JP4361267B2 - Electronic payment system, electronic payment method and program for causing computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic payment system, an electronic payment method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method for paying for a product or service by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since the introduction of consumption tax, the amount of coins that consumers carry has increased steadily. Even if only coins are collected, there is almost no merit, but since the price including tax is rarely a good number such as thousands of yen, if you do not consciously use small coins, Tends to be always full of change.
[0003]
On the other hand, long-term payments such as public phone charges and train / bus fares that require a relatively small amount of coins, or expressway charges such as highway usage charges, have long been used. Prepaid card payments using telephone cards and highway cards were popular. By using a prepaid card instead of cash, you are freed from the hassle of small change received as change.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since these cards are limited in use to specific products and services, they cannot be used effectively if the expected usage amount is less than the amount of one prepaid card. The same is true for prepaid cards that are limited to a region (location), such as a card that is used for a vehicle or shopping at an amusement park. In the first place, it can be said that carrying various types of cards for each use or region is no different from carrying a change in the annoyance.
[0005]
Prepaid cards are the same as cash, and cannot be used by unauthorized persons in the event of loss or theft, and are always exposed to the risk of forgery and alteration. It tends to be. For this reason, it was often the case that a used card accumulated in the wallet instead of coins, and a card with a balance still did not come into it.
[0006]
Also, from the standpoint of issuing cards, the installation cost of card vending machines and card readers / writers, the purchase cost of empty magnetic cards, and some premium set to promote the use of cards (for X yen) Considering that you can buy a card for X + 100 yen, etc.), it was often not possible to pay in terms of cost.
[0007]
In addition, research and development of so-called electronic money in a narrow sense that does not limit the use and area like prepaid cards, and demonstration experiments have been made vigorously, but dedicated hardware is required on the seller side and buyer side, Since it is not possible to appeal the merits that match the investment amount, it has not spread widely.
[0008]
Also, if you are 18 years of age or older, you can suppress the occurrence of change by using a credit card, but it is not realistic to make daily payments every day because a sign is required for each payment. In recent years, there are stores where signless payment is possible, but this is only an exceptional measure when the price is relatively small. In the first place, it is normal for stores that only handle relatively inexpensive goods and services, except for some exceptions such as convenience stores, to accept card payments (because a fee is charged to the card company).
[0009]
In this way, it was possible to devise an idea that the purse could not be collected even under the conventional technology, but it was possible only in a very small aspect of life, and in other aspects as usual, as a change There was a problem that I was troubled with the handling of the received change.
[0010]
In order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention electronically settles fractions less than a certain amount (for example, less than 100 yen, less than 1000 yen, etc.) that cause fine change in addition to cash settlement. It is an object to provide an electronic payment system, an electronic payment method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, this An electronic payment system according to an invention is an electronic payment system that performs payment of a price for goods, services, etc. by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer. Extraction means for extracting a period during which payment by the electronic image can be made and an amount by which payment can be made by the electronic image from the read electronic image, and whether the current date is included in the period extracted by the extraction means An amount to be credit sales out of the price based on the amount extracted by the extraction unit when the determination unit determines that the current date and time is included in the period by the determination unit And calculating means for calculating.
[0012]
this According to the invention, a customer who purchases a product / service, etc., presents an electronic image (specifically, a two-dimensional barcode) that can be used for settlement of a fraction less than a certain amount at a cash register, so that the fraction Only minutes can be credited.
[0013]
Also, this The electronic payment system according to the invention is the above According to the invention, the generation means for generating the electronic image based on a period during which payment by the electronic image designated by the customer is possible and an amount by which payment by the electronic image is possible, and generated by the generation means Transmission means for transmitting the electronic image to the portable terminal.
[0014]
this According to the invention, electronic images that can be used for settlement of fractions within a desired range for a desired period are distributed to customers who plan to purchase goods / services.
[0015]
Also, this The electronic payment system according to the invention is the above In the invention of claim 1, further, a determining means for determining a period in which the electronic image can be settled and an amount in which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer, a period determined by the determining means, and And a generating unit configured to generate the electronic image based on an amount of money, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the electronic image generated by the generating unit to the portable terminal.
[0016]
this According to the invention, electronic images that can be used for settlement of fractions within a range corresponding to the number of points are distributed to customers such as companies and stores that employ the point return service for a period corresponding to the number of points held.
[0017]
Also, this The electronic payment system according to the invention is the above In the invention, when the amount calculated by the calculating unit exceeds the period determined by the determining unit and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, the excess amount is used as the billing amount to the customer. A second calculating means for calculating is provided.
[0018]
this According to the invention, only the excess that cannot be offset by points in the fraction can be paid by credit.
[0019]
Also, this The electronic payment system according to the invention is the above In the invention of the above, it is further stated that, when the amount calculated by the calculating unit exceeds the period determined by the determining unit and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, settlement by the electronic image is prohibited. A notification means for notifying is provided.
[0020]
this According to the invention, when the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by points is paid by credit, the electronic image cannot be settled in the first place.
[0021]
Also, this An electronic payment method according to the invention is an electronic payment method for paying for a product or service by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer. In the electronic payment method, the reading step of reading the electronic image, and the reading step An extraction step for extracting a period during which payment by the electronic image can be made and an amount for which payment by the electronic image can be made from the read electronic image, and whether the current date and time is included in the period extracted by the extraction step An amount to be credit sales out of the price based on the amount extracted in the extraction step when it is determined in the determination step that the current date and time is included in the period in the determination step And a calculating step for calculating.
[0022]
this According to the invention, a customer who purchases a product / service, etc., presents an electronic image (specifically, a two-dimensional barcode) that can be used for settlement of a fraction less than a certain amount at a cash register, so that the fraction Only minutes can be credited.
