JP2002117362A - Electronic money managing method, electronic money managing system, medium for electronic money managing possession, program for electronic money management, recording medium readable by computer having recoded program, electronic value information management - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to use electronic money (digital cash) without generating shortage of the balance caused by overuse of the electronic money and without consciousness of the balance of the electronic money. SOLUTION: This system is constituted so as to have a medium 100, a payment demand part 210, a payment execution part 120, a minimum balance setting part 130 for setting beforehand the amount of money usable only for a specific use as the minimum balance in the medium, a use judgement part 140 for judging whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use or not at the payment time of the electronic money, a balance judgement part 150 for judging whether the balance total of the electronic money after payment becomes below the minimum balance or not, and a control part 160 for controlling so that payment of the electronic money is forbidden if the use of the electronic money is judged to be out of a specified use and the balance total of the electronic money after payment is judged to become below the minimum balance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic money management method, an electronic money management system, and an electronic money management system suitable for use in managing and owning electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency. The present invention relates to a medium, an electronic money management program, a computer-readable recording medium storing the electronic money management program, an electronic value information management possession medium, and an electronic value information management method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic money management system, an IC card containing an integrated circuit (IC) is generally used as an electronic money management possession medium (a general medium for electronic money). This IC card has a data memory, and stores (pays) electronic money in the data memory, and pays using the stored electronic money instead of cash, so that unlike a credit card, there is no burning. Further, security can be enhanced by adding a security function.

There is also known an IC card provided with a data memory having a plurality of storage areas in order to store electronic money in a data memory for each purpose of use.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional electronic money management system, when depositing electronic money into an IC card and making a payment, an external device such as a reader is not used unless an IC card is used. The balance of electronic money in the card cannot be confirmed. Therefore, it is possible for the user to use up the electronic money in the IC card without the user being aware of it.
If the user is not always aware of the balance of electronic money,
Insufficient balance may occur due to excessive use of electronic money.

Further, when electronic money is stored in a plurality of storage areas formed in the data memory for each use and used for payment, the use of electronic money cannot be flexibly used to limit the use. There are issues.
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and by devising to hold a minimum balance of electronic money,
An electronic money management method, an electronic money management system, and a method for enabling a user to use electronic money without causing a shortage of balance due to excessive use of electronic money and without a user being aware of the balance of electronic money. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic money management possession medium, an electronic money management program, a computer-readable recording medium recording the electronic money management program, an electronic value information management possession medium, and an electronic value information management method. I do.

[0006]

Therefore, an electronic money management method (claim 1) according to the present invention comprises a minimum balance setting step of presetting an amount usable only for a specific use as a minimum balance in a medium; A use determining step of determining whether the use of electronic money is a specific use when paying money; a balance determining step of determining whether the total balance of electronic money after payment is equal to or less than a minimum balance; If the use of the electronic money is determined to be other than the specific use in the determination step, and the total balance of the electronic money after payment is determined to be equal to or less than the minimum balance in the balance determination step, the payment prohibiting the payment of the electronic money. And a prohibition step.

Further, the electronic money management system of the present invention (claim 6) notifies electronic money, which is defined as an electronic symbol of currency, to a useable information together with a medium capable of holding in a storage unit and a payment amount. A billing unit for making a payment, a payment executing unit for performing payment by electronic money in response to a request from the billing unit, and a minimum balance for presetting a medium usable only for a specific purpose as a minimum balance on a medium. A setting unit, a use determining unit that determines whether the use of the electronic money is a specific use based on the use information from the payment request unit when the electronic money is paid by the payment execution unit, and an electronic money after payment. A balance determination unit that determines whether the total balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance, and a use determination unit that determines that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use,
And a control unit for controlling so as to prohibit the payment of the electronic money when the balance determination unit determines that the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance.

[0008] Furthermore, the electronic money management possession medium of the present invention (claim 7) is a medium capable of holding electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency in a storage unit. A payment execution unit to be executed, a minimum balance setting unit that presets a medium that can be used only for a specific use as a minimum balance, and whether or not the electronic money use is a specific use when paying electronic money by the payment execution unit. A use determining unit that determines whether the total amount of electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, and a use determining unit that determines that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use. And a control unit for controlling to prohibit the payment of the electronic money when the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is determined to be equal to or less than the minimum balance by the balance determination. It is characterized in.

The electronic money management program according to the present invention (claim 8) provides a computer with a function of managing electronic money when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in a medium and used. An electronic money management program for executing the program, comprising: a payment execution unit that executes payment by electronic money; a minimum balance setting unit that presets an amount usable only for a specific use as a minimum balance in a medium; and a payment execution unit. A use determining unit that determines whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use when paying the electronic money, a balance determining unit that determines whether the total balance of the electronic money after the payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, and The usage determining unit determines that the usage of the electronic money is other than the specific usage, and the balance determination determines that the total amount of the electronic money after payment is the minimum. If it is determined to be a balance below as a control unit for controlling to prohibit the payment of electronic money, and characterized by causing a computer to function.

