JP2008217632A - Settlement processor, settlement processing method, settlement support server and settlement support method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly perform settlement processing in the event of short balance in an electronic money card. <P>SOLUTION: (1) An electronic money terminal 8 acquires a settlement amount. (2) The terminal 8 requests the electronic money card 6 to transmit a value balance currently stored thereby. (3) The electronic money card 6 reads and transmits the value balance to the terminal 8. (4) The terminal 8 compares the value balance with the settlement amount. When the settlement amount is larger than the value balance, the terminal 8 calculates and stores a deficiency amount by subtracting the value balance from the settlement amount. (5) The terminal 8 reduces all of the value balance to the card 6 to perform settlement processing. (6) The terminal 8 transmits deficiency amount data to an electronic money server 2 by batch processing. The server 2 receives and stores the deficiency amount data in a deficiency amount database, and performs adjustment processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a payment processing apparatus, a payment processing method, a payment support server, and a payment support method, and, for example, relates to an apparatus for distributing electronic money.

With the spread of electronic money in recent years, commercial transactions using electronic money have been actively conducted.
Commercial transactions using electronic money are carried out by manipulating electronic data having an exchange value equivalent to money called value and transferring value.

The value is electronic data representing a monetary amount, and is written as monetary information on an electronic money card incorporating an IC chip.
The store accesses the electronic money card from the electronic money terminal installed in the store, and settles by reducing the amount of value stored in the IC chip.

It is also possible to increase the amount of value stored in the IC chip by accessing the electronic money card from the electronic money terminal. The process of increasing the value is called charging.
In the case of charging, the money is collected from the user of the electronic money card so that the value and the currency are matched.

As described above, as a technique for performing payment using the value stored in the electronic money card, for example, there is the following service providing method. This technology pays a price for a service using a value stored in advance in an IC card.
JP 2000-250994 A

If the value balance stored in the electronic money card is less than the payment amount, the user needs to settle the difference.
In retail stores etc., the person in charge notifies the user that the value balance is insufficient, and decides whether to pay the difference in cash, pay the full amount in cash, or pay after charging the electronic money card get.
In addition, when a balance shortage occurs at a passing gate provided with an electronic money terminal, the gate is closed to notify the user of the shortage of the balance, and the user pays out with an automatic checkout machine.

As described above, when a shortage of balance is detected at the time of payment, there is a problem that a person in charge or a user has to take some measures, and smooth settlement processing is hindered.
In particular, at passing gates, customers must pass through one after another quickly, and if the gate door closes due to a lack of balance, the customer's line is disturbed or the customer is tight in time. The customer convenience was affected.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to quickly perform a settlement process even when a balance shortage occurs in an electronic money card.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a payment processing apparatus capable of communicating with a money terminal that stores a balance of money value, a payment support server that manages a deficient amount, and the like. A payment amount acquisition means for acquiring a payment amount, a balance acquisition means for acquiring a balance from the money terminal, and determining whether or not a shortage amount occurs when the acquired payment amount is settled with the acquired balance. When the determination means determines that the shortage amount does not occur, the balance is used to perform a settlement process, and when the determination means determines that the shortage amount occurs, the shortage amount is stored. Thereafter, a settlement processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a settlement unit that performs a settlement process with the balance; and a shortage amount transmission unit that transmits the stored shortage amount to the settlement support server.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the settlement means preferentially performs a settlement process from the balance when the determination means determines that a shortage amount occurs. A processing device is provided.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the settlement processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the shortage amount transmitting unit transmits the stored shortage amount at predetermined time intervals. .
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a transmission request reception unit that receives a transmission request for the stored shortage amount, and the shortage amount transmission unit transmits the stored shortage amount when the transmission request is received. The settlement processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3 is provided.
The invention according to claim 5 is a payment processing method performed by a money terminal that stores a balance of money value, a payment support server that manages a deficient amount, and a communication processing device that can communicate with the payment processing device. A payment amount acquisition means, a balance acquisition means, a determination means, a payment means, and a shortage amount transmission means, a payment amount acquisition step of acquiring a payment amount by the payment amount acquisition means, and the balance acquisition A balance acquisition step of acquiring a balance from the money terminal by means, and a determination step of determining whether or not a shortage amount occurs when the acquired payment amount is settled with the acquired balance by the determination unit; When the settlement means determines that the shortage amount does not occur, the settlement means performs a settlement process using the balance, and the determination means determines that the shortage amount will occur. If the shortage amount is stored, a settlement step of performing a settlement process with the balance, and a shortage amount transmission step of transmitting the stored shortage amount to the settlement support server by the shortage amount transmission means. Provided is a settlement processing method characterized by being configured.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a settlement support server for receiving a shortage amount transmission from the settlement processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the settlement process A settlement support server comprising: a deficient amount receiving means for receiving a deficient amount from the apparatus; a deficient amount storage means for storing the received deficient amount; and a settlement means for adjusting the stored deficient amount. I will provide a.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the settlement support server according to the sixth aspect, wherein the settlement means performs settlement using a balance of a money terminal storing a balance of money value.
The invention according to claim 8 provides the settlement support server according to claim 6, wherein the settlement means performs settlement by credit given to an owner of a money terminal storing a balance of money value. To do.
In invention of Claim 9, it comprises the monetary value memory | storage means which memorize | stores the monetary value which can be provided to the owner of the said money terminal, and the said adjustment means performs adjustment using the memorize | stored monetary value. A settlement support server according to claim 6 is provided.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a payment support method performed by a payment support server that receives transmission of a deficient amount from the payment processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. The settlement support server includes a deficient amount receiving unit, a deficient amount storage unit, and a settlement unit, and the deficient amount receiving unit receives the deficient amount from the settlement processing device by the deficient amount receiving unit; A settlement support method, comprising: a shortage amount storing step of storing the received shortage amount in the shortage amount storage means; and a settlement step in which the shortage amount stored in the settlement means is settled. I will provide a.

