JP3517412B1 - Payment processing apparatus and payment processing system, payment processing method, and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a payment processing method for performing payment of a product purchase price using electronic money stored in a payment information storage device without using cash or a credit card, the payment information owned by a user who purchases a product. Even if the balance of the electronic money stored in the storage device is insufficient and the payment for the product cannot be settled, the product can be purchased without charging new electronic money to the payment information storage device or using the credit card function. To be able to settle the purchase price. SOLUTION: When the balance of electronic money stored in the payment information storage device 1 (electronic money information storage unit 12) is insufficient and the precise calculation of the product purchase price cannot be performed, the point lending unit 23 is used for payment of the product purchase price. Lend possible points. The settlement processing unit 21 accounts for the shortage using the loaned service points lent. On the other hand, the point giving unit 22 issues points that can be used for the settlement of the purchase price of the product along with the purchase of the product. Then, when there is the loan service point information, the settlement processing unit 21 allocates the acquired service point issued along with the purchase of the product to the repayment of the loan service point and makes a settlement.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention 【Technical field】

[0001] The present invention is a settlement process in which payment of a product purchase price is made using electronic money or a credit card function stored in a payment information storage device without using cash at the time of payment of a product purchase price. Even if the electronic money balance stored in the payment information storage device owned by the user who purchases the product is insufficient and the payment for the product cannot be settled, not only cash but also the electronic money or credit card function is used. The present invention relates to a payment processing apparatus, a payment processing method, and a program thereof that can settle a purchase price of a product without causing any trouble.

[Background technology]

In recent years, various payment systems using electronic money have been proposed as a new payment method that does not use cash at the time of payment for the purchase of goods. This electronic money is a digital value of monetary value, for example, a card incorporating an IC chip (hereinafter referred to as “IC card”).
Say. ) Is stored in the storage unit and can be used in the same manner as cash payment by rewriting and updating freely according to the transaction of goods. That is, a payment system using electronic money reads electronic money information from an IC card, subtracts a monetary value equivalent to the product purchase price, and writes it in the storage unit of the card when the payment for the product purchase is settled. By rewriting the electronic money information to the electronic money information after subtraction and updating the electronic money information, the payment for the product purchase is settled.

However, in the settlement system using electronic money with this IC card, when the balance of the electronic money is insufficient at the time of settlement of the purchase price of the product, the writing (charge) of the electronic money to the IC card is limited. Since it can be done only with the terminal that was set up, it is not possible to respond immediately. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the payment of the product purchase price, charge the electronic money with a dedicated terminal, and then settle the product purchase price again, which may impair the convenience of the user. There is. Therefore, there have been proposed some technologies that can cope with such a shortage of the balance of electronic money without charging the electronic money at the time of settlement of the purchase price of the product.

For example, the first system is an IC card that stores electronic money information and has an ID number, and the I card.
An electronic wallet terminal device having an IC card reading and writing means for reading and writing information on a C card, an input means for inputting numerical values, and a line control means for transmitting and receiving data via a public telephone line, and the IC Personal information storage means for storing the ID number of the card and the amount information, collation means for collating the ID number and the amount information stored in the personal information storage means, and a data bank means for storing data information such as movies. , And an information center having line control means for transmitting and receiving data via the public telephone network. When reading the data information of the data bank means,
When the electronic money information of the IC card is less than the charge of the data information, the collating means collates the ID number read from the IC card, and when the user selects the loan by the input means. Only, the entire or part of the charge of the data information is stored in the personal information storage means as money amount information so that the lending process is performed (see Patent Document 1).

Further, the second system is a judgment unit for judging the amount of electronic money balance received from the IC card and the sales amount of the product, and a predetermined credit when the electronic money balance is smaller than the sales amount. After processing, it has a settlement means for performing settlement processing by adding a certain amount of money to the balance, has a POS terminal for making settlement by electronic money, and has another settlement function in addition to the electronic money card function. A storage device that stores and can read / write card information including a card, and electronic money that is deposited after predetermined credit processing from the POS terminal when the electronic money balance at the time of product purchase is less than the sales amount of the desired product for purchase. And an IC card having a control unit for updating the electronic money balance. Then, the size of the electronic money balance received from the IC card and the sales amount of the product is determined,
When the electronic money balance is smaller than the sales amount,
After predetermined credit processing, a fixed amount of money is added to the balance to perform settlement processing (see Patent Document 2).

On the other hand, at present, when a product is purchased at a predetermined store using a predetermined card, a percentage discount, or instead of the discount, the discount equivalent amount is returned at points effective only at the store. It is widely common to give some kind of incentive to the purchase of.

[0007]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-44576

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-366862

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] However, the above-mentioned first system is a conventional postpaid system in which the amount of money lent is reduced when the IC card after electronic money is charged is used. Therefore, the user has to charge and deposit the borrowed amount later,
The processing is complicated, and the debt cannot be collected unless the user deposits it. Therefore, a system such as managing the debt of the user on the system side or performing the cancellation of the debt is required during the system. However, there was a problem that the processing increased.

The second system uses an electronic money card having a credit card function instead of lending the shortfall amount at the time of settlement, and when the shortage of the electronic money balance occurs, automatic deposit is made. Assuming consent, the credit card function is used to fill the shortfall (postpayment), so there is a problem that the system is redundant because it uses two payment functions, electronic money and credit. It was Therefore, since the terminal for performing this processing has two functions, it becomes expensive, and there is a problem that transactions with the center increase and the processing is not efficient.

Further, the point reduction, which is widely and generally performed, cannot be effectively utilized as desired by the user unless points are accumulated to some extent, and as a result,
In many cases, the points that have been given are not used and left as they are and are wasted.

The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to charge electronic money even when a shortage of electronic money balance occurs at the time of settlement of a commodity purchase price using electronic money. It is to provide a mechanism that can be handled by a simple process without performing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism by which points as incentives obtained by purchasing products can be effectively used.

[Means for Solving the Problems]

In order to cope with the shortage of the electronic money balance, the present invention is not limited to simply lending the shortage amount at the time of settlement so as to save the troublesome work of charging the electronic money. Paying attention to the fact that the point redemption that is performed on many users does not function effectively, and using this point, lending without making users feel uncomfortable without using cash or credit card functions. It is possible to repay the amount paid. In other words, the present invention can be said to be a renting system of procured points, which is given with the purchase of a product, on the assumption that the product will be purchased in the future.

That is, to achieve the above object, the first payment processing device of the present invention stores the payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information as described in claim 1. A payment information storage device capable of exchanging information via communication with the payment information storage device, and means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, and storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information. And a loan point storage means for storing the number of loan service points previously given before settlement and the use history information of the loan service points, and settlement of the purchase price of the product by the loan service points within the above given range And a payment processing means for carrying out the payment, and the number of loan service points used for the payment are stored in the loan point storage means as usage history information. Lending point processing means for

[0014] Here, the credit information is a credit (card) number necessary for determining settlement of the purchase price of a product,
The expiration date.

Further, the payment information storage device owned by the user who purchases the merchandise is "contact type" in which the information stored in the storage unit is exchanged with an external device, or an external device is contacted. It does not matter whether it is a "non-contact type" that is performed by holding it up. In addition, the lending points are points that can be used for payment of the purchase price of the product, which are lent out at the request of the user or automatically when the payment of the purchase price of the product is settled. In addition, the service points are points that can be used for payment of the purchase price of the product, which are given by the store device when the product is purchased.

A second settlement processing apparatus of the present invention is, in addition to the apparatus of the above-mentioned invention, as described in claim 2, in accordance with purchase price information stored in the storage means The loan point processing means further includes an acquired point management means for issuing acquired service points that can be used for settlement at a predetermined ratio, and the loan point processing means, when the acquired service points are issued by purchasing a product, the loan point storage means. Refer to the above to obtain the above service points,
It is characterized in that the loan service points stored as the usage history information are used for repayment.

Further, as described in claim 3, the third payment processing device of the present invention communicates with a payment information storage device which stores at least one of payment means information of electronic money information and credit card information. A device configured to be capable of exchanging information via a device, a means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, a storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information, and a device which is given in advance before payment. The number of loan service points, and means for acquiring and storing the loan service points and the usage history information of the loan service points from the settlement information storage device that stores the usage history information of the loan service points; Settlement processing means that settles the purchase price of the product using the loan service points within the specified range, and the loan server used for the above settlement. Loan point processing means for storing the number of screw points as use history information in the payment information storage device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as described in claim 4, in addition to the devices of the above respective inventions, the settlement information storage device is an IC card. . Here, the IC card refers to a card in which an IC chip is incorporated, and is used to transfer information stored in a storage unit in the IC chip with or without contact with the device.

