JP6357066B2 - Electronic currency management apparatus and electronic currency management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic currency management apparatus and an electronic currency management method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is known to manage electronic currency balances such as credits, points and coupons having a monetary value with a computer. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151620 discloses a method of making a settlement in electronic currency using a mobile terminal that stores electronic currency in a user's account and stores the account number.

Special table 2010-505192

  There are a plurality of methods for increasing the balance of electronic currency. For example, there is a method (post-payment method) in which the balance of the electronic currency is increased and the monetary value corresponding to the increase is postpaid. According to the post-payment method, the user can increase the balance of the electronic currency even if he / she does not have cash at present. Further, according to the post-payment method, for example, the parent can open an electronic currency account for the child, and the parent can post-pay for the amount that the child has increased to the balance of the electronic currency.

  However, if the child freely increases the balance of the electronic currency by the postpay method, a charge unintended by the parent occurs. And there is a possibility that a problem that the parent cannot pay when paying later due to an unintended charge. This problem also becomes a problem for businesses that provide services related to electronic currency.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic currency management apparatus and an electronic currency management method that allow a user to appropriately use an electronic currency.

  The electronic currency management apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes user identification information for identifying a user who uses a service, balance information storage means for storing the electronic currency balance in association with the user identification information, Billing information storage means for associating and storing billing identification information for identifying a billing destination of communication charges used by the user corresponding to the user identification information, and increasing the balance of the electronic currency associated with the first user Charge accepting means for accepting a charge request for requesting a charge to be made, and, when accepting the charge request, charge from the second user terminal associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user Selection accepting means for accepting a selection as to whether or not to permit charging, and receiving a selection permitting the charge, And a charge means for performing charge by the settlement method is set by the second user based on the request.

The electronic currency management apparatus may further include a first settlement unit that corresponds to the settlement method and adds an amount corresponding to the charge by the charge request to the amount billed by the billing party.
The electronic currency management apparatus corresponds to the payment method, card information storage means for storing the user identification information in association with a billing amount corresponding to a credit card used by a user corresponding to the user identification information, You may further provide the 2nd payment means which adds the money amount corresponding to the charge by the said charge request | requirement to the billing amount corresponding to a said 2nd user's credit card.

  The selection accepting unit further accepts a selection of a settlement method of settlement corresponding to the charge, and the electronic currency management device selects an amount corresponding to the charge according to the charge request when accepting the selection of permitting the charge. You may further provide the payment control means to make it add to the bill amount relevant to the payment means corresponding to the said payment method.

  The billing information storage means stores the user identification information in association with information indicating whether or not the user determines permission to charge by another user of the same billing destination, and the selection accepting means When the charge request is accepted, the billing information storage means is referred to, and the second user who judges permission of charge by the first user from the user associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user is specified. May be.

  The billing information storage means stores the user identification information in association with information indicating whether or not the user is permitted to charge the balance of the electronic currency of the user, and the selection receiving means When the first user is a user who is not permitted to charge, a selection as to whether or not to permit charging by the charge request may be accepted from the terminal of the second user.

  The charge means corresponds to the charge according to the charge request with an amount designated by the first user, an amount designated by the second user, or an amount determined based on a charge history to the balance of the electronic currency. You may charge the balance as an amount.

  The electronic currency management method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a step of receiving a charge request for requesting a charge for increasing the balance of the electronic currency associated with the first user, and receiving the charge request, A step of accepting a selection as to whether or not to permit charging by the charge request and a selection of permitting the charge are accepted from a terminal of the second user associated with a billing destination of communication charges used by the first user. And charging with a settlement method set by the second user based on the charge request.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that the user can appropriately use the electronic currency.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the electronic currency management system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of an electronic currency management system. It is a figure which shows the information managed by a card management server and a carrier server. It is a figure which shows the information managed with a point management server. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of a user terminal. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of card | curd issuing. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process at the time of card | curd issuing. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of charging a card | curd. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of purchasing goods using a card | curd. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of giving a point with respect to a user. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of providing a user specific service with respect to a user. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an electronic currency management apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of a 1st user making a charge request | requirement to a 2nd user. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process when an electronic currency management apparatus charges.

[Outline of Electronic Currency Management System S]
First, an outline of the electronic currency management system S will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic currency management system S is a system that manages the balance of electronic currency that can be used by the user using the card 11 and enables the management of the card 11 from the user's mobile phone (hereinafter referred to as user terminal 12). . An electronic currency is an intangible currency having a monetary value, such as credits, points, and coupons. The card is, for example, a credit card or a prepaid card that can be used when purchasing goods or services using electronic currency.

  The user can use the electronic currency stored in the account using the card 11 when the electronic currency is stored in an account associated with the card 11 in advance and purchase of goods or services. In the electronic currency management system S, the user terminal 12 is used by linking the card 11 and the user terminal 12 in the electronic currency management apparatus 5 that can be accessed via, for example, a base station of a mobile phone network. Card management is realized. Specifically, in the electronic currency management system S, the user terminal 12 is used to implement charging (payment) to a prepaid card, confirmation of a card balance, points given, usage history, and the like.

The user can store electronic currency in various ways. For example, the user can save electronic currency by charging cash by transferring money to an account designated by a card number set in the card 11 or by making a payment through the user terminal 12 or a credit card. The user can also store electronic currency by shopping at a physical store or online store using the card 11 and receiving points according to the purchase amount. Since the user can confirm the balance of the electronic currency associated with the card 11 from the user terminal 12, the user's willingness to accumulate electronic currency and use it for various purposes is increased.
Hereinafter, an example of a specific configuration for realizing the electronic currency management system S will be described.

[System configuration of electronic currency management system S]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the electronic currency management system S. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic currency management system S includes a user device 1 and an electronic currency management device 5 accessible by the user device 1. The electronic currency management device 5 includes a card management server 2, a carrier server 3, and a point management server 4.

  The user device 1 is a device used by each user who uses a service provided by the electronic currency management system S, and includes a card 11 and a user terminal 12.

