Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing system comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring biological information pertaining to a subject; a calculation means for calculating a charge relating to the subject; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the subject by collating the biological information with registered information that is registered in advance; a first settlement means for executing a settlement process for the charge on the basis of the result of the biometric authentication; a second settlement means for executing a settlement process for the charge using a method different from the biometric authentication; and a control means for controlling the second settlement means in accordance with the process executed in relation to the first settlement means. According to such an information processing system, it is possible to properly use a plurality of settlement processes.

Description

Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical fields of an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] One such system is known that performs payment processing based on biometric information acquired from an image of a target. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a system that identifies boarding and disembarking locations by authenticating vehicle occupants, and calculates a fare according to a travel section identified from the boarding and disembarking locations.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-002939

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium that aim to improve upon the techniques disclosed in prior art documents.

[0005] One aspect of the information processing system disclosed herein comprises an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target, a calculation means for calculating a fee related to the target, an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, a first payment means for executing a payment process for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication, a second payment means for executing a payment process for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication, and a control means for controlling the second payment means in accordance with the processing executed for the first payment means.

[0006] One aspect of the information processing device disclosed herein comprises an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target, a calculation means for calculating a fee related to the target, an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, a first payment means for executing a payment process for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication, a second payment means for executing a payment process for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication, and a control means for controlling the second payment means in accordance with the processing executed for the first payment means.

[0007] One aspect of the information processing method disclosed herein involves using at least one computer to acquire biometric information of a target, calculate a fee related to the target, perform biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, and control a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed on a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the results of the biometric authentication.

[0008] One aspect of the recording medium of this disclosure is a computer program recorded on at least one computer that causes the computer to execute an information processing method, which acquires biometric information of a target, calculates a fee related to the target, performs biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, and controls a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed on a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the results of the biometric authentication.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a first information processing system. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first information processing system. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations by the first information processing system. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a second information processing system. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of fare calculation operations by the second information processing system. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a third information processing system. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of notification operations by the third information processing system. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of fare calculation operations by the third information processing system. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of consent determination operations by the fourth information processing system. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment control operations by the fourth information processing system. 11 is a flowchart showing a first variant of payment control operations by the fourth information processing system. 12 is a flowchart showing a second variant of payment control operations by the fourth information processing system. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of first payment processing in a fifth information processing system. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of discount operations by the sixth information processing system. 15 is a flowchart showing a variant of discount operations by the sixth information processing system.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First Embodiment A first information processing system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0012] (Hardware Configuration) First, the hardware configuration of the first information processing system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first information processing system.

[0013] 1, the information processing system 1 includes a processor 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a storage device 14, an input device 15, and an output device 16. The processor 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16 are connected to each other via a data bus 17. Note that the data bus 17 may be an interface other than a data bus (for example, a LAN, a USB, etc.).

[0014] The processor 11 loads a computer program. For example, the processor 11 is configured to load a computer program stored in at least one of the RAM 12, the ROM 13, and the storage device 14. Alternatively, the processor 11 may load a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The processor 11 may acquire (i.e., load) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the information processing system 1 via a network interface. The processor 11 executes the loaded computer program to perform various processes. In particular, in this embodiment, when the processor 11 executes the loaded computer program, functional blocks related to the payment processing performed by the information processing system 1 are realized within the processor 11. In other words, the processor 11 may function as a controller that executes each control in the information processing system 1.

[0015] The processor 11 may be configured as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a quantum processor. The processor 11 may be configured as one of these, or may be configured to use multiple processors in parallel.

[0016] The RAM 12 temporarily stores computer programs executed by the processor 11. The RAM 12 temporarily stores data that the processor 11 temporarily uses while it is executing the computer programs. The RAM 12 may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). Alternatively, other types of volatile memory may be used instead of the RAM 12.

[0017] The ROM 13 stores computer programs executed by the processor 11. The ROM 13 may also store fixed data. The ROM 13 may be, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM) or an erasable read-only memory (EPROM). Alternatively, other types of non-volatile memory may be used instead of the ROM 13.

[0018] The storage device 14 stores data that is to be saved long-term by the information processing system 1. The storage device 14 may operate as a temporary storage device for the processor 11. The storage device 14 may store computer programs executed by the processor 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0019] The input device 15 is a device that receives input instructions from a user of the information processing system 1. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 15 may also be, for example, a device that includes a microphone and is capable of voice input.

[0020] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information related to the information processing system 1 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device (e.g., a display or a monitor) that can display information related to the information processing system 1. The output device 16 may also be a speaker or the like that can output information related to the information processing system 1 as audio.

[0021] The first information processing system may be configured to include some of the components described in FIG. 1 . For example, the first information processing system 1 may be configured to include only the processor 11, RAM 12, and ROM 13 among the above-mentioned components. For example, the first information processing system 1 may be configured as an information processing device that is a standalone device. In this case, the storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16 may each be provided as a device external to the first information processing system 1. Furthermore, some of the calculation functions in the first information processing system 1 may be realized by an external server, cloud, or the like.

[0022] (Functional Configuration) Next, the functional configuration of the first information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first information processing system.

[0023] In FIG. 2, the first information processing system 1 is configured to be able to execute payment processing related to an object. The first information processing system 1 is configured to include, as components for realizing its functions, a biometric information acquisition unit 110, a fee calculation unit 120, an authentication unit 130, a first payment unit 140, a second payment unit 150, and a control unit 160. The biometric information acquisition unit 110 is a specific example of an "acquisition means." The fee calculation unit 120 is a specific example of a "calculation means." The authentication unit 130 is a specific example of an "authentication means." The first payment unit 140 is a specific example of a "first payment means." The second payment unit 150 is a specific example of a "second payment means." The control unit 160 is a specific example of a "control means." In addition, each of the biometric information acquisition unit 110, fee calculation unit 120, authentication unit 130, first payment unit 140, second payment unit 150, and control unit 160 may be a processing block realized by the above-mentioned processor 11 (see Figure 1).

[0024] The biometric information acquisition unit 110 is configured to acquire biometric information of a target. The type of biometric information is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, information related to face, iris, fingerprint, vein, palm print, ear acoustics, voice, etc. The biometric information acquisition unit 110 may be configured to acquire multiple types of biometric information from a target. The biometric information acquisition unit 110 may be configured to acquire biometric information using various sensors. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 may acquire biometric information from an image of the target captured with a camera. More specifically, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 may detect a part (e.g., a face) from which biometric information is to be acquired from the image of the target captured with the camera, and acquire the biometric information from the detected part. The biometric information acquisition unit 110 may also acquire the biometric information as a feature. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 may extract a feature related to the target's face from an image including the target's face, and acquire the extracted feature as biometric information. The biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110 is configured to be output to each of the fee calculation unit 120 and the authentication unit 130.