[0023]
Also, this The electronic payment method according to the invention is: the above In the invention, the electronic image is generated based on a period during which payment by the electronic image designated by the customer is possible and an amount by which payment can be made by the electronic image, and the generation step generates the electronic image. And transmitting the electronic image to the portable terminal.
[0024]
this According to the invention, electronic images that can be used for settlement of fractions within a desired range for a desired period are distributed to customers who plan to purchase goods / services.
[0025]
Also, this The electronic payment method according to the invention is: the above In the invention of claim 1, further, a determination step for determining a period in which the electronic image can be settled and an amount in which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer, a period determined in the determination step, and The method includes a generation step of generating the electronic image based on an amount of money, and a transmission step of transmitting the electronic image generated in the generation step to the portable terminal.
[0026]
this According to the invention, electronic images that can be used for settlement of fractions within a range corresponding to the number of points are distributed to customers such as companies and stores that employ the point return service for a period corresponding to the number of points held.
[0027]
Also, this The electronic payment method according to the invention is: the above In the invention, when the amount calculated in the calculation step exceeds the period determined in the determination step and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, the excess amount is used as a charge to the customer. A second calculation step for calculating is included.
[0028]
this According to the invention, only the excess that cannot be offset by points in the fraction can be paid by credit.
[0029]
Also, this The electronic payment method according to the invention is: the above In the invention of the above, it is further stated that when the amount calculated in the calculation step exceeds the period determined in the determination step and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, settlement by the electronic image is prohibited. A notification step of notifying is included.
[0030]
this According to the invention, when the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by points is paid by credit, the electronic image cannot be settled in the first place.
[0031]
Also, this According to the program according to the invention, the above Is executed by a computer.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of an electronic payment system, an electronic payment method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of electronic payment processing in the electronic payment system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the main parties involved in this system are a card company 100 that issues a credit card, a card member 101 that is a customer of the company, and a member store 102 that can use the credit card of the company. is there. In addition to the above, there are communication companies that connect the parties through a network, but they are not shown in the figure.
[0034]
On the homepage established by the card company 100 on the Internet, various information for both members and non-members, such as various card lineups and Q & As, as well as IDs and passwords issued only to members (different from credit card numbers and PINs) ), It is possible to obtain a dedicated tool for requesting and displaying a two-dimensional barcode described later. This dedicated tool is described in Java (R) or the like, and is incorporated in a mobile phone possessed by the card member 101.
[0035]
Then, from the menu shown in FIG. 2 displayed on the mobile phone by the above tool, for example, when “2. Apply for barcode” is selected, the barcode selection as shown in FIG. 4 follows the authentication screen as shown in FIG. Since the screen is displayed, the card member 101 inputs and transmits necessary items such as the desired barcode type (effective amount) and the effective period ((1) in FIG. 1).
[0036]
Here, the bar code has a plurality of types according to the effective amount, such as “for 1 yen to 99 yen (for fractions less than 100 yen)” and “for 1 yen to 999 yen (for fractions less than 1000 yen)”. Yes, the card member 101 can select any desired one. Each bar code has a valid period, and after the valid period, it is automatically deleted from the mobile phone by the tool as described later.
[0037]
The server of the card company 100 that accepts the application from the card member 101 generates and returns a two-dimensional barcode as shown in FIG. 5 ((2) in FIG. 1). The two-dimensional barcode shown in the figure is entered on the credit card number of the card member 101 identified from the ID and password entered on the authentication screen in FIG. 3, the validity period of the card, and entered on the barcode selection screen in FIG. The effective amount of the barcode and the validity period of the barcode are included.
[0038]
The cardholder 101 who has obtained the two-dimensional barcode from the card company 100 as described above selects “1. Display barcode” from the menu of FIG. 2, and the barcode is displayed on the mobile phone display as shown in FIG. Is displayed and read by the bar code reader of the member store 102 ((3) in FIG. 1). For example, when the bar code “for 1 to 999 yen” is presented and the charge is 1367 yen, only 1000 yen is paid in cash.
[0039]
On the other hand, the remaining 367 yen (a fraction less than 1000 yen) is automatically handled as credit and charged to the card company 100 from the member store 102 via CAFIS (R) (Credit And Finance Information System) or the like (FIG. 1 (4)). The card company 100 sends a usage statement to the card member 101, deducts the fraction from the account designated by the member on the designated date, and transfers the amount charged to the account designated by the member store 102 ((5) in FIG. 1).
[0040]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic settlement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, 600a is a member DB (database), which stores personal information of each card member 101, such as its name, address, telephone number, credit card number, credit card validity period, PIN, and the above ID and password. It is a database to keep.
[0041]
Reference numeral 600b denotes a member authentication unit, which is a function unit that determines whether or not the applicant for issuing the barcode has the authority based on the ID and password transmitted from the authentication screen of FIG. Since the ID and password are encrypted by the above-described dedicated tool, the member authentication unit 600b decrypts the received data and compares it with the member DB 600a to determine whether the ID and password belong to the member of the company. Check whether the member's card is still valid.
[0042]
In the case of authentication OK, that is, when it is determined that the application is from a card member 101 having a legitimate authority, the fact is notified to a barcode designation receiving unit 600c described later and the credit card of the member read out from the member DB 600a. The number and the validity period of the card are output to a barcode generation unit 600d described later.
[0043]
Reference numeral 600c denotes a barcode designation receiving unit. When the member authentication unit 600b receives an authentication OK notification, a barcode selection screen as shown in FIG. 4 is returned to the applicant's mobile phone, and is input on the screen. It is a functional unit that receives the contents. Then, the effective amount and effective period of the barcode received from the mobile phone are output to the barcode generation unit 600d described later.
