JP7419215B2 - Electronic money exchange device, electronic money exchange method and electronic money exchange system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic money exchange device, an electronic money exchange method, and an electronic money exchange system for exchanging electronic money.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a point exchange system is known in which a user who has been given points exchanges the points he/she owns for other points (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-4621

In conventional point exchange systems, points are exchanged by transferring the points to be exchanged from the exchange issuer that issued the points held by the user to the exchange issuer that issues the points the user wants to acquire. Was. In this case, the number of points issued by the exchange issuer would be reduced, resulting in a problem that the exchange issuer would be disadvantaged because the number of points issued would decrease.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and provides an electronic money exchange device, an electronic The purpose is to provide a money exchange method and an electronic money exchange system.

An electronic money exchange device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores electronic money information for specifying electronic money that can be used by each of a plurality of users, and a storage unit that stores electronic money information for specifying electronic money that can be used by each of a plurality of users; an information acquisition unit that acquires exchange conditions from an information terminal used by a first user who desires an exchange; and based on the exchange conditions and the electronic money information, the first user exchanges the first electronic money with the second a first release number to be exchanged for electronic money; and a second acquisition, which is the number of second electronic money acquired by the first user among the second electronic money that can be used by a second user other than the first user. an exchange quantity determination unit that determines the number of exchanges; executing an exchange process in which the first released number of first electronic money is stored in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with a user different from the first user who acquired the released first electronic money; It has an exchange processing section.

The electronic money exchange device informs a first electronic money management server that manages the first electronic money that the first user has used the first number of released first electronic money, and a predetermined number of the first electronic money. The information processing apparatus may further include a notification unit that notifies that the management user has acquired the first number of the first electronic currency to be released.

The notification unit may notify a second electronic money management server that manages the second electronic money that the second user who held the second electronic money has acquired the second number of second electronic money. and that the management user has acquired the second acquired number of second electronic money.

The notification unit may notify the first user that the first user has used the first electronic currency of the first number released, on the condition that the first electronic currency can be exchanged for the second electronic currency. The information may be notified to the electronic money management server.

The notification unit is configured to control a first electronic money management server that manages the first electronic money on the condition that the second exchangeable electronic money of the second number or more is stored in the storage unit. may be notified that the first user has used the first emitted number of the first electronic money.

The notification unit may send the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money, respectively, on the condition that the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money are exchanged between three or more users. 2 electronic money and the third electronic money, the first electronic money management server, the second electronic money management server, and the third electronic money management server manage the above electronic money held by the three or more users. It may be notified that the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money have been used.

The storage unit stores the electronic money information including information indicating whether the electronic money held by each of the plurality of users can be exchanged for other electronic money, and the exchange processing unit stores the electronic money information that is used by the second user. The exchange process may be performed on the condition that the second electronic money, which the electronic money information indicates is exchangeable among the possible second electronic money, is equal to or greater than the second acquisition number.

The information acquisition unit includes a first range that is a range of exchange rates that the first user allows when exchanging the first electronic money for the second electronic money, and a first range that is a range of exchange rates that the second user allows when exchanging the first electronic money for the second electronic money. obtains a second range that is a range of exchange rates that are allowed when exchanging the ``value'' into the first electronic currency, and the exchange number determination unit acquires a second range that is a range of exchange rates that are allowed when exchanging , the second acquisition number may be determined.

The information acquisition unit is configured to set a minimum value of an exchange rate that is a ratio of the second number of acquisitions to the first number of releases allowed when the first user exchanges the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency; , the first user obtains an exchange deadline that is a deadline for exchanging the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency, and the exchange processing section determines that if there is a predetermined period or more until the exchange deadline, the exchange processing unit acquires the second electronic currency. The exchange process may be performed on the condition that the number of acquisitions is equal to or greater than the minimum value.

The storage unit stores the electronic money information including expiration information indicating the expiration date of the electronic money, and the exchange number determination unit determines the second acquisition number based on the length of the period until the expiration date. You may decide.

The storage unit further stores history information indicating a history of acquisitions of electronic money by the first user, and the exchange processing unit stores history information indicating a history of acquisitions of electronic money by the first user, and the exchange processing unit stores history information indicating a history of electronic money acquired by the first user, and the exchange processing unit stores history information indicating a history of electronic money acquired by the first user. Even if the first user does not own the money, if it is determined based on the history information that the first electronic currency corresponding to the second acquisition number can be acquired within a predetermined history confirmation period, In association, the second acquired number of second electronic money may be stored in the storage unit as usable electronic money.

When the exchange processing unit receives a notification that the user has acquired the first electronic money from an electronic money management server that manages the balance of the first electronic money, the exchange processing unit associates the user with the user and The number of acquired first electronic money may be stored in the storage unit.

The electronic money exchange method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the step of acquiring exchange conditions from an information terminal used by a first user who desires to exchange first electronic money to second electronic money, which is executed by a computer. , the first user exchanges the first electronic currency with the second electronic currency based on the exchange condition and electronic currency information stored in the storage unit for specifying electronic currency that can be used by each of a plurality of users. a first number to be released to be exchanged for money; and a second number to be acquired, which is the number of second electronic money acquired by the first user among the second electronic money that can be used by users other than the first user. determining, a step of storing the second acquired number of second electronic money in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with the first user; storing the first emitted number of first electronic money in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with a user different from the first user who acquired the electronic money.