[0025] The fee calculation unit 120 is configured to calculate a fee for the target. The fee for the target may be, for example, the fare when the target uses public transportation such as a train, bus, or taxi. Alternatively, the fare for the target may be the purchase price when the target purchases a product. The fee calculation unit 120 may be configured to calculate the fee based on the biometric information of the target. For example, the fee calculation unit 120 may identify the target using the biometric information of the target and calculate the fee for the identified target. Alternatively, the fee calculation unit 120 may be configured to calculate the fee based on an authentication result using the biometric information of the target (i.e., an authentication result by the authentication unit 130, described below). For example, the fee calculation unit 120 may identify the target using the authentication result of the target and calculate the fee for the identified target. Note that a specific fee calculation method by the fee calculation unit 120 will be described in detail in another embodiment described below. Information indicating the fee for the target calculated by the fee calculation unit 120 is configured to be output to at least one of the first payment unit 140 and the second payment unit 150.

[0026] The authentication unit 130 is configured to perform biometric authentication of a target by comparing the target's biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110 with pre-registered registration information (i.e., biometric information of a registered user). For example, the authentication unit 130 may determine whether the target is the registered user or another person by comparing the biometric information acquired from the target with the biometric information of the registered user. The authentication unit 130 may also compare one piece of biometric information acquired from the target with each of multiple pieces of pre-registered registration information (i.e., biometric information of multiple registered users). In this case, the authentication unit 130 may determine which registered user the target is. The authentication unit 130 may perform biometric authentication using multiple types of biometric information (so-called multimodal biometric authentication). The authentication unit 130 may determine that the target and the registered user are the same person when the degree of match between the target's biometric information and the registration information exceeds a predetermined value. Furthermore, the authentication unit 130 may determine that the target and the registered user are not the same person when the degree of match between the target biometric information and the registered information does not meet a predetermined value. The result of the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 140 is configured to be output to the first settlement unit 140. The result of the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 140 may also be output to the fee calculation unit 120 or the control unit 160.

[0027] The first payment unit 140 is configured to be able to execute a payment process for the fee related to the target calculated by the fee calculation unit 120. The first payment unit 140 executes the payment process for the target fee based on the result of biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130. For example, the first payment unit 140 executes the payment process using a payment method associated with a registered user identified by biometric authentication of the target. More specifically, the first payment processing unit 140 may execute a process of debiting the fee from a bank account associated with the registered user. Alternatively, the first payment unit 140 may execute a process of paying the fee using a credit card, electronic money, or the like associated with the registered user. Hereinafter, the payment process executed by the first payment unit 140 will be referred to as the "first payment process" as appropriate. The first payment process may be executed automatically when biometric authentication is successful. Alternatively, the first payment process may be executed when biometric authentication is successful and the target's consent is obtained.

[0028] The second payment unit 150 is configured to be able to execute a payment process for the fee for the target calculated by the fee calculation unit 120. The second payment unit 150 executes the payment process for the fee for the target using a method different from the biometric authentication performed by the authentication unit 130. That is, the second payment unit 150 executes the payment process using a method different from that of the first payment unit 140. For example, the second payment unit 150 may execute a payment process using a contactless IC card held by the target (so-called touch payment). Alternatively, the second payment unit 150 may execute a payment process using cash, a credit card, a smartphone, or the like held by the target. Hereinafter, the payment process executed by the second payment unit 150 will be referred to as the "second payment process" as appropriate. The second payment process may be executed, for example, when the target performs a payment-related action (e.g., a touch operation on a contactless IC card, etc.).

[0029] The control unit 160 is configured to be able to control each of the first payment unit 140 and the second payment unit 150. That is, the control unit 160 is configured to be able to control the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process. The control unit 160 is also configured to be able to control the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process. The control unit 160 is particularly configured to control the second payment unit 150 in accordance with the process executed by the first payment unit 140. Here, the process executed by the first payment unit 140 (hereinafter referred to as "related process") is a process related to whether or not the first payment unit 140 can execute the first payment process. For example, the related process may be a process for performing biometric authentication of the target. Alternatively, the related process may be a process for determining whether or not the target intends to perform biometric authentication (in other words, whether or not the target intends to execute the first payment process). The control unit 160 controls the second payment unit 150 in accordance with such related process. For example, if biometric authentication of the target is performed as the related process and the biometric authentication is successful, the control unit 160 may control the second payment unit 150 not to perform the second payment process. In this case, the control unit 160 may control the first payment unit 140 to perform the first payment process. Alternatively, if it is determined that the target has an intention to perform biometric authentication as the related process and it is determined that the target has no intention to perform biometric authentication, the control unit 160 may control the second payment unit 150 to perform the second payment process. In this case, the control unit 160 may control the first payment unit 140 not to perform the first payment process. As described above, the control unit 160 may perform control to selectively use the first payment process by the first payment unit 140 and the second payment process by the second payment unit 150. Specific examples of control by the control unit 160 will be described in detail in other embodiments described later.

[0030] (Flow of Operation) Next, the flow of operation by the first information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation by the first information processing system.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the operation of the first information processing system 1 is started, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 first acquires biometric information of a target (step S101). For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 may acquire biometric information when a target intending to use a bus boards the bus. Specifically, the target may be photographed with a camera installed near the bus entrance, and the target's biometric information may be acquired from the captured image. Alternatively, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 may acquire biometric information when a target intending to purchase a product at a store visits the store's cash register. Specifically, the target may be photographed with a camera installed near the store's cash register, and the target's biometric information may be acquired from the captured image.

[0032] Next, the fare calculation unit 120 calculates the fare for the target (step S102). For example, the fare calculation unit 120 may calculate the fare by determining the travel section of the target riding on the bus. Furthermore, if the bus has adult and child fares, the fare calculation unit 120 may calculate the fare by determining whether the target is an adult or a child. In this case, the fare calculation unit 120 may determine whether the target is an adult or a child using the target's biometric information. Alternatively, the fare calculation unit 120 may recognize the product the target is attempting to purchase and calculate the purchase price. For example, the fare calculation unit 120 may calculate the purchase price based on the results of scanning the product's barcode. Furthermore, the fare calculation unit 120 may automatically recognize the product held by the target from an image, IC tag, or the like and calculate the purchase price. The processing of step S102 only needs to be performed before the first payment processing (step S105) or the second payment processing (step S106) described below is executed, and may be performed after the processing related to biometric authentication (e.g., steps S104 and S105 described below).