[0044]
Reference numeral 600d denotes a bar code generation unit, which is a two-dimensional bar code in which the credit card number and the validity period input from the member authentication unit 600b and the bar code effective amount and the validity period input from the bar code designation receiving unit 600c are inserted. It is a function part to generate.
[0045]
Reference numeral 600e denotes a bar code transmission unit, which is a functional unit that encrypts the two-dimensional bar code created by the bar code generation unit 600d using a predetermined algorithm and transmits it to the mobile phone of the card member 101.
[0046]
Here, it is assumed that a two-dimensional barcode as shown in FIG. 5 is issued, but a so-called barcode (one-dimensional barcode) having a vertical stripe pattern may be used. In this case, since the image can be reproduced by sending only the width and number of individual lines, the amount of communication can be reduced as compared with the case of sending a two-dimensional barcode. In addition, the image is not necessarily limited to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, and any image (pattern) in which necessary items are folded is sufficient.
[0047]
Here, the valid period of the barcode can be arbitrarily specified at the time of application. For example, the start date may be set to the current date and time, and the end date may be set to the current date + N days, or the value of N may be set to the barcode. It may be changed depending on the type of member or member type (gold / student, etc.).
[0048]
Reference numeral 600f denotes a settlement section that counts the amount of bill received from each member store 102 via CAFIS (R) or the like for each card member 101 or each member store 102, and withdraws from the account of each card member 101. And a functional unit that instructs a financial institution to deposit money into the account of each member store 102. Since the process in the settlement unit 600f is the same as the case where a credit card is presented instead of the two-dimensional barcode, detailed description is omitted.
[0049]
Reference numeral 600g denotes a point updating unit. When the settlement unit 600f confirms that the debit from the account of the card member 101 is completed, the number of points held by the card member 101 is calculated based on the debit amount, that is, the current use amount. This is a functional unit that instructs a point DB 600h, which will be described later, to update the number of points held there with the number of points.
[0050]
Reference numeral 600h denotes a point DB, which is a database that holds the credit card number of each card member 101 and the current number of points held by the member in association with each other.
[0051]
The functional units 600a to 600h described above are realized by a plurality of servers installed by the card company 100. Which function unit is assigned to which server is arbitrary. For example, the functions of the member DB 600a and the member authentication unit 600b are the server A, and the functions of the barcode designation receiving unit 600c / barcode generation unit 600d and the barcode transmission unit 600e are the server. B, It is conceivable that the settlement unit 600f has the functions of the server C, the point update unit 600g, and the point DB 600h in the server D, and these servers are connected by a LAN. Needless to say, as long as each functional unit is electronically connected, it is irrelevant to the essence of the present invention regardless of the physical arrangement.
[0052]
Next, a member authentication unit 601a displays an authentication screen as shown in FIG. 3, and transmits the ID and password input on the screen to the member authentication unit 600b on the card company 100 side for authentication. It is a functional unit that receives notification of OK or authentication NG. In the case of authentication OK, the fact is notified to a barcode designation unit 601b described later, and in the case of authentication NG, an error message to that effect is displayed on the screen.
[0053]
Reference numeral 601b denotes a bar code designation unit which receives the bar code selection screen shown in FIG. 4 from the bar code designation receiving unit 600c on the card company 100 side, and an effective amount corresponding to the type selected on the screen, and a selection This is a functional unit that returns the valid period to the barcode designation receiving unit 600c.
[0054]
Prior to replying, we will check if the desired barcode does not overlap with the barcode on hand. If there is a duplicate, “There is still a valid barcode for 1-999 yen. A confirmation message such as “?” May be displayed.
[0055]
Reference numeral 601c denotes a barcode receiving unit, which is a functional unit that receives a two-dimensional barcode transmitted from the barcode transmission unit 600e on the card company 100 side. The received barcode is decoded by the barcode receiving unit 601c and output to a barcode DB 601d described later.
[0056]
Reference numeral 601d denotes a bar code DB, which is a functional unit that holds a bar code input from the bar code receiving unit 601c, reads the bar code, and deletes a bar code that has expired. When receiving a new barcode, the barcode DB 601d gives a unique number such as “001” to the barcode.
[0057]
Reference numeral 601e denotes a barcode display unit that displays a list of barcodes held in the barcode DB 601d and instructs the barcode DB 601d to read barcode data selected from the list. It is a functional part displayed on the display.
[0058]
Note that the above-described functional units 601a to 601e are realized by the above-described dedicated tool operating on the mobile phone possessed by the card member 101.
[0059]
Next, a barcode reading unit 602a is a functional unit that optically reads the barcode displayed by the barcode display unit 601e of the mobile phone. The read barcode data is output to a barcode analysis unit 602b described later.
[0060]
Reference numeral 602b denotes a barcode analysis unit, which extracts the credit card number and validity period, and the barcode's valid amount and validity period, which are folded into the barcode data read by the barcode reading unit 602a. Part. Each piece of extracted information is output to a usability determination unit 602c described later.
[0061]
Reference numeral 602c denotes a usability determination unit, which is a functional unit that determines whether or not the presented barcode is usable based on information input from the barcode analysis unit 602b. Specifically, if the validity period of the barcode has expired or the validity period of the credit card itself has expired, it is determined that the barcode is not usable, and an error message indicating that is displayed on the register display. Do. In cases other than the above, it is determined that the card can be used, and the credit card number input from the barcode analysis unit 602b and the effective amount of the barcode are output to the sales accounting unit 602d described later.
