JP2002024716A - Method and system for payment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for payment for the purchase of a product on a computer network capable of minimizing a damage even the information on payment is stolen. SOLUTION: A client 8 requests a one-time card number effective for one time purchase of a product by utilizing an exclusive network 80 usable with a credit company 88, and the credit company issues the one-time card number upon the request. After receiving the one-time card number, the client purchases the product from an electronic shop by utilizing a wide network environment, and pays with the one-time card number. Since this one-time card number is effective only one time, the damage can be minimized even if the number is stolen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a payment method and system, and more specifically, an electronic store (hereinafter referred to as a distributor) using a computer network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system that enables a purchaser of a product (hereinafter referred to as a client) to settle the price of the purchased product on a computer network with ease when selling the product to an individual or a corporation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an unspecified majority of individuals or corporations access distributors on a computer network and there is a product to be purchased, a client pays the distributors on the computer network at the same time as order information. Information (credit number, etc.) is an electronic payment standard “SSL (Secure Soc),” which is a protocol in which encryption and authentication functions are added to TCP / IP.
"Ket Layer)", and the distributor provides the electronic payment standard "SET"
(Secure Electronic Transa
ction) "and the like.

[0003]

However, in the above case, even if the information of an individual or a corporation is stolen on the Internet at the time of the procedure for purchasing a product, the system can secure the security by a method such as an electronic settlement standard. However, as decryption technology advances, payment information can be stolen and misused, so clients have a slight apprehension about payments on computer networks, especially Japanese.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a method and system for payment of goods on a computer network that can minimize damage even if payment information is stolen. Is to provide

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method and a system for paying for a product purchased at an electronic store on a computer network. It is characterized in that one or a plurality of card numbers that can be used only once are acquired, and that the acquired card number is used to settle the price of the purchased product using a computer network.

[0006] Further, the present invention provides that an organization which can settle the payment with a card issues one or a plurality of single-use card numbers in response to a request from a product purchaser,
Further, the organization is characterized in that the purchaser purchases the goods using the computer number by using the card number using a computer network.

In the present invention, the client is an organization (for example, a credit company, etc.) that can settle the payment with a card to which the client has joined, separately from a network environment (computer network) such as the Internet that can be used by an unspecified number of people. A card number (one-time only) that is valid for only one purchase of goods (multiple products are possible, that is, one transaction, for example, payment at a cash register at a supermarket) using a dedicated network that can be used between One or more card numbers), and the credit company issues the one-time card number in response to this request. The one-time card number can be a continuous number or a random number.

[0008] After obtaining the one-time card number, the client purchases a product at an electronic store using a network environment such as the Internet that can be used by an unspecified number of people, and pays for the product purchased with the one-time card number. Settle. Since this one-time card number is valid only once, even if it is stolen, it can be stored with minimal damage (or in some cases, no damage). Also, since the original (base number) card number cannot be specified from the one-time card number (except for credit companies),
This one-time card numbering scheme is a secure system. Further, by using an encryption method (such as an electronic settlement standard) for the one-time card number, an environment can be constructed in which security can be further secured.

As described above, according to the present invention, the product order information from the client is processed at high speed and efficiently, and the settlement of the commodity price is performed safely by using the authentication and settlement system in the network. Since the client is free from the fear of theft of the number of the product purchase by the card, the client can purchase the desired product or the like with confidence and can operate the system for 24 hours.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

The present invention relates to a distributor (electronic store).
However, when a product is sold to a client (a product purchaser) using a computer network, the present invention relates to a product purchase settlement performed by the client on the computer network. Therefore, the relationship between the distributor and the client or how to distribute the product information on the Internet is not limited to a special one, but as an embodiment, the following relationship between the distributor and the client is A description will be given of an example of a product sales form based on the premise.

In the merchandise sales form in which the system of the present invention is used, a distributor uses a network to recruit clients and receives merchandise purchase information (including desired merchandise information, management information, etc.) from each client. When there is an input from a client, an ID number is assigned to each client, and the product purchase information input for each client is separated and converted into product information and management information. The merchandise information and the management information are separately registered and stored in each database, and the merchandise information is distributed to a specific client using a network based on the desired merchandise information collected from each client. When the requested product information is updated, only the latest sales product information is distributed only to the client. An order from each client is received using a network, and the order is authenticated and confirmed by authentication data such as an ID number. The client's past purchase performance and credit reliability are evaluated, and the settlement of the merchandise price is performed on the network using the settlement means of the present invention. Further, each client can browse details such as its own purchase results on a network.

