JP2002109428A - Settlement system by means of gold, settlement method by means of gold and computer readable record medium that records programs - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a settlement system and a settlement method that makes possible no only to reduce consumers burden but also to improve consumers convenience. SOLUTION: The settlement system concerned in this invention is a settlement system that executes the settlement of charges of commodities or services giving predefined added values at the time of purchasing commodities or services and it is characterized by having a gold exchange means that exchanges the predefined added values given to the above users for the gold of predefined weight in accordance with the predefined conditions established beforehand and also a currency exchange means that exchanges the gold of predefined weight exchanged by the above gold exchange means for the predefined currency connecting with the market price of gold at the time of settlement of commodities or services.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a payment system and a payment method for performing payment for goods or services, and more particularly to a payment system or payment method using money.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, as a part of customer service, a service that gives a certain added value called a point when a consumer purchases a product or service is used in the market. The contents and objects of added value provided by such services are diverse and are becoming widespread in all industries. Specifically, for example, there are mileage services centered on the aviation industry, point services at card companies, and point services at individual companies, shopping streets or banks.

In the so-called point service, when a consumer purchases a product or service, points are given to the consumer based on preset conditions in accordance with the price or content of the product or service. .
There are various methods for consuming the points. For example, the consumer can pay for the goods or services by the points, or can obtain the goods or services according to the points.

[0004] A point service provider seeks to motivate consumers to purchase and differentiate their products and services from those of other companies. On the other hand, by enjoying these services, the consumer can receive a voucher, a substitute for a voucher, a privilege, and the like.

[0005]

However, the conventional service for adding value such as points (hereinafter referred to as "point service") has the following problems.

First, the conventional point service has a problem that the consumer must always carry a point card according to the number and type of the point service.

[0007] For example, when a consumer uses a point service, it is necessary to present a predetermined card mainly storing the number of points and consumer information to a store when purchasing a product. . Therefore, consumers usually carry point cards used in shops or the like where they do daily shopping, such as shopping streets, in a wallet or the like. This is because if you forget your point card, you will not be able to present your card at the time of product purchase, and you will not be able to accumulate or use points even if you have purchased the product.

[0008] Also, with regard to point cards in stores and the like that are not used on a daily basis, consumers often carry these point cards after all. This is because the trouble of bringing or not bringing a point card with the purchase of a product is complicated, and the product is not always purchased systematically.

[0009] Therefore, as the point service spreads in the market, the number and types of point cards that must be carried by the consumer also increase, and as described above, the spread of the point service rather disturbs the consumer. It may be.

Secondly, in the conventional point service, the points accumulated by the consumer through purchase of goods become valueless due to, for example, bankruptcy of a company or a store providing the point service or suspension of the service. There was a problem that would.

[0011] In the conventional point service, each company, store, or the like provides a service to a consumer based on service contents set independently. Therefore, points obtained when a product is purchased at the A store can be used only at the A store, and in many cases, the product cannot be purchased at the B store using the points.

Here, for example, consider a case where a certain number of points are accumulated by a consumer using the A store for a certain period. Consumers usually pay for points or redeem for certain products,
The accumulated points can be consumed, so that the point service can be enjoyed. This is because points accumulated by consumers are treated as having a certain value at the time of consumption.

However, if the store A goes bankrupt or cancels the service before consuming the accumulated points, the consumer cannot obtain profits from the points. In addition, for example, if the consumer loses the card or the environment where the A store is not used due to the relocation of the house or the like, the consumer cannot use the card, and the profit from the point is lost. You may not be able to get it.

Third, in the conventional point service, there is a problem that the security when the consumer uses the point card is lacking.

In the conventional point service, for example, user information (for example, name, address, etc.) is described on a point card by some means. That is, there are cases where the user himself writes in a predetermined column of the point card with a ball-point pen or the like, and cases where the information is stored as electronic information in a magnetic portion provided on the point card.

[0016] However, each time the consumer uses the point service, the user rarely checks the user information by presenting an identification card or the like. So, for example,
Even when a lost point card is used by another person or a stolen point card is used by another person, it is difficult to determine the legitimacy of these uses.

[0017] Therefore, there is a problem that even if the consumer accumulates the points by purchasing the product, the points may be used by another person due to loss or theft, so that the points cannot be accumulated with confidence.

In view of the above problems, a first object of the present invention is to provide a settlement system and a settlement method which can reduce the burden on the consumer and improve the convenience of the consumer. is there.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a consumer with:
It is an object of the present invention to provide a settlement system and a settlement method that can use a point service with peace of mind.

[0020]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is not limited to individual companies, stores, and regions, but can be widely used by companies and stores. It is characterized by providing a payment method.
Specifically, in the present invention, the points accumulated or consumed in the point service are replaced with a predetermined weight of gold so that the points provided by the service and the user have a widely common value. I manage it.

[0021] Further, according to the present invention, when a point card is used, the presenter of the point card can check the valid point card.
It is characterized in that a judgment means for judging whether or not the card is owned is provided. Specifically, consumer's personal information (for example, fingerprint information) is previously stored in a medium used as a point card. Then, when using the point card, the personal information is input to the medium, and the use of the point card is permitted only when the information stored in the medium in advance matches the input information. ing.

