk or the like rushes to the location of the self-checkout terminal 200 that sent the notification and serves or otherwise assists the payer (user) U2.

[0026] The user terminal 100-2 has a built-in storage medium 5 and is capable of communicating via one or more types of short-range wireless communication and other wireless communication. The storage medium 5 stores a user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age certification information 53 in association with each other. The detailed configuration of the user terminal 100 will be described later.

[0027] The payment process according to this embodiment is performed, for example, as follows. First, the payer U2 holds the product code 30-2 of the product 3-2 in the shopping cart 4-2 over the product code reader (not shown) of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 to read the product code, and then inputs the product information to be paid into the self-checkout terminal 200-1. The payer U2 then sequentially reads the product codes 30 for the other products 3 in the shopping cart 4-2 into the self-checkout terminal 200-1 in the same manner. If the input product information to be paid includes a product with an age condition, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires at least facial feature information 52 and age certification information 53 from the storage medium 5 in the user terminal 100-2. Furthermore, if the input product information to be paid includes a product with an age condition, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 captures a photograph of the face of the payer U2. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then performs face authentication based on the facial feature information 52 (master biometric information) acquired from the storage medium 5 and the facial feature information (query biometric information) extracted from the captured facial image. If the self-checkout terminal 200-1 succeeds in facial authentication of the payer U2 and the age certification information 53 acquired from the storage medium 5 satisfies the age conditions, it determines that the product 3-2 can be paid for, adds it to the group of products to be paid for, and performs the payment process. On the other hand, if the facial authentication of the payer U2 fails, or if the facial authentication is successful but the acquired age certification information 53 does not satisfy the age conditions, it displays a message that the product 3-2 cannot be paid for, and notifies a store clerk or the like.

[0028] In the payment system 1001, the self-checkout terminal 200, the management server, and the product database are communicatively connected via a communication network (not shown). Furthermore, the user terminal 100 may also be communicatively connected to the communication network. Here, the communication network is a wired or wireless communication line or communication network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a wireless communication network, a mobile phone network, etc. Furthermore, the communication network may use any type of communication protocol.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 100 according to the second embodiment. The user terminal 100 is an example of an information terminal that a user U carries when entering a store 700, when paying for a product 3, and when leaving the store 700. For example, the user terminal 100 is a mobile information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The user terminal 100 includes a storage unit 110, a memory 120, a communication unit 130, a control unit 140, a display unit 150, and a camera 160. The storage unit 110 includes the storage medium 5 described above and is an example of a storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 110 stores user information 111 and a program 112.

[0030] The user information 111 is information that associates a user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age certification information 1113 of the user U. The user ID 1111 is identification information of the user U and may be, for example, a membership ID of the store 700. The facial feature information 1112 is an example of master biometric information and is a feature vector that indicates a set of feature amounts, such as the distance between feature points corresponding to the positions of the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. extracted from the face image of the user U. The age certification information 1113 is information that certifies information related to the user U's age, such as the date of birth, age, and decade of his / her membership. The age certification information 1113 may be, for example, electronic data of a My Number card, driver's license data, passport, health insurance card, or other identification information. The age verification information 1113 may be information used for KYC (Know Your Customer) that identifies age, such as the year of birth, month of birth, date of birth, generation (teens, twenties, etc.), age type flag (adult flag, minor flag, elderly flag), etc. The user information 111 may be membership information of the store 700.

[0031] The program 112 is a computer program that implements the facial information registration process according to the second embodiment, the process of transferring the user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200, and the like. The program 112 may include, for example, an application program (membership app) for members of the store 700.

[0032] The storage unit 110 may further store payment information. The payment information is information for the user U to make an electronic payment using the self-checkout terminal 200 or the like. The payment information is, for example, bank account information, credit card information, user U's identification information (account information) and balance for code payment or electronic money, etc.

[0033] The memory 120 is a volatile storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) and serves as a storage area for temporarily storing information while the control unit 140 is operating. The communication unit 130 is a wireless communication interface with the communication network described above. The communication unit 130 may be connected to the Internet via a wireless communication network or a mobile phone network. The communication unit 130 is also capable of short-range wireless communication using a predetermined method. Specifically, the communication unit 130 includes a short-range wireless communication interface (IF) 131. The short-range wireless communication IF 131 establishes a connection and communicates with an IF of another device using the same short-range wireless communication method within a predetermined range using a short-range wireless communication method X. The method X may correspond to a standard or method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), but is not limited to these. The communication unit 130 may also include two or more short-range wireless communication IFs.

[0034] Display unit 150 is a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. Display unit 150 displays information instructed by control unit 140. Camera 160 is one or more imaging devices that capture images of user U's face or the like in response to an operation by user U or an instruction from control unit 140, outputs the captured image to control unit 140, and also displays the image on display unit 150.

[0035] The control unit 140 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the user terminal 100. The control unit 140 loads the program 112 from the storage unit 110 into the memory 120 and executes the program 112. In this way, the control unit 140 realizes the functions of a registration unit 141, an acquisition unit 142, a wireless communication unit 143, and a display control unit 144.

[0036] The registration unit 141 performs a facial information registration process for the user U. The registration unit 141 controls the camera 160 in response to an operation by the user U to capture an image of the user U's face. The registration unit 141 transmits the facial image of the user U to an authentication infrastructure system (not shown) via a network, and receives facial feature information extracted by the authentication infrastructure system and an issued user ID. The registration unit 141 associates the received user ID 1111 with the facial feature information 1112 and stores the associated information as user information 111 in the storage unit 110. The registration unit 141 also registers age certification information 1113, read by the wireless communication unit 143 from a contactless IC card (not shown) on which the user U's age certification information is recorded, in the storage unit 110 as the user information 111 in association with the user ID 1111 and the facial feature information 1112.

[0037] The acquisition unit 142 controls the camera 160 in response to the operation of the user U to capture an image of an information code displayed on the screen of the self-checkout terminal 200 or an information code printed on a piece of paper or an object. The acquisition unit 142 then analyzes the captured image to acquire the information code. In other words, the acquisition unit 142 reads the information code displayed on the screen or the like, analyzes the information code, and acquires information related to the processing. Examples of the information related to the processing include, but are not limited to, connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection and a control command for the user terminal 100. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 142 may output connection information included in the acquired information code to the wireless communication unit 143. The connection information is identification information, an address, or the like of the self-checkout terminal 200 that is the connection destination of the short-range wireless communication. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 142 may execute a control command or the like included in the acquired information code.

[0038] The wireless communication unit 143 performs wireless communication with the self-checkout terminal 200 or the like that is capable of short-range wireless communication in a method supported by the short-range wireless communication IF 131. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 143 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200 using connection information included in the information code acquired by the acquisition unit 142. The wireless communication unit 143 then transmits user information 211 via short-range wireless communication to the self-checkout terminal 200 with which the connection has been established. In other words, the wireless communication unit 143 transmits at least facial feature information 1112 and age certification information 1113 to the self-checkout terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication in response to reading of an information code displayed on a screen or the like. The wireless communication unit 143 may also receive a payment result, a payment failure message, a payment completion code, and the like from the self-checkout terminal 200 via short-range wireless communication.

[0039] The display control unit 144 displays the received payment result, payment failure message, payment completion code, etc. on the display unit 150.

[0040] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the self-checkout terminal 200 according to the second embodiment. The self-checkout terminal 200 is a specific example of the payment terminal 1 described above. The self-checkout terminal 200 may be a tablet terminal or the like. The self-checkout terminal 200 includes a storage unit 210, a memory 220, a communication unit 230, a control unit 240, a display unit 250, a camera 260, and a reading unit 280.