The above-mentioned object can be achieved by, for example, the payment processing system described below. That is, as described in claim 5, the payment processing system of the present invention is a payment information storage device having a means for storing payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information, and a user purchase. A store device having means for acquiring product purchase price information and configured to exchange information with the payment information storage device, and store product purchase price information acquired by the store device Storage means, a loan point storage means for storing the number of loan service points previously given before settlement, and usage history information of the loan service points, and purchase of a product by the loan service points within the previously given range Settlement processing means for settling the amount of money, and the number of loan service points used for the above-mentioned settlement as use history information. And a loan point processing means stored in the storage means, and an information management center device configured to exchange information with the store device via communication.

The second settlement processing system of the present invention is, in addition to the system of the above-mentioned invention, as described in claim 6, the information management center apparatus is such that the purchase amount information stored in the storage means. According to the above, it further has an earning point management means for issuing a certain percentage of earned service points that can be used for settlement of purchase of the goods, and the loan point processing means has issued the earned service points by purchasing the goods. In this case, with reference to the loan point storage means, the acquired service points are used for repayment of the loan service point usage stored as the usage history information.

The payment processing devices described above can achieve the payment processing method described below, for example. That is, according to the settlement processing method of the present invention, as described in claim 7, exchange of information is performed via communication with a settlement information storage device that stores settlement means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A payment processing method using a device configured as possible, wherein the device acquires purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, the device stores the acquired purchase price information, and payment. The step of paying the purchase price of the product stored in the device by the loan service points within the range of the loan service points previously given and stored in the device, and the number of the loan service points used for the payment The device stores the usage history information of the lending service point.

The second settlement processing method of the present invention is, in addition to the method of the above-mentioned invention, as described in claim 8, settlement of merchandise purchase according to purchase amount information stored in the apparatus. A step in which the device issues the acquired service points that can be used for a predetermined ratio, and when the service points are issued by the product purchase, the device stores the number of loan service points used for settlement. Referring to history information, and allocating the acquired service points to repayment of the loan service point usage stored as the usage history information.

The third settlement processing method of the present invention, as described in claim 9, communicates with a settlement information storage device storing at least one of settlement means information of electronic money information and credit card information. A payment processing method using a device configured to exchange information via
The apparatus acquires the purchase price information of the product purchased by the user, the step of storing the acquired purchase price information in the apparatus, the number of loan service points previously given before the settlement, and the loan service points Of the loan service point and the usage history information of the loan service point from the payment information storage device that stores the usage history information of the device, and the step of storing the usage history information of the loan service point, and the loan service point within the previously given range. According to the above, the step of making payment of the purchase price of the product stored in the device, and the step of storing the number of loan service points used for the payment in the payment information storage device as use history information of the loan service points by the device. And are included.

Further, the above-mentioned first device is provided with, for example, the payment processing program described below. That is,
As described in claim 10, the first payment processing program of the present invention exchanges information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A computer for causing a device configured to enable payment of the purchase price of the product to be executed, means for acquiring purchase price information of the product purchased by the user, means for storing the acquired purchase price information, A means for paying the purchase price of the stored product by using loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points that are given and stored in advance before payment.
A means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement as usage history information of the loan service points,
It is characterized by making it function as.

Further, the above-mentioned second device is provided with, for example, the payment processing program described below. That is,
A second payment processing program of the present invention, as set forth in claim 11, exchanges information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A computer for causing a device configured to enable payment of the purchase price of the product to be executed, means for acquiring purchase price information of the product purchased by the user, means for storing the acquired purchase price information, A means for paying the purchase price of the stored product by using loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points that are given and stored in advance before payment.
A means for storing the number of loan service points used for the settlement as usage history information of the loan service points,
According to the stored purchase price information, a means for issuing a certain percentage of earned service points that can be used for payment for product purchase, if service points are issued by product purchase, they are used for the above payment. The use history information storing the number of loan service points is referred to, and the acquired service points are caused to function as means for repayment of the use of the loan service points stored as the use history information. .

Further, the above-mentioned third device is equipped with, for example, the payment processing program described below. That is,
A third settlement processing program of the present invention, as set forth in claim 12, exchanges information via a communication with a settlement information storage device that stores settlement means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A computer for causing a device configured to enable payment of the purchase price of the product to be executed, means for acquiring purchase price information of the product purchased by the user, means for storing the acquired purchase price information, The loan service point and the usage history information of the loan service point are acquired and stored from the payment information storage device that stores the number of loan service points previously given before the payment and the usage history information of the loan service point. Means, determining the purchase price of the product to be stored by the loan service points within the previously given range. Means for performing, the loan service points that were used in the settlement, characterized in that to function as a unit, to be stored in the payment information storage device as the use history information.

【The invention's effect】

According to the present invention, when the electronic money balance stored in the IC card which is the payment information storage device is insufficient,
As points that can be used to settle the purchase price of the product will be lent as the shortfall price, it will be necessary to temporarily stop the payment of the purchase price of the product and charge electronic money with a dedicated terminal, cash or You can respond immediately without using the credit card function.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the electronic money balance is insufficient, and it is possible to effectively use the points as incentives obtained by purchasing the products, and it is not necessary to wait until the points are accumulated to some extent.
Even a few points can be effectively used to repay loan points.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of a system for carrying out the settlement processing method according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the payment processing method according to the present invention is
An IC card 1 as a payment information storage device owned by a user who purchases a product, a store device 2 installed on the side of a store where the user purchases a product and exchanging information with the IC card 1, and an IC card The information management center device (server) 3 is installed on the side of a center that manages information exchanged with the information management device 1 and is connected to the store device 2 via the communication network 10. Further, in the present embodiment, as the IC card 1, a non-contact type IC card that stores electronic money information is used. The communication network 10 includes a wired telephone line including an internet connection, a wireless telephone line, and a CATV (cable telephone).
(vision) line and other communication line networks.

The IC card 1 includes a card ID information storage unit 1
1, an electronic money information storage unit 12, an acquired point information storage unit 13, a lending point information storage unit 14, and a lendable remaining point information storage unit 15. Although not shown, the IC card 1 described above also includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

The card ID information storage unit 11 stores card ID information which is unique identification information uniquely given to each card in which an IC chip is incorporated. The IC card 1 has tamper resistance, and the card I
The card ID information stored in the D information storage unit 11 is the IC
It cannot be rewritten to identify the card and the user who owns this IC card. Further, as the card ID information, the unique identification information previously given to the IC chip to be incorporated may be used as it is, or the identification information which is easy to manage independently may be newly given.

The electronic money information storage unit 12 stores electronic money information obtained by converting monetary value into digital data. This electronic money, like cash, can be used to settle the purchase price of a product. That is, for example, if the monetary value of 1 yen is managed by digital data as 1 electronic money, a product having a monetary value of 1 yen can be purchased with 1 electronic money. Therefore, 1,000 electronic money is 1,0
Products worth ¥ 00, 1 for 10,000 electronic money
You can purchase merchandise equivalent to 10,000 yen. Since the value of digital data can be arbitrarily set, for example, 10 electronic money may be set as a monetary value of 1 yen, or 1 electronic money may be set as a monetary value of 10 yen. .

The earned point information storage unit 13 stores the service point information given by the store apparatus when the product is purchased. Here, the service point is a point given according to the purchase price of the product, and can be used for settlement of the purchase price of the product, like electronic money.

The lending point information storage unit 14 is requested by the IC card user or automatically when the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient in the electronic money settlement of the purchase price of the product. The point information lent to the user is stored.
These lending points can be loaned at the time of settlement of the purchase price of a product, without using electronic money charging, which is performed by temporarily stopping the transaction, or cash or a credit card function. This lending point can also be used to settle the purchase price of a product, like electronic money.

The lendable remaining point information storage unit 15 stores I
The loan point value information secured for lending to the user is stored when the balance of the electronic money stored in the C card is insufficient or when the user requests. This loanable point value information is
It is calculated based on the credit line secured (set) in advance.
Therefore, for example, the credit line available for lending is 5,000
In the case of 0 points, if the lending point information is 0, the available lending remaining point information is 5,000 points, and if the lending point information is 1,000, the available lending remaining point information is 4,000 points.

