JP7258592B2 - Payment management system, payment management method and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to payment technology using electronic value.

In recent years, electronic values have been used in various payments such as transportation payments and payments at stores. As one form of payment using electronic value, there is a prepaid system in which a specific recording medium is charged with an arbitrary amount of electronic value in advance (for example, Patent Document 1).

In the prepaid system, there is an implementation method in which the information of the electronic value is recorded on a portable recording medium that the user carries, and an electronic value that is associated with the user's identification information on a recording medium with little portability such as a server. There are implementation methods in which value information is recorded. In any implementation method, the prepaid method allows the user to charge the electronic value in advance so that the payment can be made more easily without complicated work such as generating change.

JP 2011-192293 A

However, the user cannot use the electronic value to pay for an amount higher than the balance of the precharged electronic value. In the unlikely event that the amount that the user wants to pay is higher than the balance of the electronic value, the user needs to charge the electronic value equal to or greater than the insufficient amount and then make a new payment. Therefore, there is a possibility that convenience for the user will be reduced in the payment using the electronic value.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can improve user convenience in payment using electronic value.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the balance of electronic value associated with individual identification information, which is identification information indicating a user medium or a user, is lower than the amount paid by the user. and executing the payment process using the electronic value when the balance of the electronic value becomes equal to or higher than the payment amount in response to the execution of the balance increase process. A payment management system comprising:

One aspect of the present invention corresponds to a communication unit that communicates with another device via a network, individual identification information that is identification information indicating a user medium or a user, and a balance of electronic value available to the user. and a balance information storage unit that stores the balance information attached thereto, and when a payment request, which is information indicating a payment request by the user, is received via the communication unit, the balance associated with the individual identification information included in the payment request is stored. reading from the balance information storage unit, executing payment processing using the electronic value when the balance is higher than or equal to the amount of payment included in the payment request, and making the payment included in the payment request; if the balance is lower than the amount of, balance increase processing for increasing the balance of the electronic value is executed, and the balance of the electronic value becomes the same amount as the payment amount in accordance with the execution of the balance increase processing. or, when it becomes higher, a payment management system comprising a control unit that executes payment processing using the electronic value.

An aspect of the present invention is the payment management system described above, wherein the control unit instructs the user to execute the balance increasing process when the user's electronic value balance is lower than the payment amount. balance increase processing and payment processing are executed without receiving information corresponding to the above through the communication unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus, in response to a balance of electronic value associated with individual identification information that is identification information indicating a user medium or a user being lower than an amount paid by the user, a step of executing a balance increase process for increasing the balance of the electronic value; and a step of executing payment processing using electronic value.

One aspect of the present invention corresponds to a communication unit that communicates with another device via a network, individual identification information that is identification information indicating a user medium or a user, and a balance of electronic value available to the user. and a balance information storage unit for storing balance information, wherein the information processing unit transmits a payment request, which is information indicating a payment request by the user, via the communication unit. and the information processing device reads the balance associated with the individual identification information included in the payment request from the balance information storage unit, and determines that the balance is greater than the payment amount included in the payment request. executing payment processing using the electronic value if the amount is higher or the same, and storing the balance associated with the individual identification information included in the payment request in the balance information storage unit. and if the balance is lower than the amount of payment included in the payment request, balance increase processing is executed to increase the balance of the electronic value, and in response to execution of the balance increase processing, the electronic and executing payment processing using the electronic value when the balance of the value becomes equal to or higher than the amount of the payment.

One aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to function as the payment management system described above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience in payment using electronic value.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a settlement system 100 of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10; FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of a store terminal 20; FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of a settlement management server 40; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one specific example of a user information table; FIG. It is a figure which shows one of the specific examples of a payment history information table. It is a figure which shows one of the specific examples of a balance information table. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of a cooperation server 50; FIG. It is a figure which shows one of the specific examples of an account information table. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one specific example of a credential information table; 4 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is not performed among operations of the payment system 100. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is performed among operations of the payment system 100. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is performed among operations of the payment system 100. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is not performed in the first modification of the operations of the settlement system 100. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is performed in the first modification of the operations of the payment system 100. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is performed in the first modification of the operations of the payment system 100. FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when immediate processing is not performed in the second modification of the operations of the payment system 100. FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when instant processing is performed in the second modification of the operations of the payment system 100. FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the flow of operations when instant processing is performed in the second modification of the operations of the payment system 100. FIG.

Hereinafter, specific configuration examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a payment system 100. As shown in FIG. The payment system 100 includes a user terminal 10 , a store terminal 20 , a financial institution server 30 , a payment management server 40 and a cooperation server 50 . In the settlement system 100, settlement using a specific settlement protocol (hereinafter referred to as "specific settlement protocol") is realized. In the specific payment protocol, a user can increase a predetermined electronic value and pay within the amount indicated by the increased electronic value. Electronic value is electronic information that can be used for payment instead of cash. The amount of electronic value already increased by the user (hereinafter referred to as “electronic value balance”) is managed by the payment management server 40 . Processing for increasing the electronic value is referred to as balance increase processing in the present embodiment. The balance increase processing may correspond to a so-called "charge". The user terminal 10 is a specific example of a user medium, which is a medium used when a user makes a payment based on a specific payment protocol.

