JP2004164007A - Payment system and method, and shared payment processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an efficient payment service with high reliability and low operation load of a payer at low costs. <P>SOLUTION: This payment system performs a payment by use of a computer network and a portable communication device carried by the payer. This system comprises a bill-related message transmitting device and a shared payment processor. The portable communication device has a message receiving part for receiving a bill-related message, a payment processing communication part for communicating with the shared payment processor, and a payment response part for transmitting a bill or bill identification information, according to the operation of the payer corresponding to the received bill-related message, to the shared processor through the payment processing communication part. Prior to execution of payment processing, the content of the bill is displayed on the payment user interface part of the shared payment processor to obtain the payer's confirmation, and the payment processing is then executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a payment system and method, and is suitably applied to a case where payment is performed using, for example, a mobile phone or an automatic teller machine (ATM terminal).
[0002]
The present invention also relates to a shared payment processing device as a component of such a payment system. An example of the shared payment processing device is the ATM terminal.
[0003]
[Prior art]
Generally, conventional billing and settlement processing based on bills is performed on a paper basis. In the case of payment of utility bills and mail-order sales, etc., so-called convenience store payments are made by making a contract with a convenience store payment provider so that payment at the convenience store can be made at the convenience store, and submitting the special payment form and cash to the convenience store window. However, this method is not used when individual / small- and medium-sized businesses settle payments by invoice, and the payment destination is mainly specified on the invoice and payment is made by bank transfer .
[0004]
A typical process from billing to receipt when using cash transfer using an ATM terminal installed at a bank as a payment means or an MMK (multimedia kiosk) terminal installed at a convenience store Proceeds in the following order (1) to (4).
[0005]
(1) The claimant prints the bill, puts it in an envelope, and mails it to the payer.
[0006]
(2) The payer who has received the mail goes to a bank or the like, operates the touch panel of the ATM terminal or the like, and writes the billing information (the bank name, branch name, payee name, account name, account Type, account number, billing amount, etc.) and enter cash.
[0007]
(3) The financial institution issues a transaction statement to the payer.
[0008]
(4) The requester confirms the details of the transfer and erases the request data.
[0009]
On the other hand, in recent years, as disclosed in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3, there is an electronic bill settlement system that performs billing / storing processing by electronic means without using paper as much as possible.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2002-7945
[0011]
[Patent Document 2] JP-A-2001-250069
[0012]
[Patent Document 3] JP-A-2001-319167
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned paper-based payment system has the following problems.
[0014]
First, for the claimant, it takes time and money to issue and mail the bill, and it is difficult and inefficient to manage the storage status. For the payer, it is not efficient to manually input the billing information at the ATM terminal or the like, because the operation burden is large. Inputting billing information by operating the touch panel is the most difficult and time-consuming operation in an ATM terminal or the like, and has been a barrier to the use especially for the elderly and disabled. Also, for a bank or the like having an ATM terminal, it often takes time for the payer to manually enter the billing information. Therefore, a period in which there are many payers arriving per unit time (for example, lunch break on weekdays, At the end of the month when payment dates are concentrated or before and after consecutive holidays, etc.), a long line forms in front of the ATM terminal, and the degree of congestion increases.
[0015]
In the above-mentioned convenience store settlement, since the settlement can be performed only by paying a fee by passing the predetermined paper on which the billing information and the like are described to the clerk of the convenience store, it is effective in reducing the operation burden on the payer. However, since the number of windows for providing the settlement service is increased, there is a great effect in shortening the queue in front of the ATM terminal.
[0016]
However, in a convenience store settlement, since a settlement agent intervenes between the payer and the claimant, it is necessary for the claimant etc. to conclude a contract with the settlement agent in advance and pay a considerable usage fee. is there. Therefore, if the claimant has a relatively small number of invoices issued per month, such as individual / small businesses, the cost per invoice will be excessive, effectively using a convenience store settlement. It was impossible to do. In addition, in convenience store settlement, manual counting work is performed in the middle, so there may be a 1-2 month time lag between when the claimant issues the invoice and when the payment can be actually collected. Therefore, it was difficult for individuals and small and medium-sized businesses to use the service.
[0017]
On the other hand, the electronic bill settlement systems of Patent Documents 1 to 3 based on the electronic bill have the following problems.
[0018]
In the actual implementation, a center function called a center, a settlement service center, a joint center, and the like in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is constructed as an aggregate of many computers such as a server, a database, and a network device. Therefore, the construction, operation, and management of the system require enormous costs. Under a contract with a business operator that operates the center function, a claimant who wishes to perform settlement processing using such a center function is a general one. In addition, it is considered necessary to pay a large contract fee and usage fee.In the end, similar to the case of convenience store settlement, individuals and small businesses with relatively few Since the cost per message becomes excessive, utilization is considered to be practically impossible.
[0019]
In recent years, payment on the Web has also been used due to the spread of Internet banking, but this is not necessarily for everyone. Looking at the situation in Japan at the present time, there are still many people who do not have a personal computer or are strongly reluctant to exchange money electronically on the Web. This is because conventional settlement (cash transfer) is frequently used.
[0020]
Behind these phenomena is the fact that the Internet, where web pages are falsified and personal information is frequently leaked, has low credibility, and many people have persistent distrust. it is conceivable that.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, in the first invention, in a payment system for performing payment using a computer network and a portable communication device carried by a payer, (1) a bill for requesting payment of money, or A bill-related message transmitting device that transmits a bill-related message including bill identification information associated with the bill, and (2) a payment user interface unit that transmits information for payment to a payer; A shared payment processing device shared by a plurality of payers and configured to execute a payment process according to a bill or bill identification information received from the mobile communication device, wherein the mobile communication device includes: A message receiving unit for receiving a related message; (4) a communication unit for settlement processing for communicating with the shared settlement processing device; A settlement corresponding unit that transmits the bill or the bill identification information to the shared settlement processing device via the settlement processing communication unit in response to a payer's operation corresponding to the bill-related message; Prior to the execution of the settlement processing, the contents of the bill are displayed on the settlement user interface unit of the shared settlement processing apparatus, and the settlement processing is executed after obtaining the confirmation of the payer. I do.
