JP2004252751A - Electronic settlement system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable electronic settlement system which smoothly performs an electronic settlement processing irrespective of a communication state between a settlement terminal and a settlement server. <P>SOLUTION: The settlement terminal 1 reads identification information of a user from an IC card 5 and charge information from a charge meter 6, and generates a settlement processing request. Good or bad of the communication state with the settlement server 2 is judged. When communication is possible, the settlement processing request is immediately transmitted to the settlement server 2 so as to make it perform the settlement processing. When communication is impossible, a settlement substitute means 16 performs a temporary settlement processing, and transmits temporary settlement information on the processing to the settlement server 2 afterwards so as to perform the settlement processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technology for performing electronic payment using a payment terminal connected to a payment server via a telecommunication line, and particularly to a technology suitable for use in a payment terminal installed in a mobile body such as an automobile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of the Internet and information communication devices, electronic payment technology using an electronic payment medium such as an IC card has attracted attention. Electronic payment refers to a mechanism for paying for goods and services only by exchanging electronic data without using actual cash.
[0003]
A general electronic payment system using an IC card is configured as follows.
[0004]
First, the user receives an IC card from a settlement company. In the case of the direct David system, the user tentatively pays the payment to the settlement company and sets a limit in the settlement server. Identification information for identifying the user is recorded on the IC card, and the user can refer to the balance of the account and the transaction history using the identification information.
[0005]
A payment terminal is installed at a member store of the electronic payment system. A user sets an IC card in a card reader of a payment terminal when purchasing a product. The payment terminal reads the identification information of the user from the IC card, and transmits the identification information and the information on the purchase price of the product to the payment server.
[0006]
The settlement server specifies the user based on the identification information, withdraws the purchase price from the user's account, and separately deposits the purchase price minus the commission into the bank account of the member store. After receiving the processing result from the payment server, the payment terminal issues a receipt to the user.
[0007]
Such an electronic payment mechanism is excellent in convenience and security, and it is desired to expand the range of use in the future. Above all, payment in a mobile body (for example, payment of a taxi fare, payment of a commodity purchase price in a train or airplane, etc.) is relatively suitable for electronic payment because it involves many relatively small transactions.
[0008]
Regarding the payment of taxi fares, although a credit card payment mechanism has already been put into practical use (for example, see Patent Document 1), since the credit card is easy to forge or falsify, the above-mentioned IC card payment is used. There is a drawback that the reliability is lower than that of.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-31476
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Regardless of whether the payment is made by credit card or IC card, the following technical problems remain when electronic payment is made in a mobile object.
[0011]
When a payment terminal is installed in a mobile object, data transmission and reception between the payment terminal and the payment server is necessarily performed using wireless communication. Here, as the wireless communication network, various communication networks can be used, from those having a relatively wide communication area such as a mobile phone and a taxi radio to those having a narrow communication area such as a hot spot. .
[0012]
However, in any case, due to the nature of the wireless communication, there is a possibility that communication with the settlement server may be malfunctioned or disabled depending on the current position, the moving speed, or the radio wave condition of the moving object. In such a case, since the payment processing request and the credit confirmation cannot be performed, the electronic payment processing cannot be performed, and the electronic payment service is stopped.
[0013]
In addition, a relatively wide area wireless communication network generally has a low communication speed. Therefore, communication with the settlement server requires a considerable amount of time, making it impossible to perform a quick settlement process, which may impair the convenience of electronic settlement.
[0014]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a reliable electronic payment process that can smoothly perform an electronic payment process regardless of the quality of the communication between the payment terminal and the payment server. It is to provide a high electronic settlement system.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, electronic settlement processing is performed by the following procedures or means.
[0016]
The electronic payment system includes at least a payment server that performs an electronic payment process and a payment terminal that requests the payment server to perform a payment process. The settlement server and the settlement terminal transmit and receive data to and from each other through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.
[0017]
The payment terminal reads the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user by the reading unit. In the electronic payment system, it is possible to specify or authenticate a user who performs payment based on the identification information.
