Terminal device, transaction system, transaction method, and recording medium

Abstract

This terminal device comprises a purchase processing means that processes the purchase of a product for an automatic vending machine on the basis of biometric authentication results of a purchaser; and if the purchase has been established, acquires transaction information indicating the amount of the purchase and indicating that the payment for the product is pending.

Description

Terminal device, trading system, trading method and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device, a trading system, a trading method, and a recording medium.

[0002] When a transaction is made at a vending machine, the vending machine and the user's terminal device may communicate with each other. For example, in the vending machine system described in Patent Document 1, the user's mobile terminal receives a notification of the transaction amount from the vending machine, performs payment processing with a payment server, and notifies the vending machine of the transaction result and user information from the payment server. After confirming the transaction result and user information, the vending machine dispenses the product.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-028528

[0004] It is preferable that the degree of freedom in transactions at vending machines is as high as possible.

[0005] An example of an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device, a trading system, a trading method, and a recording medium that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the terminal device is provided with a purchase processing means for performing a product purchase process for a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, when the purchase is completed, acquiring transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the purchase is unsettled.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a transaction system includes a terminal device and a vending machine, and the terminal device performs a product purchase process for the vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and when the purchase is completed, the terminal device includes a purchase processing means for acquiring transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the transaction is unsettled.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a transaction method includes a computer performing a product purchase process for a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, if the purchase is completed, obtaining transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the payment is pending.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to perform a product purchase process for a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, if the purchase is successful, to obtain transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the transaction is unsettled.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transaction system according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smartphone according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a vending machine according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a smartphone indicating the start of use of a vending machine according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by a smartphone according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in a transaction method according to at least one embodiment; FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment.

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transaction system according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the transaction system 1 includes a smartphone 100, a vending machine 200, and a business operator server device 300. The smartphone 100 may be configured external to the transaction system 1.

[0013] The transaction system 1 is a system that enables transactions between a vending machine 200 and a user who is a customer purchasing products. In particular, the transaction system 1 allows a user to use a smartphone 100 to make a lump-sum payment for products purchased from the vending machine 200. The transaction system 1 allows for a relatively high degree of freedom in transactions, in that the delivery of each product at the vending machine does not need to be accompanied by payment.

[0014] Furthermore, with the transaction system 1, the user only needs to perform various payment-related operations once, such as selecting a payment method, making the payment, setting whether to use a point card, and setting whether to save or use points. In this respect, the transaction system 1 can improve user convenience. Furthermore, the relatively high level of user convenience in the transaction system 1 is expected to promote product purchases. For businesses that sell products, the transaction system 1 is expected to promote product sales.

[0015] The application of the trading system 1 is not limited to a specific one. For example, the trading system 1 may be applied to some kind of facility, such as a super public bath, an attraction facility, or an unmanned vending store. Alternatively, the trading system 1 may be applied to a vending machine installed in an open space, such as a vending machine installed in an urban area.

[0016] If the transaction system 1 is applied to a facility, the user may exit the facility after making a payment. For example, when the user exits the facility, the completion of payment may be a condition for the exit gate to open. Alternatively, the transaction system 1 may be configured to perform payments at a predetermined time, such as at the end of each month.

[0017] The vending machine 200 provides products to users through transactions with the users. The transaction here refers to a user requesting the vending machine 200 to provide a product, and the vending machine 200 providing the product in response to the user's request. The number of vending machines 200 included in the transaction system 1 may be one or more, and is not limited to a specific number.

[0018] The products provided by the vending machine 200 are not limited to a specific type of product. The products provided by the vending machine 200 may be goods or services. A fee may be charged each time the vending machine 200 provides a product. Alternatively, there may be cases where no fee is charged when the vending machine 200 provides a product, such as when the product or a portion of the product provided by the vending machine 200 has a fixed price.

[0019] The smartphone 100 requests the vending machine 200 to provide a product in accordance with a user operation. The smartphone 100 also transmits transaction information with the vending machine 200, such as the name and price of the product provided by the vending machine 200, to the business operator server device 300. The transaction information is used for payment. The smartphone 100 may be configured to transmit the transaction information to the business operator server device 300 when conducting a transaction with the vending machine 200.