  According to the present invention, the shortage amount is recorded and later settled, so that even if a shortage of balance occurs in the electronic money card, the settlement process can be quickly performed.

(A) Outline of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an electronic money system 1 according to this embodiment. The numbers in parentheses in the figure indicate the processing order.
(1) First, the electronic money terminal 8 obtains a payment amount by, for example, receiving an input of the payment amount from a member store representative.
(2) Next, the electronic money terminal 8 accesses the electronic money card 6 and requests transmission of the value balance currently stored in the electronic money card 6.
(3) The electronic money card 6 transmits the current value balance to the electronic money terminal 8 in response to a request from the electronic money terminal 8.

(4) The electronic money terminal 8 receives the value balance from the electronic money card 6 and compares it with the payment amount.
As a result of the comparison, if the payment amount is larger than the value balance, the electronic money terminal 8 calculates the shortage amount by subtracting the value balance from the payment amount. Then, the shortage amount data is generated and stored by associating the shortage amount with the electronic money function unit ID which is the ID information of the electronic money card 6.
(5) Next, when the payment amount is equal to or less than the value balance, the electronic money terminal 8 performs payment processing by reducing the payment amount from the value balance to the electronic money card 6, and the payment amount is larger than the value balance. In this case, the entire amount of the value balance is reduced to the electronic money card 6 and the settlement process is performed.

(6) After the settlement process, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits the stored insufficient amount data to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing.
The electronic money server 2 receives the shortage amount data from the electronic money terminal 8 and stores it in the shortage amount database.

The electronic money server 2 reduces the shortage amount from the electronic money card 6 when the electronic money card 6 is connected to the electronic money server 2 at a later date, or credits the shortage amount with the user's credit card, or The shortage amount is settled by, for example, deducting the shortage amount from the user's value account managed by the electronic money server 2.
Here, the value account is a kind of electronic money account that stores values that can be downloaded to the electronic money card 6.

As described above, when the value balance stored in the electronic money card 6 is less than the payment amount, the electronic money system 1 stores the shortage amount for postpayment for the time being, and settles based on the difference between the payment amount and the shortage amount. Processing can be performed.
For this reason, even when a shortage of value balance occurs in the electronic money card 6, it is possible to quickly perform a settlement process, and it is possible to increase the efficiency of settlement operations and the convenience of customers.

(B) Details of Embodiment FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration of the present embodiment.
An electronic money system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured using an electronic money server 2, an electronic money terminal 8, an electronic money card 6, a network 5, a user terminal 4, a credit server 3, and the like.
The electronic money terminal 8 is installed in a member store that is a member of the electronic money system 1 and, for example, passes for entering a treasurer of a store such as a retail store or a restaurant, or a premises such as a concert venue or a station. It is provided at the gate.

When the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in a store, the user places the electronic money card 6 close to the reader / writer unit of the electronic money terminal 8 or the like, and the person in charge of the store operates the electronic money terminal 8. Make a payment.
In addition, in the electronic money terminal 8 installed in the store, the user can charge the electronic money card 6 by paying the price in addition to the settlement.

  On the other hand, when the electronic money terminal 8 is installed at the passing gate, the user places the electronic money card 6 close to the reader / writer unit installed in front of the gate door of the passing gate and automatically performs a settlement process. . In this case, the processing result is interlocked with the operation of the gate door, and the gate door is opened when the settlement process is successful, and the gate door is closed and blocked by the user when the processing fails.

The electronic money terminal 8 performs a payment process by reducing the entire value balance of the electronic money card 6 when a shortage occurs in the payment of the electronic money card 6.
Then, the electronic money terminal 8 generates deficient amount data by associating the deficient amount with the electronic money function unit ID of the electronic money card 6 and stores the deficient amount data in its own storage device.

The electronic money terminal 8 transmits the shortage amount data stored in this way to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes).
In addition, it can also be configured such that the person in charge manually transmits by pressing a shortage amount transmission button or the like. Further, when the person in charge presses the insufficient amount transmission button, this button mechanism functions as a transmission request reception means for receiving a transmission request for the insufficient amount.

In the present embodiment, an upper limit is not set for the shortage amount generated in one settlement process. However, for example, when the shortage amount exceeds a predetermined amount (for example, 1000 yen), electronic processing is performed so as to stop the settlement process. The money terminal 8 can also be configured.
In this case, when the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in the store, an alarm is issued, and when the electronic money terminal 8 is set as a passing gate, the gate door is closed.

In addition, when the electronic money terminal 8 performs settlement processing or charging with the electronic money card 6, the electronic money terminal 8 also generates usage log data recording the processing content and stores it in its own storage device.
The electronic money terminal 8 also transmits usage log data to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing at predetermined time intervals (for example, once a day).

  In the present embodiment, for example, the deficient amount is separated from the usage log data separately, and the deficient amount data is sent to the electronic money server 2 once a day. Although the configuration is such that the usage log data is transmitted to the electronic money server 2 more frequently, this is an example. For example, the shortage amount is recorded in the usage log data, and the shortage amount is transmitted by transmitting the usage log data. It can also be configured to transmit to the electronic money server 2, and the transmission timing of the deficient amount data and the usage log data can be arbitrarily set.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in a store or a passage gate. However, in addition to this, for example, it is installed in a moving body such as a vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, or a vending machine. You can also
Even when the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in these devices, if an insufficient amount occurs in the value balance of the electronic money card 6, the electronic money terminal 8 temporarily stores the insufficient amount and performs a settlement process.

The network 5 is a communication network using the Internet, for example, and the user terminal 4 is a terminal device that can be connected to the electronic money server 2 via the network 5.
The user terminal 4 is constituted by a personal computer, for example, and can access the electronic money card 6 by a built-in or external reader / writer unit.
The user terminal 4 mediates communication between the electronic money server 2 and the electronic money card 6 by connecting to the electronic money card 6 via the reader / writer unit and connecting to the electronic money server 2 via the network 5. It has a function.
With this function, the electronic money server 2 can connect to the electronic money card 6 and settle the shortage amount with the value balance of the electronic money card 6.