[0018]
Here, the electronic payment medium is a recording medium provided for electronic payment, in which at least identification information for specifying a user who performs payment is recorded in an electric or magnetic manner or a similar method. Say. As the electronic settlement medium, for example, a recording card such as an IC card, a memory card, or an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a PDA having a built-in memory can be suitably used.
[0019]
Typically, it is preferable to use an IC card as the electronic settlement medium, and as the reading means at this time, it is preferable to use a card reading means for reading recorded contents of the IC card in a contact or non-contact manner. The IC card includes a CPU and a memory, and identification information can be recorded in the memory. Since the IC card is excellent in security, leakage and falsification of identification information, counterfeiting of the IC card, and the like can be prevented, and an electronic payment mechanism that is more reliable than conventional credit card payment can be constructed.
[0020]
Also, as the identification information recorded on the electronic settlement medium, typically, it is preferable to use a user ID uniquely assigned to each user registered in the electronic settlement system. In addition, as the identification information, in addition to the user ID, any information such as biometric information such as a face image and a fingerprint can be preferably used as long as the information can identify the user.
[0021]
Next, the payment terminal may generate, by the request generation means, a payment processing request including the read identification information and the price information on the price to be paid by the user. The settlement processing request is information used for informing a means for executing the electronic settlement processing (e.g., a settlement acting means described later) or another apparatus (e.g., a settlement server) of the contents of the settlement processing to be executed, Data or instructions or a combination thereof.
[0022]
The price information is input to the settlement terminal using some means. For example, the user or the operator of the payment terminal may input using an input means such as a keyboard or a barcode reader, or when the payment terminal is connected to an external device such as a POS cash register or a taxi toll meter. May acquire the price information from the external device. When the electronic payment medium has input means for inputting payment information, such as an IC card with a keyboard, the payment terminal preferably reads the payment information from the electronic payment medium by the reading means.
[0023]
The payment terminal can normally cause the payment server to perform the payment processing by transmitting the generated payment processing request to the payment server. Further, the settlement terminal itself has a settlement agency that can execute a provisional settlement process based on a settlement process request, and the settlement agency can also perform the provisional settlement process. That is, the payment terminal is configured to be able to execute various processing modes such as normal electronic payment by the payment server, electronic payment alone by the payment proxy means, and electronic payment by combining the payment proxy means and the payment server. -ing
[0024]
With this configuration, the payment terminal can appropriately switch the processing mode so that the payment processing can be optimally performed in accordance with the state of communication with the payment server, the communication cost, and other conditions. Further, even when communication with the payment server becomes unsuccessful or impossible, the payment processing can be performed independently.
[0025]
The content of the processing in the settlement terminal is controlled by the processing control means.
[0026]
For example, the processing control means may perform the temporary settlement processing by the settlement acting means, and then transmit the temporary settlement information related to the processing to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing. The tentative settlement process requires only internal processing of the settlement terminal, and can be executed at a higher speed than the settlement process using the settlement server. Further, in performing the provisional settlement processing, communication with the settlement server becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user with a quick and reliable electronic payment service. Then, after the provisional settlement processing is completed, the provisional settlement information is sent to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing, so that the settlement server can centrally manage the information relating to the settlement processing, and the information mismatch. Troubles such as unpaid or double payment due to the payment can be prevented.
[0027]
Further, the payment terminal is provided with communication state determination means for determining whether the communication state with the payment server is good or not, and when the processing control means determines that communication is possible, the generated payment processing request is immediately sent to the payment server. To make payment processing, and if it is determined that communication is not possible, provisional payment processing is performed by the payment acting means, and after the communication becomes possible, the provisional payment information relating to the processing is transmitted to the payment server. It is also preferable to transmit the final settlement processing to the third party. As described above, by appropriately switching the processing mode according to the quality of the communication state, it is possible to perform electronic payment even when communication is malfunctioning or when communication is impossible, and it is possible to provide an optimal electronic payment service in any situation. it can.
[0028]
Therefore, the present invention can be preferably applied when the payment terminal performs wireless communication. In particular, it is suitable for the case where the payment terminal is installed on a mobile body such as an automobile, a train, an airplane, or the like. This is because the wireless communication state may be abnormal or disabled depending on the current position and the moving speed of the moving object.