  The card 11 is a card that performs payment using an international brand payment NW50, a credit card that can be used for payment after credit card payment, and payment of the usage amount based on a pre-charged amount. It is a prepaid card that can be made, or a postpay card that postpays the amount of charge. As the card 11, an integrated card that can select any of these payment methods may be used.

  The user terminal 12 is a communication device that performs communication (call) via a communication NW provided by a communication carrier, and is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like. A predetermined application program is installed in the user terminal 12, and the card 11 can be managed from the user terminal 12 through an application executed based on the program.

  The card management server 2 is a server that manages, for each user, a usage history corresponding to prepaid payment and a usage history corresponding to credit card payment as usage history of the card 11, and stores information related to the card 11. To do. Here, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show examples of various information stored in the card management server 2. As shown in FIG. 3A, the card management server 2 stores various information such as a prepaid card number, a balance, and a usage history in association with the management number. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the card management server 2 stores various information such as a credit card number, a usage amount, and a usage history in association with the management number. Hereinafter, when both the prepaid card number and the credit card number are indicated, they are simply referred to as “card number”.

  The card number is a number consisting of approximately 16 digits of alphanumeric characters set in the card 11 and is identification information for identifying the card 11. The management number is a number uniquely corresponding to the card number, and is used to identify the card 11 instead of the card number when linking with another server. The balance is information indicating the balance of the amount charged in the account designated by the prepaid card number set in the card 11. The usage amount indicates the amount charged to the user of the card 11 and indicates the total amount settled within a predetermined period (for example, one month from the closing date) by the credit card number set in the card 11. Information. The use history is a history of shopping using the card 11 and includes purchase date and time, products / services to be purchased, purchase price, purchase place (store name), and the like.

  The carrier server 3 is a server used by a communication carrier, and manages the amount billed when the user terminal 12 is used. The use of the user terminal includes, for example, use of content or product purchase using a mobile phone and use associated with a communication fee. The carrier server 3 manages the usage history of the user terminal 12 of the service provided by the communication carrier for each user. The carrier server 3 calculates the amount charged to the user based on the usage history. Further, the carrier server 3 functions as an entrance (portal) for providing the service provided by the communication carrier to the user terminal 12. For example, in response to a request from the user terminal 12, the carrier server 3 acquires the balance of the electronic currency stored in the account corresponding to the card number associated with the user ID from the point management server 4, and sends it to the user terminal 12. The balance of electronic currency can be notified. The carrier server 3 may acquire points associated with the user ID from the point management server 4 and notify the user terminal 12 of the point balance.

Here, FIG. 3C illustrates an example of various information managed in the carrier server 3. As shown in FIG. 3C, the carrier server 3 stores various types of information such as the telephone number of the user terminal 12, the billing amount, the contract ID, the contractor name, and the possibility of charging in association with the user ID.
The user ID is identification information for identifying the user terminal 12 or a user who uses the user terminal 12. The telephone number is a telephone number set for the user terminal 12 that is a communication terminal. The amount charged is the amount charged to the user when the user terminal 12 is used. For example, the charge is a communication fee, a content usage fee used at the user terminal 12, and charging the card 11 via the user terminal 12. Includes payments made.

  Note that depending on the communication carrier, not only a mobile phone but also a complex service such as a fixed telephone or cable TV may be provided to the user. A charge for the service provided may be included. The contract ID is identification information for identifying a contract made with a communication carrier, and is information indicating that the contractor has made the contract. A communication carrier may charge a communication fee or the like collectively for the same person or family. The contract ID and the contractor name are information for discriminating a range in which charges for communication charges are collected and a target for charging the collected communication charges. Further, whether or not charging is possible is information indicating whether or not the user is permitted to charge the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to his / her card 11.

  The carrier server 3 associates the user ID with the contract information of the user terminal 12, such as contract details, contract deadline, contract date and time, contract period, and the like. It is also possible to store information relating to payment status such as communication charges, such as payment has been completed / delayed.

The point management server 4 obtains points according to use of the card 11 (for example, shopping using the card) and points according to use of the service provided to the user indicated by the user terminal 12 or the user ID. A server that is integrated and managed. Here, examples of various information managed in the point management server 4 are shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B).
As shown in FIG. 4A, the point management server 4 stores various information such as a management number, points, and detailed information in association with the user ID. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user who uses the user terminal 12, and is used when linking with the carrier server 3. The management number is a number uniquely corresponding to the card number, and is used when linking with the card management server 2. The point is information indicating the number of points given to the corresponding user according to the charge amount acquired from the carrier server 3 and the purchase amount acquired from the card management server 2 (that is, the settlement amount of the purchased product). It is. The detail information is information including the card 11 and the point usage history, and indicates the history of shopping using the card 11 and the history of points given to the user.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the point management server 4 stores a point grant rate for calculating points to be granted based on the purchase amount and the charge amount in association with the usage form. As a usage form, the use of the card 11 or the user terminal 12 can be considered, but besides these, depending on whether the store using the card 11 is a normal store or a point preferential store, the rate It is good also as making it differ. Information indicating a store using the card 11 can be acquired by receiving a use history from the card management server 2.

  The point management server 4 may store the balance of the electronic currency managed by the card management server 2 in association with the prepaid card number in association with the user ID. In this case, the point management server 4 updates the stored electronic currency balance in synchronization with the update timing of the electronic currency balance in the card management server 2. In response to a request from the user terminal 12, the point management server 4 reads the balance of the electronic currency stored in association with the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 12 from the storage unit, and via the carrier server 3, The balance can be notified to the user terminal 12. The point management server 4 acquires the electronic currency balance associated with the prepaid card number corresponding to the user ID from the card management server 2 at the timing when the balance of the electronic currency is requested from the user terminal 12. The balance may be notified to the user terminal 12.

  As described above, in the electronic currency management system S, the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4 cooperate to manage the card number and the user ID in association with each other. That is, the electronic currency management system S manages the card identification information in association with the user identification information for identifying the user who uses the user terminal 12. Specifically, in the electronic currency management system S, the point management server 4 associates the card number with the user ID via the management number associated with both the card number and the user ID.