FIG. 1 (client registration) is a diagram showing the flow of registering a client for the first time or registering desired product information. Computer network 1
There are various protocols, but in this embodiment,
The Internet based on the TCP / IP protocol is used. The computer network 1 has common input / output means used in computer networks such as a WWW (World Wide Web) server (http server) and a mail server (SMTP server and POP server) of the Internet, particularly, the Internet. It is assumed that these common input / output means (not shown) are used for data input / output of the computer network 1 in all figures.

The distributor 99 uses the publishing means 2 to distribute the recruitment items and the gist of the product sales form to an unspecified number (the flow is indicated by a dotted line). The publishing means 2 publishes the recruitment items, the purpose, etc. on a homepage provided on a WWW server on the Internet and distributes the information via a mailing list, a newsgroup, or the like via the Internet. The publishing means 2 also includes means for advertising to an unspecified number of people, such as direct mail, print media such as newspapers and magazines, and media such as wired and / or wireless televisions and radios. The control means 9 performs these operations, monitoring, and the like.

When an access request is received from the client 8 (the flow is indicated by a solid line), a menu screen displayed on the client shown in FIG. 4 is opened, and the procedure is started by selecting a number. Select (for the first registration, select A). Then, the information (personal information and the like) of the client 8 is input by the input / output unit 3, and an ID number is assigned to each client 8 by the assigning unit 4. After the assignment, the selection means 5 separates and converts the purchase information into the desired product information and the management information (the past purchase amount of the client 8, the discount amount that can be used at the time of payment settlement, the credit rank, etc.). The storage means 6 stores the ID of the client 8
Product information is stored in the database 7a and management information is stored in the database 7b for each number. However, since there is no such information at the time of registration, areas for accumulating such information for the newly registered client ID number are secured in the database 7a and the database 7b, respectively. The registration of the client ID number is completed by the above procedure.

Subsequently, when registering desired product information (the flow is indicated by a dashed line), select B on the menu screen displayed on the client in FIG. 4, and when the client 8 inputs the ID number, the authentication is confirmed. The means 12 confirms whether or not the authentication data is correct. If the authentication data is not correct, the authentication data is returned to the client 8. On the other hand, if the authentication data is correct, the merchandise information registration means 14 inputs the purchase information data. The purchase information data is separated and converted into desired product information and management information by the selection means 5, and the storage means 6 stores each information in the databases 7a and 7b.

Note that the above-mentioned "authentication data"
This is data for determining the client 8, for example, ID data such as a prepaid card or electronic money, and data relating to a member ID code and password. These data can be confidentially processed by a secret encryption method, a public key encryption method or the like and transmitted / received through the computer network 1, or can be distributed by telephone, fax, or prepaid scratch card.

FIG. 2 (information distribution) is a diagram showing distribution of information to the client 8.

When the distributor 99 distributes ordinary sales product information to a specific member (the flow is indicated by a dotted line)
The database 7a is periodically transmitted from the control unit 9 by the inquiry unit 13 via the control unit 9, for example, once a month or every week.
7b, the necessary information is confirmed, and the distribution means 11 distributes the information to the client 8 using the network 1.

On the other hand, if the client 8 wants to change the product information desired (the flow is indicated by a solid line), after the access request, C is selected on the menu screen of FIG. When the client 8 inputs the ID number, the authentication confirmation unit 12 confirms whether or not the authentication data is correct. If the authentication data is not correct, the authentication data is returned to the client 8. On the other hand, if the authentication data is correct, the work is performed by the product information change means 17 (including the selection means 5 and the storage means 6), and the databases 7a and 7b are used.
Modify the contents of After the correction is completed, the data is checked by the inquiry means 13b, and as shown by the two-dot chain line,
The distributor 99 distributes the latest sales merchandise information using the network 1 only to the client 8 that has made the correction.

If there is a new product or a rare product, the product provider 16 requests the distributor 99, the administrator of the system, and if the product is accepted, the new product registration means 15 stores the product in the databases 7a and 7b. Register. This flow is shown by a two-dot chain line.

FIG. 3 (order and settlement) is a diagram showing settlement and settlement of order and payment of goods.