[0020] Alternatively, the smartphone 100 may later transmit the transaction information to the business entity server device 300. For example, if the vending machine 200 is installed outside the communication range of the smartphone 100, the smartphone 100 may transmit the transaction information to the business entity server device 300 after communication is restored. Alternatively, the smartphone 100 may transmit the transaction information to the business entity server device 300 at the time of payment.

[0021] The smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal device that a user uses to transact with the vending machine 200. However, the form of the terminal device that a user uses to transact with the vending machine 200 is not limited to a specific form. For example, the terminal device may be configured using a wearable device such as a smart watch. Alternatively, the terminal device may be configured using a tablet terminal.

[0022] The terminal device used by the user to transact with the vending machine 200 may be a device owned by the user, such as a smartphone owned by the user. For example, the user may install an application program on the smartphone owned by the user so that the smartphone functions as the terminal device used to transact with the vending machine 200. Alternatively, the terminal device used by the user to transact with the vending machine 200 may be a device used exclusively for the transaction system 1, such as a device rented by a facility.

[0023] Here, an example will be described in which the terminal device used by the user to transact with the vending machine 200 is the smartphone 100. A transaction between the user and the vending machine 200 can also be considered as a transaction between the smartphone 100 and the vending machine 200. The user may also operate the smartphone 100 to make the payment. Alternatively, the user may use a device other than the smartphone 100, such as a personal computer, to make the payment. Alternatively, a contract for payment may be concluded in advance, and the payment may be made automatically without the need for user operation.

[0024] The following describes an example in which the smartphone 100 makes a payment through communication with the business entity server device 300. The smartphone 100 may make the payment in accordance with a user operation. Alternatively, the smartphone 100 may make the payment in accordance with a contract concluded in advance.

[0025] The number of users who use the trading system 1 is not limited to a specific number. Therefore, the number of smartphones 100 used in the trading system 1 is not limited to a specific number.

[0026] The business operator server device 300 performs settlement of transactions between the user and the vending machine 200. The business operator server device 300 corresponds to an example of a server device of a product seller using the vending machine 200. As described above, the business operator server device 300 acquires transaction information from the smartphone 100 and performs settlement based on the acquired transaction information. This eliminates the need for direct communication between the vending machine 200 and the business operator server device 300, allowing the configuration of the vending machine 200 to be relatively simple.

[0027] For example, the vending machine 200 does not need to be connected to the Internet to communicate with the business entity server device 300. In this respect, the vending machine 200 does not need hardware or software to connect to the Internet, which reduces the manufacturing and operating costs of the vending machine 200.

[0028] In addition, no internet connection usage fee is required for vending machine 200, which also reduces the operating costs of vending machine 200. Furthermore, compared to connecting vending machine 200 to the internet via a wired connection, no land needs to be used for wiring, and no coordination with the landowner or land use fees are required. In this respect, the installation and operating costs of vending machine 200 can be reduced, and the burden of coordination with the landowner when installing vending machine 200 can be alleviated.

[0029] The business entity server device 300 may also perform credit processing for the user for transactions between the user and the vending machine 200. The user may request credit from the business entity server device 300 using the smartphone 100. Alternatively, the user may request credit from the business entity server device 300 using a device other than the smartphone 100, such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. The following describes an example in which the user requests credit from the business entity server device 300 using the smartphone 100.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of smartphone 100. In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, smartphone 100 includes a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, an operation input unit 130, a camera 140, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Control unit 190 includes a biometric authentication unit 191, a credit processing unit 192, a purchase processing unit 193, and a payment processing unit 194.

[0031] The communication unit 110 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 110 performs near-field communication with the vending machine 200. The near-field communication here refers to direct communication without going through a provider. The communication unit 110 and the vending machine 200 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

[0032] For example, the communication unit 110 may perform short-range wireless communication with the vending machine 200. Alternatively, the user may touch the vending machine 200 while holding the smartphone 100 in his / her hand, and the communication unit 110 and the vending machine 200 may communicate with each other via the user. The communication unit 110 is an example of a communication means.