[0033] Next, the authentication unit 130 performs biometric authentication using the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110 (step S103). The authentication unit 130 may perform biometric authentication immediately after the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires the biometric information. For example, when the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information of a subject boarding a bus, the authentication unit 130 may perform biometric authentication immediately after the subject boards the bus. Alternatively, the authentication unit 130 may perform biometric authentication a while after the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires the biometric information. For example, when the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information of a subject boarding a bus, the authentication unit 130 may perform biometric authentication after the bus departs or when the subject disembarks the bus, rather than immediately after the subject boards the bus.

[0034] Next, the control unit 160 determines whether or not to use the first payment process (step S104). As already described, the control unit 160 may make a determination regarding the payment process depending on the process (i.e., related process) executed by the first payment unit 140. If it is determined that the first payment process is to be used (step S104: YES), the control unit 160 controls the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process. As a result, the first payment unit 140 executes the first payment process and settles the fee for the target (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first payment process is not to be used (step S104: NO), the control unit 160 controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process. As a result, the second payment unit 150 executes the second payment process and settles the fee for the target (step S106).

[0035] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the first information processing system 1 will be described.

[0036] 1 to 3, in the first information processing system 1, the first payment unit 150 and the second payment unit 160 are each controlled by the control unit 160. In this way, it is possible to settle a fee for an object by appropriately using the first payment process using biometric authentication and the second payment process executed by a method other than biometric authentication.

[0037] For example, if both the first and second payment processes are available to the target, it is preferable that the target be able to freely select which payment process to use. However, if the control unit 160 of this embodiment is not provided, the target would be required to select which payment process to use. For example, the target would need to perform an operation to select which payment process to use (e.g., an operation to select a payment method by operating a touch panel), which increases the target's burden. This burden may significantly reduce the target's convenience, for example, when riding a crowded bus during rush hour or using a cash register with a long line. In other words, the operation to select a payment method takes time, resulting in even longer lines.

[0038] However, in this embodiment, because the control unit 160 controls each of the first payment unit 150 and the second payment unit 160, the payment process is automatically executed without the subject performing a selection operation. For example, if the subject performs an action that indicates a desire for biometric authentication, the first payment process is executed using biometric authentication. Conversely, if the subject performs an action that indicates a refusal of biometric authentication, the second payment process is executed using a method other than biometric authentication. This eliminates the need for the subject to select a payment method, preventing queues due to time-consuming operations. Therefore, it is possible to selectively use the first payment process and the second payment process without sacrificing convenience.

[0039] Second Embodiment A second information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The second information processing system 1 differs in some configurations and operations from the first information processing system 1 described above, but other parts may be similar to the first information processing system 1. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0040] (Functional Configuration) First, the functional configuration of the second information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the second information processing system. Note that in Fig. 4, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0041] In Figure 4, the second information processing system 1 is configured to settle fares for subjects boarding a moving object. The following description will be given using a bus as an example of a moving object. The second information processing system 1 is configured to include, as components for realizing its functions, a biometric information acquisition unit 110, a fare calculation unit 120, an authentication unit 130, a first payment unit 140, a second payment unit 150, and a control unit 160. In particular, the authentication unit 130 in the second information processing system 1 includes a boarding target identification unit 1301 and an alighting target identification unit 1302. The boarding target identification unit 1301 is a specific example of a "boarding target identification means." The alighting target identification unit 1302 is a specific example of a "alighting target identification means."

[0042] The boarding target identification unit 1301 is configured to be able to identify a target aboard the bus. Specifically, the boarding target identification unit 1301 identifies a target aboard the bus through biometric authentication using biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110. The boarding target identification unit 1301 may identify a target aboard the bus through biometric authentication using an image captured by a camera installed near the bus entrance, for example. For example, if biometric information acquired from an image of a target aboard the bus matches biometric information of registered user A that has been registered in advance, the boarding target identification unit 1301 may identify registered user A as the target aboard the bus. Note that, when multiple passengers are aboard the bus, the boarding target identification unit 1301 may identify each of the multiple passengers. Furthermore, when multiple passengers board the bus together, the boarding target identification unit 1301 may sequentially perform biometric authentication using the acquired biometric information. In other words, instead of performing biometric authentication on all targets at the time of boarding, biometric authentication may be performed sequentially, for example, after the bus departs. In this way, it is possible to reduce the concentration of the processing load due to the authentication process. The identification result by the boarding target identification unit 1301 may be temporarily stored, for example, in the authentication unit 130. In this case, the authentication unit 130 may store the identification result (i.e., the identified registered user) in association with the boarding location of the target (i.e., the bus stop where the target boarded).

[0043] The alighting target identification unit 1302 is configured to be able to identify a target alighting from the bus. Specifically, the alighting target identification unit 1302 identifies a target alighting from the bus through biometric authentication using biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110. The boarding target identification unit 1301 may identify a target alighting from the bus through biometric authentication using an image captured by a camera installed near the bus exit, for example. For example, if biometric information acquired from an image of a target alighting from the bus matches the biometric information of pre-registered registered user B, the alighting target identification unit 1302 may identify that the person alighting from the bus is registered user B. Note that the biometric authentication performed by the alighting target identification unit 1302 may be performed by narrowing down the registered users to passengers. If the boarding target identification unit 1301 has identified registered users aboard the bus, the target alighting from the bus should be one of the identified registered users. Therefore, the alighting target identification unit 1302 may narrow down the registration information used for matching to that of registered users who are on the bus, and perform biometric authentication on targets alighting from the bus. In this way, the processing load of biometric authentication can be reduced.

[0044] The fare calculation unit 120 in the second information processing system 1 calculates the fare for the target based on the identification result by the boarding target identification unit 1301 and the identification result by the disembarking target identification unit 1302. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 120 identifies a boarding location from the identification result by the boarding target identification unit 1301, identifies a disembarking location from the identification result by the disembarking target identification unit 1302, and identifies the target's boarding section. The fare calculation unit 120 then calculates a fare according to the identified boarding section as the fare to be paid by the target. For example, suppose that a target who boarded a bus at bus stop X is identified by the boarding target identification unit 1301 as registered user C. Then, suppose that a target who disembarked at bus stop Y is identified by the disembarking target identification unit 1302 as registered user C. In this case, the fare calculation unit 120 calculates and applies the fare from bus stop X to bus stop Y as the fare for registered user C. In this way, by identifying the subjects who boarded the bus and the subjects who disembarked from the bus using biometric authentication, it is possible to appropriately calculate the fare according to the travel section of the identified subjects.