That is, the settlement system according to the present invention comprises:
In a payment system in which a predetermined added value is given to a user when purchasing a product or service and a payment for the product or service is settled, the payment is managed by replacing the predetermined added value with a predetermined weight of gold. It is characterized by having means.

[0023] The settlement means may include a gold replacement means for replacing a predetermined value added to the user with gold having a predetermined weight according to a predetermined condition set in advance; And a currency conversion means for converting a predetermined weight of gold replaced by the gold replacement means into a predetermined currency in conjunction with the gold price in the above.

In the case where the settlement of the price for the goods or services is the settlement for accumulating the granted money,
The settlement system further includes a gold addition unit that adds the predetermined weight of gold replaced by the gold replacement unit to the money held by the user at the time of the settlement.

[0025] Further, when the settlement of the price of the goods or services is the settlement that consumes the given money, the currency conversion means operates in conjunction with the gold price at the settlement time to set the time at the settlement time. The payment system may further comprise a price subtracting means for converting the money held by the user into a predetermined currency, and for subtracting the amount converted by the currency converting means from the price of the goods or services.

Further, the currency conversion means has currency designation means for designating the predetermined currency for converting a predetermined weight of gold, and is linked to an exchange rate at the time of converting the predetermined weight of gold. Then, the predetermined weight of gold is converted into the currency designated by the currency designating means.

[0027] When the settlement of the price of the goods or services is the settlement that consumes the given money, the settlement system includes a gold designation unit that designates the weight of the gold to be consumed in the settlement; From the money held by the user at the time,
The present invention is further characterized by further comprising gold subtraction means for subtracting the weight of gold designated by the gold weight designation means.

[0028] The settlement system further includes a storage medium for storing the weight of the gold held by the user.

[0029] The payment system further includes a fingerprint reader capable of reading a user's fingerprint, and the storage medium is used when payment for goods or services is performed, and is transmitted from the fingerprint reader. It is determined whether or not the fingerprint data of the user and the fingerprint data stored in the storage medium match, and if it is determined that both fingerprint data match,
An authentication unit for permitting the settlement is provided.

[0030] Further, the settlement method according to the present invention is a settlement method in which when purchasing a product or service, a predetermined added value is given to a user to settle the price of the product or service. It is characterized in that it is managed by substituting a predetermined weight of gold.

In the case where the settlement method for the price of the goods or services is the settlement method for accumulating the given money, the predetermined added value given in the settlement is set to a predetermined condition. In accordance with the above, the predetermined weight of gold is replaced with the gold of the user at the time of the settlement.

If the payment method for the goods or services is the payment method for consuming the awarded money, the payment method for the goods or services is linked to the gold price at the time of payment for the goods or services, and It is characterized in that the money held by the user is converted into a predetermined currency, and the converted amount is subtracted from the price of the goods or services.

If the payment method for the goods or services is the payment method for consuming the awarded money, the user specifies the weight of the gold to be consumed in the payment, and the user at the time of the payment specifies The method is characterized in that the designated weight of gold is subtracted from the retained gold.

As described above, according to the present invention, the added value such as points is managed by replacing it with gold of a predetermined weight, so that a service commonly used by various companies and stores around the world. Can be provided to consumers. As a result, the consumer can arbitrarily and easily use the money accumulated in one store at another store, for example, so that the service of giving points and the like can be more effectively utilized.

In addition, since a plurality of companies and stores adopt the service, the value of gold held by the consumer is not affected by the status of each company or store. Further, when the point card is used, the user information and the like are confirmed, so that there is an effect that the consumer can use the service with confidence.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The point settlement system according to the present invention described in the following embodiments is characterized in that points given when purchasing goods or services are managed by replacing them with gold having a predetermined weight.

Therefore, in the following embodiments, "to settle points" means "to settle money", "to store points" means "to store (given) gold", and
"Consuming points" means "consuming (accumulated) gold". In the following embodiment, a case where a product is purchased will be described as an example of the point settlement system 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be widely applied to services and the like.

[First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which a user uses a point service by the point settlement system 100 by purchasing a product at a store 20. In addition, a description will be given of a case where “points (gold) are accumulated” in the purchase of goods at the store 20 in Japan, and then a “point (gold) is consumed” in purchase of goods at the store 20 in the United States. I do.

(Outline of Configuration of Point Payment System 100) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “this embodiment”). 1 functionally shows the configuration of the point settlement system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The point settlement system 100 is a point card 1
, A center 10, and a store 20.
Further, the center 10 and the store 20 are configured to be connectable by a public line network, the Internet, a dedicated line, or the like.

