JP2007249706A - Substitutive payment-supporting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a substitutive payment-supporting system which efficiently realizes processing accompanying a substitutive payment service. <P>SOLUTION: A business terminal 3 produces payment information based both on user information which a user registers with a user management DB 401 and on charge information of a charge information DB 402 which is received from a charge terminal 1 and registered, registers the payment information with a payment information DB 403 and informs a user terminal 2 of the payment information. Further, the business terminal 3 produces deletion information from the acquired payment information on the user and registers it with a deletion information DB 404. The charge information and the payment information are updated by using the deletion information to carry out a quick and accurate substitutive payment service. Further, the use of statistical information generated by statistical processing by using these DBs is made useful for an investigation for business strategy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for supporting advance payment.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a service provided by a billing party, an advance payer may replace a cost generated in addition to a cost determined in advance on behalf of a user of the service. In that case, after the service ends, the clearing process performed between the replacement side and the billing side, or between the user and the replacement side is performed using a slip or the like.

For example, in a travel business, Patent Document 1 describes a method for systematizing a business between a land operator at a travel destination and a travel agency.
Patent Document 2 describes a method related to an automatic financing system between a lender and a customer.
Note that the applicant of the present application has already filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-295183 regarding an application technique for a financial system using a computer network.
JP 2002-342422 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-063015

  However, although Patent Documents 1 and 2 can carry out a normal payment business, the liquidation process accompanying the advance payment business cannot be carried out. For this reason, the clearing process of the advance payment work is performed manually, and the work on the advance side is a heavy burden. In addition, human error due to the manual work of the reimbursers has occurred, and there has been a demand for reduction of labor costs and expenses.

  The main object of the present invention is to provide a replacement payment support system that solves the above-described problems and efficiently realizes processing associated with replacement payment.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one of the solutions according to the present invention is to pay the seller who sells the product or provides the service by the user who purchases the product or provides the service. Used in a method in which a user pays in advance on behalf of the user and then settles, and a billing terminal that inputs billing information as processing on the billing side that is the seller; A payment payment support system comprising: a business terminal that generates payment information from the billing information as a process and notifies the user of the payment information, wherein the business terminal communicates with the user User management information including information relating to payment information notifying means and information relating to payment means, and information relating to reimbursement means with the claimant is stored in the storage means, and the business terminal Processing for receiving the billing information including the biller identification information, the user identification information and the usage information transmitted from the billing terminal, and generating the payment information using the received billing information Using the processing to store the billing information and the generated payment information in the storage means, and the notification means shown in the user management information stored in the storage means, the generated payment information to the user Corresponding to the process of notifying the payment information, the process of executing or supporting the advance payment by the advance payment means stored in the storage means based on the received billing information, and the notification of the payment information, When payment information obtained by the user paying the usage information related to the payment information by the payment means is input, application information indicating the payment information is displayed. The processing stored in the storage means, the billing information and the payment information, and the consumption information are collated, and if they match, the billing information and the payment information stored in the storage means are erased or paid. And performing a process of changing to a state representing finished.
Other means will be described in an embodiment described later.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the replacement payment assistance system which implement | achieves the process accompanying replacement payment efficiently can be provided.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail.
In the description of the present embodiment, the “replacement payment support system” is abbreviated as “system” as appropriate.
In addition, this specification is a service provided by a traveler (user) who has signed a contract with a travel agent (advanced payer) at a hotel where the traveler stays, or a business operator (claimer) such as a restaurant partnered with the travel agent. A description will be given using an example in which a travel agent (advance payer) changes the amount of money using, and then the traveler charges the traveler for the changed amount of money.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of this system.
This system is composed of a billing terminal 1 installed at a business such as a hotel, a user terminal 2 owned by a traveler, a business terminal 3 of a travel agent, a server 4 and the like, which are mutually connected to a network such as a public line. 9 is connected. The business terminal 3 and the server 4 are connected by a predetermined communication line or the like.
In the present specification, the user terminal 2 will be described by including it in the system.

  The billing terminal 1 is a general computer and, although not shown, performs communication with a calculation processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit, an input / output unit such as a keyboard and a display, and the network 9. It mainly includes a transmission / reception unit. The billing terminal 1 performs a process of transmitting billing information for the advance payment to the travel agent to the business terminal 3. The affiliated store of the travel agent may be provided with the billing terminal 1 like each hotel, and the billing terminal 1 may be connected to the hotel or directly connected to the network 9. In FIG. 1, the example connected with the hotel B is shown as an example.

  The user terminal 2 is a general computer. Although not shown, the user terminal 2 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage unit, an input / output unit such as a keyboard and a display, and a transmission / reception unit that communicates with the network 9. Consists mainly of including. The user terminal 2 performs processing for displaying payment information received from the travel agent.

  The business terminal 3 is a general computer. Detailed description will be given later in FIG. The business terminal 3 performs processing for storing information in the server 4 and transmitting information of the server 4 to the billing terminal 1 and the user terminal 2.