[0062]
Reference numeral 602d denotes a sales recording unit, which refers to the effective amount of the barcode input from the usability determination unit 602c and calculates how much of the sales proceeds as cash sales and credit sales. It is a functional part to do. For example, if the charge is 1367 yen and the presented barcode is "1 to 99 yen", the cash sales is 1300 yen and the credit sales is 67 yen, and the presented barcode is "1 to 999 yen. ", Cash sales are 1000 yen and credit sales are 367 yen.
[0063]
The credit sales recorded by the sales recording unit 602d are the ID of the member store 102, the credit card number of the card member 101, the product / service name, the sales date and time, and the bar code, not the credit card. The sales notification unit 602e transmits the information to the settlement unit 600f of the card company 100 via CAFIS (R). When the member store 102 is one of many branches, the headquarters may first count the bills for each branch and then charge the card company 100 (shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 1). ing).
[0064]
The functional units 602a to 602e described above are realized by a register installed in the member store 102, a bar code reader connected to the register, a CAT terminal, and the like.
[0065]
Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic settlement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the mobile phone of the card member 101 displays the authentication screen shown in FIG. 3 by the member authentication unit 601a and accepts the input of ID and password (step S701). Then, when the transmission button 300 in the figure is pressed (step S702: Yes), it connects to a predetermined server of the card company 100 designated in advance and transmits the input contents of the screen (step S703).
[0066]
The card company 100 that has received the ID and password by the server next authenticates the applicant by referring to the member DB 600a by the member authentication unit 600b (step S704). In either case of OK / NG, the authentication result is notified to the member authentication unit 601a on the card member 101 side (step S705), and in the case of OK (step S706: Yes), the barcode designation receiving unit 600c. Thus, the barcode selection screen shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the barcode designation unit 601b (step S708).
[0067]
On the other hand, on the card member 101 side, when the received authentication result is OK (step S707: Yes), the reception of the barcode selection screen is awaited, and the screen of FIG. 4 transmitted from the barcode designation receiving unit 600c is barcoded. Reception / display is performed by the designation unit 601b (steps S708 and S709). Then, when the send button 400 in the figure is pressed (step S710: Yes), the input content of the screen is transmitted to the barcode designation receiving unit 600c on the card company 100 side (step S711).
[0068]
The card company 100, which has received the desired barcode effective amount and validity period from the card member 101, next generates a two-dimensional barcode as shown in FIG. 5 by the barcode generation unit 600d (step S712). ), The barcode is transmitted to the member by the barcode transmission unit 600e (step S713). Note that the barcode received by the barcode receiving unit 601c is stored in the barcode DB 601d (step S714).
[0069]
Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of electronic payment processing using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In response to a predetermined key operation by the card member 101, the barcode display unit 601e of the mobile phone displays one of the barcodes held in the barcode DB 601d on the display (step S801).
[0070]
In the member store 102, the barcode displayed on the mobile phone is read by the barcode reading unit 602a (specifically, a barcode reader) (step S802), and the barcode analysis unit 602b extracts the information in the barcode. (Step S803) The availability determining unit 602c checks whether the validity period of the credit card itself and the validity period of the barcode are not expired (Step S804).
[0071]
If it is unusable (step S805: No), an error message to that effect is displayed (step S806) and the process ends. If it is usable (step S805: Yes), the sales recording unit 602d The cash amount and the credit amount are calculated based on the effective amount of the code (step S807), and the cash amount is settled on the spot, while the credit amount is transferred from the sales notification unit 602e to the settlement unit 600f of the card company 100. A payment request is transmitted (step S808).
[0072]
Thereafter, under the management of the settlement unit 600f, the account transfer of the billed amount is performed between the card company 100 and the card member 101, and between the card company 100 and the member store 102 (step S809). In addition, when the payment from the card member 101 is confirmed, the settlement unit 600f notifies the point update unit 600g of the fact, and the point update unit 600g adds the current acquired points to the number of points held by the member in the point DB 600h. The number is added (step S810).
[0073]
According to the first embodiment described above, the fraction of the payment amount can be credited without signing by simply holding the two-dimensional barcode captured in the mobile phone over the barcode reader. You won't be bothered by looking for or taking care of the change you received. On the store side as well, it is possible to reduce the amount of coins that are regularly reserved as change, as well as to reduce the congestion of cash registers by not receiving and receiving coins.
[0074]
Also, it's hard to find prepaid cards and credit cards in your wallet, and most consumers carry only cards that are frequently used (they have so many cards alone that they can't fit in their wallet). It ’s not unusual.) In other words, for example, prepaid cards for public telephones, which have been drastically decreasing over the past few years, and credit cards that are only intended for membership benefits can be effectively stored, but mobile phones are always carried around. Therefore, by making the mobile phone usable as a kind of card, the possibility of using the card can be greatly increased.
[0075]
Moreover, the card companies can use existing infrastructure such as mobile phones and barcode readers, and after distributing software for consumers and stores, the above-mentioned electronic payment is sufficient to bear communication costs when issuing barcodes. Therefore, there is no need for large-scale initial investment, and service introduction is smooth.
[0076]
A member who has applied for a barcode will automatically transmit a new barcode of the same type immediately before the validity period of the previously issued barcode expires, unless there is an instruction to cancel it. As a result, card companies can promote the use of their own cards at the cost of bar code communications, and customers who have already been secured can be prevented from flowing to other companies.
[0077]
Also, in the case of a prepaid card, there is no way to prevent use by unauthorized persons in the case of loss or theft, and in the case of a credit card, even if it is done, the discovery of the fact of loss or theft is delayed, causing considerable damage However, according to the present invention, the amount of credit is very small. For example, even if a bar code for “1 to 99 yen” is illegally picked up, a minimum of 102 is required to use 10,000 yen. It takes 200 times on average.