The point card 1 is an information recording medium such as an IC card, for example.
1, the reading device B22, and the reading device C23 are configured to be able to read the information in the point card 1. The loyalty card 1 is issued by the center 10 and has personal information (eg, name, account data,
And fingerprint data, etc.) and point information at the time of product purchase. The details of the point card 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the center 10 stores the user and the store 20.
This is for performing a business of acting for settlement between the financial institution 30 and the financial institution 30. The center 10 is a P card issuing means (hereinafter referred to as "point card issuing means") 1.
1. P card authentication means (hereinafter referred to as "point card authentication means") 12, point settlement means 13, gold exchange information input means 14, customer database (hereinafter "customer D")
B ". ) 15 and store database (hereinafter, referred to as
It is called “store DB”. ). Point card issuing means 11, point card authentication means 1
2. Point settlement means 13, money exchange information input means 14
Is configured to be able to access the customer DB 15 and the store DB 16.

The point card issuing means 11 includes an ID for identifying each point card, a name as personal information of a user, account data of a financial institution, fingerprint data,
The currency which the user intends to use mainly (hereinafter referred to as “primary currency”), a password for confirming the point card, and the like are stored in the point card 1. By storing these information, the user can
The point card 1 can be used as a point card.

The point / card authentication means 12 stores the point 2
When the information of the point card 1 is transmitted from 0, it is for authenticating whether or not the point card 1 is valid. The authentication method includes, for example, authentication of a reading device of a store, authentication of a point card, and authentication of a user.

The point settlement means 13 has a function of calculating points (gold) accumulated or consumed points (gold) in the settlement when information related to settlement is transmitted from the store 20, and a calculated weight. It has a function of converting the denomination into a predetermined currency and a function of transferring the predetermined amount to each account. It also has a function for the user to specify a currency for converting money.

The gold exchange information input means 14 is configured to be capable of inputting gold exchange rates and exchange information on the settlement date required for point settlement. The point settlement means 13 calculates the weight of the gold given in the settlement and the weight of the gold consumed in the settlement based on the inputted gold price and exchange rate. In addition, when the information is held by the financial institution 30, the information can be obtained from the financial institution 30. Further, the money exchange information input means 14 can be obtained from a system which provides such information professionally.

The customer DB 15 is for storing information on users who use the point settlement system 100. The customer DB 15 is configured to store user information in association with the ID given to the point card 1. The user information includes, for example, the name of the user, account data at a financial institution, and main currency data.

The store DB 16 stores information about stores (service providers) that use the point settlement system 100. The store DB 16 stores an ID and a registered name set for each reader in order to identify the reader 21 for reading the point card 1.
It is mainly configured to memorize. For example, the registered name of the reading device A21 is “A”, and the registered name of the reading device B22 is “B”. Data transmission / reception between each of the reading devices 21, 22, and 23 and the center 10 can be performed when the registered name in each reading device matches the registered name of the store DB 16.

Next, the store 20 will be described. Store 2
Numeral 0 is composed of one or a plurality of affiliated stores, and has a reader for reading the information of the point card 1. In the present embodiment, the reading device A21,
It is assumed that the reading device B22 and the reading device C23 are installed in different stores. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the reading device A21 is installed in a store located in Japan, the reading device B22 is installed in the United States, and the reading device C23 is installed in a store located in the United Kingdom. Since the currency used for settlement differs from country to country, the reader installed at each store displays the currency mainly used by the store and the main currency specified by the user on the reader. It is configured to be able to be displayed on the screen.

Each of the reading devices 21, 22, and 23 is configured to be able to read information stored in a point card, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from the center 10. The clerk of the store 20 reads each reading device 2
By operating 1, 22, and 23, the information of the point card 1 is transmitted to the center 10, and the information transmitted from the center 10 is received, thereby performing point settlement.

In FIG. 1, for reference, the financial institution 3
0 is also illustrated. This point settlement system 1
00 is configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from one or more financial institutions 30. The financial institution 30 has an account (hereinafter, referred to as “customer account”) 3 held by a user who uses the point settlement system 100.
1, an account held by the store (hereinafter, referred to as “store account”) 32, and an account held by the center 10 (hereinafter, referred to as “center account”) 33. The center 10 transmits a transfer instruction between the accounts to the financial institution 30 based on the settlement data transmitted from the store 20. Then, the financial institution 30 performs the transfer between the accounts based on the transfer instruction, whereby the point settlement in the product purchase is realized.

Here, the point settlement system 100 according to the present embodiment is a processing device having a general configuration including a control unit, an input unit, a storage unit, and an output unit. It is assumed that it will be realized. In addition, the point settlement system 100 according to the present invention can also be realized by a physically dedicated system. Further, the point settlement system 100 may be configured by a single computer or may be configured by a plurality of computers distributed on a network.

(Structure of Point Card) FIG. 2 shows an IC used as a point card in this embodiment.
It is a figure showing the structure of a card. The IC card (Integrated circuit card) used in the present embodiment is one in which an IC is embedded in a plastic card, and its size is a so-called credit card size. The IC card incorporates a CPU and an IC memory, and inputs and outputs information from the IC memory.
It is configured to be managed by.

Here, the point card 1 includes ID data set for identifying each point card, name data of the point card holder, fingerprint data, account data, main currency data, password, And product purchase history data (settlement date, merchant name,
Purchase price, weight of gold acquired, total weight of gold on settlement date, etc.)
Etc. are stored.

