JP2004213363A - Electronic settlement system and method and program for making computer implement the method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To electronically settle only fractional points less than a certain amount that could lead to odd changes, in addition to settling cash, by causing a cash register to read a two-dimensional barcode displayed in a cellular phone. <P>SOLUTION: Upon a request from a card member 101, a card company 100 issues a two-dimensional barcode containing a credit limit and the term of validity of the barcode which the member desires. For example, when a barcode with a credit limit of 1 to 999 yen is presented at a cash register in an affiliated store 102, of 1,367 yen to be paid, 1,000 yen is paid in cash while 367 yen can be paid later via a credit card. The barcode can also be issued automatically in exchange for points which the member retains without a request from the member. The points exchanged with the barcode are allocated to the whole or some of the credit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic payment system that performs payment of goods and services by reading an electronic image displayed on a portable terminal of a customer, an electronic payment method, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since the introduction of the consumption tax, the amount of coins carried by consumers has steadily increased. There is almost no merit even if coins accumulate, but the price including tax is rarely a neat figure such as thousands of yen, so if you do not consciously use small coins, you will be in your wallet or pocket Tend to always be full of change.
[0003]
On the other hand, long-term payments such as public telephone charges and train and bus fares, which tend to produce fractions of coins, or expressway usage charges, which require particularly fast settlement, have been around for a long time. Prepaid card payments using telephone cards, highway cards, etc., were widespread. Using a prepaid card instead of cash frees you from the hassle of coins received as change.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the use of such a card is limited to a specific product / service, if the expected usage amount is less than the amount of one prepaid card, it is practically impossible to use the card. The same applies to prepaid cards in which the area (location) is limited, such as a card used for a vehicle or shopping at an amusement park. In the first place, it can be said that carrying around several types of cards for each use or region is as inconvenient as carrying around coins.
[0005]
In addition, prepaid cards are the same as cash, and because they cannot be used by unauthorized persons in the event of loss or theft, and are constantly exposed to the risk of forgery and alteration, the amount per card is small. Tends to be. As a result, used cards were eventually stored in the wallet instead of coins, and cards with a balance were often not slipped into them.
[0006]
Also, from the standpoint of issuing a card, the installation cost of a card vending machine and card reader / writer, the purchase cost of an empty magnetic card, and some premiums set in order to promote the use of cards (X yen) Considering that you can buy a card worth X + 100 yen, etc.), it was often difficult to pay for the cost.
[0007]
Although research and development and demonstration experiments on electronic money in a narrow sense, which does not limit the use or area like prepaid cards, are also being vigorously conducted, dedicated hardware is required for sellers and buyers, It has not been widely used because it has not been able to appeal the merits worth the investment.
[0008]
If a person is 18 years or older, the use of a credit card can suppress the occurrence of coins. However, it is not practical to use a credit card every time the payment is made. In recent years, there are some stores where sign-less payment is possible, but this is only an exceptional measure when the price is relatively small. In the first place, stores that handle only relatively inexpensive products and services usually do not accept card payments, except for some exceptions such as convenience stores (because of the fees paid to card companies).
[0009]
Thus, under the conventional technology, it was possible to devise a way to keep the coins in the wallet, but it was possible only in a very few aspects of life. There was a problem that they were troubled with the handling of the coins they received.
[0010]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem of the prior art, the present invention electronically settles a fraction (for example, less than 100 yen, less than 1000 yen, etc.) of less than a certain amount that causes a fine change, in addition to settlement with cash. It is an object to provide an electronic payment system, an electronic payment method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an electronic settlement system according to the first aspect of the present invention reads an electronic image displayed on a portable terminal of a customer to settle payment for a product or service. Reading means for reading the electronic image, and extracting means for extracting, from the electronic image read by the reading means, a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled. And determining means for determining whether or not the current date and time are included in the period extracted by the extracting means; and determining that the current date and time are included in the period by the determining means, Calculating means for calculating an amount to be credit sales among the charges based on the amount extracted by the extracting means.
[0012]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a customer who purchases a product / service, etc., obtains an electronic image (specifically, a two-dimensional barcode or the like) usable for settlement of a fraction less than a certain amount at a cash register. By presenting, only the above fraction can be paid by credit.
[0013]
The electronic settlement system according to the second aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement system according to the first aspect, further comprising a period during which the electronic image can be settled by the customer and a settlement by the electronic image. It is characterized by comprising generating means for generating the electronic image based on a possible amount of money, and transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal.
[0014]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, an electronic image that can be used for settlement of a desired fraction of a desired range is distributed to a customer who intends to purchase a product or a service for a desired period. .
[0015]
An electronic settlement system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement system according to the first aspect, further comprising a period during which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer and the electronic image. Deciding means for deciding the amount of money that can be settled by the creator, generating means for generating the electronic image based on the period and the amount of money determined by the deciding means, and the electronic terminal generated by the generating means as the portable terminal. And transmission means for transmitting the data to the computer.
[0016]
According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to use a customer such as a company or a shop adopting the point redemption service for settlement of a fraction in a range according to the number of points and a period according to the number of points held by the customer. Electronic images are distributed.
[0017]
The electronic settlement system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement system according to the third aspect, wherein the amount calculated by the calculation unit is based on a period and a basis of the amount determined by the determination unit. When the number of retained points exceeds the number of held points, a second calculating means for calculating the excess as a billing amount to the customer is provided.