The credit server 3 is, for example, a server device operated by a credit company, and performs credit management of a user of the electronic money card 6 and settlement processing by credit.
When the credit server 3 receives a request for granting credit from the electronic money server 2, the credit server 3 examines this and notifies the electronic money server 2 of the request.

The electronic money server 2 is a server device that receives deficient amount data and usage log data from the electronic money terminal 8, stores them in a database, and processes them. As described above, the electronic money server 2 includes the deficient amount receiving unit and the deficient amount storing unit.
The electronic money server 2 analyzes the usage log data and totals the charge amount and the settlement amount based on the value for each member store.
The electronic money business entity that operates the electronic money system 1 performs fund settlement processing between the member stores and between the electronic money business entity and the member stores according to the result of the aggregation.

Furthermore, the electronic money server 2 manages the shortage amount to be billed to the user using the shortage amount data stored in the shortage amount database, and performs these settlement processes.
There are three methods for adjusting the deficient amount: reduction from the electronic money card 6 (settlement method 1), credit settlement (settlement method 2), and withdrawal from the value account (settlement method 3). As described above, the electronic money server 2 is provided with a shortage amount adjustment means for adjusting the shortage amount.

The value account is provided in the electronic money server 2 and stores values that can be downloaded to the electronic money card 6 by the user.
In the value account, for example, a gift by a privilege or a value by a point service is deposited, or the value is stored when the user deposits.

In the present embodiment, the user can specify which settlement method is to be settled at the time of user registration, and the electronic money server 2 uses the settlement method designated by the user when the shortage amount occurs. It is supposed to be.
Note that the method for selecting the settlement method is an example. For example, the user selects the settlement method to be used each time, or sets the priority order in the settlement method and settles according to the ranking. Various modifications such as adopting a method are possible.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money card 6.
The electronic money card 6 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a high frequency circuit 22, an antenna 26, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable) 25, and the like. ing.
These elements are formed on an IC chip, and the IC chip functions as a money terminal that stores a balance of value (value balance).
However, the antenna 26 is constituted by an aerial line extending around an elliptical curve around the outer edge of the electronic money card 6 or on the diagonal line of the electronic money card 6, and the end is connected to the IC chip. .

The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that performs information processing according to various programs stored in the ROM 23 and the EEPROM 25, and performs amount change processing for changing the amount of the stored value balance, such as settlement processing and charging.
The CPU 21 can perform short-range wireless communication with the electronic money terminal 8 via the antenna 26 and the high-frequency circuit 22.

  The antenna 26 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves with an antenna built in the reader / writer unit of the electronic money terminal 8, and transmits and receives various types of information and drives an IC chip by radio waves from the reader / writer unit. Power generation.

  The high frequency circuit 22 converts the high frequency transmitted from the reader / writer unit to the antenna 26 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 21, or conversely converts the digital signal output by the CPU 21 into a high frequency and converts the digital signal from the antenna 26 to the reader / writer unit. To send.

The RAM 24 is a readable / writable memory that provides a working memory when the CPU 21 performs information processing.
In the present embodiment, when the CPU 21 performs the amount change process, it is used as a temporary storage area.
The ROM 23 is a read-only memory that stores basic programs, parameters, data, and the like for causing the electronic money card 6 to function.

The EEPROM 25 is a ROM capable of writing and erasing information. Information stored in the EEPROM 25 is maintained even when power is not supplied to the electronic money card 6.
The EEPROM 25 stores an electronic money processing program for causing the electronic money card 6 to function as an electronic money card, as well as an electronic money function unit which is ID information for identifying a value balance, log data, and IC chip. An electronic money storage unit 29 for storing various data such as an ID is formed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the electronic money card 6 formed when the CPU 21 executes the electronic money processing program.
The electronic money storage unit 29 formed in the EEPROM 25 stores an electronic money function unit ID, a value balance, log data, and the like.

The value balance is the balance of the value currently stored, and the electronic money card 6 can perform a settlement process by reducing the value balance.
As described above, the electronic money storage unit 29 functions as an amount storage unit that stores the amount of money as electronic data (value).
The log data is log data in which processing contents communicated with the electronic money terminal 8 and the electronic money server 2 are recorded, and includes processing date and time, charge amount, settlement amount, and ID information of the processed electronic money terminal 8. It consists of a terminal ID and the like.

  The terminal communication unit 27 is configured using the antenna 26, the high frequency circuit 22, and the like, receives money amount change information and other commands from the reader / writer unit 39 of the electronic money terminal 8, and inputs them to the value processing unit 28. Mediates communication between the electronic money terminal 8 and the value processing unit 28.

The value processing unit 28 is an information processing unit that executes various commands.
Examples of the command include money amount change information, an ID reference command, and a balance reference command.
The amount change information is a command that causes the value processing unit 28 to perform the amount change process.
When executing the amount change process, the value processing unit 28 increases or decreases the value balance by the amount specified by the amount change information, and sends a completion response to the electronic money terminal 8 (in the case of payment processing, transmission of a payment completion notification, In the case of charging, a charge completion notice is transmitted), and log data is created.
In this way, the value processing unit 28 performs the amount change process on the amount stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 using the amount change information received from the electronic money terminal 8, and a response that the amount change process is completed. It functions as a money amount changing means.

By the way, the amount change information can be configured using, for example, an addition command, a subtraction command, an overwrite command, or the like.
The addition command is a command for increasing the value balance by the amount specified by the parameter accompanying the addition command.
On the other hand, the subtraction command is a command for reducing the value balance by the amount specified by the parameter accompanying the subtraction command.
For example, when the value balance is 5000 yen and the settlement amount is 1000 yen, the electronic money terminal 8 generates a subtraction command for reducing 1000 yen and transmits it to the electronic money card 6.
In the electronic money card 6, the value processing unit 28 executes this subtraction command to update the value balance to 5000 yen-1000 yen = 4000 yen. The same applies to the addition command.