[0078]
And even if you don't realize you've lost your card, you'll usually immediately notice that you've lost your phone, and the barcode itself has a validity period, so an unauthorized person spends a large amount of money in a short period of time. It is virtually impossible.
[0079]
(Embodiment 2)
Now, in Embodiment 1 described above, a bar code of any desired type is issued to all the members who have applied, but for example, in a card company adopting a point system according to the card usage amount As a type of prize provided in exchange for a point, it is conceivable to issue a bar code that can be used for the amount of the point.
[0080]
The outline of the electronic payment process in the electronic payment system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, in the second embodiment, the bar code is automatically issued when the number of possessed points reaches a predetermined value without waiting for an issuance request from a member (however, members who are not subscribed to a mobile phone, etc.) Therefore, if you apply separately at a call center etc., you can exchange the accumulated points for daily necessities.)
[0081]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment. 6 differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that both the card company 100 and the card member 101 have a function unit (specifically, a member authentication unit 600b. 601a, barcode designation receiving unit 600c and barcode designation unit 601b), and instead, a barcode determination unit 900g is provided on the card company 100 side.
[0082]
The barcode determination unit 900g is a functional unit that determines the effective amount and effective period of a barcode issued in exchange for points. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the effective amount of the barcode to be issued is fixed at “1 to 999 yen” regardless of the number of points, and the effective period varies depending on the number of points.
[0083]
When the number of points held by any of the card members 101 in the point DB 900f is updated, the barcode determination unit 900g determines whether the updated number of points exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 999 points. When the number exceeds 999 points, the point is divided by 999, and a value obtained by multiplying the quotient by a predetermined coefficient, for example, the quotient × 3, is used as the barcode validity period.
[0084]
For example, if the cardholder 101 has paid 105,000 yen with a credit card and the number of possessed points has increased from 30 to 1080 (100 yen = 1 point conversion), it is calculated by the barcode determination unit 900g. The effective period is three times the quotient of 1080 ÷ 999, that is, 3 days.
[0085]
After that, the barcode determining unit 900g reads from the member DB 900a the pre-determined effective amount of the barcode (here, 1 to 999 yen), the effective period calculated above (here, current date to current date + 3 days). The credit card number of the card member 101 and the validity period of the card are output to the barcode generation unit 900b. Then, a two-dimensional barcode based on the above information is generated by the barcode generation unit 900b and transmitted from the barcode transmission unit 900c to the mobile phone of the card member 101.
[0086]
On the other hand, when there is a request for credit sales from the sales notification unit 902e of the member store 102, the checkout unit 900d determines the sales based on the bar code presentation as a range of points based on the bar code (specifically, 999). Offset).
[0087]
That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a card member 101 who has obtained a bar code for 1 to 999 yen valid for 3 days from noon on November 23 to noon on 26 presents the bar code on November 24. If you shop for 1367 yen (including 1000 yen for cash and 367 yen for credit), the credit limit of 367 yen is in the range of 999 yen. It will be completely offset by points (the number of points held will only decrease from 1080 to 713, no actual charge will be incurred).
[0088]
However, if you present the same barcode on November 25 and shop for 1999 yen (including 1,000 yen for cash and 999 yen for credit), 713 yen will be worth 999 yen for credit. However, the remaining 286 yen exceeding the limit amount is treated as a credit as in the first embodiment, and the card member 101 is charged similarly to the case where the card is presented.
[0089]
Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the number of points is updated in the point DB 900f (step S1101: Yes), the barcode determination unit 900g checks the number of points after the update. If the number is 999 or more (step S1102: Yes), the number of points is set to 999. The effective period of the barcode to be issued is determined from the quotient divided by (step S1103).
[0090]
In addition, the barcode determination unit 900g obtains the credit card number of the card member 101 whose number of points is 999 or more and the validity period of the card from the member DB 900a (step S1104).
[0091]
Then, the barcode generation unit 900b which receives the valid amount of the barcode specified in advance, the validity period determined in step S1103, the credit card number and the validity period acquired in step S1104, A two-dimensional barcode in which is folded is generated (step S1105). The generated barcode is transmitted from the barcode transmission unit 900c to the mobile phone of the card member 101 (step S1106) and stored in the barcode DB 901b (step S1107).
[0092]
Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of electronic payment processing using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The procedure shown in the figure is almost the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 except that the points to be offset with the credit sales are received from the member store 102 without waiting for the card member 101 to withdraw from the designated account. The point of subtraction (step S1209 in the figure) is different at the time of request.
[0093]
According to the second embodiment described above, in the point redemption system adopted by most card companies 100, it is possible to realize a kind of cash back service by providing a barcode instead of a free gift (although products It is closer to the distribution of gift certificates and coupons than cash, in that it can only be used for the purchase of services.
[0094]
Traditionally, purchasing and storage of prizes has been done by card companies, and it has been quite expensive to combine the costs for that and the shipping costs to members. Moreover, compared to airline mileage services, the number of credit card point redemption services is small, so the prizes are not well-sorted and the prizes are unattractive. By introducing the cash back service according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an attractive point return service for members at a cost of the communication cost.
[0095]
(Embodiment 3)
In the second embodiment described above, of the payment by the bar code issued in exchange for the possession points, the price exceeding the above points is treated as a credit as in the first embodiment, but a small amount such as 286 yen, for example, is used. If a large amount of billing occurs, the billing process at the card company becomes complicated and the costs are not matched. Members may also hate to shop for something without their knowledge.
