JP2014132497A - Server device, management method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of having such inconvenience that since accounting/settlement processing for solving the insufficient balance is time-consuming, the use of a service is temporarily restricted in the case of using a network service which progresses in a real time such as a game or auction.SOLUTION: A service providing server device 10 is configured to, when a service provision sum and the balance of virtual currency are the same amounts or the balance is larger, execute service provision without waiting for charge processing or accounting processing, and to, only when the balance is smaller, and the service is not available, execute charge processing before service provision.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for billing / settlement processing of a usage fee for a net service.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, real-time net services such as net games and net auctions are provided using information processing apparatuses such as PC (Personal Computer) terminals and mobile terminals. Since 2010, multifunctional mobile terminals called smartphones have spread rapidly, and many network services have been provided on the premise that they will be used on mobile terminals, increasing the number of users. Due to such widespread use of services, various methods have been proposed for billing / settlement methods for using a net service.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique that manages virtual currency such as electronic money that can be used for a specific service, checks a balance at a predetermined timing, and does not run out of balance.

JP 2012-178105 A

  However, with conventional technology, it takes time to process and charge virtual currency, so when using a net service such as a game or auction that proceeds in real time, use of the service in the case of insufficient balance, etc. In some cases, such as temporarily restricted.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a management method, and a system that allow a user to continue to use a service without inconvenience even in a network service that proceeds in real time. Is to provide.

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to a server apparatus. This server device is connected to a user terminal via a network to provide a predetermined real-time service, and manages virtual currency used by the user terminal as a price for providing the service. Further, the server device associates a user information management unit that manages user information associated with the user terminal, and user information managed by the user information management unit, and calculates a balance of virtual currency used for the service. A virtual currency information management unit to manage, and a charge setting information management that accepts a lower limit value of the balance of virtual currency from the user terminal and a charge amount indicating an increase amount when increasing the virtual currency, and manages it as auto charge setting information And the service provision amount for providing the service and the virtual currency information management unit, when the service use request from the user terminal is received, the virtual currency information management unit The comparison unit that compares the balance associated with the user information of the user terminal, and as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the service provision amount and the balance are When the amount or balance is larger, the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance as a result of comparison between the service providing unit providing the service and the comparison unit is less than or equal to the lower limit value managed in the charge setting information management unit In parallel with the provision of the service in the service providing unit, a charge process for adding the charge amount managed in the charge setting information managing unit to the balance is executed, and the balance after the addition is A charge execution unit that manages the virtual currency information management unit as a balance. Here, when the balance is lower than the service provision amount as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the service providing unit provides the service after the charge processing by the charge execution unit is successful.

  According to such an aspect, when the service provision amount and the balance are the same amount or the balance is larger, the service provision is carried out without straddling the charging process and the billing process, but only when the balance is smaller and the service cannot be used. By performing the charge process before providing the service, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in a net service that proceeds in real time.

  Further, in this server apparatus, the virtual currency information management unit determines that the balance is less than the lower limit value managed by the charge setting information management unit when the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is larger than the lower limit value managed by the charge setting information management unit. The value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from is managed as a new balance. If the charge execution unit succeeds in charging, the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance after charging is managed as a new balance. May be.

  According to this aspect, when the charging process is successful, the charging process is automatically completed regardless of the provision of the service by setting a new balance by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance after charging. The user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in a network service that proceeds in real time.

  Further, in this server device, the charge execution unit charges until the value obtained by subtracting the provided amount from the balance after the charge managed by the virtual currency information management unit is less than or equal to the lower limit value until the value exceeds the lower limit value. The process may be repeated.

  According to such an aspect, when the value obtained by subtracting the provided amount from the balance after charging is less than or equal to the lower limit value, the service can be automatically used by repeating the charging process until the value exceeds the lower limit value. Therefore, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in a network service that proceeds in real time.

  In addition, the server device includes a cumulative amount management unit that manages the cumulative amount of charge in a predetermined period, and charge processing if the cumulative amount of charge after the charge processing is less than the upper limit amount within the predetermined period before performing the charging process. And a notification unit for notifying the user terminal that the charge process cannot be performed when the charge amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit.

  According to such an aspect, if the accumulated charge amount is less than the upper limit amount within a predetermined period, the charge process is executed to notify the user device that the charge process has been performed. By notifying the user terminal that the charging process cannot be performed, the user can limit overuse and can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in a network service that proceeds in real time.

  Further, in this server device, when the charge execution unit is requested to stop the charge processing from the user device, the charge execution unit may stop the charge processing for the user device during the stop period for the request.

  According to such an aspect, when a stop of charge processing is requested from the user device, overuse can be limited by stopping the charge processing for the user device in the stop period for the request, in real time. Even in an on-going network service, the service can be used comfortably without any inconvenience.