The user terminal 10 , the store terminal 20 , the financial institution server 30 , the settlement management server 40 and the cooperation server 50 can all communicate via the network 60 . The network 60 is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet. The network 60 may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. Network 60 may be configured by combining a plurality of networks. Note that the network 60 is merely a specific example of a network for realizing communication between each device, and other configurations may be employed as a network for realizing communication between each device. For example, communications between particular devices may be implemented using a different network than the network used for communications between other devices. Specifically, the communication between the financial institution server 30 and the link server 50 is realized by a network different from the communication between the user terminal 10, the store device 20, the settlement management server 40 and the link server 50. good too.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The user terminal 10 is configured using a portable information processing device such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a smart watch, or a portable game machine. The user terminal 10 is equipped with a function for realizing a specific payment protocol. The functions of the specific payment protocol may be implemented in the user terminal 10 by hardware, or may be implemented by installing software. The user terminal 10 includes a communication section 11 , an input section 12 , a display section 13 , a user authentication information storage section 14 , an identification information storage section 15 and a control section 16 .

The communication unit 11 is a communication device such as a network interface. The communication unit 11 is communicably connected to the network 60 using a predetermined protocol. The communication unit 11 performs data communication with another device via the network 60 under the control of the control unit 16 .

The input unit 12 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, touch panel, and the like. The input unit 12 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the user terminal 10 . The input unit 10 may be an interface for connecting an input device to the user terminal 10 . In this case, the input unit 12 inputs to the user terminal 10 an input signal generated according to the user's input in the input device.

The display unit 13 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, an electrophoretic display, or the like. The display unit 13 displays an image under control of the control unit 16 . The display unit 13 may be an interface for connecting an image display device to the user terminal 10 . In this case, the display unit 13 generates a video signal for displaying an image according to the control of the control unit 16, and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected thereto.

The user authentication information storage unit 14 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The user authentication information storage unit 14 stores user authentication information for determining whether or not the user who attempts to operate the own device is an authorized user. User authentication information may be, for example, a combination of a user identification information and a password. The user authentication information may be biometric information such as information indicating a fingerprint feature amount or information indicating a retina feature amount. Any information may be applied as the user authentication information as long as it is information capable of authenticating the user.

The identification information storage unit 15 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The identification information storage unit 15 stores information for identifying user media or users (hereinafter referred to as “individual identification information”). The individual identification information may be information that can uniquely identify the user medium, or information that can uniquely identify the user who uses the user medium. The individual identification information may be identification information recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) pre-installed in the user terminal 10, for example. The individual identification information may be, for example, identification information individually given to an application installed in the user terminal 10 by a predetermined organization.

The control unit 16 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 16 functions as a credential information control unit 161 as the processor executes a specific program.

The credential information control unit 161 executes processing related to credential information used in authentication processing in the payment system 100 . This authentication process is an authentication process performed when paying with electronic value using the user terminal 10 . The credential information control unit 161 receives credential information required for payment in the settlement management server 40 by communicating with the cooperation server 50 via the communication unit 11, for example. Specific examples of credential information include a one-time password, a one-time bar code (one-time one-dimensional bar code), and a one-time two-dimensional bar code (for example, a one-time QR code (registered trademark)). A one-time password is data generated in the cooperation server 50 . A one-time password may be constructed using a plurality of letters and numbers, including, for example, randomly generated strings. A one-time password is, for example, a 21-digit payment consisting of a 10-digit application issuer identification number (IIN), a 10-digit variable value that is randomly generated each time, and a 1-digit check digit. It may be configured as a total of 24 digits including identification information and 3 digit security data randomly generated each time. A one-time barcode may be obtained by barcode-coding such a one-time password in a predetermined format (eg code128). A one-time two-dimensional barcode may be obtained by converting such a one-time password into a two-dimensional barcode in a predetermined format. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) may be generated according to the ISO18004 procedure by encoding into Base64 according to the RFC4648 procedure. The credential information control unit 161 causes the display unit 13 to display the received credential information.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the store terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The store terminal 20 is configured using an information processing device such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a dedicated terminal. The store terminal 20 includes a communication section 21 , an input section 22 , a display section 23 , a reading section 24 , an output section 25 , an identification information storage section 26 , a merchandise information storage section 27 , a sales information storage section 28 and a control section 29 .

The communication unit 21 is a communication device such as a network interface. The communication unit 21 is communicably connected to the network 60 using a predetermined protocol. The communication unit 21 performs data communication with another device via the network 60 under the control of the control unit 29 .

The input unit 22 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, touch panel, and the like. The input unit 22 is operated when the user of the store terminal 20 inputs an instruction to the store terminal 20 . The user of the store terminal 20 may be, for example, a store clerk at the store where the store terminal 20 is installed. Further, when the store terminal 20 is installed as a self-checkout that allows the customer to pay by himself/herself, the user of the store terminal 20 and the user of the user terminal 10 may be the same person. The input unit 22 may be an interface for connecting an input device to the store terminal 20 . In this case, the input unit 22 inputs to the store terminal 20 an input signal generated according to the user's input in the input device.

The display unit 23 is an image display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The display unit 23 displays an image under control of the control unit 29 . The display unit 23 may be an interface for connecting an image display device to the shop terminal 20 . In this case, the display unit 23 generates a video signal for displaying an image according to the control of the control unit 29, and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected thereto.