[0045] Note that, if the bus fare is determined not by the bus section but only by the bus stop where the bus boarded or disembarked, it is sufficient to provide either one of the boarding target identification unit 1301 or the disembarking target identification unit 1302. For example, if the fare is determined by the bus stop where the bus boarded (i.e., the fare does not change regardless of the distance traveled), the fare calculation unit 120 may calculate the fare based on the identification result by the boarding target identification unit 1301 (i.e., the bus stop where the target boarded). Also, if the fare is determined by the bus stop where the bus disembarked (i.e., the fare does not change regardless of the point where the bus was boarded), the fare calculation unit 120 may calculate the fare based on the identification result by the disembarking target identification unit 1302 (i.e., the bus stop where the target disembarked).

[0046] (Fare Calculation Operation) Next, the flow of the fare calculation operation by the second information processing system 1 (i.e., the operation when the fee calculation unit 120 calculates the target fare) will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fare calculation operation by the second information processing system.

[0047] 5, when the second information processing system 1 starts a fare calculation operation, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 first acquires biometric information of a person who will board the bus (step S201). Then, the boarding target identification unit 1301 identifies the person who has boarded the bus by biometric authentication using the biometric information acquired in step S201 (step S202).

[0048] Thereafter, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information of the person getting off the bus (step S203). Then, the alighting target identification unit 1301 identifies the person getting off the bus by biometric authentication using the biometric information acquired in step S203 (step S204).

[0049] Next, the fare calculation unit 120 calculates the fare for the target based on the identification result by the boarding target identification unit 1301 and the identification result by the disembarking target identification unit 1302 (step S205). This completes the series of operations related to the fare calculation operation.

[0050] Information about the fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 120 is output to the first payment unit 140, and payment is made by the first payment process. In this case, the first payment process does not have to be executed at the same time as the target gets off the bus. Because the first payment process allows payment using a payment method associated with the target, it can be executed even some time after the target gets off the bus. For example, the first payment unit 140 may execute a process to pay the fare with the target's credit card five minutes after the target gets off the bus.

[0051] If the boarding target identification unit 1301 and the disembarking target identification unit 1302 are unable to identify the target (for example, if an image of the target cannot be captured properly), the fare for the target may be paid in the second payment process by the second payment unit 150. In such a case, it is preferable to be able to notify the target to execute the second payment process while the target is on the bus. The configuration for notifying the target will be described in detail in another embodiment described later.

[0052] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the second information processing system 1 will be described.

[0053] As described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, in the second information processing system 1, biometric authentication of a subject boarding a bus is performed to identify the time when the subject boarded the bus. Furthermore, biometric authentication of a subject disembarking from the bus is performed to identify the time when the subject disembarked from the bus. In this way, the fare for the subject can be appropriately calculated. While bus fares have been used as an example, the fare can be calculated in a similar manner in cases where the fare is determined based on at least one of the start and end times of use. For example, by identifying the start and end times of use of a facility, the facility usage fee, which is charged on an hourly basis, can be calculated.

[0054] <Third Embodiment> A third information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The third information processing system 1 differs in some configurations and operations from the first and second information processing systems 1 described above, but other parts may be similar to the first and second information processing systems 1. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0055] (Functional Configuration) First, the functional configuration of the third information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the third information processing system. Note that in Fig. 6, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements as those shown in Fig. 2.

[0056] 6, the third information processing system 1 includes, as components for realizing its functions, a biometric information acquisition unit 110, a fee calculation unit 120, an authentication unit 130, a first payment unit 140, a second payment unit 150, a control unit 160, and a notification unit 170. That is, the third information processing system 1 further includes a notification unit 170 in addition to the configuration of the first information processing system 1 already described (see FIG. 2). The notification unit 170 is a specific example of a "notification means." Note that the notification unit 170 may be a processing block realized by the above-described processor 11 (see FIG. 1).

[0057] The notification unit 170 is configured to be able to notify the target of information related to the payment process. The notification unit 170 may perform the notification using, for example, the output device described above (see FIG. 1). For example, the notification unit 170 may perform the notification by displaying an image or a message on a display. Alternatively, the notification unit 170 may perform the notification by outputting sound from a speaker or the like. The notification unit 170 may perform the notification using a pre-installed stationary display, speaker, or the like. Furthermore, the notification unit 170 may perform the notification using a display, speaker, or the like of a terminal (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) owned by the target.

[0058] The notification unit 170 may notify information regarding whether the payment process is available based on the result of biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130. For example, if biometric authentication of a subject riding a bus is successful, the notification unit 170 may notify the subject that the first payment process by the first payment unit 140 is available. The notification unit 170 may display a message stating, "Biometric authentication was successful. The first payment process will be executed." In this case, the control unit 160 may control the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process. Alternatively, the notification unit 170 may display a message requesting approval, stating, "Biometric authentication was successful. Do you want to execute the first payment process?" In this case, when the subject agrees to the first payment process, the control unit 160 controls the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process. Note that the subject may agree to the message by performing a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing "Yes" displayed on the screen). Alternatively, the subject may agree to the message by performing a predetermined gesture (e.g., nodding).

[0059] If the biometric authentication of the subject aboard the bus fails, the notification unit 170 may notify the subject that the first payment process by the first payment unit 140 is unavailable. For example, the notification unit 170 may display a message stating, "Biometric authentication failed. The first payment process cannot be performed." Alternatively, the notification unit 170 may notify the subject that the second payment process by the second payment unit 150 is recommended. For example, the notification unit 170 may display a message stating, "Biometric authentication failed. Please perform the second payment process." The notification unit 170 may also notify the subject of a specific operation for performing the second payment process. For example, the notification unit 170 may display a message stating, "Please touch your contactless IC card to make the payment." Alternatively, the notification unit 170 may display a message stating, "Please take your numbered ticket and pay in cash when you get off." In this way, the subject can be accurately informed of how to perform the second payment process.

[0060] (Notification Operation) Next, the flow of the notification operation by the third information processing system 1 (i.e., the operation when the notification unit 170 notifies information related to the payment process) will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification operation by the third information processing system.

[0061] 7 , when the notification operation by the third information processing system 1 is started, first, the notification unit 170 acquires the result of biometric authentication from the authentication unit 130 (step S301). Here, the authentication result acquired by the notification unit 170 may be information indicating whether the authentication process was successful or unsuccessful.

