WO2004114182A1

WO2004114182A1 - Money amount returning device, money amount returning method, and money amount returning program

Info

Publication number: WO2004114182A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/008601
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norihiko Fujita; Koji Ito; Takayuki Sakurai; Masataka Yoshida; Shintaro Hayatani
Original assignee: Bitwallet, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-06-19
Filing date: 2004-06-18
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Also published as: TW200506700A; JP4372467B2; JP2005011116A

Abstract

A point system that provides users with higher usability and also provides stores with fewer loads. A mobile telephone (7), which includes a non-contact IC chip for value processes, can allows its user to purchase commercial goods or services by wireless communicating with electronic money terminals installed in affiliated stores A, B and so on. The information concerning the values spent by the user is transmitted from the electronic money terminals to an electric money center (101) for summation. The electric money center (101) has established point return rates for the affiliated stores, for example, 10 percents for the affiliated store A, 6 percents for the affiliated store B, and so on. The electric money center (101) refers to log data to multiply the money amounts settled by use of values in the affiliated stores by those point return rates to calculate the number of points for the user, and then transmits to the mobile telephone (7) the addition command to add the values equivalent to the number of points.

Description

Specification

Money return device, money return method, and money return program

Technical field

The present invention relates to a money-return device and the like, for example, to a device for issuing points for using electronic money.

Background art

[0002] As a part of customer service, when a customer purchases a product or service, it is widely used to issue points having the same value as money.

Generally issued points can be used at the store or affiliated stores, and for small and medium-sized stores, which are important factors in improving customer service and retaining customers, for example, points Issue a form and stamp it according to the amount paid each time a customer makes a purchase. Then, once the seals are accumulated to a certain extent, they can be exchanged for a fixed amount of goods.

[0003] In a large-scale store, for example, a point system using a computer network is constructed, and user points are managed by a server.

In this case, the user carries a point card in which information such as an identification ID is stored and presents it to the clerk when shopping. The store clerk can access the server to check the points accumulated for this point card, and if the user desires, convert the points to a monetary amount and use it for the purchase price. Further, if the user desires, points for the current purchase price can be further accumulated without using the points.

[0004] In some cases, the points are not centrally managed by the server, but are managed by storing the points in a storage medium part of a card.

In this case, the accounting counter is provided with a terminal for reading and writing points.

The following point service system is an invention for managing points.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2003-122910

According to the present invention, a user selects a desired one from a plurality of prizes, Then, points are allocated to the selected prize to obtain a prize.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems the invention is trying to solve

[0007] However, in the conventional point service, the user has to carry the point paper / point card for each store, which is a heavy burden.

In addition, when introducing a point system using a computer system, a large amount of system installation and maintenance costs were incurred, placing a heavy burden on stores.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a money-return device or the like that realizes a point system that is convenient for a user and less burdensome on the store side.

Means for solving the problem

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the present invention, a command receiving means for receiving an addition / subtraction command, a storage means for storing a monetary value as electronic information, and A money terminal including a command execution means for executing the received addition / subtraction command to update the stored amount, a command transmission device for transmitting an addition / subtraction command for causing the money terminal to perform addition / subtraction by a predetermined amount, Using the amount information receiving unit that receives the amount of money added by the money terminal according to the addition / subtraction command transmitted to the money terminal and the amount of money that specifies the subtracted amount of money subtracted, the money using the received money information is used. A money information management device comprising: history information storage means for storing history information of the added amount and the subtracted amount processed by the terminal for each money terminal. A money amount return device used in the system, wherein the user uses the amount information to obtain at least one of an added amount added by the money terminal and a subtracted amount subtracted from the history information, A reduction amount calculating means for calculating a return amount to be returned to the cash terminal, an addition instruction generating unit for generating an addition instruction for performing an addition process of the calculated return amount, and transmitting the generated addition instruction to the money terminal. And a sending means.

In the invention according to claim 2, the money amount acquiring means adds or subtracts at the money terminal within a predetermined period, out of the history information of the added amount and the subtracted amount stored in the history information storage means. Using the history information of the subtracted amount, the added amount and the reduced amount The amount reduction device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the calculated amounts is obtained.