[0018]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, only the excess of the fraction that cannot be completely offset by points can be used for credit payment.
[0019]
The electronic settlement system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement system according to the third aspect, wherein the amount calculated by the calculation means is based on a period and a basis of the amount determined by the determination means. In the case where the number of held points is exceeded, a notifying means for notifying that the settlement by the electronic image is prohibited is provided.
[0020]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by points is paid by credit, the payment using the electronic image cannot be performed in the first place.
[0021]
An electronic settlement method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an electronic settlement method in which an electronic image displayed on a portable terminal of a customer is read to settle the price of a product or service, and the electronic image is read. A reading step, from the electronic image read in the reading step, an extraction step of extracting a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount that can be settled by the electronic image, and a period extracted in the extraction step. A determination step of determining whether or not the current date and time are included therein, and, if it is determined in the determination step that the current date and time is included in the period, the determination is based on the amount extracted in the extraction step. A calculating step of calculating an amount to be credit sales of the price.
[0022]
According to the invention described in claim 6, a customer who purchases a product / service, etc., obtains an electronic image (specifically, a two-dimensional barcode or the like) usable for settlement of a fraction less than a certain amount at a cash register. By presenting, only the above fraction can be paid by credit.
[0023]
The electronic settlement method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement method according to the sixth aspect, further comprising a period during which the electronic image can be settled by the customer and a settlement by the electronic image. The method includes a generation step of generating the electronic image based on a possible amount of money, and a transmission step of transmitting the electronic image generated in the generation step to the portable terminal.
[0024]
According to the invention described in claim 7, an electronic image that can be used for settlement of a fraction in a desired range is distributed to a customer who intends to purchase a product or a service for a desired period. .
[0025]
An electronic settlement method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement method according to the sixth aspect, further comprising: a period during which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer; A determining step of determining the amount of money that can be settled by the mobile terminal, a generating step of generating the electronic image based on the period and the amount of money determined in the determining step, and the mobile terminal using the electronic image generated in the generating step. And a transmitting step of transmitting to the
[0026]
According to the invention described in claim 8, it is possible to use a customer such as a company or a store adopting the point redemption service for settlement of a fraction in a range according to the number of points for a period corresponding to the number of points held. Electronic images are distributed.
[0027]
The electronic settlement method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement method according to the eighth aspect, wherein the amount calculated in the calculating step is based on the period and the amount determined in the determining step. The method further comprises a second calculating step of calculating, when the number of held points exceeds the changed number of points, the amount of the excess as a charge to the customer.
[0028]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, only the excess of the fraction that cannot be completely offset by points can be used for credit payment.
[0029]
The electronic settlement method according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the electronic settlement method according to the eighth aspect, wherein the amount calculated in the calculating step is based on the period and the amount determined in the determining step. The method further includes a notification step of notifying that the settlement by the electronic image is prohibited when the number of held points exceeds the changed number of points.
[0030]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by points is paid by credit, the electronic image cannot be settled in the first place.
[0031]
According to a program according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the method according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects is executed by a computer.
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of an electronic payment system, an electronic payment method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the electronic payment processing in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, three main parties involved in this system are a card company 100 that issues a credit card, a card member 101 that is a customer of the company, and a member store 102 that can use the company's credit card. is there. In addition to the above, there are telecommunications companies that connect each party via a network, but these are not shown in the figure.
[0034]
On the homepage established by the card company 100 on the Internet, in addition to various types of information such as the lineup of various cards and Q & As, regardless of whether they are members or non-members, IDs and passwords issued only to members (different from credit card numbers and PIN numbers) ), A dedicated tool for requesting and displaying a two-dimensional barcode, which will be described later, can be obtained. This dedicated tool is described in Java (R) or the like, and is incorporated in a mobile phone owned by the card member 101.
[0035]
When the user selects, for example, “2. Barcode application” from the menu shown in FIG. 2 displayed on the mobile phone by the tool, the barcode selection shown in FIG. 4 follows the authentication screen shown in FIG. When the screen is displayed, the card member 101 inputs and transmits necessary items such as the type (effective amount) and the effective period of the desired barcode ((1) in FIG. 1).
[0036]
Here, the barcode includes a plurality of types according to the effective amount, such as “for 1 to 99 yen (for fractions less than 100 yen)” and “for 1 to 999 yen (for fractions less than 1000 yen)”. Yes, the card member 101 can arbitrarily select necessary items. Each barcode has a validity period, and after the validity period, the barcode is automatically deleted from the mobile phone by the tool as described later.
[0037]
The server of the card company 100 that has received the application from the card member 101 generates and returns a two-dimensional barcode as shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 1-2). In the illustrated two-dimensional barcode, the credit card number of the card member 101 specified by the ID and the password input on the authentication screen of FIG. 3, the validity period of the card, and the barcode selection screen of FIG. The effective amount of the barcode, the effective period of the barcode, and the like are included.
[0038]
The card member 101 who has obtained the two-dimensional barcode from the card company 100 as described above selects “1. Display barcode” from the menu of FIG. 2 and displays the barcode on the display of the mobile phone as shown in FIG. Is displayed and read by the barcode reader of the member store 102 (FIG. 1-3). If, for example, a bar code of "1 to 999 yen" is presented and the charge becomes 1367 yen, only 1000 yen is paid in cash.