  Then, the electronic currency management system S manages the balance of electronic currency that can be settled by the card 11 in the card management server 2 in association with the prepaid card number. In response to a request from the user terminal 12, the carrier server 3 sends an electronic currency balance stored in an account corresponding to the prepaid card number associated with the user ID from the card management server 2 via the point management server 4. It is possible to acquire and notify the user terminal 12 of the balance of the electronic currency. By doing in this way, in the electronic currency management system S, it is as if the user manages the electronic currency in association with the user terminal 12 without inputting information on the electronic currency account to the user terminal 12. It is possible to grasp the balance of electronic currency with a sense.

  In the electronic currency management system S having the above configuration, the point management server 4 integrates the usage status of the card 11 managed by the card management server 2 and the usage status of the user terminal 12 managed by the carrier server 3. And achieve point integration. Specifically, the point management server 4 integrates the usage status of the card 11 and the usage status of the user terminal 12 by linking the management number and the user ID.

Since the point management server 4 manages the integrated information in association with the user ID, the usage status of the card 11 and the usage status of the user terminal 12 of the corresponding user can be acquired using the user ID as a key.
Therefore, in the electronic currency management system S, when a user using the user terminal 12 designates a user ID and makes a request, the user can grasp various information managed by the point management server 4. Specifically, when the user terminal 12 transmits predetermined information including a user ID to the carrier server 3, the carrier server 3 acquires various pieces of related information from the point management server 4 using the user ID as a key, and the user Provided to the terminal 12. Note that the point management server 4 and the carrier server 3 may provide the user terminal 12 with difference information with respect to the information provided at the previous request.

[Display screen example of user terminal 12]
Here, an example of a display screen displayed on the user terminal 12 based on various information provided from the carrier server 3 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is a display screen 200 showing an example of a top screen displayed during execution of the above-described application, and FIG. 5B is a display showing an example of a menu screen displayed during execution of the application. This is a screen 210.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the display screen 200 includes a card balance display 201, a point number display 202, a charge button 203, and a menu button 204.
The card balance display 201 is a display showing the balance of the prepaid card 11, and the point number display 202 is a display showing the number of points given to the user. The display contents of the card balance display 201 and the point number display 202 are controlled based on the balance and the number of points of the card 11 acquired from the point management server 4 using the user ID as a key.

The charge button 203 is used when the user charges the card 11 with a desired amount. When the charge button 203 is operated and the user performs a predetermined charging operation, a charge request is made to the card management server 2 in cooperation with the user ID and the management number.
The menu button 204 is used when calling up menu screens of various services provided by the carrier server 3. When the menu button 204 is operated, a display screen 210 shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the user terminal 12.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the display screen 210 includes a point menu 211, a shopping menu 212, and a card menu 213.
The point menu 211 includes a menu that prompts the user to use points, such as “Purchase a product using points” and “Get a privilege (coupon) using points”. Thereby, since various services that can use the points are provided to the user, the user can use the given points in various scenes.

The shopping menu 212 includes a menu that prompts the user to use the card 11 such as “Introduction of point preferential stores” and “Introducing stores that can shop using the card 11”. When the card 11 is used, points according to the purchase amount are given in the point management server 4, and by providing such a menu, it is possible to increase the opportunities for giving points.
The card menu 213 includes a menu for confirming the usage details of the card 11. By selecting this menu, the user can check the usage history of the card 11.

[Operation of Electronic Currency Management System S]
The configuration of the electronic currency management system S has been described above. Subsequently, the operation of the electronic currency management system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Operation when issuing a card]
First, the operation at the time of card issuance will be described with reference to FIGS. In the electronic currency management system S, the card 11 is issued in a locked state so that it cannot be used, and the card 11 and the user terminal 12 are linked to release the lock of the card 11. The locked state is, for example, a state in which a request for payment or charge is disabled on the card management server 2 side.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 111 that can be read by the user terminal 12 is provided in the card 11, and the card is obtained when the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111. 11 is unlocked and the card 11 becomes usable. In the present embodiment, an IC chip 111 corresponding to NFC (Near Field Communication) is provided in the card 11, and the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111 using its own NFC communication function.

Here, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of processing at the time of card issuance will be described.
First, in step S <b> 1, the card issuer (card management server 2) stores information usable for unlocking in the IC chip 111, and sets the information on the card 11. Note that the information stored in the IC chip 111 is arbitrary information. In this embodiment, for example, a user ID for identifying the user terminal 12 is used. When information usable for unlocking is set in the card 11, the card management server 2 issues the card 11 to the user in step S2.

  When the card 11 issued from the card management server 2 arrives, the user reads the IC chip 111 of the card 11 using the user terminal 12 in step S3. That is, when the user brings the user terminal 12 into contact with the card 11, the NFC function of the user terminal 12 is exhibited, and information usable for unlocking stored in the IC chip 111 is read from the card 11. Subsequently, in step S4, the user terminal 12 determines whether or not the information held by itself matches the read information. If both pieces of information (user ID) match at this time, the user terminal 12 makes a use permission request in step S5, and the card management server 2 releases the lock of the issued card 11 in step S6. , Allow use. On the other hand, if the two pieces of information do not match in step S4, the user terminal 12 performs predetermined error processing in step S7.

In the foregoing, an example of processing at the time of issuing a card has been described. Information that can be used for unlocking the card 11 may be encrypted by a predetermined method. In this case, it is determined whether or not both pieces of information match in the user terminal 12 by holding information obtained by encrypting the user ID of the user terminal 12 or storing encryption key information. be able to.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, determination for unlocking is performed in the user terminal 12. In this regard, the determination may be performed not by the user terminal 12 but by any of the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4.