In the invention according to claim 3, the addition command generation means generates the addition command when the return amount calculated by the return amount calculation means reaches a predetermined amount. Or a money amount reduction device according to claim 2.

In the invention according to claim 4, a redemption rate for calculating the redemption amount is set for each of the command transmission devices, and the redemption amount calculation unit adds the redemption amount to the money terminal by the command transmission device. The claim 1, claim 2, or claim, wherein the reimbursement amount is calculated by applying a reimbursement rate set in the command transmission device to at least one of the added amount and the subtracted amount. The money-return device described in Item 3 is provided.

The amount added to the money device using the addition command transmitted by the transmission means may be configured to be usable by a predetermined command transmission device.

In this case, when the money device receives the subtraction command from the command transmitting device, the money device identifies the command transmitting device and determines whether the added amount is usable or not.

Furthermore, it is also possible to configure so that the reduction rate is not fixed but is changed. In this case, for example, it is possible to configure so that the return rate is changed according to the total value of the added amount and the subtracted amount at the money terminal.

In the invention according to claim 5, an inquiry receiving means for receiving an inquiry about the return amount from the money terminal, and when the inquiry is received by the inquiry receiving means, the return amount calculating means calculates the return amount, An amount presentation information generating unit for generating amount presentation information for presenting the calculated amount on the money terminal, and an amount presentation information transmitting unit for transmitting the generated amount presentation information to the money terminal. A money redemption device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

In the invention as set forth in claim 6, the command transmitting devices are grouped, and the history storage means sends an addition / subtraction command to the money terminal together with an addition amount added at the money terminal and a subtraction amount subtracted. Identifies the group to which the command sending device that sent the message belongs The return amount calculation means calculates the return amount for each of the groups using the stored group identification information, and the amount presentation information generating means stores the return amount for each of the calculated groups. 6. The money return device according to claim 5, wherein the money terminal generates money presentation information for presenting the money back amount for each of the groups.

In the invention according to claim 7, a command receiving means for receiving an addition / subtraction command, a storage means for storing an amount of money value as electronic information, and executing the received addition / subtraction instruction to store the stored amount. A currency terminal provided with an instruction executing means for updating, a command transmission device for transmitting an addition / subtraction command for causing the money terminal to perform addition / subtraction for a predetermined amount, and a money terminal based on the addition / subtraction command transmitted to the money terminal. Amount information receiving means for receiving the amount of money added and the amount of money information specifying the subtracted amount of subtraction, using the received amount of money information, the amount of addition and the amount of subtraction processed by the money terminal. A money information management device comprising: history information storage means for storing history information for each money terminal; and a money amount returning method used in a structured money information operation system. In a computer including an amount acquisition unit, a return amount calculation unit, an addition instruction generation unit, and a transmission unit, at least one of an addition amount added by the money terminal and a subtraction amount subtracted from the history information, based on the history information. And a return amount calculating step of calculating a return amount to be returned to the user using the obtained amount by the return amount calculation unit, and adding the calculated return amount. An addition command generation step of generating an addition command for performing processing by the addition command generation means; and a transmission step of transmitting the generated addition command to the money terminal by the transmission means. Provides a monetary return method.

In the invention according to claim 8, a command receiving means for receiving the addition / subtraction command, a storage means for storing the amount of the money value as electronic information, and executing the received addition / subtraction instruction to store the stored amount. A currency terminal having an instruction executing means for updating,

An instruction transmission device for transmitting an addition / subtraction command for causing the money terminal to perform addition / subtraction for a predetermined amount; an addition amount added by the money terminal by the addition / subtraction instruction transmitted to the money terminal; Amount information to receive the amount information specifying the amount A currency information management device comprising: receiving means, history information storage means for storing, for each money terminal, history information of an added amount processed by the money terminal and a subtracted amount, using the received amount information, In a computer used in the configured money information operation system, an amount acquisition function of acquiring at least one of an added amount added by the money terminal and a subtracted amount subtracted from the history information from the history information; and Using, a return amount calculation function for calculating a return amount to be returned to the user, an addition instruction generation function for generating an addition instruction for performing an addition process for the calculated return amount, and the generated addition instruction to the money terminal. It provides a sending function to send and an amount reduction program to realize.