[0029]
Here, it is preferable that the communication state determination means determines the quality of the communication state by detecting the received radio wave intensity.
[0030]
It is also preferable that the communication state determination means determines the quality of the communication state by detecting the current position or the moving speed of the moving object.
[0031]
It is also preferable that the communication state determination means determines the quality of the communication state by detecting the frequency of a communication error or the like.
[0032]
It is preferable that the processing control means, after performing a plurality of provisional settlement processes, collectively transmits a plurality of provisional settlement information relating to these processes to the settlement server. As a result, the number of times of communication with the settlement server can be reduced, so that the communication cost can be reduced.
[0033]
The provisional settlement information may include information such as a process ID indicating the process, user identification information, price information, and a time at which the process was performed. This makes it possible to specify who made what payment and when. The payment terminal may record the provisional payment information in its own storage means.
[0034]
In the provisional settlement process, it is also preferable that the writing means writes the process ID indicating the process into the electronic settlement medium of the user. By recording the processing ID on the electronic payment medium owned by the user, the fact that the provisional payment has been made remains as evidence at the user's hand, so that troubles related to the payment processing can be prevented beforehand.
[0035]
It is also preferable that the user can use the processing ID at this time to receive a receipt or a statement related to the main payment processing from the payment server.
[0036]
Note that the present invention can be considered as an electronic payment system or payment terminal having at least a part of the means for realizing the above-described procedure, or a moving object including the payment terminal. Further, the present invention can be regarded as an electronic payment method including at least a part of the above procedure, or a program for realizing this method. In addition, each of the above means and procedures can be combined with each other as much as possible to constitute the present invention.
[0037]
For example, an electronic payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic payment system including a payment server that performs an electronic payment process and a payment terminal that requests the payment server to perform the payment process. A terminal for reading the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user; a request generating unit for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user; A settlement agency capable of executing a provisional settlement process based on a request, and a process control for transmitting the provisional settlement information related to the process to the settlement server after performing the provisional settlement process by the settlement agency, and performing the main settlement process Means are preferably provided.
[0038]
An electronic payment system as one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic payment system including a payment server that performs an electronic payment process and a payment terminal that requests the payment server to perform the payment process. A terminal for reading the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user; a request generating unit for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user; A settlement agency that can execute a provisional settlement process based on the request, a communication state determination unit that determines the quality of a communication state between the settlement server, and a communication processing request that is generated when it is determined that communication is possible. Is immediately sent to the payment server for payment processing. If it is determined that communication is not possible, provisional payment processing is performed by the payment proxy means and communication is possible. And processing control means for transmitting a provisional payment information relating to the processing to the settlement server to perform the settlement process after a state, it is preferable to comprise a.
[0039]
Further, the payment terminal as one embodiment of the present invention is a payment terminal that requests a payment server to perform a payment process from an electronic payment process, and a reading unit that reads identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user. Request generation means for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to the payment to be paid by the user; a payment proxy means capable of executing provisional payment processing based on the payment processing request; and a payment proxy means. After the provisional settlement processing is performed, it is preferable to include a processing control unit that transmits the provisional settlement information related to the processing to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing.
[0040]
Further, the payment terminal as one embodiment of the present invention is a payment terminal that requests a payment server to perform a payment process from an electronic payment process, and a reading unit that reads identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user. Request generation means for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to the payment to be paid by the user; a payment proxy means capable of executing provisional payment processing based on the payment processing request; Communication state determining means for determining whether the communication state is good or not, and when it is determined that communication is possible, the generated payment processing request is immediately transmitted to the payment server to perform payment processing, and it is determined that communication is not possible. In this case, the temporary settlement processing is performed by the settlement proxy means, and after the communication is enabled, the temporary settlement information relating to the processing is transmitted to the settlement server to perform the final settlement. And processing control means for causing the sense, it is preferable to comprise a.