[0033] Furthermore, the communication unit 110 communicates with the business entity server device 300. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits transaction information between the smartphone 100 and the vending machine 200 (transaction information between the user and the vending machine 200) to the business entity server device 300. The communication unit 110 may be connected to the Internet via a mobile line or a wireless local area network (LAN) and communicate with the business entity server device 300 via the Internet.

[0034] The display unit 120 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays various images. For example, the display unit 120 displays various images related to transactions with the vending machine 200, such as an operation input screen for starting a transaction with the vending machine 200.

[0035] The operation input unit 130 includes an input device such as a touch sensor that is provided on the display screen of the display unit 120 and forms a touch panel, and accepts user operations. For example, the operation input unit 130 accepts user operations related to a transaction with the vending machine 200, such as a user operation to instruct the start of a transaction with the vending machine 200.

[0036] Camera 140 takes an image and generates image data. In particular, camera 140 is used to take an image of the user's face when the user makes a transaction with vending machine 200 and generate facial image data for facial authentication.

[0037] The storage unit 180 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 180 stores transaction information between a user and the vending machine 200. The storage unit 180 is configured using a storage device included in the smartphone 100.

[0038] The control unit 190 performs various processes by controlling each unit of the smartphone 100. The functions of the control unit 190 are performed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the smartphone 100 reading and executing a program from the storage unit 180.

[0039] The biometric authentication unit 191 performs biometric authentication. The biometric authentication by the biometric authentication unit 191 is used to verify the identity of the user when a transaction is made between the user and the vending machine 200. The following describes an example in which the biometric authentication unit 191 performs face authentication using facial image data captured by the camera 140 of the user's face. However, the biometric authentication performed by the biometric authentication unit 191 is not limited to a specific type. For example, the biometric authentication unit 191 may perform fingerprint authentication, voiceprint authentication, or iris authentication.

[0040] For example, when the transaction system 1 is applied to a super public bath, it may be difficult to capture a face image for face authentication. In response to this, the biometric authentication unit 191 may perform biometric authentication that does not involve capturing an image using the camera 140, such as fingerprint authentication or voiceprint authentication, thereby enabling identity verification even in cases where it is difficult to capture a face image for face authentication. It is also possible for the biometric authentication unit 191 to perform iris authentication, for example, to perform biometric authentication that involves capturing an image that does not include the background.

[0041] When the smartphone 100 and the business entity server device 300 are capable of communicating with each other, the business entity server device 300 may perform biometric authentication instead of the smartphone 100 .

[0042] The credit processing unit 192 performs credit processing to enable the user to use the transaction system 1. For credit, the user is registered in the business entity server device 300. When credit is granted, the user's biometric information is registered, which is used as a comparison target when the biometric authentication unit 191 performs biometric authentication such as face authentication.

[0043] The purchase processing unit 193 processes transactions between the user and the vending machine 200 (transactions between the smartphone 100 and the vending machine 200). The processing performed by the purchase processing unit 193 corresponds to an example of a product purchase process from the vending machine 200. The purchase here refers to receiving a product in exchange for payment. The payment is made at the time of settlement.

[0044] In a transaction between a user and a vending machine 200, the purchase processing unit 193 identifies the vending machine 200 that is the target of the transaction in accordance with a user operation. The vending machine 200 or smartphone 100 also accepts a user operation specifying a product that the user wishes to receive. The biometric authentication unit 191 also performs identity verification of the user through biometric authentication and notifies the purchase processing unit 193 of the authentication result. If the user's identity is confirmed through biometric authentication, the purchase processing unit 193 requests the vending machine 200 to provide the product specified by the user. The vending machine 200 provides the product in response to the request from the purchase processing unit 193.

[0045] When a transaction is made, the purchase processing unit 193 generates transaction information including the product name and price of the product provided by the vending machine 200, information indicating whether payment has been made or not, and the biometric information used for biometric authentication. The purchase processing unit 193 communicates with the vending machine 200 via the communication unit 110 to obtain information about the product. By generating transaction information including the biometric information, the purchase processing unit 193 can confirm after the fact that the user actually received the product from the vending machine 200.