Also, a computer-readable storage medium storing the money return program can be provided.

The invention's effect

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a point-point system or the like that is convenient for the user and less burdensome on the store side.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Overview of Embodiment]

In the present embodiment, points are issued and managed using an existing electronic money operation system.

In the electronic money operation system, non-contact IC chips built into plastic cards and mobile phones store electronic information that has the same value as monetary value called value, and adjust the value of this value. Causes the movement of the monetary value. Then, when the user uses the value at a member store operated by the point organizer, the point is issued according to the settlement amount by the value, and the accumulated points are converted into value and returned to the user.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing an outline of the present embodiment.

The mobile phone 7 has a built-in contactless IC chip for screw processing, and adjusts the value of the value by wirelessly communicating with an electronic money terminal installed at a cash register at a member store. S power

When a user pays for a product at a value at a member store operated by point organizers A, B, ..., points are issued according to the payment amount as follows.

[0013] First, information on the value used by the user is transmitted from the electronic money terminal to the electronic money center 101, and is tabulated.

In the electronic money center 101, the point redemption rate is set for each point organizer, for example, 10% for the point organizer A, 6% for the point organizer B, and so on.

The electronic money center 101 refers to the log data, and calculates the number of points for each user by multiplying the amount paid by the value at each point organizer by the point redemption rate. Then, an addition command for adding a value corresponding to the number of points is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 7. The mobile phone 7 executes this addition command, and adds the value to the value stored in the mobile phone 7 by the amount of points.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the issuance and management of points are performed by the electronic money center 101, and therefore, there is no need for each point organizer to perform business and capital investment associated with issuance of points.

In addition, the user does not need to carry a point card or the like, and when shopping with a voucher as usual, the points are automatically accumulated without performing any processing related to the points.

Furthermore, since the issued points are returned to the user as value, not only the point service that implements the point service, but also the point service that performs the point service, the point is used at the member shop. be able to.

[Details of Embodiment]

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electronic money operation system 1 of the present embodiment. The electronic money operation system 1 includes a mobile phone 7, an electronic money server 2, the Internet 4, a base station 5, and a telephone network. 6, electronic money card 15, electronic money terminal 8, 8, 8, ... etc.

In addition, the electronic money server 2 is an electronic money management system that manages the operation of electronic money. It is installed in one center 101.

The mobile phone 7 has an Internet connection function and a built-in non-contact IC chip for an electronic money card. The mobile phone 7 communicates with the electronic money terminal 8 to add a value (called charge), and Can perform subtraction (settlement).

Further, the mobile phone 7 can communicate with the electronic money server 2 and perform addition and subtraction of values via the Internet 4.

Here, the “knowledge” is a concept corresponding to money in the operation of electronic money, and is money information that represents the amount of money value as electronic data. When a value is issued, the corresponding amount of money is collected from the user and distributed to the stores that settled the value (hereinafter referred to as “member stores”) in accordance with the amount of the payment, so that the value and the actual money are The response is as follows.

Also, in the present embodiment, a member store system is adopted, and a business operator of a store that performs value-based settlement with the electronic money management system 1 joins a store (one or a plurality of stores) to be subject to value-based settlement. The store is registered in the electronic money center 101 in advance.

[0018] Further, as described later, a business operator can become a point organizer by registering with the electronic money server 2, and can execute a point service at a member store operated by the business. it can.

Affiliated stores may be multiple affiliated stores operated by a specific business (eg, a specific fast food company, family restaurant, supermarket), or may be independent stores such as a privately owned ramen shop. It may be a retail store.

The relationship between the business and the member store will be explained later using Fig. 9.

The electronic money card 15 has a built-in antenna for communication between the non-contact type IC chip and the electronic money terminal 8, and can perform addition and subtraction of values similarly to the mobile phone 7. Power for driving the non-contact type IC chip is wirelessly supplied from the electronic money terminal 8.