[0022]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the settlement method for performing settlement using a computer network and a portable communication device carried by a payer, (1) a bill-related message transmitting device in which a bill for billing is paid. Or a bill-related message including bill identification information associated with the bill, and (2) having a payment user interface unit for transmitting payment information to the payer, When the shared payment processing device to be shared executes the payment processing according to the bill or the bill identification information received from the portable communication device, the shared payment processing device intervenes between the bill related message transmitting device and the shared payment processing device. In the portable communication device, (3) a message receiving unit receives the bill-related message, and (4) a message corresponding to the received bill-related message. In response to the operation of the payer, the payment corresponding unit, the invoice or invoice identification information, the common payment processing device through the payment processing communication unit for communicating with the shared payment processing device, the transmission processing unit, (5) Prior to the execution of the settlement processing, the contents of the bill are displayed on the settlement user interface unit of the shared settlement processing device, and the settlement processing is executed after obtaining the confirmation of the payer. Features.
[0023]
Furthermore, in the third invention, in the shared payment processing device shared by a plurality of payers and configured to execute a payment process by communicating with a portable communication device carried by the payer, (1) a method for performing payment to the payer; A payment user interface unit for transmitting information; and (2) a request for receiving a bill for requesting payment of money or a bill related message including bill identification information associated with the bill from the portable communication device. And (3) displaying the contents of the invoice on the payment user interface unit prior to execution of the payment processing, and performing the payment processing after obtaining the confirmation of the payer. It is characterized by being executed.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(A) Embodiment
Hereinafter, embodiments of a payment system and method according to the present invention and a shared payment processing device will be described.
[0025]
The features common to the first and second embodiments are the convenience of communication via a network using a mobile phone, and a shared terminal (such as an ATM terminal) that has accumulated great trust in a long-standing conventional settlement service. ) Is to provide a payment service that is efficient and can be used with peace of mind by skillfully combining the high reliability of).
[0026]
This settlement service can be easily used by individuals and small and medium-sized businesses that have had difficulty using convenience store settlement and electronic bill settlement until now.
[0027]
(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration example of a communication system 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0028]
In FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes an Internet 11, a mobile phone network 12, a dedicated line (dedicated line transmission network) 13, a bill issuing terminal 14, a mobile phone 15, a shared terminal 16, a host 17 And
[0029]
Of these, the Internet 11 can be replaced with a LAN (local area network) or the like as necessary, but the present embodiment assumes the Internet.
[0030]
A bill issuing terminal 14 is connected to the Internet 11 via an intranet or an ISP network (not shown), and a mobile phone 15 is connected via a mobile phone network 12.
[0031]
The bill issuing terminal 14 is a terminal having a function of issuing a bill (electronic bill) for billing the user U2 who purchased the product for the price of the product, and has, for example, a network function. It is constituted by a personal computer or the like. It is not necessary that the claimer who claims the price and the user U1 who issues the electronic bill by operating the bill issuing terminal 14 be the same, but they are assumed to be the same here.
[0032]
Accordingly, the user (claimer) U1 may be a billing business clerk at a retail store or the like where the user (payer) U2 has purchased the product.
[0033]
Although various methods can be used to deliver the electronic bill to the user U2 via the Internet 11, an electronic mail is used here. Therefore, the bill issuing terminal 14 needs to be equipped with a mailer (ML1).
[0034]
The e-mail ME1 transmitted from the mailer ML1 is relayed by a mail server (not shown), via the Internet 11 and the mobile phone network 12, and finally via a wireless base station (not shown) in the mobile phone network 12. Is delivered to the mobile phone 15 carried by the user U2.
[0035]
Since the mobile phone 15 is also equipped with a mailer (ML2), when the electronic mail ME1 is received, the contents of the body message (ie, the electronic bill) are displayed on the mobile phone 15 by the function of the mailer ML2. Displayed on the screen.
[0036]
Although details will be described later, since the contents of the electronic bill are displayed on the display screen of the shared terminal 16 by performing local communication with the shared terminal 16 using the function of the mobile phone 15, the user U2 After reconfirming the contents of the electronic invoice at the shared terminal 16 with high creditworthiness, the user can instruct the progress of the settlement process with confidence.
[0037]
The shared terminal 16 is a communication terminal that is installed in an environment that can be trusted by ordinary users (U2 is one of them) and has a function that can be shared by many users and instructs execution of payment processing. Therefore, various communication terminals such as an MMK terminal installed in a convenience store can correspond to the shared terminal 16, but here, an ATM terminal installed in a bank is mainly assumed.
[0038]
The common terminal 16 as an ATM terminal is connected to the host 17 via the dedicated line 13, and executes a settlement process by communicating with the host 17 according to an instruction from the user U2.
[0039]
It should be noted that a bank or the like normally uses a dedicated line to connect the ATM terminal to the host 17 in order to secure a high level of credit. However, in the case of an MMK terminal, the host 17 (or the host 17) is used. It is not always necessary to use a dedicated line to communicate with a server having a function. However, even in such a case, since the information exchanged in this communication is personal information related to the transfer of money, it is necessary to secure confidentiality and reliability by utilizing an encryption technology or the like.
[0040]
An example of the internal configuration of the bill issuing terminal 14 is as shown in FIG.