An electronic money exchange system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of information terminals used by a plurality of users, and an electronic money exchange device that exchanges electronic money held by the plurality of users. The electronic money exchange device includes a storage unit that stores electronic money information for specifying electronic money that can be used by each of the plurality of users, and a storage unit that stores electronic money information for specifying electronic money that can be used by each of the plurality of users, and a storage unit that stores electronic money information for specifying electronic money that can be used by each of the plurality of users; an information acquisition unit that acquires exchange conditions from the information terminal used by the user; and the first user exchanges the first electronic money for the second electronic money based on the exchange conditions and the electronic money information. An exchange number that determines a first release number and a second acquisition number that is the number of second electronic money that the first user acquires from among the second electronic money that can be used by users other than the first user. a determining unit, storing the second acquired number of second electronic money as usable electronic money in the storage unit in association with the first user, and the first electronic money released by the first user; an exchange processing unit that executes an exchange process of storing the first electronic currency of the first number of releases as usable electronic currency in the storage unit in association with a user different from the first user who has acquired the first electronic currency. .

The information terminal of the first user includes a receiving unit that receives a notification that the exchange process is completed, and a receiver that receives a notification that the exchange process is completed, and a receiver that receives a notification that the second electronic currency has been used when the first user uses the second electronic currency. and a transmitter for transmitting data to the electronic money exchange device.

The information terminal of the first user further includes a usage processing unit that transmits information for using the second electronic money with an account name of a predetermined management user when using the second electronic money. You can.

According to the present invention, it is possible to exchange electronic money such as points without affecting the number of electronic money issued by the issuer of electronic money.

1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an electronic money exchange system S. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an electronic money exchange system S. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an electronic money exchange system S. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an electronic money exchange system S. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a point exchange device 1. FIG. It is a diagram showing an example of a point management database. It is a diagram showing an example of a point management database. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information terminal 2. FIG. It is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the electronic money exchange system S.

[Overview of electronic money exchange system S]
1 to 4 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the electronic money exchange system S. The electronic money exchange system S is a system for exchanging electronic money. Electronic money is a means of payment using information and communication technology provided by companies, such as points, tokens, and prepaid currency. In this embodiment, a case where electronic money is points is illustrated, but this embodiment can also be applied to electronic money other than points.

The electronic money exchange system S includes a point exchange device 1, a plurality of information terminals 2 (information terminals 2-1 to 2-3 in FIGS. 1 to 4), an X point management server 3, and a Y point management server. It includes a server 4 and a Z point management server 5. The point exchange device 1 is an example of an electronic money exchange device, and supports mutual exchange of points held by a plurality of users U (first user U1 to third user U3 in FIGS. 1 to 4). It is a computer for Although details will be described later, the point exchange device 1 temporarily stores points held by a plurality of users U, and instead of points held by each of the plurality of users U, points that each of the plurality of users U wants to use can be exchanged. Provided to user U.

The information terminal 2 is a computer used by each of the plurality of users U, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first user U1 uses the information terminal 2-1, the second user U2 uses the information terminal 2-2, and the third user U3 uses the information terminal 2-3. The information terminal 2 can send and receive data to and from the point exchange device 1 via the Internet, for example.

The information terminal 2 can execute point exchange application software (hereinafter referred to as "point exchange application") that accesses the point exchange device 1 and executes a process for exchanging points. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which a point exchange application is installed on the information terminal 2, but the information terminal 2 may also execute a point management application in the form of a web application that can be used via the Internet. .

The user U can use the point exchange application executed by the information terminal 2 to register the points he has in the point exchange device 1 and exchange some or all of them for points of other types. User U may register only the points he/she wishes to exchange in the point exchange device 1, or register all the points he/she owns in the point exchange device 1, and select the type of points among the registered points that he/she wishes to exchange for other points. and the number may be specified. By using the point exchange app or other application software, the user U can use the points registered in the point exchange device 1 and the points acquired through exchange at a store or the like.

The X point management server 3, the Y point management server 4, and the Z point management server 5 are servers that are used by businesses that issue points to manage points. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the X point management server 3 manages the number of X points held in association with a plurality of users U. The X point management server 3 reads the user identification information stored in the point card or the information terminal 2 using a point card reader installed in the store, and when the user U is given the X points, the X points of the user U are or decrease user U's X points when user U uses X points. The X-point management server 3 also increases or decreases the X-points of the user U by receiving the user identification information and the number of granted or used X-points from the point exchange device 1. .

The Y point management server 4 manages the number of Y points held in association with a plurality of users U. The Z point management server 5 manages the number of Z points held in association with a plurality of users U. Similarly to the X point management server 3, the Y point management server 4 and the Z point management server 5 also read the user identification information stored in the point card or information terminal 2 using the point card reader installed in the store. , increase Y points or Z points of user U, or decrease Y points or Z points of user U. In addition, the Y point management server 4 and the Z point management server 5 receive the user identification information and the number of granted or used Y points or Z points from the point exchange device 1, so that the Y points or Z points of the user U Increase Z points or decrease user U's Y points or Z points.

Hereinafter, an overview of the process by which the point exchange device 1 exchanges points held by a plurality of users U will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In FIGS. 1 to 4, only the first user U1, second user U2, and third user U3 are shown as users U, but the point exchange device 1 is owned by more users U. Points may be exchanged.

Here, the first user U1 wants to exchange the X points he holds for Y points, the second user U2 wants to exchange the Y points he holds for Z points, and the second user U2 wants to exchange the Y points he holds for Z points. An example will be explained in which a user U3 wishes to exchange his Z points for X points.