The above-mentioned card ID information, electronic money information, earned service point information, lending point information and lendable remaining point information may be stored separately in respective areas, or in the order of information to be stored in advance. The number of digits of information may be determined and stored in series. The electronic money information, the acquired service point information, and the loan point information are set in advance with a common monetary value conversion rate, for example, 1 yen = 1 electronic money = 1 acquired service point = 1 loan point. And

The store device 2 also includes a reader / writer 6 as a card storage information transfer unit and a commodity price information reception unit 7.
The information control unit 20, the settlement processing unit 21, the point granting unit 22, the point lending unit 23, the display unit 24, the transfer information storage unit 25, and the card information communication unit 26 are provided. Although not shown, the store apparatus 2 described above has a ROM (Read Only) for recording a control program and predetermined data.
Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and other internal memory, and if necessary, an external storage device such as a hard disk drive, and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes the computer programs stored in these to store these. Functional blocks can be realized. The control program may be stored in the ROM or the like in advance, or may be first downloaded from the center device (server) 3 and used.
The store device 2 has a reader / writer 6 and a POS (Point-o).
f-Sale) terminal.

The reader / writer 6 constitutes a card information transfer unit according to the present invention, and performs a process of reading / writing information stored in the IC card. That is,
In the case of the non-contact type IC card used in this embodiment, a so-called non-contact type IC card reader / writer can be used, which exchanges information only by holding it up close without contacting it.

The product price information accepting section 7 performs a process of accepting product information such as a product name and a product number which includes at least settlement information which is the purchase price (price) of the product to be purchased.

The information control unit 20 controls the operation of the store apparatus 2 executed by receiving card information and payment (commodity price) information. Therefore, each processing operation such as comparison of payment information and electronic money information, lending of points, and repayment of points, which will be described later, is performed based on the instruction from the information control unit 20.

The settlement processing unit 21 reduces the electronic money based on the comparison between the settlement information and the electronic money information to perform settlement, and repay the points acquired along with the purchase of the product based on the loan point information. It is a process for filling and settlement.

The point giving unit 22 performs a process for issuing a predetermined point to the user as the product is purchased. For example, in the case of a system that returns 5% points, the purchase of a product for 1,000 yen gives 50 points, and the purchase of a product for 5,000 yen gives 250 points. Further, this point is a point given according to the purchase price of the product, and can be used for settlement of the purchase price of the product, like electronic money.

The point lending unit 23 manages service points that are secured to the settlement information storage device and can be used for settlement of product purchases, and store electronic money. When purchasing an item with an IC card, if the balance of electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient, or if there is a request from the user,
The processing is to issue the same points as when purchasing a product to the user as loan service points. In this issuing process, for example, when the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card is 3,000 yen in order to purchase a product of 5,000 yen, the point lending unit 23 reduces the shortage of 2,000 yen. This is done by issuing the corresponding loan service points (2,000 points). At this time, the points can be lent out immediately in response to a user request for insufficient balance or in response to insufficient balance. The point granting unit 22 and the point lending unit 23 may be unified as a point issuing unit because only the point issuing conditions are different.

The display unit 24 displays the payment information (price) of the product to be purchased received by the product price information receiving unit 7 on the IC card when the product is purchased with the IC card storing electronic money. When the stored balance of electronic money is insufficient, a process of displaying message information notifying the user that the balance of electronic money is insufficient and the amount of the insufficient amount is performed. Therefore, pay by electronic money by looking at the payment information (that is, the purchase price (price) of the product) displayed on the display unit 24 and a message such as "The balance is insufficient. Do you want to borrow points?" It is possible to determine whether or not to settle by another means, or request the loan of points.

Then, when there is a lending service point, the display unit 24 displays, for example, "Lending service point, when making a payment with an IC card storing electronic money.
It is 2,000P left. Message information such as "is displayed. When there is no service point for lending, the display section 24 shows, for example, "3,500 yen remaining" or "acquired service point is 1,000P" at the time of settlement with an IC card in which electronic money is stored. Message information such as "is displayed. The electronic money balance, the service point value for loan, and the service point value for lending can be easily determined without showing them.For example, the values displayed in green are the electronic money balance and yellow. The displayed numerical values may be distinguished by color, such as the acquired service point value and the red displayed numerical value may be the lending service point value.

The transfer information storage unit 25 is a memory for temporarily storing the card information received by the reader / writer 6 described above. That is, the card information before payment is stored until the payment of the product purchase price is completed, and the settlement processing unit 2
1 and the point granting unit 22 and the point lending unit 23 can be used for processing.

The card information communication unit 26 carries out a process of transmitting the updated card information, which has been changed in accordance with the payment for the purchase of the product, to the information management center device 3. The transmission to the information management center device 3 is performed via the communication network 10 described above.

As described above, the store apparatus 2 includes the reader / writer 6
And an IC card user machine including other parts. Therefore, the card information read by the reader / writer 6 is subjected to predetermined processing based on an instruction from the information control unit 20 with the purchase of a product, updated, and again written into the IC card 1 via the reader / writer 6, and It is sent to the information management center device 3.

Further, the information management center device (server) 3
Is an information control unit 30, a card information reception unit 31, a communication information storage unit 32, an electronic money information storage unit 33, an earned point information storage unit 34, and a loan point information storage unit 3.
5, a lendable remaining point information storage unit 36, a lending point management unit 37, a member personal information storage unit 38, and a card information management unit 39.

The information control unit 30 controls the operation of the information management center device 3 executed by receiving the latest card information. Therefore, each processing operation such as storage management of the card information received from the store apparatus 2 and management of the repayment status when there is a lending service point is based on the instruction from the information control unit 30.

The card information accepting section 31 accepts updated card information from the card information communicating section 26 of the store apparatus 2 via the communication network 10. Then, the information management center device 3 stores the latest card information received by the card information receiving unit 31 so that the IC card 1 can be restored when it is lost, and counterfeited or altered. to manage.

The communication information storage unit 32 is a memory for temporarily storing the latest card information received by the card information reception unit 31. That is, the received card information is stored until the information updating work in each storage unit is completed, and the electronic money information storage unit 33 and the earned point information storage unit 3 are stored.
4, the lending point information storage unit 35 and the lendable remaining point information storage unit 36 can be used for processing.
Then, the communication information storage unit 32 can store a plurality of card information.

The electronic money information storage unit 33, like the electronic money information storage unit 12 in the IC card 1, stores electronic money information in which the monetary value is converted into digital data. In addition, the acquired point information storage unit 34 is an IC
Similar to the acquired point information storage unit 13 of the card 2, the point information given by the store device when a product is purchased is stored. Further, the lending point information storage unit 35, like the lending point information storage unit 14 in the IC card 1, lacks the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card in the settlement of electronic money for the purchase price of the product. In this case, the point information to be lent to the user at the request of the IC card user or immediately is stored. Further, the lendable remaining point information storage unit 36 is lent to the user when the balance of the electronic money stored in the IC card is insufficient, like the lendable remaining point information storage unit 15 in the IC card 1. The loan service point value information is stored. In addition, electronic money information, acquired service point information, loan service point information,
All the lendable remaining point information is stored in each storage unit in association with the card ID number.

The lending point management unit 37 manages the repayment status of lending service points. The management of the repayment status of the loan service points means that the loan point management unit 37 has a predetermined period (for example, a predetermined period from the date of issuing the loan service points).
A process of determining whether or not (6 months) has elapsed is performed. Then, the lending point management unit 37 adds a predetermined premium point (corresponding to so-called interest rate or fee) to the original lending service point if the lending service point is not repaid after the lapse of this period. It is possible to perform processing for requesting payment to a credit card center (not shown) for the amount of money corresponding to lending service points. It should be noted that the calculation of the extra points can be performed based on the loan point management unit 37 having a predetermined extra amount calculation algorithm (for example, 5% of the annual loan service points) stored in advance. You may

The member personal information storage unit 38 communicates the name, address, telephone number (including PHS and mobile phone), facsimile number, e-mail address, etc. of the user who uses the settlement processing method as a member. Information such as destination, age, gender, annual income, work place, years of service, family composition such as spouse presence, credit card number, etc. is stored. Note that what item of information is stored as personal information is arbitrary.

The card information management unit 39 stores each information stored in the electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the lending point information storage unit 35, and the lendable remaining point information storage unit 36 as described above. This is a process of managing a database by associating it with each user. The card information associated with each other can be in the form of the card information association database 70 shown in FIG. 3, for example. This card information association database 70 contains each card (that is, card member).
A card ID column 71 for managing an ID number assigned to identify an electronic money balance, an electronic money balance column 72 for managing electronic money balance information, an earning point column 73 for managing earned service point information, and a lending service point. A lending points column 74 for managing information, a lending remaining points 75 for managing lending remaining point information, and a lending available frame column 76 for managing lending available point information are provided respectively. As a result, it becomes possible to grasp the card information as a whole without error by using the card ID number managed in the card information association database 70 as a clue.