[0046] The payment processing unit 194 performs payment processing. In payment, the user pays the price to the business that provided the product. The payment method is not limited to a specific method. For example, the user may select the payment method. As described above, the timing of payment is not limited to a specific timing.

[0047] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the vending machine 200. In the example of FIG. 3, a sample display window 220, a two-dimensional barcode 230, and a product dispensing opening 240 are provided on the front side of the housing 210 of the vending machine 200.

[0048] The sample display window 220 is a window that displays products that can be provided by the vending machine 200. The purchase processing unit 193 identifies the vending machine 200 that is the target of the transaction in accordance with a user operation, and after the user's identity is confirmed through biometric authentication by the biometric authentication unit 191, the user performs a user operation to specify the product that the user wishes to receive from among the products displayed in the sample display window 220.

[0049] The display unit 120 of the smartphone 100 may display a list of products that the vending machine 200 can provide under the control of the purchase processing unit 193. The operation input unit 130 may then receive a user operation specifying a desired product. In this case, the vending machine 200 may not be provided with the sample display window 220.

[0050] The two-dimensional barcode 230 is a barcode that indicates information about the vending machine 200, such as the communication address of the vending machine 200. For example, the camera 140 may photograph the two-dimensional barcode 230 in accordance with a user operation, and the purchase processing unit 193 may read the information about the vending machine 200 from the image of the two-dimensional barcode 230. In this way, the purchase processing unit 193 may identify the vending machine 200 that is the subject of the transaction, and communicate with the identified vending machine 200 via the communication unit 110 by near-field communication.

[0051] Product outlet 240 is an outlet through which a user can take out products provided by vending machine 200. As described above, the products provided by vending machine 200 are not limited to physical objects. If vending machine 200 does not provide physical objects, vending machine 200 does not need to be equipped with a product outlet.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display for starting use of a vending machine on smartphone 100. In the example of Fig. 4, a lens portion 420 of camera 140 and a display screen 430 of display unit 120 are shown on the front of housing 410 of smartphone 100. In the example of Fig. 4, display unit 120 displays an image on display screen 430 that includes a read button 431, a display area 432 for the vending machine name, and a use button 433.

[0053] When a user touches the read button while pointing camera 140 at two-dimensional barcode 230 on vending machine 200, camera 140 captures an image of two-dimensional barcode 230, and purchase processing unit 193 reads the information about vending machine 200 that is the subject of the transaction. Then, purchase processing unit 193 controls display unit 120 to display the name of vending machine 200 that is the subject of the transaction in vending machine name display area 432. For example, the name of vending machine 200 itself may be displayed on vending machine 200, allowing the user to confirm which vending machine 200 is the subject of the transaction.

[0054] If the purchase processing unit 193 has read information from multiple vending machines 200, the purchase processing unit 193 may control the display unit 120 to display a list of the vending machines 200. The user may then be able to select from the list of vending machines 200 the vending machine 200 from which he or she wishes to request the provision of a product.

[0055] When the user touches the use button 433, the purchase processing unit 193 carries out a transaction with the vending machine 200 displayed in the vending machine name display area 432.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure of processing performed by the smartphone 100. In the processing of Fig. 5, the smartphone 100 starts an application program for functioning as a terminal device of the trading system 1 in accordance with a user operation (step S101).

[0057] Next, the camera 140 reads the two-dimensional barcode 230 (step S102). Specifically, as described above, when the user performs a touch operation on the read button 431 while pointing the camera 140 at the two-dimensional barcode 230, the camera 140 captures an image of the two-dimensional barcode 230 and generates image data.

[0058] Next, the purchase processing unit 193 acquires a vending machine ID (identifier, identification information) that identifies the vending machine and an API key (step S103). For example, the purchase processing unit 193 reads information about the vending machine, such as the communication address of the vending machine 200 and the vending machine ID that identifies the vending machine 200, from the image of the two-dimensional barcode 230. The purchase processing unit 193 also acquires the API key from the application program.