FIG. 1 shows a state before a first user U1, a second user U2, and a third user U3 register their held points in the point exchange device 1. The first user U1 has 1000 X points and 100 Y points. The second user U2 has 2000 Y points. The third user U3 has 300 X points, 500 Y points, and 2500 Z points.

The X point management server 3 stores that the first user U1 has 1000 X points and the third user U3 has 300 X points. The Y point management server 4 stores that the first user U1 has 100 Y points, the second user U2 has 2000 points, and the third user U3 has 500 Y points. The Z point management server 5 remembers that the third user U3 has 2500 Z points.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which a first user U1, a second user U2, and a third user U3 have registered their points in the point exchange device 1. In FIG. 2, an example is shown in which the first user U1, the second user U2, and the third user U3 have registered all the points they own in the point exchange device 1. The user U2 and the third user U3 may register only some of the points they own (for example, points they wish to exchange) in the point exchange device 1.

When user U registers points in point exchange device 1, point exchange device 1 connects point management servers (X point management server 3, Y point management server 4, Z point management server) that manage the balance of points in association with user U. 5) is notified that the user U has used the points and that the management user UX, who is a predetermined management user, has acquired the points. The point exchange device 1 transmits and receives data for notifying the number of points used and the number of points acquired, for example, by using an API (Application Programming Interface) for transmitting and receiving data to and from a point management server. The management user UX is, for example, an administrator of the point exchange device 1. The administrative user UX does not need to be a real user, and may be a fictitious user.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the X point management server 3 stores that the management user UX has 1300 X points, and the Y point management server 4 stores that the management user UX has 2600 Y points. The Z point management server 5 stores that the management user UX has 2500 Z points. That is, in this state, the management user UX can use 1300 X points, 2600 Y points, and 2500 Z points.

FIG. 3 shows the state after the point exchange device 1 exchanges the points held by the first user U1, the second user U2, and the third user U3. Point exchange device 1 provides 1000 points provided by first user U1 among Y points acquired from second user U2 to first user U1 who wishes to exchange X points to Y points. 1000 Y points corresponding to X points will be awarded.

The point exchange device 1 provides the second user U2 who wishes to exchange Y points to Z points with the Z points that the second user U2 has acquired from the third user U3. 1000 Z points will be awarded, which corresponds to 1000 Y points. The point exchange device 1 grants 1000 X points corresponding to the 1000 Z points acquired from the third user U3 to the third user U3 who wishes to exchange Z points for X points. do.

In this way, the point exchange device 1 exchanges the points held by the first user U1, second user U2, and third user U3 who wish to exchange points. After exchanging the points, the point exchange device 1 notifies the information terminal 2 running the point exchange application of the exchange results. That is, the point exchange device 1 notifies the information terminal 2 of the type and number of points that the user U can use using the information terminal 2 that executes the point exchange application.

When the information terminal 2 receives the notification of the point exchange result, it operates so that the points can be used up to the notified number of points. As shown in FIG. 3, in the X point management server 3, Y point management server 4, and Z point management server 5, even after points are exchanged in the point exchange device 1, the point holder becomes the management user UX. However, the first user U1, the second user U2, and the third user U3 can use predetermined application software (for example, an exchange app) on the information terminal 2 to transfer the number of points held by the management user UX to stores, etc. It can be used in

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state after the first user U1 uses 1000 Y points. When the first user U1 uses 1000 Y points, the number of Y points that the Y point management server 4 stores and that can be used by the management user UX is reduced from 2600 to 1600. Furthermore, the number of Y points that can be used by the first user U1 is reduced from 1100 to 100.

As described above, by using the electronic money exchange system S, the user U can exchange the points he/she owns for points of other types and use the exchanged points using the information terminal 2. It becomes possible. Such an electronic money exchange system S is suitable when the type of points held by the user U is different from the type of points that the user U can use. For example, when user U goes to an area where only specific points can be used, user U can exchange the points he/she owns for points that can be used in the destination area. becomes easier to utilize.

In addition, in the above description, the case where the value per point of all the points was the same was illustrated, but the value per point of each of several points may differ. In this case, for example, 1000 X points may be exchanged for Y points having a different number of points than 1000 points.

[Configuration of point exchange device 1]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the point exchange device 1. The point exchange device 1 includes a communication section 11, a storage section 12, and a control section 13. The control unit 13 includes an information acquisition unit 131 , an exchange number determination unit 132 , a notification unit 133 , and an exchange processing unit 134 .

The communication unit 11 includes a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the information terminal 2 or the X point management server 3. The communication unit 11 includes, for example, a communication controller for accessing a network.

The storage unit 12 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 13. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores electronic money information for identifying points, which are electronic money, held by each of the plurality of users U in association with each of the plurality of users U. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a point management database that includes data on the types of points held by the user U and the number of points. Information indicating the type and number of points that the point management database has is an example of electronic money information.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a point management database. In the point management database, a user ID for identifying user U, the number of points for each of a plurality of points held by user U, and the number of exchangeable points are associated. Furthermore, in the point management database, the type and number of points that the user U desires to acquire are also associated with the user ID.

FIG. 6A corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 2, and the number of held points and the number of exchangeable points before points are exchanged between the first user U1, the second user U2, and the third user U3 are shown in FIG. It is shown. In FIG. 6A, points of a large number of users U, such as user U4 and user U5, which were not shown in FIG. 2, are also shown. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the first user U1 can exchange 1000 X points that he/she has. The second user U2 can exchange 1000 points out of the 2000 Y points he owns. The third user U3 can exchange 1500 of the 500 Y points he owns and the 2500 Z points he owns.