  When the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111 provided on the card 11 after unlocking the card 11, a display screen (for example, the display screen shown in FIG. 5A) displayed during the execution of the above-described application. 200) may be automatically displayed on the user terminal 12. That is, when the user terminal 12 reads the IC chip 111, the user terminal 12 requests various information from the carrier server 3, and displays the information acquired in response to the request.

[Operation when charging]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an operation when charging an amount when the card 11 is a prepaid card will be described. FIG. 8A is a display screen 220 showing a charge menu screen displayed when the charge button 203 is operated on the display screen 200 showing the top screen (see FIG. 5A).

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the electronic currency management system S of the present embodiment includes at least a charging method 221, a charging method 222, and a charging method 223 as a method of charging the amount of money to the card 11. The charging method 221 is a charging method in which an amount of money is charged to the card 11 using at least a part of the given points, and charging is performed by converting the points into money at a predetermined rate. The charging method 222 is a charging method for charging using carrier settlement. Carrier payment is to make a payment together with the communication fee of the user terminal 12. In this charging method 222, the charged amount is added to the amount charged by the user terminal 12 and charged.

  The charging method 223 is a charging method in which charging is performed using a credit card settlement using a credit card different from the card 11. In this charging method 223, when the electronic currency management system S receives an instruction to charge using the credit card settlement from the user terminal 12, the electronic money management system S charges the balance corresponding to the card 11 and the usage amount corresponding to the amount to be charged. Is added to the credit card usage amount, and the usage history corresponding to the amount is added to the credit card usage history. In the present embodiment, only the charging methods 221, 222, and 223 will be described. However, the charging method to the card 11 is not limited to these, and may be realized by other methods. For example, a bank account used by the user may be set in advance, and the card 11 may be charged via this bank account.

  FIG. 8B shows a flow of operations of the charging method 221, the charging method 222, and the charging method 223. As shown in FIG. 8B, in step S11, the user terminal 12 makes a charge request to the carrier server 3. In this charge request, the user terminal 12 notifies the carrier server 3 of the charge method and the charge amount together with the user ID.

  Upon receiving the charge request, the carrier server 3 notifies the point management server 4 that the charge request has been received from the user terminal 12 in step S12. Specifically, the carrier server 3 notifies the point management server 4 using the user ID that identifies the user terminal 12 that has received the charge request.

  In step S13, the point management server 4 specifies a management number corresponding to the user ID, and the card associated with the card number set in the card 11 corresponding to the management number with respect to the card management server 2. To charge the requested amount. Upon receiving this notification, the card management server 2 deposits the amount notified to the account corresponding to the card number set in the card 11 of the prepaid card number corresponding to the management number. In detail, the process of step S13 is performed after the processes of steps S14A and B are performed.

  Step S14A is a process executed when the charge method 221 is selected, Step S14B is a process executed when the charge method 222 is selected, and Step S14C is a process executed when the charge method 223 is selected. This process is executed when Note that step S14C is performed after the process of step S13 is performed.

In step S14A, the point management server 4 subtracts a point corresponding to the charge amount from the point associated with the user ID.
In step S14B, the carrier server 3 adds an amount corresponding to the charge amount to the charge amount associated with the user ID, and charges the user at a predetermined timing.

  In step S14C, the card management server 2 adds the charge amount to the usage amount corresponding to the credit card number associated with the management number, and adds the charge amount to the usage history corresponding to the credit card number. Add usage history corresponding to the amount.

  In carrier payment, a payment available frame may be set according to the contents of a contract with a communication carrier. As an example, there may be a case where a settlement frame is set according to the number of months of subscription to a service provided by a communication carrier. For a user with a subscription month of “36 months”, a settlement available frame “10,000 yen” is set. In such a case, in the process of step S14B, the carrier server 3 determines whether or not the sum of the charge amount of the current month is within the settleable frame, and only when the carrier server 3 is within the settleable frame. You may enable payment.

[Operation when purchasing a product]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an operation when purchasing a product using the card 11 will be described. The card 11 can be used in an actual store or a virtual store on the Internet.
When purchasing a product in an actual store, as shown in step S21A, by reading the card 11 through a card reader, the card number of the card 11 and information related to the product purchase are notified to the settlement NW50 provided by the international brand. The Note that the information related to product purchase is, for example, information such as the purchase price, purchased product, purchased store, and the like. Also, as shown in step S21B, when purchasing a product at a virtual store, the user terminal 12 notifies the settlement NW 50 of the card number of the card 11 and information related to the product purchase.

  When a predetermined payment process is performed in the payment NW 50, in step S22, the payment NW 50 notifies the card management server 2 of the card number and information related to product purchase. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the card management server 2 manages various information in association with each of the credit card number and the prepaid card number, and is included in the plurality of card numbers. When a single card number and money amount information indicating the purchase price when purchasing a product or service are received, the usage history corresponding to the purchase price is displayed in the usage history corresponding to the payment method related to the received card number. to add.

  For example, when the prepaid card number is received in step S23A, the card management server 2 subtracts the purchase amount from the balance associated with the prepaid card number as shown in FIG. To do. When the card management server 2 receives the credit card number in step S23B, the card management server 2 adds the purchase amount to the usage amount associated with the credit card and adds the usage history as shown in FIG. To do. Subsequently, in step S24, the card management server 2 specifies a management number corresponding to the received card number.

  Subsequently, in step S25, the card management server 2 notifies the point management server 4 of information related to product purchase together with a management number corresponding to the card number. The point management server 4 updates the points associated with the user ID corresponding to the management number based on the acquired information related to product purchase.

[Operation when points are given]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an operation when giving points to the user will be described. As described above, in the electronic currency management system S of the present embodiment, points are given according to the purchase of a product using the card 11, and points are also given according to the use of the user terminal 12.

In the case where points are given according to the purchase of the product, the point management server 4 acquires information related to the product purchase from the card management server 2 together with the management number in step S31. Then, in step S32, the point management server 4 specifies a rate according to the store where the product is purchased, and calculates a point according to the purchase amount based on the rate. Note that the processes in steps S31 and S32 are performed each time the user purchases a product using the card 11.
When the points corresponding to the purchase amount are calculated, in step S35, the point management server 4 adds the calculated points to the points stored in association with the user ID corresponding to the management number.