The server 4 is a general network storage. Detailed description will be given later in FIG.
In addition, in communication between the billing terminal 1, the user terminal 2, the business terminal 3, and the server 4, it shall be via each transmission / reception part and the network 9, and the description is abbreviate | omitted below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing functions of the business terminal and the server.
The server 4 mainly includes a storage unit 40 as a storage unit, a transmission / reception unit 41 that performs transmission / reception with the business terminal 3 or the network 9, and the like.
The storage unit 40 stores a user management database (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) 401, a billing information DB 402, a payment information DB 403, a consumption information DB 404, a statistical information DB 405, and the like as information used in the present system.
The user management DB 401 corresponds to user management information in claims, and stores information on travelers (users) and traders (billers) such as hotels. The billing information DB 402 stores billing information transmitted from the supplier. The payment information DB 403 stores payment information notified to the traveler. The payment information is information that notifies the traveler of the amount changed by the travel agent and charges the amount. The application information DB 404 stores information on the payment amount paid by the traveler. The statistical information DB 405 stores statistical information.

The business terminal 3 includes a storage unit 30, a processing unit 31 that performs arithmetic processing such as a CPU, an input / output unit 32 such as a keyboard and a display, a transmission / reception unit 33 that communicates with the server 4 and the network 9, and a semiconductor memory A RAM (Random Access Memory) 34 and the like are mainly included.
In the storage unit 30, a user information registration unit 301, a billing information registration unit 302, a payment information registration unit 303, a payment information notification unit 304, a payment information revocation unit 305, and a statistical information utilization unit 306 are appropriately expanded in the RAM 34 or the like. Then, each unit functions by being executed by the processing unit 31.

  The user information registration unit 301 has a function of storing traveler and trader information in the user management DB 401 of the server 4, a function of extracting information stored in the user management DB 401 (formation, listing, printing), a traveler and There is a management function (registration, update, deletion) of the credit information of the trader. Credit information is based on credit checks such as payment status of financial institutions and credit companies. These pieces of information may be managed on the WEB.

  The billing information registration unit 302 registers billing information from a trader (biller) in the billing information DB 402.

  The payment information registration unit 303 generates payment information to be notified to the traveler using the information in the user management DB 401 and the billing information DB 402 and registers the payment information in the payment information DB 403.

  The payment information notification unit 304 notifies the traveler of information registered in the payment information DB 403.

  The payment information application unit 305 uses the information of the application information DB 404 to collate with the billing information DB 402 and the payment information DB 403, and performs an application process on the matched information.

  The statistical information utilization unit 306 creates statistical information from information stored in the user management DB 401, billing information DB 402, payment information DB 403, and application information DB 404 and stores the statistical information in the statistical information DB 405.

  Detailed description using each means (301-306) and each DB (401-404) will be described later with reference to FIG.

<Comparative example>
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional advance payment service as a comparative example.
The advance payment service in this comparative example is composed of a tripper (user), a hotel trader (biller), and a travel agent (repayer). The general flow of the conventional replacement payment service among these three parties will be described.
The hotel includes a billing terminal or a telephone that performs processing for notifying billing information, and the travel agent includes a business terminal that performs processing for managing payment information and billing information. The business terminal stores a user management DB, a billing information DB, a payment information DB, and a consumption information DB.

  First, the travel agent notifies the hotel of the information of the traveler who has concluded the contract, and makes a use application to the effect that the traveler uses the service (S201).

  Subsequently, the traveler uses the credit service at the hotel (S202). Credit here refers to proof of agreement between the person previously applied by the travel agent to the hotel in S201 and the traveler using the service, the history of fraudulent behavior of the traveler, the presence or absence of payment ability, etc. For example, presenting a room key or signing by a traveler can be considered. Thereby, the traveler uses the service without paying the amount at this time.

  Next, the hotel transmits to the travel agent the usage fee generated by the service used by the traveler as billing information (single or batch) using a telephone or a billing terminal (S203). . The billing information here also includes billing information for services (such as food and drinks in hotels) based on the traveler's credit, and billing information for using services (travel options etc.) by business partners affiliated with travel agencies. The means for notifying the billing information at the billing terminal is a means for describing the billing information on a standard form and sending it by mail or facsimile, a means for sending OCR (Optical Character Reader) information, or a travel agent from a portal site on the WEB. There is a means for inputting billing information.

  The person in charge of the travel agent aggregates the billing information transmitted by various means and registers it in the billing information DB. Then, the travel agent pays in advance the amount charged in step S203 to the hotel or the like (S204).

  The travel agent generates payment information based on the billing information DB, registers the payment information in the payment information DB, and notifies the traveler of the payment information (single case or collectively) (S205). This notification is made by a person in charge of a travel agent confirming information stored in the user management DB, which is obtained in advance by the travel agent, and based on the information, the mail, payment slip, telephone This is done using TV.

  The traveler pays the amount notified by the payment information to the travel agent (S206). The payment means here include a travel agent's window, net banking, bank, cash card, mobile, telephone, television, automatic withdrawal, and the like.

  When receiving the payment from the traveler, the travel agent registers the information in the application information DB. Based on this application information DB, the application information DB and the payment information DB are deleted. At this time, the person in charge of the travel agent manually confirms the payment status of the traveler and confirms consistency with the billing information DB and the payment information DB (S207).

  The person in charge of the travel agent manually checks the billing information, checks the payment information, processes various statistical information and forms, manages the user, and confirms the confirmation of the application information. (Data conversion), data conversion of payment information to travelers (users), application of application information and clearing check (application of application information) are desired.