FIG. 6B corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 3, and shows the state after the point exchange between the first user U1, the second user U2, and the third user U3 is completed. Compared to FIG. 6A, the X points held by the first user U1 have decreased from 1000 points to 0 points, but the Y points have increased from 100 points to 1100 points. The Y points held by the second user U2 have decreased from 2000 points to 1000 points, but the Z points have increased from 0 points to 1000 points. The Z points held by the third user U3 have decreased from 2500 points to 1500 points, but the X points have increased from 300 points to 1300 points. Furthermore, the number of points that can be exchanged by the first user U1, the second user U2, and the third user U3 is also reduced.

The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 13 functions as an information acquisition unit 131 , an exchange number determination unit 132 , a notification unit 133 , and an exchange processing unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12 .

The information acquisition unit 131 acquires information indicating the type and number of points that the multiple users U wish to register from the information terminal 2 used by the multiple users U. Further, the information acquisition unit 131 uses the information terminal 2 used by the plurality of users U to request exchange of the first electronic money (for example, X points) registered by the user U to the second electronic money (for example, Y points). Get the request. Further, the information acquisition unit 131 acquires first exchange conditions from the first user U1 who desires to exchange the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency. The first exchange conditions include, for example, the number of X points that the first user U1 wants to release, the number of Y points that he wants to acquire, and the exchange rate at the time of exchange (ratio of the number of points after exchange to the number of points before exchange). etc.

The information acquisition unit 131 further acquires exchange conditions from the second user U2 who desires to exchange the second electronic money (for example, Y points) to the third electronic money (for example, Z points). The exchange conditions include, for example, the number of Y points that the second user U2 wants to release, the number of Z points that he wants to acquire, the exchange rate at the time of exchange, and the like. In the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the information acquisition unit 131 further acquires exchange conditions from the third user U3 who desires to exchange the third electronic currency for the first electronic currency. The exchange conditions include, for example, the number of Z points released by the third user U3, the number of X points that the third user U3 wants to acquire, the exchange rate at the time of exchange, and the like. The timing at which the information acquisition unit 131 acquires these exchange conditions is arbitrary.

The information acquisition unit 131 notifies the exchange number determination unit 132 of the acquired exchange conditions. The information acquisition unit 131 may store the acquired exchange conditions in the storage unit 12 in association with the user U, and may notify the exchange number determination unit 132 of the exchange conditions via the storage unit 12.

The exchange number determining unit 132 performs a first release in which the first user U1 exchanges the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency based on the exchange conditions specified by the user U and the electronic currency information in the point management database. and a second acquisition number, which is the number of second electronic money acquired by the first user U1 from among the second electronic money that can be used by a user U other than the first user U1 (for example, a second user U2). do. The second electronic money that can be used by the second user U2 is the second electronic money that is stored in the storage unit 12 as being usable by the second user U2. In the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the first release number is 1000 points, and the second acquisition number is 1000 points. The exchange number determining unit 132 notifies the notification unit 133 and the exchange processing unit 134 of the determined first release number and second acquisition number.

Similarly, based on the exchange conditions notified from the information acquisition unit 131, the exchange number determining unit 132 determines the second number of releases for which the second user U2 exchanges the second electronic currency for the third electronic currency, and the second user A third acquisition number is determined, which is the number of third electronic money that the second user U2 acquires from among the third electronic money that can be used by users U other than U2. In the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the second release number is 1000 points, and the third acquisition number is 1000 points. The exchange number determination unit 132 notifies the notification unit 133 and the exchange processing unit 134 of the determined second release number and third acquisition number.

Furthermore, in the same way, the exchange number determination unit 132 determines, based on the exchange conditions notified from the information acquisition unit 131, the third number of releases for which the third user U3 exchanges the third electronic currency for the first electronic currency, and the third A first acquisition number is determined, which is the number of first electronic money that the third user U3 acquires from among the first electronic money that can be used by a user U other than the user U3. In the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the third release number is 1000 points, and the first acquisition number is 1000 points. The exchange number determining unit 132 notifies the notification unit 133 and the exchange processing unit 134 of the determined third release number and first acquisition number.

The notification unit 133 notifies the electronic money management server that manages the electronic money that the electronic money has been used or that the electronic money has been acquired. That is, the notification unit 133 sends electronic money to the electronic money management server using an API for transmitting and receiving data to and from the point management server, similar to a point card reader installed in a store or the like. We will notify you regarding any increase or decrease in

For example, the notification unit 133 may notify that the first user U1 has used the first electronic currency of the first number released, on the condition that the first user U1 can exchange the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency. The X point management server 3 is notified. Specifically, the notification unit 133 sends an X-point management server that manages the first electronic money on the condition that the second acquired number or more of exchangeable second electronic money is stored in the storage unit 12. 3, that the first user U1 has used the first emitted number of first electronic money.

The notification unit 133 sends an X-point manager managing the first electronic money, on the condition that the second acquired number or more of exchangeable second electronic money is stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the management user UX. The server 3 may be notified that the first user U1 has used the first electronic currency of the first number released. As the notification unit 133 operates in this manner, the first electronic money held by the first user U1 decreases even though the first user U1 is unable to exchange the first electronic money for desired electronic money. can be prevented.