[0039]
On the other hand, the remaining 367 yen (fraction less than 1000 yen) is automatically treated as credit, and is charged to the card company 100 from the member store 102 via the CAFIS (R) (Credit And Finance Information System) or the like (FIG. 1.4). The card company 100 sends a statement of use to the card member 101, deducts the above fraction from the account designated by the member on the designated date, and transfers the billed amount to the account designated by the member store 102 (FIG. 1, (5)).
[0040]
Next, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, reference numeral 600a denotes a member DB (database) which stores personal information of each card member 101, such as its name, address, telephone number, credit card number, credit card validity period, personal identification number, and the above-mentioned ID and password. It is a database to keep.
[0041]
Reference numeral 600b denotes a member authentication unit that determines whether or not the applicant of the barcode issuance has the right based on the ID and password transmitted from the authentication screen of FIG. Since the ID and the password are encrypted by the above-mentioned dedicated tool, the member authentication unit 600b decrypts the received data, checks it against the member DB 600a, and determines whether the ID and the password belong to the member of the company. Check whether the member's card is still valid.
[0042]
In the case of authentication OK, that is, when it is determined that the application is from the card member 101 having valid authority, the fact is notified to a barcode designation receiving unit 600c described later, and the member's credit card read out from the member DB 600a. The number and the validity period of the card are output to a barcode generator 600d described later.
[0043]
Reference numeral 600c denotes a barcode designation receiving unit, which returns a barcode selection screen as shown in FIG. 4 to the applicant's mobile phone when there is a notification of authentication OK from the member authentication unit 600b. This is a functional unit that receives the contents of the request. Then, it outputs the effective amount and effective period of the barcode received from the mobile phone to a barcode generator 600d described later.
[0044]
Reference numeral 600d denotes a barcode generation unit which converts a two-dimensional barcode into which the credit card number and valid period input from the member authentication unit 600b and the valid amount and valid period of the barcode input from the barcode designation receiving unit 600c are inserted. It is a functional unit to generate.
[0045]
Reference numeral 600e denotes a bar code transmitting unit, which is a functional unit that transmits the two-dimensional bar code created by the bar code generating unit 600d to the mobile phone of the card member 101 after encrypting the bar code using a predetermined algorithm.
[0046]
It is assumed here that the two-dimensional barcode as shown in FIG. 5 is issued, but a so-called barcode (one-dimensional barcode) having a vertical stripe pattern may be used. In this case, the image can be reproduced by sending only the width and the number of individual lines, so that the communication amount can be reduced as compared with the case of sending the two-dimensional barcode. Further, the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited to one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes, but any image (pattern) in which necessary items are folded is sufficient.
[0047]
Here, the validity period of the bar code can be arbitrarily specified at the time of application. For example, the start date and time may be uniformly set to the current date and time, and the end period may be set to the current date and time + N date. May be changed according to the type of the member or the member type (such as gold / student).
[0048]
Reference numeral 600f denotes a settlement section, which counts the amount of charges received from each member store 102 via CAFIS® for each card member 101 or member store 102 and debits each card member 101 from the account. And a function unit for instructing the financial institution to deposit money into the account of each member store 102 and the like. The processing in the settlement section 600f is the same as that in the case where a credit card is presented instead of a two-dimensional barcode, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0049]
600g is a point updating unit. When the settlement unit 600f confirms that the debit from the account of the card member 101 is completed, the card member 101 calculates the number of points held by the card member 101 based on the debit amount, that is, the current usage amount. This is a function unit that instructs a point DB 600h, which will be described later, to update the number of points stored therein with the above-mentioned number of points.
[0050]
Reference numeral 600h denotes a point DB, which is a database holding the credit card number of each card member 101 and the current number of points held by the member in association with each other.
[0051]
Each of the functional units 600a to 600h is realized by a plurality of servers installed by the card company 100. It is optional to assign which functional unit to which server. For example, the functions of the member DB 600a and the member authentication unit 600b are assigned to the server A, and the functions of the barcode designation receiving unit 600c, the barcode generating unit 600d, and the barcode transmitting unit 600e are assigned to the server. B, it is conceivable that the server D has the functions of the settlement unit 600f of the server C, the point updating unit 600g, and the point DB 600h, and these servers are connected by a LAN. Needless to say, as long as each functional unit is electronically connected, it is irrelevant to the essence of the present invention regardless of the physical arrangement.
[0052]
Next, reference numeral 601a denotes a member authentication unit which displays an authentication screen as shown in FIG. 3 and transmits an ID and a password input on the screen to the member authentication unit 600b of the card company 100 to perform authentication. This is a functional unit that receives notification of OK or authentication NG. If the authentication is OK, the fact is notified to a bar code designation unit 601b described later, and if the authentication is NG, an error message to that effect is displayed on the screen.
[0053]
Reference numeral 601b denotes a barcode designation unit which receives the barcode selection screen shown in FIG. 4 from the barcode designation reception unit 600c of the card company 100, and sets the effective amount corresponding to the type selected on the screen and the selection. This is a functional unit for returning the validity period to the barcode designation receiving unit 600c.
[0054]
Prior to the reply, we will check if the desired barcode does not overlap with the barcode on hand, and if it does, say, "There is still a valid barcode for 1-999 yen. A confirmation message such as "?" May be displayed.