[0062] Next, the notification unit 170 determines whether the biometric authentication is successful based on the acquired authentication result (step S302). If the notification unit 170 determines that the biometric authentication is successful (step S302: YES), the notification unit 170 notifies the target that the first payment process by the first payment unit 140 is available (step S303). On the other hand, if the notification unit 170 determines that the biometric authentication is not successful (step S302: NO), the notification unit 170 notifies the target that the first payment process by the first payment unit 140 is unavailable or that the second payment process by the second payment unit 150 is recommended (step S304).

[0063] The timing of the above-described notification operation is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 170 may perform the notification operation immediately upon completion of the authentication process by the authentication unit 130. In this manner, even if biometric authentication fails and a second payment process is requested, the target can immediately perform an operation to perform the second payment process (for example, an operation of touching a contactless IC card or an operation of taking a numbered ticket). Alternatively, the notification unit 170 may perform the notification operation some time after the authentication process by the authentication unit 130 is completed. In this case, the fare calculation unit 120 may perform a fare calculation operation as described below to calculate the fare of the target.

[0064] (Fare Calculation Operation) The flow of the fare calculation operation by the third information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fare calculation operation by the third information processing system.

[0065] 8 is a series of actions performed when a subject gets off a bus. When the subject gets off the bus, the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information of the subject getting off (step S351). The biometric information of the subject acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110 is output to the authentication unit 130.

[0066] The authentication unit 130 compares the biometric information of the subject getting off the bus with the biometric information of the subject riding on the bus (step S352). That is, the authentication unit 130 here compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information of the subject riding on the bus, rather than with the registered information. The biometric information of the subject riding on the bus may be the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 110 when each subject boards the bus. The biometric information of the subject riding on the bus is stored in association with information about the bus stop from which the subject boarded.

[0067] Next, the fare calculation unit 130 uses the matching result of step S352 to identify the travel section of the subject who will disembark from the bus (step S353). Specifically, the fare calculation unit 120 identifies the bus stop where the subject boarded the bus based on the biometric information that matches the biometric information of the subject who will disembark. As a result, the bus stop where the subject boarded and the bus stop where the subject will disembark are identified, and the fare calculation unit 130 can identify the travel section. Thereafter, the fare calculation unit 130 calculates the fare of the subject based on the identified travel section (step S354).

[0068] In the fare calculation operation described above, the biometric information acquired from the target is compared with the biometric information acquired when boarding the bus and the biometric information acquired when disembarking the bus, and the biometric information acquired from the target is not compared with the pre-registered information (i.e., the biometric information of the registered user). Therefore, even if the biometric authentication of the target fails (i.e., the target is not a registered user), the fare of the target can be calculated appropriately.

[0069] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the third information processing system 1 will be described.

[0070] As described with reference to Figures 6 to 8, in the third information processing system 1, information regarding the payment process is notified to the subject. In this way, the subject attempting to use the first payment process can be notified of whether or not the first payment process is available. In principle, a subject attempting to use the first payment process using biometric authentication should recognize that he or she is a registered user. Therefore, even if the subject wishes to use the first payment process using biometric authentication, the biometric authentication is unlikely to fail. However, there is a possibility that the biometric authentication, which should be successful, will not be successful, for example, if the subject uses a different bus company than usual, or if the registration information has expired. In such cases, the above-described technical effects are significantly demonstrated.

[0071] 9 to 12 , the fourth information processing system 1 will be described. Note that the fourth information processing system 1 differs in some configurations and operations from the first to third information processing systems 1 described above, but other parts may be similar to the first to third information processing systems 1. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0072] (Consent Determination Operation) First, the flow of the consent determination operation (i.e., the operation for determining whether or not consent has been given to the payment process) by the fourth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the consent determination operation by the fourth information processing system.

[0073] 9 is performed when the biometric information acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information from a target. Specifically, the consent determination operation is performed when an image of the target is captured in order to acquire the biometric information of the target. The following description will be given taking an example of a case in which a facial image of a target riding on a bus is captured in order to acquire the biometric information of the target.

[0074] When the consent determination operation by the fourth information processing system 1 is started, the control unit 160 estimates the facial direction of the target from the facial image of the target (step S401). The control unit 160 may continuously estimate the facial direction while the target is present within the angle of view of the camera. Note that the method for estimating the facial direction of the target in the image is not particularly limited, and existing technology can be appropriately adopted.

[0075] Next, the control unit 160 determines whether the target's face is facing forward relative to the camera using the result of the face direction estimation (step S402). Whether the target's face is facing forward may be determined by whether the angle of the target's face is within a predetermined range (for example, ±5 degrees when the forward direction is 0 degrees).

[0076] If the target's face is facing forward (step S402: YES), the control unit 160 determines that the target has agreed to the first payment process (step S403). On the other hand, if the target's face is not facing forward (step S402: NO), the control unit 160 determines that the target has not agreed to the first payment process (step S403).

[0077] When biometric authentication is performed using a facial image (especially when iris authentication is performed using the iris contained in the face), it may be necessary to photograph the subject's face from the front. Therefore, it is expected that the subject seeking biometric authentication will face the camera. Therefore, by determining whether the subject faces the camera, it is possible to determine the subject's consent to biometric authentication (in other words, consent to the first payment process). Note that, to prevent erroneous determinations when the subject unintentionally faces the camera, consent to the first payment process may be determined on the condition that the subject remains facing the camera without moving their face for a predetermined period of time (e.g., several seconds). In other words, consent to the first payment process may not be determined even if the subject momentarily faces the camera.

[0078] If it is determined through the consent determination operation described above that the target has consented to the first payment process, the control unit 160 proceeds with the process assuming that the first payment process will be executed by the first payment unit 140. For example, if it is determined that the target has consented to the first payment process, the control unit 160 may execute the following payment control operation.

[0079] (Payment control operation) Next, the flow of the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system 1 (i.e., the operation when the control unit 160 controls the first payment unit 140 and the second payment unit 150) will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system.

[0080] 10, when the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system 1 is started, the control unit 160 first acquires the result of biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130 (step S451). Then, the control unit 160 determines whether the biometric authentication is successful or not based on the acquired authentication result (step S452).

[0081] If the biometric authentication is successful (step S452: YES), the control unit 160 controls the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process (step S453). In this case, the first payment unit 140 pays the fare for the target using the payment method associated with the registered user identified by the biometric authentication. After the first payment process is executed by the first payment unit 140, the control unit 160 prohibits the second payment process by the second payment unit 150 (step S454). For example, the control unit 160 prevents the second payment process from being executed even if the target performs an action to execute the second payment process (e.g., touching the contactless IC card). This prevents the fare for the target from being paid twice.