  In addition, when the charge processing is successful by the charge execution unit, the server device connects to a billing server that executes settlement processing for the user terminal, and uses the charge amount managed by the charge information management unit as a usage request. A charge management unit for notifying the user terminal as an amount to be charged may be further provided.

  According to such an aspect, the charging process is automatically completed without affecting the service provision by notifying the charging server of the charge amount as the amount to be charged to the user terminal in response to the usage request. The user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in a network service that proceeds in real time. be able to.

  Further, in this server device, the billing management unit can be connected to a plurality of billing servers that execute different settlement methods, and can notify the billing server selected in accordance with a predetermined priority order for the settlement method. Good.

  According to such an aspect, it is possible to reliably perform the settlement process by notifying the billing server selected according to the priority order relating to the predetermined settlement method, so that the service provision is not affected. Therefore, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in the net service that proceeds in real time.

  Further, in this server device, the billing server to be notified by the billing management unit performs the billing process by performing the billing process by including the amount to be billed in the usage fee of the user terminal or the credit card settlement. The settlement method may have a function of processing any one of the settlement methods.

  According to such an aspect, a billing function having a function of processing any one of the settlement method of performing the billing process included in the usage fee of the user terminal or the settlement method of performing the billing process by credit card settlement. Notifying the server increases the flexibility of billing settlement, reduces the possibility of settlement impossible, and does not affect the provision of services. However, the service can be used comfortably without any inconvenience.

  Further, in this server device, the charge management unit may set the priority of a charge server having a function of processing a payment method for performing charge processing by including the amount to be charged in the usage fee of the user terminal as the highest priority.

  According to such an aspect, the accounting settlement process is executed more reliably by setting the priority of the accounting server having the function of processing the settlement method for performing the accounting process to be included in the usage fee of the user terminal as the highest priority. As a result, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in the net service that proceeds in real time.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a management method. In this method, a predetermined real-time service is provided by connecting to a user terminal via a network, and virtual currency used by the user terminal is managed as a price for providing the service. The method also includes a step of managing a balance of virtual currency used for the service in association with user information relating to the user terminal, and increasing a lower limit value of the virtual currency balance and the virtual currency from the user terminal. Accepting the charge amount indicating the increase amount when managing it, managing it as auto charge setting information, and providing the service before providing the service when receiving a service usage request from the user terminal Comparing the service provision amount for the user request and the balance associated with the user information of the user terminal of the use request source, and as a result of the comparison, if the service provision amount and the balance are the same amount or more, the balance If the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is equal to or less than the lower limit as a result of the comparison with the service provision step, In parallel with test, a charge amount to perform charge processing for adding the balance, including the steps of managing the balance after the addition as a balance after charging. Here, in the step of providing the service, if the balance is lower than the service provision amount as a result of the comparison, the service is provided after the charge process is successful.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a system. This system provides a predetermined real-time service by connecting a charging server for charging processing to a user terminal and a network with the user terminal, and is used by the user terminal as a price for providing the service. And a server device for managing virtual currency. Here, the billing server processes either the settlement method in which the amount to be billed is included in the usage fee of the user terminal and the billing process is performed, or the settlement method in which the billing process is performed by credit card settlement. A billing processing unit. The server device manages a balance of virtual currency used for the service in association with a user information management unit that manages user information associated with the user terminal and user information managed by the user information management unit. A virtual currency information management unit, and a charge setting information management unit that receives a lower limit value of the balance of virtual currency from the user terminal and a charge amount indicating an increase amount when increasing the virtual currency, and manages it as auto charge setting information; When a service use request is received from a user terminal, before providing the service, the service provision amount for providing the service and the virtual currency information management unit are managed, and the user terminal of the use request source The comparison unit that compares the balance associated with the user information of the user, and as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the service provision amount and the balance are the same amount If there are more balances, the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance as a result of comparison between the service providing unit providing the service and the comparing unit is less than or equal to the lower limit value managed in the charge setting information managing unit. If there is, in parallel with the provision of the service in the service providing unit, a charge process for adding the charge amount managed in the charge setting information managing unit to the balance is executed, and the balance after the addition is the balance after charging When the charge processing is successful by the charge execution unit managed by the virtual currency information management unit and the charge execution unit, the charge information management unit is connected to a billing server that executes the settlement process for the user terminal. Charge management unit for notifying the charged amount as the amount to be charged to the user terminal for the usage request , Comprising a. Here, if the balance is lower than the service provision amount as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the service providing unit provides the service after the charge processing by the charge execution unit is successful.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a representation of the present invention converted between a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, a user can continue to use a service without inconvenience even in a network service that proceeds in real time.

  Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, an outline of the present invention will be described first. The present invention provides a predetermined real-time network service (hereinafter simply referred to as a “service”) by connecting to a user terminal over a network, and a virtual currency used by the user terminal as a price for using the service. The present invention relates to a server device to be managed. The user can receive the provision of the service by paying the necessary virtual currency through the user terminal. Even if the balance of virtual currency is not enough to receive the service, it will auto-charge for the preset amount without affecting the service usage, so the user will proceed in real time Even in a simple internet service, the service can be used comfortably without inconvenience.

  A net service that proceeds in real time refers to a service in which a user receives a service in an environment where a certain time limit is provided, such as a net game or a net auction. For example, when a goal is set to achieve a predetermined objective within a certain time in a game, the right or advantage that is advantageous by using the game in order to achieve the objective sooner or reliably You may purchase items that can be used in a position. In addition, in an auction, a purchase price may be further increased against another user's purchase price for a product desired to be purchased. In such a situation, if the charge processing, billing processing, and settlement processing are delayed, the game purpose cannot be achieved or the desired product is purchased by other users, etc. There is a risk that it will not be possible.

  In the present invention, the above problems are solved, and when the service provision amount and the balance of the virtual currency are the same amount or more, the service provision is performed without waiting for the charge processing and the billing processing. Only when the service is not available and the service cannot be used, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in the net service that proceeds in real time by performing the charge process before providing the service. It is. Hereinafter, an example will be described.

  First, Example 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network service providing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The network service providing system 100 includes a service providing server 10, a network 30 that connects the service providing server 10, the base station 40, and the billing server 80 with a wired line, and first base stations 40 a to 40, represented by the base station 40. 3 base stations 40 c, first mobile terminal 50 a to third mobile terminal 50 c typified by mobile terminal 50, PC terminal 70, and billing server 80.

  For the sake of illustration, only one charging server 80, three base stations 40, and mobile terminals 50 are shown. However, the charging server 80, base station 40, and mobile terminal 50 are not limited to this. May be present. The same applies to the PC terminal 70. The first mobile terminal 50a to the third mobile terminal 50c are illustrated as being connected to different base stations 50, but not limited to this, a plurality of mobile terminals 50 are connected to one base station 50. Needless to say, the present invention is applicable.

  The service providing server 10 is a device for implementing and providing a net service. The service providing server 10 executes communication processing for service provision between the mobile terminal 50 and the PC terminal 70 via the network 30 and the base station 40. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the network 30 and the base station 40 are simply expressed as “execute communication processing between the service providing server 10 and the mobile terminal 50 or the PC terminal 70”. The description of the points to be interposed is omitted. In the following, the mobile terminal 50 and the PC terminal 70 may be collectively referred to as a user terminal. Moreover, as a mobile terminal, for example, a feature phone or a smartphone is included, and the service providing server 10 can provide a net service regardless of the type of user terminal.

  Here, the service providing server 10 has a user information management function for managing information of registered users registered in the network service providing system 100, a virtual currency information management function for managing virtual currency information for each registered user, and a small balance. The charge setting information management function for managing the auto charge setting information such as the amount to be charged in the case of becoming a charge, the charge function for managing the charge process, the service providing function for providing the service, and the charging process for the user terminal are executed. A billing processing function. Note that these functions may be realized by function sharing by a plurality of service providing servers 10.

  The user information management function manages contact information uploaded from a user terminal and image information such as a photo and a video in association with identification information assigned to each user terminal. Specifically, first, according to a request from the user terminal, after downloading an application for making the service available on the user terminal, the contact information stored in the memory in the user terminal is uploaded. Then, the information is imported into the memory in the service providing server 10 in association with the identification information given to the registered user. After this process, the user can start using the service.

  The virtual currency information management function manages the balance of virtual currency used for the service in association with user information. The virtual currency information management function performs a process of updating the balance of virtual currency when charged by the charge function or when a service is provided by the service providing function.

  The charge setting information management function receives and manages the lower limit value of the virtual currency balance, the charge amount indicating the increase amount when increasing the virtual currency, and the charge upper limit amount within a predetermined period from the user terminal. . The lower limit value of the virtual currency balance is a threshold value for executing the charge process, and a value of 0 or more is set. The charge amount is an amount charged per time. The user can specify an arbitrary amount and can set a charge amount by selecting one from a plurality of predetermined amounts. The charge upper limit is a value that is compared with the accumulated amount of charge in the most recent week and / or month, and when the charge upper limit is exceeded, the charge process is stopped. When stopping, the user may be notified of this, and the upper limit may be raised according to the user's instruction.

  The charge function performs a charge process of adding the charge amount notified from the user terminal to the balance when the balance is below the lower limit. In addition, when the accumulated charge amount within a predetermined period is managed and the upper limit is exceeded when the charge process is performed, the charge process is performed after inquiring the user terminal. After the charge process, the charge server 80 is notified of the charge amount as the charge amount, and the settlement process for the user terminal is executed.