[0041] The storage unit 210 is an example of a storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 210 stores user information 211 and a program 212. The user information 211 is information that associates a user ID 2111, facial feature information 2112, and age certification information 2113 acquired from the storage medium 5 by a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the user ID 2111, facial feature information 2112, and age certification information 2113 are each equivalent to the above-mentioned user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age certification information 1113, respectively. The program 212 is a computer program (payment program) in which payment processing and the like according to the second embodiment are implemented.

[0042] It is sufficient that the storage unit 210 stores at least the program 212. Therefore, the user information 211 may be stored in an external storage device or memory 220 connected to the self-checkout terminal 200.

[0043] The memory 220 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the control unit 240. The communication unit 230 is a wireless communication interface with the above-mentioned communication network. The communication unit 230 may also be connected to the communication network via wired or wireless communication.

[0044] The communication unit 230 is capable of wireless communication using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method. Specifically, the communication unit 230 includes short-range wireless communication IFs 231 and 232. The short-range wireless communication IF 231 establishes a connection with an IF of another device using the same method within a predetermined range using short-range wireless communication method X, and performs communication. Method X is the same method as the short-range wireless communication IF 131 described above. The short-range wireless communication IF 232 establishes a connection with an IF of another device using the same method within a predetermined range using short-range wireless communication method Y, and performs communication. The short-range wireless communication IF 232 may be implemented by an antenna, an interface circuit, or the like. Method Y may correspond to a standard or method such as, for example, Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), but is not limited to these.

[0045] The display unit 250 is a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 250 displays information instructed by the control unit 240. The camera 260 is one or more imaging devices that, in response to instructions from the control unit 240, captures an image of the face of the user U who is making the payment, and outputs the captured image to the control unit 240. The display unit 250 may also display the captured facial image. The self-checkout terminal 200 may also be equipped with a human presence sensor (not shown) that detects a person within a predetermined range. In this case, the camera 260, in response to detection of a person by the human presence sensor 270, captures an image of the face of the user U, outputs the captured image to the control unit 240, and may also display the image on the display unit 250.

[0046] The reading unit 280 outputs the product code 30 read by a handy scanner (not shown) connected to the self-checkout terminal 200 to the acquiring unit 241. Alternatively, the reading unit 280 may be the handy scanner itself.

[0047] When a contactless IC card, which is an example of a storage medium, is held over the reading unit 280, the reading unit 280 may establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the contactless IC card, read data from the contactless IC card, and output the read data to the acquiring unit 241. In other words, the reading unit 280 may have the function of a wireless communication transmitting / receiving unit via the short-range wireless communication IF 132 according to the short-range wireless communication method Y.

[0048] The control unit 240 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the edge terminal 200. The control unit 240 loads the program 212 from the storage unit 210 into the memory 220 and executes the program 212. In this way, the control unit 240 realizes the functions of an acquisition unit 241, a storage unit 242, an authentication unit 243, a determination unit 244, a settlement unit 245, and an output unit 246.

[0049] The acquisition unit 241 is an example of the acquisition unit 11 described above. In response to the user terminal 100 reading a first information code, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the facial feature information 1112 and the age certification information 1113 read from the storage medium 5 and transmitted by the user terminal 100. Here, the first information code is an information code displayed on the display unit 250 for transmitting the master biometric information and the age certification information to the payment terminal. In particular, in response to the user terminal 100 reading the first information code, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information transmitted from the user terminal 100 via short-range wireless communication. Here, the first information code includes connection information such as identification information and an address of the self-checkout terminal 200, which is the connection destination of the short-range wireless communication. Then, the acquisition unit 241 establishes a connection with the user terminal 100 using the connection information read by the user terminal 100, thereby acquiring the master biometric information and the age certification information via short-range wireless communication. That is, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the user ID, master biometric information, and age certification information from the storage medium 5 carried by the user U using a predetermined method of short-range wireless communication.

[0050] The acquisition unit 241 may be on standby while being enabled to acquire information using each of the predetermined short-range wireless communication methods. Therefore, for example, when the user terminal 100 with method X enabled enters the communication range of the short-range wireless communication IF 231, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the user ID 1111, the facial feature information 1112, and the age certification information 1113 from the storage medium 5 via the short-range wireless communication IF 231 using method X. Alternatively, when a contactless IC card enters the communication range of the short-range wireless communication IF 232, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire the user ID 1111, the facial feature information 1112, and the age certification information 1113 from the storage medium 5 in the contactless IC card via the short-range wireless communication IF 232 using method Y. In other words, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire the master biometric information, the age certification information, and the like through short-range wireless communication with the contactless IC card using method Y. Alternatively, as described above, the acquisition unit 241 may acquire the master biometric information, age certification information, etc. from the storage medium 5 in the contactless IC card via the short-range wireless communication IF 232 and the reading unit 280.

[0051] The acquisition unit 241 may also acquire the product code 30 read by the reading unit 280, analyze the product code 30, and acquire it as payment target product information. At this time, the acquisition unit 241 may search the product database using the identification information of the product 3 obtained by analyzing the product code 30 as a search key, and acquire the product information of the searched product 3 as payment target product information. The acquisition unit 241 may also sequentially add product information corresponding to each product code 30 to the payment target product information each time multiple product codes 30 are acquired. The acquisition unit 241 may store the payment target product information, i.e., a list of product information to be paid, in the storage unit 210 or the memory 220.

[0052] The saving unit 242 associates the user ID 2111, facial feature information 2112, and age certification information 2113 acquired by the acquiring unit 241, and saves them as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or the memory 220. The saving unit 242 may delete the user information 211 after a certain period of time has elapsed since saving the user information 211. In other words, the saving unit 242 may temporarily save the user information 211 in the storage unit 210. The user information 211 is saved and deleted sequentially in the storage unit 210, but there may be cases where multiple pieces of user information 211, i.e., two or more pieces of facial feature information 2112, are temporarily saved.

[0053] The authentication unit 243 is an example of the above-mentioned authentication unit 12. The authentication unit 243 performs face authentication by comparing query biometric information (facial feature information B) extracted from an image of the user U captured by controlling the camera 260 with master biometric information (facial feature information A, facial feature information 2112) stored in the user information 211 in the storage unit 210. Specifically, the authentication unit 243 includes a face detection unit 2431, a feature information extraction unit 2432, and an authentication processing unit 2433.

[0054] The face detection unit 2431 detects a facial area from an image of the user U captured by the camera 260, and outputs a facial image corresponding to the detected facial area to the feature information extraction unit 2432. The feature information extraction unit 2432 extracts a plurality of feature points indicative of the person's facial features from the facial area (facial image) detected by the face detection unit 2431, and calculates a feature vector, which is a collection of feature amounts such as distances between the extracted feature points. In other words, the feature information extraction unit 2432 can be said to extract the feature vector calculated from the facial image as facial feature information. The feature information extraction unit 2432 then outputs the extracted facial feature information to the authentication processing unit 2433. The authentication processing unit 2433 compares the facial feature information (query biometric information) extracted by the feature information extraction unit 2432 with each of one or more pieces of facial feature information 2112 (master biometric information) in the user information 211, and calculates the degree of match. If the degree of match is equal to or greater than the threshold, the authentication processing unit 2433 determines that the face authentication has been successful, and if the degree of match is less than the threshold, the authentication processing unit 2433 determines that the face authentication has failed.

[0055] The determination unit 244 is an example of the determination unit 13 described above. The determination unit 244 determines whether or not the facial authentication by the authentication unit 243 is successful. If the facial authentication is successful, the determination unit 244 refers to the storage unit 210 and identifies the user ID 2111 and the age certification information 2113 associated with the facial feature information 2112. The determination unit 244 also determines whether or not the payment target product information acquired by the acquisition unit 241 includes a product with an age condition. Note that the order of the determination of the facial authentication result by the determination unit 244 and the determination of the inclusion of a product with an age condition does not matter. Then, if the facial authentication is successful and the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition, the determination unit 244 determines whether or not the identified age certification information 2113 satisfies the age condition.