Furthermore, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the notification unit 133 is configured to notify the user when the exchange process desired by the first user U1 is achieved by exchanging electronic money between three or more users U. There is. In such a case, the notification unit 133 sends the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money, respectively, on the condition that the exchange of the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money is established among three or more users U. The first electronic money held by three or more users U is sent to the X point management server 3, Y point management server 4, and Z point management server 5 that manage the second electronic money and the third electronic money. , notifies that the second electronic money and the third electronic money have been used.

For example, the notification unit 133 informs the X point management server 3 that manages the first electronic money that the name of the first electronic money held by the first user U1 is a management user UX who is a predetermined management user. to notify you of any changes. Specifically, the notification unit 133 notifies the X point management server 3 that manages X points, which are the first electronic money, that the first user U1 has used the first electronic money of the first number released. , and notifies that the management user UX, who is a predetermined management user, has acquired the first electronic money of the first release number. More specifically, in the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the notification unit 133 informs that the first user U1 has used 1000 points worth of X points, and that the management user UX has used 1000 points worth of X points. Notify the X point management server 3 that the X points have been acquired.

Similarly, the notification unit 133 informs the Y point management server 4 that manages Y points, which are the second electronic money, that the second user U2 has used the second electronic money of the second number of releases, and It is notified that the management user UX has acquired the second electronic money of the second number of releases. Specifically, in the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the notification unit 133 informs that the second user U2 has used 1000 Y points, and that the administrative user UX Notify the Y point management server 4 that Y points have been acquired.

Furthermore, in the same way, the notification unit 133 informs the Z point management server 5 that manages Z points, which are the third electronic money, that the third user U3 has used the third electronic money of the third release number; and notifies that the management user UX has acquired the third electronic currency of the third number of releases. Specifically, in the case of the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the notification unit 133 informs that the third user U3 has used 1000 Z points and that the management user UX Notify the Z point management server 5 that Z points have been acquired.

Note that when the user U registers the electronic money he/she owns in the point exchange device 1, the notification unit 133 provides a point that the registered electronic money has been used and that the registered electronic money has been acquired by the management user UX. The management server may also be notified.

The exchange processing unit 134 executes an exchange process of exchanging points held by a plurality of users U and updating a point management database based on the number of points of each user U after the exchange. For example, the exchange processing unit 134 associates with the first user U1 and associates the second acquisition number of second electronic money (for example, Y points) determined by the exchange number determining unit 132 with the second electronic money (for example, Y points) as electronic money held by the first user U1. The point management database is updated by storing it in the storage unit 12. In addition, the exchange processing unit 134 associates the first electronic currency of the first number of releases with a user U (third user U3 in the above example) who is different from the first user who acquired the first electronic money released by the first user U1. The point management database is updated by storing electronic money in the storage unit 12.

The exchange processing unit 134 performs an exchange process on the condition that there is a second acquired number or more of second electronic money whose electronic money information indicates that it is exchangeable among the second electronic money that can be used by the second user U2. Execute. The exchange processing unit 134 may execute the exchange process on condition that consent for exchange is obtained from the second user U2. By the exchange processing unit 134 operating in this manner, the user U can register in the point exchange device 1 both electronic money that can be exchanged and electronic money that cannot be exchanged.

After executing the exchange process, the exchange processing unit 134 may notify the information terminal 2 used by each user U of the number of electronic money held by each user U after the exchange. The exchange processing unit 134 sends a push notification to the information terminal 2 of a message including, for example, the number of X points held, the number of Y points held, and the number of Z points held. The exchange processing unit 134 may notify the information terminal 2 of the number of points held by the user U in response to the information terminal 2 accessing a predetermined URL.

[Configuration of information terminal 2]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal 2. As shown in FIG. The information terminal 2 includes a communication section 21, a display section 22, an operation section 23, a storage section 24, and a control section 25. The control section 25 includes a display control section 251 , an operation reception section 252 , a transmission section 253 , a reception section 254 , and a usage processing section 255 .

The communication unit 21 has a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the point exchange device 1. The communication unit 21 includes, for example, a wireless communication controller for accessing a wireless communication line. The communication unit 21 may include a wireless communication controller for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device such as a point card reader installed in a store.

The display unit 22 is a display that displays various information.
The operation unit 23 is an operation device used by the user U to operate the information terminal 2 and input various information, and is, for example, a touch panel provided over the display unit 22.

The storage unit 24 includes storage media such as ROM and RAM. The storage unit 24 stores various application software (programs) executed by the control unit 25. The storage unit 24 allows, for example, a user U using the information terminal 2 to register the points he/she owns in the point exchange device 1 or to notify the point exchange device 1 of the type and number of points that he or she wishes to exchange. I remember the point exchange app for.

The control unit 25 includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 25 functions as a display control unit 251, an operation reception unit 252, a transmission unit 253, a reception unit 254, and a usage processing unit 255 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 24.

The display control section 251 causes the display section 22 to display various information. For example, the display control unit 251 displays a point registration screen for registering the points held by the user U in the point exchange device 1, or displays the type and number of points that the user U has registered in the point exchange device 1. , or a point exchange screen for exchanging points held by user U for points of other types. Further, the display control unit 251 displays a point usage screen for the user U to use the points registered in the point exchange device 1.