The base station 5 can perform wireless communication with the mobile phone 7, and connects the mobile phone 7 to the telephone network 6 or the Internet 4. The telephone line network 6 is a so-called public line network, and can mutually connect terminal devices such as telephones and faxes. By connecting the mobile phone 7 to the telephone network 6, the base station 5 can provide a call service to the user.

The Internet 4 is a network for connecting server devices, terminal devices, and the like. A server device that provides various services is connected to the Internet 4. By connecting the mobile phone 7 to the Internet 4, the services provided by these server devices can be used by the mobile phone 7.

In FIG. 2, the electronic money server 2 is described as a server device connected to the Internet 4, but there are other server devices that provide various services.

The electronic money server 2 is a server device operated by the electronic money center 101.

The electronic money server ₂ is connected to the electronic money terminals 8, 8, 8,...

It collects information on the issuance status and usage status, and stores it as history information. Then, various kinds of information processing for operating electronic money business such as point calculation are performed using the history information.

[0023] Furthermore, the electronic money server 2 has established a service site on the Internet 4, where the electronic money server 2 can add and subtract values to and from the mobile phone 7 and the electronic money card 15 and subscribe to a point service. We provide various services related to It is also possible to send and receive e-mails to and from the mobile phone 7.

When the electronic money server 2 performs value addition / subtraction processing on the electronic money card 15 via the Internet 4, the user connects a personal computer or the like having a reader / writer for the electronic money card 15 to the Internet 4. This is used as a terminal for access to the electronic money card 15.

[0024] The electronic money terminal 8 is a terminal device for contactless IC card access installed at a cash register or the like of a member store, and is a dedicated device configured for electronic money business.

The electronic money terminal 8 is provided with a reader / writer unit having a built-in antenna. Wireless communication can be performed. [0025] The electronic money terminal 8 can wirelessly communicate with the mobile phone 7 or the electronic money card 15 to charge a value thereto or to perform a payment by subtracting the value.

Then, the electronic money terminal 8 temporarily stores information regarding these processes, and transmits the information to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing later.

The electronic money terminal 8 constitutes a command transmission device that transmits an addition / subtraction command for performing addition / subtraction for a predetermined amount to the mobile phone 7.

As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 does not need to access the electronic money server 2 when processing the value by communicating with the mobile phone 7 or the electronic money card 15, and therefore performs the value process at high speed. be able to.

[0027] The electronic money terminal 8 is installed at a cash register or the like of the member stores a, b, ..., and when a user makes a payment with the electronic money terminal 8, the sales of the member store to which the electronic money terminal 8 belongs are sold.

Each of the electronic money terminals 8 is assigned a unique terminal ID, and the electronic money server 2 associates the member store with the terminal ID.

Therefore, from the terminal ID of the electronic money terminal 8 for which the value has been settled, it is possible to know at which member store the value was used.

[0028] The power described above regarding the overall configuration of the electronic money operation system 1 is an example of a conceptual configuration, and various modifications exist.

For example, the electronic money terminal 8 may be, for example, a terminal dedicated to settlement incorporated in a vending machine, or a terminal dedicated to charging installed in a plaza or the like, in addition to the terminal installed in a member store.

[0029] In addition, there is a type in which a detachable storage medium for storing information related to value processing is installed in the electronic money terminal 8, and a person in charge goes to collect the information. From the collected storage medium, information relating to the noo processing is read out and input to the electronic money server 2. Further, there is a type in which the electronic money terminal 8 wirelessly transmits information related to value processing, receives the information by a receiving device, and transmits the information to the electronic money server 2. In this case, one receiver can communicate with a plurality of electronic money terminals 8. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the mobile phone 7. The mobile phone 7 includes a telephone antenna 19, a speaker 20, a display 21, a keyboard 22, and a microphone 23. The telephone antenna 19 is an antenna for performing wireless communication with the base station 5.

The speaker 20 is a device that converts an analog electric signal to generate sound.

[0031] The display 21 is a display device for displaying characters and images, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display.

The display 21 is capable of displaying a screen provided by the server device, the text of an e-mail, and the like.