[0082] On the other hand, if the biometric authentication is not successful (step S452: NO), the control unit 160 controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process (step S455). In this case, the second payment unit 150 pays the fare by a method other than biometric authentication.

[0083] (First Variation) Next, a first variation of the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the first variation of the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system. Note that in Fig. 11, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0084] 11, when the payment control operation according to the first modification is started, the control unit 160 first acquires the result of biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130 (step S451). Then, the control unit 160 determines whether the biometric authentication is successful or not based on the acquired authentication result (step S452).

[0085] If the biometric authentication is successful (step S452: YES), the control unit 160 determines whether a payment operation for executing the second payment process has been performed within a predetermined time (e.g., within 2 seconds) since the biometric authentication was successful (step S461). The payment operation here may be, for example, touching a contactless IC card. If the payment operation has not been performed within the predetermined time (step S461: NO), the control unit 160 controls the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process (step S453). In this case, the first payment unit 140 pays the applicable fare using the payment method associated with the registered user identified by biometric authentication.

[0086] On the other hand, if the biometric authentication is not successful (step S452: NO), the control unit 160 controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process (step S455). In this case, the second payment unit 150 pays the fare for the target using a method other than biometric authentication. Furthermore, particularly in the first variant, even if a payment operation is performed within a predetermined time (step S461: YES), the control unit 160 cancels the first payment process and controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process (step S455). In other words, even if the biometric authentication is successful, if a payment operation is performed thereafter, the second payment process is executed preferentially over the first payment process. This prevents the first payment process from being executed due to an unintended successful biometric authentication. Specifically, it prevents the first payment process from being executed even when the target does not want the first payment process (i.e., wants the second payment process). If the first payment process has already been completed when the target performs the payment operation, the second payment process may be executed again after the refund process is performed.

[0087] (Second Modification) Next, a second modification of the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the second modification of the payment control operation by the fourth information processing system. Note that in Fig. 12, the same processes as those shown in Figs. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0088] 12, when the payment control operation according to the second modification is started, the control unit 160 first acquires the result of biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130 (step S451). Then, the control unit 160 determines whether the biometric authentication is successful or not based on the acquired authentication result (step S452).

[0089] If the biometric authentication is successful (step S452: YES), the control unit 160 determines whether a payment operation for executing the second payment process has been performed within a predetermined time (e.g., within 2 seconds) since the biometric authentication was successful (step S461). If a payment operation has not been performed within the predetermined time (step S461: NO), the control unit 160 controls the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process (step S453). In this case, the first payment unit 140 pays the applicable fare using the payment method associated with the registered user identified by biometric authentication.

[0090] On the other hand, if the biometric authentication is not successful (step S452: NO), the control unit 160 controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process (step S455). In this case, the second payment unit 150 pays the fare using a method other than biometric authentication. In addition, particularly in the second modified example, if a payment operation is performed within a predetermined time period (step S461: YES), the control unit 160 determines whether the subject who performed the biometric authentication and the subject who performed the payment operation are the same person (step S462).

[0091] For example, suppose a camera capturing an image for acquiring biometric information and a terminal performing a payment process are installed relatively close to each other (e.g., near the bus entrance). In this case, the control unit 160 may determine that the subject who performed the biometric authentication and the subject who performed the payment operation are different, for example, if a payment operation is performed after the subject moves out of the field of view of the camera capturing the image for acquiring biometric information. In this way, it becomes possible to appropriately determine whether the subject who performed the biometric authentication and the subject who performed the payment operation are the same person.

[0092] If it is determined that the subject who performed the biometric authentication and the subject who performed the payment operation are the same person (step S462: YES), the control unit 160 cancels the first payment process and controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process (step S455). That is, even if the biometric authentication is successful, if a payment operation is performed thereafter, the second payment process is executed with priority over the first payment process.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined that the subject who performed biometric authentication and the subject who performed the payment operation are not the same person (step S462: NO), the control unit 160 does not cancel the first payment process, but controls the first payment unit 140 to execute the first payment process for the first subject who performed biometric authentication (step S463). Furthermore, it controls the second payment unit 150 to execute the second payment process for the second subject who performed the payment operation (step S464). In this way, if there is another subject who performed a payment process immediately after the subject who performed biometric authentication, it is possible to execute appropriate payment processes for each subject.

[0094] Fifth Embodiment A fifth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The fifth information processing system 1 differs in some configurations and operations from the first to fourth information processing systems 1 described above, but other parts may be similar to the first to fourth information processing systems 1. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0095] (First Payment Process) First, the flow of the first payment process by the fifth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first payment process in the fifth information processing system.

[0096] 13 , when the first payment process in the fifth information processing system 1 starts, the first payment unit 501 first acquires the age of the target (step S501). The age of the target may be acquired, for example, by wireless communication with a terminal held by the target. Alternatively, the age of the target may be estimated from an image of the target.

[0097] Next, the first settlement unit 501 determines whether the target's age is equal to or less than a predetermined age (step S502). The predetermined age here is a value set in advance as a threshold for determining whether the target is a child. The predetermined age may be the upper limit of the age at which a child's bus fare applies (e.g., 12 years old). Alternatively, the predetermined age may be the upper limit of the age at which a person is considered a minor (e.g., 17 years old).

[0098] If the target's age is not equal to or less than the predetermined age (step S502: NO), the first payment unit 140 executes the first payment process for the target whose biometric authentication has been performed (step S505), as already described. That is, the first payment unit 140 performs payment using the payment method associated with the registered user identified by the biometric authentication.

[0099] On the other hand, if the target's age is below the predetermined age (step S502: YES), the first payment unit 140 checks information about the payer (e.g., guardian) associated with the biometrically authenticated target (step S503). The first payment unit 140 then executes a first payment process for the payer (step S504). That is, the first payment unit 140 performs payment using the payment method associated with the payer, not with the biometrically authenticated target.

[0100] When the first payment process is executed for the payer, the payment may be made only after approval from the payer. In this case, if the payer is in a remote location, a message requesting approval may be sent to a terminal or the like held by the payer. Furthermore, while approval from the payer is generally requested, payment may be made without approval for a pre-set riding section (for example, a section a child rides to go to school or cram school). Furthermore, the bus's stop button may be automatically pressed when the bus reaches the end of the pre-set riding section.

[0101] (Technical Effects) Next, technical effects obtained by the fifth information processing system 1 will be described.