  As described above, the operations in steps S205 and S207 are carried out by the office work of the person in charge of the advance payer (travel agent). At present, the increase in expenses and labor costs is also a problem.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overview of the present system in the present embodiment.
A traveler uses room service, a shop, a facility, etc. at a hotel, and a partner of a travel agent performs eating and drinking, use of a facility, and the like. The usage details of these actions are stored electronically, and the user can also check the information by issuing slip 1 (reduction), slip 2 (reduction), slip 3 (reduction), slip 4 (reduction), etc. .
The bill is transmitted from the hotel to the travel agent using slips 1 to 3. The bill is transmitted by the slip 4 from the partner of the travel agent to the travel agent. In response to the request, the travel agent makes a replacement payment on behalf of the traveler.
The travel agent collates the amount of the transmitted slips 1 to 4 with the amount paid in advance, collects the slips, and issues a payment slip for each individual.
When a traveler comes directly to a travel agent's window, he / she accepts the payment and performs processing such as payment application.

  Thereby, the burden of the manual work and paperwork of a travel agent can be reduced. In addition, convenience for travel agents increases because the number of partners and the scope of alliances can be expanded. Furthermore, since travel information can be accumulated, it becomes possible for a travel agent to consider a business strategy according to the user.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the flow of the advance payment service in which the present system is used. A traveler, a travel agent, and a hotel (partner company) will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. The difference between the comparative example and the present invention is in steps S2201, S2204, S2206, S2208, and S2209. Details will be described below. The description here includes processing other than information processing by software, but information processing by software in the business terminal 3 or the like will be described later with reference to FIG.

First, a traveler and a travel agent carry out credit building work between them (S2201). Here, after the traveler decides the trip, the payment method for the advance payment generated by receiving the service during the trip is specified. The specified information is stored in the user management DB 401.
This eliminates the need for clerical work associated with differences in settlement methods for each user and each item, which is conventionally required when a person in charge of a travel agent performs a replacement process. It is desirable that a WEB screen is prepared so that a traveler can easily perform registration work using the user terminal 2, but registration may be performed using a dedicated terminal placed at a travel agent's window, for example. .

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the credit building operation between the travel agent and the traveler in step S2201. The traveler transmits a service use application to the travel agent (S2201-1). Here, the traveler inputs user information necessary for the advance payment. The information to be input and transmitted here is information desired by the traveler with respect to, for example, payment information notification means, payment means, and payment unit. Details will be described later.

  Based on the information transmitted in step S2201-1, the travel agent conducts a scrutiny and registration (registration in the user management DB 401) for the traveler and transmits an acceptance confirmation (S2201-2). At this time, the functions of the business terminal 3 may be given a user number (identification number), extraction of user information, WEB management of credit information, and the like.

Returning to FIG.
Subsequently, the travel agent and the hotel carry out credit building work between them (S2202). Here, the travel agent stores information on the hotel and partner of the traveler's accommodation in the user management DB 401, and further notifies the traveler's information to the hotel and partner of the accommodation. The information notified here includes information such as the name of the guest, the expected date of stay, etc. of the traveler who is a user of the advance payment service, and information such as a notification means, a payment means, a payment unit, etc. between the travel agent and the hotel. is there. It is preferable that information regarding the travel details of the traveler is appropriately registered in the storage unit of the billing terminal 1 or the server 4 so that the billing terminal 1 can browse at any time. Furthermore, the hotel and partner company of the accommodation may be notified using means such as e-mail and facsimile.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the credit building operation between the travel agent and the hotel in step S2202. The travel agent transmits the transaction method and the traveler information to the hotel (S2202-1). Information transmitted as a transaction method here includes a user number indicating traveler information (described later in FIG. 14), and means for notifying billing information from a hotel to a travel agent (standard paper, OCR information, facsimile, WEB Portal site, e-mail, mail), payment method for advance payment from travel agent to hotel (hotel window, net banking, various banks, cash card, ATM, mobile, telephone, TV, convenience store payment, automatic withdrawal), advance payment There are things related to payment units (monthly, travel, traveler, date).

The hotel conducts a scrutiny of credit to the travel agent and sends a confirmation of the transaction method (S2202-2). The information transmitted here includes a billing information notifying means from the hotel to the travel agent, payment means for the advance payment, confirmation of the payment unit for the advance payment, the presence / absence of credit as the trading partner, and the like.
These pieces of information are stored in the user management DB 401 with a unique number assigned to each trader by the business terminal 3 of the travel trader. As a result, it is possible to perform extraction of vendor information (formation, listing, printing), management (registration, update, deletion) of contract information on the WEB, and the like.
Thereafter, the travel agent notifies the hotel of information on the traveler as a user of the advance payment service.

Returning to FIG.
The traveler uses the service at the hotel and partner company (S2203). Based on this, the person in charge of the hotel and the partner company inputs details of service use at the billing terminal 1.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing service use by a traveler in step S2203. The traveler makes a service application (signature, etc.) with credit to the hotel (including partner companies) (S2203). For example, room service, travel options, and advance payment through hotels are used.
In the hotel, information on the usage details by the traveler is registered using the billing terminal 1.

In step S2204 of FIG. 5, the person in charge of the hotel inputs the billing information to the billing terminal 1, and the billing terminal 1 sends the notification means, payment means, and the like for each company registered in the transmission of confirmation in step S2202-2. By transmitting based on information such as the payment unit, the traveler charges the usage fee and service fee.
Along with this, the travel agent makes an advance payment (settlement of the price between the operators) to the hotel (S2205).

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the advance payment from the travel agent to the hotel in steps S2204 and S2205. The hotel (including the partner company) performs a billing process for the travel agency (S2204). This billing process is performed by means such as transmission of usage details to a travel agent and input of billing information from a travel agent portal site on the WEB.
In the case of taking measures such as sending the claim contents on a standard form, sending the OCR information of the claim contents, sending the invoice by facsimile, notifying the invoice contents by e-mail, mailing the invoice, etc. The bill information may be stored in the bill information DB 402 by inputting bill information using the business terminal 3.