The ID data, the fingerprint data, and the password are provided for ensuring the security of the point card 1 and are checked when the point card 1 is used. In addition, the point history data,
It is updated each time a user setstle (stores or consumes) points (gold).

The point card 1 has a password judgment function and a fingerprint data judgment function. Specifically, the point card 1 includes a program for determining whether the password transmitted from the center 10 and the password held by the point card 1 match, and the reading devices 21 and 22. , 23 is stored in advance with a program for determining whether or not fingerprint data transmitted from a fingerprint reader (not shown) connected to the fingerprint data held by the point card 1 matches. I have. As a result, for example, it is possible to confirm the user himself for illegal use of the point card 1.

(Gold Market Table) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a gold market table used by the point settlement system 100 in this embodiment. In FIG. 3, the price of gold at a certain point in time is shown for each currency. For example,
The price of the yen per gram of gold is “1,100 yen”, and the price of the dollar is “11 dollars”. In FIG. 3, yen, dollar, pound, and mark are shown as examples of the currency used, but the present invention can be applied to other currencies.

Also, the point settlement system 100
It is configured to be able to update gold market data in real time for 24 hours. Therefore, when performing point settlement by the present system, gold market data at the time of settlement is used.

(Point Card Creation Processing) Next, the operation of the point card creation processing in the point settlement system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the point card creation process. First, Center 10
Writes the user information (name, main currency, account data, fingerprint data) on the ID card 1 (S101). Next, the center 10 determines whether the ID of the point card matches the ID registered in the center 10 (S102). When it is determined that the ID of the point card matches the ID registered in the center 10 (S102; YES), the center 10 sets a password and writes the password in the point card 1 (S103). ).

Next, the center 10 reads the consumer information written on the point card 1 and
(S104).

(Confirmation Processing in Use of Point Card) Next, the flow of the confirmation processing in the case where the user purchases a product at the store 20 and uses the point settlement system 100 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the confirmation process in the point settlement system 100 according to the present embodiment. In the confirmation processing in the point settlement, a case where the user purchases a product at the store 20 (present in Japan) having the reading device A21 will be described.

First, when performing point settlement of goods, a connection request is transmitted from the reading device A21 of the store 20 to the center 10, and the center 10 responds to this, so that both are connected to each other. (S201).

Next, the reading device is checked (S
202). The checking operation of the reading device is performed between the reading device A21 and the center 10. Specifically, the reading device A
21 transmits the reading device ID of the reading device A21 to the center 10. The center 10 transmits the registered name of the corresponding reading device to the reading device A21 with reference to the store DB 16 based on the reading device ID. If the reading device A21 determines that the registered name transmitted from the center 10 matches the registered name stored therein (S202; YES), the reading device A21 ends the checking operation of the reading device A21, and proceeds to the next step. move on.

On the other hand, when the reading device A21 determines that the registered name transmitted from the center 10 does not match the registered name stored therein (S202; N).
O) Output an error message and interrupt the point settlement work.

Next, a password confirmation operation is performed (S203). Confirmation of the password is performed by the reading device A2.
1 is performed between the point card 1 connected to the center 1 and the center 1. Specifically, the point card 1 transmits the ID of the point card 1 to the center 10. The center 10 stores a customer DB based on the ID.
Referring to 15, the corresponding password is transmitted to the point card 1. When the point card 1 determines that the password transmitted from the center 10 and the password stored by itself are the same (S2).
03; YES), and proceed to fingerprint data confirmation work.

On the other hand, if the point card 1 determines that the password transmitted from the center 10 does not match the password stored by itself (S
203; NO), an error message is output, and the point settlement operation is interrupted.

Next, fingerprint data confirmation work is performed (S204). Checking of fingerprint data is performed by the reading device A2.
1 and the point card 1. Specifically, when the password confirmation work is completed in step S203, the point card 1 reads that
21. Upon receiving the password confirmation information, the reading device A21 outputs a fingerprint confirmation message. A fingerprint reader configured to acquire fingerprint data of a user is connected to the reader A21 (not shown). When the fingerprint confirmation message is output, the user places his / her finger on the fingerprint reader in a predetermined manner.

The fingerprint data read by the fingerprint reader is transmitted to the point card 1 by the reader A21. If the point card 1 determines that the fingerprint data and the fingerprint data stored by itself are coincident (S
204; YES), the fingerprint data confirmation work ends, and the flow advances to the next step.

On the other hand, if the point card 1 determines that the fingerprint data and the fingerprint data stored therein do not match (S204; NO), an error message is output and the point settlement operation is performed. Interrupt.

At the time of the point settlement, upon completion of each confirmation work, the reading device A21 transmits the amount data relating to the settlement and the information in the point card 1 to the center 10 (S205). The amount data includes the amount of goods purchased by the user, the fact that the user accumulates or consumes points (gold) generated by the purchase, and the like.