The operation reception unit 252 specifies the contents of various operations performed on the operation unit 23 and input information, and notifies other processing units of the specified operation contents or input information. The operation reception unit 252 identifies, for example, the point type and number of points input while the point registration screen is displayed on the display unit 22, and notifies the transmission unit 253 of the acquired information. Further, the operation reception unit 252 specifies, for example, the type and number of points to be exchanged, which are input while the point exchange screen is displayed on the display unit 22, and the operation for instructing the exchange process. The content is notified to the transmitter 253. Further, the operation reception unit 252 identifies an instruction to use points that is input while the point usage screen is displayed on the display unit 22.

The transmitter 253 transmits various types of information to an external device (for example, the point exchange device 1 or a terminal installed in a store). The transmitter 253 transmits, for example, the point type and point number input on the point registration screen to the point exchange device 1. Further, for example, when receiving an instruction for exchange processing from the operation reception unit 252, the transmitting unit 253 transmits information indicating the type and number of points to be exchanged, and a request for exchange processing to the point exchange device 1. .

Furthermore, when an instruction to use points registered in the point exchange device 1 is given while the point usage screen is displayed on the display unit 22, the transmitting unit 253 transmits the following information based on the instruction from the usage processing unit 255. The identification information of the management user UX, the type of points to be used, and the number of points are transmitted to the point card reader. Further, the transmitting unit 253 transmits information indicating the type of points used and the number of points to the point exchange device 1. For example, when the first user U1 uses Y points, which is the second electronic money, the transmitter 253 of the information terminal 2 used by the first user U1 notifies the point exchange device 1 that the Y points have been used. .

The receiving unit 254 receives various information from the point exchange device 1. For example, after the user U performs an operation to register the points held, the receiving unit 254 receives information indicating the point type and the number of points for which registration has been completed from the point exchange device 1. Further, after the user U performs an operation to exchange points, the receiving unit 254 receives a notification from the point exchange device 1 that the exchange process has been completed. The receiving unit 254 notifies the display control unit 251 of the received content and causes the display unit 22 to display the received content.

The usage processing unit 255 executes processing for the user U to use electronic money. For example, when the first user U1 uses Y points, which is the second electronic money, the usage processing unit 255 of the information terminal 2 used by the first user U1 sends information to the management user via the transmitting unit 253 and the communication unit 21. Send information for using Y points with the UX account name to the store's point card reader. When the use of electronic money is approved by the point card reader, the usage processing unit 255 notifies the point exchange device 1 of the type and number of electronic money used via the transmission unit 253. By operating the usage processing unit 255 in this manner, the user U can use the electronic money even if the electronic money is registered in the name of the management user UX in the point management server.

[Operation sequence]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation sequence of the electronic money exchange system S. FIG. 8 shows the operation when the first user U1 exchanges the X points he holds for Y points.

In the communication unit 21, when the first user U1 performs an operation to exchange 1000 X points for 1000 Y points, the communication unit 21 exchanges 1000 X points for 1000 Y points. The point exchange device 1 is notified of an exchange request requesting the same.

The point exchange device 1 searches for a method of exchanging 1000 X points to 1000 Y points. As in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, when 1000 X points can be exchanged for 1000 Y points, the point exchange device 1 allows the first user U1 to use 1000 X points. Then, the management user UX notifies the X point management server 3 that the management user UX has acquired 1000 X points. Then, the point exchange device 1 notifies the communication unit 21 that the first user U1 has been able to obtain Y points instead of the X points released.

It is assumed that the first user U1 then starts an application software for using the points on the information terminal 2-1 in order to use the 500 Y points. The information terminal 2-1 transmits a request to use 500 Y points to the point card reader of the store where Y points are used. At this time, the information terminal 2-1 transmits a request to use Y points along with the identification information of the management user UX.

Upon receiving the request to use Y points, the point card reader notifies the Y point management server 4 that the management user UX has used, for example, 500 Y points. The point card reader also notifies the information terminal 2-1 that the use of 500 Y points has been completed. Upon receiving the notification, the information terminal 2-1 notifies the point exchange device 1 that 500 Y points have been used.

[First modification]
Even if user U wishes to exchange the electronic money he/she owns for other electronic money, he/she may not wish to do so if the exchange rate is poor. Therefore, the point exchange device 1 may determine whether to perform the exchange based on the range of exchange rates allowed by each user U. The exchange rate is the ratio of the second number acquired to the first number released when exchanging the first electronic money for the second electronic money.

In this case, the information acquisition unit 131 selects a first range of exchange rate that is allowed when the first user U1 exchanges the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency, and a first range that is the range of exchange rate that the first user U1 is allowed to exchange the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency, and A second range, which is a range of exchange rates allowed when exchanging to first electronic money, is acquired. Then, the exchange number determination unit 132 determines the second acquisition number based on the exchange rates included in the first range and the second range. For example, the exchange number determination unit 132 determines the exchange number on the condition that a predetermined exchange rate is included in both the first range and the second range. By operating the point exchange device 1 in this manner, the first electronic money and the second electronic money can be exchanged under conditions that satisfy the first user U1 and the second user U2.

[Second modification]
When the expiration date of the electronic money that the user U owns approaches, the user U may want to exchange it for other electronic money even if the conditions are disadvantageous. Therefore, the point exchange device 1 may make the exchange rate worse when the period until the expiration date is shorter than a predetermined period than when the period until the expiration date is longer than the predetermined period.

In this case, the storage unit 12 stores electronic money information including expiration information indicating the expiration date of the electronic money. Further, the exchange number determination unit 132 determines the second acquisition number based on the length of the period until the expiration date. Specifically, the shorter the period until the expiration date, the lower the exchange rate and the smaller the second acquisition number. The exchange number determination unit 132 may notify users U other than the user U who holds the points that there is a point whose expiration date is less than a threshold and the exchange rate has been lowered. By operating the point exchange device 1 in this manner, the probability that electronic money with a short expiration date will be exchanged increases, so that the electronic money can be used effectively.