[0059] Next, the purchase processing unit 193 starts near-field communication with the vending machine 200 via the communication unit 110 (step S104). Next, the purchase processing unit 193 controls the display unit 120 to display an image indicating when the vending machine 200 is about to be used, as shown in FIG. 4 (step S105).

[0060] Next, the purchase processing unit 193 determines whether a touch operation has been performed on the use button, which instructs a transaction with the vending machine 200 that is the target of the transaction (step S106). If the purchase processing unit 193 determines that a touch operation has not been performed on the use button (step S106: NO), the processing returns to step S106. In this case, the purchase processing unit 193 waits for a touch operation on the use button.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the use button has been touched (step S106: YES), the purchase processing unit 193 activates the camera 140 (step S111). The camera 140 captures a picture of the user's face in accordance with the user's operation and generates face image data.

[0062] Next, the biometric authentication unit 191 performs face authentication using the facial image data generated by the camera 140 (step S112). Next, the purchase processing unit 193 determines whether the user is confirmed to be the user himself / herself based on the authentication result of the biometric authentication unit 191 (step S113).

[0063] If it is determined that the user is identified (step S113: YES), the purchase processing unit 193 sends an API request to the vending machine 200 via the communication unit 110 to request the provision of the product specified by the user (step S121). The purchase processing unit 193 then generates transaction information and stores it in the storage unit 180 (step S122). After step S122, the smartphone 100 ends the processing of FIG. 5.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the user is not the user himself / herself (step S113: NO), the purchase processing unit 193 controls the display unit 120 to display an error message indicating that the user's identity could not be confirmed (step S131). Then, the control unit 190 transitions the state of the smartphone 100 to the state before the touch operation on the use button was performed. After step S122, the smartphone 100 ends the processing of FIG. 5.

[0065] As described above, the purchase processing unit 193 performs product purchase processing for the vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser (user), and if the purchase is successful, obtains transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that payment has not yet been made.

[0066] In smartphone 100, the transaction information indicates that payment has not been made, so that the delivery of each product at vending machine 200 does not need to be accompanied by payment. In this respect, smartphone 100 can provide a relatively high degree of freedom in transactions.

[0067] Furthermore, with the smartphone 100, the user only needs to perform various operations related to payment, such as selecting a payment method, performing payment operations, setting whether to use a point card, and setting whether to save or use points, once. In this respect, the smartphone 100 can improve user convenience.

[0068] Furthermore, it is expected that the smartphone 100 will promote product purchases due to its relatively high user convenience. For businesses that sell products, it is expected that the smartphone 100 will promote product sales.

[0069] Furthermore, the storage unit 180 stores transaction information. By storing the transaction information in the storage unit 180, the smartphone 100 can later transmit the transaction information to the business entity server device 300. This allows a transaction between the user and the vending machine 200 to be carried out, for example, even if the vending machine 200 is installed outside the communication range of the smartphone 100.

[0070] Furthermore, the communication unit 110 transmits the transaction information to the business entity server device 300. According to the smartphone 100, the business entity server device 300 can perform payment using the transaction information transmitted by the communication unit 110. This allows the user to perform payment processing from a device other than the smartphone 100.

[0071] Furthermore, since the smartphone 100 transmits transaction information to the business operator server device 300, there is no need for direct communication between the vending machine 200 and the business operator server device 300, and the configuration of the vending machine 200 can be made relatively simple.

[0072] For example, the vending machine 200 does not need to be connected to the Internet to communicate with the business entity server device 300. In this respect, the vending machine 200 does not need hardware or software to connect to the Internet, which reduces the manufacturing and operating costs of the vending machine 200.

[0073] In addition, no internet connection usage fee is required for vending machine 200, which also reduces the operating costs of vending machine 200. Furthermore, compared to connecting vending machine 200 to the internet via a wired connection, no land needs to be used for wiring, and no coordination with the landowner or land use fees are required. In this respect, the installation and operating costs of vending machine 200 can be reduced, and the burden of coordination with the landowner when installing vending machine 200 can be alleviated.