[0041]
(A-1-1) Example of internal configuration of billing terminal
2, the bill issuing terminal 14 includes a remote communication unit 20, a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, and a storage unit 24.
[0042]
The remote communication unit 20 functions for remote communication via the Internet 11 or the like. At the time of transmitting the e-mail ME1, the remote communication unit 20 sets a TCP connection with the mail server and transmits the e-mail ME1. .
[0043]
The operation unit 22 is a part that is operated by the user U1 to transmit an instruction to the bill issuing terminal 14, and includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.
[0044]
The display unit 23 is a part corresponding to a display device that performs screen display according to the function of the mailer ML1 or the like, and allows the user U1 to view the contents of an electronic bill. The user U1 can edit the electronic bill and transmit the electronic mail ME1 containing the edited electronic bill by operating the operation unit 22 while watching the screen display.
[0045]
The control unit 21 corresponds to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the bill issuing terminal 14 in terms of hardware, and includes an OS (Operating System), the mailer ML1, the billing tool AP1, a DBMS, and the like in terms of software. This is a part corresponding to various programs.
[0046]
The bill creation tool AP1 is editing software for efficiently creating an e-mail including the electronic bill as a body message, and cooperates with the mailer ML1 to accommodate the created electronic bill in the e-mail. It has a function to do. The screen displayed on the display unit 23 by the bill creation tool AP1 may be, for example, the one shown in FIG.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 8, this screen includes a screen element PT1 having parts (text box, push button, etc.) for inputting the order details of the product, a customer name (for example, the name of the user U2), and the like. Screen element PT2 provided with a part for inputting an account, and a screen element provided with a part for inputting a transfer destination account (screen element PT3 includes a pull-down list in addition to the text box). It has a PT3 and a screen element PT4 corresponding to a template of an electronic bill. The components on the screen element PT4 include a text box, a push button, and a text area.
[0048]
In the example of FIG. 8, the screen element PT1 includes an order number for identifying each order, a product number for identifying each product, a product name as a product name, a unit price as a unit price of the product, and a product order. Each part is prepared for describing the quantity, which is the quantity, and the total, which is the total price of the ordered products.
[0049]
Similarly, the screen element PT2 is provided with parts for describing a customer number (member number) for identifying the customer, a name that is the name of the customer, and a mail address that is the electronic mail address of the customer. The screen element PT3 includes the names of the bank and the branch in which the claimant's account is opened, the name of the bank and the branch, the type of deposit indicating the type of account, the account number for identifying the account, and the Each part is prepared for describing a recipient who is the name of the recipient who receives the transferred money.
[0050]
Of these, the user U1 only needs to change according to the difference between customers, basically, only the description contents of each part of the screen elements PT1 and PT2.
[0051]
If necessary, some of these components can be omitted or replaced with components for describing other information.
[0052]
Here, the bill creation tool AP1 is assumed to be a separate program from the mailer ML1, but if necessary, the functions of the bill creation tool AP1 can be realized by extending the functions of the mailer ML1. In that case, the function of the bill creation tool can be positioned as a part of the mailer ML1.
[0053]
Also, since the format of such an electronic invoice is a text-based format according to a certain rule such as XML, a dedicated tool having a screen display function as shown in FIG. 8 is used. Alternatively, the data may be created and edited by writing data in an electronic bill format from a general text editor, word processor, business software, or spreadsheet software. In particular, if a command for issuing an electronic invoice is provided in business software having an invoicing function to facilitate the creation and transmission of an electronic invoice, the conventional invoicing process can be easily digitized. It is suitable.
[0054]
The storage unit 24 is a storage resource constituted by a RAM (random access memory), a hard disk, or the like in terms of hardware, and may include a database DB1 and various files in terms of software. Since the program files of the mailer ML1 and the bill creation tool AP1 are one of such files, the physical entities of the mailer ML1 and the bill creation tool AP1 are located in the storage unit 24. .
[0055]
The database DB1 is a database for customer management, and stores personal information such as a customer's name, e-mail address, product name of purchased and unsettled products, price, quantity, etc., organized for each customer. is there. The database DB1 is directly managed and searched by the DBMS. The DBMS executes the search and the like in response to an instruction from the user U1 via the billing tool AP1. Good.
[0056]
Of course, if necessary, the database DB1 may be arranged outside the billing terminal 14, or the database DB1 may be omitted, and the user U1 may assign the components based on information recorded on paper or the like. Necessary items may be manually described one by one.
[0057]
Next, an example of the internal configuration of the mobile phone 15 that receives the e-mail ME1 transmitted by the bill issuing terminal 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0058]
(A-1-2) Internal configuration example of mobile phone
9, the mobile phone 15 includes a remote communication unit 30, a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a local communication unit 35.
[0059]
These components 30 to 34 are basically the same as the components 20 to 24 of the bill issuing terminal 14. That is, the remote communication unit 30 corresponds to the item 20, the control unit 31 corresponds to the item 21, the operation unit 32 corresponds to the item 22, the display unit 33 corresponds to the item 23, and the storage unit 34 corresponds to the item 24. Since they correspond, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0060]
However, since the function is not necessary, the mobile phone 15 does not include the bill creation tool AP1 or the database DB1.
[0061]
In addition, since the size of the body of a mobile phone is generally much smaller than that of a personal computer or the like, the display screen provided on the display unit 33 of the mobile phone 15 is also small. For example, as shown in FIG. When the electronic mail ME1 corresponding to the description content is received, a display screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 33, and is viewed by the user U2. Furthermore, since the body size is small, the size of the operation unit 32 of the mobile phone 15 is small, and the individual operation buttons and the like are also small. Therefore, the operability is usually much lower than that of a normal personal computer. .