In step S <b> 33, the point management server 4 acquires the billed amount from the carrier server 3 together with the user ID. Then, in step S34, the point management server 4 calculates points according to the billed amount based on a predetermined rate. Note that the processing of step S33 and step S34 is performed at the timing when the amount charged is determined.
When the point corresponding to the amount charged is calculated, in step S35, the point management server 4 adds the calculated point to the point stored in association with the user ID.

[Operations when providing services to users]
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an operation for providing a service unique to the user to the user who uses the electronic currency management system S will be described.

In step S41, when the user terminal 12 accesses the carrier server 3 with the user ID, the carrier server 3 notifies the point management server 4 of the user ID in step S42. In step S43, the point management server 4 acquires information related to the service corresponding to the notified user ID, and notifies the carrier server 3 of the information. In step S44, the service is provided from the carrier server 3 to the user terminal 12. Is done.
The point management server 4 manages the access history for each user ID, and based on this access history, the difference information from the previous access (use amount, charge amount, increase / decrease of points), the current balance and Get the current number of points. Then, the acquired information is provided to the user terminal 12 via the carrier server 3, so that the user terminal 12 displays a difference from the previous time, the current balance, the number of points, and the like.

The service corresponding to the user ID is, for example, a service that makes it possible to confirm the balance of the card 11 owned by the user and the points given, and introduces a product that matches the user's attributes (recommendation). Service.
As an example, the point management server 4 can purchase a product that can be purchased with the balance or points based on the balance or points associated with the user ID, or a little more than the balance or points that can be purchased. Providing services that introduce Further, the point management server 4 provides a service for introducing a product preferred by the user based on a user attribute (gender, age, date of birth, hobby preference) associated with the user ID. Such services can also be provided that have been updated since the previous access.

  Further, the point management server 4 may change the point management server 4 to a state where the points cannot be used when the contract with the service provider using the user terminal 12 is canceled. For example, it is assumed that a communication carrier provides a communication service using the user terminal 12 and gives a point corresponding to the communication fee to the user of the user terminal 12. In this case, when the point management server 4 acquires information from the carrier server 3 that the user of the user terminal 12 has canceled the contract with the communication carrier, the point management server 4 deletes the points stored in association with the user terminal 12. When the point management server 4 acquires information that the user of the user terminal 12 has canceled the contract with the communication carrier, the point management server 4 may store the point balance with a flag indicating that points cannot be used. When the point management server 4 receives a notification from the carrier server 3 that the user has resumed the contract with the communication carrier within a predetermined period after canceling the contract, the point management server 4 You may make it usable.

  The electronic currency management device of the present invention is preferably used in the electronic currency management system S described above. Hereinafter, the electronic money management apparatus of the present invention will be described.

[Functional Configuration of Electronic Currency Management Device 5]
First, the configuration of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic currency management apparatus 5 of the present invention. The electronic money management device 5 may be realized by any one of the above-described card management server 2, carrier server 3, and point management server 4. Also, the card management server 2, carrier server 3 and the point management server 4 may be realized by cooperation. In this regard, in this embodiment, the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4 cooperate to realize the electronic currency management apparatus 5.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic currency management device 5 includes a balance information storage unit 51, a card information storage unit 52, a billing information storage unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55.
The balance information storage unit 51 is a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores user identification information for identifying a user who uses a service provided by a communication carrier and an electronic currency balance corresponding to the prepaid card 11. To do. In the present embodiment, the balance information storage unit 51 is provided in the card management server 2, and as shown in FIG. 3A, a management number as user identification information, a prepaid card number, a balance, It is stored in association with usage history.

  The card information storage unit 52 stores the user identification information and the billing amount corresponding to the credit card used by the user corresponding to the user identification information in association with each other. In the present embodiment, the card information storage unit 52 is provided in the card management server 2, and as shown in FIG. 3B, as a management number as user identification information, a credit card number, and a billing amount. Is stored in association with the usage history.

  The billing information storage unit 53 associates and stores user identification information and billing identification information for identifying a billing destination for communication charges used by the user corresponding to the user identification information. In addition, the billing information storage unit 53 permits the user identification information to indicate whether or not the user determines permission to charge by another user of the same billing destination, and charge corresponding to his / her own electronic currency. Information indicating whether or not the user is a registered user.

  In the present embodiment, the billing information storage unit 53 is provided in the carrier server 3 and, as shown in FIG. 3C, a user ID, billing amount, contract ID, contractor name as user identification information, Information such as chargeability is stored in association with each other. Here, the user whose contractor name is displayed as “◯” is a user who determines permission of charging by another user of the same billing destination. In addition, a user whose contractor name is displayed as “×” is a user whose charge is determined to be determined by another user of the same billing destination. The user who is permitted to charge by another user of the same billing party is a user who is not permitted to charge the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the prepaid card 11. Hereinafter, a user who is not permitted to charge corresponding to his / her prepaid card 11 and whose charge is judged by another user of the same billing destination is referred to as a first user, and other users of the same billing destination. A user who determines permission of charging by the user (first user) is referred to as a second user.

  In the above description, the first user and the second user are determined based on “◯” and “×” displayed in the contractor name, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first user and the second user may be determined based on the family attributes of the user such as a parent-child relationship.

  The storage unit 54 is a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, or a storage medium such as a hard disk. In this embodiment, the memory | storage part 54 is comprised from the memory provided in each of the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 54 stores a plurality of programs for operating the control unit 55 and data generated when the control unit 55 operates.

  The control unit 55 is, for example, a CPU, and by executing a program stored in the storage unit 54, a charge reception unit 551, a selection reception unit 552, a charge unit 553, a payment control unit 554, a first payment unit 555, and It functions as the second settlement unit 556.

  The charge reception unit 551 receives a charge request for requesting a charge corresponding to the prepaid card 11 owned by the first user, that is, a charge for increasing the balance of the electronic currency associated with the first user.