  The service providing function provides a service designated from the user terminal. For example, a predetermined application is downloaded, a predetermined authority on the service is given, an item, an additional game, or the like is used in the game service. In the provision of these services, when the service provision amount and the balance of the virtual currency are the same amount or the balance is larger, the service is provided regardless of the execution status of the charge process or the billing process. That is, even if the service is provided, if the balance does not become negative, there is no problem without waiting for the charging process or the charging process, so the service can be provided independently. As a result, in the service provided in real time, it is not necessary to consider any delay due to the execution of the charging process or the charging process, so that the user can use the service comfortably.

  The billing processing function is a function for notifying the billing server 80 of the billing amount to be billed for the corresponding user terminal and prompting the billing server 80 to perform a settlement process when the service is provided. The billing server 80 executes a settlement process for the reported billing amount according to the settlement method registered for each user terminal, and notifies the user terminal to that effect.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the service providing server 10 in the network service providing system 100 of FIG. The service providing server 10 includes a server communication unit 12, a server memory 14, a user information management unit 16, a charge setting information management unit 18, a virtual currency information management unit 20, a comparison unit 22, and a charge execution unit 24. The service providing unit 26 and the charge management unit 28 are included.

  The server communication unit 12 receives a signal from the user terminal or the billing server 80, performs a predetermined demodulation process, a user information management unit 16, a charge setting information management unit 18, a virtual currency information management unit 20, a comparison unit 22. The demodulated signal is sent to the service providing unit 26 and the charge management unit 28. In addition, a predetermined modulation process is performed on the signals sent from the service providing unit 26 and the charging management unit 28 and transmitted to the user terminal or the charging server 80. The modulation / demodulation processing in the server communication unit 12 may use a known modulation / demodulation technique, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied even in such a mode.

  The server memory 14 is a storage medium accessed from the user information management unit 16, the charge setting information management unit 18, and the virtual currency information management unit 20, and the user information and contact information of the registered user, the charge amount, and the balance of the virtual currency The charge amount, the upper limit amount, the lower limit value, etc. are stored.

  The user information management unit 16 receives contact information and image information uploaded from the user terminal through the server communication unit 12. For example, the user information management unit 16 installs a chat application in the user terminal, and uploads contact information in the user terminal. At that time, the user information management unit 16 first assigns an ID to the user terminal that is the subject of the upload. Therefore, the user information management unit 16 may associate the ID assigned to the user terminal with the contact information and register it in the server memory 14.

  The charge setting information management 18 includes a lower limit value of the balance of the virtual currency uploaded from the user terminal through the server communication unit 12, a charge amount indicating an increase amount when the virtual currency is increased, and an upper limit amount within a predetermined period. Is stored in the server memory 14 and managed in association with the user ID. The lower limit value, the charge amount, and the upper limit amount are changed according to a request from the user terminal. The upper limit amount is also updated by the charge execution unit 24 described later.

  The virtual currency information management 20 stores and manages the balance of virtual currency used for the service in the server memory 14 every time the service is provided in association with the user information stored in the user information management unit 16. . If the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is larger than the lower limit value managed by the charge setting information management unit 18 in the result of comparison by the comparison unit 22 described later, the virtual currency information management 20 The value obtained by subtracting the provided amount is stored in the server memory 14 as a new balance and managed.

  In addition, the virtual currency information management 20 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is a negative value or less than the lower limit value, after the charge processing in the charge execution unit 24 described later is successful. The value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance after charging is managed as a new balance.

  When receiving a service use request from a user terminal, the comparison unit 22 is managed and used by the virtual currency information management unit 20 and the service provision amount for providing the service before providing the service. The balance associated with the user information of the requesting user terminal is compared. Further, the comparison unit 22 notifies the comparison result to the virtual currency information management unit 20, the charge execution unit 24, and the service providing unit 26. The comparison unit 22 may notify the comparison result as the difference between the service provision amount and the balance.

  When the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is equal to or less than the lower limit value managed by the charge setting information management unit 18 as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 22, the charge execution unit 24 performs service in the service provision unit 26 described later. In parallel with the provision of the service or after the service is provided, a charge process for adding the charge amount managed by the charge setting information management unit 18 to the balance is executed.

  If the accumulated charge amount after the charge process is less than the upper limit amount within the predetermined period before the charge process, the charge execution unit 24 executes the charge process and notifies the user device that the charge process has been performed. On the other hand, when the amount is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the user terminal is notified that the charge process cannot be performed. At this time, if there is a response from the user terminal to increase the upper limit and an additional amount, the charging process is executed and the upper limit managed in the server memory 14 is updated.