Note that “accumulate points” means that the money generated by purchasing a product is added to the weight of gold currently held by the user. Further, “consuming points” means, for example, a case where the money currently held by the user is converted into a predetermined currency to pay for the product, a case where a predetermined weight of gold itself is obtained, or the like.

When the center 10 determines that the settlement process is a settlement process for accumulating points (gold) (S206; YES), the center 10 proceeds to a point accumulation type settlement process (S207). Point accumulation type payment processing
This will be described with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if the center 10 determines that the settlement process is a settlement process for consuming points (gold) (S206; NO), the point consumption shown in FIG. Type of settlement processing.

(Payment Processing—Point Accumulation Type) Next, the flow of the settlement processing when a user purchases a product at the store 20 and accumulates points (gold) will be described. Note that the point accumulation type settlement process is a case where the confirmation process of FIG.
This is a process performed when "accumulation" is desired.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the point accumulation type settlement processing in the point settlement system 100 according to the present embodiment. In the point accumulation type settlement processing, a case where a user purchases a product at the store 20 having the reading device A21 will be described. Reader A21
Is a store existing in Japan, and the currency used in the store is “yen”.

In the present embodiment, “Yen” is used as the main currency.
Is set, and the currency used in the store is also “yen”. Therefore, in the settlement described below, the currency specified by the main currency is used. However, when there are a plurality of currencies that can be used for settlement, the user can also specify the currencies. This point will be described in a point consumption type process described later.

First, based on various setting conditions preset in the store 20, the points (gold) to be given in the settlement are calculated. For example, a case where the condition for giving money in the store 20 is "to give money equivalent to 1% of the price of the product" and the price of the product is 10,000 yen will be described. According to the above conditions, the weight of gold given in the settlement is calculated as follows.

An amount equivalent to 1% of the product price: 10,0
00 yen × 0.01 = 100 yen The store 20 transmits the amount data and the main currency to the settlement means 13 of the center 10. The main currency is the point card 1 transmitted from the reader A21.
Contained within.

Next, the settlement means 13 refers to the gold price table and acquires gold exchange information in the main currency (step S301). According to the gold price table of FIG. 3, the price of the yen is “1,100 yen”.

Therefore, the settlement means 13 calculates the weight of gold corresponding to the above-mentioned amount (step S302). According to the above, the weight of gold given in the settlement is calculated as follows.

Gold market table: 1g = 1,100 yen Weight of gold to be given: 100 yen {1,100 yen}
0.09 g Next, the center 10 transmits a connection request to a predetermined financial system 30, and the financial system 30 responds to the connection request to connect the center 10 to the financial system 30 (S303).

Then, the center 10 transmits the transfer request data to the financial system 30 (S30).
4). Specifically, the center 10 assigns the amount of money (100 yen) corresponding to the weight of the gold given in the settlement to the customer account 3 of the user.
An instruction to transfer from 1 to the center account 33 is transmitted to the financial system 30. Also, the center 10
From the amount of goods (10,000 yen) to the amount of money (10
An instruction to transfer the amount (9,900 yen) obtained by subtracting (0 yen) from the customer account 31 of the user to the store account 32 of the store having the reading device A21 is transmitted to the financial system 30.

Next, the point settlement means 13 performs a point (gold) accumulation process (S305). Specifically, since the weight of the gold given in the settlement is 0.09 g, this is added to the weight of the gold held by the point card 1. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user newly uses the point card 1. Therefore, since the weight of the gold from the previous purchase is not accumulated in the point card 1, the weight of the gold held by the point card 1 is “0 g”. Therefore, the weight of the accumulated gold is calculated as follows.

Weight of accumulated gold: 0 g + 0.09 g =
0.09 g Next, the center 10 transmits the settlement information to the reading device A21 (S306). The settlement information mainly includes the price data of the product, the weight of gold, the accumulated weight of gold, and the like.

The reading device A21 that has received the settlement information
Writes the payment information on the point card 1 (S
307). As a result, the data on the weight of gold and the like owned by the user is updated.

(Payment Processing—Point Consumption Type) Next, the flow of the payment processing when a user purchases a product at the store 20 and consumes points (gold) will be described. The point consumption type settlement process is a process that is performed when the confirmation process in FIG. 5 is completed and the user desires to consume points (gold) instead of accumulating the points (gold).

Note that, in the point consumption type settlement processing, a case where a user purchases a product at the store 20 having the reading device B22 will be described. The store 20 having the reading device B22 is a store existing in the United States, and the currency mainly used in the store is “dollar”.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of the point consumption type settlement processing in the point settlement system 100 according to the present embodiment.

First, the point settlement means 13 of the center 10 determines whether points (gold) are consumed in the settlement based on the amount data transmitted from the reading device B22 (S401). Point settlement means 13
If the point (gold) is determined to be consumed (S401; YES), the total price of the gold currently held by the point card 1 is referred to the store with reference to the gold market price table. (S402), respectively, using the currency (dollar) used and the amount of the main currency (yen).

The main currency and the total weight of the gold currently held by the point card 1 are included in the information in the point card 1 transmitted from the reader A21. It is assumed that “yen” is set as the main currency and the total weight of gold is “6 g”. According to the gold market table of FIG. 3, the price of the dollar is “$ 110” and the price of the yen is “$ 1,100”.