The overwrite command is a command for overwriting the value balance with the amount specified by the parameter accompanying the overwrite command.
When using the overwrite command as the amount change information, the electronic money terminal 8 calculates the value balance after settlement and charging, and causes the value processing unit 28 to overwrite the value balance in the electronic money storage unit 29 with this amount.
For example, consider a case where the value balance is 5000 yen and the settlement amount is 1000 yen.
The electronic money terminal 8 reads the current value balance of 5000 yen from the electronic money card 6 and calculates a balance of 5000 yen-1000 yen = 4000 yen after settlement.
Then, the electronic money terminal 8 generates an overwrite command for overwriting the value balance to 4000 yen and transmits it to the electronic money card 6.
In the electronic money card 6, the value processing unit 28 executes this overwrite command and updates the value balance to 4000 yen.

  The amount change information may be configured by an addition command and a subtraction command, may be configured by using an overwrite command in the case of charge, a subtraction command in the case of payment, or an addition command in the case of charge. Use and subtraction may be configured using an overwrite command, or charging and settlement may be configured to use an overwrite command.

The ID reference command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to read the electronic money function unit ID. When the ID reference command is input, the value processing unit 28 obtains the electronic money function unit ID from the electronic money storage unit 29. Read and output.
The balance reference command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to read the value balance, and when the balance reference command is input, the value processing unit 28 reads the value balance from the electronic money storage unit 29 and outputs it.

Although the configuration of the electronic money card 6 has been described above, a device in which an IC chip similar to the IC chip incorporated in the electronic money card 6 is mounted on a mobile phone or other portable terminal is generally widely used. These portable terminals can perform settlement processing and charging using the electronic money terminal 8 in the same manner as the electronic money card 6.
Here, a case where an IC chip is incorporated in a mobile phone among these mobile terminals will be described.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the mobile phone 7.
The mobile phone 7 includes a telephone function unit 10 and an IC chip 12, and both are connected by an interface unit 11.
The IC chip 12 has the same function as the IC chip incorporated in the electronic money card 6 and has a money amount change processing function and the like.

The telephone function unit 10 has a call mode for performing a call and an application mode, and can be switched by a customer operation.
The telephone function unit 10 includes a CPU and a storage unit that stores various application programs, and can execute various application functions by executing these application programs on the CPU in an application mode.

The electronic money application unit 15 is formed by executing an electronic money application program by the CPU of the telephone function unit 10.
The electronic money application unit 15 can access both the electronic money server 2 and the IC chip 12 and can mediate communication between the electronic money server 2 and the IC chip 12.
For this reason, the mobile phone 7 can receive the money amount change information and other various commands from the electronic money server 2 and input them to the IC chip 12 to cause the IC chip 12 to perform various processes such as charging and settlement processing. .

  Further, the electronic money application unit 15 displays the value balance stored in the IC chip 12 on the display of the mobile phone 7 or displays the electronic money function unit ID, which is ID information unique to the IC chip 12, in the IC chip. Various functions for customers such as reading from 12 and displaying on a display can also be exhibited.

The IC chip 12 is connected to the electronic money application unit 15 by the interface unit 11.
Similar to the electronic money card 6, the IC chip 12 has a terminal communication unit 16, a value processing unit 17, and an electronic money storage unit 18 when the CPU executes an electronic money program stored in the EEPROM within the IC chip. Etc. are formed. These functions are the same as those of the electronic money card 6 of FIG.

  The value processing unit 17 communicates with the electronic money terminal 8 via the terminal communication unit 16 and performs the amount change processing similar to that of the electronic money card 6, and also changes the amount from the electronic money server 2 via the electronic money application unit 15. The amount of money can be changed by receiving the information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money terminal 8.
The electronic money terminal 8 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, a communication control unit 35, a storage unit 36, an input unit 37, an output unit 38, a reader / writer unit 39 and the like connected by a bus line. Functions as a payment processing apparatus.

The CPU 31 performs information processing according to a predetermined program, and controls the entire electronic money terminal 8.
In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 transmits the amount change information to the electronic money card 6 to cause the electronic money card 6 to perform the amount change process, or when the value balance of the electronic money card 6 is insufficient, Data is stored and settlement processing is performed with the value balance of the electronic money card 6, or the stored insufficient amount data and usage log data are transmitted to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing.

The ROM 33 is a read-only memory that stores basic programs and parameters for operating the electronic money terminal 8.
The RAM 34 is a readable / writable memory that provides a working memory for the CPU 31 or loads and stores a program or data stored in the storage unit 36.
The communication control unit 35 is a connection device that connects the electronic money terminal 8 to the electronic money server 2 via a network.

When the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in a store, the input unit 37 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a barcode reader, for example, and the person in charge of operation inputs a product code, a payment amount, a charge amount, and the like. It can be input.
When the electronic money terminal 8 is installed at a passing gate, the input unit 37 is connected to, for example, a control device for the passing gate, and accepts an input of the settlement amount from the controlling device for the pass gate. It has become.

When the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in a store, the output unit 38 is connected to, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a printer, an audio output device, etc., and presents information to customers or member store operators. It is supposed to be.
Further, when the electronic money terminal 8 is installed at a passing gate, for example, the output unit 38 is connected to a driving device that drives the gate door, a warning light or an audio output device installed at the passing gate, and the like. It opens and closes the gate door, flashes a warning light and generates a warning sound in synchronization with the opening and closing of the gate door.