In addition, as described later, the mobile phone 7 has an electronic money function unit, and can display information about electronic money, such as the electronic money function unit ID and the balance of the money.

[0032] The keyboard 22 is an input means composed of character keys, function keys, and the like. Users can enter letters and numbers by pressing the letter keys, create e-mails, and enter letters on screens provided by Web sites.

Further, by pressing a predetermined function key, the user can exert a predetermined function such as clicking and selecting a selection item displayed on the display 21 and controlling the operation of the mobile phone 7.

The microphone 23 is a device that acquires sound and converts it into an analog electric signal.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a menu screen displayed when the user logs in to electronic money server 2. If you select “2 · Point Service”, you can subscribe to the Point Service or change the settings of the Point Service.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the mobile phone 7.

The mobile phone 7 is provided with a call mode for making a call and an application mode using an application built in the mobile phone 7, and the user can select one of them by using a function button. Like that.

And as part of the functions provided by this application, connection to the Internet 4 Connection function is provided.

FIG. 4 illustrates functions when the mobile phone 7 is operated in the application mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone 7 includes a telephone function unit 10 that provides a call function and an Internet connection function, an electronic money function unit 12 having a value processing function, and an interface unit 11 that connects the two. It is composed.

As will be described later, the telephone function unit 10 and the electronic money function unit 12 are configured by different hardware, and are connected by the interface unit 11.

[0036] The telephone function unit 10 includes an application unit 26 that provides an application function, and the user can use these functions by activating the mobile phone 7 in the application mode.

The application unit 26 has functions for offline use, such as games, displaying received e-mails, editing transmitted e-mails, displaying photographic images (when the mobile phone 7 has a camera), and a browser. It also provides functions for online use, such as functions and sending and receiving e-mail.

When using the browser function of the application unit 26, the application unit 26 receives an input of a URL (Uniform Resource Locators) from a user, and connects the mobile phone 7 to a service site specified by the URL.

Therefore, the mobile phone 7 can be connected to the service site of the electronic money server 2 by inputting the URL of the service site of the electronic money server 2, and the user can use the mobile phone 7 to access various services provided by this site. Can be used at

Further, the application unit 26 can communicate with the electronic money function unit 12 via the interface unit 11, and can communicate with the electronic money server 2 and the electronic money function unit 12, or Information provided by the function unit 12 (value balance, etc.) can be displayed on the display 21 (FIG. 3).

When mediating communication between the electronic money server 2 and the electronic money function unit 12, the application unit 26 selects and extracts information to be transmitted to the electronic money function unit 12 from information received from the electronic money server 2. Then, it sends it to the electronic money function unit 12. Further, the application unit 26 selects and extracts information to be transmitted to the electronic money server ₂ from the information received from the electronic money function unit 12, and transmits the extracted information to the electronic money server ₂ .

The interface unit 11 is an interface that mediates transmission and reception of information between the telephone function unit 10 and the electronic money function unit 12.

As will be described later, the electronic money function unit 12 is configured by a non-contact type IC chip, and the interface unit 11 provides an interface suitable for the specification of the non-contact type IC chip.

The interface unit 11 decrypts the data (encoded) transmitted from the electronic money server 2 and outputs the decrypted data to the electronic money function unit 12, and encrypts the data output by the electronic money function unit 12. And output it to the telephone function unit 10.

It also has an encryption function. Thus, security can be enhanced by encrypting the data transmitted and received between the electronic money server 2 and the mobile phone 7.

[0040] The electronic money function unit 12 includes a value processing unit 28 that performs information processing regarding the value, a log data storage unit 29 that stores information regarding the value, and a terminal communication unit 31 that wirelessly communicates with the electronic money terminal 8. Have.

The value processing unit 28 is a functional unit that accepts input of various commands related to the screw processing and performs value processing according to the commands.

A command for adding or subtracting a value can be input from the electronic money terminal 8 or the electronic money server 2.

In addition, commands relating to processing that does not change the value balance, such as balance inquiry, can be input from the application unit 26 offline.