Next, an example of the method executed by the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In FIG. 2, when a user goes to a store and purchases a product using the IC card 1 that stores electronic money, the store apparatus 2 lends the shortage amount because the electronic money balance stored in the IC card 1 is insufficient. IC card 1 with updated card memory information
2 shows a flow of processing in the case of management by both the information management center device 3 and

First, the user sets the IC card 1 in a predetermined IC card using machine for electronic money charge, and further inserts cash or a credit card or the like into the information management center device 3 for electronic money charge (writing). Request (see FIG. 2 (1)). In response to this request, the information management center device 3 makes an inquiry request to the credit card center, the center of the financial institution that manages the user's account, and the like, confirms that the requested amount of money can be settled, and then the requested amount of money. The electronic money information corresponding to is written and added to the IC card 1 (see FIG. 2 (2)). If the user does not already own the IC card 1, the user inserts a cash or credit card into a predetermined electronic money storage IC card issuing machine, and electronic money information corresponding to the requested amount of money is stored. IC card 1
To be issued.

The user holds the IC card 1 over the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2 when making a purchase of a product to be purchased when shopping at a store which adopts the settlement processing method of the present invention (FIG. 2 (3)). reference). The store apparatus 2 reads the electronic money information stored in the IC card 1, and if the electronic money information is sufficient for the payment amount of the purchased product, the store device 2 reduces the electronic money information for the price of the purchased product, Settle the payment (see FIG. 2 (4)). In addition, the store device 2
After the completion of the electronic money payment, a predetermined ratio of point information according to the purchase price of the product is issued to the IC card 1 as the acquired service point information (FIG. 2).
(See (5)).

After that, the store device 2 holds the electronic money balance information after the electronic money settlement and the issued service point information issued to the reader / writer 6 of the store device 2 over the IC.
By writing on the card 1, each card information received from the store device 2 is rewritten (see FIG. 2 (6)). In addition, the store apparatus 2 reports the electronic money balance information and the acquired service point balance information, which are changed due to the fact that the payment for the product purchase is made only by the electronic money, to the information management center apparatus 3 as a payment report together with the card ID information. It is transmitted (see FIG. 2 (7)). The information management center device 3
The payment report to the IC is not limited to the electronic money balance information and the acquired service point balance information that have changed due to the payment.
Card storage information such as lending service point information and lendable remaining point information that have been read from the card 1 but are not changed may be additionally provided.

Then, the information management center apparatus 3 receives the settlement report from the store apparatus 2 and updates the card information changed by the settlement, that is, the electronic money balance information and the acquired service point balance information (FIG. 2 (8)). reference). This completes a series of IC card payments using electronic money.

Next, the user uses the IC card 1 for which the electronic money settlement has been performed and the electronic money information has been reduced, to shop again at a store that employs the settlement processing method of the present invention. At the time of payment for the purchased product,
The IC card 1 is held over the reader / writer 6 of the store device 2 (see FIG. 2 (9)). The store device 2 receives the electronic money balance information stored in the IC card 1 and determines whether or not the payment amount of the product to be purchased is sufficient. If the electronic money balance information is insufficient, the insufficient amount of the electronic money balance information is set. It is calculated (see FIG. 2 (10)).

At this time, the store apparatus 2 receives a request for settlement using points, and based on this request,
When the acquired service points as service point information stored in the IC card 1 are received, it is determined whether or not the payment amount of the product to be purchased is sufficient. It may be calculated (see FIG. 2 (10)).

Subsequently, the store apparatus 2 confirms whether or not the lending service points corresponding to the shortage amount can be issued based on the lendable remaining point information read from the IC card 1 (see (11) in FIG. 2). Specifically, it is performed by determining whether or not the number of points obtained by adding the lending service points issued this time to the lending remaining points reaches the lending limit amount. When the store apparatus 2 determines that it is possible to lend the points, it issues a lending service point and lends it to the user (see FIG. 2 (12)). At this time, the lending service point is not actually written to the IC card 1 in response to the issuance, but is temporarily stored in the memory in the store apparatus 2 until a series of payment processing is completed, and the payment processing is completed. IC card 1 at the time
You may write in.

Next, in the store device 2, electronic money (or earned service points) remaining in the IC card 1
And the newly loaned loan service point together, first reduce the electronic money balance information (or acquired service point balance information) for the price of the purchased product, and issue the loan service point information for the shortfall By doing so, payment is made (see FIG. 2 (13)). Further, after the settlement with the loan service points is completed, the store device 2 issues point information at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase price of the product this time as the acquisition service points (see FIG. 2 (14)). Then, the store device 2 repays the above-mentioned loan service points by using the acquired service points that have been given so far along with the purchase of the product (see FIG. 2 (1
5)).

After that, the store apparatus 2 stores the electronic money balance information after settlement, the lending service point balance information and the acquired service point balance information, and the lendable remaining point information changed by the point lending in the store apparatus 2. By writing to the IC card 1 via the reader / writer 6,
Each card information received from the store apparatus 2 is rewritten (see FIG. 2 (16)). Further, the store apparatus 2 stores the electronic money balance information and the lending service point balance information, which are changed due to the fact that the payment for the product purchase is made with the electronic money (or the earned service points), the lending service points and the earned service points. The acquired service point balance information and the lendable remaining point information are transmitted together with the card ID information to the information management center device 3 as a point loan / settlement report and a point repayment report (FIG. 2).
(See (17)).

Then, the information management center apparatus 3 receives the point loan / settlement report and the point repayment report from the store apparatus 2, and stores the card information changed by the settlement, that is, the electronic money balance information and the loan service point balance information. The acquired service point balance information and the lendable remaining point information are updated (see FIG. 2 (18)). As a result, a series of IC card payments using electronic money (or earned service points) and loan service points are completed.

In this state, the user sets the IC card 1 in a predetermined electronic money charging IC card user machine,
Furthermore, cash or a credit card is inserted and electronic money charge (writing) is requested to the information management center device 3 (see FIG. 2 (19)). In response to this request, the information management center apparatus 3 confirms that the requested amount of money has been settled, and then writes electronic money information corresponding to the requested amount of money by writing it in the IC card 1 (FIG. 2 ( 20)). At this time, in this example, the lending amount corresponding to the lending service points is not reduced from the electronic money information charged in the IC card 1. Therefore, the user can use the electronic money of the amount charged in the IC card 1 without having to worry about the loan amount of the lending service points.

Then, when the user uses the above-mentioned charged IC card 1 for shopping again at a store that employs the payment processing method of the present invention, when the user also pays for the product to be purchased, this IC card is used. 1 over the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2 (see FIG. 2 (21)). Store equipment 2
Reads the electronic money information stored in the IC card 1, and if the electronic money information is sufficient for the payment amount of the product to be purchased, the electronic money information for the price of the product to be purchased is reduced and the electronic money payment is performed. (See FIG. 2 (22)). In addition, after the electronic money payment is completed, the store device 2 issues point information at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase price of the product to give to the IC card 1 as the acquired service point information (see FIG. 2 (23)). ). Then, the store apparatus 2 repays the above-mentioned loan service point balance using the acquired service points that have been given so far along with the purchase of the product (see FIG. 2 (24)).

After that, the store apparatus 2 sends the electronic money balance information after the electronic money settlement, the loan service point balance information and the lendable remaining point information changed by the point repayment via the reader / writer 6 to the IC card 1. The card information received from the store apparatus 2 is rewritten by writing the information in (2) (see FIG. 2 (25)). Further, in the store apparatus 2, payment for product purchase is performed by electronic money,
In addition, the electronic money balance information, the loan service point balance information, the acquired service point balance information, and the lendable remaining point information, which are changed due to the repayment of the lending service points, together with the card ID information, the information management center device. 3 as a settlement report and a point repayment report (see FIG. 2 (26)).

The information management center device 3 receives the point loan / settlement report and the point repayment report from the store device 2, and the card information changed by the settlement, that is, the electronic money balance information, the loan service point balance information, and the acquisition service. The point balance information and the lendable remaining point information are updated (see FIG. 2 (27)). As a result, a series of settlements using the loan service points is completed. In addition,
Settlement reports and the like sent from the store apparatus 2 to the information management center apparatus 3 are not performed every time a product is purchased, but are collectively performed by batch processing such as every 6 hours or once a day at midnight. Is also good.

Next, an example of a detailed operation of the store apparatus 2 in the above settlement processing method will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, first, when the power switch of the store apparatus 2 is turned on, the stored IC card payment control program is activated, and the reader / writer 6 of the store apparatus 2 receives the card information from the IC card 1. By determining whether or not it is, it always waits to receive the card information (see S1 in FIG. 4). At this time, the IC card payment control program may be stored in advance in the storage unit (ROM or the like) of the store apparatus 2, or the communication browser provided by turning on the power switch of the store apparatus 2 is activated. Alternatively, it may be downloaded from the information management center device (server) 3 connected via the communication network.