  Even if the charge execution unit 24 charges, if the balance is equal to or lower than the lower limit value, the charge execution unit 24 may repeat the charging process until the balance becomes larger than the lower limit value. Furthermore, the charge execution unit 24 updates the balance in the server memory 14 with the added balance as the balance after charging, and notifies the virtual currency information management unit 20 to that effect.

  When the charge execution unit 24 is requested to stop the charge process from the user device, the charge execution unit 24 stops the charge process for the user device. In addition, when the stop period is specified together with the stop request, the charge execution unit 24 stops the charge process for the user device only during the stop period. When the charge processing is stopped, if the service provision amount is larger than the balance and the service cannot be provided without charging, the charge processing is executed only when the user is instructed and an instruction to cancel the suspension is issued. May be. When making an inquiry, the additional amount may be inquired to increase the upper limit. Further, the additional amount to be recommended may be notified so that the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance after further charging exceeds the lower limit amount.

  The charge execution unit 24 may manage the accumulated charge amount for a predetermined period. The accumulated charge amount can be initialized to 0 not only when the user terminal accesses for the first time but also by an instruction from the user terminal. The charge execution unit 24 may increase the accumulated charge amount by the charge amount each time the charge process is successful, and store and manage it in the server memory 14.

  Here, when the charge process is successful, the charge execution unit 24 completes the charge process without exceeding the upper limit amount, or obtains an answer from the user terminal to increase the upper limit amount and performs the charge process. This is the case.

  The service providing unit 26 provides a service via the server communication unit 12 when the service providing amount and the balance are the same amount or the balance is larger as a result of the comparison by the comparing unit 22. As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 22, if the balance is lower than the service provision amount, the service is provided after the charge processing by the charge execution unit 24 is successful.

  In such a case, if the service is provided first, the balance may become negative. Therefore, only when the balance becomes negative, the user terminal is inquired before providing the service.

  When the charge execution unit 24 succeeds in the charge process, the charge management unit 28 connects to a charge server that executes the payment process for the user terminal, and requests to use the charge amount managed by the charge information management unit 18. The user terminal is notified as the amount to be charged.

  The billing management unit 28 can be connected to a plurality of billing servers 80 that execute different settlement methods via the server communication unit 12. Here, the billing management unit 28 notifies the billing server 80 selected in accordance with a priority order relating to a predetermined settlement method.

  The billing server 80 processes either a settlement method in which the amount to be billed is included in the usage fee of the user terminal and a billing process is performed, or a settlement method in which a billing process is performed by credit card settlement. You may have the function to do. Here, the charging management unit 28 sets the priority of the charging server 80 having a function of processing a payment method for so-called carrier charging in which the charging processing is performed by including the amount to be charged in the usage fee of the user terminal as the highest priority. The charge amount may be notified as the charge server 80 that preferentially executes the charge process.

  Here, in the billing server 80, when it is the upper limit of the carrier billing and the billing process cannot be performed in the usage fee of the user terminal, the billing management unit 28 is notified of that. When it is notified that carrier billing is not possible, the billing management unit 28 may notify the billing amount to another billing server 80 capable of settlement processing such as credit card settlement other than carrier billing.

  Next, the configuration on the user terminal side will be described. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mobile terminal 50 or the PC terminal 70 of FIG. 1 in the network service providing system 100 of FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, the configuration of the mobile terminal 50 will be described, but the PC terminal 70 has the same configuration.

  The mobile terminal 50 includes a terminal communication unit 52, a terminal control unit 54, a user interface 56, and a terminal memory 58. The terminal communication unit 52 receives a chat application downloaded from the service providing server 10, an inquiry message from the service providing server 10, or a result of billing settlement processing. In addition, the terminal communication unit 52 notifies the service providing server 10 of the charge amount, the upper limit amount, the lower limit amount and the like together with the ID.

  The terminal control unit 54 receives an instruction from the user via the user interface 56 and accesses the terminal memory 58 while controlling the chat application installation, the contact information upload control registered in the terminal memory 58, or , Manage charge amount, upper limit amount, lower limit amount.

  The user interface 56 includes a screen interface for displaying an image related to the service provided by the service providing server 10 and displaying a message to the user and characters input by the user. An input interface for receiving the input and image capturing means such as a camera. In addition, the user interface 56 receives an instruction from the user such as an upload request, a charge amount, an upper limit amount, and a lower limit amount setting request, and transmits them to the terminal control unit 54.

  The message to the user is, for example, an inquiry as to whether or not the contact information stored in the memory 60 may be imported into the service providing server 10, resetting of the upper limit when charging is not possible, billing Processing results. These messages may be superimposed on the service providing screen and displayed at a predetermined position on the screen interface.

  The terminal memory 58 stores the image information received from the image capturing means and other users, and the contact information stored by associating the name and the contact information, or the set charge amount and upper limit amount, Memorize the minimum amount.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the service providing server 10 of FIG. This flowchart may be started when a service use request is received from the user terminal.