[0010] Furthermore, a computer readable recording medium on which the electronic money management program of the present invention is recorded (claim 9) is used when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in the medium and used. A computer-readable recording medium recording an electronic money management program for causing a computer to execute an electronic money management function in the electronic money management program, wherein the electronic money management program executes a payment by electronic money; A minimum balance setting unit that presets an amount usable only as a specific use to a medium as a minimum balance, and a use determining unit that determines whether the use of electronic money is the specific use when paying electronic money by the payment executing unit. A balance judging unit for judging whether or not the total balance of electronic money after payment is equal to or less than a minimum balance, and a use When the fixed part determines that the use of electronic money is other than the specific use, and when the balance determination determines that the total amount of electronic money after payment is less than the minimum balance, the electronic money payment is prohibited. It is characterized by causing a computer to function as a control unit for controlling.

At this time, it is determined whether or not the total amount of the electronic money after the payment becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the payment amount with the normal balance as the amount excluding the minimum balance from the total amount of the electronic money. (Claim 2). In the balance determination step, it may be determined whether or not the total amount of electronic money becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total amount of electronic money after payment with the minimum balance (claim 3).

Further, a minimum balance may be set at the time of depositing the electronic money into the medium (claim 4), and it is determined that the use of the electronic money is the specific use and the electronic money after the payment is paid. If it is determined that the total money balance is equal to or less than the minimum balance, payment of electronic money may be permitted (claim 5). Also, the electronic value information management and possession medium of the present invention is a medium including a storage unit having an area for storing electronic value information, and the electronic value information stored in the storage unit. The predetermined value is recorded in the storage unit as balance information in order to limit the use of the electronic value information when the balance of the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value (claim 10).

[0013] Further, the electronic value information management method of the present invention is a method of managing electronic value information when the electronic value information is stored in a medium and used, wherein the electronic value information stored in the medium is used. Is determined, and when the determined balance of the electronic value information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the use of the electronic value information is restricted (claim 11).

According to the above-described configuration, payment of electronic money is prohibited when the usage of electronic money is other than the specific use set in advance and the total balance of electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. Therefore, the total balance of the electronic money does not become less than the minimum balance due to payment other than the specific use. When the balance of the electronic value information is determined to be equal to or less than the predetermined value, the use of the electronic value information is restricted. In some cases, the use of electronic value information can be restricted.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (A) Description of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic money management system as a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a hardware of an IC card as an electronic money management possession medium. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration. The electronic money management system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for managing and owning electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency.
IC card 100 as medium for managing and owning electronic money
And an automatic transaction apparatus 200 described later.

The IC card 100 has a function as a medium (a medium for managing and holding electronic money) that can rewritably hold electronic money in a required storage unit 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the IC card 100
It comprises a U (Micro Processor Unit) 2, a data memory 3 and a connect unit 4. MPU2 is
ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, RAM (Random Acc
ess Memory) 24, a main control unit 21 and a calculation unit 22.
And a program for driving the arithmetic unit 22.

In the MPU 2, this ROM
23 according to the program recorded in the main control unit 21.
The operation of the arithmetic unit 22 causes the RAM 24 to store the deposit / withdrawal data of electronic money input from an external device not shown in FIG. The IC card 100 is temporarily stored, delivered to the data memory 3, and further delivered to an external device via the connection unit 4 so that the IC card 100 functions.

The data memory 3 stores information on the amount (balance) of electronic money such as the result calculated by the MPU 2 and is constituted by a PROM (Programmable ROM). That is, the data memory 3
Has a function of storing electronic money.
Further, the connection unit 4 is an electrode unit connected to an external device (for example, an IC card reader / writer in the automatic transaction apparatus 200 in FIG. 1), and the IC card 100 communicates with the external device via the connection unit 4. It is designed to send and receive payment data. By connecting the IC card 100 on which the electronic money information is recorded to an external device through the connection unit 4 according to the above configuration, the MPU 2 of the IC card 100 is connected to the external device, and the input from the external device ( In accordance with the instruction, the MPU 2 operates the amount information of the electronic money stored in the data memory 3.

Then, the user operates the IC card 100
Into an electronic money-compatible ATM or the like of a financial institution,
Request issuance of electronic money through TM. In response to this request, the host computer of the financial institution reduces the requested amount from the user's deposit account, issues electronic money equal to the amount, and stores the amount in the data memory 3 of the user IC card 100 through the ATM. Store. Similarly, cashing of electronic money, depositing by electronic money, and the like can be performed using an ATM of a financial institution.

When storing electronic money in the IC card 100, the user can set the amount of electronic money that can be used only for a specific purpose as the minimum balance (details will be described later). . The user carries the IC card 100 instead of a wallet. For example, in a public stadium such as a racetrack, a bicycle racetrack, an auto race track, and a boat racetrack, and in various stores such as a pachinko parlor, a dedicated automatic transaction device is provided. 200 (see FIG. 1).
, The electronic money stored in the IC card 100 can be used for purchasing a betting ticket and the like, as well as paying a facility usage fee, a food and drink fee, and the like.

The automatic transaction device 200 includes a billing unit 210
And the inserted IC card 10
For 0, information (usage information) indicating the purpose of the payment request is transmitted to the IC card 100 together with information on the amount of payment to be charged. On the other hand, the IC card 100 is functionally
As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 110, the payment execution unit 120,
It comprises a minimum balance setting unit 130, a use determination unit 140, a balance determination unit 150, and a control unit 160.

The storage section 110 is capable of rewritably holding electronic money as described above, and corresponds to the data memory 3 shown in FIG. Minimum balance setting section 1
Numeral 30 designates an amount of electronic money which can be used only for a specific purpose set in advance in the IC card 100 as a minimum balance, and is realized by the MPU 2 shown in FIG.