The addition command is a command for adding the value balance stored in the log data storage unit 29, and the amount of the value to be added can be set by a parameter. When the value processing unit 28 executes the addition command, the value processing unit 28 writes the value into the log data storage unit 29 by the amount specified by the meter.

The subtraction command is a command for subtracting the value balance stored in the log data storage unit 29, and the value amount can be set by a parameter. Know When the processing unit 28 executes the subtraction command, the processing unit 28 subtracts the screw value of the log data storage unit 29 by the amount specified by the parameter.

As described above, the value can be charged to the electronic money function unit 12 by causing the value processing unit 28 to execute the addition command, and the settlement can be performed by executing the subtraction command.

It is possible to set various information in addition to the amount of money in the parameters attached to the command. For example, an electronic money terminal ID for specifying the electronic money terminal 8, a member store ID for specifying the member store, the processing date and time, and the like can be considered, and these are stored as a history in the log data storage unit 29 together with the amount of the information power value. .

The log data storage unit 29 is a functional unit that stores log data relating to value. This log data records the history of value processing such as addition and subtraction of values.By referring to the log data, it is possible to know the current balance of value, the history of past value processing, etc. it can.

The contents recorded as log data include the date and time when the process was performed, the type of process, and the value of the value if the value changed due to the process (for example, if the value was added, the value of the added value was added). When the value and the value are subtracted, the value of the electronic money terminal 8 is subtracted. When the value is processed by accessing the electronic money terminal 8, the terminal ID of the electronic money terminal 8, the current value balance, and the electronic money terminal 8 are stored. There is information such as the merchant ID that identifies the established merchant.

The terminal communication unit 31 is a functional unit that performs wireless communication with the electronic money terminal 8. The electronic money terminal 8 includes a reader / writer unit 8a having a built-in antenna for performing wireless communication with the non-contact type IC chip, and the terminal communication unit 31 communicates with the reader / writer unit 8a and communicates with the electronic money terminal 8. Mediates information exchange of the electronic money function unit 12.

The mobile phone 7 is configured as described above, and can input various commands from the electronic money server 2 or the electronic money terminal 8 to the note processing unit 28.

Then, by transmitting an addition command and a subtraction command from the electronic money server 2 to the electronic money function unit 12, the electronic money center 101 (FIG. 2) can remotely control the value balance of the electronic money function unit 12. . As described above, the value is electronic information representing the monetary value, the log data storage unit 29 constitutes a storage unit for storing the value, and the value processing unit 28 executes addition and subtraction. An instruction execution unit for executing a command (addition / subtraction instruction) is configured, and the terminal communication unit 31 is included in an instruction reception unit for receiving a command. The electronic money function unit 12 (implemented by a non-contact IC chip) built into the mobile phone 7 is a money terminal having these configurations.

Further, the electronic money terminal 8 constitutes a command transmitting device for transmitting an addition / subtraction command to the mobile phone 7.

In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 7 will be described as an example of a money terminal. However, this is not limited to the money terminal, but includes a function similar to that of the electronic money function unit 12. Devices, such as an electronic money card 15, a PDA (Personal Digital

Assistant: a personal digital assistant), a portable personal computer, a wristwatch, etc., can constitute a money terminal.

In addition, the electronic money function unit 12 can be configured using a contact type IC chip.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 7.

The telephone function unit 10 includes a telephone antenna 40, a base station communication unit 41, a telephone control unit 200, a storage unit 45, a display unit 46, an operation unit 47, a digital signal processing unit 48, a voice input / output unit 49, and the like. I have.

The telephone antenna 40 radiates radio waves to the base station 5 or absorbs radio waves radiated by the antenna of the base station 5. Thereby, the mobile phone 7 can perform wireless communication with the base station 5, and can perform a telephone call via the base station 5 and a communication with the electronic money server ₂ via the Internet 4.

[0048] Base station communication section 41 is a functional section for driving telephone antenna 40, and amplifies a signal transmitted from telephone antenna 40 or amplifies a signal received from base station 5 to control telephone control. And provide it to part 200.