  Based on the content of the claim received in step S2204, the travel agent makes an advance payment for the hotel charge (S2205-1). The advance payment is performed based on the payment means, payment unit, etc. registered in the user management DB 401. At this time, processing for prompting a charge, such as displaying the billing content received in step S2204, may be performed, or automatic withdrawal may be performed based on the billing content.

  Upon receiving the advance payment of the travel agent, the hotel sends a settlement confirmation notification to the travel agent (S2205-2). The payment confirmation notification may be sent by writing on a standard form, sending it as OCR information, inputting confirmation information from a WEB travel agent portal site, sending it by facsimile, sending it by e-mail, or mailing it.

In response to the payment confirmation notification from the hotel, the travel agent performs registration and management of information that has been settled with the hotel at the business terminal 3 of the travel agent (S2205-3). As functions at that time, extraction of billing information (formation, listing, printing), management of vendor information on WEB (registration, update, deletion), management of traveler information on WEB (registration, update, Delete), and a function for responding to traveler information and billing information.
Note that the processing of steps S2205-2 and S2205-3 can be omitted as necessary. In that case, the settlement information with the hotel is registered in S2205-1.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the travel agent makes a payment notice to the traveler (S2206).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a payment notice from the travel agent to the traveler in step S2206. The travel agent first creates payment information for the traveler (S2206-1). Specifically, the “payment status of the travel agent to the hotel” in the billing information DB 402 which is “the billing information from the hotel” is determined, and the payment notification means and payment means selected by the traveler from the user management DB 401. Then, information such as a payment unit is acquired, payment information is created, and stored in the payment information DB 403.

  Next, the travel agent makes a payment notification to the traveler based on the information stored in the user management DB 401, such as the notification means desired by the traveler, the payment means, and the payment unit (S2206-2). The payment notification means includes a notification at a travel agent window, a notification by e-mail, a notification at a WEB portal site, a notification by a payment slip, a notification by telephone, a notification by television, a notification after automatic withdrawal, and the like.

  The traveler confirms the payment notification contents at the travel agent window, e-mail, WEB portal site, telephone, television, etc. (S2206-3).

In FIG. 5, the traveler pays the travel agent based on the payment information (S2207), and the travel agent uses the business terminal 3 to store the amount paid in step S2207 in the application information DB 404 and delete it. The matching information DB 404, the billing information DB 402, and the payment information DB 403 are matched to perform an application process (S2208).
Thereafter, the travel agent generates statistical information (S2209).

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing payment from the traveler to the travel agent in steps S2207 to S2209.
The traveler pays the travel agent based on the notified payment information and the payment means registered in advance in the user management DB 401 (S2207). As payment means, a travel agent window, net banking, various banks, cash cards, ATM, mobile, telephone, TV, convenience store payment, automatic withdrawal, etc. can be used.

  Based on the payment information from the traveler, the travel agent receives the payment information, clearing check (confirmation of the application), payment information update (confirmation, deletion, change), for the next month Payment confirmation and application processing such as management of payment information is performed (S2208).

  The travel agent generates statistical information by performing statistical processing from the user management DB 401, billing information DB 402, payment information DB 403, and application information DB 404, and registers the statistical information in the statistical information DB 405. Information in the statistical information DB 405 is used by processing such as reference, extraction (formation, list formation, printing) and the like (S2209).

<System processing>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing of each of the user terminal, the business terminal, and the billing terminal. Information processing by software in the business terminal 3 and the like will be described along FIG. 12 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 as appropriate.

First, in the user terminal 2, the user information input via the input / output unit is transmitted to the business terminal 3 (S501). The user information is information indicating payment information notifying means, payment means, payment unit, etc., and the traveler selects and inputs each of these. The selected and input information is transmitted to the business terminal 3 via the network 9.
The user information registration unit 301 of the business terminal 3 registers the received information in the user management DB 401 of the server 4 (S502).

  FIGS. 13A to 13D are screen examples displayed on the screen of the user terminal in steps S501 and S502. Steps S501 and S502 in FIG. 12 are composed of four steps as shown in FIG. 13. Here, information necessary for the advance payment by the traveler is registered.

FIG. 13A shows an example of a screen for assigning a user number.
Here, when the traveler receives the replacement payment service for the first time, when the traveler checks the “first time” radio button, the user information registration unit 301 newly assigns the “user number (traveler number)”. And display. The user number (traveler number) is information that uniquely identifies a traveler and a trader.
On the other hand, if it is not the first time, check the “second and subsequent” radio button, the “traveler number” field will be blank, and the traveler will enter the “traveler number” given last time for each traveler. To do. Note that the determination as to whether or not to receive the service for the first time may use, for example, a cache stored in the user terminal 2 used by the traveler. Furthermore, by using the cache, either the “first time” or “second time or later” radio button may be automatically checked, and the “traveler number” is automatically entered. May be displayed on the screen.

  The user information registration unit 301 registers the displayed traveler number as a user number in the user management DB 401 when “first time” is selected. When “second time or later” is selected, it is determined whether or not the entered traveler number exists in the user number in the user management DB 401. A user number is selected. On the other hand, when the entered traveler number does not exist in the user management DB 401, a confirmation message for prompting re-input may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 2 as appropriate (not shown).