[0102] 12, in the fifth information processing system 1, if the target's age is below a predetermined age, the payment process is executed for a different payer than the target. In this way, the first payment process using biometric authentication can be executed even for a target that does not have a payment method. For example, if a child who does not have a credit card rides the bus, the fare can be paid with the parent's credit card.

[0103] Sixth Embodiment A sixth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The sixth information processing system 1 differs in some configurations and operations from the first to fifth information processing systems 1 described above, but other parts may be similar to the first to fifth information processing systems 1. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0104] (Discount Operation) Next, the flow of the discount operation by the sixth information processing system 1 (i.e., the operation when the fare calculation unit 120 discounts the target fare) will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the discount operation by the sixth information processing system.

[0105] 14, when the discount operation by the sixth information processing system 1 is started, the fee calculation unit 120 first acquires an image of the target (step S601). The image here is typically an image captured to acquire biometric information of the target.

[0106] Next, the fare calculation unit 120 determines whether a predetermined object is captured in the target image (step S602). The predetermined object here is a pre-defined object that, when captured together with the target image, results in a discount on the fare. For example, the predetermined object may be a stuffed toy or figurine of a bus company's character. Alternatively, the predetermined object may be a specific person or animal. Alternatively, the predetermined object may be specific clothing or accessories (e.g., glasses, earrings, etc.). Note that objects that accidentally appear in the image (e.g., an object that has moved away from the target or an object that appears small) may not be recognized as a predetermined object.

[0107] If a predetermined object is shown in the image of the target (step S602: YES), the fare calculation unit 120 assigns a discount flag to the target (step S603). The fare of the target to which the discount flag is assigned is calculated with a discount. For example, the fare calculation unit 120 determines whether a discount flag is assigned to the target getting off the bus. If a discount flag is assigned to the target, the fare is calculated by deducting a predetermined amount from the fare of the target or applying a predetermined discount rate. Note that if the predetermined object is not shown in the image of the target (step S602: NO), the processing of step S603 described above is omitted.

[0108] According to the above-described discount operation, it is possible to provide a service that discounts the fare of a target person using the image captured to acquire biometric information. For example, various discounts may be applied, such as a "couple discount" for a photo taken with a person of the opposite sex, a "parent-child discount" for a photo of an adult and a child, and a "group discount" for a photo of three or more people.

[0109] (Modification) Next, a modification of the discount operation by the sixth information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a modification of the discount operation by the sixth information processing system.

[0110] 15 , when the discount operation according to the modified example is started, the fee calculation unit 120 first obtains the update date of the target registered information (step S651). That is, the fee calculation unit 120 obtains information regarding the update date of the biometric information of the registered user identified by biometric authentication.

[0111] Next, the fee calculation unit 120 determines whether the registered information has been updated within a predetermined period (step S652). The predetermined period is a threshold value for determining whether the registered information has been updated relatively recently. The predetermined period may be set to, for example, one month or one year.

[0112] If the registered information has been updated within the specified period (step S652: YES), the fare calculation unit 120 assigns a discount flag to the target (step S653). The fare for the target to which the discount flag has been assigned is calculated with a discount. If the registered information has not been updated within the specified period (step S652: NO), the processing of step S603 described above is omitted.

[0113] According to the above-described discount operation, a service can be provided that discounts the fare of the target person using information regarding the update date of the registered information. The accuracy of biometric authentication may decrease due to the registration information becoming outdated (for example, the biometric information changing over time). However, by performing the above-described discount operation, the target person can be motivated to update their registration information. Therefore, it is expected that the target person will actively update their registration information. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the accuracy of biometric authentication due to the registration information becoming outdated.

[0114] The scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method in which a program that operates the configuration of each embodiment to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded on a recording medium, the program recorded on the recording medium is read as code, and the program is executed on a computer. In other words, a computer-readable recording medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, each embodiment includes not only a recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded, but also the program itself.

[0115] Examples of recording media that can be used include floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. Furthermore, the scope of each embodiment is not limited to programs that execute processes by themselves, but also includes programs that execute processes by operating on an OS in conjunction with other software or expansion board functions. Furthermore, the program itself may be stored on a server, and part or all of the program may be downloadable from the server to a user terminal. The program may be provided to the user in, for example, a SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0116] <Supplementary Notes> The above-described embodiment may be further described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited to the following.

[0117] (Supplementary Note 1) The information processing system described in Supplementary Note 1 is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target; a calculation means for calculating a fee related to the target; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information; a first payment means for executing a payment process for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication; a second payment means for executing a payment process for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication; and a control means for controlling the second payment means in accordance with the process executed for the first payment means.

[0118] (Appendix 2) The information processing system described in Appendix 2 is the information processing system described in Appendix 1, in which the calculation means determines at least one of the timing when the subject boards a mobile vehicle or the timing when the subject disembarks from the mobile vehicle based on the biometric information, and calculates the fare for the mobile vehicle.

[0119] (Appendix 3) The information processing system described in Appendix 3 is the information processing system described in Appendix 2, wherein the authentication means includes a boarding target identification means for identifying the target riding on the mobile body by the biometric authentication, and a disembarking target identification means for identifying the target disembarking from the mobile body by comparing the biometric information acquired from the target disembarking from the mobile body with the registration information of the target identified by the identification means.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 4) The information processing system described in Supplementary Note 4 is the information processing system described in Supplementary Note 2 or 3, further comprising a notification means for notifying the target that payment processing using the first payment means is available when the biometric authentication of the target on board the mobile body is successful, and for notifying the target that payment processing using the first payment means is unavailable or that payment processing using the second payment means is recommended when the biometric authentication of the target on board the mobile body is unsuccessful.

[0121] (Appendix 5) The information processing system described in Appendix 5 is the information processing system described in Appendix 4, wherein the notification means notifies the target to perform contactless communication for payment processing using the second payment means or obtain a numbered ticket if the biometric authentication of the target riding on the moving body fails.

[0122] (Appendix 6) The information processing system described in Appendix 6 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 2 to 5, wherein, when the biometric authentication of the subject riding on the mobile body fails, the calculation means calculates the fare for the mobile body for payment processing by the second payment means for the subject by comparing the biometric information acquired when the subject boards the mobile body with the biometric information acquired when the subject disembarks from the mobile body.

[0123] (Appendix 7) The information processing system described in Appendix 7 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein the control means determines that the subject has agreed to perform payment processing using the first payment means when the subject turns their face directly toward the imaging means that captures an image to obtain the biometric information.