[0041]
Also, in the electronic settlement method as one embodiment of the present invention, the settlement terminal that requests the settlement server to perform the settlement processing reads the identification information of the user from the electronic settlement medium owned by the user and reads the read identification information. A payment processing request including information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user is generated, a provisional payment processing is performed based on the payment processing request, and the provisional payment processing is performed. To perform the final settlement processing.
[0042]
Also, in the electronic settlement method as one embodiment of the present invention, the settlement terminal that requests the settlement server to perform the settlement processing reads the identification information of the user from the electronic settlement medium owned by the user and reads the read identification information. A payment processing request including information and payment information relating to a payment to be paid by the user is generated, the quality of the communication with the payment server is determined, and if the communication is determined to be possible, the generated payment processing request is generated. Immediately, the payment is sent to the payment server to perform the payment processing. If it is determined that the communication is not possible, the provisional payment processing is performed based on the payment processing request, and after the communication becomes possible, the provisional payment processing is performed. It is preferable that the payment information is transmitted to the payment server to perform the main payment processing.
[0043]
Further, a program as one embodiment of the present invention includes a process of reading identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user to a payment terminal that requests a payment server to perform a payment process, and a process of reading the read identification information. A process for generating a settlement processing request including information and a price information relating to a price to be paid by the user, a process for performing a provisional settlement process based on the settlement processing request, and a provisional settlement related to the process after performing the provisional settlement process. And transmitting the information to the payment server to perform the main payment process.
[0044]
Further, a program as one embodiment of the present invention includes a process of reading identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user to a payment terminal that requests a payment server to perform a payment process, and a process of reading the read identification information. A process of generating a payment processing request including information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user; a process of determining the quality of a communication state with the payment server; When the payment processing request is immediately transmitted to the payment server to perform the payment processing, and when it is determined that communication is not possible, the provisional payment processing is performed based on the payment processing request and the communication is enabled. And transmitting the provisional settlement information related to the process to the settlement server to perform the main settlement process.
[0045]
Further, it is preferable that the moving object as one embodiment of the present invention includes any one of the payment terminals described above.
[0046]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0047]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall image of an electronic payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048]
The electronic payment system includes a payment terminal 1 and a payment server 2 that can communicate with each other via the Internet.
[0049]
The payment server 2 is a computer system that actually performs a payment process in response to a payment processing request from the payment terminal 1. The settlement server 2 is installed and operated by a settlement company that provides an electronic settlement service.
[0050]
A user who receives the electronic payment service applies for registration to a payment company in advance, receives an IC card as an electronic payment medium, and sets a limit. Then, the user information is registered in the database of the settlement server 2, and a virtual account of the user is opened. That is, the electronic settlement medium of the present embodiment is an IC card of a direct David type.
[0051]
The IC card has a built-in IC chip having a CPU and a memory. In the memory of the IC card, a user ID issued by the settlement company is recorded. In some cases, biometric information of a user such as a fingerprint or a face image is recorded. The user ID and biometrics information are used as identification information for specifying a user.
[0052]
Using this IC card, the user can make a payment such as payment at a member store of the electronic payment system. It is also possible to use an IC card to inquire about account balance and transaction history.
[0053]
Since the IC card is excellent in security, leakage and falsification of identification information, forgery of the IC card and the like can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to construct an electronic payment mechanism that is more reliable than the conventional credit card payment.
[0054]
The payment terminal 1 is a terminal installed in a member store of the electronic payment system. Various modes can be assumed as the configuration of the payment terminal and its installation location. For example, in the case where the payment terminal is installed in a merchandise store, a payment terminal having a configuration built in or connected to a POS register is preferable. In the case of being installed on a street, a payment terminal having a configuration built in a vending machine is preferable. It is also preferable to set up settlement terminal 1 on a mobile object.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the settlement terminal 1 is installed in a taxi 3 which is a mobile object. That is, the electronic payment system of the present embodiment is used for paying a taxi fare. Note that the settlement terminal 1 cannot perform wired communication with the Internet, and thus performs data communication with the wireless base station 4 in a wireless manner.