Next, in the store apparatus 2, when the user brings the IC card 1 close to the reader / writer 6, the reader / writer 6 reads the card storage information from the IC card 1 (see S2 in FIG. 4). Card memory information read from the IC card 1 includes card ID information, electronic money information,
These are lending service point information, acquired service point information and lendable remaining point information. Reader / writer 6
The card storage information read in step 1 is temporarily stored in the transfer information storage unit 25 according to an instruction from the information control unit 20. Further, the product price information reception unit 7 separately receives product information such as a product name and a product number that are included at least as payment information that is the purchase price (price) of the product to be purchased (see FIG. 4, S3).

Next, when the settlement information of the product to be purchased is received, the settlement processing unit 21 determines whether or not the information (request) for making a settlement using the points has been received (FIG. 4, FIG.
(See S4).

As a result, when the information (request) for making payment using the points is accepted (Y), the settlement processing unit 21.
Compares the size of the point information stored in the transfer information storage unit 25 with the payment information, and determines whether the point information is larger than the payment information (see S5 in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, when the information (request) for making payment using points is not accepted (N), the information control unit 20
Instructs the settlement processing unit 21 to compare the size of the electronic money information included in the card storage information with the settlement information, and based on the instruction from the information control unit 20, the settlement processing unit 21
Determines whether the electronic money information stored in the transfer information storage unit 25 is larger than the payment information (see S10 in FIG. 4).

As a result, when the electronic money information is larger than the settlement information (Y), that is, when the amount of electronic money stored in the IC card 1 can be settled larger than the amount of purchased goods. The settlement processing unit 21 continues to reduce the electronic money information read from the IC card 1 and settle the payment using only electronic money (see S11 in FIG. 4). At this time, the display unit 24 displays the balance after the electronic money is reduced.

When the payment of the purchased product is completed, the point giving unit 22 issues points at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase amount of the product (see S12 in FIG. 4). These points can be used to settle the purchase price of a product.

On the other hand, when the electronic money information is smaller than the settlement information (N), that is, the amount of electronic money stored in the IC card 1 is smaller (less than) the amount of the purchased product, and settlement is impossible. In the case, the settlement processing unit 21
Calculates the payment shortage amount and sends to the information control unit 20 information indicating that the electronic money cannot be used for settlement together with the shortfall amount. The information control unit 20 receives the information that the electronic money cannot be settled,
It is determined whether or not the point information corresponding to the insufficient payment amount is included, that is, whether the point information is larger than the insufficient payment amount information (see S5 in FIG. 4).

As a result of comparing the size of the point information and the settlement information, the point information is larger than the settlement information (Y).
In this case, that is, when the value of the points stored in the IC card 1 that can be used for settlement of the product purchase can be settled larger than the amount of the purchased product, the settlement processing unit 21.
Continues to subtract the point information read from the IC card 1 to make payment only by points (see S9 in FIG. 4). At this time, the display unit 24 displays the balance after the points are subtracted. Then, when the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point giving unit 22 issues points at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase amount of the product (see S12 in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, if the point information is smaller than the settlement information (N), that is, the point value stored in the IC card 1 and available for settlement of the purchase is smaller than the price of the purchased product ( If the payment is impossible (less), the payment processing unit 21 calculates a payment shortage amount to find out how much is insufficient, and sends the information control unit 20 together with the shortage amount that the payment service points cannot be used for settlement. . The information control unit 20 instructs the point lending unit 23 to execute the process of issuing the lending points corresponding to the insufficient payment amount based on the information that the payment cannot be made only with the acquired service points.

According to the instruction from the information control unit 20, the point lending unit 23 issues a loan service point corresponding to the shortfall amount of settlement and sends it to the settlement processing unit 21 (FIG. 4, S8).
reference). Then, the settlement processing unit 21 uses the point lending unit 2
Settlement is performed using the lending service points lent from No. 3, and the settlement shortfall amount is settled (see FIG. 4, S9). At this time, the display unit 24 displays the loan service point.

In this case, due to the shortage of the electronic money balance, the lending service points are automatically issued and the settlement shortfall amount is settled at the lending service points, but the electronic money balance is insufficient. If it is determined that the points are loaned, the user may be inquired as to whether or not he / she wants to lend the points. In this case, the information control unit 2
0 is based on the information from the settlement processing unit 21 that the electronic money cannot be used for settlement, and sends message information and a shortage amount to the display unit 24 to inquire the user whether or not to lend points, and the point lending is performed. Is executed (see S6 in FIG. 4). Then, the display unit 24 displays the received message and the amount of deficiency and asks for an answer to the message.

As a result, when the information control unit 20 receives a reply from the user requesting issuance of the loan service point (Y), the point loan unit 23 causes the loan service point corresponding to the shortage. Is possible (OK) based on the lendable remaining point information of the IC card 1 stored in the transfer information storage unit 25 (FIG. 4, S7). Specifically, the point lending unit 23 holds in advance the point lending unit 23 with the number of points obtained by adding the lending service points issued this time to the lendable remaining points stored in the transfer information storage unit 25. It can be processed by determining whether or not the loan limit has been reached.

As a result of the determination, if the loan is possible (Y), the information control unit 20 instructs the point lending unit 23 to lend the points corresponding to the insufficient payment amount, and the point loan unit 23 causes the insufficient payment. Issue points corresponding to the amount (Fig. 4, S8). Then, the settlement processing unit 21
A settlement shortfall is settled using the issued lending service points, and settlement is performed using electronic money and lending service points (see FIG. 4, S9).

On the other hand, if the information control unit 20 does not receive a reply that points are to be loaned (N),
Information indicating that payment of the product cannot be settled is sent to the payment processing unit 21, and message information indicating that the IC card payment process is to be ended is sent to the display unit 24,
End (end) card payment processing. Then, the display unit 24 displays the received message.

If no reply is made to lend the points, the settlement process is not immediately stopped,
It is also possible to make it possible to execute processing using, for example, cash or a credit card function without using the lending points.

If the number of points including the number of service points for lending issued this time has reached the lending limit secured in advance by the point lending unit 23 and the lending is impossible (N), the above points are given. In the same manner as when the reply that the loan is not made is not obtained, it is determined that the settlement of the product is impossible and the information that the settlement process is stopped is sent to the settlement processing unit 21 and the IC card settlement process is terminated. The message information is sent to the display unit 24, and the IC card payment process is ended (end). Then, the display unit 24 displays the received message.

When the payment of the purchased product is completed, the point giving unit 22 issues points at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase amount of the product (see S12 in FIG. 4). afterwards,
The information control unit 20 determines whether or not there is a lending service point next by referring to the history information in which the lending points are used after the settlement of the product purchase (see FIG. 4, S13).
The history information in which the points for lending are used is included in the card information received by the reader / writer 6 and stored in the transfer information storage unit 25. In addition, the history information that the points for lending are used, without acquiring from the IC card,
It may be managed by the point lending unit 23 that issues points for lending.

As a result, when the information control unit 20 determines that there is a lending service point (Y), it sends information to that effect to the settlement processing unit 21. The settlement processing unit 21 receives the instruction from the information control unit 20, and uses the acquired service points issued by the point granting unit 22 to repay all or part of the loan service points (FIG. 4, S14).
reference).

After that, the information control unit 20 instructs the transfer information storage unit 25 to send the card information after the IC card settlement to the reader / writer 6. The information stored in the transfer information storage unit 25 is initially the content stored in the IC card read by the reader / writer 6, but the settlement processing unit 21 changes as the card information is changed by the above-described processes. It has been updated with the latest information from each time. Then, the reader / writer 6 writes the latest card information received from the transfer information storage unit 25 into the IC card and rewrites and updates the information so far (see FIG. 4, S15). on the other hand,
When the information control unit 20 determines that there is no lending service point (N), the lending service point is not returned and the reader / writer 6 uses the latest card information received from the transfer information storage unit 25 as the IC card. And rewrite and update the information up to now (see FIG. 4, S15).

The information control unit 20 also instructs the transfer information storage unit 25 to send the card information after the IC card payment is completed to the card information communication unit 26. Then, the card information communication unit 26 transmits the latest card information received from the transfer information storage unit 25 to the information management center device 3 via the information network 10 such as the Internet (see S16 in FIG. 4). As a result, a series of IC card payment processing ends.