According to the present invention, the payment at the time of purchasing the merchandise is scheduled to be made by credit card, so the client 8 obtains a one-time card number from the credit company 88 before ordering and settlement. At this time, in order to ensure security, a wide area computer network 1
Instead, use a dedicated network (dedicated line).

This flow is illustrated in detail in FIG.
The client 8 connects to the credit company 88 via the dedicated network 80, and after authentication using, for example, an ID number and a password, presents the original card number and requests one or more one-time card numbers ( 8
1), the credit company 88 issues this one-time card number to the client 8 (82). The one-time card number is valid for one payment and can be used for payment when purchasing a plurality of products (for example, television and radio). When a plurality of one-time card numbers are issued, the card numbers can be consecutive numbers or random numbers.

FIG. 7 shows a database 100 of the credit company 88 used for managing the issuance of the one-time card number. Credit company 88
Manages all (original) card numbers of members. When a request for acquiring a one-time card number is received from the client 8, the provided original card number is accessed, the list of one-time card numbers is referenced, and the already issued one-time card number (X in the figure) A one-time card number is issued for the numbers except for the number with the flag of (1). If there is only one request, an arbitrary number without the X mark. If there is a request for a serial number, a consecutive number that has not been issued yet, or a random number Is issued, unissued and random numbers are similarly issued with the X-marked flag set in the issue column.

As described above, on the premise that the client 8 has already acquired the one-time card, the client 8 is connected to the computer network 1 in FIG.
The distributor 99 is accessed via the (wide area network). Upon receiving a request from the client, the distributor 99 displays a menu screen shown in FIG. Since the client 8 wants to purchase a product, he selects D on the menu screen. When the client 8 inputs the ID number (the flow is represented by a solid line), the authentication confirmation unit 12 confirms whether or not the authentication data is correct. If the authentication data is not correct, the authentication data is returned to the client 8. On the other hand, if the authentication data is correct, the order receiving means 31 inputs the purchase item data.
In addition, it is assumed that all products have unique alphanumeric numbers. Purchased goods confirmation means 3 after inputting all products
In step 2 (the flow is indicated by a dotted line), the client 8 confirms and confirms the flow.

After confirmation (the flow is indicated by a dashed line), the databases 7a and 7b are searched, and the total amount is calculated by taking into account the points accumulated according to the past purchase results of the client 8 and the discount rate according to the creditworthiness of payment. The calculated value is calculated by the calculation means 34 and displayed by the display means 33 for each item, and the user is allowed to select whether to use the stored points or to further store the points, and redisplay the points as necessary. In addition, when the purchase price of the product of the client 8 in the determined period reaches the set price of the distributor 99 for sales promotion, bonus points are further added according to the achieved price. At the same time, the payment method is confirmed by the payment method confirmation means 35 (shown by a two-dot chain line) and settled by the settlement means 37.

The settlement means 37 makes a final settlement of the purchase amount, including points corresponding to the past purchase amounts stored in the databases 7a and 7b and a discount rate depending on the creditworthiness of payment, in accordance with the settlement selection of the client 8. Means.
That is, it is for settlement of the purchase amount from the client 8, and the number used for settlement at this time is a one-time card number.

Referring to FIG. 6 again, the flow of the settlement will be described. The distributor 99 presents the purchase amount to the client 8 (83), and the client 8 displays the one-time card number which has acquired this amount. The payment is settled (87). The distributor 99 transfers the one-time card number to the credit company 88 that issued the one-time card number, and checks whether the number is valid or invalid (8).
4).

The credit company 88 accesses the database 100 in FIG. 7 with the transferred one-time card number, and this number is the issued number (the X-marked flag is set in the issued column). And that the number is unsettled (the settlement column is blank), approves this number, and reports the approval to distributor 99 (8).
5). If approved, the payment is made at that time, and the result is transmitted to the credit company 88 and the client 8 (8
4, 86). Further, the credit company 88 sets an X-marked flag in the settlement column of the one-time card number used for the settlement, so that re-settlement by the settlement number will not be accepted thereafter (the non-approval is made at 85). To).

Therefore, in the process of transmitting the card number, (8
Even if the card number is stolen in 4), once the payment is made with the one-time card number, the card number cannot be reused, so that damage caused by the theft can be minimized. As another method, a method is used in which only a confirmation is performed, and no restriction is imposed when a settlement request is made from the distributor to the credit company (in a case where the settlement is performed collectively).