[0055]
A bar code receiving unit 601c is a functional unit that receives a two-dimensional bar code transmitted from the bar code transmitting unit 600e of the card company 100. The received barcode is decoded by a barcode receiving unit 601c, and is output to a barcode DB 601d described later.
[0056]
Reference numeral 601d denotes a barcode DB, which is a functional unit that holds a barcode input from the barcode receiving unit 601c, reads the barcode, deletes a barcode whose validity period has passed, and the like. When accepting a new barcode, the barcode DB 601d assigns a unique number such as “001” to the barcode.
[0057]
Reference numeral 601e denotes a barcode display unit that displays a list of barcodes stored in the barcode DB 601d, and instructs the barcode DB 601d to read data of a barcode selected from the list, and causes the barcode DB 601d to read the data. Is a functional unit for displaying on a display as described above.
[0058]
The functional units 601a to 601e described above are realized by the above-described dedicated tool operating on a mobile phone owned by the card member 101.
[0059]
A bar code reading unit 602a is a functional unit that optically reads a bar code displayed by the bar code display unit 601e of the mobile phone. The read barcode data is output to a barcode analysis unit 602b described later.
[0060]
Reference numeral 602b denotes a barcode analysis unit which extracts, from the barcode data read by the barcode reading unit 602a, the credit card number inserted therein and the valid period, and the valid amount and valid period of the barcode. Department. Each extracted information is output to the usability determining unit 602c described later.
[0061]
An availability determining unit 602c is a functional unit that determines whether the presented barcode is available based on information input from the barcode analysis unit 602b. Specifically, if the validity period of the barcode has expired or the validity period of the credit card itself has expired, it is determined that the barcode is unusable, and an error display to that effect is displayed on the register display. Do. In cases other than the above, it is determined that the card can be used, and the credit card number and the effective amount of the barcode input from the barcode analysis unit 602b are output to the sales accounting unit 602d described later.
[0062]
Reference numeral 602d denotes a sales accounting unit, which refers to the effective amount of the barcode input from the usability determination unit 602c and calculates how much each of the sales proceeds will be cash sales and the credit sales will be. It is a functional part that performs. For example, if the fee is 1367 yen and the presented barcode is "1 to 99 yen", the cash sales is 1300 yen, the credit sales is 67 yen, and the presented barcode is "1 to 999 yen". ", Cash sales are 1000 yen and credit sales are 367 yen.
[0063]
The credit sales recorded by the sales recording unit 602d are the ID of the member store 102, the credit card number of the card member 101, the name of the product / service, the date and time of sales, and what is presented is not a credit card but a bar code. Is transmitted to the settlement section 600f of the card company 100 via CAFIS® by the sales notification section 602e. If the member store 102 is one of a number of branches, the headquarters may first aggregate the bills of each branch and then bill the card company 100 (simplified in FIG. 1). ing).
[0064]
Each of the functional units 602a to 602e described above is realized by a register installed in the member store 102, a barcode reader connected to the register, a CAT terminal, and the like.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the cellular phone of the card member 101 displays the authentication screen shown in FIG. 3 by the member authentication unit 601a, and receives an input of an ID and a password (step S701). Then, when the send button 300 in the figure is pressed (step S702: Yes), a connection is made to a predetermined server of the card company 100 specified in advance, and the input contents of the screen are transmitted (step S703).
[0066]
The card company 100 that has received the ID and the password by the server then authenticates the applicant by referring to the member DB 600a by the member authentication unit 600b (step S704). In both cases of OK and NG, the authentication result is notified to the member authentication unit 601a of the card member 101 (step S705), and in the case of OK (step S706: Yes), the barcode designation reception unit 600c Thus, the barcode selection screen shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the barcode designation unit 601b (step S708).
[0067]
On the other hand, if the received authentication result is OK (step S707: Yes), the card member 101 waits for the bar code selection screen to be received, and displays the screen of FIG. The data is received and displayed by the specifying unit 601b (steps S708 and S709). Then, when the transmission button 400 in the figure is pressed (step S710: Yes), the input content of the above-mentioned screen is transmitted to the barcode specification receiving unit 600c of the card company 100 (step S711).
[0068]
The card company 100 that has received the desired bar code valid amount and the valid period from the card member 101 generates a two-dimensional bar code as shown in FIG. 5 by the bar code generating unit 600d (step S712). ), The barcode is transmitted to the member by the barcode transmission unit 600e (step S713). The barcode received by the barcode receiver 601c is stored in the barcode DB 601d (step S714).
[0069]
Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an electronic payment process using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In response to a predetermined key operation by the card member 101, the barcode display unit 601e of the mobile phone displays one of the barcodes stored in the barcode DB 601d on a display (step S801).
[0070]
At the member store 102, the barcode displayed on the mobile phone is read by the barcode reading unit 602a (specifically, a barcode reader) (step S802), and the barcode analysis unit 602b extracts the information in the barcode. (Step S803), the usability determining unit 602c checks whether the validity period of the credit card itself and the validity period of the barcode have not expired (Step S804).
[0071]
If it cannot be used (step S805: No), an error message to that effect is displayed (step S806) and the process ends, but if it can be used (step S805: Yes), the sales accounting unit 602d displays a bar. The cash amount and the credit amount are calculated based on the effective amount of the code (step S807), and the cash amount is settled on the spot, while the credit amount is sent from the sales notification unit 602e to the settlement unit 600f of the card company 100. A payment request is transmitted (step S808).