For example, when depositing money into the IC card 100, the user can set the minimum balance in advance by inputting the amount to be set as the minimum balance using the above-described ATM input device. The minimum balance setting unit 130 sets the input minimum balance in the IC card 100. Specifically, the minimum balance setting unit 130 arbitrarily sets the type of the specific use and the amount of electronic money that can be used only for the specific use in the data memory 3.

It is desirable to set the minimum balance by the minimum balance setting unit 130 when depositing electronic money into the IC card 100. However, after depositing the electronic money, it is necessary to set these specific uses and the minimum amount. May be changed. Instead of the user arbitrarily setting the minimum balance and its use, a predetermined value may be set in advance to make the content unchangeable.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the storage state of electronic money in the storage section 110 of the IC card 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the first embodiment, the storage unit 110 includes an area 110b for storing electronic money that can be used only for a specific purpose.
And an area 110a for storing electronic money that can be used without being limited to the intended use. In the following, in the figure, the balance amount (normal balance) of electronic money stored in the area 110a and whose use is not limited is indicated by a symbol X. Similarly, area 11
The symbol Y indicates the balance amount (minimum balance) of electronic money that can be used only for a specific purpose and stored in 0b.

The areas 110a and 110b formed in the storage unit 110 as described above store programs (applications in the card) stored in the ROM 23 as MPs.
This is realized by execution of U2. Then, the user uses the minimum balance setting unit 130 to set the amount (minimum balance) Y of the electronic money stored in this area 110b.
Can be set.

The payment execution unit 120 includes a payment request unit 210
(Automatic transaction apparatus 200) In response to a payment request from the automatic transaction apparatus 200, payment is made by electronic money, and an amount corresponding to the amount charged from the payment requesting section 210 is stored in the storage section 110.
Is subtracted from the balance of electronic money stored in. This payment execution unit 120 is an MPU shown in FIG.
2 is realized.

When performing payment, the payment executing unit 120 preferentially uses electronic money (normal balance) stored in the area 110a for payment regardless of its purpose. Only when the balance is insufficient for the payment with the ordinary balance alone and when the payment is for a specific purpose, the area 11
The electronic money (minimum balance) stored in 0b is used for payment.

The usage determining unit 140 determines whether or not the electronic money is a specific usage based on the usage information from the payment requesting unit 210 when the payment execution unit 120 pays the electronic money. , Is realized by the MPU 2 shown in FIG. This use determination unit 140
Compares the specific use recorded in the data memory 3 by the minimum balance setting unit 130 with the use information transmitted together with the billed amount from the billing unit 210, and transmits the result of the comparison to the control unit 160. It has become.

The balance determination unit 150 determines whether or not the total amount of electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. Before the payment execution unit 120 executes payment, the balance determination unit 150 stores the electronic money in the storage unit 110. The total amount after payment is calculated in advance by subtracting the charge amount notified from the payment request unit 210 from the total amount of electronic money that has been paid.

The balance determination unit 150 compares the calculated total balance after payment with the minimum balance set in the minimum balance setting unit 130 before the payment is executed by the payment execution unit 120. Then, it is determined whether or not the total amount of electronic money after the payment becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance. Note that the balance determination unit 150 is realized by the MPU 2 shown in FIG.

When a payment other than for a specific use is made, balance determination section 150 stores area 110a of storage section 110.
By subtracting the payment amount notified from the payment requesting unit 210 from the normal balance stored in the storage unit, and determining whether or not the calculation result is larger than 0, the payment amount can be used for purposes other than the specific use. It is determined whether or not the electronic money is stored in the IC card 100.
The balance determination unit 150 notifies the control unit 160 of the determination result.

In the case where a payment for a specific use is made, balance determination section 150 stores in area 110 of storage section 110.
The payment amount notified from the payment request unit 210 is subtracted from the normal balance stored in a, and it is determined whether or not the calculation result is greater than zero.
Further, the balance determination unit 150 notifies the control unit 160 of the determination result.

The control section 160 controls the payment of electronic money by the payment execution section 120 and is realized by the MPU 2 shown in FIG. Control unit 16
0 indicates that if the usage of the electronic money is determined to be other than the specific usage by the usage determining unit 140 and the total amount of the electronic money after payment is determined to be equal to or less than the minimum balance by the balance determining unit 150, The execution unit 120 is configured to prohibit the execution of the payment, thereby controlling the execution of the electronic money.

The control unit 160 includes a use determining unit 140
When the usage of electronic money is determined to be other than the specific usage, and the balance determination unit 150 determines that the total amount of electronic money after payment is larger than the minimum balance, the payment execution unit 120 The payment is allowed to be executed, and the electronic money is controlled so as to be allowed.

Further, the control section 160 controls the use determining section 14
0 determines that the use of the electronic money is the specific use, even if the balance determination unit 150 determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, the payment execution unit 1
20 is allowed to execute payment, thereby controlling to allow electronic money payment.

The control unit 160 includes a use determining unit 140
Determines that the usage of the electronic money is the specific usage, even if the balance determination unit 150 determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, until the total balance becomes 0 yen. Is configured to allow the payment execution unit 120 to execute the payment, thereby controlling to allow the payment of the electronic money.