  For example, the charge receiving unit 551 receives a charge request according to the following procedure. First, on the display screen 200 displayed on the user terminal 12 (see FIG. 5A), when the charge button 203 is operated, a display request including the user ID and requesting the display of the charge screen is received from the user terminal 12. It is transmitted to the electronic currency management device 5.

  When the charge reception unit 551 receives the display request, the charge reception unit 551 refers to the billing information storage unit 53, and the user corresponding to the user ID included in the display request is a user who is not permitted to charge by himself, It is determined whether or not there is one user. When determining that the user is the first user, the charge receiving unit 551 generates a charge request screen 250 for requesting the second user to charge, as shown in FIG. Then, the charge reception unit 551 transmits the charge request screen 250 to the user terminal 12 and causes the display unit of the user terminal 12 to display the charge request screen 250.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the charge request screen 250 includes a display 251 indicating the user name of the second user who determines permission of charging, an input field 252 for receiving input of a desired charge amount, and input information. A request button 253 for making a charge request based on the above and a cancel button 254 for canceling the charge request.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13A, it is assumed that the user “Hanako” corresponding to the user ID “HANAKO78” shown in FIG. 3C has made a display request as the first user, and is the same as the user ID “HANAKO78”. It can be confirmed that a display screen 250 for requesting charging is displayed for the user “Taro” corresponding to the user ID “TARO97” of the billing destination.

  Note that an input field is provided in the charge request screen 250 shown in FIG. 13A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the charge receiving unit 551 may generate the charge request screen 250 that displays a charge amount preset by the first user or the second user as a desired charge amount. Further, the charge receiving unit 551 may prevent the first user from changing the desired charge amount on the charge request screen 250.

  Further, the charge receiving unit 551 may determine a desired charge amount based on the history of charging the electronic currency balance corresponding to the first user's prepaid card 11. Further, the charge reception unit 551 may display recommendation information indicating that it is preferable to charge the determined charge amount on the charge request screen 250.

  On the display screen 250, when the first user inputs a desired charge amount in the input field 252 and performs an operation of pressing the request button 253, a charge request is transmitted from the user terminal 12 to the electronic currency management apparatus 5. The This charge request includes the user ID of the first user and information indicating the desired charge amount. The charge receiving unit 551 receives the charge request from the user terminal 12.

  In the above description, the charge receiving unit 551 has received a charge request from the user terminal 12 of the first user, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the prepaid card 11 of the first user is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the charge acceptance unit 551 may set the auto charge to the auto charge. A charge request according to the above may be received from the control unit 55. Accordingly, even when the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the prepaid card 11 of the first user is automatically charged, it can be charged according to the permission of the second user.

  Further, the charge accepting unit 551 accepts a charge request from the control unit 55 when the first user makes a purchase with the prepaid card 11 and the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the card 11 is insufficient. Also good. Moreover, the charge reception part 551 may receive the charge request which increases the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to a 1st user from the 3rd user which belongs to the same billing party and is different from a 1st user and a 2nd user. . Moreover, the charge reception part 551 may receive the setting which charges regularly with respect to the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to a 1st user from a 2nd user or a 3rd user. Then, the charge receiving unit 551 may periodically receive a charge request from the control unit 55 based on the setting. For example, when the first user is a child, the second user is a father, and the third user is a mother, the second user or the third user, for example, periodically (for example, 1 The balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the first user can be charged once a month).

  When the charge accepting unit 551 accepts the charge request, the selection accepting unit 552 determines whether or not to permit the charge according to the charge request from the user terminal 12 of the second user associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user. Accept the selection. Specifically, when receiving the charge request, the selection receiving unit 552 refers to the billing information storage unit 53 and associates with the billing destination corresponding to the first user based on the user ID included in the charge request. The second user who determines permission of charging by the first user is specified from the registered users.

  For example, when a charge request is made from the user “Hanako” corresponding to the user ID “HANAKO78” shown in FIG. 3C, the selection receiving unit 552 is charged as the second user with the user ID “HANAKO78”. The user “Taro” corresponding to the previous user ID “TARO97” is specified.

  The selection accepting unit 552 generates a permission / refusal selection screen 260 for accepting whether or not to permit charging by a charge request, as shown in FIG. 13B, and transmits the screen to the user terminal 12 of the second user for display.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, the permission / refusal selection screen 260 includes a display 261 indicating the requesting user, a display 262 displaying the charge amount desired by the first user, and a permission for permitting charging by the first user. A button 263 and a non-permission button 264 that does not permit charging by the first user. In FIG. 13B, it can be confirmed that the user “Hanako” wants to charge 2,000 yen corresponding to FIG. 13A.

  Here, the selection accepting unit 552 generates the permission / refusal selection screen 260 provided with an input field for designating the charge amount instead of the display 262 displaying the desired charge amount so that the first user can change the charge amount. May be. In this input column, a desired charge amount may be displayed in advance.

  In addition, the selection receiving unit 552 may generate the permission / refusal selection screen 260 that displays the charge history corresponding to the first user or the permission / refusal selection screen 260 that provides a link for accessing the charge history. In addition, the selection receiving unit 552 determines the charge amount based on the history charged in the balance of the first user's electronic currency, and recommends the recommendation information indicating that it is preferable to charge the determined charge amount. May be displayed.

  When the second user performs an operation of pressing the non-permission button 264, non-permission information that denies the charge request is transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the second user to the electronic currency management apparatus 5. Upon receipt of the non-permission information, the selection receiving unit 552 generates a screen including a non-permission message indicating that the charge request is not permitted, and transmits the screen to the user terminal 12 of the first user for display. Here, the selection receiving unit 552 may receive a message indicating the reason for non-permission from the second user and transmit the message to the user terminal 12 of the first user for display.