[0072]
Thereafter, under the management of the settlement unit 600f, the account transfer of the billing amount is performed between the card company 100 and the card member 101 and between the card company 100 and the member store 102 (step S809). Further, when the payment from the card member 101 is confirmed, the settlement section 600f notifies the point updating section 600g of the fact, and the point updating section 600g stores the number of points held by the member in the point DB 600h. The number is added (step S810).
[0073]
According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to pay a fraction of the payment amount without signing by simply holding the two-dimensional barcode captured in the mobile phone over the barcode reader. You don't have to worry about searching for or changing your change. The store side can alleviate the congestion of the cash register by not receiving and receiving coins, and also reduce the amount of coins kept as change.
[0074]
Also, searching for a prepaid card or a credit card in a wallet is not easy, and most consumers carry only frequently used cards (there are too many cards to fit in the wallet alone. It is not uncommon). In other words, for example, prepaid cards for public telephones, which have been drastically decreasing in recent years, and credit cards only for the purpose of enrollment, may be virtually dead, but mobile phones are always carried around Therefore, by making the mobile phone usable as a kind of card, the possibility of using the card can be greatly increased.
[0075]
In addition, card companies can use existing infrastructure such as mobile phones and barcode readers, and after distributing software for consumers and stores, the above-mentioned electronic payments will only cover the communication costs when issuing barcodes. As a result, there is no need for large-scale initial investment, and service introduction is smooth.
[0076]
A member who has once applied for a barcode will automatically transmit a new barcode of the same type immediately before the validity period of the previously issued barcode expires, unless instructed to cancel. As a result, a card company can promote the use of its own card at the cost of a barcode communication fee at the most, and can also prevent a customer once secured from flowing to another company.
[0077]
In addition, in the case of a prepaid card, there is no way to prevent unauthorized use in the event of loss or theft, and in the case of a credit card, even if there is a hand, the discovery of the fact of loss or theft is delayed and the damage is large. However, according to the present invention, the amount of the credit is very small. For example, even if a bar code "1 to 99 yen" is illegally picked up, at least 102 yen is required to spend 10,000 yen. It takes 200 times on average.
[0078]
In addition, even if you do not notice that the card is gone, you will usually immediately notice that the cell phone is gone, and the barcode itself has a validity period, so an unauthorized person will spend a large amount of money in a short time That is virtually impossible.
[0079]
(Embodiment 2)
By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a barcode of any desired type is issued to all the members who have applied. However, for example, in a card company adopting a point system according to the amount of use of the card, As one type of prize provided in exchange for points, it is conceivable to issue a barcode that can be used only for the amount of the points.
[0080]
The outline of the electronic settlement processing in the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that (1) is omitted. That is, in the second embodiment, the barcode is automatically issued when the number of points held reaches a predetermined value without waiting for an issuance request from a member (however, members who have not subscribed to a mobile phone, etc. Therefore, if you apply separately at a call center etc., you can exchange the accumulated points for daily necessities etc. as usual).
[0081]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic payment system according to the second embodiment. 6 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that both the card company 100 and the card member 101 have a function unit (specifically, the member authentication unit 600b) related to the application for issuing a barcode in FIG. 601a, the barcode designation receiving unit 600c and the barcode designation unit 601b) are not provided, and instead, a barcode determination unit 900g is provided on the card company 100 side.
[0082]
The barcode determination unit 900g is a functional unit that determines an effective amount and an effective period of a barcode issued in exchange for points. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the effective amount of the barcode to be issued is fixed at "1 to 999 yen" regardless of the number of points, and the effective period has a difference in length depending on the number of points.
[0083]
When the number of points held by any of the card members 101 in the point DB 900f is updated, the barcode determination unit 900g determines whether the updated number of points exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 999 points. Then, when the number exceeds 999 points, the point is divided by 999, and a value obtained by multiplying the quotient by a predetermined coefficient, for example, a quotient × 3, is set as a barcode valid period.
[0084]
For example, assuming that the cardholder 101 has paid 105,000 yen with a credit card and the number of held points increases from 30 to 1080 (100 yen = 1 point conversion), the barcode determination unit 900g calculates The validity period is three times the quotient of 1080/999, or three days.
[0085]
After that, the barcode determining unit 900g reads out the predetermined amount of validity of the barcode (here, 1 to 999 yen), the validity period calculated above (here, the current date and time to the current date and time +3 days), and the member DB 900a. The credit card number of the card member 101 and the validity period of the card are output to the barcode generator 900b. Then, a two-dimensional barcode based on each of the above information is generated by the barcode generation unit 900b, and transmitted from the barcode transmission unit 900c to the mobile phone of the card member 101.
[0086]
On the other hand, when there is a request for credit sales from the sales notification unit 902e of the member store 102, the settlement unit 900d converts the sales by presenting the barcode into the range of points (specifically, 999) based on the barcode. Offset).
[0087]
That is, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the card member 101 who has acquired a bar code for 1 to 999 yen valid for three days from noon on November 23 to noon on November 26 presents the bar code on November 24. Assuming that the customer does shopping for 1367 yen (including 1,000 yen for cash and 367 yen for credit), the credit amount of 367 yen is within the limit of 999 yen. Points are completely offset (the number of owned points only decreases from 1080 to 713, no actual charges are incurred).