The reader / writer unit 39 has a built-in antenna and performs wireless communication with the IC chip of the electronic money card 6.
When the electronic money terminal 8 is installed in a store, the reader / writer unit 39 is installed in the vicinity of the cash register, and the user may bring the electronic money card 6 close to the reader / writer unit 39 when the product is settled. It can be done.
When the electronic money terminal 8 is installed at a passing gate, the reader / writer unit 39 is installed on the front side of the upper side of the passing gate with respect to the gate door, and when the user passes through the passing gate, The electronic money card 6 can be brought close to the reader / writer unit 39.

The storage unit 36 includes, for example, a hard disk and other storage media, and a drive device that drives them, and includes a program storage unit 42 that stores various programs, a data storage unit 44 that stores data, and the like. .
The program storage unit 42 causes the OS, which is a basic program for causing the electronic money terminal 8 to function, the electronic money card 6 to perform an amount change process, or a settlement process when an insufficient amount occurs. The program etc. for doing are memorize | stored.

  The data storage unit 44 stores a terminal ID that is ID information of the electronic money terminal 8, a member store ID of a member store in which the electronic money terminal 8 is installed, deficient amount data, usage log data, and the like. The deficient amount data and the usage log data stored in the data storage unit 44 are transmitted to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing performed by the CPU 31.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money server 2.
The electronic money server 2 is configured by connecting a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 54, a communication control unit 53, a storage unit 55, and the like via a bus line, and functions as a settlement support server in the electronic money system 1.
The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that performs various types of information processing according to a predetermined program. In the present embodiment, the shortage amount data, usage log data, etc. are received from the electronic money terminal 8 and stored, and settlement processing is performed using the shortage amount data, or the usage log data is aggregated to fund settlement with member stores. Process.
Further, the CPU 51 can request the credit server 3 to give credit when performing the settlement process.

The ROM 52 is a read-only memory, and stores basic programs and parameters for operating the electronic money server 2.
The RAM 54 is a readable / writable memory, and provides a working memory for the CPU 51, loads and stores programs and data stored in the storage unit 55, and the like.
The communication control unit 53 is a control unit for communicating with the electronic money terminal 8.

The storage unit 55 is configured by using a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk, and includes a program storage unit 56 that stores various programs, a data storage unit 57 that stores data, and the like.
In the program storage unit 56, an OS that is a basic program for causing the electronic money server 2 to function, a program for performing a settlement process using deficient amount data, and usage log data are analyzed and aggregated. Stores programs and other programs.
The data storage unit 57 includes a user database that stores user information, a shortage amount database that stores shortage amount data, a use log database that stores use log data, and a member store database that stores member store information (not shown). ) Etc. are stored.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a logical configuration of the user database stored in the data storage unit 57.
In the user database, name 61, electronic money function unit ID 62, value account 63, credit information 64, settlement method (not shown), e-mail address (not shown), and other items are associated with user ID 60. User data is stored.
The user ID 60 is ID information for identifying each user.
The name 61 is the name of the user.
The electronic money function unit ID 62 is an electronic money function unit ID of the electronic money card 6 (which may be the mobile phone 7) owned by the user.

The value account 63 stores a value account balance that can be charged to the electronic money card 6. The value account 63 functions as a monetary value storage unit that stores monetary values that can be given to the owner (user) of the monetary terminal (electronic money card 6).
The credit information 64 is information required when the credit server 3 requests the credit of the user, such as the credit card number of the user and the name of the credit, and the electronic money server 2 uses this information to grant credit to the credit server 3. Ask for.
The payment method is specified by the user among the payment methods 1 to 3. When the shortage amount occurs, the electronic money server 2 performs the settlement process by this settlement method.
The electronic mail address is a destination when the electronic money server 2 makes various notifications to the user by electronic mail.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of the shortage amount database stored in the data storage unit 57.
The deficient amount database stores electronic money function unit ID 62, deficient amount 65, and deficient amount data associated with other items.

The electronic money function unit ID 62 is read by the electronic money terminal 8 from the electronic money card 6 when the shortage amount occurs.
The electronic money server 2 can associate the shortage amount data with the user database by collating the electronic money function unit ID 62 of the shortage amount database with the electronic money server 2 of the user database.
In addition, since the user may generate the shortage amount a plurality of times, in this case, a plurality of shortage amount data is associated with one user data.

The deficient amount 65 is a deficient amount that occurred when the user settled with the electronic money card 6.
Other items include the date and time when the shortage occurred, the member store ID of the member store where the shortage occurred, the terminal ID, and a flag indicating whether or not the settlement process has been completed.
When the settlement process is completed, the electronic money server 2 sets the flag of the insufficient amount data to completion of the settlement process, and erases the processed insufficient amount data.

Next, a procedure for performing a payment process in the electronic money system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
The following processing is performed by the CPU 21 of the electronic money card 6, the CPU 31 of the electronic money terminal 8, and the CPU 51 of the electronic money server 2 according to a predetermined program.

First, the electronic money terminal 8 acquires a payment amount (step 5).
If the electronic money terminal 8 is installed at the store, the payment amount is input by a person in charge of the store scanning the product barcode, etc. It is input from the control device of the pass gate. As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 includes a payment amount acquisition unit.

Next, the user brings the electronic money card 6 close to the reader / writer unit 39 of the electronic money terminal 8, and the electronic money terminal 8 detects this and starts a settlement process as follows.
First, the electronic money terminal 8 requests the electronic money card 6 to transmit card information, thereby requesting the electronic money card 6 to transmit an electronic money function unit ID, a value balance, and the like (step 10).
The card information is a collection of basic information of the electronic money card 6 such as the electronic money function unit ID and the current value balance.

Upon receiving the card information transmission request, the electronic money card 6 reads the electronic money function unit ID, the value balance, and the like from the electronic money storage unit 29 and transmits the card information including them to the electronic money terminal 8 (step 15). .
On the other hand, the electronic money terminal 8 receives an electronic money function unit ID, a value balance, and the like from the electronic money card 6 by card information.
As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 includes balance acquisition means for acquiring a balance (value balance) from the money terminal (electronic money card 6).