[0096]
Therefore, as in the third embodiment described below, when the total amount of the generated fraction cannot be covered by the above points, payment by bar code may be disabled.
[0097]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic settlement system according to the third embodiment. A difference from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is that the server of the card company 100 is also provided with an availability determination unit 1300h, and the availability determination unit 1302c of the member store 102 is based on the availability determination by the function unit. The point is to determine whether or not the barcode can be used.
[0098]
The point DB 1300f according to the third embodiment holds the number of points already consumed (the number of consumed points) by the member in order to offset the fraction, together with the current number of points held by each card member 101.
[0099]
Upon confirming that neither the validity period of the barcode nor the validity period of the credit card has expired, the availability determination unit 1302c of the member store 102 presented the barcode to the availability determination unit 1300h of the card company 100. The credit card number of the card member 101, the effective amount of the barcode, and the fractional amount to be settled with the barcode are transmitted.
[0100]
Then, the usability determination unit 1300h checks whether or not the above-mentioned fraction can be offset by the number of points that have not yet been consumed, from the number of consumed points in the point DB 1300f. If there is a part that cannot be canceled, NG is returned to the availability determination unit 1302c. The availability determination unit 1302c determines that the presented barcode is usable when both the barcode and the credit card are valid and an OK response is obtained from the availability determination unit 1300h.
[0101]
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the fraction 367 yen generated in the shopping on November 24 is offset by 367 points, the remaining 632 points (= 999-367) even if an attempt is made to offset 999 yen on November 25 ) Will not be able to offset the full amount, so bar code settlement will be rejected.
[0102]
The procedure of the two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic settlement system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. The procedure of the electronic payment process in the electronic payment system according to the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, but in the determination of availability in step S1205, the barcode validity period / credit card In addition to the validity period, it is also checked whether the whole amount can be offset.
[0103]
According to the third embodiment described above, payment can be made with a bar code only when the generated fraction can be completely offset with points, so a usage statement can be sent or accounted for a very small amount of credit sales such as several yen. It is possible to prevent complicated paperwork such as requesting a transfer.
[0104]
Even if the issued barcode is not used up for 999 yen, the points that were not consumed for offsetting the fraction are carried over as they are, and the next issued barcode can be used for fractional settlement as well. Even if the use of barcodes is prohibited when the total amount cannot be offset, consumer profits are not particularly impaired.
[0105]
The two-dimensional bar codes issued in the first to third embodiments described above can be used when purchasing anything at any store as long as it is a member store. You may make it impose restrictions on such as.
[0106]
For example, information on available products / services (or vice versa) or available stores (or vice versa) is included in the barcode, and these conditions are not met. In this case, an unusable error is displayed at the cash register. In the first embodiment, in addition to the effective amount and the effective period, it may be possible to specify which bar code that can be used for what purchase is desired in which store on the barcode selection screen shown in FIG. In the second and third embodiments, the details of the bar code exchanged for points are designated at the time of card enrollment or the like.
[0107]
The member DB 600a / 900a / 1300a, the member authentication unit 600b, the barcode designation receiving unit 600c, the barcode generation unit 600d / 900b / 1300b, the barcode transmission unit 600e / 900c / 1300c, and the settlement unit 600f / 900d / 1300d described above. The point update unit 600g / 900e / 1300e, the point DB 600h / 900f / 1300f, the barcode determination unit 900g and the usability determination unit 1300h are specifically programs read from the HD (hard disk) or the like to the RAM of the server computer. This is realized by the CPU executing. This program can be distributed by being stored in various recording media such as FD, CD-RW, and MO in addition to HD, and can also be distributed via a network.
[0108]
Further, the above-described member authentication unit 601a, barcode designation unit 601b, barcode reception unit 601c / 901a / 1301a, barcode DB 601d / 901b / 1301b and barcode display unit 601e / 901c / 1301c are specifically mobile phones. This is realized by the CPU executing the program read from the RAM. This program can be distributed by being stored in various recording media, and can also be distributed via a network.
[0109]
In addition, the barcode reading unit 602a / 902a / 1302a, the barcode analysis unit 602b / 902b / 1302b, the availability determination unit 602c / 902c / 1302c, the sales recording unit 602d / 902d / 1302d, and the sales notification unit 602e / 902e / More specifically, 1302e is realized by the CPU executing a program read into the RAM of the register. This program can be distributed by being stored in various recording media, and can also be distributed via a network.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above this The invention relates to an electronic payment system that performs payment for a price of goods, services, etc. by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer, and a reading means for reading the electronic image, and an electronic image read by the reading means From this, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is included in the period extracted by the extraction means, the extraction means for extracting the period in which the electronic image can be settled and the amount that can be settled in the electronic image And a calculation unit that calculates an amount of credit sales out of the price based on the amount extracted by the extraction unit when the determination unit determines that the current date and time is included in the period by the determination unit Therefore, customers who purchase products / services can use electronic images (specifically two-dimensional bars) that can be used for settlement of fractions less than a certain amount. Card), etc. at the cash register, only the above fractions can be credited. With this, in addition to the cash settlement, the fraction less than a certain amount that causes fine change is generated. There is an effect that an electronic payment system capable of electronic payment can be obtained.
[0111]
Also this The invention the above According to the invention, the generation means for generating the electronic image based on a period during which payment by the electronic image designated by the customer is possible and an amount by which payment by the electronic image is possible, and generated by the generation means And transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image to the mobile terminal, so that it can be used to settle a fraction of a desired range for a customer who plans to purchase goods / services for the desired period. As a result, an electronic payment system that can electronically pay off fractions less than a certain amount, which causes fine change, together with cash payments, can be obtained. Play.