The reading unit 24 is configured using a device for reading barcodes or images. The reading unit 24 may be configured using, for example, a barcode scanner. The reading unit 24 may be configured using, for example, an imaging device that captures an image. The reading unit 24 reads credential information displayed on the display unit 13 of the user terminal 10 . The reading unit 24 outputs the read credential information to the control unit 29 . The reading unit 24 may be provided in the store terminal 20 in advance, or may be an external device connected to the interface of the store terminal 20 .

The output unit 25 is configured using a printer that outputs sheets on which images are formed. The output unit 25 may be configured using, for example, a general-purpose printer, or may be configured using a printer such as a label printer that forms an image on a predetermined sheet. When the payment is completed via the shop terminal 20, the output unit 25 prints an image or characters indicating the payment details on the sheet under the control of the control unit 29. FIG.

The identification information storage unit 26 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The identification information storage unit 26 stores information for identifying the store terminal 20 or the store (hereinafter referred to as "store identification information"). The store identification information may be information that can uniquely identify the store terminal 20 or information that can uniquely identify the store in which the store terminal 20 is installed. The store identification information may be, for example, identification information recorded in a ROM pre-installed in the store terminal 20 . The store identification information may be, for example, identification information individually given to the store terminal 20 by a predetermined organization.

The product information storage unit 27 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The merchandise information storage unit 27 stores information about merchandise sold at the store where the store terminal 20 is installed. For example, the product information storage unit 27 associates and stores identification information assigned in advance to each product (hereinafter referred to as "product identification information") and the unit price of each product.

The sales information storage unit 28 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The sales information storage unit 28 stores history information regarding sales performed via the store terminal 20 . The sales information storage unit 28 does not necessarily have to store only information regarding payment using the credential information displayed on the user terminal 10 . The sales information storage unit 28 may store information regarding payment using coins, bills, gift certificates, credit cards, and other electronic values. For example, the sales information storage unit 28 may associate and store the date and time of payment, the amount of money paid, and product identification information indicating the product or service sold.

The control unit 29 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 29 functions as a sales management unit 291 and a payment control unit 292 as the processor executes specific programs.

The sales management unit 291 performs processing related to sales using the store terminal 20 . The sales management unit 291 performs point-of-sale information management, for example. A specific example of processing performed by the sales management unit 291 will be described below. For example, when a barcode associated with a product in advance is read by the reading unit 24, the sales management unit 291 acquires product identification information by decoding the read barcode, and stores the product identification information. Determines the products to be sold based on The sales management unit 291 reads out the determined unit price of the product from the product information storage unit 27 and displays it on the display unit 23 . The sales management unit 291 registers information indicating the result of payment in the sales information storage unit 28 when the payment for the total amount of the unit price of the product is completed. For example, when a specific payment protocol is used, the sales management unit 291 sends information indicating the result of payment to the sales information storage device 28 in response to receiving notification from the payment control unit 292 that payment has been completed. You may register.

The payment control unit 292 operates when payment is made using the function of the specific payment protocol installed in the user terminal 10 in the processing of the sales management unit 291 . For example, the payment control unit 292 starts operating when the user inputs an instruction to use the function of the specific payment protocol in the input unit 22 of the store terminal 20 . The payment control unit 292 operates according to a predetermined specific payment protocol. For example, when the barcode or image displayed on the display unit 13 of the user terminal 10 is read by the reading unit 24, the payment control unit 292 decodes the read barcode or image according to a predetermined procedure. Get the number string (character string) of the credential information by . The payment control unit 292 generates payment request information including the acquired credential information, the store identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 26, and the payment amount. The payment control unit 292 transmits payment request information to the cooperation server 50 . The payment control unit 292 notifies the sales management unit 291 of the payment result according to the response result notified from the cooperation server 50 .

Next, the financial institution server 30 will be explained. The financial institution server 30 is an information processing device used to manage customer accounts in a financial institution. The financial institution server 30 stores, for example, customer identification information for identifying the customer, account identification information for identifying the customer's account, and amount information indicating the amount of money in the account. They are associated and stored. Upon receiving a transfer request from another specific device, the financial institution server 30 executes transfer processing in response to the transfer request. The transfer request is data requesting execution of processing (transfer processing) for transferring a predetermined amount of money to a predetermined account.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the settlement management server 40. As shown in FIG. The settlement management server 40 is configured using an information processing device such as a server device or a mainframe. The payment management server 40 includes a communication section 41 , a user information storage section 42 , a payment history information storage section 43 , a balance information storage section 44 and a control section 45 .

The communication unit 41 is a communication device such as a network interface. The communication unit 41 is communicably connected to the network 60 using a predetermined protocol. The communication unit 41 performs data communication with another device via the network 60 under the control of the control unit 45 .

The user information storage unit 42 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The user information storage unit 42 stores a user information table. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one specific example of the user information table. The user information table has multiple user information records. The user information record has individual identification information and user information values. The user information is information on users registered in advance as users who make payments using a specific payment protocol. The individual identification information associated with the user information is the individual identification information used by the user who makes a payment using a specific payment protocol. The user information includes, for example, information on user attributes (eg, name, address, gender, age, etc.) and information indicating the payment method used for payment when the user performs balance increase processing. In this embodiment, the information indicating the payment means used for payment when performing the balance increase processing is, for example, information regarding the cooperation server 50 that performs payment.