Therefore, the point settlement means 13
The amount corresponding to the total weight of the gold is calculated as follows.

Dollar amount = 6g × $ 11 = $ 66 Yen amount = 6g × $ 1,100 = $ 6,600 Next, the point settlement means 13 uses the point (gold) to The payment amount required to be paid in the settlement is calculated (S403). In the present embodiment, the current payment amount is set to be calculated by subtracting the amount corresponding to the weight of gold from the amount of the product.

The point settlement means 13 calculates the price of the merchandise in “dollar” and “yen” by referring to the exchange table (not shown) inputted by the gold exchange information input means 14. For example, it is assumed that the exchange rate between the dollar and the yen at the time of this settlement is “$ 1 = 106 yen”. Therefore, the price of the product in the settlement is “＄
1,000 ($), so if you convert it to yen,
106,000 (yen) ".

As described above, the current payment amount for each currency is calculated as follows.

The payment amount (dollar) = $ 1,000-$ 66 = $ 934 The payment amount (yen) = $ 106,000-$ 6,600 =
¥ 99,400 Next, the center 10 transmits each payment amount to the reading device B22 (S404). The reading device B22 displays these payment amounts on the screen. After confirming the payment amounts, the user can select which currency to pay. Then, the currency information selected by the user is transmitted to the center 10 by currency specifying means.

Thus, the center 10 processes the payment in the selected currency as the price of the product. Then, the point accumulation type settlement processing described above is performed (S405).

As described above, according to the point settlement system according to the present embodiment, the value of points given in goods or services is managed by replacing it with gold widely used all over the world. , Allows merchants to be present all over the world. This allows the user to use points (gold) without considering differences in countries and currencies even when purchasing goods or services overseas, for example, when traveling or traveling on business. Very convenient.

[Modification of this embodiment] (Fees for center etc.) In this embodiment, the amount of points (gold) generated by the purchase of goods at the time of settlement is transferred from the customer account to the center account. Thus, it has been described that the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of the point (gold) from the amount of the product is transferred from the customer account to the store account. However, when a fee of a financial institution or a fee of a center is set, these fees may be transferred from a customer account to an account of a financial institution or a center account according to predetermined conditions.

(Management in Center) In the present embodiment, the user information and the history data are stored in the point card 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The center 10 may be configured to hold and manage the information. In this case, the point
The card 1 may store ID data, a password, and fingerprint data in order to check security when using the point card 1. The point history data is read from the center 10 to the reading device A21.
If necessary, the user can check his / her own history data at the store 20.

(Issuance of Point Card) In the present embodiment, it has been described that the center 10 issues the point card 1. However, for example, an existing so-called debit card or the like can be used. . Because debit cards are cards for instant payment,
Information at the time of settlement can be handled. Therefore, the function of the point card 1 may be added to this debit card. In this case, the user applies for registration of the point card 1 to a predetermined financial institution.

Specifically, the points explained with reference to FIG.
The registration of the user information in step S101 in the card creation process may be configured to be performed by the predetermined financial institution. After the financial institution registers the user information,
The ID of the point card 1 is transmitted to the center 10, and the point card 1 is confirmed. If it is determined that the transmitted ID matches the ID registered in the center 10, the center 10 sets a password. Then, after the password is written in the point card 1, the point card 1 may be given to the user.

(Setting of Points in Store) In the present embodiment, as a setting in the case of giving money in the store, the case where the weight of gold corresponding to 1% of the commodity price is set has been described. However, in the present invention, the setting when giving money is not limited to this, and it can be arbitrarily set according to the content of a product or service.

For example, the weight of gold may be set in accordance with the amount corresponding to the consumption tax amount. For a specific period such as a bargain or a specific product, the% corresponding to the price is arbitrarily changed. May be. Also, the above-mentioned% may be set according to the number of times the service is used.

Furthermore, instead of the amount corresponding to the price of the product, the added value according to the contents of the service can be replaced with a predetermined weight of gold under predetermined conditions. For example, it is possible to replace the added value (miles) given according to the number of flight distances of the airplane with gold, or to replace the accumulated gold with the added value (miles).

As described above, since the points arbitrarily set in each member store are managed by being replaced with a predetermined weight of gold, the consumer can use the point service which is not limited to the type or the content of the product or service. It can be used.

(Point Consumption Type Payment) In the present embodiment, as an example of the point consumption type settlement method, a value obtained by subtracting the amount of points currently held from the price of a product is set as the amount actually paid by the user. For the amount, the same processing as the point accumulation type settlement processing is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the settlement method can be arbitrarily set. For example, in the case of the point-consumption-type settlement, it may be set so that points (gold) are not given regardless of the presence or absence of the payment amount.

[0108] Further, for example, in the case of the point consumption type settlement, it is assumed that the settlement can be performed irrespective of the purchase of the commodities, and the accumulated amount of points (gold) in the designated currency is used by the user. May be transferred to an account. Further, the user may be able to acquire gold itself having the weight of the accumulated points (gold). In these cases, the weight of the paid money or the weight of the acquired gold is subtracted from the total weight of the gold in the point card of the user.