[0112]
Also this The invention the above In the invention of claim 1, further, a determining means for determining a period in which the electronic image can be settled and an amount in which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer, a period determined by the determining means, and Since it has a generating means for generating the electronic image based on the amount of money, and a transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal, a company or a store that employs a point reduction service, etc. An electronic image that can be used for settlement of fractions within the range according to the number of points for a period corresponding to the number of points held is distributed to the customers of this company, which causes the occurrence of fine change in addition to cash settlement It is possible to obtain an electronic settlement system that can electronically settle fractions less than a certain amount.
[0113]
Also, this The invention the above In the invention, when the amount calculated by the calculating unit exceeds the period determined by the determining unit and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, the excess amount is used as the billing amount to the customer. Since the second calculation means for calculating is provided, it is possible to credit only the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by the points, thereby causing the occurrence of fine change along with the cash settlement. There is an effect that it is possible to obtain an electronic settlement system in which a fraction less than a certain amount is electronically settled and a part thereof can be offset by points.
[0114]
Also, this The invention the above In the invention of the above, it is further stated that, when the amount calculated by the calculating unit exceeds the period determined by the determining unit and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, settlement by the electronic image is prohibited. Since there is a notification means for notification, when the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by points is paid by credit, the electronic image can not be settled in the first place. There is an effect that an electronic settlement system can be obtained in which a fraction less than a certain amount causing change can be electronically settled (provided that the whole fraction can be offset by points).
[0115]
Also, this The present invention relates to an electronic payment method for paying for a product or a service by reading an electronic image displayed on a mobile terminal of a customer, a reading step of reading the electronic image, and an electronic image read in the reading step From the extraction step for extracting a period during which the electronic image can be settled and the amount for which the electronic image can be settled, and whether the current date is included in the period extracted in the extraction step A determining step and a calculating step of calculating an amount of credit sales out of the price based on the amount extracted in the extracting step when it is determined in the determining step that the current date and time is included in the period Customers who purchase products / services, etc., use electronic images (specifically, 2D barcodes) that can be used for settlement of fractions less than a certain amount at the cash register. By presenting, only the above-mentioned fraction can be paid by credit, and in addition to cash settlement, it is possible to electronically settle fractions less than a certain amount that cause fine change An advantageous electronic payment method can be obtained.
[0116]
Also, this The invention the above In the invention, the electronic image is generated based on a period during which payment by the electronic image designated by the customer is possible and an amount by which payment can be made by the electronic image, and the generation step generates the electronic image. And transmitting the electronic image to the mobile terminal, so that it can be used to settle a fraction of the desired range for the customer who plans to purchase goods / services. An electronic image that can be electronically settled with a fraction less than a certain amount that causes the occurrence of fine change together with cash settlement is obtained. Play.
[0117]
Also, this The invention the above In the invention of claim 1, further, a determination step for determining a period in which the electronic image can be settled and an amount in which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer, a period determined in the determination step, and Since it includes a generation step of generating the electronic image based on the amount of money, and a transmission step of transmitting the electronic image generated in the generation step to the mobile terminal, companies, shops, etc. that employ a point return service An electronic image that can be used for settlement of fractions within the range according to the number of points for a period corresponding to the number of points held is distributed to the customers of this company, which causes the occurrence of fine change in addition to cash settlement It is possible to obtain an electronic payment method capable of electronically paying a fraction less than a certain amount.
[0118]
Also, this The invention the above In the invention, when the amount calculated in the calculation step exceeds the period determined in the determination step and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, the excess amount is used as a charge to the customer. Since the second calculation step to calculate is included, only the excess that cannot be offset by points in the fraction can be credited, and in addition to cash settlement, There is an effect that it is possible to obtain an electronic settlement method in which a fraction less than a certain amount is electronically settled and a part thereof can be offset by points.
[0119]
Also, this The invention the above In the invention of the above, it is further stated that when the amount calculated in the calculation step exceeds the period determined in the determination step and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, settlement by the electronic image is prohibited. Since the notification process to notify is included, when the excess of the fraction that cannot be offset by points is paid by credit, the electronic image can not be settled in the first place. There is an effect that an electronic settlement method can be obtained in which a fraction less than a certain amount causing change can be electronically settled (provided that the entire fraction can be offset by points).