Further, the point exchange device 1 may obtain the minimum value of the exchange rate allowed by the first user U1, and execute the electronic money exchange process on the condition that the exchange rate is equal to or higher than the minimum value. In this case, the information acquisition unit 131 determines the minimum value of the exchange rate allowed when the first user U1 exchanges the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency, and Obtains the exchange deadline, which is the deadline for exchanging money. If there is a predetermined period or longer until the exchange deadline, the exchange processing unit 134 executes the exchange process on the condition that the second acquisition number is equal to or greater than the minimum value. If the exchange deadline is less than a predetermined period, the exchange processing unit 134 executes the exchange process even if the second acquisition number is smaller than the minimum value.

[Third modification]
In the above explanation, only the electronic money registered in the point exchange device 1 is to be exchanged. However, even though electronic money is regularly registered in the point exchange device 1, there may be cases where the electronic money is temporarily not registered in the point exchange device 1. It would be inconvenient if electronic money could not be exchanged at such times.

Therefore, if the point exchange device 1 determines that there is a high probability that the user U will be able to acquire electronic money in the near future based on the user U's past acquisition history of electronic money, the point exchange device 1 determines whether the user U holds electronic money. It may also be possible to obtain other electronic money even if the user does not have it. In this case, the storage unit 12 stores history information indicating a history of electronic money acquired by the user U in association with the user U.

Even if the first user U1 does not own the first electronic money corresponding to the second number of acquisitions, the exchange processing unit 134 exchanges the first electronic money corresponding to the second number of acquisitions based on the history information. If it is determined that the second electronic money can be acquired within the predetermined history confirmation period, the second acquired number of second electronic money is stored in the storage unit 12 as usable electronic money in association with the first user U1. The predetermined history confirmation period may be a period that can be selected by the user U or may be a predetermined period, for example, one week.

The exchange number determination unit 132 may determine the exchange rate based on the length of the history confirmation period. For example, the exchange number determining unit 132 lowers the exchange rate as the history confirmation period becomes longer. By operating the number of exchanges determining unit 132 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the risk that the business operator operating the point exchange device 1 will incur a loss due to the user U not being able to acquire the first electronic currency within a predetermined period. can.

[Fourth modification]
In the above explanation, it was necessary for the user U himself to register the electronic money he held in the point exchange device 1. However, since the work of registering electronic money in the point exchange device 1 is complicated for the user U, there have been cases where the user U has electronic money that can be exchanged but does not register it in the point exchange device 1.

Therefore, the point exchange device 1 receives a notification that the user U has acquired electronic money from a server that manages electronic money, such as the X point management server 3, the Y point management server 4, the Z point management server 5, etc. Depending on the situation, the electronic money acquired by the user U may be registered. In this case, when the exchange processing unit 134 receives a notification from the X point management server 3 that the first user U1 has acquired the first electronic money, the exchange processing unit 134 associates the first user U1 with the first user U1. The number of acquired first electronic money is stored in the storage unit 12. By operating the exchange processing unit 134 in this manner, it becomes possible to increase the amount of electronic money to be exchanged without the user U feeling that it is complicated.

[Fifth modification]
In the above explanation, the case where points are exchanged between three users U is illustrated, but the number of users U to whom electronic money is exchanged is arbitrary, and may be two, or four It may be more than one person. In addition, in the above explanation, the case where the electronic money held by one user U is given to another user U is illustrated, but the electronic money held by one user U is divided. It may also be given to a plurality of users U.

In addition, in the above explanation, the case where one user U acquires electronic money held by one other user U is illustrated, but one user U acquires electronic money held by multiple other users U. You may also acquire the electronic money you hold. In this way, the exchange number determination unit 132 determines the exchange number of electronic money by combining exchangeable electronic money registered by an arbitrary number of users U, so as to satisfy the wishes of a large number of users U. electronic money can be exchanged.

[Sixth variation]
In the above description, the case where the point exchange device 1 registers the exchanged electronic money in the point management server with the name of the management user UX as the holder has been exemplified. However, the point exchange device 1 may register the exchanged electronic money in the point management server under the name of the user U who can use the exchanged electronic money.

In this case, for example, the notification unit 133 informs the X point management server 3 that manages the first electronic money that the name of the first electronic money held by the first user U1 has been changed to the second user U2. notify you of what has happened. Specifically, the notification unit 133 notifies the X point management server 3 that manages X points, which are the first electronic money, that the first user U1 has used the first electronic money of the first number released. , and notifies that the second user U2 has acquired the first electronic money of the first number of releases.

[Effects of electronic money exchange system S]
As explained above, the point exchange device 1 determines the first number of releases for which the first user U1 exchanges the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency and the first It has an exchange number determination unit 132 that determines a second acquisition number that is the number of second electronic money that the first user U1 acquires among the second electronic money that can be used by a user U other than the user U1. Further, the exchange processing unit 134 causes the storage unit 12 to store the second acquired number of second electronic money as usable electronic money in association with the first user U1, and also stores the second electronic money that has been released by the first user U1 in the storage unit 12. An exchange process is executed in which the first electronic money of the first number of releases is stored in the storage unit 12 in association with a user U different from the first user U1 who acquired the first electronic money.