(Medium of Service Card) In this embodiment, an IC card is used as a medium of a point card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a medium such as a flash memory may be used. Can also be used. When the flash memory is used, the password determination function and the fingerprint data determination function of the point card 1 are provided, for example, by the reading device A21 or the center 10.
It may be configured so as to have. In addition, if the information on the card is to be displayed on a medium that can be displayed on the surface of the card, the user can use the information on the card (such as the total weight of gold currently saved) at any time. This is convenient because you can check it.

(User Information for Confirmation When Using Service Card) Also, in this embodiment,
In the confirmation processing at the time of using the card, the fingerprint data has been described as the user information. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, a case is described in which a user uses a point service by the point settlement system 100 by purchasing a product at an electronic mall on the Internet or the like. explain. An electronic mall is a homepage that aggregates electronic shopping malls.
Also called "mall." Electronic malls are often operated based on common rules, with mall operators collecting electronic stores, collecting fees from each store, and operating in accordance with common rules. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a point service provided by the point settlement system 100 is used as a common rule.

(Outline of Configuration of Point Payment System 100) FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a point payment system 100 according to a second embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the point settlement system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a point card 1, a center 10, a financial system 30, a user information processing terminal 40, an electronic mall providing server 50,
A communication network (including both wired and wireless) 60.

The center 10 has a function as a so-called Web server for transmitting predetermined data in response to a data transmission request from the information processing terminal 40 of a product user, and a so-called database server for managing the customer DB 15 and the store DB 16. As a function. In addition, CGI (Common Gatew
Existing technologies such as ay Interface) can be used.

The information processing terminal 40 of the user corresponds to, for example, a general-purpose PC, and includes a reading device (not shown) that can read information of the point card 1. In addition, a fingerprint reader (for example, a fingerprint authentication mouse or the like) capable of reading fingerprint data of a user is provided.

(Outline of Operation of Point Settlement System 100 Using Internet) Next, referring to FIG. 8, a user purchases a product at an electronic mall on the Internet or the like so that the point settlement system 10 can be used.
A case where the point service based on 0 is used will be described.

The user accesses the electronic mall provided by the electronic mall providing server 50 from the information processing terminal 40. Then, the user selects a desired store from the electronic mall and purchases a product at the store. When a product is purchased at a predetermined store, the cyber mall providing server 50 transmits the data of the user and the product purchase data to the center 10.

When the center 10 receives these data, the center 10 starts a confirmation process in using the point card. The user connects the point card 1 to the reading device of the information processing terminal 40 based on an instruction transmitted from the center 10. The point card 1 sends the ID of the point card 1 to the center 1 via the information processing terminal 40.
Send to 0. The center 10 returns a password corresponding to the ID to the point card 1 with reference to the customer DB 15. Point card 1
If it is determined that the received password matches the password stored in the point card 1, the process proceeds to the next process (password confirmation).

When the confirmation of the password is completed, the point card 1 transmits the fact to the information processing terminal 40.
The information processing terminal 40 requests the user to confirm the fingerprint. In response to this, the user places a predetermined finger on the fingerprint reader of the information processing terminal 40. The fingerprint reader reads the fingerprint of the user and transmits the fingerprint data to the point card 1 via the information processing terminal 40. point·
When the card 1 determines that the received fingerprint data and the fingerprint data stored in the point card 1 match, the process proceeds to the next processing (fingerprint data confirmation).

When the confirmation of the fingerprint data is completed, the point card 1 transmits the fact to the information processing terminal 40.
The information processing terminal 40 displays data (price, quantity, etc.) on the purchase of the product on the screen, and confirms the data. To send.

The center 10 performs the point accumulation type settlement processing or the point consumption type settlement processing described in the first embodiment. Then, when the settlement processing is completed, the center 10 sends the amount data,
Send the weight of gold given this time, the accumulated weight of gold, and the amount of gold converted to the main currency. The information processing terminal 40 writes the received data into the point card 1.

In this embodiment, the electronic mall providing server 50 provides the electronic mall. However, for example, the center 10 may be provided with an electronic mall providing means, and the center 10 may provide the electronic mall. .

(Confirmation of Points Using Internet) Next, a case will be described in which a user accesses the center 10 via the Internet to confirm information in the point card 1 held by the user. If a certain amount of time has passed since the last purchase of the product, the user often forgets how many grams of the gold accumulated last. Therefore, it is convenient if it is possible to check the weight and the like of gold owned by the user in a simple manner without going to the store and in addition to purchasing a product.

For this reason, in the present invention, the user can check the information in the point card 1 owned by the user by accessing the center 10 via the Internet.

More specifically, the user operates the information processing terminal 40
To access the center 10 via the Internet. Then, for example, the personal data screen of the point service user is selected from the screens provided by the center 10. When the personal data screen is selected, the center 10,
By the information processing terminal 40 and the point card 1,
By the same procedure as when purchasing goods, point card 1
Confirmation work (password confirmation, fingerprint data confirmation) for using is performed.