Next, the electronic money terminal 8 compares the value balance acquired from the electronic money card 6 with the settlement amount, and determines whether or not a shortage amount occurs when the settlement amount is settled with the value balance (step 20). ).
As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a shortage amount occurs when the payment amount is settled with the balance (value balance) of the money terminal (electronic money card 6).

When the electronic money terminal 8 determines that the shortage amount does not occur (step 20; N), the electronic money terminal 8 generates amount change information for reducing the settlement amount and transmits it to the electronic money card 6 (step 30).
The electronic money card 6 receives the money amount change information from the electronic money terminal 8 and uses it to reduce the value balance by the payment amount (step 35).
When the payment process is completed, the electronic money card 6 transmits a payment completion notification to the electronic money terminal 8 (step 40), and notifies the electronic money terminal 8 that the payment process is completed.
When the electronic money terminal 8 receives notification from the electronic money card 6 that the payment processing is completed, the electronic money terminal 8 generates usage log data and stores it in the data storage unit 44 (FIG. 6).

On the other hand, when the electronic money terminal 8 determines that a shortage amount occurs (step 20; Y), the electronic money terminal 8 calculates the shortage amount by reducing the value balance from the settlement amount. The electronic money terminal 8 corresponds to the shortage amount, the electronic money function unit ID read from the electronic money card 6, the terminal ID of the electronic money terminal 8, the member store ID of the member store where the electronic money terminal 8 is installed, and the like. Then, the deficient amount data is generated and stored in the data storage unit 44 (step 25).
Then, the electronic money terminal 8 generates amount change information for reducing the entire value balance of the electronic money card 6 and transmits it to the electronic money card 6 (step 30).

The electronic money card 6 receives the money amount change information from the electronic money terminal 8, and performs a settlement process by reducing the total value balance using this information (step 35).
When the payment process is completed, the electronic money card 6 transmits a payment completion notification to the electronic money terminal 8 (step 40), and notifies the electronic money terminal 8 that the payment process is completed.
When the electronic money terminal 8 receives a notification from the electronic money card 6 that the payment processing is completed, the electronic money terminal 8 generates usage log data and stores it in the data storage unit 44.
As described above, when it is determined that the shortage amount does not occur, the electronic money terminal 8 performs a settlement process using the balance (value balance) of the money terminal (electronic money card 6) and determines that the shortage amount occurs. In this case, after the shortage amount is stored, a payment unit is provided that performs a payment process with the balance (value balance) of the money terminal (electronic money card 6).

The electronic money terminal 8 stores the deficient amount data and the usage log data in the data storage unit 44 as described above.
The electronic money terminal 8 measures the timing of transmitting the deficient amount data to the electronic money server 2 at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 10 minutes), and stores this in the data storage unit 44 when this timing comes. The deficient amount data is transmitted to the electronic money server 2 (step 45). As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 includes a shortage amount transmitting unit that transmits the stored shortage amount to the settlement support server (electronic money server 2).
The electronic money server 2 receives the deficient amount data from the electronic money terminal 8 and stores it in the deficient amount database of the data storage unit 57 (FIG. 7) (step 50).

On the other hand, when it is time to transmit the usage log data (for example, once a day), the electronic money terminal 8 transmits the usage log data stored in the data storage unit 44 to the electronic money server 2. To do.
Then, the electronic money server 2 receives the usage log data from the electronic money terminal 8 and stores it in the usage log database of the data storage unit 57.

As described above, when the electronic money terminal 8 performs a payment process with the electronic money card 6, if a shortage occurs in the value balance of the electronic money card 6, this is temporarily stored as a loan to the user. It can be stored and the settlement process can be completed.
Then, the electronic money terminal 8 can notify the electronic money server 2 of the shortage amount and entrust the settlement process to the electronic money server 2.
In this embodiment, when it is determined that a shortage amount will occur, the payment process is preferentially performed from the value balance (that is, the total amount is reduced for the value balance), but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, it is possible to perform a payment process so that a certain amount of the value balance of the electronic money card 6 remains.

Next, the procedure of the payment process performed by the electronic money server 2 will be described.
First, the case where the account is settled by reducing the shortage amount from the electronic money card 6 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 10 (settlement method 1).
First, the user charges the electronic money card 6 with a value greater than the amount that can be used to settle the shortage amount.

Next, the user terminal 4 is connected to the network 5 by starting a browser on the user terminal 4, and a connection request is made to the electronic money server 2 (step 60).
The electronic money server 2 operates a user site (web site) that provides various services to the user. When the user logs in through user authentication, various services available to the user can be selected. Yes.

When the user has selected settlement with the electronic money card 6 as the settlement method of the shortage amount, an item for selecting payment of the shortage amount with the electronic money card 6 is displayed on the user site, and the user selects this item. Then, an instruction to connect the electronic money card 6 to the reader / writer unit is given at the user site, for example, “Please set the electronic money card in the reader / writer”.
When the user sets the electronic money card 6 in the reader / writer unit according to this instruction, an encrypted communication path is established between the electronic money card 6 and the electronic money server 2.

  When communication with the electronic money card 6 becomes possible, the electronic money server 2 sends a card information transmission request to the electronic money card 6, and the electronic money card 6 transmits the card information to the electronic money server 2 (in response to this request). Step 65).

When the electronic money server 2 receives the electronic money function unit ID from the electronic money card 6 by the card information, the electronic money server 2 searches the electronic money function unit ID in the shortage amount database (FIG. 8B) and generates it for the electronic money card 6. The deficient amount is confirmed (step 70).
After confirmation, the electronic money server 2 determines whether or not the value balance of the electronic money card 6 is greater than the shortage amount.
If the value balance is smaller than the shortage amount, the electronic money server 2 prompts the electronic money card 6 to be charged by displaying a message indicating that the value balance is short on the user site.