With such a configuration, the IC card 1 of the electronic money management system 1000 as the first embodiment
FIG. 4 is a flowchart (steps A10 to A10) showing the processing at the time of depositing the electronic money into the storage unit 110 at 00
30). For example, in an ATM or the like, Z
When storing (paying) the electronic money of the yen in the storage unit 110 of the IC card 100, the user first determines whether or not to use the electronic money, that is, whether or not to set the minimum balance. A judgment is made (step A10).

When specifying the use of the electronic money, that is, when setting the minimum balance (see the YES route of step A10), the electronic money of Y yen (minimum balance) is stored in the area 110b, and Area 11
The electronic money (normal balance) of (ZY) yen is stored in 0a (X = ZY) (step A20). On the other hand, if the minimum balance is not set (refer to NO route in step A10), electronic money (normal balance) of Z yen is stored in area 110a, and electronic money is not stored in area 110b (X = Z). , Y = 0) (step A30).

Next, in the electronic money management system of the first embodiment, the IC card 1 for which the minimum balance is set
The processing of each unit when making payment using electronic money for a purpose other than the specific purpose using 00 will be described with reference to the flowchart (steps B10 to B30) shown in FIG. When the IC card 100 of the first embodiment is used for payment other than the specific use (for example, payment amount W yen),
The balance determination unit 150 subtracts the payment amount (W yen) notified from the payment request unit 210 from the normal balance X stored in the area 110a of the storage unit 110, and calculates the calculation result (X
-W) is greater than 0 (step B1).
0).

Here, if (XW) is larger than 0 (see the YES route in step B10), the balance judging section 150 sets the electronic money (total balance) usable for payment.
Is stored in the IC card, and the control unit 160 is notified of this. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 120 to allow the payment,
The payment execution unit 120 performs a payment process. With this payment, the normal balance X in the area 110a becomes (XW) (step B20).

On the other hand, if (X−W) is 0 or less (see the NO route in step B10), the balance determination unit 150
Determines that there is not enough electronic money available for payment, and notifies the control unit 160 to that effect. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 120 to prohibit the payment, and the payment execution unit 120 cannot make the payment (step B30).

Next, in the electronic money management system of the first embodiment, the IC card 1 for which the minimum balance is set
The processing of each unit when making payment using electronic money for a specific use using 00 will be described with reference to the flowchart (steps C10 to C50) shown in FIG. When the IC card 100 according to the first embodiment is used for payment for a specific use (for example, Z yen), the balance determination unit 150 firstly requests payment from the normal balance X stored in the area 110a of the storage unit 110. The payment amount (Z yen) notified from the unit 210 is subtracted, and it is determined whether or not the calculation result (XZ) is 0 or more (step C10).

If (XZ) is equal to or larger than 0 (see the YES route in step C10), the balance determination unit 150 stores electronic money usable for payment in the IC card 100. The control unit 160 is notified of the fact. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 12
The payment executing unit 120 performs a payment process by controlling the payment to 0. With this payment, the normal balance X in the area 110a becomes (XZ) (step C20), and the payment (dispensing process) for the specific application is completed.

On the other hand, when (X−Z) is smaller than 0 (see the NO route in step C10), the balance determination unit 150 then determines the total amount of the electronic money stored in the storage unit 110 ( X + Y) is compared with the payment amount Z (step C30). If the total balance (X + Y) in the storage unit 110 is smaller than the payment amount Z (see the NO route in step C30), the balance determination unit 150
It is determined that there is insufficient electronic money available for payment, and the control unit 160 is notified of this fact. Control unit 16
0 controls the payment execution unit 120 to prohibit the payment, and the payment execution unit 120 cannot make the payment (step C50).

Further, the total balance (X + Y) of the storage unit 110
Is equal to or more than the payment amount Z (YE in step C30).
The balance determination unit 150 determines that usable electronic money is stored in the IC card 100, and notifies the control unit 160 of the determination. Control unit 160
Controls the payment execution unit 120 to allow the payment, and the payment execution unit 120 performs a payment process (step C40). That is, by changing the normal balance X to 0 and changing the minimum balance Y to Y- (ZX), the shortage amount in the normal balance is paid from the minimum balance Y. As a result, payment for a specific use (withdrawal processing)
Complete.

As described above, in the first embodiment,
For payment for a specific use, the balance determination unit 150 compares the payment amount Z with the normal balance X. If the payment amount Z is higher than the normal balance X, the balance total (X + Y) and the payment amount Z are further determined. Is to be compared. Then, as a result of the comparison, even if the total amount of the electronic money after the payment becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance Y, the control unit 16
0 allows the payment execution unit 120 to pay the electronic money.

As described above, according to the electronic money management system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the user sets the amount of electronic money that can be used only for a specific use in advance as the minimum balance. There is no shortage of balance due to excessive use of money, and, for example, there is no fear of using up electronic money for payment for non-specific purposes. The user does not need to always be aware of the balance of electronic money stored in the IC card 100, and the convenience is improved.

For example, when electronic money is used in a racetrack, the amount that must be left as a facility usage fee is set in advance as the minimum balance, so that the user can use the money required as a facility usage fee without his knowledge. You don't have to spend your time buying betting tickets. In addition, it is possible to set the amount of money that can be used inside the card and to perform processing of depositing and withdrawing.