[0056]
The settlement terminal 1 is a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a storage device, a card reader, a communication device, and the like as hardware resources. The memory is primary storage means composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a basic program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System), and the RAM stores a basic program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). Stores the code and data of the running program. The storage device is a secondary storage unit that stores programs and data, and is configured by, for example, a hard disk or the like.
[0057]
Then, by reading and executing the program stored in the ROM or the storage device by the CPU, the software and the hardware resources cooperate to realize various functions of the settlement terminal 1 described below. You.
[0058]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the payment terminal 1. The settlement terminal 1 generally includes a reading unit 10, a writing unit 11, a charge input unit 12, a request generation unit 13, a communication unit 14, a communication state determination unit 15, a settlement substitution unit 16, and a processing control unit 17. .
[0059]
The reading means 10 has a function of reading various information recorded on the IC card 5, and the writing means 11 has a function of writing various information on the IC card 5. In the present embodiment, a non-contact type card reader is used, and a reading unit 10 and a writing unit 11 are realized by a program controlling the card reader.
[0060]
The price input unit 12 has a function of acquiring price information on the price to be paid by the user from the fee meter 6 which is an external device. Further, the payment input means 12 also provides a function that allows the user to input payment information using an input device such as a keyboard. For example, when payment of a toll on a toll road or the like other than the toll is required, the operator of the settlement terminal (taxi driver) can input a toll separately.
[0061]
The request generation unit 13 has a function of generating a settlement processing request. The settlement processing request is composed of information, data, instructions, or a combination thereof used to inform the settlement server 2 or the settlement acting means 16 of the contents of the settlement processing to be executed. The settlement processing request only needs to include at least the user identification information and the price information.
[0062]
The communication unit 14 provides a function for realizing data transmission and reception with the settlement server 2. Specifically, the communication unit 14 is realized by hardware resources such as a communication adapter and an antenna for realizing wireless communication, and a program for controlling the communication adapter.
[0063]
The communication state determination unit 15 has a function of determining whether the communication state with the settlement server 2 is good or bad. Here, the communication state determination means 15 detects the received radio wave intensity of the antenna, and when the detected intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold value, “communication is possible”; Not "is output.
[0064]
It should be noted that the quality of the communication state can also be determined by detecting the current position or moving speed of the taxi. For example, the current position can be easily detected by using GPS, and the moving speed can be easily detected by using a speed sensor or GPS. If an area or a moving speed at which wireless communication can be performed stably is set in advance, the quality of communication can be easily estimated by comparing the set value with the detection result of the GPS or speed sensor. can do. Further, if the information of the GPS is utilized, it is possible not only to estimate the communication state at the present time, but also to predict a change in the communication state in the future such as several minutes later.
[0065]
In addition, various means can be considered as means for determining the quality of the communication state, but any means can be suitably used for the settlement terminal 1. It is also preferable to increase the reliability of the determination by combining a plurality of means.
[0066]
The settlement agency 16 has a function of executing a provisional settlement process based on the settlement processing request generated by the request generator 13. That is, the settlement terminal 1 combines the settlement agent 16 with the settlement server 2 in addition to the usual electronic settlement performed by transmitting a settlement processing request to the settlement server 2, and the electronic settlement alone by the settlement agent 16. Various processing modes such as electronic settlement can be executed. Control such as switching of the processing mode is performed by the processing control unit 17.
[0067]
Next, an example of a processing flow in the settlement terminal 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0068]
When the program starts, first, the price input means 12 of the settlement terminal 1 acquires the price information from the fee meter 6 (step S100). When there is an additional fee such as a toll, or when there is a discount, the operator of the settlement terminal 1 inputs the information. The price input unit 12 calculates the amount to be paid by the user by summing up the amounts obtained or input.
[0069]
Next, the IC card 5 owned by the user is set on the card reader of the settlement terminal 1. Then, the identification information of the user is read from the IC card 5 by the reading means 10 (step S101).