[0056] The settlement unit 245 and the output unit 246 are examples of the settlement unit 14 described above. If the payment target product information does not include any products with age conditions, or if the age certification information 2113 of the user U who is the settler satisfies the age conditions for each product, the settlement unit 245 performs settlement processing for all products in the payment target product information. The settlement unit 245 calculates the total price of all products in the payment target product information and outputs the breakdown of the price of each product, the amount of discount applied, the total price, etc. to the output unit 246. The settlement unit 245 also performs settlement processing in response to payment by cash or payment using various payment information from the user U. Alternatively, if facial authentication by the authentication unit 243 is successful, the settlement unit 245 may perform settlement processing using the payment information associated with the user ID 2111. On the other hand, if the payment target product information includes any products for which the age certification information 2113 does not satisfy the age conditions, the settlement unit 245 notifies the output unit 246 of this fact.

[0057] The output unit 246 displays on the display unit 250 the breakdown of the prices of each product, the amount of discount applied, the total amount, and the like output from the payment unit 245. After the payment process by the payment unit 245 is completed, the output unit 246 displays that fact on the display unit 250. After the payment process is completed by the payment unit 245, the output unit 246 may also transmit a payment completion information code to the user terminal 100. The payment completion information code is information verifying that the payer U2 has made a payment within the store 700. When leaving the store 700, the payer U2 can read the payment completion information code displayed on the user terminal 100-2 into an authentication terminal (not shown) installed at the exit of the store 700, and after the completion of the payment is confirmed, the payer U2 can leave the store.

[0058] The output unit 246 outputs a first information code for transmitting the master biometric information and the age certification information to the self-checkout terminal 200 to be displayed on the display unit 250. In particular, the output unit 246 according to this embodiment outputs the first information code to be displayed on the display unit 250 when the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the second embodiment. First, the payer U2 causes the reading unit 280 of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 to read (scan) the product code 30 of the product 3 to be paid for. In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires product information for the scanned product code 30 (S201). For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 analyzes the product code 30 and acquires the product information of the product 3 from a product database. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 adds the acquired product information to the payment target information and saves it. It is assumed that the payer U2 scans the product codes 30 of all the products 3 in the shopping cart 4. Therefore, the payment target product information includes information on all the products that the payer U2 wishes to purchase.

[0060] Next, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether an age condition is imposed on the product information to be paid for (S202). Specifically, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether an age condition is included in the attributes of the product information. For example, if the product is an alcoholic beverage or tobacco, for which there is an age restriction on the purchase of the product and age verification is required at the time of purchase (payment), the product is determined to have an age condition. Alternatively, for a product to which a discount for teenagers or younger or a senior discount is applicable, the age condition may be that the purchaser is under 20 years old or 60 years old or older.

[0061] If it is determined in step S202 that an age condition is imposed on the product information, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays an age verification code on the screen (S206). Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an age verification screen displayed on the payment terminal (self-checkout terminal 200-1) and the user terminal 100-2 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram explaining the concept of the positional relationship between the settlor U2, the user terminal 100-2, and the payment terminal (self-checkout terminal 200-1) according to the second embodiment. The processing from steps S201 to S208 in Fig. 6 will be explained with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0062] First, the payer U2 picks up the reading unit 280 (handheld scanner) of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 and scans the product code 30-x of the product 3-x (alcoholic beverage) he or she wishes to purchase (S201). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines that the product information corresponding to the product code 30-x imposes an age requirement (YES in S202) and displays confirmation messages M11 and M12 and an age verification code C1-1 on the display unit 250. The confirmation message M11 is an example of an operation support message for the payer U2, such as "Please operate without touching the screen." This makes it easier for the payer U2 to pay contactlessly, which may contribute to preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The confirmation message M12 is an example of a message prompting the payer U2 to scan the age verification code C1-1 with the user terminal 100-2. The age verification code C1-1 is an example of a first information code. The age verification code C1-1 includes connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1, and a control command for transmitting user information (user ID, facial feature information, and age certification information) to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication.

[0063] The settlor U2 photographs the age verification code C1-1 displayed on the display unit 250 using the camera 160 of the user terminal 100-2 that he or she carries (S204-0 in FIG. 8). In response, the user terminal 100-2 analyzes the age verification code C1-1 contained in the photographed image and obtains the connection information and control command described above. The user terminal 100-2 may also display the photographed age verification code C1-2 on the display unit 150. Then, in response to the control command, the user terminal 100-2 uses the connection information to attempt to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100-2 (S207).

[0064] Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the facial feature information A, age certification information, etc. from the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication (S208). For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may transmit an acquisition request for the facial feature information A, age certification information, etc. to the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication. In this case, when the user terminal 100-2 receives an acquisition request from the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, it reads out the user information 111 from the storage unit 110 and transmits the read out user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication. In other words, the user terminal 100-2 transmits the user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, and age certification information 1113 stored in the storage unit 110 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. Instead of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 sending the acquisition request, the user terminal 100-2 may read the user information 111 from the storage unit 110 in response to a control command acquired by analyzing the age verification code C1-1. Then, the user terminal 100-2 may transmit the read user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, as described above.

[0065] Thereafter, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 stores the acquired user ID 2111, facial feature information A (2112), and age certification information 2113 as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0066] In addition, steps S203 to S205 are executed in parallel with or before or after steps S206 to S208. That is, if the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines in step S202 that an age condition is imposed on the product information, it displays a face capture message (S203). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 captures an image of the user's face (S204). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 extracts facial feature information B (query biometric information) from the facial image (S205).

[0067] After steps S205 and S208, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 compares the facial feature information A and B to perform facial authentication (S209). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then determines whether facial authentication was successful (S210). If facial authentication was successful, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether the age certification information satisfies the age conditions (S211). If different age conditions are imposed on multiple products, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether the age certification information satisfies all of the age conditions. If the age certification information satisfies all of the age conditions imposed on each product, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for the product information (S212). That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for all of the product information to be paid, including products to which age conditions are imposed. If it is determined in step S202 that no age conditions are imposed on the product information, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for all of the product information to be paid (S212).

[0068] After step S212, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 transmits a payment completion code to the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication (S213). In response, the user terminal 100-2 receives the payment completion code from the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication and stores the payment completion code in the memory unit 110. Then, the user terminal 100-2 becomes able to display the payment completion code on the display unit 150 in response to an operation by the settlor U2.

[0069] On the other hand, if facial authentication fails in step S210, or if the age condition is not met in step S211, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays on the display unit 250 that payment is not possible and notifies the store clerk or other person (at their terminal) of this fact (S214).

[0070] In the above description, step S202 is performed after the settlor U2 scans the product codes 30 of all products 3 in the shopping cart 4. However, this is not limiting. For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may execute step S202 each time a product code 30 is scanned (S201), and execute steps S203 to S211 for each product that has an age requirement. In this case, if the settlor U2's age verification information satisfies the age requirement, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 adds the product to the payment target product information, executes steps S201 and S202 for the next product, and repeats these steps for all products. In other words, each time a product code is read, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may determine whether the product has an age requirement (whether age verification is required), and perform age verification for products that require age verification each time. Alternatively, when determining whether an age condition is imposed on the product each time a product code is read, if the age condition is the same as that imposed on a previously read product and it has already been determined that the age condition is met, the product may also be displayed as having undergone age verification, and a second age verification (steps S203 to S211) may be omitted.

[0071] In this way, with this embodiment, the self-checkout terminal performs age verification at the time of payment for products that have age conditions, and if the age conditions are met, the payer U2 can make the payment without notifying the store clerk, etc. Therefore, at the time of payment, the store clerk does not need to rush to the self-checkout terminal to verify the age of the payer U2, and does not need to visually verify the age of the payer U2 by checking their identification, etc. This reduces the burden on the store clerk.