  When the second user performs an operation of pressing the permission button 263, permission information for permitting a charge request is transmitted from the user terminal 12 of the second user to the electronic currency management apparatus 5. Upon receiving the permission information, the selection receiving unit 552 receives selection of a payment method for payment corresponding to the charge. Specifically, the selection receiving unit 552 generates a payment selection screen 270 for selecting a payment method, which is shown in FIG. 13C, and transmits and displays the payment selection screen 270 on the user terminal 12 of the second user. A payment method selection is received via 270.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, the payment selection screen 270 includes a first selection button 271 and a second selection button 272 that accept a payment method selection, and a button 273 that returns the display to the permission / rejection selection screen 260. The first selection button 271 is a button for selecting carrier payment as a payment method, and the second selection button 272 is a button for selecting credit card payment as a payment method.

  When the second user performs an operation of pressing the first selection button 271 or the second selection button 272, the user terminal 12 includes the instruction type information for instructing the charge including the payment type information indicating the selected payment method. It transmits to the electronic currency management apparatus 5.

  In the above description, the selection receiving unit 552 receives the selection of the payment method from the user terminal 12 of the second user after the charge is permitted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the selection accepting unit 552 may accept the setting of the settlement method corresponding to the charge request in advance by the second user and automatically select a preset settlement method after the charge is permitted. Good. By doing so, the second user when receiving the charge request can reduce the operation and can easily charge the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the first user.

  When the selection receiving unit 552 receives a selection for permitting charging, the charging unit 553 performs charging by a settlement method specified by the second user based on the charge request. Specifically, when receiving the instruction information for instructing charging, the charging unit 553 specifies whether to perform carrier payment or credit card payment based on the payment type information included in the instruction information. Then, the charging unit 553 charges the settlement unit corresponding to the identified settlement method. Here, the charge unit 553 receives the charge specified by the electronic currency management device 5 based on the charge specified by the first user, the charge specified by the second user, or the charge history of the balance of the electronic currency. Charge the balance of the electronic currency as the amount corresponding to the charge by.

  When the selection accepting unit 552 accepts the selection for permitting the charge, the settlement control unit 554 adds the amount corresponding to the charge by the charge request to the amount charged corresponding to the selected settlement method. Specifically, like the charging unit 553, the settlement control unit 554 identifies a settlement method based on the settlement type information included in the instruction information for instructing charging, and sets the settlement unit corresponding to the identified settlement method. Let me settle.

Here, the control unit 55 includes a first settlement unit 555 and a second settlement unit 556 as settlement units.
The first settlement unit 555 charges the balance of the electronic currency associated with the first user by the amount specified by the first user, and uses the amount corresponding to the charge of the communication fee for communication used by the second user. Add to your bill.

  Specifically, the first settlement unit 555 refers to the information shown in FIG. 4A and specifies the management number of the prepaid card 11 corresponding to the user ID of the first user. Then, referring to the information shown in FIG. 3A, the balance of the electronic currency of the prepaid card 11 corresponding to the first management number and associated with the specified management number is charged. In addition, the first settlement unit 555 refers to the information shown in FIG. 3C and adds the amount corresponding to the charge to the billing amount associated with the user ID of the second user.

  Here, in the information shown in FIG. 3C, a billing amount is set for each of a plurality of users associated with one contract ID, but one billing amount is set for one contract ID. May be. In this case, the first settlement unit 555 adds the amount corresponding to the charge to the billed amount.

  The second settlement unit 556 charges the balance of the electronic currency associated with the first user by the amount specified by the first user, and charges the amount corresponding to the charge to the credit card of the second user. Add first.

  Specifically, the second settlement unit 556 specifies the management number of the prepaid card 11 corresponding to the user ID of the first user with reference to the information shown in FIG. The management number of the credit card (card 11) corresponding to the user ID is specified. Then, the second settlement unit 556 refers to the information shown in FIG. 3A and charges the electronic currency balance of the prepaid card 11 corresponding to the first user. Also, the second settlement unit 556 adds the amount corresponding to the charge to the usage amount (billed amount) associated with the credit card corresponding to the second user based on the information shown in FIG. .

[Processing of Electronic Currency Management Device 5]
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the flow of processing when the electronic currency management apparatus 5 performs charging will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the electronic currency management apparatus 5 performs charging.

First, the charge reception unit 551 receives a display request for requesting display of a charge screen from the user terminal 12 (S51). This display request includes a user ID.
Subsequently, when the charge reception unit 551 receives the display request, the charge reception unit 551 refers to the billing information storage unit 53, and the user corresponding to the user ID included in the display request is a user whose charge is not permitted by the user, That is, it is determined whether or not the user is the first user (S52). If the charge accepting unit 551 determines that the user is the first user, the process proceeds to S53. If the charge accepting unit 551 determines that the user is not the first user, the charge accepting unit 551 accepts the desired charge amount and proceeds to S58.

  Subsequently, the charge accepting unit 551 displays a charge request screen 250 for requesting a charge from the second user on the user terminal 12 of the first user, and accepts the charge request via the charge request screen 250 (S53). . This charge request includes a user ID and information indicating a desired charge amount.

  Subsequently, based on the user ID of the first user included in the charge request, the selection accepting unit 552 permits the charge by the first user from the user associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user. The second user who determines whether or not is determined (S54).

  Subsequently, the selection accepting unit 552 displays a permission / refusal selection screen 260 for accepting whether or not charging by the charge request is permitted on the user terminal 12 of the second user, and permits charging by the charge request from the second user. The selection of whether or not is accepted (S55).

  Subsequently, the selection receiving unit 552 determines whether or not a selection for permitting charging has been received (S56). If the selection accepting unit 552 determines that the selection not permitting charging is accepted, the process proceeds to S57 and notifies the user terminal 12 of the first user of a non-permission message indicating that the charge request is not permitted. If the selection receiving unit 552 determines that the selection of permitting charging has been received, the process proceeds to S58.

  Subsequently, when the selection receiving unit 552 determines that the selection of permitting charging has been received, the selection receiving unit 552 displays a payment selection screen 270 for selecting a payment method on the user terminal 12 of the second user, and responds to the charge from the second user. Selection of a settlement method for settlement is accepted (S58).