The payment history information storage unit 43 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The payment history information storage unit 43 stores a payment history information table. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one specific example of the payment history information table. The payment history information table has multiple payment history information records. The payment history information record has values of payment identification information, payment information and amount. The payment identification information is identification information for uniquely identifying the payment procedure performed by the user. The payment information is information indicating the content of payment. The payment information includes, for example, the date and time when the payment was made, the shop identification information of the shop where the payment was made, the product for which the payment was made, and the individual identification information of the user who made the payment. The amount indicates the amount to be paid.

The balance information storage unit 44 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The balance information storage unit 44 stores a balance information table. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one specific example of the balance information table. The balance information table has multiple balance information records. The balance information record has individual identification information and balance information values. The balance information record indicates the balance amount of electronic value increased in the user or user medium indicated by the individual identification information.

The control unit 45 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 45 functions as a payment control unit 451, a balance increase processing control unit 452, and a settlement management unit 453 by the processor executing a specific program.

The payment control unit 451 performs processing related to payment. For example, when payment request information is received from the cooperation server 50, the payment control unit 451 determines whether the payment amount included in the payment request information is equal to or less than the balance amount corresponding to the individual identification information. If the payment amount is equal to or less than the balance amount, the payment process continues. That is, the payment control unit 451 subtracts the amount corresponding to the payment amount from the balance amount, and records the new balance amount resulting from the subtraction in the balance information storage unit 44 . Also, the payment control unit 451 registers a new payment history information record in the payment history information storage unit 43 based on the payment request information for which payment has been made. On the other hand, when the payment amount is higher than the balance amount, the payment control unit 451 executes immediate processing.

The immediate processing will be described below. Immediate processing is processing in which balance increase processing and payment processing are continued without the user performing a normal operation for instructing execution of balance increase processing. In immediate processing, as a user operation, a simpler (less fewer) operation than a normal operation for instructing the execution of the balance increase processing may occur, or a user operation does not occur in the first place. It doesn't have to be. For example, as the above simple operation, the display unit 23 of the shop terminal 20 displays a button for executing the balance increasing process for the user and for approving the execution, and the user operates the button. Immediate processing may be performed by

In immediate processing, the payment control unit 451 instructs the balance increase processing control unit 452 to execute balance increase processing based on predetermined conditions. When the balance amount becomes equal to or greater than the payment amount due to execution of the balance increase processing, the payment control unit 451 continues the payment processing without requiring any further operation by the user. If the balance increase processing could not be executed correctly, or if the balance amount is still less than the payment amount even after the balance increase processing is executed, the payment control unit 451 generates an error indicating that the payment processing cannot be executed. to the cooperation server 50 . If the payment control unit 451 can determine that the balance amount is smaller than the payment amount even if the balance increase processing is executed before the balance increase processing is executed, the payment control unit 451 executes the balance increase processing. An error may be transmitted to the link server 50 without instructing the balance increase processing control unit 452 .

When the user instructs execution of balance increase processing, the balance increase processing control unit 452 executes the balance increase processing based on the payment method corresponding to the individual identification information of the user who issued the instruction. For example, if the linking server 50 is registered as a settlement method used for settlement when performing balance increase processing, the balance increase processing control unit 452 asks the registered linking server 50 if the balance is a predetermined value. Send a balance increase request to increase by the amount of The balance increase request includes information indicating the amount of money to be increased and individual identification information. Upon receiving approval of the balance increase request from the cooperation server 50, the balance increase processing control unit 452 increases the balance information corresponding to the individual identification information of the instructing user by the approved amount. The balance increase processing control unit 452 executes balance increase processing according to not only an instruction from the user but also an instruction from the payment control unit 451 .

Based on the payment history information record stored in the payment history information storage unit 43, the payment management unit 453 executes payment processing at a predetermined timing for the store or the like indicated by each store identification information. The payment management unit 453 may be configured to instruct a predetermined device or person to execute payment processing.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the cooperation server 50. As shown in FIG. The cooperation server 50 is configured using an information processing device such as a server device or a mainframe. The cooperation server 50 includes a communication section 51 , an account information storage section 52 , a credential information storage section 53 and a control section 54 .

The communication unit 51 is a communication device such as a network interface. The communication unit 51 is communicably connected to the network 60 using a predetermined protocol. The communication unit 51 performs data communication with another device via the network 60 under the control of the control unit 54 .

The account information storage unit 52 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The account information storage unit 52 stores an account information table. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one specific example of the account information table. The account information table has multiple account information records. The account information record has individual identification information and account information values. The account information record indicates account information used for the electronic value balance increase process for the user or user medium indicated by the individual identification information.

The credential information storage unit 53 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The credential information storage unit 53 stores a credential information table. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one specific example of the credential information table. The credential information table has multiple credential information records. The credential information record has values of validity period information, credential information and individual identification information. The expiration date information is date and time information indicating the expiration date of the credential information included in the record. For example, if the expiration date of the credential information is set to 10 minutes in advance, the date and time 10 minutes after the date and time when the credential information was generated is registered as the expiration date information. Credential information indicates generated credential information. The individual identification information indicates individual identification information of the user terminal 10 to which the credential information included in the record was transmitted.

The control unit 54 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 54 functions as a transaction control unit 541 and a credential information control unit 542 by the processor executing a specific program.