[0072] Furthermore, if the product information has an age requirement, an age verification code and a face photograph message are displayed. Therefore, the payer U2 can perform face authentication, provide age proof information, and confirm his / her age simply by following the message and photographing the age verification code with his / her user terminal 100. In other words, the payer U2 can avoid the trouble of taking out and presenting an identification card from a wallet, etc. On the other hand, if the product information subject to payment does not include a product with an age requirement, the payment process can be carried out as is, so the convenience of payment when no age requirement is imposed is not impaired.

[0073] 8, the display position of the age verification code C1-1 in FIG. 7, and the installation position of the camera 260 make it difficult for the position of the user terminal 100-2 when the payer U2 photographs the age verification code C1 to overlap with the angle of view of the camera 260. This can improve the accuracy of face authentication using the face image photographed by the camera 260.

[0074] <Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 is a modification of the above-described embodiment 2. Specifically, each time a shopper selects a product, the shopper reads the product code into an information terminal provided by the store, and at the time of payment, the shopper transfers the product information to be paid for stored in the information terminal to a self-checkout terminal to make the payment.

[0075] 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1002 according to the third embodiment. Compared to the above-described payment system 1001, the payment system 1002 additionally includes rental terminals 6-1, 6-2, etc. Adjacent to each of the self-checkout terminals 200-1 to 200-m, accounting codes C2-1 to C2-m are readably displayed, posted, printed, etc. In the following description, rental terminals 6-1, etc. may be simply referred to as "rented terminal 6," and accounting codes C2-1, etc. may be simply referred to as "accounting code C2."

[0076] The loaned terminal 6 is an information terminal loaned to a shopper from the store 700 and used to generate payment target product information. Like the user terminal 100, the loaned terminal 6 is capable of communication via one or more methods of short-range wireless communication and other wireless communication. An application program (shopping app) for shopping at the store 700 is installed on the loaned terminal 6. The shopping app is equipped with processes for generating payment target product information 62 and transmitting the payment target product information 62 using a predetermined communication method.

[0077] The accounting code C2 is an example of a second information code for performing payment processing at the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200. Specifically, the accounting code C2 includes connection information for establishing a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200 as the connection destination, and a control command for causing the lending terminal 6 to execute a process for transmitting product information to the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200. The accounting code C2 is posted on a bulletin board installed near the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, printed on a paper attached to the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, or displayed on the screen of the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200.

[0078] Shopping at the sales floor 71 according to this embodiment is carried out, for example, as follows. First, a shopper U1 picks up a rental terminal 6-1 along with a shopping cart 4-1 at the entrance of the store 700, places the rental terminal 6-1 on the shopping cart 4-1, and selects the product he or she wishes to purchase at the sales floor 71. The shopper U1 then has the rental terminal 6-1 read the product code 30-1 of the selected product 3-1. For example, the shopper U1 photographs the product code 30-1 with the camera of the rental terminal 6-1. In response, the rental terminal 6-1 analyzes the photographed image and acquires the product code 30-1. The rental terminal 6-1 then acquires product information corresponding to the product code 30-1 from the product database, adds it to the product information to be paid for, and stores it internally. At this time, the rental terminal 6-1 may display the product information to be paid for, i.e., the scanned product details, price, age requirements, etc., on its screen.

[0079] After that, shopper U1 enters the cash register area 72, and will hereafter be described as payer U2. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to this embodiment 3. Note that the description of the same processes in Figure 10 as those in Figure 6 above will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 11 is a diagram explaining the concept of payment processing according to this embodiment 3.

[0080] First, the settlement person U2, carrying the user terminal 100-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where the settlement will be made. Then, the settlement person U2 uses the camera of the loaned terminal 6-2 to photograph the transaction code C2-1 displayed on the bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 (S300 in FIG. 11). In response, the loaned terminal 6-2 analyzes the transaction code C2-1 from the photographed image and acquires connection information and control commands. In response to the control command, the loaned terminal 6-2 uses the connection information to attempt to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the loaned terminal 6-2 (S301).

[0081] The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then acquires the payment target product information from the rental terminal 6-2 via short-range wireless communication (S302). For example, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may transmit a request to acquire the payment target product information to the rental terminal 6-2 via short-range wireless communication. In this case, when the rental terminal 6-2 receives the acquisition request from the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, it reads the payment target product information 62 stored therein and transmits the read payment target product information 62 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication. Note that instead of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 sending the acquisition request, the rental terminal 6-2 may read the payment target product information 62 in response to a control command acquired by analyzing the accounting code C2-1. The rental terminal 6-2 may then transmit the read payment target product information 62 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication, as described above.

[0082] Here, it is assumed that it has been determined that the product information to be paid for has an age requirement (YES in step S202). Next, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays the confirmation message M12 and the age verification code C1-1 on the display unit 250, as described above (S206). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 may also display the confirmation message M11, as described above. Then, as described above, the user terminal 100-2 photographs the age verification code C1-1 with the camera 160 in response to the operation of the payer U2, and attempts to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1 using the connection information obtained by analyzing the age verification code C1-1. Therefore, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100-2 (S207) and acquires facial feature information A, age verification information, etc. from the user terminal 100-2 via short-range wireless communication (S208).

[0083] If the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines in step S202 that an age condition is imposed on the product information, it displays a confirmation message M13 on the display unit 250 (S203, FIG. 11). The confirmation message M13 is an example of a message informing the user that a face image will be taken for identity verification. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then takes a picture of the user's face (S204) and extracts facial feature information B (query biometric information) from the face image (S205).

[0084] After steps S205 and S208, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs face authentication by comparing the facial feature information A and B (S209). If the face authentication is successful (YES in S210), the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether the age certification information satisfies the age condition (S211). If the age condition is met, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for the product information (S212).

[0085] In this way, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment 2. Furthermore, when the settlor U2 places the product 3 in the shopping cart 4 in the sales area 71, the settlor U2 can scan the product code 30 using the loaned terminal 6, thereby eliminating the need to scan the product code 30 individually at the self-checkout terminal 200 in the cash register area 72.

[0086] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment is a modification of the second and third embodiments described above. Specifically, instead of using the loaned terminal 6 in the third embodiment, a user terminal 100b on which a shopping application is installed is used. In other words, the program installed on the user terminal 100b is an application program for members of the store 700 that integrates the functions of a shopping application program.

[0087] 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1003 according to the fourth embodiment. In the payment system 1003, the user terminal 100 in the above-described payment system 1002 is replaced with a user terminal 100b to which the functions of the lending terminal 6 are added. The user terminal 100b generates and stores payment target product information 113. Note that other configurations of the payment system 1003 are the same as those described above, and therefore, overlapping illustrations and descriptions will be omitted below as appropriate.

[0088] Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 100b according to the fourth embodiment. Compared to the user terminal 100b shown in Fig. 4, the program 112b, registration unit 141b, acquisition unit 142b, and wireless communication unit 143b have been modified, and payment target product information 113 has been added. The program 112b is the above-mentioned program 112 to which the processing of the above-mentioned shopping application program has been added. The payment target product information 113 is the same as the payment target product information 62 in the lending terminal 6-2 shown in Fig. 9.

[0089] In addition to the processing of the registration unit 141 described above, the registration unit 141b performs the processing of generating the payment target product information by the lending terminal 6 described above. That is, each time a product code 30 is read, the registration unit 141b obtains product information corresponding to the product code 30 from the product database, adds it to the payment target product information 113, and stores it in the storage unit 110 or the memory 120. At this time, the display control unit 144 may display the payment target product information 113, that is, the scanned product details, price, age requirements, etc., on the screen.

[0090] In addition to the processing of the acquisition unit 142 described above, when the accounting code C2 is photographed by the camera 160 in response to an operation by the user U, the acquisition unit 142b analyzes the accounting code C2 from the photographed image and acquires connection information and control commands. The acquisition unit 142b may output the acquired connection information to the wireless communication unit 143b.