Furthermore, by setting the minimum balance arbitrarily by the minimum balance setting unit 130 when depositing electronic money into the IC card 100, the user can use the electronic money systematically, which is also convenient. The performance is improved. (B) Description of Second Embodiment An electronic money management system 1000 'and an IC card 100' as a second embodiment of the present invention are the same as the electronic money management system 1000 and the IC card 100 shown in FIGS. Since it has a configuration, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those described above indicate the same or substantially the same portions, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

In the electronic money management system 1000 'according to the second embodiment, the storage unit 110' is also capable of holding rewritable electronic money, similarly to the storage unit 110 shown in FIG. Is equivalent to the data memory 3 shown in FIG. The minimum balance setting unit 130 'also sets the amount of electronic money that can be used only for a specific purpose in the IC card 100' in advance as the minimum balance, similarly to the minimum balance setting unit 130 shown in FIG. Is realized by the MPU 2 shown in FIG.

The minimum balance setting section 130 'sets the type of a specific use and the amount of electronic money that can be used only for the specific use in the data memory 3. It is preferable that the minimum balance set by the minimum balance setting unit 130 'be set when electronic money is deposited into the IC card 100'. May be changed.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the storage state of electronic money in the storage section 110 'of the IC card 100' in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG.
In the second embodiment, an area 110a 'for storing electronic money and an area 110b' for storing a threshold value are formed in the storage section 110 '. It is designed to store money. In the electronic money stored in the area 110a ', electronic money (minimum balance) usable only for a specific purpose is set as a threshold, and the threshold is set to the area 1
10b '.

Hereinafter, in the drawing, the region 110
The total amount of electronic money stored in a 'is indicated using X. It is assumed that the minimum balance set as the threshold value in the area 110b 'is indicated by using Y. And
For example, when depositing electronic money into the IC card 100 ', the user can arbitrarily set the amount of money Y set as the threshold using the minimum balance setting unit 130'. I have.

The balance judging section 150 'judges whether or not the total amount of electronic money becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total amount of electronic money after payment with the minimum balance. Before the payment is made by the unit 120, the total amount after payment is calculated in advance by subtracting the charge amount notified from the payment request unit 210 from the total amount of electronic money stored in the storage unit 110 '. It is supposed to.

Before the payment is executed by the payment executing unit 120, the balance determining unit 150 ′ compares the calculated total amount of the electronic money balance after payment with the minimum balance to thereby calculate the electronic money after payment. It is determined whether or not the total amount of the balance becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance. Note that the balance determination unit 150 'is similar to the balance determination unit 150,
This is realized by the MPU 2 shown in FIG.

When a payment other than a specific use is made, the balance judging section 150 'stores the area 11 in the storage section 110'.
0a ′, the payment requesting unit 21
By subtracting the payment amount notified from 0 and determining whether or not this calculation result is larger than Y (minimum balance) stored in the area 110b ', it is possible to use it for purposes other than the specific use. It is determined whether the electronic money is stored in the IC card 100 '.
Further, the balance determination unit 150 ′ transmits the determination result to the control unit 16.
0 is notified.

When making a payment for a specific use, the balance judging section 150 ′, based on the total balance stored in the area 110 a ′ of the storage section 110 ′, makes the payment requesting section 2.
By subtracting the payment amount notified from 10 and determining whether or not the calculation result is 0 or more, it is determined whether or not electronic money usable for a specific purpose is stored in the IC card 100 '. It is supposed to. The balance determination unit 150 'notifies the control unit 160 of the fact.

With such a configuration, in the electronic money management system 1000 'according to the second embodiment, the IC card 100' in which the minimum balance is set is used.
The processing of each unit when making a payment using electronic money for a use other than the specific use will be described with reference to a flowchart (steps D10 to D30) shown in FIG. When the IC card 100 'of the second embodiment is used for payment other than the specific use (for example, the payment amount W yen), the balance determination unit 1
50 ′ subtracts the payment amount (W yen) notified from the payment requesting unit 210 from the total balance X stored in the area 110a ′ of the storage unit 110 ′, and calculates the result (X−W)
Is greater than or equal to Y (minimum balance) (step D10).

Here, if (XW) is larger than Y (see the YES route in step D10), the balance judging unit 150 'determines that electronic money usable for payment is stored in the IC card 100. The control unit 160 is determined to be present. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 120 to allow the payment, and the payment execution unit 120 performs a payment process. With this payment, the total balance X in the area 110a 'becomes (XW) (step D20).

On the other hand, if (XW) is equal to or less than Y (see the NO route in step D10), the balance judging section 150 '
Determines that there is a shortage of electronic money (total balance) usable for payment, and notifies the control unit 160 to that effect. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 120 to prohibit the payment, and the payment execution unit 120 cannot make the payment (step D30).

Next, FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing of each unit when a payment is made using electronic money for a specific purpose using the IC card 100 'in which the minimum balance is set in the second embodiment. (Steps E10 to E3
0). The IC card 10 of the second embodiment is used for payment for a specific use (for example, payment amount Z yen).
When 0 'is used, first, the balance determination unit 150'
The payment amount (Z yen) notified from the payment requesting unit 210 is subtracted from the total balance X stored in the area 110a 'of the storage unit 110', and whether the calculation result (XZ) is 0 or more is determined. Is determined (step E10).

If (XZ) is equal to or greater than 0 (see the YES route in step E10), the balance judging section 150 'determines that electronic money usable for payment is stored in the IC card 100. The control unit 160 is determined to be present. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 1
Then, the payment execution unit 120 performs a payment process. With this payment, the total balance X of the area 110a 'becomes (XZ) (step E20), and the payment for a specific use (payment processing) is completed.