The telephone control unit 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 42, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 43, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 44, and the like. [0049] The CPU 42 is a central processing unit that executes a predetermined program and performs various types of information processing, and can cause the telephone function unit 10 to function as a mobile phone having an Internet connection function.

The CPU 42 functions as a telephone or functions as a terminal of the Internet 4 by executing a program stored in the ROM 43, the RAM 44, or the storage unit 45.

[0050] The ROM 43 is a read-only memory arranged so as to be readable by the CPU 42, and stores programs executed by the CPU 42, parameters, and the like.

The ROM 43 stores, for example, $ S, which is a basic program for operating the CPU 42.

The RAM 44 is a readable and writable memory that provides a working area to the CPU 42 when the CPU 42 operates.

[0051] The storage unit 45 stores programs and data used by the CPU 42. The storage unit 45 is a memory readable and writable by the CPU 42, and uses, for example, a flash memory or an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM). In the present embodiment, the storage unit 45 stores an application program 45a for implementing an application function in the CPU 42.

When the application program 45a is executed by the CPU 42, the application section 26 (FIG. 4) is configured as software.

Although not shown, the storage unit 45 further stores a telephone number / e-mail address registered by the user, a kana-kanji conversion program, and other information.

The display unit 46 is a functional unit that displays character information and images on the display 21 (FIG. 3).

In the call mode, a list of telephone numbers registered by the user can be displayed in a selectable manner, the strength of the radio wave transmitted from the base station 5, the telephone number entered by the user, or the other party who made the call. Displays information for telephone calls, such as the telephone number of the telephone.

In the application mode, a browser screen provided by the application program 45a is displayed, and a URL input field, a screen provided by the server device, an e-mail, and the like are displayed. Show.

The operation unit 47 includes a keyboard 22, and converts a user's key operation into an electric signal and inputs the signal to the CPU 42.

[0055] The voice input / output unit 49 includes the microphone 23 and the speaker 20.

The audio received in step 3 is converted into an analog signal, and the analog signal is converted into audio and output from a speaker with a speed of 20, for example.

The user can convert his own voice from the microphone 23 into an electric signal and input it to the telephone function unit 10, and can convert the voice signal output from the telephone function unit 10 into a sound and listen to it from the speaker 20. .

[0056] The digital signal processing unit 48 converts audio data from an analog signal to a digital signal.

Or a functional unit that converts digital signals to analog signals at high speed. For example,

It is configured using a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). It also compresses and expands audio data.

The microphone 23 and the speaker 20 use analog signals, while the other function units of the telephone function unit 10 use digital signals. Therefore, the digital signal processing unit 48 converts the analog signal output from the microphone 23 into a digital signal and further compresses it when inputting a voice signal, and the telephone function unit 10 when outputting the voice signal. The digital signal to be output is expanded and converted into an analog signal and output to the speaker 20.

The electronic money function section 12 includes a terminal antenna 35, a terminal communication section 31, an IC control section 300, a storage section 36, and the like. Of these, the components other than the terminal antenna 35 are contained in one IC chip.

Further, the IC control unit 300 and the telephone control unit 200 are connected by the interface unit 11.

In the present embodiment, the electronic money function unit 12 may be a detachable type that is not limited to the force S that is built in the mobile phone 7.

The terminal antenna 35 communicates with the antenna provided in the reader / writer section 8a (FIG. 4) of the electronic money terminal 8 by radio waves.

The terminal communication unit 31 drives the terminal antenna 35 and amplifies signals to be transmitted and received. To do.

The IC control unit 300 includes a CPU 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, and the like. The CPU 32 is a central processing unit that performs value processing by executing programs stored in the ROM 33, the RAM 34, the storage unit 36, and the like.

[0059] The ROM 33 is a read-only memory arranged so that the CPU 32 can read the data. RO

The M33 stores, for example, an OS that is a basic program for operating the CPU 32.

Further, a unique IC chip ID is assigned to each IC chip at the stage of manufacturing the IC chip, and this IC chip ID is also stored in the ROM 33.

The IC chip ID cannot be changed after shipment from the factory and is generally not readable by the user.