[0120]
Also, this According to the invention, the above It is possible to obtain a program capable of causing a computer to execute the method described in 1).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of electronic payment processing in an electronic payment system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a menu screen of a portable application for requesting and managing a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an authentication screen prior to issuance of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a barcode selection screen prior to issuing a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic settlement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic settlement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of electronic payment processing using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing an example of using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a two-dimensional barcode issuing process in the electronic settlement system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of electronic payment processing using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic payment system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of an electronic settlement system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing an example of using a two-dimensional barcode in the electronic settlement system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 card companies
101 Card members
102 member stores
600a, 900a, 1300a Member DB
600b, 601a Member authentication department
600c Barcode designation reception part
600d, 900b, 1300b Barcode generator
600e, 900c, 1300c Barcode transmitter
600f, 900d, 1300d settlement section
600g, 900e, 1300e Point update unit
600h, 900f, 1300f Point DB
601b Bar code designation part
601c, 901a, 1301a Barcode receiver
601d, 901b, 1301b Barcode DB
601e, 901c, 1301c Barcode display section
602a, 902a, 1302a Bar code reading unit
602b, 902b, 1302b Barcode analysis unit
602c, 902c, 1300h, 1302c Usability determination unit
602d, 902d, 1302d Sales recording department
602e, 902e, 1302e Sales notification section
900g barcode determination unit

Claims (13)

A predetermined server, a mobile terminal of a customer who is a card member, and a reading device connected to the predetermined server and a network for reading an electronic image displayed on the mobile terminal of the customer. An electronic settlement system that settles a price for goods, services, etc. with the predetermined server by reading an electronic image,
The electronic image is the information on the card number of the customer, the validity period of the card, the period during which payment by the electronic image is possible, and the amount of money that can be settled by the electronic image,
The reader is
Reading means for reading the electronic image;
Extraction means for extracting from the electronic image read by the reading means the card number of the customer, the validity period of the card, the period during which payment can be made by the electronic image, and the amount of money that can be paid by the electronic image;
Determining means for determining whether or not the current date and time are included in the validity period of the card extracted by the extracting means and the period in which the electronic image can be settled ;
If the current in the period is determined to contain a date and time by the determining means, based on the amount extracted by the price and the extraction means, of the charge, the following amounts extracted by said extraction means A calculating means for calculating an amount that is less than a predetermined amount as an amount of credit sales of the card related to the customer's card number extracted by the extracting means ;
Payment request processing means for performing payment request processing of the amount calculated by the calculation means using the card number of the customer extracted by the extraction means ;
An electronic payment system characterized by comprising: The predetermined server is
Generating means for generating the electronic image based on a period in which payment by the electronic image specified by the customer is possible and an amount in which payment by the electronic image is possible;
Transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal;
The electronic settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising: The predetermined server is
A determination means for determining a period in which payment by the electronic image is possible and an amount in which payment by the electronic image is possible based on the number of points held by the customer;
Generating means for generating the electronic image based on the period and amount determined by the determining means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the electronic image generated by the generating means to the portable terminal;
The electronic settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising: The reader is
A second calculation that calculates the excess amount as a charge to the customer when the amount calculated by the calculation unit exceeds the period determined by the determination unit and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount; With means,
4. The electronic settlement system according to claim 3, wherein the payment request processing means performs a payment request process for the billing amount.   The reading device notifies that the electronic image settlement is prohibited when the amount calculated by the calculating unit exceeds the period determined by the determining unit and the number of holding points on which the amount is based. The electronic settlement system according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit configured to perform notification. The generating means generates the new electronic image (hereinafter referred to as “new electronic image”) at a predetermined timing before a period in which payment by the electronic image can be made elapses,
The said transmission means transmits the said new electronic image produced | generated by the said production | generation means to the said portable terminal, before the period in which the settlement by the said electronic image can pass elapses . The electronic payment system according to any one of the above. A predetermined server, a mobile terminal of a customer who is a card member, and a reading device connected to the predetermined server and a network for reading an electronic image displayed on the mobile terminal of the customer. An electronic settlement method executed by an electronic payment system that performs payment of a price for goods, services, and the like with the predetermined server by reading an electronic image,
The electronic image is the information on the card number of the customer, the validity period of the card, the period during which payment by the electronic image is possible, and the amount of money that can be settled by the electronic image,
The reading device comprises a reading means, an extracting means, a determining means, a calculating means, and a payment processing means.
A reading step in which the reading means reads the electronic image;
The extraction means extracts from the electronic image read in the reading step the card number of the customer, the validity period of the card, the period during which payment can be made using the electronic image, and the amount of money for which payment can be made using the electronic image. An extraction process;
A determination step in which the determination means determines whether or not the current date and time are included in the validity period of the card extracted in the extraction step and the period in which the electronic image can be settled ;
The calculating means, when the current in the period is determined to contain a date and the determining step, based on the amount extracted by the price and the extraction step of the payment, by the extraction step a following amounts extracted amount, calculates the amount of less than a predetermined amount, as the amount by which the credit sales is calculated as the amount by which the credit sales of such cards in the card number of the customer extracted by the extraction means A calculation process;
A billing processing step in which the billing processing unit performs the billing processing of the amount calculated by the calculating step using the card number of the customer extracted by the extracting unit ;
The electronic payment method characterized by including. The predetermined server includes a generation unit and a transmission unit,
A generating step for generating the electronic image based on a period during which payment by the electronic image designated by the customer is possible and an amount by which payment by the electronic image is possible;
A transmitting step in which the transmitting means transmits the electronic image generated in the generating step to the portable terminal;
The electronic payment method according to claim 7, further comprising: The predetermined server includes a determination unit, a generation unit, and a transmission unit,
A determining step in which the determining means determines a period in which the electronic image can be settled and an amount in which the electronic image can be settled based on the number of points held by the customer;
The generating means for generating the electronic image based on the period and amount determined in the determining step;
A transmitting step in which the transmitting means transmits the electronic image generated in the generating step to the portable terminal;
The electronic payment method according to claim 7, further comprising: The reading device comprises second calculating means;
When the amount calculated in the calculating step exceeds the period determined in the determining step and the number of holding points that is the basis of the amount, the second calculating means charges the excess to the customer. Including a second calculation step for calculating the amount of money,
10. The electronic settlement method according to claim 9, wherein the payment request processing step performs a payment request process for the charge amount. The reading device comprises a notification means;
The notifying means notifies that settlement by the electronic image is prohibited when the amount calculated in the calculation step exceeds the period determined in the determination step and the number of holding points on which the amount is based. The electronic payment method according to claim 9, further comprising a notification step. The generating step generates a new electronic image (hereinafter referred to as a “new electronic image”) at a predetermined timing before a period in which the electronic image can be settled.
The said transmission process transmits the said new electronic image produced | generated by the said production | generation process to the said portable terminal, before the period when the payment by the said electronic image passes is characterized by the above-mentioned. The electronic payment method according to any one of the above.   A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

Images