[0091] In response to the acquired control command, the wireless communication unit 143b uses the connection information to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, and transmits the payment target product information 113 to the self-checkout terminal 200 with which the connection has been established via short-range wireless communication.

[0092] Returning to FIG. 12 , the explanation continues. In addition to the above-described processing of the acquisition unit 241, the acquisition unit 241 of the self-checkout terminal 200 performs the following processing. That is, the acquisition unit 241 acquires payment target product information 113 transmitted from an information terminal (e.g., the user terminal 100b) in response to the information terminal reading a second information code (e.g., the accounting code C2) displayed for payment. Furthermore, when the acquired payment target product information 113 includes a product with an age condition, the acquisition unit 241 acquires the master biometric information and age certification information transmitted from the information terminal (e.g., the user terminal 100b) in response to the information terminal reading a first information code (e.g., the age verification code C1).

[0093] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the payment process according to the fourth embodiment. Steps S401 and S402 are equivalent to steps S301 and S302 of FIG. 10 , performed by the user terminal 100b. Specifically, a shopper U1 scans a product code 30 in the sales area 71 using the user terminal 100b instead of the rental terminal 6. Therefore, the product information 113 to be paid for is stored in the user terminal 100b-2 carried by shopper U1 (payer U2) who has entered the cash register area 72. Then, payer U2, carrying the user terminal 100b-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where the payment will be made. Then, payer U2 uses the camera of the user terminal 100b-2 to capture a transaction code C2-1 displayed on a bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. In response, the user terminal 100b-2 analyzes the transaction code C2-1 from the captured image and acquires connection information and control commands. In response to the control command, the user terminal 100b-2 attempts to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1 using the connection information. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100b-2 (S401). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the payment target product information 113 from the user terminal 100b-2 via short-range wireless communication (S402). Thereafter, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processes from step S202 onward between the user terminal 100b-2 and the settlor U2, similar to the process shown in FIG. 10 above.

[0094] As described above, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the third embodiment. Furthermore, when the payer U2 places the product 3 in the shopping cart 4 in the sales area 71, the payer U2 can scan the product code 30 using his / her own user terminal 100b, thereby eliminating the need to individually scan the product code 30 at the self-checkout terminal 200 in the cash register area 72. This improves convenience for shoppers. Furthermore, the payer U2 can avoid the need to borrow a rental terminal 6 at the entrance of the store 700 and return it at the exit. Furthermore, the store 700 does not need to prepare, lend, or collect the rental terminal 6, thereby reducing the costs associated with these tasks.

[0095] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment is a modification of the second, third, and fourth embodiments. Specifically, when age verification is required, facial authentication and age verification are performed in response to reading of the billing code C2 by the user terminal 100b in the fifth embodiment. In other words, the role of the age verification code C1 in the fourth embodiment is integrated into the billing code C2. Therefore, the age verification code C1 or the billing code C2 in the fifth embodiment is both the first information code and the second information code. For example, the control command included in the age verification code C1 or the billing code C2 is a command to transmit the payment target product information 113 together with the user information 111 ((user ID,) facial feature information, and age certification information) to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 via short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, similar to the fourth embodiment, the user terminal 100b in the fifth embodiment is installed with a program that integrates the functions of a shopping application program (shopping app) with the application program for members of the store 700 (member app).

[0096] In response to the reading of the accounting code C2, the wireless communication unit 143b of the user terminal 100b in this embodiment 5 uses the connection information to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the corresponding self-checkout terminal 200, and transmits the product information 113 to be paid for together with the user information 111 to the self-checkout terminal 200 with which the connection has been established via short-range wireless communication.

[0097] The acquisition unit 241 of the self-checkout terminal 200 according to the fifth embodiment acquires the payment target product information 113 transmitted together with (user ID 1111,) facial feature information 1112, and age certification information 1113 in response to reading of the first information code by an information terminal (e.g., user terminal 100b). Here, the first information code may be a second information code displayed for payment, such as accounting code C2. Furthermore, the authentication unit 243 of the self-checkout terminal 200 according to the fifth embodiment performs biometric authentication when the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition.

[0098] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the fifth embodiment. Step S501 is the same as step S401 in FIG. 14 described above. However, the information code read by the user terminal 100b may be either the age verification code C1 or the accounting code C2. Furthermore, the age verification code C1 or the accounting code C2 may be written on a bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 or may be displayed in advance on the screen of the self-checkout terminal 200-1.

[0099] Specifically, the settler U2 uses the camera of the user terminal 100b-2 to capture a photograph of the transaction code C2-1 displayed on a bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. In response, the user terminal 100b-2 analyzes the transaction code C2-1 from the captured image and acquires connection information and control commands. The user terminal 100b-2 attempts to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1 using the connection information in response to the control command. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the user terminal 100b-2 (S501). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then acquires the user ID 1111, facial feature information 1112, age certification information 1113, and payment target product information 113 from the user terminal 100b-2 via short-range wireless communication (S502). Thereafter, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 stores the acquired user ID 2111, facial feature information A (2112), and age certification information 2113 as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 also stores the acquired payment target product information in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0100] Thereafter, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processes of steps S202 to S205 between the user terminal 100b-2 and the settler U2, similar to the process shown in Figure 10 above. However, because the self-checkout terminal 200-1 has already acquired the payment target product information in step S502, the processes of steps S206 to S208 shown in Figure 14 above can be omitted. Then, after step S205, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs the processes from step S209 onwards between the user terminal 100b-2 and the settler U2, similar to the process shown in Figure 14 above.

[0101] In the above-described fourth embodiment, the payer U2 had to first photograph the transaction code C2 using the user terminal 100b-2, and then photograph the age verification code C1. In other words, the payer U2 had to perform the scanning operation of the information code twice using the user terminal 100b-2 when making a payment. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the payer U2 can achieve the same effect as the fourth embodiment by simply photographing the information code, which serves both as a transaction code and as an age verification code, once using the user terminal 100b-2. This further improves convenience for shoppers.

[0102] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment is an example different from the above-described second to fifth embodiments. The sixth embodiment uses a contactless IC card as a specific example of the storage medium according to the first embodiment.

[0103] Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1006 according to the sixth embodiment. In the payment system 1006, the user terminal 100 is replaced with a contactless IC card 500, as compared to the system shown in Fig. 3 above. Furthermore, the self-checkout terminal 200 has been appropriately modified to suit the payment processing according to the sixth embodiment, as will be described later.

[0104] The contactless IC card 500 corresponds to a digital identification card for a user U (shopper U1 or payer U2). In addition to a storage medium 5, the contactless IC card 500 includes components (not shown) such as a near-field wireless communication interface (IF) and a reader-writer (RW) control unit. The contactless IC card 500, including the storage medium 5, the near-field wireless communication interface, and the RW control unit, incorporates a so-called IC chip and can be considered an IC tag capable of communicating via a predetermined near-field wireless communication method. The storage medium 5 stores a user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age certification information 53 in association with each other. The user ID 51 is identification information for the user U and may be the same as the ID (such as a My Number) in the digital identification card. However, the user ID 51 may be different from the ID in the digital identification card and may be, for example, a membership ID for the store 700. The user ID 51 is also assumed to be associated with at least the facial feature information 52 and the age certification information 53. The facial feature information 52 is the same as the facial feature information 1112 described above, and the age certification information 53 is the same as the age certification information 1113 described above. In the following description, the non-contact type IC cards 500-1 and 500-2 may be simply referred to as the "non-contact type IC card 500."

[0105] The short-range wireless communication IF of the contactless IC card 500 establishes a connection and communicates with an IF of another device of the same type within a predetermined range using short-range wireless communication method Y. The short-range wireless communication IF 1021 may be realized by an antenna, an interface circuit, or the like. Method Y may correspond to a standard or method such as NFC or RFID, for example, but is not limited to these.