On the other hand, if (X−Z) is smaller than 0 (see the NO route in step E10), the balance judgment unit 1
50 'is electronic money usable for payment (total balance)
Is determined to be insufficient, and the controller 160
Notify. The control unit 160 controls the payment execution unit 120 to prohibit the payment, and the payment execution unit 12
0 means that payment cannot be made (step E3)
0).

As described above, the electronic money management system 1000 ′ according to the second embodiment of the present invention can provide the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. (C) Others Regardless of the above-described embodiment, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above,
Although the case where the card unit is an IC card has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and other card units such as an optical card, a wireless card, and the like may be used as long as they have a built-in storage unit. And the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the IC
The card (medium) 100 (100 ') is
0, minimum balance setting unit 130 (130 '), use determination unit 1
40, balance determination unit 150 (150 ') and control unit 16
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all or at least a part of these may be provided in another device, which deviates from the gist of the present invention. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope.

Further, in each of the above embodiments,
The balance determination units 150 and (150 ') determine whether or not the total amount of electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the balance determination units 150 and (150') ') Determines the balance of the electronic money before the payment is made, and if the balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance (predetermined value), the control unit 160 issues a payment to the payment execution unit 120. May be prohibited.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a method of managing and owning electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, instead of the above-described electronic money, electronic value information as an electronic symbol of a product having a securities value, such as a coupon, a gift certificate, or a point card, may be managed and owned.

At this time, when it is determined that the balance of the electronic value information is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the use of the electronic value information is restricted, so that the balance of the electronic value information becomes, for example, before the payment is made. When the value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, use of electronic value information can be restricted. In addition, if each embodiment of this invention is disclosed, it can be manufactured by those skilled in the art.

(D) Supplementary Note (Supplementary Note 1) A method of managing electronic money when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in a medium and used, and the amount of money that can be used only for a specific purpose A minimum balance setting step for presetting the electronic money as the minimum balance; a use determining step of determining whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use when paying the electronic money; and A balance determining step of determining whether or not the total balance is equal to or less than the minimum balance;
When the usage of the electronic money is determined to be other than the specific usage in the usage determining step, and the total amount of the electronic money after payment is determined to be equal to or less than the minimum balance in the balance determining step, A payment prohibition step of prohibiting payment of electronic money.

(Supplementary Note 2) In the balance determination step, the total amount of the electronic money after payment is compared with a normal balance as an amount excluding the minimum balance from the total amount of the electronic money in the balance. 3. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the balance is equal to or less than the minimum balance. (Supplementary Note 3) In the balance determination step, it is determined whether the total balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total balance of the electronic money after payment with the minimum balance. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, characterized in that:

(Supplementary Note 4) The minimum balance setting step includes:
4. The electronic money management method according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein the method is executed when the electronic money is paid into the medium. (Supplementary Note 5) In the use determining step, the use of the electronic money is determined to be the specific use, and in the balance determining step, it is determined that the total amount of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. 5. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, wherein payment of the electronic money is permitted.

(Supplementary Note 6) A medium capable of holding electronic money, which is defined as an electronic symbol of currency, in a storage unit, a payment requesting unit for notifying usage information together with a payment amount, and performing a payment request; A payment executing unit that executes payment by the electronic money in response to a request from the unit, a minimum balance setting unit that presets an amount usable only for a specific use as a minimum balance in the medium, At the time of payment of the electronic money, a use determining unit that determines whether or not the use of the electronic money is the specific use based on the use information from the payment request unit, and the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is A balance judging unit for judging whether or not the amount is equal to or less than the minimum balance, and the use judging unit judges that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use, and the balance judging unit determines whether or not the electronic money is used. An electronic money management system, comprising: a control unit that controls to prohibit payment of the electronic money when it is determined that the total balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance.

(Supplementary Note 7) The balance judging unit compares the amount of payment with the ordinary balance as an amount excluding the minimum balance from the total amount of the electronic money, so that the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is calculated. The electronic money management system according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether the balance is equal to or less than the minimum balance. (Supplementary Note 8) The balance determination unit determines whether the total balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total balance of the electronic money after payment with the minimum balance. The electronic money management system according to claim 6, wherein the electronic money management system is characterized in that:

(Supplementary note 9) The electronic device according to any one of supplementary notes 6 to 8, wherein the minimum balance setting unit sets the minimum balance when depositing the electronic money into the medium. Money management system. (Supplementary Note 10) If the use determination unit determines that the use of the electronic money is the specific use, and the balance determination unit determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, 10. The electronic money management system according to any one of supplementary notes 6 to 9, wherein the control unit permits payment of the electronic money.

(Supplementary Note 11) Any of the supplementary notes 6 to 10, wherein the medium is provided with the payment execution unit, the minimum balance setting unit, the use determination unit, the balance determination unit, and the control unit. 2. The electronic money management system according to claim 1. (Supplementary Note 12) A medium that can hold electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency in a storage unit, and a payment execution unit that executes payment by the electronic money, and a money amount that can be used only for a specific use. A minimum balance setting unit preset in the medium as a minimum balance; a use determining unit for determining whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use when the electronic money is paid by the payment execution unit; A balance determining unit for determining whether or not the total amount of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance; and the use determining unit determines that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use, and A control unit for controlling so as to prohibit payment of the electronic money when it is determined that the total balance of the electronic money after the payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. Neighborhood owned proprietary media.