Then, the information management center apparatus 3 which has received the latest card information from the store apparatus 2, the electronic money information storage unit 33, the earned point information storage unit 34, the lending point information storage unit 35, and the lendable remaining point information. Each piece of information in the storage unit 36 is rewritten and managed by this card information.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the IC
Even if the balance of the electronic money stored in the card is insufficient, points that can be used for payment of the product will be lent, so the payment at the time of purchasing the product will be temporarily stopped and the electronic device You can respond immediately without the hassle of charging money or using cash or credit card functions. Moreover, since the points given by the widely used point return system are used for the repayment of the lent points, the user can effectively use the points unconsciously just by shopping normally. You can repay the loan service points. Further according to the invention,
Points can be used at multiple stores, and it is possible to prevent counterfeiting and alteration of cards.

The IC card 1 and the reader / writer 6 may be so-called contact type IC cards and reader / writers whose terminals come into contact with the IC card to transfer information.
Further, instead of the IC card, a predetermined terminal (for example, a mobile phone terminal equipped with an IC, a PDA terminal, etc.) may be used.
Further, instead of the non-contact IC, a so-called contact type IC card may be used in which terminals are directly connected to the IC for communication.

In this embodiment, I for storing electronic money information
Although the settlement processing method having the configuration including the C card 1, the store apparatus 2, and the information management center apparatus 3 has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a system having the following configuration can be used. The same parts as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the other first construction makes it possible to easily adopt the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 5, another first configuration of the payment processing method according to the present invention is an IC card 1 (1B) that stores electronic money information owned by a user who purchases a product, and a user stores the product. The IC card 1 (1B) and the store apparatus 2 (2B) for exchanging information are installed on the side of the store where the purchase is made. The IC card 1 (1B) has means for storing a loan service point and history information that the loan service point was used for settlement, and the store apparatus 2 (2B)
IC card 1 for lending service points and the history information
(1B) is acquired and stored. That is,
The present embodiment is largely different from the above-described embodiment in that the center device (server) 3 is not installed.

The IC card 1 includes the card ID information storage section 1
1, an electronic money information storage unit 12, an acquired point information storage unit 13, a lending point information storage unit 14, and a lendable remaining point information storage unit 15. Although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is of course provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

Further, the store apparatus 2 includes a reader / writer 6 as a card storage information transfer unit and a commodity price information reception unit 7.
The information control unit 20, the settlement processing unit 21, the point granting unit 22, the point lending unit 23, the display unit 24, and the transfer information storage unit 25 are provided. Although not shown,
The store apparatus 2 described above is also provided with a ROM or the like for recording a control program, and the control program is stored in the ROM in advance.

With the above-mentioned configuration, electronic money and point management can be performed only by the IC card, and can be easily adopted without installing the center device (server) 3. It should be noted that with this configuration, when it is uncertain that restoration of the IC card 1 when lost or counterfeiting or alteration of the IC card 1 cannot be dealt with, a system having another second configuration can be used.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 6, another second configuration of the payment processing method according to the present invention is the IC card 1 (1C) owned by the user who purchases the product and the store side where the user purchases the product. It is provided with the IC card 1 and a store device 2 (2C) for exchanging information.
Then, the store apparatus 2 (2C) has a unit for storing the loan service point and the history information of the loan service point used for settlement. That is, the IC card 1 side does not have the center device (server) 3 and has a means for storing the loan service point and the history information of the loan service point used for the settlement. However, the difference is that it is provided on the store device 2 (2C) side.

The IC card 1 includes the card ID information storage unit 1
1 and an electronic money information storage unit 12. Although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is of course provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

The store device 2 includes a reader / writer 6,
The product price information receiving unit 7, the information control unit 20, the settlement processing unit 21, the point granting unit 22, and the point lending unit 23.
A display unit 24, a transfer information storage unit 25, an acquired point information storage unit 27, a loan point information storage unit 28,
The card information management unit 29 is provided. Although not shown, the store apparatus 2 described above also includes a ROM for recording a control program, and the control program is stored in the ROM in advance. That is, the above-mentioned other first configuration is that the acquired point information storage unit, the lending point information storage unit, and the lendable remaining point information storage unit are eliminated from the IC card 1, and the acquired point information storage unit 27 is provided in the store device 2. The difference is that a loan point information storage unit 28 and a card information management unit 29 are provided.

The acquired point information storage unit 27 and the loan point information storage unit 28 are the same as the acquired point information storage unit 13 and the loan point information storage unit 14 provided in the IC card 1 in the above-described embodiment. Store information. Further, the card information management unit 29 performs the same processing as the card information management unit 39 provided in the information management center device 3 in the above-described present embodiment.

With the above configuration, electronic money and points can be managed only by the IC card, and the IC card can be easily adopted without installing the center device (server) 3. It is possible to cope with the restoration when the IC card 1 is lost, and the forgery or alteration of the IC card 1. Moreover, since points can be used only at a specific store, points can be set uniquely for that store, and if points are lent, the user will return to pay back the loan service points. You can purchase the product.

Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the case where the user (member) goes to a store (real mall) for shopping as described above, and the user also shop at a virtual store (virtual mall) on the web. Can also respond. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG. 7, another third configuration of the payment processing method according to the present invention is installed on the IC card 1 (1B) owned by the user who purchases the product and on the user side who purchases the product. , A user device 4 for exchanging information with the IC card, and an information management center device (server) installed on the center side for managing information exchanged with the IC card and connected to the user device via the communication network 10. ) 5 and. That is, the store apparatus 2 further includes means for transmitting the update information of the payment means information held by the IC card 1 (1B) to the information management center apparatus 5 via communication. User device 4 instead
Is greatly different from the information management center device (server) 5 side for managing information exchanged with the IC card.

The IC card 1 includes the card ID information storage unit 1
1, an electronic money information storage unit 12, an acquired point information storage unit 13, a lending point information storage unit 14, and a lendable remaining point information storage unit 15. Although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is of course provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

The user device 4 has a reader / writer 8, a product information input section 9, and a transaction information communication section 46. The product information input unit 9 performs a process of specifying a product to be purchased on the web. An input device such as a keyboard or a mouse is used to perform the process of specifying the purchased product.

Further, the transaction information communication section 46 transmits the card storage information stored in the IC card accepted by the reader / writer 8 and the product information specified by the product information input section to the information management center apparatus 5. I do. The transmission to the information management center device 5 is performed via the communication network 10 described above.

The information management center device (server) 5 includes an information control unit 50, a transaction information communication unit 51, and a settlement processing unit 52.
A point granting unit 53, a point lending unit 54, a display unit 55, a transaction information storage unit 56, an electronic money information storage unit 57, an earned point information storage unit 58, a loan point information storage unit 59, It has a lendable remaining point information storage unit 60, a lending point management unit 61, a member personal information storage unit 62, and a card information management unit 63. That is, the information management center apparatus (server) 5 integrates the so-called IC card user machine portion of the store apparatus 2 in the present embodiment described above and the information management center apparatus (server) 3 in the present embodiment described above. It can be called a thing.

Therefore, the information control unit 50 performs the same process as the information control unit 30 provided in the store apparatus 2 in the above-described present embodiment. Transaction information communication unit 51
Is the card information reception unit 31 provided in the store device 2.
Similarly, a process of accepting card storage information and product information from the transaction information communication unit 46 of the user device 4 via the communication network 10 is performed.

Further, the settlement processing section 52 and the point giving section 5
3, the point lending unit 54 and the display unit 55 are the same as the clearing processing unit 21, the point granting unit 22, the point lending unit 23, and the display unit 24, which are provided in the store apparatus 2 in the present embodiment described above. Perform processing. The transaction information storage unit 56, like the transfer information storage unit 25 provided in the store apparatus 2, performs processing for temporarily storing the card storage information and the product information received by the transaction information communication unit 51. is there. That is, the card storage information and the product information are stored until the payment of the product purchase price is completed,
The settlement processing unit 52, the point granting unit 53, and the point lending unit 54 can be used for processing. Therefore, the card information stored in the transaction information storage unit 56 is automatically erased when new card information is received or after a certain period of time.

Also, the electronic money information storage unit 57, the acquired point information storage unit 58, the loan point information storage unit 59,
The lendable remaining point information storage unit 60, the lending point management unit 61, the member personal information storage unit 62, and the card information management unit 63 are all provided in the information management center apparatus (server) 3 in the above-described present embodiment. The electronic money information storage unit 33, the acquired point information storage unit 34, the lending point information storage unit 35, the lendable remaining point information storage unit 36, the lending point management unit 37, the member personal information storage unit 38, and the card information management unit 39. Perform the same processing as.

With the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to purchase products using the point loan at a plurality of virtual stores (virtual malls) on the web, and to directly communicate with the information management center device 3 side. Can be exchanged.

Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the case where the user (member) uses the electronic money for shopping as described above, but also to the case where the user uses the credit function for shopping. . FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the outline and configuration of the system. As shown in FIG.
Another fourth configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention is a credit card 101 owned by a user who purchases a product.
And a store device 104 that is installed at a store side for purchasing products and exchanges information with the credit card 101.
And an information management center device (server) 105 installed on the side of a center that manages information exchanged with the credit card 101 and connected to the store device 104 via a communication network 110.

The credit card 101 has a card information storage section 111. This card information refers to credit information such as a credit number and an expiration date necessary for determining payment for the purchase price of a product. Although not shown, the IC card 1 described above is of course provided with a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coil.

The store device 104 includes a reader / writer 106 as a card storage information transfer unit and a commodity price information reception unit 1.
07 and the transaction information communication unit 126. The reader / writer 106 performs a process of reading the credit information stored in the credit card 101.

The product price information receiving unit 107 receives the product information such as the product name and the product number, which includes at least the payment information (purchase price) of the product to be purchased.

Further, the transaction information communication unit 126 transmits the credit card information stored in the credit card accepted by the reader / writer 106 and the product information accepted by the product price information accepting unit to the information management center device 105. I do. The transmission to the information management center device 105 is performed via the communication network 110 described above.

The information management center device (server) 105
The information control unit 130, the transaction information communication unit 131, the credit settlement processing unit 132, and the point settlement processing unit 133.
And a point granting unit 134 and a point lending unit 135
A display unit 136, a transaction information storage unit 137, an acquired point information storage unit 138, and a loan point information storage unit 1
39, a lendable remaining point information storage unit 140, a lending point management unit 141, and a member personal information storage unit 142.
And a card information management unit 143.

The information control section 130 controls the operation of the information management center apparatus 105 which is executed by receiving the card storage information as the settlement judgment information.
Therefore, each processing operation such as credit settlement processing or point settlement processing, and management of repayment status when there is a loan service point is performed based on the instruction from the information control unit 130.

The transaction information communication unit 131, like the card information acceptance unit 31 provided in the store apparatus 2, moves from the transaction information communication unit 126 of the store apparatus 104 to the communication network 1.
Processing for accepting card storage information and product information via 10 is performed.

The credit settlement processing unit 132 carries out processing for settlement of product price information based on a predetermined credit line. In addition, the point settlement processing unit 133, like the settlement processing unit 21 provided in the store apparatus 2 in the above-described embodiment, repay the points acquired along with the purchase of the product based on the loan service point information. It is used to settle payments. In addition, the point settlement processing unit 133 is a point granting unit 1 described later.
The point issue processing unit may be integrated with the 34 and the point lending unit 135.

Point granting section 134, point lending section 1
35, the display unit 136, the point giving unit 22 provided in the store apparatus 2 in the present embodiment described above,
Processing similar to that of the point lending unit 23 and the display unit 24 is performed. The transaction information storage unit 137, like the transfer information storage unit 25 provided in the store apparatus 2, is the transaction information communication unit 13.
This is a process for temporarily storing the card storage information and the product information received in 1. That is, the card storage information and the product information are stored until the settlement of the product purchase price is completed and can be used for the processing in the credit settlement processing unit 132, the point settlement processing unit 133, and the point lending unit 135. Is. Therefore, the card information stored in the transaction information communication unit 131 is automatically deleted when new card information is accepted or after a certain period of time.

Further, any of the acquired point information storage unit 138, the lending point information storage unit 139, the lendable remaining point information storage unit 140, the lending point management unit 141, the member personal information storage unit 142, and the card information management unit 143 is also available. Also, the electronic money information storage unit 3 provided in the information management center apparatus (server) 3 in this embodiment described above.
3, the same processing as the acquired point information storage unit 34, the lending point information storage unit 35, the lendable remaining point information storage unit 36, the lending point management unit 37, the member personal information storage unit 38, and the card information management unit 39 is performed.

With the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to purchase products using the points loan with a card having a credit function and to directly exchange information with the information management center apparatus 105 side. it can.

Next, an example of detailed operations in the store apparatus 104 and the information management center apparatus 105 in the above settlement processing method will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, first, when the power switch of the store apparatus 104 is turned on, the stored credit card payment control program is activated, and the reader / writer 106 of the store apparatus 104 receives the credit information from the credit card 101. By determining whether or not the credit information is accepted, the system always waits for the credit information to be accepted (see S101 in FIG. 9). At this time, the credit card payment control program is executed by the store device 104.
May be stored in advance in a storage unit (ROM or the like) of the store, or an information management center connected via a communication network by activating a communication browser provided by turning on the power switch of the store apparatus 104. It may be downloaded from the device (server) 105.

Next, in the store apparatus 104, the user or a store clerk swipes the credit card 101 through the reader / writer 106, so that the reader / writer 106 makes the credit card 1
The credit information is read from 01 and the read credit information is read by the transaction information communication unit 126, for example, by CAFI.
It is sent to the credit card center via a communication network such as the S network, and is authenticated whether the credit card 101 can be used (OK) (see FIG. 9, S102).
At this time, the credit information read from the credit card 101 is a credit card number and its expiration date information. Further, in the store device 104, the product price information receiving unit 107 separately receives product information such as a product name and a product number including at least the purchase price (price) information as the payment information of the purchased product.

As a result, if the authentication is OK, the point settlement processing unit 133 continues to judge whether or not the information (request) for making a payment using the points has been received (FIG. 9, FIG. 9).
(See S103). On the other hand, if the authentication is not OK, it is determined that the product cannot be settled, and the transaction information communication unit 126 accepts information that the settlement process is not accepted, as in the case of the ordinary credit card settlement. If the authentication is OK, the transaction information communication unit 126 sends the credit information read by the reader / writer 6 and the product information received by the product price information receiving unit 107 to the information management center device 105 as the payment information and sets the communication network 110. Send through.

When the information (request) for making payment using points is received (Y), the point settlement processing unit 133 of the information management center apparatus 105 makes payment for the purchase of goods which is secured so as to be loanable. The lending service point information that can be used for comparison with the purchase price information of the product in the settlement information received from the store device 104 is compared in size to determine whether the lending service point information is larger than the settlement information (FIG. 9). , S104).

On the other hand, when the information (request) for making a payment using points is not accepted (N), the credit settlement processing section 132 makes a normal credit payment (FIG. 9, FIG.
(See S105). Then, when the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point giving unit 134 issues points at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase amount of the product (see S108 in FIG. 9). These points can be used to settle the purchase price of a product.

As a result of comparing the size of the lending service point information and the settlement information, if the lending service point information is larger than the settlement information (Y), that is, the lending service point information is secured for lending and can be used for settlement of product purchase. If the value of points is larger than the amount of money of the product to be purchased and the settlement is possible, the point settlement processing unit 133 sends information to the information control unit 130 that the processing for issuing the lending points is executed. The information control unit 130 instructs the point lending unit 135 to execute the process of issuing the lending points corresponding to the purchase price information of the product, based on the receipt of the information that can be settled by the lending service point.

The point lending unit 135 is the information control unit 13.
According to the instruction from 0, a loan service point corresponding to the payment shortage amount is issued and sent to the point settlement processing unit 133 (see S106 in FIG. 9). Then, the point settlement processing unit 133 performs settlement using the lending service points lent by the point lending unit 135 to settle the settlement shortfall (see S107 in FIG. 9). Then, when the settlement of the purchased product is completed, the point giving unit 134 issues points at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase amount of the product (see S108 in FIG. 9). The issued points are stored in the acquired point information storage unit 138.

On the other hand, when the lending service point information is smaller than the settlement information (N), that is, the value of the points secured for lending that can be used for settlement of the product purchase is smaller than the amount of the purchased product. If (slightly) payment is impossible, it is determined that the product cannot be settled, and information to stop the payment processing is sent to the point payment processing unit 133 and message information to end the loan service point payment processing is displayed. Send to the display unit to complete (end) the loan service point settlement process.

After that, the information control unit 130 determines whether or not there is a lending service point next by referring to the history information that the lending points have been used after the settlement of the product purchase (see FIG. 9, S109). . The history information in which the points for lending are used is stored in the lending point management unit 141. It should be noted that the history information in which the points for lending are used is the point lending unit 135 that issues points for lending.
Alternatively, it may be managed by the lending point information storage unit 139 that stores the point information lent to the user, or may be included in the card information accepted by the reader / writer 106 and managed by the card information management unit 143. You can

As a result, when the information control unit 130 determines that there is a lending service point (Y), it sends information to that effect to the point settlement processing unit 133. The point settlement processing unit 133 receives the instruction from the information control unit 130, and uses the acquired service points issued by the point granting unit 134 to repay all or part of the loan service points (see S110 in FIG. 9). . As a result, a series of credit card payment processing ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when credit cards are used, points that can be used for payment of goods can be lent, so even if credit payment by the credit card function is not used, a small payment can be made. Can be done.