If the value balance is greater than the shortage amount, the electronic money server 2 generates amount change information for reducing the shortage amount and transmits it to the electronic money card 6 (step 75).
On the other hand, the electronic money card 6 receives and executes the money amount change information from the electronic money server 2 and reduces the value balance by the shortage amount (step 80).
When the reduction is completed, the electronic money card 6 transmits a reduction completion notification to the electronic money server 2 (step 85).

As a result, the electronic money server 2 receives the reduction completion notification from the electronic money card 6 and recognizes that the value reduction processing for the shortage amount has been completed in the electronic money card 6.
Then, the electronic money server 2 sets a flag indicating that the payment is completed for the deficient amount data in the deficient amount database, erases it, and completes the settlement process (step 90).

As described above, the electronic money server 2 can perform the settlement process by subtracting the value corresponding to the shortage amount from the user's electronic money card 6 in which the shortage amount has occurred.
In the above example, the electronic money card 6 is connected to the electronic money server 2 via the user terminal 4, but in addition to this, the electronic money card 6 is connected to the electronic money server 2 via the electronic money terminal 8. Alternatively, when the check-out process is performed with the IC chip 12 incorporated in the mobile phone 7 (FIG. 5), the IC chip 12 may be connected to the electronic money server 2 via the electronic money application unit 15 for check-out. Is possible.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, a procedure for adjusting the shortage amount with credits will be described (settlement method 2).
The following processing may be configured to be performed each time the shortage amount data is registered in the shortage amount database. Alternatively, the shortage amount data may be accumulated for a certain period of time and batch-processed. It may be configured.

  When the electronic money server 2 performs the settlement process with credit, the electronic money server 2 extracts the data of the user who has selected the credit settlement from the insufficient amount data stored in the insufficient amount database (FIG. 8B). The credit information of the user is acquired from the user database.

Next, the electronic money server 2 connects to the credit server 3, transmits the credit information and the shortage amount, and requests the credit to be given to the user (step 100).
The credit server 3 receives the credit information, specifies the user who is the object of granting credit, and examines whether or not the user may be given credit for the insufficient amount (step 105).
When the examination is completed, the credit server 3 transmits the credit result to the electronic money server 2 (step 110).

When the electronic money server 2 receives the credit result from the credit server 3 and the credit result permits granting of credit, the electronic money server 2 settles the shortage amount data in the shortage amount database. The flag indicating that the process is completed is erased and the settlement process is completed (step 115).
When the electronic money server 2 completes the checkout process, the electronic money server 2 notifies the user by electronic mail to that effect.

Thereafter, the business operator of the electronic money system 1 receives payment of the shortage amount from the credit company, and the credit company charges the user the shortage amount.
In this example, the electronic money server 2 can settle the deficient amount only by obtaining a credit permission from the credit server 3, so that the settlement process can be performed quickly.

Here, a modified example of the settlement process using credits will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In this example, when the user charges the electronic money card 6 via the user terminal 4 by credit of the credit server 3, the shortage amount is also settled at the same time.
Note that the user terminal 4 is omitted in the flowchart of FIG.

First, the user logs in to the user site of the electronic money server 2 from the user terminal 4 and selects charge by credit settlement.
Then, an amount field for entering the charge amount is displayed on the user site, and when the amount is input and transmitted to the electronic money server 2, for example, “Please set an electronic money card in the reader / writer” An instruction is given to connect the money card 6 to the reader / writer unit.
When the user sets the electronic money card 6 in the reader / writer unit according to this instruction, an encrypted communication path is established between the electronic money card 6 and the electronic money server 2.

  Through this communication path, the electronic money server 2 requests the electronic money card 6 to transmit card information, and the electronic money card 6 sends the card information including the electronic money function unit ID to the electronic money server. 2 (step 120).

When the electronic money server 2 receives the card information from the electronic money card 6, the electronic money server 2 searches the user database (FIG. 8A) for the electronic money function unit ID, and obtains credit information associated with the electronic money card 6. get.
Next, the electronic money server 2 connects to the credit server 3, transmits the credit information and the charge amount, and requests a credit to be given to the user (step 125).
The credit server 3 receives the credit information, specifies the user who is the object of granting credit, and examines whether or not the credit for the charge amount may be given to the user (step 130).
When the examination is completed, the credit server 3 transmits the credit result to the electronic money server 2 (step 135).

When the electronic money server 2 receives the credit result from the credit server 3 and the credit result does not permit the grant of the credit, the electronic money server 2 displays a message to that effect on the user site and ends the process.
On the other hand, when the credit result permits granting of credit, the electronic money server 2 searches the shortage amount database (FIG. 8B) for the electronic money function unit ID of the electronic money card 6, and The shortage amount generated in the electronic money card 6 is confirmed.

Then, the electronic money server 2 subtracts the shortage amount from the amount charged to the electronic money card 6 and thereby settles the shortage amount (step 140).
Next, the electronic money server 2 sets a flag indicating that the payment has been completed for the deficient amount data in the deficient amount database, performs an offset, and completes the settlement process (step 145).

After completing the checkout process as described above, the electronic money server 2 generates amount change information for charging the amount obtained by subtracting the shortage amount from the charge amount and transmits it to the electronic money card 6 (step 150).
The electronic money card 6 receives the amount change information from the electronic money server 2 and charges it (step 155).
When charging is completed, the electronic money card 6 transmits a charge completion notification to the electronic money server 2 (step 160).

The electronic money server 2 receives the charge completion notification from the electronic money card 6 and recognizes that the charging has been completed with the electronic money card 6.
Furthermore, the electronic money server 2 displays a message indicating that the shortage amount has been subtracted from the charge amount on the user site, and notifies the user that the repayment of the shortage amount has been completed.