  Then, when the traveler presses the “Next” button arranged on the screen of FIG. 13A via the input / output unit of the user terminal 2, the user number is registered in the user management DB 401. / Is selected, and a transition is made to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 13B shows an example of an input screen for selecting notification means.
The notifying means refers to means used when a travel agent sends a notice of payment of advance payment to a traveler after the end of the trip. Here, mail, telephone, mail, automatic withdrawal, etc. are displayed as examples of selection candidates. The notification means is not limited to notifying the traveler of payment information, but all means for notifying the traveler from the travel agent may be based on this.

  The user selects the selected item by pressing the “Next” button via the input / output unit of the user terminal 2 while checking one of the radio buttons of the selection items displayed on the screen. The input information is registered in the user management DB 401 by the user information registration unit 301. Subsequently, the screen transitions to the screen in FIG.

FIG. 13C shows an example of an input screen for selecting payment means.
The payment means refers to means used when the traveler pays the amount of payment information notified from the travel agent. Here, as examples of selection candidates, a window, bank transfer or net banking, a cash card, and the like are displayed.
The traveler selects and inputs in the same manner as the operation shown in FIG. Then, when the traveler presses the “Next” button arranged on the screen via the input / output unit of the user terminal 2, the selected input information is managed by the user information registration unit 301. Registered in the DB 401. Subsequently, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 13D shows an example of an input screen for selecting a payment unit.
The payment unit indicates a unit used when the traveler pays the travel agent with the fee changed by the travel agent. Here, as examples of selection candidates, for each trip, for each item, for each month, automatic withdrawal, etc. are displayed. In the case of automatic withdrawal, the traveler may be able to determine the payment unit separately.
Further, the payment unit may be set in more detail, and the billing destination may be set according to the use contents (transportation expenses, food expenses, etc.). For example, transportation expenses can be set as company charges, and food expenses can be set as individual charges.
The traveler selects and inputs in the same manner as in the operation shown in FIG. Then, when the traveler presses the “registration” button arranged on the screen via the input / output unit of the user terminal 2, the selected input information is stored in the user management DB 401 by the user information registration unit 301. Registered in

Through the above operation, information necessary for the advance payment service is registered in the user management DB 401. In addition, in FIG. 13A, when the “traveler number” is registered in the user management DB 401 (after the second time receiving the replacement payment service), in FIGS. 13B to 13D, The contents registered in the user management DB 401 may be checked in advance with radio buttons. This content can be changed by the traveler. Further, the order of FIGS. 13B to 13D is not limited to this, and other information may be registered.
In addition, the notification unit, the payment unit, and the payment unit have been described as being exclusively selected in the present specification, but a plurality may be selected depending on the specification.

(User management DB)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the user management DB. The user management DB 401 manages information on a traveler who uses the replacement support system and a business operator such as a hotel. As items, a user number (identification number) that uniquely identifies a user and a biller (trader), a user name that stores a name or name, a user name Kana, a user type for determining whether a biller or a user, A notification means, a payment means, a payment unit, and the like are provided.

The user number corresponds to the “traveler number” in FIG.
As an example of the user type, “100” is assigned to the claimant, “001” is assigned to the user, and “010” is assigned to the corporation among the users.
The notification means stores the information of the notification means (mail, telephone, mail, automatic withdrawal, etc.) registered in step S501 and FIG. For example, when “mail” is selected as the notification means, “1” is stored in the lower third digit.
As for the payment means, the information on the payment means registered in FIG. 13C (traveler's window, bank or net banking, cash card, IC card, ATM, mobile, telephone, TV, convenience store payment, automatic withdrawal, etc.) is 1 Stored by digits. For example, “Taro Taro” of the user number “1234567” stores “1” in the third digit, indicating that “cash card” is selected as the payment method.

  In the user management DB 401, when the user information is information on the claimant (user type is “100”), the notification means is a notification means that the claimant performs to the travel agent. Further, the payment means and the payment unit in this case are information used at the time of the advance payment made by the travel agent to the claimant.

  In the user management DB 401, by managing a traveler's information using a user number as identification information that is a unique key, a bill or payment notice is created for the traveler. In addition to the information described above, information such as “presence / absence of credit” indicating the traveler's ability to pay by, for example, a credit check of a financial institution may be registered as an item of the user management DB 401.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a screen for confirming a list of replacement payment service users on a business terminal. Of the information displayed here, detailed travel information is displayed using a DB storing travel information or the like, although not shown. This information displayed in FIG. 15 can be viewed from the billing terminal 1 of the hotel (S503). Thereby, the person in charge of the hotel can confirm the user number (traveler number), the travel number, the name of the service user (traveler name), the room number, the accommodation schedule, and the like from a predetermined WEB screen. Further, the hotel side notifies information such as a user number, a travel number, an available date, a room number, etc. to a travel agent partner (such as a restaurant or facility) as necessary.