The transaction control unit 541 performs processing for paying money accompanying the increase in the balance in response to the balance increase request transmitted from the settlement management server 40 . Payment of money in response to the balance increase request can be realized by various means. For example, there are credit card payments, debit card payments, and bank account direct debits. In this embodiment, payment is made by direct debit from a bank account, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. Also, multiple means may be employed. A specific example of the transaction control unit 541 will be described below.

When the transaction control unit 541 receives the balance increase request from the payment management server 40, the transaction control unit 541 obtains the amount of increase included in the balance increase request from the user's account stored in the account information storage unit 52 based on the specific payment protocol. data (a transfer request) for requesting a transfer to a specific account associated with the electronic value provider. The transaction control unit 541 then transmits the generated transfer request to the financial institution server 30 . When the transaction control unit 541 receives a notification that the transfer has been approved from the financial institution server 30, it notifies the settlement management server 40 that the transfer has been approved as a response to the balance increase request. On the other hand, when the transaction control unit 541 receives notification that the transfer has not been approved from the financial institution server 30, it notifies the settlement management server 40 that the transfer has not been approved as a response to the balance increase request.

The credential information control unit 542 performs processing related to credential information transmitted to the user terminal 10 . Upon receiving a credential request from the user terminal 10, the credential information control unit 542 generates credential information. The credential information control unit 542 associates the generated credential information, the individual identification information of the user terminal 10 to which the credential information is transmitted, and the expiration date information, and registers them in the credential information storage unit 53 .

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of a payment operation flow when immediate processing is not performed among operations of the payment system 100 . First, the user operates the input unit 12 of the user terminal 10 to instruct acquisition of credential information (step S101). Depending on the settings of the user terminal 10, user authentication may be performed prior to the instruction to acquire the credential information. For example, user authentication may be performed based on user authentication information stored in the user authentication information storage unit 14 . In this case, the credential information control unit 161 operates only when the user is authenticated.

The credential information control unit 161 of the user terminal 10 generates a credential request according to the user's operation instruction. The credential request includes individual identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 151 . The credential information control unit 161 transmits the generated credential request to the cooperation server 50 (step S102).

Upon receiving the credential request, the credential information control unit 542 of the cooperation server 50 generates credential information according to the received credential request (step S103). The credential information control unit 542 associates the generated credential information, the expiration date information of the credential information, and the individual identification information included in the credential request and registers them in the credential information storage unit 53 . The credential information control unit 542 then transmits the generated credential information to the user terminal 10, which is the source of the credential request (step S104).

Upon receiving the credential information from the cooperation server 50, the credential information control unit 161 of the user terminal 10 displays the received credential information on the display unit 13 (step S105). At this time, for example, the credential information control unit 161 may generate an image of the barcode indicated by the received credential information and cause the display unit 13 to display the barcode. As described above, the barcode displayed on the display unit 13 may be a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, or other forms.

The reading unit 24 of the shop terminal 20 reads the barcode displayed on the display unit 13 of the user terminal 10 . The payment control unit 292 of the shop terminal 20 acquires the credential information by decoding the barcode read by the reading unit 24 according to a predetermined procedure (step S106). The payment control unit 292 generates payment request information including the acquired credential information (step S107). The payment control unit 292 then transmits the generated payment request information to the cooperation server 50 (step S108).

Upon receiving the payment request information, the credential information control unit 542 of the cooperation server 50 executes authentication processing (step S109). Specifically, it is as follows. The credential information control unit 542 searches the credential information storage unit 53 for a credential information record having the credential information included in the received payment request information. The credential information control unit 542 determines whether or not the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information of the credential information record obtained by searching has passed. If the expiration date has not passed, the credential information control unit 542 generates payment request information including individual identification information included in the credential information record obtained by the search. The payment request information may further include information indicating that the credential information has been authenticated. The credential information control unit 542 transmits the generated payment request information to the payment management server 40 (step S110).

On the other hand, if the received credential information is not registered in the credential information storage unit 53, or if the expiration date of the received credential information has already passed, it means that the received credential information has already been used once or more. In some cases, the credential information control unit 542 generates error information and transmits it to the store terminal 20 . When the shop terminal 20 receives the error information, the payment process is terminated. That is, the store terminal 20 suspends payment processing. Note that the example of FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing when the credential information is authenticated.

When payment request information indicating that the credential information is authenticated is received, the payment control unit 451 can subtract the balance according to the payment request information (payment request information to be processed) including the authenticated credential information. It is determined whether or not. In the example of FIG. 11, subtraction of the balance is possible. Therefore, the payment control unit 451 subtracts the value of the balance according to the payment request information (step S111).

Specifically, the payment control unit 451 acquires the payment amount included in the payment request information to be processed. The payment control unit 451 searches the balance information storage unit 44 for the balance information record associated with the individual identification information included in the authentication response information. The payment control unit 451 acquires the balance information of the balance information record obtained by searching. The payment control unit 451 subtracts the payment amount from the balance information. In the example of FIG. 11, the balance information value is greater than or equal to the payment amount. Therefore, the subtraction is effectively performed. The payment control unit 451 overwrites the retrieved balance information record with the balance information value after the subtraction. When the balance information is effectively subtracted, the payment control unit 451 generates a payment history information record and registers it in the payment history information storage unit 43 . Then, the payment control unit 451 transmits a payment completion notice indicating that the payment has been successfully completed to the cooperation server 50, which is the sender of the payment request information (step S112).