[0106] The RW control unit provided in the contactless IC card 500 performs wireless communication between the IC tag on the contactless IC card 500 and a reader / writer device capable of short-range wireless communication according to method Y. Specifically, when the contactless IC card 500 enters the communication range of the reader / writer (reading unit 280) of method Y of the self-checkout terminal 200, the RW control unit communicates with the self-checkout terminal 200 via the short-range wireless communication IF according to method Y. That is, the RW control unit reads out the user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age certification information 53 from the storage medium 5, and transmits the user ID 51, facial feature information 52, and age certification information 53 to the self-checkout terminal 200 via the short-range wireless communication IF.

[0107] Here, shopping at the sales floor 71 according to this embodiment is carried out as follows: A shopper (user) U1 enters the store 700 carrying a contactless IC card 500-1, and places one or more desired products 3 into a shopping cart 4-1 at the sales floor 71. The shopper U1 then proceeds to the cash register area 72 and makes a payment.

[0108] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the sixth embodiment. Note that the description of the same processes in Fig. 17 as those in Fig. 6 will be omitted as appropriate. Fig. 18 is a diagram explaining the concept of payment processing according to the sixth embodiment.

[0109] First, the settlement person U2, carrying the contactless IC card 500-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where the settlement will be made. Then, the settlement person U2 holds the contactless IC card 500-2 over the reading unit 280-2 of the self-checkout terminal 200-1. As a result, the reading unit 280-2 scans the contactless IC card 500-2 (S600 in FIG. 18). In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the contactless IC card 500-2 (S601).

[0110] Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the user ID 51, facial feature information 52 (facial feature information A), and age certification information 53 from the contactless IC card 500-2 via short-range wireless communication (S602).The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then stores the acquired user ID 2111, facial feature information A (2112), and age certification information 2113 as user information 211 in the storage unit 210 or memory 220.

[0111] Thereafter, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs steps S202 to S205 between the user terminal 100b-2 and the settler U2, similar to the process shown in FIG. 10 above. After step S205, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 compares the facial feature information A and B to perform facial authentication (S209) and determines whether the facial authentication was successful (S210). If the facial authentication is successful, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays an age verification message M14 on the display unit 250 (S603, FIG. 18). The age verification message M14 is an example of a message requesting prior consent from the settler U2 for age verification, such as "Do you agree to age verification when paying for the product?" When the self-checkout terminal 200-1 receives the settler U2's response to the age verification message M14, it determines whether the settler U2 has agreed to the age verification (S604). For example, if the settler U2 presses "Yes," it is determined that the settler U2 has agreed to the age verification (YES in S604). Next, the payment person U2 has the reading unit 280-1 (handheld scanner) of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 read (scan) the product code 30-y of the product 3-y to be paid for. In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the product information of the scanned product code 30 (S605). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 adds the acquired product information to the payment object information and saves it. Next, the payment person U2 has the reading unit 280-1 read the product code 30-z of the product 3-z to be paid for. The payment person U2 then scans the product codes 30 of all the products 3 in the shopping cart 4. Therefore, the payment object product information includes information on all the products that the payment person U2 wishes to purchase.

[0112] The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then determines whether an age condition is imposed on the product information to be paid (S606). For example, if product 3-y does not have an age condition but product 3-z does, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines that an age condition is imposed on the product information to be paid, that is, the product information to be paid includes a product to which an age condition is imposed (YES in S606). The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then determines whether the age certification information satisfies the age condition (S211). Note that, if different age conditions are imposed on multiple products, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether the age certification information satisfies all of the age conditions. If the age conditions imposed on each product are met (all of them), the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for the product information (S212). If it is determined in step S606 that no age condition is imposed on the product information, that is, that the payment target product information does not include any products with age conditions imposed, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for all of the payment target product information (S212). After step S212, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays on the display unit 250 that payment has been completed (S607).

[0113] On the other hand, if facial authentication fails in step S210, if age verification is not agreed to in step S604, or if the age conditions are not met in step S211, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays on the display unit 250 that payment is not possible and notifies the store clerk or other person (or their terminal) of this fact (S214).

[0114] As described above, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the master biometric information and age certification information of the payer U2 are already acquired and facial authentication is performed before scanning the product code. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively deter impersonation using another person's contactless IC card 500 when purchasing a product that has an age requirement. It is also possible to more effectively deter shoplifting at self-checkout terminals. Furthermore, if age verification becomes necessary after scanning the product code, the payer U2 who meets the age requirement does not need to take any action to verify their age. This improves convenience for shoppers.

[0115] In the payment process of this embodiment 6, the contactless IC card may not be scanned before the first product is read, but may be scanned as products are read and a prompt to scan the contactless IC card may be given when a product requiring age verification is scanned. If the contactless IC card is scanned once in the payment process and age verification information is obtained, the scanning of the contactless IC card may be omitted when a subsequent product requiring age verification is scanned. Furthermore, if the age requirement is the same as that imposed on a previously scanned product and it has already been determined that the age requirement is met, the product may also be displayed as having undergone age verification, and a second age verification may be omitted.

[0116] Seventh Embodiment The seventh embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment. Specifically, a shopper uses the rental terminal and a contactless IC card described above to make purchases and payments.

[0117] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1007 according to the seventh embodiment. Compared to the above-described payment system 1006, the payment system 1007 adds loaned terminals 6-1, 6-2, etc. similar to those shown in Fig. 9. Also, similar to Fig. 9, each of the accounting codes C2-1 to C2-m is readably displayed, posted, printed, etc. adjacent to each of the self-checkout terminals 200-1 to 200-m.

[0118] Shopping at the sales floor 71 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment, except that the shopper U1 carries a contactless IC card 500-1.

[0119] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing according to the seventh embodiment. Note that the description of the same processes in Fig. 20 as those in Fig. 6 will be omitted as appropriate. Fig. 21 is a diagram explaining the concept of payment processing according to the seventh embodiment.

[0120] First, the settlement person U2, carrying the contactless IC card 500-2, moves in front of the self-checkout terminal 200-1 where the settlement will be made. Then, the settlement person U2 uses the camera of the rental terminal 6-2 to photograph the transaction code C2-1 displayed on the bulletin board installed next to the self-checkout terminal 200-1 (S700 in FIG. 21). In response, the rental terminal 6-2 analyzes the transaction code C2-1 from the photographed image and acquires connection information and control commands. In response to the control command, the rental terminal 6-2 attempts to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the self-checkout terminal 200-1 using the connection information. That is, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the rental terminal 6-2 (S701). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires payment target product information from the rental terminal 6-2 via short-range wireless communication (S702).

[0121] If it is determined that the product information to be paid for has an age requirement (YES in step S202), the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs steps S203 to S205, similar to the above-described process shown in FIG. 10 . Next, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays an age confirmation message M14 on the display unit 250 (S703, FIG. 21). Upon receiving a response from the payer U2 to the age confirmation message M14, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 determines whether the payer U2 has agreed to the age confirmation (S704). For example, if the payer U2 presses "Yes," it is determined that the payer U2 has agreed to the age confirmation (YES in S704). In this case, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 may display a membership confirmation message M15 on the display unit 250, as shown in FIG. 21. Then, the payer U2 holds the contactless IC card 500-2 over the reading unit 280-2 of the self-checkout terminal 200-1. Therefore, the reading unit 280-2 scans the contactless IC card 500-2 (S705-0 in FIG. 21). In response, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the contactless IC card 500-2 (S705). Then, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the user ID 51, facial feature information 52 (facial feature information A), and age certification information 53 from the contactless IC card 500-2 via short-range wireless communication (S706).

[0122] The self-checkout terminal 200-1 then compares the facial feature information A and B to perform facial authentication (S209). If the facial authentication is successful (YES in S210), it determines whether the age certification information satisfies the age condition (S211). If the age condition is met, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing for the product information (S212). After step S212, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays a message on the display unit 250 indicating that payment has been completed (S707).