[0074] The transaction information also includes biometric information used for biometric authentication, which allows subsequent confirmation that the user actually received the product from the vending machine 200.

[0075] Furthermore, the purchase processing unit 193 acquires information on products sold by the vending machine 200 from the vending machine 200, and requests the vending machine 200 to provide the product specified by the purchaser. The smartphone 100 allows the purchaser to select a product using the smartphone 100.

[0076] Furthermore, camera 140 captures an image of a two-dimensional barcode or the like displayed on vending machine 200. Purchase processing unit 193 identifies vending machine 200 based on the image captured by camera 140. It is expected that smartphone 100 will enable more accurate specification of the vending machine 200 to be the subject of a transaction, even when there are multiple vending machines 200 that can communicate with smartphone 100.

[0077] Second Embodiment Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 6, the terminal device 610 includes a purchase processing unit 611. In this configuration, the purchase processing unit 611 performs a product purchase process for a vending machine based on the result of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and when a purchase is completed, acquires transaction information indicating the purchase amount and whether the purchase is unsettled. The purchase processing unit 611 corresponds to an example of a purchase processing means.

[0078] In the terminal device 610, the transaction information indicates that payment has not yet been made, so that the delivery of each product at the vending machine does not need to be accompanied by payment. In this respect, the terminal device 610 allows for a relatively high degree of freedom in transactions.

[0079] Furthermore, with the terminal device 610, the user only needs to perform various operations related to payment once, such as selecting a payment method, performing payment operations, setting whether to use a point card, and setting whether to save or use points. In this respect, the terminal device 610 can improve user convenience.

[0080] Furthermore, it is expected that the terminal device 610 will promote product purchases due to its relatively high user convenience. For businesses that sell products, it is expected that the terminal device 610 will promote product sales.

[0081] <Third embodiment> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 7, a transaction system 620 includes a terminal device 621 and a vending machine 623. The terminal device 621 includes a purchase processing unit 622.

[0082] In this configuration, the purchase processing unit 622 performs a product purchase process for the vending machine based on the result of the purchaser's biometric authentication, and if the purchase is successful, obtains transaction information indicating the purchase amount and whether the transaction is unsettled. The purchase processing unit 622 is an example of a purchase processing means.

[0083] In the transaction system 1, the transaction information indicates that the transaction is unsettled, so that the delivery of each product at the vending machine does not need to be accompanied by payment. In this respect, the transaction system 1 can provide a relatively high degree of freedom in transactions.

[0084] Furthermore, with the transaction system 1, the user only needs to perform various operations related to payment once, such as selecting a payment method, making a payment, setting whether to use a point card, and setting whether to save or use points. In this respect, the transaction system 1 can improve user convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, the trading system 1 is expected to promote product purchases due to its relatively high user convenience. For businesses that sell products, the trading system 1 is expected to promote product sales.

[0086] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in a transaction method according to at least one embodiment. The transaction method shown in Fig. 8 includes performing a purchase process (step S611).

[0087] In performing the purchase process (step S611), the computer performs the product purchase process for the vending machine based on the results of the purchaser's biometric authentication, and if the purchase is successful, obtains transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that payment is pending.

[0088] In the transaction method shown in Fig. 8, the transaction information indicates that payment has not yet been made, so that the delivery of each product at the vending machine does not need to be accompanied by payment. In this respect, the transaction method shown in Fig. 8 allows for a relatively high degree of freedom in transactions.

[0089] In addition, with the transaction method shown in Fig. 8, the user only needs to perform various operations related to payment once, such as selecting a payment method, performing payment operations, setting whether to use a point card, setting whether to save or use points, etc. In this respect, the transaction method shown in Fig. 8 can improve user convenience.

[0090] Furthermore, the transaction method shown in Fig. 8 is expected to promote product purchases due to its relatively high user convenience. For businesses that sell products, the transaction method shown in Fig. 8 is expected to promote product sales.

[0091] 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, a computer 700 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 710, a main memory device 720, an auxiliary memory device 730, and an interface 740.