Returning to FIG.
After the traveler uses the service, the person in charge of the hotel inputs the usage details using the billing terminal 1, and the billing terminal 1 transmits it as billing information (S511). In addition, when the billing terminal 1 is not provided by the partner company, the details of the contents used by the traveler are delivered to a predetermined hotel, and the person in charge in the hotel side uses the dedicated WEB screen etc. You may enter using.
Here, the billing information is appropriately extracted and transmitted by the billing terminal 1 based on the notification means, payment means, and payment unit information registered in the user management DB 401.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service use detail input screen.
This screen is displayed by the billing information registration unit 302 of the business terminal 3 on the screen of the billing terminal 1 via the network 9 in response to a request from the billing terminal 1. For example, a program corresponding to the billing information registration unit 302 May be stored in the billing terminal 1 and displayed by the program.
Information input by the person in charge of the hotel through the input / output unit of the billing terminal 1 is transmitted to the business terminal 3 via the network 9 by pressing a “send” button arranged on the screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the service use detail input screen.
On this screen, when the information input in FIG. 16 is registered in the billing information DB 402 of the server 4, it is selected whether or not to send the usage details by e-mail, facsimile or the like to the travel partner or partner with the hotel. it can. As a result, it is possible to grasp in real time that the billing information has been registered by a travel agent or a partner by means of e-mail, facsimile, or the like, and even the partner that is not connected via the network 9 can confirm the contents of the usage details. be able to.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing amount confirmation screen.
This screen is a screen displayed on the billing terminal 1 by the billing information registration unit 302 of the business terminal 3. The billing terminal 1 provides a function of confirming the total amount of advance charges that have not been billed for a specified period, and further transmitting details for each user by e-mail or facsimile. In other words, the billing information created can be notified to the travel agent by e-mail, facsimile, or the like, in the same manner as the above-described usage statement transmission function. In addition to the method of transmitting billing information each time using FIGS. 16 and 17, as shown in the screen illustrated in FIG. 18, “target period: 2005/12/01 to 2005/12/31”, etc. A confirmation screen may be displayed for each period designated in advance, and the billing information may be transmitted from the billing terminal 1 to the business terminal 3 in a batch for each period designated.

  In FIG. 12, the billing information registration unit 302 of the business terminal 3 assigns a unique number that uniquely determines the billing content for each billing unit to the received billing information and registers it in the billing information DB 402 of the server 4 (S512).

(Billing information DB)
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the billing information DB.
The billing information DB 402 manages billing information transmitted from the hotel. Items include a billing information number that uniquely identifies billing information, a travel number uniquely assigned to each trip, billing date, billing number, billing amount, and whether or not the travel agent has been paid in advance to the hotel Payment flag indicating whether or not the traveler has paid to the travel agent, storage flag indicating whether or not the traveler has paid, usage date, user number, payment deadline, and information after the travel agent has paid Payment date and payment amount items.
As the paid flag, “1” is stored if the travel agent has paid for the hotel, and “0” is stored if the payment has not been made. The stored flag stores “1” if the traveler has paid to the travel agent, and stores “0” if the traveler has not paid.

  Further, the biller number and the user number are linked to the user number of the user management DB 401, thereby managing who should pay to whom.

  By using the billing amount confirmation screen in FIG. 18 and the billing information DB 402 in FIG. 19, the travel agent can process the billing information received from the hotel without relying on manual work. It is possible to easily carry out payment and settlement of payment between traders.

  Thereafter, when the advance payment by the travel agent to the claimant is completed, “1” is input to the paid flag of the charge information DB 402, and the payment date and the payment amount are input.

Returning to FIG.
The payment information registration unit 303 of the business terminal 3 generates a payment information DB 403 using the user management DB 401 and the billing information DB 402 (S513).

(Payment information DB)
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the payment information DB.
The payment information DB 403 is information for billing the traveler from the travel agent for the amount paid in advance to the dealer (biller). Items include information such as a payment information number, a travel number, a payment request date, a requester number, a charge amount, a stored flag, a use date, a user number, and a payment deadline.
Here, the billing information number in the billing information DB 402 is linked to the payment information number in the payment information DB 403, whereby the billing information and the payment information are managed in association with each other.
Further, the biller number and the user number are linked to the user number in the user management DB 401 in the same manner as the billing information DB 402, thereby managing who should pay to whom.

  In FIG. 12, the payment information notification means 304 of the business terminal 3 transmits payment information to the traveler using the payment information DB 403 (S514).

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment notification output screen that is displayed on the screen of the business terminal 3 by the payment information notification unit 304.
On this screen, a traveler number (user number), a trip number, a traveler name, a notification means, an address, a telephone number, etc. are shown for each user. Information on the notification means, payment means, and payment unit necessary for the payment notification is registered in the user management DB 401, so that the business terminal 3 appropriately extracts and transmits the information based on the information. By pressing the “Send” button, a mail is sent to a traveler who wishes to send a mail as a notification means, and a payment slip and a mailing label are printed for the mail. In addition, when telephone contact is necessary, it is possible to extract and display and print only those with some manual intervention.
By this function, it is received or printed without omission according to the request of each registered traveler's notification means, so the judgment by the person in charge becomes unnecessary, and the traveler is notified by an incorrect method. Disappears.

  In FIG. 12, the user terminal 2 receives payment information (S515). Thereby, the traveler can check the payment information on the user terminal 2.

  Subsequently, the payment information application unit 305 of the business terminal 3 acquires payment information paid by the traveler (S521) and registers it in the application information DB 404 (S522).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a payment application input screen that the payment information application unit 305 displays on the screen of the business terminal 3.
This screen displays the information in the payment information DB 403, so that when a traveler comes directly to the travel agent's window and makes payment, the information is displayed on the screen of the business terminal 3 after receiving the fee. You can check the check box. In FIG. 22, the paid-in column indicates information on the stored flag in the payment information DB 403, a line with a check in the payment column indicates that the payment has been completed, and an unchecked line has not been checked. Shows the deposit. When the person in charge of the travel agent checks here, information is input to the application information DB 404.
Also, by pressing the “input by item” button in FIG. 22, although not shown, a screen for inputting the payment amount by item can be displayed and input as appropriate.