[0088]
However, if the same barcode is presented on November 25th and the user purchases 1999 yen (including 1,000 yen in cash and 999 yen in credit), 713 yen out of 999 yen in credit will be a point. However, the remaining 286 yen exceeding the limit is treated as credit as in the first embodiment, and the card member 101 is charged as in the case where the card is presented.
[0089]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic payment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. If the point number is updated in the point DB 900f (step S1101: Yes), the barcode determination unit 900g checks the updated point number, and if it is 999 or more (step S1102: Yes), the bar number determination unit 900g sets the point number to 999. The validity period of the bar code to be issued is determined from the quotient divided by (step S1103).
[0090]
In addition, the barcode determination unit 900g acquires the credit card number of the card member 101 whose number of points is 999 or more and the validity period of the card from the member DB 900a (step S1104).
[0091]
The barcode generation unit 900b that receives the barcode validity amount specified in advance, the validity period determined in step S1103, the credit card number and the validity period acquired in step S1104, receives the information. Is generated (step S1105). The generated barcode is transmitted from the barcode transmission unit 900c to the mobile phone of the card member 101 (step S1106), and stored in the barcode DB 901b (step S1107).
[0092]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an electronic payment process using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The procedure shown in the figure is almost the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, but the points to be offset from the credit sales are transferred from the member store 102 without waiting for the card member 101 to debit the designated account. (Step S1209 in the figure).
[0093]
According to the second embodiment described above, in a point redemption system adopted by most card companies 100, a kind of cashback service can be realized by providing a barcode instead of a prize (although it is a commodity) It is more like distributing gift certificates and coupons, rather than cash, in that it can only be used to purchase services and services.)
[0094]
Conventionally, prizes are purchased and stored at a card company, and it costs a great deal of money to pay for the costs and shipping costs to members. Moreover, compared to airline mileage services, the number of members using the credit card point redemption service was smaller, resulting in a poor selection of prizes and the lack of attractiveness of the prizes. By introducing the cashback service according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an attractive point return service for members at a cost of about communication cost.
[0095]
(Embodiment 3)
By the way, in the above-described second embodiment, of the settlement using the barcode issued in exchange for the possessed points, the price exceeding the above points is treated as credit as in the first embodiment. When a large number of bills are generated, the billing process in the card company becomes complicated and cost is not paid. Also, some members may hate shopping without knowing it.
[0096]
Therefore, as in the third embodiment described below, when the entire amount of the generated fraction cannot be covered by the above points, payment using a barcode may be prohibited.
[0097]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic payment system according to the third embodiment. The difference from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is that the server of the card company 100 is also provided with an availability determination unit 1300h, and the availability determination unit 1302c of the member store 102 is based on the availability determination by the function unit. The point is to determine whether or not the barcode can be used.
[0098]
The point DB 1300f according to the third embodiment holds the current number of points held by each card member 101, as well as the number of points (consumed points) that the member has already consumed for offsetting a fraction.
[0099]
When confirming that the validity period of the barcode and the validity period of the credit card have not expired, the usability determination unit 1302c of the member store 102 presents the barcode to the usability determination unit 1300h of the card company 100. The credit card number of the card member 101, the effective amount of the barcode, and the fractional amount to be settled by the barcode are transmitted.
[0100]
On the other hand, the usability judging unit 1300h checks whether or not the above-mentioned fraction can be offset by the number of points that have not yet been consumed from the consumed point number in the point DB 1300f. If there is any part that cannot be canceled, NG is returned to the usability determining unit 1302c. When the bar code and the credit card are both valid and an OK response is obtained from the usability determination unit 1300h, the usability determination unit 1302c determines that the presented barcode is usable.
[0101]
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the fractional 367 yen generated by shopping on November 24 is offset by 367 points, even if an attempt is made to offset 999 yen on November 25, the remaining 632 points (= 999−367). ) Will not be able to offset the full amount, so bar code fractional settlement will be rejected.
[0102]
The procedure of the two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic payment system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. The procedure of the electronic payment process in the electronic payment system according to the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, but the validity period of the barcode and the credit card The difference is that in addition to the expiration date, whether the whole amount can be offset is also checked.
[0103]
According to the third embodiment described above, the payment by the bar code can be made only when the generated fraction can be completely offset by points, so that the use statement is sent or the account is sent for a very small amount of credit sales such as several yen. It is possible to prevent troublesome processing such as requesting a transfer from occurring.
[0104]
Even if the issued barcode is not completely used up for 999 yen, the points not consumed for offsetting will be carried forward as they are, and the barcode to be issued next time can be used for fractional settlement as well. Prohibiting the use of barcodes in cases where the total amount cannot be offset does not particularly hurt the interests of consumers.
[0105]
Although the two-dimensional barcode issued in the above-described first to third embodiments can be used when buying anything at any store as long as it is a member store, usable two-dimensional barcodes can be used at any store. For example, a limitation may be imposed.
[0106]
For example, barcodes include information on usable products / services (or conversely, products / services that cannot be used) and available stores (or conversely, stores that cannot be used), and these conditions are not satisfied. In such a case, an unusable error is displayed at the cash register. In the first embodiment, the barcode selection screen shown in FIG. 4 may be used to specify, in addition to the valid amount and the validity period, which store and which barcode can be used for purchase. In the second and third embodiments, the details of the barcode to be exchanged for points are specified at the time of joining a card.