[0070]
The request generation unit 13 generates a settlement processing request based on the price information and the identification information acquired in steps S100 and 101 (step S102). The settlement processing request may include information such as the current date and time, the terminal ID of the settlement terminal 1, the breakdown of the payment, and the like, in addition to the identification information and the price information. For example, “user ID: xxxx”, “price: 5000 yen”, “date / time: 2003/01/30”, “terminal ID: yyyy”, “breakdown: 3,500 yen for toll, 1500 yen for toll road” The information formatted into a predetermined format is a payment processing request. By referring to this settlement processing request, it is possible to know information on “who pays what and when and for what”.
[0071]
Next, the communication state determination unit 15 determines whether the communication state between the payment terminal 1 and the payment server 2 is good (step S103). The determination result is passed to the processing control means 17.
[0072]
The processing control unit 17 switches the subsequent processing content according to the determination result (step S104). In the present embodiment, when it is determined that “communication is possible”, the “normal processing mode” is executed, and when it is determined that “communication is not possible”, the “proxy processing mode” is executed.
[0073]
In the case of the normal processing mode, the processing control unit 17 immediately transmits the payment processing request generated by the request generation unit 13 to the payment server 2 (Step S105).
[0074]
In the settlement server 2, the electronic settlement processing is executed according to the settlement processing request. The settlement server 2 identifies the user who wants the settlement process by comparing the identification information included in the settlement process request with the user information managed in the database, and withdraws the price from the virtual account of the user. When the payment is completed, the settlement server 2 sends the processing result to the settlement terminal 1. Then, the settlement server 2 makes a payment to the bank account of the taxi company specified by the terminal ID. This completes the electronic payment process.
[0075]
When the payment terminal 1 receives the processing result from the payment server 2 (Step S106), the program ends.
[0076]
On the other hand, in the proxy processing mode, the processing control means 17 transfers the payment processing request generated by the request generation means 13 to the payment proxy means 16, and causes the temporary payment processing to be performed. The settlement agency 16 generates temporary settlement information based on the settlement processing request, and records the temporary settlement information in the storage unit (Step S107).
[0077]
The provisional payment information basically includes information having the same contents as the payment processing request. Therefore, by referring to the provisional settlement information, it is possible to know the information of “who paid what and when and how much”. Further, the provisional settlement information includes a processing ID indicating the provisional settlement processing. The process ID is an identification number that is uniquely assigned to each provisional settlement process by the settlement agency 16.
[0078]
Next, the payment agent means 16 writes the processing ID into the user's IC card 5 by the writing means 11 (step S108).
[0079]
This completes the provisional settlement process. In the provisional settlement process, debit from the virtual account and payment to the taxi company account are not performed, but they are performed afterwards, and at this point, the payment terminal 1 assumes that payment has been received from the user, so is there. Therefore, the user is released when the provisional settlement process ends.
[0080]
The post-processing after the provisional settlement processing is executed according to the flow of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 9 is periodically executed by the process control unit 17.
[0081]
The processing control means 17 first checks whether or not unprocessed provisional settlement information is recorded in the storage means (step S200). If there is no unprocessed provisional settlement information, the process ends without doing anything. The term “unprocessed” refers to a state in which the main settlement processing by the settlement server 2 has not been completed.
[0082]
When there is unprocessed provisional payment information, the communication state determination unit 15 determines whether the communication state between the payment terminal 1 and the payment server 2 is good (step S201).
[0083]
Here, if it is determined that “communication is not possible”, the process is terminated (step S202). On the other hand, when it is determined that “communication is possible”, the processing control unit 17 transmits the provisional settlement information to the settlement server 2 (step S203). When there are two or more pieces of unprocessed provisional settlement information, the processing control means may transmit them all together. Thereby, the communication processing with the settlement server 2 can be reduced, so that the communication cost can be reduced.
[0084]
In the settlement server 2, the main settlement processing is executed according to the provisional settlement information. The settlement server 2 identifies the user who has performed the provisional settlement process by collating the identification information included in the provisional settlement information with the user information managed in the database, and withdraws the price from the virtual account of the user. . Further, the settlement server 2 deposits the money into the bank account of the taxi company specified by the terminal ID. This completes the main settlement processing, and the contents of the provisional settlement processing are reflected in the settlement server 2.