(Consumption information DB)
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the application information DB.
The application information DB 404 stores payment information indicating information such as the amount paid by the traveler to the travel agent. Items include application information number, travel number, date of payment request, biller number, billing amount, usage date, user number, payment deadline, date of payment, payment amount, payment method, etc. Yes.

  Here, as with the billing information DB 402 and the payment information DB 403, the biller number and the user number are linked to the user number in the user management DB 401, thereby managing who should pay to whom. is doing. For example, even when payment from a traveler is made by means such as bank transfer or automatic withdrawal, the transfer information obtained from the bank etc. and information such as the user management DB 401 and payment information DB 403 can be used Information of the information DB 404 is generated.

The billing information number in the billing information DB 402, the payment information number in the payment information DB 403, and the application information number in the application information DB 404 are linked to each other. Based on these numbers, the payment information cancellation means 305 of the business terminal 3 matches the cancellation information DB 404 with the billing information DB 402 and the payment information DB 403 (S523).
For each database information number (billing information number, payment information number, application information number), these numbers are matched, and if the numbers match (S524 → Y), the payment information DB 403 and “1” is stored in the stored flag of the billing information DB 402 (S525). Thereby, on the billing information DB 402, the status of advance payment from the travel agent to the hotel is determined using the “paid flag”, and further, the payment status from the traveler to the travel agent using the “stored flag”. Can be determined. In addition to giving “1” indicating payment, a method of deleting the data may be used. Further, partial erasing or batch erasing may be performed.
On the other hand, when they do not coincide with each other (S524 → N), the process returns to step S521. In this case, a message indicating that they do not match may be displayed on the screen of the business terminal 3 (not shown).

Returning to FIG.
The statistical information utilization unit 306 of the business terminal 3 performs statistical processing using the user management DB 401, billing information DB 402, payment information DB 403, and application information DB 404 (S531).

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an additional information input screen used for statistical information and an information condition extraction screen displayed by the statistical information utilization unit 306 on the screen of the business terminal 3.
On the input screen, as additional information to be added to the user information, the entire travel cost, travel area, purpose, age, gender, etc. are input and stored in the user management DB 401 or the like, and certain conditions, for example, certain times or amounts It is possible to provide services such as direct mail transmission and discounts for the next trip using the point system for travelers exceeding the limit.
In FIG. 24, information registered in the user management DB 401 is displayed as the “additional information input screen”, and by extracting the conditions for this, the usage amount of 1 million is displayed as the “royal customer screen” in the past three years. The result of extracting customers who are more than one yen or have used 10 times or more is displayed.

(Statistical information DB)
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the statistical information DB.
The statistical information DB 405 is generated when the statistical information utilization unit 306 performs statistical processing using the user management DB 401, the billing information DB 402, the payment information DB 403, and the like. The statistical information DB 405 can store various kinds of information by customization, and the information is stored in the items of statistical contents 1, 2,... For each statistical information type. The statistical information utilization unit 306 extracts and processes this information from the statistical information DB 405, and appropriately performs screen display and form output.
In FIG. 25, for example, in “customer-specific information”, the “recommended information 4 is expanded” to the traveler with the user number “1234567” between the start date “200602” and the end date “200604”. Supports effective public relations.
In the “travel trend ranking”, the statistical content 3 indicates the travel number, and the statistical content 4 indicates that there were two trips between the start date “200602” and the end date “200604”. Yes.

  By using the information in the statistical information DB 405, a travel agent can perform statistical analysis and use it as a material for studying measures for expanding sales. For example, it is also possible to output the age, region, gender, ranking for the purpose of using the advance payment service, etc. where the ratio of the advance payment to the total travel cost is high.

  Using the procedure described above, the travel agent uses the advanced payment support system to notify the payment information based on the user information registered by the traveler, and the application information generated from the acquired payment information of the user. By updating the billing information DB 402 and the payment information DB 403 using the DB 404, it is possible to quickly and accurately implement the advance payment service. Furthermore, by using the statistical information generated by using these DBs, it is possible to make use for examination of sales strategies.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
By making it possible to register information related to the advance payment service desired by the traveler in advance, the advance payer can be prevented from recognizing the paperwork associated with the advance payment, and credit is provided. In addition, user convenience is improved.

  In addition, when a traveler uses a service, a system that can input slip information (usage details) is provided, and usage details information is accumulated in a database. In addition, the settlement information by the room key is also stored in the database. As the input means at that time, various forms such as a facsimile, a terminal device, and a room key can be considered. This reduces the burden of manual work and paperwork required to enter slip information (usage details) for the advance payer and further eliminates mistakes in entering slip information. Credit is granted.

  As described above, depending on the payment unit and usage details, as to the payment means, “Which slips will be paid only this month”, “Which will be paid for group trips”, “Company bills and personal charges for business trips” By making it possible for the traveler to select for each item, such as “divide into payments to be paid by”, the traveler can pay according to his / her convenience.

  Based on the information (payment means, payment unit) registered in the user management DB 401, the billing terminal 1 automatically extracts the information in the billing information DB 402 into individual units or travel units and notifies the billing. This eliminates the need for the claimant to artificially determine payment means and payment units.

  Based on the information (payment means, payment unit) registered in the user management DB 401, the business terminal 3 automatically extracts the information in the payment information DB 403 into individual units or travel units and notifies the payment. This eliminates the need for the replacement agent to artificially determine payment means and payment units.