When the check operation is completed without any error, the point card 1 outputs the information stored in the point card 1 (for example, the settlement history in a predetermined period) to the information processing terminal 40. In the settlement history,
The settlement date, the member store name, the purchase price, the weight of the acquired gold, the total weight of gold at the present time (the last settlement date), the price of gold in the main currency, and the like.

Note that which information in the point card 1 is to be output can be arbitrarily set in advance, and the user can specify the information on the personal data screen. It is also possible to configure.

[0127]

According to the present invention, added values such as points given to consumers are managed by replacing them with a predetermined weight of gold, so that a wide variety of companies, stores, and the like commonly use them. Service to be provided to consumers. Thereby, the consumer can, for example, arbitrarily and easily use the points (gold) accumulated in a certain store in another store, and thus can use the points (gold) more effectively. In addition, since a plurality of companies and stores adopt the service, their own points (gold) are not affected by the status of each company or store. In addition, when the point card is used, the user information and the like are confirmed, so that there is an effect that the service can be used with confidence.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 functionally illustrates a configuration of a point settlement system 100 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an IC card used as a point card.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gold market price table.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a point card creation process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a confirmation process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a point (gold) accumulation type settlement process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a point (gold) consumption type settlement process.

FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of a point settlement system 100 according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Point card 10 ... Center 11 ... P card issuing means 12 ... P card authentication means 13 ... Point settlement means 14 ... Gold exchange information input means 15 ... Customer DB 16 store DB 20 store 21 reader A 22 reader B 23 reader C 30 financial institution 31 customer account 32 store account 33 ・ ・ ・ Center account 100 ・ ・ ・ Point settlement system

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07G 1/12 321 G07G 1/12 321L F-term (Reference) 3E042 CC01 5B049 CC00 EE10 5B055 CB00 HB02

Claims (13)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A payment system for providing a user with a predetermined value when purchasing a product or service and performing payment for the product or service, wherein the predetermined value is added to a predetermined weight of gold. A settlement system comprising settlement means for managing by replacement. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the settlement unit replaces a predetermined value added to the user with gold having a predetermined weight according to a predetermined condition set in advance, In conjunction with the gold price in the above, the predetermined weight of gold replaced by the gold replacement means,
2. The settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising currency conversion means for converting the currency into a predetermined currency. 3. In the case where the settlement of the price of the goods or services is the settlement that accumulates the given money, the settlement system includes the predetermined weight of the money replaced by the money replacing means and the time of the settlement. 3. The settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising a gold adding means for adding to the money held by the user. 4. When the settlement of the price of the goods or services is the settlement that consumes the given money, the currency conversion means interlocks with the gold price at the settlement time and sets the settlement time at the settlement time. Claims characterized in that the money held by the user is converted into a predetermined currency, and the settlement system further comprises a price subtracting means for subtracting the amount converted by the currency converting means from the price of the goods or services. Item 4. The settlement system according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. The currency conversion means has currency designation means for designating a currency for converting a predetermined weight of gold, and interlocking with an exchange rate at the time of converting the predetermined weight of gold, 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined weight of gold is converted into a currency designated by the currency designating means.
Payment system according to any of the above. 6. When the settlement of the price of the goods or services is the settlement that consumes the given money, the settlement system includes: a gold designation unit that designates the weight of the gold consumed in the settlement; 4. The settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising a gold subtraction unit that subtracts the weight of gold designated by the gold designation unit from the money held by the user at the time of the settlement. 7. The settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the settlement system further includes a storage medium for storing a weight of gold held by a user. 8. The payment system further includes a fingerprint reader capable of reading a user's fingerprint, wherein the storage medium is transmitted from the fingerprint reader when performing payment for a product or service. It is determined whether or not the fingerprint data of the user and the fingerprint data stored in the storage medium match, and if it is determined that both the fingerprint data match, authentication means for permitting the settlement is provided. The settlement system according to claim 7, wherein: 9. A settlement method for providing a user with a predetermined added value when purchasing a product or service and performing payment for the product or service, wherein the added value is replaced with a predetermined weight of gold. A settlement method characterized by management. 10. When the payment method for the goods or services is a payment method for accumulating the provided money, a predetermined added value provided in the payment is set to a predetermined condition. 10. The settlement method according to claim 9, wherein the prescribed weight of gold is replaced with the gold held by the user at the time of settlement. 11. When the payment method for the goods or services is the payment method for consuming the awarded money, the payment method for the goods or services is linked to the gold price at the time of payment for the goods or services, and 11. The settlement method according to claim 9, wherein the money held by the user is converted into a predetermined currency, and the converted amount is subtracted from the price of the goods or services. 12. When the payment method for the goods or services is a payment method for consuming the granted money, the user specifies the weight of the gold to be consumed in the payment, and the user 11. The settlement method according to claim 9, wherein the designated weight of gold is subtracted from the retained gold. 13. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the settlement method according to claim 9.