  First, when a service usage request is received from a user terminal, before providing the service, a service provision amount for providing the service, and a balance associated with user information of the user terminal of the usage request source Are compared (S10). As a result, when the balance is equal to or greater than the service provision amount (Yes in S10), the service is provided to the user terminal (S12).

  Here, if the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is larger than the lower limit value (Yes in S14), the charging process is executed without performing the charging process (S16). On the other hand, when it is below the lower limit value (No in S14), the charge process is executed (S18). Here, the charging process is executed regardless of whether the charging process is successful or unsuccessful (S16). This is because even if the charging process has failed, it has been found in the determination of S10 that the balance will not be negative after the accounting process, and there is no problem. Note that the determination in S14 and the billing process in S16 are performed in parallel with the provision of the service in S12 or after the provision of the service.

  In S10, when the balance is less than the service provision amount (No in S10), the charge process is executed prior to the service provision (S20). Here, when the charging process is successful (Yes in S22), a service is provided to the user terminal (S24), and a charging process is executed (S16). On the other hand, if the charging process fails (No in S22), the user terminal is notified of this (S26), and the process is terminated without executing the service provision or the charging process. The billing process in S16 is a process that is performed in parallel with the service provision in S24 or after the service provision.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the charge execution unit 24 of FIG. This flowchart shows a subroutine related to the charge processing in S18 and S20 of the flowchart of FIG.

  When the value obtained by adding the charge amount to the accumulated amount managed in the predetermined period is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S30), the charge execution unit 24 executes the charge process (S32). In the execution of the charge process, the server memory 14 manages the value obtained by adding the charge amount to the balance as a new balance, and the value obtained by adding the charge amount to the accumulated amount as a new accumulated amount.

  After the charge process of S32, when the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the new balance is larger than the lower limit value (Yes in S34), the charge execution unit 24 ends the process as a successful charge (S36). On the other hand, when it is below the lower limit (No in S34), the process returns to S30. This loop means that the charging process is repeated until the value exceeds the lower limit value.

  On the other hand, when the value obtained by adding the charge amount to the accumulated amount managed in the predetermined period is equal to or greater than the upper limit value in S30 (Yes in S30), the charge execution unit 24 sends the user terminal via the charge management unit 28. (S36). Here, when an answer indicating that further charging may be performed and an additional amount to be added to the upper limit amount are obtained from the user terminal (Yes in S38), the upper limit amount is reset (S40). , S32 is executed. In the resetting process, the server memory 14 manages the value obtained by adding the additional amount to the upper limit as a new upper limit. If there is a reply that a further charge is not desired (No in S38), the process ends as a charge failure (S42).

  Hereinafter, when the user A receives the service, the service providing server 10 is described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 by taking the following three cases (1) to (3) of using the virtual currency as an example. The overall operation of will be described.

(1) When the service can be provided without charge 1,000 yen provided amount 500 yen lower limit 400 yen charged amount 300 yen → balance after processing 500 yen

  In the case of (1), since the balance (1000 yen) is not less than the provided amount (500 yen) (Yes in S10), the service is provided (S12). Further, since the value obtained by subtracting the provided amount from the balance (500 yen) is larger than the lower limit value (400 yen) (Yes in S14), the accounting process is performed (S16), and the process is terminated. Here, the balance after processing is 500 yen obtained by subtracting the provided amount (500 yen) from the initial balance (1000 yen).

(2) When there is a charge and the service can be provided Balance ¥ 1,000 Provided amount ¥ 500 Lower limit ¥ 600 Charge amount ¥ 300 → Balance after processing ¥ 800

  In the case of (2), since the balance (1000 yen) is equal to or greater than the provided amount (500 yen) (Yes in S10), the service is provided (S12). Further, since the value obtained by subtracting the provided amount from the balance (500 yen) is equal to or lower than the lower limit value (600 yen) (No in S14), the charge process (S18) for increasing the charge amount to the balance is performed. . Since this charging process is performed regardless of the service provision in S12, the service provision is not affected. Therefore, the user A can receive the service comfortably. Thereafter, a billing process is performed (S16), and the process ends. Here, the balance after processing is 800 yen obtained by subtracting the provided amount (500 yen) from the amount obtained by adding the charge amount (300 yen) to the initial balance (1000 yen).

(3) If you need to charge before the service is provided and you need to charge more than once, the balance is 200 yen provided 500 yen lower limit 300 yen charged 200 yen accumulated amount 800 yen upper limit 1000 yen additional amount 200 yen Answer from user A: 1st time OK, 2nd time NG
→ Balance after processing 800 yen

  In the case of (3), since the balance (200 yen) is less than the provided amount (500 yen) (No in S10), the charge process is performed before the service is provided (S20).