Upon receiving the payment completion notification, the transaction control unit 541 of the cooperation server 50 transmits the payment completion notification to the store terminal 20 that has sent the payment request information (step S113). When the payment control unit 292 of the store terminal 20 receives the payment completion notification from the cooperation server 50, the payment control unit 292 executes completion processing (step S114). Completion processing is processing that is performed when payment is completed, and may be executed in any manner. For example, as the completion process, the output unit 25 of the store terminal 20 may print out a receipt showing the details of the payment. After that, the sales management unit 291 may register the information regarding the sales for which payment has been made in the sales information storage unit 28 .

12 and 13 are sequence charts showing a specific example of the flow of payment operations when instant processing is performed among operations of the payment system 100. FIG. Since the processing from steps S201 to S210 is the same as the processing from steps S101 to S110 in FIG. 11, description thereof is omitted.

After the process of step S210, the payment control unit 451 determines whether the balance can be subtracted according to the payment request information (payment request information to be processed) including the authenticated credential information. In the example of FIG. 12, the balance cannot be subtracted. That is, the payment amount included in the payment request information is higher than the balance, and payment cannot be made. Therefore, immediate processing is performed. A specific description will be given below.

The payment control unit 451 determines the amount of the balance to be increased based on predetermined conditions. For example, the payment control unit 451 may determine the amount of the balance to be increased according to a fixed amount that is predetermined according to the specifications of the payment system 100 or device. For example, the payment control unit 451 may determine the balance amount to be increased according to the amount preset by the user. For example, the payment control unit 451 may determine the balance amount to be increased according to the insufficient amount. More specifically, the payment control unit 451 may determine the amount of the balance to be increased so that the amount of money equal to the deficient amount is increased. Moreover, the payment control unit 451 may determine the amount of the balance to be increased so that the amount obtained by adding a predetermined amount or a predetermined percentage of the amount to the insufficient amount is increased. The payment control unit 451 instructs the balance increase processing control unit 452 to execute the balance increase processing by the determined amount. The balance increase processing control unit 452 generates a balance increase request so that the balance is increased by the instructed amount (step S211). The balance increase request includes information indicating the determined amount and individual identification information included in the authentication response information. The balance increase processing control unit 452 transmits the generated balance increase request to the cooperation server 50 (step S212).

Upon receiving the balance increase request from the settlement management server 40, the credential information control unit 542 of the link server 50 performs settlement processing for the amount of electronic value included in the received balance increase request. Specifically, the credential information control unit 542 performs payment processing for the amount included in the balance increase request using a predetermined payment means. In this embodiment, settlement processing is performed by account transfer from a bank account designated in advance. A specific example of the processing of the credential information control unit 542 that receives the balance increase request will be described below.

The credential information control unit 542 reads account information associated with the individual identification information included in the balance increase request from the account information storage unit 52 . The credential information control unit 542 instructs account transfer for the amount included in the balance increase request from the account of the read account information to the specific account related to the person who provides electronic value based on the specific payment protocol. Information (transfer request) to be made is generated (step S213). The credential information control unit 542 transmits the generated transfer request to the financial institution server 30 of the financial institution that manages the read account information (step S214).

When the financial institution server 30 receives a transfer request from the linking server 50 with which cooperation has been established in advance by a contract or the like, the financial institution server 30 executes account transfer according to the received transfer request (step S215). The execution of the account transfer is based on the premise that the specified amount (the amount included in the balance increase request) or more has been transferred in advance to the account in the account information indicated by the transfer request. . When the account transfer is completed, the financial institution server 30 transmits a transfer result notification indicating that the requested account transfer has been completed to the cooperation server 50, which is the sender of the transfer request (step S216).

When the credential information control unit 542 of the cooperation server 50 receives the transfer result notification indicating that the account transfer has been completed, it generates a balance increase response to the balance increase request in response to the received transfer result notification (step S217). The balance increase response contains information indicating that the settlement payment (account transfer) for the requested balance increase request has been completed. The credential information control unit 542 transmits the generated balance increase response to the settlement management server 40, which is the source of the balance increase request (step S218).

Upon receiving the balance increase response, the balance increase processing control unit 452 of the settlement management server 40 adds the requested amount to the balance information amount associated with the individual identification information (step S219). So-called balance charging is performed. After that, the balance increase processing control unit 452 notifies the payment control unit 451 that the balance increase processing has been completed. In response to this notification, the payment control unit 451 subtracts the value of the balance according to the payment request information (step S220). The processing of step S220 is the same as the processing of step 111 in FIG. Then, the payment control unit 451 transmits a payment completion notification indicating that the payment has been successfully completed to the cooperation server 50, which is the sender of the payment request information (step S221). At this time, the payment control unit 451 may be configured to include information indicating that immediate processing has been performed in response to the notification of payment completion.

Upon receiving the payment completion notification, the transaction control unit 541 of the cooperation server 50 transmits the payment completion notification to the shop terminal 20 that has sent the payment request information (step S222). When the payment control unit 292 of the store terminal 20 receives the payment completion notification from the cooperation server 50, the payment control unit 292 executes completion processing (step S223). When the payment completion notice includes information indicating that the immediate processing has been executed, the payment control unit 282 causes the display unit 23 and the output unit 25 of the store terminal 20 to display information indicating that the immediate processing has been executed and the balance increase processing has been executed. It may be configured to output information such as what has been done and the amount of the balance increased.