(Supplementary Note 13) The balance judging unit compares the amount of payment with the ordinary balance as an amount excluding the minimum balance from the total amount of the electronic money, so that the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is calculated. 13. The electronic money management and possession medium according to supplementary note 12, wherein it is determined whether or not the amount is equal to or less than the minimum balance. (Supplementary Note 14) The balance determination unit determines whether the total balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total balance of the electronic money after payment with the minimum balance. 13. The electronic money management and possession medium according to supplementary note 12, wherein

(Supplementary note 15) The supplementary statement according to any one of Supplementary notes 12 to 14, wherein the minimum balance setting unit sets the minimum balance when depositing the electronic money into the storage unit. Electronic money management proprietary media. (Supplementary Note 16) If the use determining unit determines that the use of the electronic money is the specific use, and the balance determining unit determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, 16. The electronic money management possession medium according to any one of supplementary notes 12 to 15, wherein the control unit permits payment of the electronic money.

(Supplementary Note 17) An electronic money management program for causing a computer to execute an electronic money management function when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in a medium and used. A payment execution unit for executing payment by the electronic money, a minimum balance setting unit for presetting the amount usable only for a specific use as a minimum balance in the medium, and a method for paying the electronic money by the payment execution unit. A use determining unit that determines whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use, a balance determining unit that determines whether the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, and the use determining unit Is determined that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use, and
When the balance determination determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, the computer functions as a control unit that controls so as to prohibit payment of the electronic money. Program.

(Supplementary Note 18) An electronic money management program for causing a computer to execute an electronic money management function when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in a medium and used is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium, wherein the electronic money management program executes a payment execution unit for executing payment by the electronic money, a minimum balance preset in the medium as a minimum balance that can be used only for a specific purpose. A setting unit, a use determining unit that determines whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use at the time of payment of the electronic money by the payment execution unit, and that the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. A balance judging unit for judging whether or not the electronic money is used, and the use judging unit judges that the use of the electronic money is not the specific use, When the balance determination determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance, the computer functions as a control unit that controls so as to prohibit payment of the electronic money. A computer-readable recording medium recording a money management program.

(Supplementary Note 19) The balance judging unit compares the amount of payment with the ordinary balance as an amount obtained by subtracting the minimum balance from the total amount of the electronic money, so that the total amount of the electronic money after the payment is calculated. 19. A computer-readable recording medium recording an electronic money management office program according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether the balance is equal to or less than the minimum balance.

(Supplementary Note 20) The balance judging unit judges whether the total amount of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total amount of the electronic money after payment with the minimum balance. A computer-readable recording medium on which the electronic money management program according to claim 18 is recorded. (Supplementary note 21) The electronic money management program according to any one of Supplementary notes 18 to 20, wherein the minimum balance setting unit sets the minimum balance when depositing the electronic money into the medium. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded.

(Supplementary Note 22) When the use determining unit determines that the use of the electronic money is the specific use, and the balance determining unit determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. If it is determined, the control unit accepts the payment of the electronic money, wherein the control unit permits payment of the electronic money.
A computer-readable recording medium that records the electronic money management program according to any one of the preceding claims.

(Supplementary Note 23) A medium including a storage unit having an area for storing electronic value information, wherein the balance of the electronic value information stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Wherein the predetermined value is recorded in the storage unit as balance information in order to limit the use of the electronic value information in the case of:

(Supplementary Note 24) A management method of electronic value information when electronic value information is stored in a medium and used, wherein a balance of the electronic value information stored in the medium is determined. An electronic value information management method, wherein when the determined balance of electronic value information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, use of the electronic value information is restricted.

[0086]

As described in detail above, the electronic money management method, the electronic money management system, the electronic money management possession medium, the electronic money management program, and the computer readable recording of the electronic money management program of the present invention are described in detail. The following effects and advantages are obtained by the simple recording medium, the electronic value information management possession medium, and the electronic value information management method.

(1) By preliminarily setting the amount of electronic money that can be used only for a specific use as a minimum balance in a medium, there is no shortage of balance due to excessive use of electronic money. There is no worry about running out of electronic money. That is, the user need not always be aware of the balance of the electronic money stored in the medium, and the convenience is improved. (Claims 1 to 3, Claims 5 to 9).

(2) By setting the minimum balance at the time of depositing electronic money into the medium, the user can use the electronic money systematically, thereby improving the convenience (claim 4). (3) When it is determined that the balance of the electronic value information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the use of the electronic value information is restricted. For example, before the payment or the like is performed, the balance of the electronic value information is equal to or less than the predetermined value. In the case of, the use of the electronic value information can be restricted, and there is no fear of using up the electronic value information. That is, the user does not need to always be aware of the balance of the electronic value information stored in the medium, and the convenience is improved (claims 10 and 11).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic money management system as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an electronic money management and possession medium in the electronic money management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a C card.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a storage state of electronic money in a storage unit of the IC card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing when depositing electronic money into a storage unit in the IC card of the electronic money management system as the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the processing of each unit when performing payment using electronic money for an application other than a specific application using an IC card for which a minimum balance is set in the electronic money management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a flowchart for explaining.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing of each unit when performing payment using electronic money for a specific use by using an IC card in which a minimum balance is set in the electronic money management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a storage state of electronic money in a storage unit of an IC card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of each unit when a payment using electronic money for a purpose other than a specific use is performed using an IC card in which a minimum balance is set in the electronic money management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 5 is a flowchart for explaining FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of each unit when a payment using electronic money for a specific use is made using an IC card in which a minimum balance is set in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 MPU 3 Data memory 4 Connect unit 21 Main control unit 22 Operation unit 23 ROM 24 RAM 100, 100 'IC card (medium) 110, 110' Storage unit 120 Payment execution unit 130, 130 'Minimum balance setting unit 140 Usage determination unit 150, 150 'Balance determination unit 160 Control unit 200 Automatic transaction device 210 Payment request unit 1000, 1000' Electronic money management system