  Here, in S30 of FIG. 5, since the amount (1000 yen) obtained by adding the charge amount (200 yen) to the accumulated amount (800 yen) is equal to or more than the upper limit amount (1000 yen) (No in S30), An inquiry is made (S36).

  Here, when the answer from the user A is charge OK (Yes in S38), the upper limit is reset (S40). The reset upper limit amount is 1200 yen by adding the additional amount (200 yen).

  Next, a charge process is performed (S32), and the new balance is 400 yen obtained by adding the charge amount (200 yen) to the old balance (200 yen), and the accumulated amount is the charge amount (200 yen). It will be 1000 yen added. Here, even if the service provision amount (500 yen) is subtracted from the new balance (400 yen), since it is less than the lower limit (300 yen) (No in S34), the process returns to S30.

  In S30, since the amount (1200 yen) obtained by adding the charge amount (200 yen) to the accumulated amount (1000 yen) is equal to or more than the upper limit amount (1200 yen) (No in S30), the user A is inquired again (S36). ). Here, if the user A replies that the further charge is NG (No in S38), the charge fails (S42), and the processing in FIG.

  Here, the processing of S22 in FIG. 4 is performed, and charging has failed (No in S22), so that the service is not provided and the user is notified that the charging has failed (S26). The process of FIG. 4 is also terminated.

  According to the above aspect, when the balance of the virtual currency is not enough for receiving the service, the user proceeds in real time because it is automatically charged for the preset amount without affecting the service usage. Even in such a net service, the service can be used comfortably without inconvenience. That is, even if the service is provided, if the balance does not become negative, there is no problem without waiting for the charging process or the charging process, so the service can be provided independently. As a result, in the service provided in real time, it is not necessary to consider any delay due to the execution of the charging process or the charging process, so that the user can use the service comfortably.

  In addition, if the accumulated charge amount is less than the upper limit amount within a predetermined period, the charge process is executed to notify the user device that the charge process has been performed. By notifying the user terminal, it is possible for the user to limit overuse, and even in a net service that proceeds in real time, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without inconvenience. In the case of a network service that can limit overuse by stopping the charge processing for the user device in the stop period required for the request when the user device requests the stop of the charge processing. However, you can continue to use the service comfortably without inconvenience.

  In addition, by notifying the charging server of the charge amount as the amount to be charged to the user terminal for the usage request, the charging process can be automatically completed without affecting the provision of the service. Even in a network service that progresses in real time, the service can be used comfortably without inconvenience.

  Also, notify a billing server having a function of processing any one of the settlement method for performing the billing process included in the usage fee of the user terminal or the settlement method for performing the billing process by credit card settlement. This makes it possible to increase the flexibility of billing settlement and reduce the possibility of being unable to settle, and does not affect the provision of services. You can continue to use the service comfortably.

  In addition, by making the priority of the accounting server having the function of processing the settlement method for performing the accounting process included in the usage fee of the user terminal as the highest priority, the accounting settlement process can be executed more reliably. Thus, since the service provision is not affected, the user can continue to use the service comfortably without any inconvenience even in the net service that proceeds in real time.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the contents of each embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplifications, and that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

It is a figure which shows the network service provision system chat system concerning Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the service server in the network service provision system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the user terminal in the network service provision system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process example in the service provision server of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process example in the charge execution part of FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Service provision server, 12 Server communication part, 14 Server memory, 16 User information management part, 18 Charge setting information management part, 20 Virtual currency information management part, 22 Comparison part, 24 Charge execution part, 26 Service provision part, 28 Charge Management unit, 30 network, 40 base station, 40a first base station, 40b second base station, 40c third base station, 50 mobile terminal, 50a first mobile terminal, 50b second mobile terminal, 50c third mobile terminal, 52 terminal communication unit, 54 terminal control unit, 56 user interface, 58 terminal memory, 70 PC terminal, 80 billing server, 100 network service providing system

Claims (11)