  In the above example, the electronic money card 6 is connected to the electronic money server 2 via the user terminal 4, but in addition to this, the IC chip 12 is connected by credit payment by connecting the mobile phone 7 to the electronic money server 2. In the same way, it is also possible to configure so that after the shortage amount is settled, the shortage amount is deducted and charged.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, the procedure for adjusting the shortage amount with the account balance of the value account will be described.
The following processing may be configured to be performed each time the shortage amount data is registered in the shortage amount database. Alternatively, the shortage amount data may be accumulated for a certain period of time and batch-processed. It may be configured.

When the electronic money server 2 performs the settlement process with the value account, the electronic money server 2 uses the shortage amount data stored in the shortage amount database (FIG. 8B) for the user who has selected the settlement with the value account. Extract.
Next, the electronic money server 2 confirms the account balance of the user's value account (step 170).

Then, the electronic money server 2 subtracts the shortage amount from the account balance of the value account and performs a settlement process for the shortage amount (step 175).
In addition, when the account balance of the value account is smaller than the shortage amount, the electronic money server 2 performs a partial settlement process with the full amount of the account balance and after a partial settlement process of the shortage amount recorded in the shortage amount data. Update to the amount of money and carry over the shortage for the next checkout process.
After performing the settlement process, the electronic money server 2 sets a flag indicating that the settlement has been completed for the deficient amount data in the deficient amount database, and performs the cancellation, thereby completing the settlement process (step 180). ).
When the settlement process is completed, the electronic money server 2 notifies the user by electronic mail.
In this example, since the settlement process can be performed entirely by the internal processing of the electronic money server 2, the settlement process can be performed very quickly and at a low cost.

The following effects can be obtained by the present embodiment described above.
(1) Even when the payment amount is larger than the value balance of the electronic money card 6, the payment process can be performed.
(2) Since it is possible to reduce the frequency of settlement failure due to a shortage of value balance, it is possible to suppress a delay in settlement processing due to a shortage of value balance.
(3) It is possible to suppress the closing operation of the gate door due to insufficient balance at the passing gate.
(4) Since the closing operation of the gate door can be suppressed, the convenience and safety for the user can be improved.
(5) The electronic money server 2 can settle the shortage amount using the value balance of the electronic money card 6, credit credit, account balance of the value account, and the like.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the electronic money system of this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the system configuration | structure of this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the hardware structure of an electronic money card. It is a block diagram showing typically the functional composition of an electronic money card. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the functional structure of a mobile telephone. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of an electronic money terminal. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of an electronic money server. It is the figure which showed an example of the logical structure of various databases. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a payment process procedure. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which settles a shortage amount with the value balance of an electronic money card. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which settles a deficit amount by credit of credit. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the modification of the procedure which settles an insufficient amount with credit of credit. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which settles an insufficient amount with a value account balance.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic Money System 2 Electronic Money Server 3 Credit Server 4 User Terminal 5 Network 6 Electronic Money Card 7 Mobile Phone 8 Electronic Money Terminal

Claims (10)

A money terminal that stores a balance of money value, a payment support server that manages a deficient amount, and a payment processing device capable of communication,
A payment amount acquisition means for acquiring a payment amount;
Balance acquisition means for acquiring a balance from the money terminal;
Determining means for determining whether or not a shortage amount occurs when the acquired payment amount is settled with the acquired balance;
If the determination means determines that a shortage amount does not occur, a settlement process is performed using the balance. If the determination means determines that a shortage amount occurs, the shortage amount is stored, and then the balance is used. A payment means for performing payment processing;
A deficient amount transmitting means for transmitting the stored deficient amount to the settlement support server;
A payment processing apparatus comprising:   The settlement processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settlement unit preferentially performs settlement processing from the balance when the determination unit determines that a shortage amount occurs.   The settlement processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shortage amount transmitting unit transmits the stored shortage amount at predetermined time intervals. Comprising a transmission request receiving means for receiving a transmission request of the stored shortage amount,
4. The settlement processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shortage amount transmitting unit transmits the stored shortage amount when the transmission request is accepted. A payment processing method performed by a money terminal that stores a balance of money value, a payment support server that manages a deficient amount, and a payment processing device that can communicate with each other,
The settlement processing apparatus includes a settlement amount acquisition unit, a balance acquisition unit, a determination unit, a settlement unit, and a deficient amount transmission unit.
A payment amount acquisition step of acquiring a payment amount by the payment amount acquisition means;
A balance acquisition step of acquiring a balance from the money terminal by the balance acquisition means;
A determination step of determining whether or not a shortage amount occurs when the acquired payment amount is settled with the acquired balance by the determination unit;
When the determination means determines that the shortage amount does not occur, the settlement means performs a payment process using the balance, and when the determination means determines that the shortage amount occurs, the shortage amount is stored. Then, a settlement step for performing settlement processing with the balance,
A deficient amount transmitting step of transmitting the stored deficient amount to the settlement support server by the deficient amount transmitting means;
A settlement processing method characterized by comprising: A payment support server for receiving a shortage amount transmission from the payment processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A deficient amount receiving means for receiving a deficient amount from the payment processing device;
A deficient amount storage means for storing the received deficient amount;
A settlement means for settlement of the stored shortage amount;
A settlement support server comprising:   The settlement support server according to claim 6, wherein the settlement means performs settlement using a balance of a money terminal that stores a balance of money value.   The settlement support server according to claim 6, wherein the settlement means performs settlement by credit given to an owner of a money terminal that stores a balance of money value.   7. The monetary value storing means for storing a monetary value that can be given to the owner of the money terminal is provided, and the settlement means performs settlement using the stored monetary value. Payment support server. A payment support method performed by a payment support server that receives transmission of a deficient amount from the payment processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The settlement support server comprises a deficient amount receiving means, a deficient amount storage means, and a settlement means,
A shortage amount receiving step of receiving the shortage amount from the payment processing device by the shortage amount receiving means;
A deficient amount storing step of storing the received deficient amount in the deficient amount storage means;
A settlement step for settlement of the stored shortage amount by the settlement means;
A settlement support method characterized by comprising:

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