(54) [Title of the Invention] Electronic money management method, electronic money management system, electronic money management possession medium, electronic money management program, computer readable recording medium storing the program, electronic Value Information Management Owned Media and Electronic Value Information Management Method

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method of managing electronic money when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in a medium and used, wherein an amount usable only for a specific use is set as a minimum balance in the medium. A minimum balance setting step that is set in advance, a use determining step of determining whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use at the time of payment of the electronic money, and a total balance of the electronic money after the payment is the minimum. A balance judging step of judging whether or not the amount is equal to or less than a balance; and the use judging step judges that the use of the electronic money is not the specific use, and the electronic money after the payment is made in the balance judging step. A payment prohibition step of prohibiting payment of the electronic money when it is determined that the total balance is equal to or less than the minimum balance. . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the balance determining step, the total amount of the electronic money after payment is compared with the total amount of the electronic money by subtracting the minimum balance from the total amount of the electronic money. 2. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the balance is equal to or less than the balance. 3. The step of determining whether the total balance of the electronic money is equal to or less than the minimum balance by comparing the total balance of the electronic money after payment with the minimum balance in the balance determining step. 2. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, wherein the minimum balance setting step is executed when the electronic money is paid into the medium. . 5. The use determining step determines that the use of the electronic money is the specific use, and the balance determining step determines that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. The electronic money management method according to claim 1, wherein payment of the electronic money is permitted. 6. A medium capable of holding electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of a currency in a storage unit, a payment requesting unit for notifying usage information together with a payment amount to make a payment request, and a payment requesting unit. A payment execution unit for executing payment by the electronic money in response to the request of claim 1, a minimum balance setting unit for presetting an amount usable only for a specific use as a minimum balance in the medium, and the electronic money by the payment execution unit At the time of payment, a use determining unit that determines whether or not the use of the electronic money is the specific use based on the use information from the payment request unit; and the total balance of the electronic money after payment is the minimum balance. A balance judging unit for judging whether or not the electronic money is used as the electronic money other than the specific use, and the electronic money after the payment is judged by the balance judging unit. An electronic money management system, comprising: a control unit that controls to prohibit payment of the electronic money when it is determined that the total amount of money is equal to or less than the minimum balance. 7. A medium capable of holding electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of a currency in a storage unit, a payment execution unit for executing payment by the electronic money, and an amount usable only for a specific use. A minimum balance setting unit presetting the medium as a minimum balance, a use determining unit for determining whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use when the electronic money is paid by the payment execution unit, A balance determining unit for determining whether or not the total balance of the electronic money later becomes equal to or less than the minimum balance; and the use determining unit determines that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use, and A control unit for controlling so as to prohibit the payment of the electronic money when it is determined by the balance determination that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance. Money management ownership for media. 8. An electronic money management program for causing a computer to execute a function of managing electronic money when electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency is stored in a medium and used. A payment execution unit that executes payment by electronic money; a minimum balance setting unit that presets an amount usable only for a specific use as a minimum balance in the medium; and a use of the electronic money when the electronic money is paid by the payment execution unit. Is a use determining unit that determines whether or not the electronic money is the specific use; a balance determining unit that determines whether the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance; and It is determined that the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use, and that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance by the balance determination. When, as a control unit for controlling to prohibit the payment of the electronic money, to function the computer,
Electronic money management program. 9. A computer-readable storage medium storing an electronic money management program for causing a computer to execute an electronic money management function when storing and using electronic money defined as an electronic symbol of currency in a medium. A possible recording medium, wherein the electronic money management program executes a payment by the electronic money; a minimum balance setting unit that presets an amount usable only for a specific use to the medium as a minimum balance. A use determining unit that determines whether the use of the electronic money is the specific use at the time of payment of the electronic money by the payment execution unit; whether the total balance of the electronic money after payment is equal to or less than the minimum balance; A balance judging unit for judging whether or not the use of the electronic money is other than the specific use; When it is determined that the total balance of the electronic money after payment is less than or equal to the minimum balance by the high determination, the computer functions as a control unit that controls to prohibit payment of the electronic money.
A computer-readable recording medium recording an electronic money management program. 10. A medium comprising a storage unit having an area for storing electronic value information, wherein a balance of the electronic value information stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value. An electronic value information management / owning medium characterized in that the predetermined value is recorded in the storage unit as balance information in order to limit use of the electronic value information. 11. A method for managing electronic value information when electronic value information is stored and used in a medium, comprising: determining a balance of the electronic value information stored in the medium; An electronic value information management method, wherein when the balance of the electronic value information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, use of the electronic value information is restricted.