In a server device that provides a predetermined real-time service by connecting to a user terminal over a network, and manages virtual currency used by the user terminal as a price for providing the service,
A user information management unit for managing user information associated with the user terminal;
A virtual currency information management unit that manages a balance of virtual currency used for the service in association with user information managed by the user information management unit;
A charge setting information management unit that accepts a lower limit value of the balance of virtual currency from the user terminal and a charge amount indicating an increase amount when increasing the virtual currency, and manages it as auto charge setting information;
When a service use request is received from a user terminal, before providing the service, the service provision amount for providing the service and the user terminal of the use request source managed by the virtual currency information management unit A comparison unit for comparing the balance associated with the user information of
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the service provision amount and the balance are the same amount or more, the service provision unit that provides the service; and
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is equal to or lower than the lower limit value managed in the charge setting information management unit, in parallel with the service provision in the service provision unit, A charge execution unit that executes charge processing for adding the charge amount managed in the charge setting information management unit to the balance, and causes the virtual currency information management unit to manage the balance after addition as a balance after charging;
With
The service providing unit is a server device that provides a service after a successful charge process by the charge execution unit when a balance is lower than a service provision amount as a result of comparison by the comparison unit.   If the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is larger than the lower limit value managed by the charge setting information management unit in the result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the virtual currency information management unit The value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance after charging is managed as a new balance when the charge execution unit succeeds in the charge processing. The server device described in 1. The charge execution unit repeats the charge process until the value obtained by subtracting the provided amount from the balance after charging managed by the virtual currency information management unit is equal to or less than a lower limit value until the value exceeds the lower limit value. The server device according to any one of 1 and 2. An accumulated amount management unit for managing the accumulated amount of charge in a predetermined period;
Before the charge process, if the accumulated charge after the charge process is less than the upper limit amount within the predetermined period, the charge process is executed to notify the user device that the charge process has been performed. In some cases, a notification unit that notifies the user terminal that the charge process cannot be performed,
The server device according to claim 1, further comprising:   5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the charge execution unit stops charge processing for the user device during a stop period for the request when the user device requests stop of the charge processing. 6. When the charge execution unit succeeds in the charge process, the charge execution unit is connected to a billing server that executes a settlement process for the user terminal, and the charge amount managed by the charge information management unit is transmitted to the user terminal that requests the use. A billing management unit for notifying as the amount to be charged,
The server device according to claim 1, further comprising: 7. The server apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the billing management unit is connectable to a plurality of billing servers that execute different settlement methods, and notifies the billing server selected according to a predetermined priority order regarding the settlement method. . The billing server to be notified by the billing management unit includes either a settlement method in which the amount to be billed is included in the usage fee of the user terminal and the billing process is performed, or a settlement method in which the billing process is performed by credit card settlement. The server device according to claim 7, which has a function of processing any settlement method. 9. The server apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the charging management unit sets the highest priority of a charging server having a function of processing a settlement method for performing charging processing by including an amount to be charged in a usage fee of a user terminal. . In a management method for providing a predetermined real-time service by connecting to a user terminal through a network, and managing virtual currency used by the user terminal as consideration for the provision of the service,
Managing the balance of virtual currency used for the service in association with user information on the user terminal;
Receiving a lower limit value of the balance of virtual currency from the user terminal and a charge amount indicating an increase amount when increasing the virtual currency, and managing as auto charge setting information;
When a service usage request is received from a user terminal, before providing the service, the service provision amount for providing the service and the balance associated with the user information of the user terminal of the usage request source A step of comparing;
As a result of the comparison, when the service provision amount and the balance are the same or more, the step of providing the service;
If, as a result of the comparison, the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is equal to or less than the lower limit value, a charge process for adding the charge amount to the balance is executed in parallel with the provision of the service, and the balance after the addition Managing as a post-charge balance,
Including
The service providing step is a management method of providing a service after a successful charge process when the balance is lower than the service provision amount as a result of comparison. A billing server that executes billing processing for a user terminal, and provides a predetermined real-time service by connecting the user terminal to a network, and manages virtual currency used by the user terminal as a price for providing the service A server device that includes:
The billing server
A billing processing unit for processing any one of the settlement method for performing the billing process by including the amount to be billed in the usage fee of the user terminal, or the settlement method for performing the billing process by credit card settlement,
The server device
A user information management unit for managing user information associated with the user terminal;
A virtual currency information management unit that manages a balance of virtual currency used for the service in association with user information managed by the user information management unit;
A charge setting information management unit that accepts a lower limit value of the balance of virtual currency from the user terminal and a charge amount indicating an increase amount when increasing the virtual currency, and manages it as auto charge setting information;
When a service use request is received from a user terminal, before providing the service, the service provision amount for providing the service and the user terminal of the use request source managed by the virtual currency information management unit A comparison unit for comparing the balance associated with the user information of
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the service provision amount and the balance are the same amount or more, the service provision unit that provides the service; and
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the value obtained by subtracting the service provision amount from the balance is equal to or lower than the lower limit value managed in the charge setting information management unit, in parallel with the service provision in the service provision unit, A charge execution unit that executes charge processing for adding the charge amount managed in the charge setting information management unit to the balance, and causes the virtual currency information management unit to manage the balance after addition as a balance after charging;
When the charge execution unit succeeds in the charge process, the charge execution unit is connected to a billing server that executes a settlement process for the user terminal, and the charge amount managed by the charge information management unit is transmitted to the user terminal that requests the use. A billing management unit for notifying as the amount to be charged,
With
The service providing unit provides a service after a successful charge process by the charge execution unit when a balance is lower than a service provision amount as a result of comparison by the comparison unit.

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