[0062]
In consideration of this point, in the present embodiment, the payment processing can be executed with almost no operation on the operation unit 22 of the mobile phone 15.
[0063]
In the case of the bill issuing terminal 14 such as a personal computer, a part of the function of the remote communication unit 20 corresponding to the physical layer of the OSI reference model is wired communication (of course, wireless communication may be used if necessary). In many cases, the remote communication unit 20 of the mobile phone 15 is a wireless communication.
[0064]
The mobile phone 15 includes a local communication unit 35 that the bill issuing terminal 14 does not have.
[0065]
The local communication unit 35 is a part used for directly communicating with a communication terminal without passing through a network such as the Internet 11 and is a function that the bill issuing terminal 14 does not need to have. The communication terminal with which the mobile phone 15 communicates using the local communication unit 35 is the common terminal 16.
[0066]
Local communication can be divided into a wired system and a wireless system. In the wired method, for example, a wired transmission medium such as a cable is connected by a detachable connector to perform wired local communication. In many cases, the wireless system executes short-range wireless communication performed at a short distance of about 10 meters at most, but can be subdivided into a system using radio waves and a system using infrared rays depending on the transmission medium.
[0067]
It is desirable to use a wired method from the viewpoint of ensuring confidentiality of communication, but a wireless method that does not require the attachment of a connector is superior from the viewpoint of ease of use. Among wireless systems, those that use infrared rays that can communicate only within the range of visibility are less likely to be intercepted than those that use radio waves whose transmission is unclear due to transmission or diffraction, etc. It can be said that it is excellent.
[0068]
In the present embodiment, personal information such as an electronic bill is transmitted by local communication between the mobile phone 15 and the shared terminal 16, and it is highly necessary to ensure confidentiality. Then, it is assumed that infrared rays are used. In the case of using infrared rays, the local communication unit 35 is provided with an infrared port for transmitting and receiving infrared rays.
[0069]
Although it depends on the output of infrared rays and the like, in the case of a mobile phone, the maximum distance at which infrared communications can be performed is at most about several tens of centimeters at most. Therefore, when performing local communication, the user U2 needs to move to the vicinity of the shared terminal 16 and make the infrared port of the local communication unit 35 face the infrared port on the shared terminal 16 side.
[0070]
The function of the mailer ML2 mounted on the mobile phone 15 may be basically the same as that of the mailer ML1, but the function of cooperating with the bill creation tool AP1 or the like is not required.
[0071]
The mailer ML2 corresponds to a hyperlink, and can automatically start a Web browser or the like when the user U2 operates the hyperlink using the operation unit 32. However, in this embodiment, the mailer ML2 is activated not by the Web browser but by the billing information transmission program AP2. Upon receiving the billing information CL1 embedded in the hyperlink, the billing information transmission program AP2 automatically transmits the billing information CL1 to the shared terminal 16 using the local communication unit 35. It is. The billing information transmission program AP2 may be incorporated into the mobile phone 15 in a manufacturing process of the mobile phone 15 as a product. In the present embodiment, the billing information transmission program AP2 is transported via a network, and Shall be installed. The mobile phone 15 has an execution environment for executing the billing information transmission program AP2.
[0072]
Note that the billing information CL1 is an aggregate of information described in the screen elements PT1, PT2, and PT3 on the screen of FIG. However, it is also possible to use only part of the information described in each component of the screen elements PT1, PT2, and PT3 as the billing information CL1. For example, regarding the screen element PT1, the order number, the product number, the unit price, the quantity, and the like can be omitted, and only the total can be a part of the billing information CL1.
[0073]
For a mailer that is a MUA for reading, writing, and transmitting electronic mails, support for hyperlinks is not an original function, but mailers having functions for hyperlinks are now widely used. However, the mailer ML2 is made to support the hyperlink in order to reduce the operation load of the user U2. Therefore, when it is not necessary to reduce the operation load, the function corresponding to the hyperlink is provided. It is also possible to use a mailer that does not have one.
[0074]
Next, an example of the internal configuration of the shared terminal 16 that performs local communication with the mobile phone 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0075]
(A-1-3) Example of internal configuration of shared terminal
10, the shared terminal 16 includes a remote communication unit 40, a control unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a storage unit 44, a local communication unit 45, and a printing unit 46. .
[0076]
These components 40 to 45 are basically the same as the components 30 to 35 of the mobile phone 15. That is, the remote communication unit 40 corresponds to 30, the control unit 41 corresponds to 31, the operation unit 42 corresponds to 32, the display unit 43 corresponds to 33, and the storage unit 44 corresponds to 34. Since they correspond, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0077]
However, the remote communication unit 40 of the shared terminal 16 which is an ATM terminal does not normally perform wireless communication, nor does it perform communication via the Internet 11 or communication via the mobile phone network 12. That is, the remote communication unit 40 is a unit that communicates with the host 17 via the dedicated line 13.
[0078]
In addition, since the user interface of the ATM terminal usually employs a touch panel, the operation unit 42 and the display unit 43 are at least physically integrated from the user (for example, U2) operating the shared terminal 16. It is. Further, the dimensions of the display unit 43 and the operation unit 42 are slightly smaller than a normal personal computer, but are much larger than the display unit 33 and the operation unit 32 of the mobile phone 15 and are easy to use.
[0079]
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 are examples of screens displayed on the display unit 43. FIG.
[0080]
The printing unit 46 is a unit that prints out (issues) a transaction statement or the like.