[0107]
The member DB 600a / 900a / 1300a, the member authentication unit 600b, the barcode designation receiving unit 600c, the barcode generation unit 600d / 900b / 1300b, the barcode transmission unit 600e / 900c / 1300c, and the settlement unit 600f / 900d / 1300d. The point update unit 600g / 900e / 1300e, the point DB 600h / 900f / 1300f, the barcode determination unit 900g, and the usability determination unit 1300h are, specifically, a program read from a hard disk (HD) or the like to the RAM of the server computer. Is executed by the CPU. This program can be stored and distributed on various recording media such as FD, CD-RW, and MO in addition to the HD, and can also be distributed via a network.
[0108]
Further, the above-described member authentication unit 601a, bar code designation unit 601b, bar code reception unit 601c / 901a / 1301a, bar code DB 601d / 901b / 1301b, and bar code display unit 601e / 901c / 1301c are specifically mobile phones. Is realized by the CPU executing a program read from the RAM. This program can be stored and distributed on various recording media, and can also be distributed via a network.
[0109]
Also, the above-described bar code reading unit 602a / 902a / 1302a, bar code analysis unit 602b / 902b / 1302b, usability determination unit 602c / 902c / 1302c, sales accounting unit 602d / 902d / 1302d, and sales notification unit 602e / 902e / 1302e is specifically realized by the CPU executing the program read into the RAM of the register. This program can be stored and distributed on various recording media, and can also be distributed via a network.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention according to claim 1 is a reading means for reading an electronic image in an electronic payment system for performing payment for goods or services by reading an electronic image displayed on a portable terminal of a customer. And extracting means for extracting, from the electronic image read by the reading means, a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled; and Determining means for determining whether a current date and time is included; and determining that the price based on the amount extracted by the extracting means when the determining means determines that the current date and time are included in the period. Calculation means for calculating the amount of credit sales, so that customers purchasing goods and services can be used to settle fractional amounts less than a certain amount By presenting a simple electronic image (specifically, a two-dimensional barcode, etc.) at the cash register, only the above-mentioned fraction can be paid by credit. There is an effect that an electronic payment system that can electronically settle a fraction less than a certain amount that causes the generation is obtained.
[0111]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, further based on a period during which the electronic image can be settled by the customer and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled. Since there are provided a generating unit for generating the electronic image, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating unit to the portable terminal, a customer who intends to purchase goods / services, For as long as possible, electronic images that can be used to settle fractions of the desired range will be distributed, which, together with cash settlements, will electronically reduce fractions of less than a certain amount that can cause small changes. An electronic payment system capable of making payments on the Internet can be obtained.
[0112]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, furthermore, a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer. Determining means for determining, the generating means for generating the electronic image based on the period and the amount determined by the determining means, and transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal, , So that electronic images that can be used for settlement of fractions in a range according to the number of points are distributed to customers such as companies and shops that adopt the point redemption service, This makes it possible to electronically settle fractions of less than a certain amount, which can cause small change, in addition to cash settlement. An effect that is obtained.
[0113]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, further, the amount calculated by the calculating means is the period determined by the determining means and the number of held points based on the amount. In the case of exceeding, the second calculating means for calculating the excess amount as the billing amount to the customer is provided, so that only the excess amount that cannot be offset by points among the fractions can be used for credit payment, This makes it possible to obtain an electronic settlement system that can electronically settle a fraction of a certain amount that causes a small change, and offset a part of the fraction with points, in addition to cash settlement. It works.
[0114]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the third aspect, the amount calculated by the calculating means is the period determined by the determining means and the number of points held based on the amount. In the case of exceeding, the notification means for notifying that the settlement by the electronic image is prohibited is provided, so when the excess amount which cannot be offset by the points among the fractions is paid by credit, the electronic image is used in the first place. Settlement is not possible, and thereby, it is possible to electronically settle fractions of less than a certain amount, which may cause small change, together with cash settlement (however, the whole amount of the fraction is offset by points) This has the effect of providing an electronic payment system (as long as it expires).
[0115]
The invention according to claim 6 is an electronic payment method for performing payment for a commodity or a service by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer, wherein the reading step of reading the electronic image includes: An extraction step of extracting, from the electronic image read in the reading step, a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount that can be settled by the electronic image, and the current date and time in the period extracted in the extraction step. A judgment step of judging whether or not it is included, and, if it is judged in the judgment step that the current date and time are included in the period, the credit sales of the price based on the amount extracted in the extraction step And a calculation step of calculating the amount of money to be paid, the customer who purchases a product / service, etc., can use an electronic image (specifically, a two-dimensional Code, etc.) at the cash register, it is possible to pay only the above-mentioned fraction by credit, and together with the settlement by cash, the fraction less than a certain amount that causes small change There is an effect that an electronic settlement method capable of making a settlement is obtained.
[0116]
The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, further based on a period during which the electronic image can be settled by the customer and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled. The electronic image generated in the generating step, and transmitting the electronic image generated in the generating step to the mobile terminal, so that the customer planning to purchase goods, services, etc., Electronic images that can be used for the settlement of the desired range of fractions for as long as desired are distributed, and together with the settlement with cash, the fractional amount that causes a small change can be electronically reduced. There is an effect that an electronic settlement method capable of making a settlement is obtained.