[0085]
When receiving the processing result from the payment server 2, the payment terminal 1 deletes the temporary payment information that has been subjected to the main payment processing (or makes the processing completed), and ends the program (step S204).
[0086]
By accessing the settlement server 2 from a personal computer at home, the user can check the status of the main settlement process and make a request to issue a receipt / statement related to the main settlement process. The access authentication at this time is performed based on the processing ID recorded on the IC card 5. This is because the final settlement processing and the provisional settlement processing can be uniquely specified by the processing ID.
[0087]
According to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, the payment terminal 1 switches between the normal processing mode and the proxy processing mode according to the quality of the communication state. It is possible to carry out. Therefore, even in the case of a moving object such as a taxi, a smooth and optimal electronic settlement service can always be provided.
[0088]
Further, after the provisional settlement processing is completed, the provisional settlement information is transmitted to the settlement server 2 and the main settlement processing is performed, so that the settlement server 2 can centrally manage the information regarding the settlement processing, and Problems such as unpaid or double payment due to inconsistency can be prevented.
[0089]
Further, since the process ID is recorded on the user's IC card 5, the fact that the provisional settlement was made remains as evidence at the user's hand. Further, the record remains in the settlement terminal 1 and the settlement server 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a trouble related to the payment processing from occurring when the final payment processing is performed afterward.
[0090]
Furthermore, since the settlement server 2 can be accessed from home or the like using the processing ID to receive a receipt or the like, the convenience of the system is improved.
[0091]
In addition, the said structure is only what illustrated one Embodiment of this invention, and does not purport to limit the scope of this invention. The configuration of the electronic payment system and the processing method thereof can employ various embodiments within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.
[0092]
For example, in the above embodiment, the processing mode is switched depending on whether or not communication is possible. However, even when communication is possible, a configuration in which the proxy processing mode is executed in principle may be adopted. That is, tentative settlement processing is always performed by the settlement substitute means regardless of the communication state, and the tentative settlement information is collectively transmitted once a day to the settlement server. According to this configuration, the number of times of communication can be extremely reduced, so that the communication cost can be reduced. Further, since there is no need to perform data communication during the provisional settlement process, the process for the user can be completed quickly, and the convenience of the system is improved.
[0093]
Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the payment terminal 1 is installed in a taxi (mobile) is shown, but the payment terminal 1 may be a fixed terminal installed in a store or the like.
[0094]
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the settlement terminal 1 performs wireless communication has been described. However, when the settlement terminal 1 is a fixed terminal, wired communication may be employed. Further, even when the payment terminal 1 is installed in a mobile body, the payment terminal 1 can be connected by wire when the mobile body is stopped. The process of transmitting the provisional settlement information in a lump is preferably performed in such a wired connection in that the communication process can be performed quickly and reliably.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly perform the electronic payment processing regardless of the quality of the communication between the payment terminal and the payment server.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall image of an electronic payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a payment terminal.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in a payment terminal.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in a payment terminal.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Payment terminal
2 Payment server
3 Taxi
4 wireless base stations
5 IC card
6 Charge meter
10 Reading means
11 Writing means
12 Price input means
13 Request generation means
14 Communication means
15 Communication status determination means
16 Settlement agency
17 Processing control means

Claims (16)

An electronic payment system including a payment server that performs an electronic payment process and a payment terminal that requests the payment server to perform a payment process,
Payment terminal,
Reading means for reading identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user, request generation means for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user,
A settlement agency that can execute a provisional settlement process based on the settlement process request;
An electronic payment system comprising: a processing control unit that, after performing a provisional settlement process by a settlement acting unit, transmits provisional settlement information related to the process to a settlement server to perform the main settlement process. An electronic payment system including a payment server that performs an electronic payment process and a payment terminal that requests the payment server to perform a payment process,
Payment terminal,
Reading means for reading identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user, request generation means for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user,
A settlement agency that can execute a provisional settlement process based on the settlement process request;
Communication state determination means for determining the quality of the communication state with the settlement server,
When it is determined that communication is possible, the generated payment processing request is immediately transmitted to the payment server to perform payment processing, and when it is determined that communication is not possible, provisional payment processing is performed by the payment proxy means And a processing control unit for transmitting temporary payment information related to the processing to the payment server after the communication is enabled to perform the main payment processing. A payment terminal that requests a payment server from a payment server that performs electronic payment processing,