[0081]
In addition, the control unit 41 has a function for transferring money to and from a certain account (or between accounts), a function for determining the contents of a transaction statement showing the result of transferring money, and such a transfer. In addition to the function of controlling the printing unit 46 to print the statement after completion, a mechanism is provided that does not cause inconsistency even if a failure occurs in the transaction during such insertion and removal. I have. For example, if a failure occurs during the process of taking out 35,000 yen from the account AC2 of the user U2 and putting it in the account AC1 of the user U1, the balance of the account AC2 is reduced by 35,000 yen, but the balance of the account AC1 remains unchanged. Since the system recovers from the failure and maintains the same state thereafter, it is necessary to prepare a predetermined mechanism to prevent the occurrence of such inconsistency.
[0082]
Such functions and mechanisms installed in the shared terminal 16 as an ATM terminal have already been implemented in a huge number of ATM terminals and have been established with reliability assured. It takes huge cost and time. Therefore, when adding a new function required in the present embodiment, it is important from the viewpoint of feasibility to use a method that does not require changing these existing functions and mechanisms.
[0083]
At present, there is no ATM terminal having a function corresponding to the local communication unit 45. Therefore, a new function is provided for a part of transmitting the billing information CL1 to the shared terminal (ATM terminal) 16 using the local communication unit 45. Need to be added. Since the local communication unit 45 is a part facing the local communication unit 35 of the mobile phone 15, when the local communication unit 35 performs infrared communication, the local communication unit 45 also performs infrared communication. Of course, the infrared port is provided.
[0084]
Also, a button BT1 operated when a mobile phone is selected on the screen of FIG. 6A and a screen of FIG. 6B displayed after operating the button BT1 are newly added functions. It is a part corresponding to.
[0085]
The host 17 is an information processing device having a function of executing and managing money such as each account (for example, AC1) in response to communication with an ATM terminal or the like. Use existing hosts without changing their functions.
[0086]
Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the operation sequence of FIG.
[0087]
The operation sequence shown in FIG. 3 includes steps S11 to S15.
[0088]
(A-2) Operation of the first embodiment
The user U1 operates the bill issuing terminal 14 to create an electronic bill using the screen of FIG. 8 provided by the bill creation tool AP1, and then stores the electronic bill (billing information CL1). When the electronic mail ME1 is transmitted, the electronic mail ME1 is received by the mobile phone 15 via the Internet 11 and the mobile phone network 12 (S11).
[0089]
In general, the content of the e-mail system of the mobile phone differs for each mobile phone network (each mobile phone operator), and there is an electronic mail system of a type in which the mobile phone network 12 takes the initiative to send the electronic mail ME1 to the destination mobile phone 15 or In order for the mobile phone 15 to inform the mobile phone 15 that only the electronic mail ME1 has arrived at the mailbox of the user U2 provided in the mail server, and to receive the electronic mail ME1, the electronic mail ME1 is taken out of the mailbox. There is an electronic mail system of a type that requires an operation to be performed from the mobile phone 15 side. In any case, at least the arrival of the e-mail ME1 is immediately transmitted to the user U2 by a ring tone or vibration, so that in most cases, the e-mail ME1 is immediately transmitted to the user U2, no matter where they are. The arrival of the mail ME1 can be known.
[0090]
Further, since the billing information CL1 is considered to be a kind of personal information to be kept secret, the e-mail ME1 including the billing information CL1 is not transmitted as plain text on the Internet 11 but is encrypted. It is also desirable. Further, since the billing information CL1 is information directly linked to the transfer of money, the user U2 confirms that the contents have not been tampered with and that the sender (here, U1) is legitimate. It is desirable to be able to do it. For this purpose, S / MIME may be used as an example.
[0091]
The user U2 who has received the e-mail ME1 with the mobile phone 15 and browsed the screen shown in FIG. 4, for example, recognizes the necessity of the transfer, and goes to a bank or the like where the shared terminal 16 is installed.
[0092]
When the user U2 moves to the vicinity of the shared terminal 16 and selects the button BT1 on the screen of FIG. 6A displayed on the shared terminal 16, the screen displayed by the shared terminal 16 is shown in FIG. The screen changes to Thereafter, in accordance with the message of FIG. 6B, the infrared port of the mobile phone 15 is made to face the infrared port of the shared terminal 16 and the hyperlink (“ By operating the "ATM transfer" part) to cause the billing information transmission program AP2 to transmit the billing information CL1 described above (S12).
[0093]
At this time, the screen displayed by the billing information transmission program AP2 on the display unit 33 of the mobile phone 15 transits in the order of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. That is, when the user U2 selects a new transfer destination input on the screen of FIG. 5A, the screen transits to FIG. 5B, but the bank name “Aie Bank” displayed in FIG. 5B is displayed. , The branch name “Osaka branch”, the amount (total) “35,000 yen”, etc., correspond to the contents of the billing information CL1 embedded in the hyperlink, and need not be input by the user U2 one by one. . When the user U2 selects "Send" on the screen of FIG. 5B, the local communication (transmission) of the billing information CL1 by the infrared ray is started from the mobile phone 15 to the common terminal 16, and the screen is displayed as shown in FIG. The state transits to that shown in C).
[0094]
Therefore, the billing information CL1 is automatically input to the shared terminal 16 without the user U2 performing an operation for inputting each information in the billing information CL1.
[0095]
Upon receiving the billing information CL1, the screen shown in FIG.
[0096]
Here, a case is described in which the user U2 performs settlement by putting cash into the shared terminal 16, but if necessary, a part of the balance of the account of the user U2 (for example, the AC2) may be used. It is a matter of course that payment may be performed using the payment.
[0097]
In this case, the user U2 operates the shared terminal 16 by inputting the account number or the like of the account AC2 on the screen element PT2 in FIG. 8 and including the account number in the billing information CL1 transmitted by local communication. The operation of inputting an account number or the like can be omitted.