The credit company then performs settlement processing with the client using a known method, such as withdrawing from the client's bank account, paying with the client's electronic money, transferring the bank account by the client, and the like. Settle.

It should be noted that the delivery of goods is the distributor 99
Is sent from the product provider 16 to the client 8 in accordance with the instruction. Further, when E is selected on the menu screen of FIG. 4, the points accumulated by the client 8 itself, the credibility rank, and the like as shown in FIG. 5 (detailed information) can be viewed. That is, when the client 8 inputs the ID number (the flow is indicated by a solid line), the authentication confirmation unit 12 confirms whether or not the authentication data is correct. If the authentication data is not correct, the authentication data is returned to the client 8. On the other hand, if the authentication data is correct, the detailed display means 36 displays the score stored by the client 8 itself, the credit rank, and the like (the flow is indicated by a dotted line), and this can be viewed.

In the above-described embodiment, the one-time card number is used for settlement with any distributor, but should be used only for settlement with a specific distributor. Can be. Therefore, when the client makes a purchase on the network, the client queries the distributor for the store code given by the credit company, and then the client uses the leased line to obtain the store obtained first on the network. Send the code to the credit company and have them issue a one-time card number that includes the store code. Then, the client performs an order procedure for product purchase at the distributor of the store code, and performs payment and settlement for the product purchase with a one-time card number including the store code.

In this embodiment, since the store code is included in the one-time card number, it is effective only for the purchase of goods at the distributor associated with this store code, and is used for payment to the distributor of another store code. Is invalid, so that the security when using the one-time card number can be further enhanced.

In each embodiment, the one-time issue of the card number from the credit company and the payment by the number have been described. However, the payment by the debit card is also conceivable. It is also possible to have a (debit) card number issued and settle the purchase price with this card number. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to all organizations that can settle the payment with a card.

In each of the embodiments, the description has been given of the payment for the purchase of a product. However, the present invention can be applied to payment for a service provided on the Internet (for example, a consultant fee). Included.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, payment for a purchased product is performed using a card number that is valid only for one purchase of the product. Can be eliminated, and even if there is damage, the damage can be minimized, and the security of commercial transactions using the network is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of client registration.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of distribution of product information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of an order for a product and a settlement thereof.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a menu screen displayed on a client.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of displaying detailed information such as a client's purchase record.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of performing payment by a one-time card number.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a database for managing one-time card numbers.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Computer network 7a, 7b Database 8 Client 9 Control means 80 Dedicated network 88 Credit company 99 Distributor

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06F 17/60 512 G06F 17/60 512

Claims (10)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A method for paying for a product purchased at an electronic store on a computer network, wherein one or a plurality of card numbers that can be used only once are obtained from an organization that can settle the price with a card. And a payment method for the purchased product using the computer network using the acquired card number. 2. A method for paying for a product purchased at an electronic store on a computer network, wherein an organization that can settle the price with a card includes one or more organizations in response to a request from a product purchaser. A method of issuing a card number that can be used only once, wherein the organization uses a computer network to settle the price of a product purchased by a product purchaser using the card number. 3. The payment settlement method according to claim 1, wherein, when there are a plurality of card numbers, the card numbers are continuous numbers or random numbers. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the card number includes a code number of an electronic store, and only the price of a product purchased at the electronic store associated with the code number can be settled with the card number. 4. The payment method according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The payment method according to claim 1, wherein the card number is obtained or issued using a dedicated line network. 6. A payment system for paying for goods purchased at an electronic store on a computer network, wherein one or more card numbers that can be used only once are obtained from an organization that can pay for the goods with a card. And a means for making a payment for a purchased product using a computer network using the acquired card number. 7. A payment system for paying for a product purchased at an electronic store on a computer network, wherein one or a plurality of 1s are set according to a request from a product purchaser.
Means for issuing a card number that can be used only once, and means for settingtling the price of a purchased product using the computer network using the card number. 8. The payment settlement system according to claim 6, wherein when there are a plurality of card numbers, the card numbers are continuous numbers or random numbers. 9. The card number includes an electronic store code number, and only the price of a product purchased at the electronic store associated with the code number can be settled with the card number. 9. The payment settlement system according to any one of items 1 to 8. 10. The payment method according to claim 6, wherein the card number is obtained or issued using a dedicated line network.