In the payment system 100 configured as described above, immediate processing is executed when the balance of the electronic value is insufficient for the payment amount at the time of payment. In the immediate processing, balance increase processing (balance addition) is executed by an amount corresponding to a predetermined condition, and then payment (balance subtraction) is performed using the increased electronic value. Therefore, if the balance of the electronic value is insufficient at the timing of the payment, the payment using the electronic value can be completed without the user bothering to perform an operation to increase the balance of the electronic value. can. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience in payment using electronic value.

For example, in the conventional so-called auto-charge system, there were cases where payment could not be completed without the user's operation, but in such a case, payment may be completed in this embodiment. For example, it is assumed that the electronic value is automatically increased by 5,000 yen when the balance falls below 7,000 yen. If the balance is 6,000 yen and the user wishes to purchase an item for 10,000 yen, the balance becomes 11,000 yen by executing auto-charge, and the item for 10,000 yen can be purchased. On the other hand, if the balance is 8,000 yen, automatic charging is not performed, the balance remains 8,000 yen, and purchase of 10,000 yen is not possible. On the other hand, in this embodiment, in either case, the execution of immediate processing enables the user to purchase a desired item (for example, an item of 10,000 yen) without having to perform any particular operation in response to insufficient balance. becomes.

(Modification)
The credential information does not necessarily have to be displayed on the display unit 13 . The credential information may be transmitted to the store terminal 20 by near field communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC) provided in the user terminal 10, for example. In this case, the reading unit 24 is configured using, for example, a short-range wireless communication device.

The payment management server 40 may be implemented as a payment management system using a plurality of information processing devices. For example, the control unit 45 functioning as the payment control unit 451, the control unit 45 functioning as the balance increase processing control unit 452, and the control unit 45 functioning as the settlement management unit 453 may be implemented in different information processing devices. good. Moreover, the user information storage unit 42, the payment history information storage unit 43, and the balance information storage unit 44 may be implemented in the same storage device, or may be implemented in different storage devices.

The cooperation server 50 may be implemented as a cooperation system using a plurality of information processing devices. For example, the control unit 54 functioning as the transaction control unit 541 and the control unit 54 functioning as the credential information control unit 542 may be implemented in different information processing apparatuses. Also, the account information storage unit 52 and the credential information storage unit 53 may be implemented in the same storage device or may be implemented in different storage devices.

The payment management server 40 and the cooperation server 50 may be implemented in the same device. In addition, part of the payment management server 40 and the cooperation server 50 may be implemented in the same device, or part of the payment management server 40 and the cooperation server 50 may be implemented in the same device, Part of the payment management server 40 and part of the cooperation server 50 may be implemented in the same device.

As the user medium, instead of the user terminal 10, a recording medium in which specific credential information is recorded in advance may be used. For example, a card-type recording medium may be used as the user medium instead of the user terminal 10 . In this case, the store terminal 20 needs to be provided with a reader as the reader 24 for reading the specific credential information from the card-type recording medium. Similarly, a device having a recording medium such as an IC chip may be used as the user medium. Specific examples of such devices include wristwatches, accessories such as rings, mobile phone cases, and the like. In this case, the shop terminal 20 needs to be provided with a reader as the reader 24 for reading the specific credential information from the recording medium provided in the appliance.
14 to 16 are sequence charts showing the flow of processing when a recording medium pre-recorded with specific credential information is used as the user medium. With such a configuration, the credential information is pre-recorded on the user medium, so there is no need to generate the credential information in the cooperation server 50 . Therefore, the processing corresponding to steps S101 to S105 in FIG. 11 is unnecessary. The store terminal 20 acquires the credential information recorded on the user medium by some means in the processing of steps S301 and S401. For example, credential information may be read from a user medium configured as a magnetic recording medium, credential information stamped on the user medium may be read by a person and input to the store terminal 20, or RFID The credential information may be transmitted to the store terminal 20 by wireless communication such as. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing after step S107 in FIG. 11 and the processing after step 207 in FIGS. In this case, the reading unit 24 of the shop terminal 20 is appropriately configured so as to be able to read the credential information according to the recording form of the credential information on the user medium.
17 to 19 are diagrams showing modifications of the flow of processing. 17 to 19 differ from the processes shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 in that the credential information is transmitted from the link server 50 to the store terminal 20. FIG. In this modification, the shop terminal 20 does not necessarily have the reading unit 24 , and the user terminal 10 has a configuration corresponding to the reading unit 24 .
First, FIG. 17 will be described. First, an operator of the store terminal 20 (for example, a store clerk) instructs acquisition of credential information by operating the store terminal 20 (step S501). The control unit 29 of the store terminal 20 generates a credential request in accordance with an operation instruction from the operator. The credential request includes store identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 26 . The control unit 29 transmits the generated credential request to the cooperation server 50 (step S502).

Upon receiving the credential request, the credential information control unit 542 of the cooperation server 50 generates credential information according to the received credential request (step S503). The credential information control unit 542 registers the generated credential information, the expiration date information of the credential information, and the store identification information included in the credential request in the credential information storage unit 53 in association with each other. Then, the credential information control unit 542 transmits the generated credential information to the store terminal 20, which is the source of the credential request (step S504).