The credit settlement processing unit 132 and the point settlement processing unit 133 are both the information management center device 10.
5 may be provided, or the point settlement processing unit 1
Only 33 may be provided in the information management center device 105, and the credit settlement processing unit 132 may be separately provided in the credit card center.

[Brief description of drawings]

[0139]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for implementing a payment processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a payment processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a card information association database according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a payment processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another first configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another second configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another third configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another fourth configuration of the settlement processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another flow of the payment processing method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 (1A, 1B, 1C) ... Payment information storage device (IC
Card), 2 (2A, 2B, 2C) ... store device,
3, 5 ... Information management center device (server), 4 ...
User device, 6, 8 ... Card storage information transfer unit (reader / writer), 7 ... Product price information reception unit (register), 9 ... Product information input unit, 10 ... Communication network, 11 ... ..Card ID information storage unit, 12, 3
3, 57 ... Electronic money information storage unit, 13, 27, 3
4, 58 ... Acquired point information storage unit, 14, 28,
35, 59 ... Loan point information storage unit, 15, 3
6, 60 ... Loanable remaining point information storage unit, 20,
30, 50 ... Information control unit, 21, 52 ... Settlement processing unit, 22, 53 ... Point giving unit, 23, 54 ...
..Point loan section, 24, 55 ... Display section, 26.
..Card information communication unit, 29 ... Card information management unit,
31 ... Card information receiving unit, 32 ... Communication information storage unit, 37, 61 ... Lending point management unit, 38, 62
・ ・ ・ Member personal information storage unit 46, 51 ・ ・ ・ Transaction information communication unit 56 ・ ・ ・ Transaction information storage unit 70 ・ ・ ・ Card information association database 101 ・ ・ ・ Settlement information storage device (credit card), 104 ... Store device, 10
5 ... Information management center device (server), 106 ...
Card memory information transfer unit (reader / writer), 107 ...
Product price information reception unit, 110 ... communication network,
111 ... Card information storage unit, 130 ... Information control unit, 131 ... Transaction information communication unit, 132 ... Credit settlement processing unit, 133 ... Point settlement processing unit, 1
34 ... Point granting unit, 135 ... Point lending unit, 136 ... Display unit, 137 ... Transaction information storage unit, 138 ... Earned point information storage unit, 139 ...
Lending point information storage unit, 140 ... lending remaining point information storage unit, 141 ... lending point management unit,
142 ... Member personal information storage unit, 143 ... Card information management unit.

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Yoshikazu Takasaki 3-15-6 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 3rd floor, Shimakurata-cho Building (72) Inventor Exit Hikari 4-34-18 Hamadayama, Suginami-ku, Tokyo (72) Invention Person Yasuo Yamada 1-2-18 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Fujie Building 301 (72) Inventor Hiromi Okamoto 282, Minami-cho, Ohara Nogamisato, Ogura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture (72) Takashi Munakata East, Ota-ku, Tokyo Rokugo 1-11-22 Crescent Bird Square Room 513 (56) Reference JP 2002-170022 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07G 1/00- 5/00 G06F 17/60 G06F 19/00

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A device configured to be capable of exchanging information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information, which is purchased by a user. A means for acquiring the purchase price information of the purchased product, a storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information, a loan for storing the number of loan service points previously given before the settlement, and usage history information of the loan service points. Point storage means, settlement processing means for settling the purchase price of the product by the loan service points within the previously given range, and the loan point storage means using the number of loan service points used for the settlement as usage history information. And a loan point processing unit stored in the payment processing apparatus. 2. An acquisition point management unit for issuing an acquisition service point that can be used for settlement of a product purchase at a predetermined ratio according to the purchase amount information stored in the storage unit, The loan point processing means refers to the loan point storage means when the acquired service points are issued by the purchase of the product, and repay the loan service points used in which the acquired service points are stored as the usage history information. The payment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the payment processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. A device configured to be capable of exchanging information via a communication with a payment information storage device for storing payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information, which is purchased by a user. Means for acquiring purchase price information of the purchased product, storage means for storing the acquired purchase price information, the number of loan service points previously given before the settlement, and the use history information of the loan service points From the payment information storage device, the above loan service points,
And a means for acquiring and storing usage history information of the loan service points, a settlement processing means for settlement of the purchase price of the product by the loan service points within the previously given range, and the loan service used for the settlement A loan processing unit that stores the number of points as use history information in the payment information storage device, and a payment processing device. 4. The payment processing device according to claim 1, wherein the payment information storage device is an IC card. 5. A payment information storage device having means for storing payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information, and means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by a user, A store device configured to exchange information with the payment information storage device via communication, a storage unit for storing purchase price information of a product acquired by the store device, and a loan given in advance before payment. A loan point storage unit that stores the number of service points and usage history information of the loan service points, a settlement processing unit that setstles the purchase price of the product with the loan service points within the previously given range, and the above settlement. Loan point processing means for storing the number of used loan service points in the loan point storage means as use history information, An information processing center device that has the above-mentioned store device and is capable of exchanging information through communication with the store device. 6. The earned point management in which the information management center device issues a certain percentage of earned service points that can be used for settlement of product purchases in accordance with the purchase amount information stored in the storage means. The loan point processing means stores the acquired service points as the usage history information by referring to the loan point storage means when the acquired service points are issued by purchasing the product. The payment processing system according to claim 5, wherein the payment processing system is used for repayment of the usage of the loan service points. 7. A payment processing method using a device configured to exchange information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. There is a step in which the device acquires the purchase price information of the product purchased by the user, a step in which the device stores the acquired purchase price information, and a loan service point which is given in advance before settlement and stored in the device. The number of loan service points within the range of the number of loan service points stored in the device, and the number of loan service points used for the payment is stored as use history information of the loan service points by the device. And a step of performing a payment processing method. 8. A step in which the device issues, at a predetermined rate, earned service points that can be used for settlement of a product purchase, according to the purchase amount information stored in the device, and a service is provided by the product purchase. When points are issued, referring to the usage history information in which the number of loan service points used for settlement by the device is referred to, the acquired service points are used as the usage history information and the usage of loan service points is stored. The payment processing method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of: 9. A payment processing method using a device configured to be capable of exchanging information through communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. There is a step in which the device acquires purchase price information of a product purchased by the user, a step in which the device stores the acquired purchase price information, the number of loan service points previously given before settlement, and From the settlement information storage device that stores the usage history information of the loan service point, the loan service point,
And a step in which the device acquires and stores usage history information of the loan service point; a step in which the loan service point within the previously given range is used to settle the purchase price of the product stored in the device; The payment processing method, wherein the device stores the number of loan service points used for payment in the payment information storage device as usage history information of the loan service points. 10. A payment of a purchase price of a product to a device configured to be capable of exchanging information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A computer for executing the above, a means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by the user, a means for storing the purchase price information acquired above, a range of the number of loan service points to be given and stored in advance before settlement A program for functioning as means for making payment of the purchase price of the stored product by means of the loan service points therein, and means for storing the number of loan service points used for the payment as usage history information of the loan service points. . 11. A payment of a purchase price of a product to a device configured to be capable of exchanging information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A computer for executing the above, a means for acquiring purchase price information of a product purchased by the user, a means for storing the purchase price information acquired above, a range of the number of loan service points to be given and stored in advance before settlement Means for making payment of the purchase price of the stored product by the loan service point therein, means for storing the number of loan service points used for the payment as usage history information of the loan service point, the stored purchase Depending on the amount of money information, a certain percentage of earned service points that can be used for payment of product purchases When the service points are issued by the means for performing the purchase of goods, the acquired service points are stored as the usage history information by referring to the usage history information that stores the number of loan service points used for the settlement. A program to function as a means for repayment of the usage of loan service points. 12. A payment of a purchase price of a product to a device configured to be capable of exchanging information via a communication with a payment information storage device that stores payment means information of at least one of electronic money information and credit card information. A means for acquiring the purchase price information of the product purchased by the user, a means for storing the purchase price information acquired above, the number of loan service points given in advance before settlement, and From the settlement information storage device that stores the usage history information of the loan service point, the loan service point,
And means for acquiring and storing the usage history information of the loan service points, means for paying the purchase price of the stored products by the loan service points within the previously given range, and the loan service used for the payment A program for functioning as means for storing the number of points in the payment information storage device as use history information.