[0092] One or more of the smartphone 100, the business entity server device 300, the terminal device 610, and the terminal device 621, or a part thereof, may be implemented in the computer 700. In this case, the operation of each of the above-described processing units is stored in the auxiliary storage device 730 in the form of a program. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 710 also allocates storage areas in the main storage device 720 corresponding to each of the above-described storage units in accordance with the program. Communication between each device and other devices is executed by the interface 740, which has a communication function, and performs communication under the control of the CPU 710.

[0093] When the smartphone 100 is implemented in the computer 700, the operations of the control unit 190 and each of its units are stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0094] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area for the storage unit 180 in the main storage device 720 in accordance with a program. Communication with other devices by the communication unit 110 is achieved by the interface 740 having a communication function and operating under the control of the CPU 710. Display of images by the display unit 120 is achieved by the interface 740 being equipped with a display device and displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710. Reception of user operations by the operation input unit 130 is achieved by the interface 740 being equipped with an input device and receiving the user operations under the control of the CPU 710. Photography by the camera 140 is achieved by the interface 740 being equipped with a camera and performing photography under the control of the CPU 710.

[0095] When the business entity server device 300 is implemented in the computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0096] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area in the main storage device 720 for the business entity server device 300 to perform processing in accordance with the program. Communication between the business entity server device 300 and other devices is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function and performs communication under the control of the CPU 710. Interaction between the business entity server device 300 and a user is performed by the interface 740, which has a display device and an input device, displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710 and accepting user operations.

[0097] When the terminal device 610 is implemented in the computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0098] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area in the main storage device 720 for the terminal device 610 to perform processing in accordance with the program. Communication between the terminal device 610 and other devices is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function and performs communication under the control of the CPU 710. Interaction between the terminal device 610 and a user is performed by the interface 740, which has a display device and an input device, displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710 and accepting user operations.

[0099] When the terminal device 621 is implemented in the computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0100] Furthermore, the CPU 710, in accordance with the program, allocates a storage area in the main storage device 720 for the terminal device 621 to perform processing. Communication between the terminal device 621 and other devices is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function, and performs communication under the control of the CPU 710. Interaction between the terminal device 621 and a user is performed by the interface 740, which has a display device and an input device, displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710 and accepting user operations.

[0101] One or more of the above-described programs may be recorded on nonvolatile recording medium 750. In this case, interface 740 may read the programs from nonvolatile recording medium 750. Then, CPU 710 may directly execute the programs read by interface 740, or may temporarily store the programs in main storage device 720 or auxiliary storage device 730 and then execute them.

[0102] Alternatively, a program for executing all or part of the processing performed by smartphone 100, business server device 300, terminal device 610, and terminal device 621 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of each component. Note that the term "computer system" herein includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, read-only memories (ROMs), and compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. The program may be designed to implement part of the aforementioned functions, or may be capable of implementing the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0103] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0104] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 1) A terminal device having a purchase processing means that performs product purchase processing for a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of a purchaser, and, if a purchase is successful, acquires transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that payment has not yet been made.

[0106] (Supplementary Note 2) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: a storage means for storing the transaction information.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 3) The terminal device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, further comprising: a communication means for transmitting the transaction information to a server device of the product seller using the vending machine.

[0108] (Supplementary Note 4) The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the transaction information includes biometric information used for the biometric authentication.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 5) The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the purchase processing means acquires information about products sold by the vending machine from the vending machine and requests the vending machine to provide the product specified by the purchaser.

[0110] (Supplementary Note 6) The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising a camera that captures an image displayed on the vending machine, and the purchase processing means identifies the vending machine based on the image.

[0111] (Supplementary Note 7) A transaction system comprising a terminal device and a vending machine, wherein the terminal device comprises a purchase processing means for processing a product purchase from the vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, when the purchase is completed, for obtaining transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the purchase is unsettled.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 8) The trading system according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the terminal device includes a storage means for storing the trading information.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 9) The transaction system according to Supplementary Note 7 or Supplementary Note 8, wherein the terminal device includes a communication means for transmitting the transaction information to a server device of the product seller using the vending machine.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 10) The transaction system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 9, wherein the transaction information includes biometric information used for the biometric authentication.