Upon receiving the credential information from the cooperation server 50, the control unit 29 of the store terminal 20 displays the received credential information on the display unit 23 (step S505). At this time, for example, the control unit 29 may generate an image of the barcode indicated by the received credential information and cause the display unit 23 to display the barcode. As described above, the barcode displayed on the display unit 23 may be a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, or other forms.

The reading unit of the user terminal 10 reads the bar code displayed on the display unit 23 of the shop terminal 20 . The control unit 16 of the user terminal 10 acquires credential information by decoding the barcode read by the reading unit according to a predetermined procedure (step S506). The control unit 16 generates payment request information including the acquired credential information and the individual identification information of its own device (step S507). Then, the control unit 16 transmits the generated payment request information to the cooperation server 50 (step S508). Subsequent processing is the same as the processing after step S109 in FIG. However, the authentication process in step S509 is performed using store identification information instead of individual identification information.
In the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the processing of steps S601 to S608 is the same processing as steps S501 to S508 in FIG. 17, and the processing after step S609 is the same as the processing after step S209 in FIG. be.

The payment system 100 may be applied not only to payments at actual stores, but also to payments through communication (for example, TV shopping, online shopping, etc.).

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design and the like are included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Payment system, 10... User terminal, 11... Communication part, 12... Input part, 13... Display part, 14... User authentication information storage part, 15... Identification information storage part, 16... Control part, 161... Credential information control DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20... Store terminal 21... Communication part 22... Input part 23... Display part 24... Reading part 25... Output part 26... Identification information storage part 27... Sales information storage part 28... Control part 291 Sales management unit 282 Payment control unit 30 Financial institution server 40 Payment management server 41 Communication unit 42 User information storage unit 43 Payment history information storage unit 44 Balance information storage unit , 45... Control unit, 451... Payment control unit, 452... Balance increase processing control unit, 453... Settlement management unit, 50... Cooperation server, 51... Communication unit, 52... Account information storage unit, 53... Credential information storage unit, 54... Control unit, 541... Transaction control unit, 542... Credential information control unit

Claims (6)

The balance of the electronic value is predetermined according to whether the balance of the electronic value associated with the individual identification information that is the identification information indicating the user medium or the user is lower than the amount paid by the user. and when the balance of the electronic value becomes equal to or higher than the payment amount in accordance with the execution of the balance increase processing, the payment processing using the electronic value is executed. a control unit for
If it is determined that the balance is still smaller than the payment amount even if the balance increase processing is executed before the balance increase processing is executed, the control unit executes the balance increase processing. A payment management system that outputs an error without executing . a communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network;
a balance information storage unit that associates and stores individual identification information, which is identification information indicating a user medium or a user, and the balance of electronic value available to the user;
When a payment request, which is information indicating a payment request by the user, is received via the communication unit, the balance associated with the individual identification information included in the payment request is read from the balance information storage unit, and the payment is made. If the balance is higher than or equal to the payment amount included in the request, the payment processing using the electronic value is executed, and if the balance is lower than the payment amount included in the payment request. executes a balance increase process for increasing the balance of the electronic value by a predetermined fixed amount, and according to the execution of the balance increase process, the balance of the electronic value becomes the same amount as the payment amount or a control unit that executes payment processing using the electronic value when the
with
If it is determined that the balance is still smaller than the payment amount even if the balance increase processing is executed before the balance increase processing is executed, the control unit executes the balance increase processing. A payment management system that outputs an error without executing . When the user's electronic value balance is lower than the payment amount, the control unit performs balance increase processing and payment processing without acquiring information in response to the user's instruction to execute the balance increase processing. 3. The payment management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The information processing device pre- determines the balance of the electronic value in response to the fact that the balance of the electronic value associated with the individual identification information that is the identification information indicating the user medium or the user is lower than the amount paid by the user. a step of executing a balance increase process for increasing the amount by a predetermined fixed amount ;
an information processing device executing a payment process using the electronic value when the balance of the electronic value becomes equal to or higher than the payment amount in response to execution of the balance increase process ;
If it is determined that the balance is still smaller than the payment amount even if the balance increase processing is executed before the balance increase processing is executed, the information processing device performs the balance increase processing. A payment management method that outputs an error without executing Balance information storage that associates and stores a communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network, individual identification information that is identification information indicating a user medium or a user, and the balance of electronic value available to the user. A payment management method performed by an information processing device comprising:
a step in which the information processing device receives a payment request, which is information indicating a request for payment by the user, via the communication unit;
The information processing device reads out the balance associated with the individual identification information included in the payment request from the balance information storage unit, and the balance is higher than or equal to the payment amount included in the payment request. executing a payment process using the electronic value, if applicable;
The information processing device reads the balance associated with the individual identification information included in the payment request from the balance information storage unit, and if the balance is lower than the payment amount included in the payment request, the executing a balance increase process for increasing the balance of the electronic value by a predetermined fixed amount, and when the balance of the electronic value becomes equal to or higher than the payment amount in response to the execution of the balance increase process, a step of executing payment processing using the electronic value;
has
If it is determined that the balance is still smaller than the payment amount even if the balance increase processing is executed before the balance increase processing is executed, the information processing device performs the balance increase processing. A payment management method that outputs an error without executing A computer program for causing a computer to function as the settlement management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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