[0117]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixth aspect, a period during which the electronic image can be settled and a settlement with the electronic image based on the number of points held by the customer are further possible. A determining step of determining an amount, a generating step of generating the electronic image based on the period and the amount determined in the determining step, and a transmitting step of transmitting the electronic image generated in the generating step to the portable terminal Electronic images that can be used for settlement of fractions within the range according to the number of points are distributed to customers such as companies and shops that adopt the point return service. This makes it possible to obtain an electronic settlement method that can electronically settle fractions of less than a certain amount that cause small change, in addition to settlement with cash. The effect say.
[0118]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth aspect, further, the amount calculated in the calculating step is a period determined in the determining step and the number of held points based on the amount. In the case where the excess is exceeded, a second calculation step of calculating the excess as a billing amount to the customer is included, so that only the excess that cannot be completely offset by points among the fractions can be credited, This will provide an electronic payment method that can electronically settle a fraction of a certain amount that causes a small change, and offset a part of it with points, in addition to cash settlement. It works.
[0119]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth aspect, the amount calculated in the calculating step is the number of held points based on the period and the amount determined in the determining step. In the case of exceeding, since the notification step of notifying that the settlement by the electronic image is prohibited is included, when the excess amount which cannot be offset by the points among the fractions becomes credit payment, the electronic image is used in the first place. Settlement is not possible, and thereby, it is possible to electronically settle fractions of less than a certain amount, which may cause small change, together with cash settlement (however, the whole amount of the fraction is offset by points) The electronic payment method can be obtained (as long as it expires).
[0120]
According to the eleventh aspect, there is an effect that a program capable of causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the sixth to tenth aspects is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an electronic payment process in an electronic payment system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a menu screen of a portable application for requesting and managing a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an authentication screen prior to issuance of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a barcode selection screen prior to issuance of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an electronic payment process using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing a configuration of an electronic payment system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing a usage example of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic payment system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an electronic settlement process using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing a configuration of an electronic payment system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing a usage example of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 card companies
101 Card Member
102 member stores
600a, 900a, 1300a Member DB
600b, 601a Member authentication department
600c Barcode designation reception unit
600d, 900b, 1300b Barcode generator
600e, 900c, 1300c Barcode transmitter
600f, 900d, 1300d Settlement section
600g, 900e, 1300e Point update unit
600h, 900f, 1300f Point DB
601b Barcode designation section
601c, 901a, 1301a Barcode receiving unit
601d, 901b, 1301b Barcode DB
601e, 901c, 1301c Bar code display
602a, 902a, 1302a Bar code reading unit
602b, 902b, 1302b Barcode analysis unit
602c, 902c, 1300h, 1302c Usability judging unit
602d, 902d, 1302d Sales accounting department
602e, 902e, 1302e Sales notification section
900g barcode determination unit

Claims (11)

In an electronic payment system that performs payment for goods and services by reading electronic images displayed on the customer's mobile terminal,
Reading means for reading the electronic image,
Extracting means for extracting, from the electronic image read by the reading means, a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled;
Determining means for determining whether the current date and time is included in the period extracted by the extracting means,
Calculating means for calculating an amount to be credit sales among the price based on the amount extracted by the extracting means, when it is determined that the current date and time are included in the period by the determining means,
An electronic payment system comprising: Further, generating means for generating the electronic image based on a period during which the electronic image can be settled by the customer and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled,
Transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal;
The electronic payment system according to claim 1, further comprising: Determining means for determining a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer;
Generating means for generating the electronic image based on the period and the amount determined by the determining means,
Transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal;
The electronic payment system according to claim 1, further comprising: Further, when the amount calculated by the calculating means exceeds the period and the number of holding points based on the amount determined by the determining means, the excess amount is calculated as a billing amount to the customer. 4. The electronic payment system according to claim 3, further comprising a calculation unit. Furthermore, when the amount calculated by the calculation unit exceeds the number of points based on the period and the amount determined by the determination unit, a notification unit that notifies that settlement by the electronic image is prohibited. The electronic payment system according to claim 3, further comprising: In an electronic payment method for performing payment for goods and services by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer,
A reading step of reading the electronic image,
From the electronic image read in the reading step, an extraction step of extracting a period during which settlement by the electronic image is possible and an amount that can be settled by the electronic image,
A determining step of determining whether the current date and time is included in the period extracted in the extracting step,
When it is determined that the current date and time are included in the period in the determination step, a calculation step of calculating an amount to be a credit sale of the price based on the amount extracted in the extraction step,
An electronic payment method comprising: Further, a generation step of generating the electronic image based on a period in which the electronic image can be settled by the customer and an amount in which the electronic image can be settled,
A transmitting step of transmitting the electronic image generated in the generating step to the portable terminal;
7. The electronic settlement method according to claim 6, comprising: Further, a determining step of determining a period during which the electronic image can be settled and an amount at which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer,
A generating step of generating the electronic image based on the period and the amount determined in the determining step,
A transmitting step of transmitting the electronic image generated in the generating step to the portable terminal;
7. The electronic settlement method according to claim 6, comprising: Further, when the amount calculated in the calculating step exceeds the number of points held based on the period and the amount determined in the determining step, the excess is calculated as a billing amount to the customer. The electronic settlement method according to claim 8, further comprising a calculating step. Further, a notification step for notifying that settlement by the electronic image is prohibited when the amount calculated in the calculation step exceeds the number of points based on the period and the amount determined in the determination step. The electronic settlement method according to claim 8, further comprising: A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

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