[0123] On the other hand, if the customer does not agree to age verification in step S704, if facial authentication fails in step S210, or if the customer does not meet the age requirements in step S211, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 displays on the display unit 250 that payment is not possible and notifies the store clerk or other person (at their terminal) of this fact (S214).

[0124] As described above, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the payer U2 places the product 3 in the shopping cart 4 in the sales area 71, the payer U2 scans the product code 30 using the loaned terminal 6, thereby eliminating the need to individually scan the product code 30 at the self-checkout terminal 200 in the cash register area 72. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payer U2 agrees to age verification when purchasing a product that has an age restriction. Therefore, this can effectively prevent impersonation using another person's contactless IC card 500 when purchasing a product that has an age restriction. Furthermore, this can effectively prevent shoplifting using the self-checkout terminal.

[0125] 10 and S402 of FIG. 14, the rental terminal 6-2 may collectively transmit all of the product information included in the payment target product information 62 scanned at the sales floor 71 to the self-checkout terminal 200-1. In this case, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 collectively acquires all of the product information included in the payment target product information from the rental terminal 6-2 and performs subsequent processing. The self-checkout terminal 200-1 may also acquire product information included in the payment target product information one by one from the rental terminal 6-2 and perform steps S202 to S211 for each acquired product information. In other words, each time the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires product information, it may determine whether the product has an age requirement (whether age verification is required) (S202), and for products that require age verification, it may perform age verification each time. Alternatively, when determining whether an age condition is imposed on a product each time product information is acquired, if the age condition is the same as that imposed on a previously read product and it has already been determined that the age condition is met, the product may also be displayed as having undergone age verification, and a second age verification (steps S203 to S211) may be omitted.

[0126] The contactless IC card in the sixth and seventh embodiments may be replaced with a user terminal.

[0127] The above-described payment information may be further stored in the storage medium 5, and the payment information may be transmitted from the user terminal 100 to the self-checkout terminal 200 together with the facial feature information and age certification information in steps S208, S502, S602, and S706. The self-checkout terminal 200 may then perform payment processing using the received payment information. This allows for payment using facial authentication in addition to determining the age requirement.

[0128] In addition, the acquisition unit of the self-checkout terminal may further acquire the payment user's identification information along with the master biometric information and age certification information, and if biometric authentication is successful, the payment unit may perform payment using the payment information associated with the identification information. For example, the contactless IC card 500 may also serve as a membership card for the store 700, and the member ID (user ID 51) may be associated with the payment information of the payment user U2 and registered in a management server or the like. In this case, payment using the membership card becomes possible when the payment user U2 holds the contactless IC card 500-2 over the reading unit 280-2 (S600, S705-0). Specifically, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 acquires the user ID 51 from the contactless IC card 500-2 and performs payment processing using the payment information associated with the user ID 51. Here, since face authentication of the payment user U2 has already been successful in step S210, re-authentication is not required.

[0129] Alternatively, the payer U2 may carry a membership card (e.g., a magnetic card) for the store 700 in addition to the contactless IC card 500, and the member ID recorded on the membership card may be associated with the payment information of the payer U2 and registered in a management server or the like. In this case, in step S212, the payer U2 has the magnetic card reader (reading unit) of the self-checkout terminal 200 read the membership card, thereby enabling payment using the membership card. Specifically, the self-checkout terminal 200-1 performs payment processing using the payment information associated with the member ID read from the membership card. Therefore, the payer U2 may have the membership card read in addition to the contactless IC card 500. Alternatively, if the user ID 51 recorded on the contactless IC card 500 (transferred to the payment terminal via near-field wireless communication or the like) is associated with the member ID, reading the membership card may be omitted.

[0130] Furthermore, the payment terminal according to this embodiment may be a cash register terminal operated by a store clerk, rather than a self-checkout. In this case, when the store clerk reads the product code, if the product requires age verification, the cash register terminal may automatically display the age verification code and a face photograph message on the screen.

[0131] Furthermore, the acquisition unit of the payment terminal may acquire the master biometric information and age certification information transmitted from the information terminal via a wireless communication network in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. That is, the transmission method of the master biometric information and age certification information stored in the storage medium is not limited to short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, if the information terminal does not support short-range wireless communication or if short-range wireless communication is turned off, the information terminal may transmit the master biometric information and age certification information to the payment terminal via the wireless communication network.

[0132] Furthermore, the age requirement imposed at the time of payment for a product may be a criterion for whether or not the benefit information is applicable. In this case, the acquisition unit of the payment terminal may further acquire benefit information applicable to the payment together with the master biometric information and the age proof information, and the payment unit may apply the benefit information and make the payment if the determination result indicates that the age requirement is met.

[0133] Furthermore, the age requirement imposed at the time of payment for a product may be the criterion for whether or not a discount is applicable. In this case, if the result of the determination indicates that the age requirement is met, the payment unit of the payment terminal may apply a discount according to the age and make the payment. Note that student identification information may be used instead of age identification information. In this case, a student discount can be applied.

[0134] In addition, the user terminal or loaned terminal may read the master biometric information and age certification information from the contactless IC card using short-range wireless communication of method Y, and transmit the master biometric information and age certification information to the payment terminal using short-range wireless communication of method X.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, personal authentication (authentication of identity confirmation, identity authentication, identity identification processing, etc.) has been described as face authentication. However, other biometric authentication methods using biometric information may be used. Other technologies using captured images of a person may be applied to biometric authentication and biometric information. For example, biometric information may be data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as fingerprints, voiceprints, veins, retinas, irises, and palm patterns. Furthermore, biometric authentication may involve extracting feature information indicating a person's physical characteristics from a captured image of a portion of the user's body, comparing the extracted feature information with pre-registered feature information, and determining that authentication is successful if the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, biometric authentication may be based on a person's external shape. In this case, the feature information may be information related to the person's external shape, such as information indicating characteristics such as body shape, height, and clothing. Furthermore, other personal authentication methods may be applied instead of biometric authentication, and the biometric information may also be other personal authentication information. For example, the personal authentication information may include, but is not limited to, a user ID, a combination of ID and password, the contents of an identification card such as a My Number or a driver's license (identification number or password), an electronic certificate, code information, etc. The code information may be a two-dimensional code, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0136] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0137] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining the respective embodiments.