[0115] (Supplementary Note 11) The transaction system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 7 to 10, wherein the purchase processing means obtains information about products sold by the vending machine from the vending machine and requests the vending machine to provide the product specified by the purchaser.

[0116] (Appendix 12) A transaction system described in any one of Appendices 7 to 11, wherein the terminal device is equipped with a camera that captures an image displayed on the vending machine, and the purchase processing means identifies the vending machine based on the image.

[0117] (Supplementary Note 13) A transaction method including a computer processing a product purchase from a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, if the purchase is successful, obtaining transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the payment has not yet been made.

[0118] (Supplementary Note 14) The trading method according to Supplementary Note 13, further comprising: the computer storing the trading information.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 15) The transaction method according to Supplementary Note 13 or Supplementary Note 14, further comprising the step of: said computer transmitting said transaction information to a server device of said vending machine product seller.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 16) The transaction method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 15, wherein the transaction information includes biometric information used for the biometric authentication.

[0121] (Supplementary Note 17) The transaction method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 16, including the computer obtaining information about products sold by the vending machine from the vending machine and requesting the vending machine to provide the product specified by the purchaser.

[0122] (Supplementary Note 18) The transaction method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 13 to 17, including the computer taking an image displayed on the vending machine, and identifying the vending machine based on the image.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 19) A recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to process a product purchase from a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, if the purchase is successful, to obtain transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the transaction is unsettled.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 20) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the program causes the computer to store the transaction information.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 21) The recording medium according to Supplementary Note 19 or Supplementary Note 20, wherein the program causes the computer to execute the following: transmitting the transaction information to a server device of a product seller using the vending machine.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 22) The recording medium according to any one of Supplementary Notes 19 to 21, wherein the transaction information includes biometric information used for the biometric authentication.

[0127] (Appendix 23) The recording medium described in any one of Appendices 19 to 22, wherein the program causes the computer to: obtain information about products sold by the vending machine from the vending machine, and request the vending machine to provide the product specified by the purchaser.

[0128] (Appendix 24) The recording medium described in any one of Appendices 19 to 23, wherein the program causes the computer to: photograph an image displayed on the vending machine; and identify the vending machine based on the image.

[0129] The present invention may be applied to a terminal device, a trading system, a trading method, and a recording medium.

[0130] 1, 620 Transaction system 100 Smartphone 110 Communication unit 120 Display unit 130 Operation input unit 140 Camera 180 Storage unit 190 Control unit 191 Biometric authentication unit 192 Credit processing unit 193, 611, 622 Purchase processing unit 194 Payment processing unit 200, 623 Vending machine 300 Business operator server device 610, 621 Terminal device

Claims

1. A terminal device equipped with a purchase processing means that processes a product purchase from a vending machine based on the results of the purchaser's biometric authentication, and, if the purchase is successful, acquires transaction information indicating the purchase amount and whether payment has been made.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage means for storing said transaction information.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a communication means for transmitting said transaction information to a server device of said vending machine product seller.

4. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transaction information includes biometric information used for the biometric authentication.

5. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the purchase processing means acquires information about products sold by the vending machine from the vending machine and requests the vending machine to provide the product specified by the purchaser.

6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a camera that captures an image displayed on the vending machine, and the purchase processing means identifies the vending machine based on the image.

7. A transaction system comprising a terminal device and a vending machine, wherein the terminal device comprises a purchase processing means for processing a product purchase from the vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and, when the purchase is completed, acquiring transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the purchase is unsettled.

8. A transaction method in which a computer processes a product purchase from a vending machine based on the results of biometric authentication of the purchaser, and if the purchase is successful, obtains transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the payment has not yet been made.

9. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to process a product purchase from a vending machine based on the results of the purchaser's biometric authentication, and, if the purchase is successful, to obtain transaction information indicating the purchase amount and that the purchase is unsettled.

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