  By enabling the billing information to be transmitted by a hotel or a partner such as a partner in accordance with the notification means, it is possible for the related places to grasp the billing information in real time.

  When the travel agent notifies the payment, the system determines the notification means registered in advance, and performs processing according to the notification means. Specifically, if the notifying means is mail, the address or payment notice is printed, and if the notifying means is mail, the mail is automatically transmitted. This eliminates the need to artificially determine the notification method, and makes payment information notification easy and reliable.

  In addition, when a traveler pays a travel agent, the Internet or ATM can be used so that it is not necessary to visit the store of the travel agent directly. Thereby, it becomes convenient for the user to pay the replacement payer.

  Since the travel information can be accumulated by the statistical information DB 405 generated using each database, customer management such as solicitation and provision of limited services can be performed for excellent users (customers). As a result, the billing side can manage customer information and study sales strategies for acquiring customers.

  According to the present invention, the payment side, which is the user, including the period from the reservation stage to the occurrence of the advancement in the transaction stage, systematically supports the payment side to deposit and the advance side to perform the settlement process from the balance of the advancement. As a result, the work on the replacement side can be reduced, the convenience on the replacement side can be improved, and a quick and accurate replacement payment service can be provided.

  The billing information DB 402 and the payment information DB 403 are provided with information (usage type) that can discriminate the usage type, such as transportation costs and food expenses, and the user management DB 401 is linked to the usage type information to make payment means. So that the payment method can be specified for each usage type.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the billing terminal 1 and the user terminal 2 are used as general computers has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a portable personal computer, The present invention can be applied to any device that has a function capable of transmitting and receiving information, such as a mobile phone.
In the present embodiment, each database is stored in the server 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all or any of the databases may be provided in the business terminal 3 or other storage means. . When all databases are stored in the business terminal 3, the server 4 is not necessary.
Other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of an advance payment assistance system. It is a block diagram which shows typically the function of a business terminal and a server. It is a conceptual diagram of the conventional replacement payment service as a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of this system. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the flow of an advance payment service. It is a figure which shows typically the credit construction operation | work between a travel agent and a traveler. It is a figure which shows the example of the credit construction work between a travel agent and a hotel. It is a figure which shows the example of the service use by a traveler. It is a figure which shows the example of the advance payment from a travel agent to a hotel. It is a figure which shows the example of the payment notification from a travel agent to a traveler. It is a figure which shows the example of payment from a traveler to a travel agent. It is a flowchart which shows a process of a user terminal, a business terminal, and each billing terminal. It is an example of a screen displayed on the screen of a user terminal. (A) is an example of a screen for assigning a user number. (B) is an example of an input screen for selecting notification means. (C) is an example of a payment means selection input screen. (D) is an example of an input screen for selecting a payment unit. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of user management DB. It is an example of a screen for confirming a list of advanced payment service users on a business terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of the detail input screen of service utilization. It is a figure which shows the modification of the details input screen of service utilization. It is a figure which shows the example of a billing amount confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of claim information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of payment information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of a payment notification output screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a payment application input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of application information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of an additional information input screen utilized for statistical information, and an information condition extraction screen. It is a figure which shows the data structure example of statistical information DB.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Billing terminal 2 User terminal 3 Business terminal 30 Storage part 301 User information registration means 302 Billing information registration means 303 Payment information registration means 304 Payment information notification means 305 Payment information revocation means 306 Statistical information utilization means 31 Processing part 4 Server ( Storage means)
401 User management DB
402 Billing information DB
403 Payment information DB
404 Application information DB
405 Statistics DB
9 Network

Claims (4)

A method in which a third party pays the seller who sells the product or provides the service by the user who purchases the product or provides the service on behalf of the user, and then settles the payment. Used for
A billing terminal that inputs billing information as processing on the billing side as the seller, and payment information is generated from the billing information as processing on the replacement side as the third party, and the payment information is notified to the user A reimbursement support system comprising a business terminal for
The business terminal stores, in a storage unit, user management information including information on the payment information notifying means and information on payment means with the user, and information on reimbursement means with the claimant. And
The business terminal is
Processing for receiving the billing information including the biller identification information, the user identification information, and the usage information according to the bill transmitted from the billing terminal;
Generating the payment information using the received billing information;
Processing for storing the billing information and the generated payment information in a storage means;
A process for notifying the user of the generated payment information using a notification means shown in the user management information stored in the storage means;
Based on the received billing information, a process for executing or supporting the replacement payment by the replacement payment unit stored in the storage unit;
In response to the notification of the payment information, when payment information obtained by the user paying the usage information related to the payment information by the payment means is input, the application information indicating the payment information Storing in the storage means;
A process of checking the billing information and the payment information with the application information and changing the billing information and the payment information stored in the storage means to a state representing erasure or payment when they match. Reimbursement payment system characterized by In the user management information, payment unit information is registered,
The reimbursement support according to claim 1, wherein the billing terminal extracts the billing information based on the information on the payment unit stored in the user management information and notifies the business terminal. system. In the user management information, payment unit information is registered,
The reimbursement support according to claim 1, wherein the business terminal extracts the payment information based on the information on the payment unit stored in the user management information and notifies the user of the payment information. system. The business terminal performs statistical processing using at least one of the user management information, the billing information, the payment information, and the application information stored in the storage unit, and the statistical processing The reimbursement payment support system according to claim 1, wherein the statistical information generated by the storage is stored in the storage unit.

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