  Subsequently, when the charging unit 553 receives selection of a settlement method, the charging unit 553 performs a charging process. Specifically, the charging unit 553 controls the first settlement unit 555 or the second settlement unit 556, and performs charging by the settlement method specified in S58 as charge processing (S59).

  Subsequently, the settlement control unit 554 controls the first settlement unit 555 or the second settlement unit 556, and performs a settlement process for adding the amount corresponding to the charge by the charge request to the billing amount related to the selected settlement method. Perform (S60).

[Effects of electronic currency management system S]
In the electronic currency management system S described above, the card management server 2, the carrier server 3, and the point management server 4 cooperate to manage the card number and the user ID in association with each other. Therefore, in response to a request from the user terminal 12, the carrier server 3 uses the point management server 4 to store the balance of the electronic currency stored in the account corresponding to the card number associated with the user ID via the card management server 2. And the user terminal 12 can be notified of the balance of the electronic currency. By doing in this way, in the electronic currency management system S, it is as if the user manages the electronic currency in association with the user terminal 12 without inputting information on the electronic currency account to the user terminal 12. It is possible to grasp the balance of electronic currency with a sense.

  Further, in the electronic currency management system S, when the electronic currency management device 5 receives a charge request for requesting a charge for increasing the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the prepaid card 11 associated with the first user. A selection as to whether or not to permit charging according to the charge request is accepted from the user terminal 12 of the second user associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user. When the electronic money management apparatus 5 receives a selection for permitting charging, the electronic currency management apparatus 5 performs charging by a settlement method set by the second user based on the charge request.

  By doing in this way, it can prevent that the charge which is not intended with respect to a 2nd user generate | occur | produces by the charge by a postpay system being performed by the 1st user. Thereby, since the charge by a 1st user can be suppressed, the said 1st user suppresses charging with respect to the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the prepaid card | curd 11, and suppresses the said electronic currency appropriately. Can be used.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. In particular, the specific embodiments of the distribution / integration of the devices are not limited to those illustrated above, and all or a part thereof may be added in arbitrary units according to various additions or according to functional loads. It can be configured functionally or physically distributed and integrated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS S ... Electronic currency management system, 1 ... User equipment, 11 ... Card, 12 ... User terminal, 2 ... Card management server, 3 ... Carrier server, 5 ... Electronic currency Management device 51 ... Balance information storage unit 52 ... Card information storage unit 53 ... Billing information storage unit 54 ... Storage unit 55 ... Control unit 551 ... Charge acceptance Part, 552 ... selection accepting part, 553 ... charging part, 554 ... settlement control part, 555 ... first settlement part, 556 ... second settlement part, 4 ... point management server 50 ... Settlement NW

Claims (8)

Balance information storage means for storing management information corresponding to card identification information for identifying a card corresponding to prepaid payment and a balance of electronic currency corresponding to the card ;
Corresponding to the management information, user identification information for identifying a user who uses a service related to communication, and billing identification information for identifying a billing destination of communication charges used by the user corresponding to the user identification information are stored in association with each other. Billing information storage means,
A charge request for requesting a charge for increasing the balance of the electronic currency associated with the card possessed by the first user from the terminal of the first user, the user corresponding to the first user Charge accepting means for accepting a charge request including identification information ;
When accepting the charge request, selection accepting means for accepting a selection as to whether or not to permit charging by the charge request from a terminal of a second user associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user;
When the selection to permit the charge is accepted , the balance of the electronic currency associated with the management information corresponding to the user identification information included in the charge request is identified with reference to the balance information storage unit And charging means for charging the balance of the electronic currency by a settlement method set by the second user;
An electronic currency management device comprising: A first settlement unit that corresponds to the settlement method and adds an amount corresponding to the charge by the charge request to a billed amount of the billing destination;
The electronic currency management apparatus according to claim 1. Card information storage means for storing the user identification information in association with a billing amount corresponding to a credit card used by a user corresponding to the user identification information;
A second settlement unit that corresponds to the settlement method and adds an amount corresponding to the charge by the charge request to a billing amount corresponding to the credit card of the second user;
The electronic currency management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The selection accepting means further accepts a selection of a settlement method of settlement corresponding to the charge;
A payment control means for adding an amount corresponding to the charge by the charge request to a billing amount related to the payment means corresponding to the selected payment method when receiving a selection for permitting the charge;
The electronic currency management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The billing information storage means stores the user identification information in association with information indicating whether or not the user determines permission to charge by another user of the same billing destination,
When the selection receiving unit receives the charge request, the selection receiving unit refers to the billing information storage unit and determines permission of charging by the first user from a user associated with the billing destination corresponding to the first user. Identifying the second user to
The electronic currency management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The billing information storage means stores the user identification information in association with information indicating whether or not the user is permitted to charge the balance of the electronic currency.
The selection accepting means accepts a selection as to whether or not to permit charging by the charge request from the terminal of the second user, when the first user is a user who is not permitted to charge;
The electronic currency management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The charge means corresponds to the charge according to the charge request, the amount specified by the first user, the amount specified by the second user, or the amount determined based on the charge history to the balance of the electronic currency. Charge the balance as an amount,
The electronic currency management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The computer runs,
A charge request for requesting a charge for increasing the balance of an electronic currency associated with a card corresponding to a prepaid payment held by the first user from the terminal of the first user , the request being made to the first user Correspondingly, receiving a charge request including user identification information for identifying a user who uses a communication-related service ;
Receiving the charge request, receiving a selection as to whether or not to permit charging by the charge request from a terminal of a second user associated with a communication fee billing for communication used by the first user;
The balance which stores the management information corresponding to the user identification information and the balance of the electronic currency corresponding to the card in association with the card identification information for identifying the card upon accepting the selection for permitting the charge With reference to the information storage unit, the balance of the electronic currency associated with the management information corresponding to the user identification information included in the charge request is specified, and for the balance of the electronic currency, Charging with a payment method set by the second user;
An electronic currency management method comprising:

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