[0124] (Appendix 8) The information processing system described in Appendix 8 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein, when the biometric authentication is successful, the control means causes the first payment processing means to execute payment processing and prohibits payment processing by the second payment processing means.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 9) The information processing system described in Supplementary Note 9 is the information processing system described in any one of Supplements 1 to 8, wherein the control means cancels the payment processing by the first payment processing means and causes the payment processing by the second payment processing means to be executed if a payment operation for executing payment processing by the second payment processing means is performed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the biometric authentication was performed.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 10) The information processing system described in Supplementary Note 10 is the information processing system described in Supplementary Note 9, wherein the control means does not cancel the payment processing by the first payment processing means if the subject who performed the biometric authentication is different from the subject who performed the payment operation, even if the specified period has not elapsed since the biometric authentication was performed.

[0127] (Appendix 11) The information processing system described in Appendix 11 is the information processing system described in Appendix 10, in which the control means determines that the subject who performed the biometric authentication is different from the subject who performed the payment operation when the payment operation is performed after the subject has moved out of the field of view of an imaging means that captures an image to acquire the biometric information.

[0128] (Appendix 12) The information processing system described in Appendix 12 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 11, wherein the first payment means executes payment processing for a payer linked to the target whose biometric authentication has been successful, if the target is below a predetermined age.

[0129] (Appendix 13) The information processing system described in Appendix 13 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 12, wherein the calculation means calculates a discounted fee for the target when the target and a specified object are both reflected in the image used to acquire the biometric information.

[0130] (Appendix 14) The information processing system described in Appendix 14 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 13, wherein the calculation means calculates a discounted fee for the target if the registration information for the target has been updated within a specified period.

[0131] (Appendix 15) The information processing device described in Appendix 15 is an information processing device that includes an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target, a calculation means for calculating a fee related to the target, an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, a first payment means for executing a payment process for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication, a second payment means for executing a payment process for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication, and a control means for controlling the second payment means in accordance with the process executed for the first payment means.

[0132] (Appendix 16) The information processing method described in Appendix 16 is an information processing method that, using at least one computer, acquires biometric information of a target, calculates a fee related to the target, performs biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, and controls a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed on a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication.

[0133] (Appendix 17) The recording medium described in Appendix 17 is a recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing at least one computer to execute an information processing method, which acquires biometric information of a target, calculates a fee related to the target, performs biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, and controls a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed on a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication.

[0134] (Appendix 18) The computer program described in Appendix 18 is a computer program that causes at least one computer to execute an information processing method, which acquires biometric information of a target, calculates a fee related to the target, performs biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, and controls a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed for a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication.

[0135] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information processing systems, information processing devices, information processing methods, and recording media that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0136] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 11 Processor 12 RAM 13 ROM 14 Storage device 15 Input device 16 Output device 17 Data bus 110 Biometric information acquisition unit 120 Fare calculation unit 130 Authentication unit 1301 Boarding target identification unit 1302 Exiting target identification unit 140 First settlement unit 150 Second settlement unit 160 Control unit 170 Notification unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target; a calculation means for calculating a fee related to the target; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information; a first payment means for executing a payment process for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication; a second payment means for executing a payment process for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication; and a control means for controlling the second payment means in accordance with the process executed for the first payment means.

2. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the calculation means determines at least one of the timing when the subject boards a vehicle or the timing when the subject disembarks from the vehicle based on the biometric information, and calculates the fare for the vehicle.

3. The information processing system of claim 2, wherein the authentication means comprises: a boarding target identification means for identifying the target riding on the mobile body using the biometric authentication; and a disembarking target identification means for identifying the target disembarking from the mobile body by comparing the biometric information acquired from the target disembarking from the mobile body with the registration information of the target identified by the identification means.

4. The information processing system of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a notification means for notifying the target that payment processing using the first payment means is available if the biometric authentication of the target riding on the moving body is successful, and for notifying the target that payment processing using the first payment means is unavailable or that payment processing using the second payment means is recommended if the biometric authentication of the target riding on the moving body is unsuccessful.

5. The information processing system of claim 4, wherein the notification means notifies the subject riding on the vehicle to perform contactless communication or obtain a numbered ticket for payment processing using the second payment means if the biometric authentication of the subject fails.

6. The information processing system of claim 2 or 3, wherein, when the biometric authentication of the subject riding on the vehicle fails, the calculation means calculates the fare for the vehicle for payment processing by the second payment means for the subject by comparing the biometric information acquired when the subject boards the vehicle with the biometric information acquired when the subject disembarks from the vehicle.

7. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means determines that the subject has agreed to perform payment processing using the first payment means when the subject faces directly toward the imaging means that captures an image to obtain the biometric information.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means, if the biometric authentication is successful, causes the first payment processing means to execute payment processing and prohibits the second payment processing means from executing payment processing.

9. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein if a payment operation to execute payment processing by the second payment processing means is performed before a predetermined time has elapsed since the biometric authentication was performed, the control means cancels the payment processing by the first payment processing means and executes the payment processing by the second payment processing means.

10. The information processing system of claim 9, wherein the control means prevents the payment processing by the first payment processing means from being canceled if the subject who performed the biometric authentication is different from the subject who performed the payment operation, even if the specified period has not elapsed since the biometric authentication was performed.

11. The information processing system of claim 10, wherein the control means determines that the subject who performed the biometric authentication is different from the subject who performed the payment operation when the payment operation is performed after the subject has moved out of the field of view of the imaging means that captures the image to obtain the biometric information.

12. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first payment means executes payment processing for a payment person linked to the subject whose biometric authentication has been successful if the subject is below a predetermined age.

13. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation means calculates a discounted fee for the target when the target and a specified object are both captured in the image used to acquire the biometric information.

14. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation means calculates a discounted fee for the target if the registration information for the target has been updated within a predetermined period.

15. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a target; a calculation means for calculating a fee related to the target; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information; a first payment means for executing a payment process for the fee based on the result of the biometric authentication; a second payment means for executing a payment process for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication; and a control means for controlling the second payment means in accordance with the processing executed for the first payment means.

16. An information processing method comprising: acquiring biometric information of a target by at least one computer; calculating a fee related to the target; performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information; and controlling a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed for a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the results of the biometric authentication.

17. A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing at least one computer to execute an information processing method, which comprises acquiring biometric information of a target, calculating a fee related to the target, performing biometric authentication of the target by comparing the biometric information with pre-registered registration information, and controlling a second payment means that executes payment processing for the fee using a method different from the biometric authentication in accordance with processing executed for a first payment means that executes payment processing for the fee based on the results of the biometric authentication.

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