[0098]
According to the processing flow of the present embodiment, since the user U2 pays the amount charged in the billing information CL1 (35,000 yen in the illustrated example) as it is, as shown by the button BT11 in FIG. Although it is considered that the function for changing the amount of money is unnecessary, the button BT11 and the like are displayed on the screen of FIG. 7 by the processing according to the above-mentioned existing functions and mechanism already provided in the shared terminal 16. ing. This is an existing payment method using the shared terminal 16, that is, the payer manually inputs information corresponding to the billing information CL1 to the shared terminal 16 one by one without using the mobile phone 15 or the like to perform payment. It is a specification corresponding to the case.
[0099]
Therefore, if necessary, the button BT11 or the like may not be displayed on the screen of FIG. 7 in the case of the settlement using the mobile phone 15. However, in that case, the above-described feasibility is sacrificed.
[0100]
Compared to pure e-commerce (EC) in which all transactions are executed via the Internet 11 or the mobile phone network 12 using a Web site or the like, operating the shared terminal 16 and checking the screen as shown in FIG. Is disadvantageous for the user U2 in that the trouble is increased, but since the high reliability of the shared terminal 16 that has accumulated a great amount of trust in the conventional settlement service for many years can be utilized, the There is a high possibility that a large number of users who have distrust will be accepted with confidence.
[0101]
When the user U2 enters a required price (here, 35,000 yen) and performs a subsequent necessary operation (here, the operation of the button BT12), communication between the shared terminal 16 and the host 17 causes the price to be reduced. A transfer transaction for transferring money to the account AC1 of the user U1 is executed (S13), and the host 17 checks the account number and the payee, and reports the execution result (a notification that the transfer has been accepted) to the shared terminal. 16 (S14).
[0102]
As a result, the shared terminal 16 executes a process using an existing function, such as issuance of a transaction statement or issuance of change (S15). Receiving the transaction statement also increases the sense of security of the user U2.
[0103]
In the present embodiment described above, since there is no intervention of a settlement agency as in the conventional convenience store settlement, and there is no center function as in the electronic invoice system, the usage fee paid to the settlement agency, There is no need for a contract fee or usage fee to be paid to a company that operates the center function, and a low-cost settlement service that can be easily used by individuals and small and medium-sized businesses can be provided.
[0104]
In addition, the burden on the operation is small and efficient for both the claimant (U1) and the payer (U2).
[0105]
Further, by using the shared terminal 16 having a high degree of trust, the trust of the communication system 10 as a whole is enhanced, and there is a high possibility that a person who has distrust of the Internet 11 will be widely accepted.
[0106]
In addition, since the settlement is based on the functions of the conventional shared terminal and the host 17, it can be easily realized at low cost and has a great advantage for the claimant that the charge collection cycle is fast.
[0107]
(A-3) Effects of the first embodiment
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an efficient payment service with low cost, high creditworthiness, and low operation burden on the users (U1 and U2).
[0108]
(B) Second embodiment
Hereinafter, only the points of the present embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described.
[0109]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, when the transfer is completed, another process is executed in cooperation with another system.
Here, as an example of another system, a code issuing server 18 (see FIG. 12) used by a software development company to issue an activation code of its software is assumed.
[0110]
An activation code is a type of password required to activate the software. In the case of settlement by download after selling software by downloading the software via a network, use of the activation code (for example, a unique series of about ten numbers or characters) is effective.
[0111]
Even if the software itself is downloaded, the software cannot be used unless the correct activation code is entered. Therefore, after the payment, the activation code is transmitted to the purchaser of the software (corresponding to the above U2), and the software is used. Can be used.
[0112]
(B-1) Configuration and Operation of Second Embodiment
FIG. 12 shows an overall configuration example of the communication system 9 according to the present embodiment.
[0113]
12, the communication system 9 includes the Internet 11, a mobile phone network 12, a dedicated line (dedicated line transmission network) 13, a bill issuing terminal 14, a mobile phone 15, a shared terminal 16, and a host 17. And the code issuing server 18 and the gateway 19.
[0114]
Of these, the functions of the components denoted by the same reference numerals 11 to 17 as those in FIG. 1 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0115]
However, since the common terminal 16 of the present embodiment needs to transmit a transfer completion notification to the code issuing server 18 after the transfer is completed, the common terminal 16 includes a transfer completion notification unit 47 as shown in FIG.
[0116]
Various communication means for transmitting the transfer completion notification to the code issuing server 18 are conceivable, and the selection may be made based on where to place the code issuing server 18 or how to configure the entire communication system 9. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the code issuing server 18 is arranged on the Internet 11 and the common terminal 16 and the code issuing server 18 Since the communication is performed via the Internet 11 through the gateway 19 installed in the Internet, e-mail can be used as an example.
[0117]
When an electronic mail is used, the transfer notifying section 47 has a function of automatically creating an electronic mail ME2 and transmitting the electronic mail ME2 to the code issuing server 18. At this time, the transfer notifying section 47 needs to obtain the e-mail address of the code issuing server 18 in order to describe the e-mail ME2 in the To field of the mail header of the e-mail ME2. If a database storing the correspondence of the mail addresses is provided on the dedicated line 13 side from the gateway 19, the database can be searched using the account number as a search key while maintaining the security. You can get the address.
[0118]
Since the code issuing server 18 is a server of the software development company, it is considered that it is difficult to arrange the code issuing server 18 in the dedicated line 19 which is a network on the bank side from the viewpoint of securing security on the bank side. It is arranged on the Internet 11 as shown.
[0119]
The gateway 19 physically blocks the inside of the dedicated line 13 from the Internet 11 and prohibits a personal computer or the like on the Internet 11 from accessing the inside of the dedicated line 19. Only an e-mail (for example, ME2) whose transmission source is a shared terminal (for example, 16) connected to the leased line 13 may be permitted. Sending the mail means that the error mail may return. However, in order to receive the error mail, a dedicated mail server or the like is provided on the Internet 11 so that the dedicated line 13 can be used. Side security can be ensured.