By operating the point exchange device 1 in this way, a user U who holds electronic money can exchange the electronic money he/she owns with electronic money held by another user U, and exchange the acquired electronic money. can be used. In this way, in the point exchange device 1, electronic money can be exchanged between a plurality of users U, so electronic money can be exchanged without affecting the number of electronic money issued by the electronic money issuer. become.

In addition, the notification unit 133 informs the first electronic money management server (for example, the and that the management user UX has acquired the first emitted number of first electronic money. Furthermore, the notification unit 133 notifies the second electronic money management server (for example, the Y point management server 4) that the management user UX has acquired the second acquisition number of second electronic money. Therefore, by executing predetermined application software on the information terminal 2, the first user U1 can use the second electronic money registered in the second electronic money management server under the name of the management user UX.

In this way, the ability to easily exchange the electronic money held by the user U for other types of electronic money is suitable when the user U goes to an area or store where the electronic money held by the user U cannot be used. It is. User U may exchange electronic money when going to the area or store, or may exchange electronic money before going to the area or store.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist. be. For example, all or part of the device can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated into arbitrary units. In addition, new embodiments created by arbitrary combinations of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiment resulting from the combination have the effects of the original embodiment.

1 Point exchange device 2 Information terminal 3 Point management server 4 Point management server 5 Point management server 11 Communication section 12 Storage section 13 Control section 21 Communication section 22 Display section 23 Operation section 24 Storage section 25 Control section 131 Information acquisition section 132 Number of exchanges Determination section 133 Notification section 134 Exchange processing section 251 Display control section 252 Operation reception section 253 Transmission section 254 Receiving section 255 Usage processing section

Claims (6)

a storage unit that stores electronic money information for identifying electronic money that can be used by each of the plurality of users;
an information acquisition unit that acquires exchange conditions from an information terminal used by a first user who wishes to exchange the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency;
Based on the exchange conditions and the electronic money information, the first number of releases for which the first user exchanges the first electronic money for the second electronic money, and the second electronic money that the first user acquires. an exchange number determination unit that determines a second acquisition number, which is the number of
on the condition that the second acquired number of exchangeable second electronic money is stored in the storage unit, the first electronic money management server that manages the first electronic money; a notification unit that notifies that a first user has used the first electronic currency of the first number of releases;
The second electronic money of the second acquired number is stored in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with the first user, and the second electronic money that has been acquired by the first user is stored in the storage unit. an exchange processing unit that executes an exchange process of storing the first emitted number of first electronic money in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with a second user different from the first user;
An electronic money exchange device with The notification unit provides a condition that the second exchangeable electronic currency of the second or more acquired number is stored in the storage unit in association with a management user different from the first user and the second user. , notifying the first electronic money management server that the first user has used the first number of released first electronic money;
The electronic money exchange device according to claim 1. The notification unit may notify a second electronic money management server that manages the second electronic money that the second user who held the second electronic money has acquired the second number of second electronic money. and that the administrative user has acquired the second acquired number of second electronic money;
The electronic money exchange device according to claim 2. The notification unit may send the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money, respectively, on the condition that the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money are exchanged between three or more users. 2 electronic money and the third electronic money, the first electronic money management server, the second electronic money management server, and the third electronic money management server manage the above electronic money held by the three or more users. Notifying that the first electronic money, the second electronic money, and the third electronic money have been used;
The electronic money exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . computer executes
acquiring exchange conditions from an information terminal used by a first user who desires to exchange first electronic money for second electronic money;
The first user exchanges the first electronic currency with the second electronic currency based on the exchange conditions and electronic currency information stored in the storage unit for specifying electronic currency that can be used by each of a plurality of users. determining a first number to be released and a second number to be acquired, which is the number of second electronic money to be acquired by the first user;
storing the second acquired number of second electronic money in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with the first user;
on the condition that the second acquired number of exchangeable second electronic money is stored in the storage unit, the first electronic money management server that manages the first electronic money; Notifying that the first user has used the first electronic currency of the first number of releases;
The first electronic money released by the first user is associated with a second user different from the first user who acquired the first electronic money, and the first electronic money released in the first number is stored in the storage unit as usable electronic money. steps to memorize,
An electronic money exchange method having comprising a plurality of information terminals used by a plurality of users, and an electronic money exchange device for exchanging electronic money held by the plurality of users,
The electronic money exchange device includes:
a storage unit that stores electronic money information for identifying electronic money that can be used by each of the plurality of users;
an information acquisition unit that acquires exchange conditions from an information terminal used by a first user who wishes to exchange the first electronic currency for the second electronic currency;
Based on the exchange conditions and the electronic money information, the first number of releases for which the first user exchanges the first electronic money for the second electronic money, and the second electronic money that the first user acquires. an exchange number determination unit that determines a second acquisition number, which is the number of
on the condition that the second acquired number of exchangeable second electronic money is stored in the storage unit, the first electronic money management server that manages the first electronic money; a notification unit that notifies that a first user has used the first electronic currency of the first number of releases;
The second electronic money of the second acquired number is stored in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with the first user, and the second electronic money that has been acquired by the first user is stored in the storage unit. an exchange processing unit that executes an exchange process of storing the first emitted number of first electronic money in the storage unit as usable electronic money in association with a second user different from the first user;
has
The information terminal of the first user is
a receiving unit that receives a notification that the exchange process is completed;
a transmitting unit that transmits, when the first user uses the second electronic money, to the electronic money exchange device that the second electronic money has been used;
has,
Electronic money exchange system.

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