Reading means for reading identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user, request generation means for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user,
A settlement agency that can execute a provisional settlement process based on the settlement process request;
And a processing control means for performing temporary settlement processing by the settlement acting means and transmitting temporary settlement information relating to the processing to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing. A payment terminal that requests a payment server from a payment server that performs electronic payment processing,
Reading means for reading identification information of the user from an electronic payment medium owned by the user, request generation means for generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and payment information relating to a price to be paid by the user,
A settlement agency that can execute a provisional settlement process based on the settlement process request;
Communication state determination means for determining the quality of the communication state with the settlement server,
When it is determined that communication is possible, the generated payment processing request is immediately transmitted to the payment server to perform payment processing, and when it is determined that communication is not possible, provisional payment processing is performed by the payment proxy means And a processing control means for transmitting temporary payment information related to the processing to the payment server after the communication is enabled to perform the main payment processing. The settlement terminal according to claim 4, wherein the settlement terminal is installed on a mobile body. The payment terminal according to claim 4, wherein the payment terminal performs wireless communication with the payment server. 7. The payment terminal according to claim 6, wherein the communication state determination unit determines the quality of the communication state by detecting a received radio wave intensity. 7. The payment terminal according to claim 6, wherein the communication state determination unit determines the quality of the communication state by detecting a current position or a moving speed of the moving object. The settlement terminal according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the processing control means performs a plurality of provisional settlement processes, and then collectively transmits a plurality of provisional settlement information related to these processes to a settlement server. The settlement terminal according to any one of claims 3 to 9, further comprising a writing unit that writes a process ID indicating the process in the provisional settlement process to the electronic settlement medium of the user. The settlement terminal according to claim 10, wherein the process ID is used when the user receives a receipt from the settlement server for the settlement process. A payment terminal that requests payment processing from a payment server that performs electronic payment processing,
Read the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user,
Generate a payment processing request including the read identification information and the price information regarding the price to be paid by the user,
Performs temporary settlement processing based on the settlement processing request,
An electronic settlement method in which, after performing a provisional settlement process, temporary settlement information relating to the process is transmitted to a settlement server to perform a main settlement process. A payment terminal that requests payment processing from a payment server that performs electronic payment processing,
Read the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user,
Generate a payment processing request including the read identification information and the price information regarding the price to be paid by the user,
Determine the quality of the communication state with the payment server,
If it is determined that communication is possible, the generated payment processing request is immediately transmitted to the payment server to perform the payment processing,
When it is determined that communication is not possible, the temporary settlement processing is performed based on the settlement processing request, and after the communication is possible, the temporary settlement information relating to the processing is transmitted to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing. Electronic payment method to be performed. A payment terminal that requests payment processing from a payment server that performs electronic payment processing,
Reading the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user;
A process of generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and the price information on the price to be paid by the user;
A process of performing a provisional settlement process based on the settlement process request;
After performing the provisional settlement processing, transmitting the provisional settlement information related to the processing to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing,
A program that executes A payment terminal that requests payment processing from a payment server that performs electronic payment processing,
Reading the identification information of the user from the electronic payment medium owned by the user;
A process of generating a payment processing request including the read identification information and the price information on the price to be paid by the user;
Processing for determining the quality of the communication state with the payment server;
When it is determined that communication is possible, a process of immediately transmitting the generated payment processing request to the payment server to perform the payment processing,
When it is determined that communication is not possible, the temporary settlement processing is performed based on the settlement processing request, and after the communication is possible, the temporary settlement information relating to the processing is transmitted to the settlement server to perform the main settlement processing. Processing to be performed,
A program that executes A mobile body comprising the payment terminal according to any one of claims 3 to 11.

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