[0120]
Although it is conceivable that the common terminal 16 directly communicates with the Internet 11 or the code issuing server 18, the number of the common terminals 16 connected to the dedicated line 13 is enormous although only one is shown in FIG. Therefore, the gateway 19 was arranged on the assumption that it would be easier to secure the security inside the dedicated line 19 if the number of access points to the outside (here, the code issuing server 18 and the Internet 11) was aggregated.
[0121]
The code issuing server 18 is a server having a function of issuing a code (that is, the above-mentioned activation code), and an example of a configuration of a main part thereof is as shown in FIG.
[0122]
(B-1-1) Internal configuration example of code issuing server
14, the code issuing server 18 includes a remote communication unit 50, a control unit 51, a mail processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.
[0123]
The components 50, 51, and 53 are basically the same as the components 20, 21, and 24 of the bill issuing terminal 14 of the first embodiment, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0124]
That is, the remote communication unit 50 corresponds to the item 20, the control unit 51 corresponds to the item 21, and the storage unit 53 corresponds to the item 24.
[0125]
However, the remote communication unit 50 not only transmits the electronic mail (ME3) but also receives the electronic mail ME2 transmitted from the shared terminal 16 as the transfer completion notification via the dedicated line 13, the gateway 19 and the Internet 11. There is a need to.
[0126]
The database DB2 stored in the storage unit 53 is a database that stores the correspondence between the identifier (purchase identifier) of the purchaser (U2) of the software sold by download and the activation code of the sold software. is there.
[0127]
As the purchaser identifier, various information such as the e-mail address, telephone number, address and name of the user U2 may be used, but the billing information CL1 includes an account number indicating the account AC2 of the user U2. If included, the common terminal 16 can be configured to automatically send an e-mail ME2 including the account number, and the user U2 needs to input the purchaser identifier by operating the common terminal 16. No, efficient.
[0128]
FIG. 11 shows an operation sequence that summarizes the operation of the present embodiment. The operation sequence of FIG. 11 includes steps S11 to S17.
[0129]
Of these steps, the processing of each step to which the same reference numerals S11 to S15 as those in FIG.
[0130]
After step S15 (or between steps S15 and S14, if necessary), when the shared terminal 16 performs a transfer completion notification by the e-mail ME2, the code issuing server 18 receiving the notification transmits the database DB2. To identify the corresponding activation code, automatically create an email ME3 containing the activation code, and send it to the mobile phone 15 (S17).
[0131]
As a result, the user U2 can know the correct activation code, and can use software downloaded in advance.
[0132]
The communication terminal that downloads the software may be the mobile phone 15 or a personal computer of the user U2 other than the mobile phone 15. Since the software has a user interface such as a window for inputting an activation code, the user U2 can input an activation code by operating a keyboard or the like.
[0133]
It should be noted that the S / MIME and the like may be used as necessary in the transmission of the emails ME2 and ME3.
[0134]
(B-2) Effects of the second embodiment
According to the present embodiment, an effect equivalent to the effect of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0135]
In addition, in the present embodiment, it is possible to minimize the time from payment of the price to the start of use of the product (software).
[0136]
Further, for the claimant (U1), since it is equivalent to substantially providing the goods after the transfer is confirmed, the risk of collecting money is reduced.
[0137]
(C) Other embodiments
In the first and second embodiments, the transfer operation in the shared terminal as the ATM terminal has been described as an example, but as described above, the present invention is not limited to the ATM terminal. The present invention can be applied to other devices as long as it performs pre-input information of information corresponding to the billing information CL1 and performs automatic processing based on the information. For example, by applying to a ticket issuing terminal, a flight ticket or train designated ticket is reserved in advance with a mobile phone, the reservation information is received as an electronic bill, and a paper ticket is issued when payment is made at a street corner ticket issuing terminal May be performed.
[0138]
Further, the mobile phones in the first and second embodiments can be replaced with other mobile communication devices. For example, a mail terminal, a PHS terminal, a PDA terminal, a tablet PC, or the like can be used.
[0139]
Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the billing information CL1 is directly embedded in the e-mail. For example, the e-mail ME1 includes an ID for identifying the billing information CL1. A number is embedded, and the billing information corresponding to the ID number is stored in some form in a form associated with the ID number, and the ID number extracted from the electronic mail ME1 at the time of actual transfer work May be used as a search key to retrieve corresponding billing information.
[0140]
Note that, from the viewpoint of security or ease of use, some or all of the billing information may be made invisible or non-editable to the payer.
[0141]
In the first and second embodiments, the bill issuing terminal 14 does not necessarily need to be owned or operated by the claimant U1. For example, in an article sales site or the like, the billing amount may be automatically calculated by a server-side program according to the order contents of the user U2, and the result may be automatically transmitted as an electronic bill.
[0142]
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the electronic bill is transmitted by remote communication via the Internet 11 or the mobile phone network 12, but may be transmitted by local communication. For example, it is conceivable to place an order for an article at the MMK terminal and receive an electronic bill directly from the infrared port of the MMK terminal.
[0143]
In the first and second embodiments, the electronic bill is obtained from the e-mail sent from the claimant, but it is obvious that the payer may create the electronic bill by himself.
[0144]
Further, in the second embodiment, the cooperation with the code issuing server that issues the activation code of the software is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the locker system that unlocks by inputting the unlock number is provided. It can also be applied to coordination with automated product shipping systems.
[0145]
Further, in the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the transfer receipt notification is directly transmitted to the activation code issuing device, and the activation code is automatically processed and the activation code is issued. However, the transfer receipt notification is transmitted to the requester. In this case, the subsequent work may be performed manually.