[0138] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: (Supplementary Note A1) A payment terminal comprising: an acquisition means carried by a payment person and acquiring master biometric information and age certification information of the payment person from a storage medium storing the master biometric information and age certification information of the payment person; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payment person at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination means for determining whether the acquired age certification information satisfies the age condition when the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition; and a payment means for making a payment in accordance with the result of the determination. (Supplementary Note A2) The payment terminal according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and age certification information read and transmitted from the storage medium by the information terminal carried by the payment person in response to the information terminal reading a first information code displayed to cause the master biometric information and age certification information to be transmitted to the payment terminal. (Supplementary Note A3) The payment terminal according to Supplementary Note A2, wherein the acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and the age proof information transmitted from the information terminal via short-range wireless communication in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. (Supplementary Note A4) The payment terminal according to Supplementary Note A3, wherein the first information code includes connection information for establishing a connection via short-range wireless communication, and the acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and the age proof information via the short-range wireless communication by establishing the connection with the information terminal using the connection information read by the information terminal. (Supplementary Note A5) The payment terminal according to Supplementary Note A2, wherein the acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and the age proof information transmitted from the information terminal via a wireless communication network in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. (Supplementary Note A6) The payment terminal according to any one of Supplements A2 to A5, wherein the acquisition means acquires the payment target product information, and further comprises display control means for displaying the first information code on a display device if the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition.(Appendix A7) The payment terminal according to any one of Appendices A2 to A5, wherein the acquisition means acquires the payment target product information transmitted together with the master biometric information and the age proof information in response to the information terminal reading the first information code, and the authentication means performs the biometric authentication if the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition. (Appendix A8) The payment terminal according to any one of Appendices A2 to A5, wherein the acquisition means acquires the payment target product information transmitted from the information terminal in response to the information terminal reading a second information code displayed for payment, and if the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition, acquires the master biometric information and the age proof information transmitted from the information terminal in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. (Appendix A9) The payment terminal according to any one of Appendices A2 to A8, wherein the payment means transmits a payment completion information code to the information terminal after the payment. (Appendix A10) The payment terminal according to any one of Appendices A1 to A9, wherein the acquisition means further acquires identification information of the payer along with the master biometric information and the age proof information, and the payment means, if the biometric authentication is successful, makes the payment using payment information associated with the identification information. (Appendix A11) The payment terminal according to any one of Appendices A1 to A10, wherein the acquisition means further acquires bonus information applicable to the payment along with the master biometric information and the age proof information, and if the result of the determination indicates that the age condition is met, the payment means applies the bonus information to make the payment. (Appendix A12) The payment terminal according to any one of Appendices A1 to A11, wherein, if the result of the determination indicates that the age condition is met, the payment means applies a discount according to age to make the payment.(Supplementary Note B1) A payment system comprising: a storage medium carried by a payment person and storing master biometric information and age proof information of the payment person; and a payment terminal, wherein the payment terminal comprises: acquisition means for acquiring the master biometric information and the age proof information from the storage medium; authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payment person at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; determination means for determining whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age condition when the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition; and payment means for making payment in accordance with the result of the determination. (Supplementary Note B2) A payment system as described in Supplementary Note B1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the master biometric information and the age proof information read and transmitted from the storage medium by the information terminal carried by the payment person in response to the information terminal reading a first information code displayed to cause the master biometric information and the age proof information to be transmitted to the payment terminal. (Appendix C1) A payment method in which a computer: acquires the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer from a storage medium carried by the payer and storing the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer; performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; if the biometric authentication is successful and the payer's product information for payment includes products with age conditions, determines whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age conditions; and makes payment according to the result of the determination.(Appendix D1) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a payment program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition process that acquires the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer from a storage medium carried by the payer and storing the master biometric information and age proof information of the payer; an authentication process that performs biometric authentication by comparing query biometric information acquired from the payer at the time of payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination process that determines whether the acquired age proof information satisfies the age condition if the biometric authentication is successful and the payer's product information for payment includes products with age conditions; and a payment process that makes payment according to the result of the determination.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments (and examples). Various modifications 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.

[0140] 1 Payment terminal 11 Acquisition unit 12 Authentication unit 13 Determination unit 14 Payment unit 1001 to 1007 Payment system U User U1 Shopper U2 Settler 100 User terminal 100b User terminal 110 Memory unit 111 User information 1111 User ID 1112 Facial feature information 1113 Age certification information 112 Program 112b Program 113 Payment target product information 120 Memory 130 Communication unit 131 Near field wireless communication IF 140 Control unit 141 Registration unit 141b Registration unit 142 Acquisition unit 142b Acquisition unit 143 Wireless communication unit 143b Wireless communication unit 144 Display control unit 150 Display unit 160 Camera 200 Self-checkout terminal 210 Memory unit 211 User information 2111 User ID 2112 Facial feature information 2113 Age certification information 212 Program 220 Memory 230 Communication unit 231 Short-range wireless communication IF 232 Short-range wireless communication IF 240 Control unit 241 Acquisition unit 242 Storage unit 243 Authentication unit 2431 Face detection unit 2432 Feature information extraction unit 2433 Authentication processing unit 244 Determination unit 245 Settlement unit 246 Output unit 250 Display unit 260 Camera 280 Reading unit 3 Product 30 Product code 4 Shopping cart 500 Contactless IC card 5 Storage medium 51 User ID 52 Facial feature information 53 Age certification information 6 Rental terminal 62 Product information to be paid 700 Store 71 Sales floor 72 Cashier area M11 Confirmation message M12 Confirmation message M13 Confirmation message M14 Age confirmation message M15 Membership confirmation message C1 Age confirmation code C2 Accounting code

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring the master biometric information and the age certification information of the settlement person from a storage medium which is carried by the settlement person and in which the master biometric information and the age certification information of the settlement person are stored; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing biometric information acquired from the person making a payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination means for determining whether the acquired age certification information satisfies the age condition if the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition; A payment means for making a payment according to the result of the determination; A payment terminal comprising:

2. The acquiring means acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information read from the storage medium and transmitted by an information terminal carried by the settlement person in response to the first information code displayed for transmitting the master biometric information and the age certification information to the settlement terminal. The payment terminal of claim 1 .

3. The acquiring means acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information transmitted from the information terminal via short-range wireless communication in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. The payment terminal according to claim 2.

4. the first information code includes connection information for establishing a connection of short-range wireless communication, The acquiring means acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information via the short-range wireless communication by establishing the connection with the information terminal using the connection information read by the information terminal. The payment terminal according to claim 3.

5. The acquiring means acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information transmitted from the information terminal via a wireless communication network in response to the information terminal reading the first information code. The payment terminal according to claim 2.

6. The acquisition means acquires the payment target product information, a display control means for displaying the first information code on a display device when the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition; The payment terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. the acquiring means acquires the payment target product information transmitted together with the master biometric information and the age certification information in response to the information terminal reading the first information code, The authentication means performs the biometric authentication when the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition. The payment terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. The acquisition means includes: acquiring the product information to be paid for that is transmitted from the information terminal in response to the information terminal reading the second information code displayed for payment; When the payment target product information includes a product with an age condition, the master biometric information and the age certification information transmitted from the information terminal in response to the information terminal reading the first information code are acquired. The payment terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

9. After the payment is made, the payment means transmits a payment completion information code to the information terminal. The payment terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

10. The acquiring means further acquires identification information of the settlement person together with the master biometric information and the age proof information, When the biometric authentication is successful, the payment means performs the payment using payment information associated with the identification information. The payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The acquiring means further acquires, together with the master biometric information and the age proof information, bonus information applicable to a payment; When the result of the determination indicates that the age condition is satisfied, the payment means applies the benefit information to make the payment. The payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. When the result of the determination indicates that the age condition is met, the payment means applies a discount according to the age and makes the payment. The payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. a storage medium carried by a payment person and storing the payment person's master biometric information and age certification information; A payment terminal is provided. The payment terminal includes: an acquisition means for acquiring the master biometric information and the age certification information from the storage medium; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication by comparing biometric information acquired from the person making a payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination means for determining whether the acquired age certification information satisfies the age condition if the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition; A payment means for making a payment according to the result of the determination; A payment system comprising:

14. The acquiring means acquires the master biometric information and the age certification information read from the storage medium and transmitted by an information terminal carried by the settlement person in response to the first information code displayed for transmitting the master biometric information and the age certification information to the settlement terminal. The payment system according to claim 13.

15. The computer acquiring the master biometric information and the age certification information from a storage medium carried by the settlement person and storing the master biometric information and the age certification information of the settlement person; performing biometric authentication by comparing biometric information acquired from the person making the payment with the acquired master biometric information; If the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition, determine whether the acquired age certification information satisfies the age condition; Make a payment according to the result of the judgment Payment method.

16. an acquisition process for acquiring the master biometric information and the age certification information of the settlement person from a storage medium carried by the settlement person and storing the master biometric information and the age certification information of the settlement person; an authentication process for performing biometric authentication by comparing biometric information acquired from the person making a payment with the acquired master biometric information; a determination process for determining whether the acquired age certification information satisfies the age condition if the biometric authentication is successful and the payment target product information of the payment person includes a product with an age condition; A payment process for making a payment according to the result of the determination. A payment program that causes a computer to execute the above.