[0146]
In the second embodiment, the transfer completion notification is performed when the transfer is accepted, but the notification is performed by another trigger such as when the transfer is actually completed to the invoicer's account. You may do so.
[0147]
Further, in the second embodiment, the notification is performed by e-mail, but may be performed by other electronic communication means such as a message, a facsimile, and a telephone.
[0148]
Further, the network configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 can be changed as needed.
[0149]
In the above description, the present invention is mainly realized by hardware, but the present invention can also be realized by software.
[0150]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an efficient payment service that is low in cost, has high creditworthiness, and has a low operation burden on a payer or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the entire configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of a bill issuing terminal used in the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a display screen example showing the operation of the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen showing the operation of the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 6 is a display screen example showing the operation of the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a display screen example showing the operation of the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 8 is a display screen example showing the operation of the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a mobile phone used in the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of a shared terminal used in the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a shared terminal used in the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a code issuing server used in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
9, 10 communication system, 11 Internet, 12 mobile phone network, 13 dedicated line, 14 billing terminal, 15 mobile phone, 16 shared terminal, 17 host, 19 gateway, 20, 30 , 40 ... remote communication unit, 21, 31, 41 ... control unit, 24, 34, 44 ... storage unit, 35, 45 ... local communication unit, 46 ... printing unit, ME1-ME3 ... e-mail, AP1 ... billing Tool, AP2: billing information transmission program.

Claims (10)

In a payment system that performs payment using a computer network and a mobile communication device carried by a payer,
An invoice-related message transmitting device that transmits an invoice for requesting payment of money or an invoice-related message including invoice identification information associated with the invoice;
A payment user interface for transmitting payment information to the payer, shared by a plurality of payers, and for executing payment processing according to the bill or bill identification information received from the portable communication device; A payment processing device,
The mobile communication device,
A message receiving unit that receives the bill-related message,
A communication unit for settlement processing for communicating with the shared settlement processing device,
A payment corresponding unit that transmits the bill or the bill identification information to the shared payment processing device via the payment processing communication unit in accordance with the operation of the payer corresponding to the received bill related message. Prepare
Prior to the execution of the settlement processing, the contents of the bill are displayed on the settlement user interface unit of the shared settlement processing device, and the settlement processing is executed after obtaining the confirmation of the payer. Payment system. The settlement system according to claim 1,
In the case where the product according to the bill has a function permission control unit that performs a function of the product by inputting a predetermined function permission code,
A function permission code transmitting device that transmits the function permission code to the mobile communication device or the payer-side communication device registered in advance by the payer is provided,
A payment system, wherein the function permission code transmitting device transmits a function permission code when the payment processing is completed. The settlement system according to claim 1,
The invoice related message is an email with embedded hyperlink;
The payment system, wherein the payer operates the hyperlink, whereby the payment support unit automatically functions. The settlement system according to claim 1,
The shared payment processing device,
Connected to a bill storage device that stores the bill identification information and the bill in association with each other,
If the invoice related message includes invoice identification information, the invoice storage device is searched based on the invoice identification information received from the settlement processing communication unit, and the corresponding invoice is obtained. Settlement system characterized by performing. The settlement system according to claim 1,
The bill included in the bill-related message includes, in addition to the payer identification information for identifying the payer, at least a product name, an amount of the product, or a final supply destination of the paid money. A settlement system comprising one of supply destination identification information. In a payment method for performing payment using a computer network and a portable communication device carried by a payer,
An invoice-related message transmitting device that transmits an invoice for requesting payment of money or an invoice-related message including invoice identification information associated with the invoice;
A payment user interface unit for transmitting information for payment to the payer, and a shared payment processing device shared by a plurality of payers, according to the bill or the bill identification information received from the portable communication device. When executing the payment process,
In a portable communication device interposed between the bill-related message transmitting device and the common settlement processing device,
A message receiving unit receives the bill related message,
In response to the operation of the payer corresponding to the received bill related message, the payment corresponding unit, via the payment processing communication unit for communicating the bill or bill identification information with the shared payment processing device. To the shared payment processing device,
Prior to the execution of the settlement processing, the contents of the bill are displayed on the settlement user interface unit of the shared settlement processing device, and the settlement processing is executed after obtaining the confirmation of the payer. Payment Method. The settlement method according to claim 6,
In the case where the product according to the bill has a function permission control unit that performs a function of the product by inputting a predetermined function permission code,
A function permission code transmitting device that transmits the function permission code to the mobile communication device or the payer-side communication device registered in advance by the payer is provided,
A payment method, wherein the function permission code transmitting device transmits a function permission code when the payment processing is completed. The settlement method according to claim 6,
The invoice related message is an email with embedded hyperlink;
The payment method, wherein the payment function operates automatically when the payer operates the hyperlink. In a shared payment processing device that is shared by a plurality of payers and executes a payment process by communicating with a portable communication device carried by the payer,
A payment user interface unit for transmitting payment information to the payer;
And a bill-related message receiving unit that receives, from the portable communication device, a bill that requests payment of money, or a bill-related message including bill identification information associated with the bill,
Prior to the execution of the settlement processing, the contents of the bill are displayed on the settlement user interface unit, and the settlement processing is executed after obtaining the confirmation of the payer. The shared payment processing device according to claim 9,
In the case where the product according to the bill has a function permission control unit that performs a function of the product by inputting a predetermined function permission code,
The shared payment processing device,
For a predetermined function permission code transmission device, a payment processing completion notification unit that notifies the completion of the payment processing,
Notifying the completion of the payment processing to cause the function permission code transmission device to transmit the function permission code to the portable communication device or a payer-side communication device registered in advance by a payer, Processing equipment.

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