The RAM 34 is a readable and writable memory that provides a working area for the CPU 32 when the CPU 32 operates.

[0060] The storage unit 36 is, for example, a storage medium that includes a flash memory, an EEPROM, and the like, and is arranged so that the CPU 32 can read and write. The storage unit 36 can store application programs and other data.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 36 is provided with an electronic money area 36a for storing programs and data for causing the CPU 32 to perform the electronic money function. In the electronic money area 36a, a program area 36b for storing a program and a log data area 36c for storing log data are further formed.

[0061] In the program area 36b, a value processing program for realizing the value processing function in the CPU 32 is installed. When the value processing program is executed by the CPU 32, the value processing unit 28 and the log data storage unit 29 (Fig. 4) are configured as software.In addition, the value processing program is installed for information management when using the electronic money service. A unique electronic money function unit ID is assigned to each IC chip. The electronic money function unit ID is stored in the program area 36b.

In addition, the electronic money terminal 8 includes the electronic money function unit 12 in the program area 36b. Key information for authentication is also stored.

The electronic money area 36a may be incorporated in the IC chip constituting the electronic money function unit 12 at the time of selling the mobile phone 7, or the electronic money area 36a may be installed after the mobile phone 7 is purchased. It may be configured to form.

If the electronic money 36a is to be incorporated after the purchase of the mobile phone 7, a function for installing the electronic money function on the IC chip is incorporated in the application section 26, and the user executes the electronic money function to implement the function on the IC chip. Install the electronic money function. Then, at that time, the electronic money server 2 issues an electronic money function unit ID.

[0063] In any case, after purchasing the mobile phone 7, it is assumed that the user registers with the electronic money server 2.

By the user registration, the personal information of the user and the electronic money function ID are registered in the electronic money server 2. Of these, personal information is entered by the user, and the electronic money function ID is automatically registered.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the electronic money server 2.

The electronic money server 2 includes a service site section 56, a user registration section 57, an authentication section 58, a transaction processing section 59, a point processing section 60, various other functional sections, a user information database 53, a transaction information database 54, and a member store database. 55, other various database power is composed.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the power of performing overall processing related to electronic money in electronic money server 2 is not limited to this, and a system in which a plurality of server devices are combined may be used.

For example, a server device such as a Web server that has established a service site for electronic money, an authentication server that performs user authentication, a transaction processing server that performs transaction processing, and a point processing server that performs point processing may be combined.

[0066] The service site section 56 is a functional section that manages a Web site related to electronic money services on the Internet 4.

The user can access the service site by inputting the URL of the service site from the mobile phone 7 or another terminal. When the service site section 56 receives access from the mobile phone 7, the service site section 56 transmits screen data for displaying the main menu screen on the mobile phone 7.

On the main menu screen, items of the service provided by the service site are displayed so as to be selectable, and the user can select a desired item.

Service items include, for example, the use of electronic money, such as subscription to point services, user registration, change of user registration information, charge of value, settlement processing by means, and provision of notices such as campaigns. A variety of things are prepared, such as accepting inquiries from users and users.

When the user selects any of these items, the corresponding functional unit is activated in the electronic money server 2.

[0068] Further, the service site section 56 can create and transmit an e-mail related to the electronic money service.

In the present embodiment, various e-mails for notifying the user of the point service are transmitted.

It should be noted that a function for collecting a fee from the user can be incorporated in the electronic mail, such as an invoice mail described later. In the present embodiment, a subscription fee to the point service is collected from the user by using a bill mail.

[0069] The user registration unit 57 is a functional unit that performs processes related to user information, such as new user registration, deletion of registration, and change of registered contents.

These pieces of user information are stored in the user information database ₅₃ , and the user registration unit 57 performs these processes by updating the user information database 53. In the present embodiment, the electronic money server 2 provides various services to authenticated registered users.

[0070] The authentication unit 58 is a functional unit that authenticates a registered user when using the service site.

Authentication is performed using a user password set in advance by the user, an IC chip ID, and an electronic money function unit ID.

The user password is input by the user from the mobile phone 7 and transmitted, and the IC chip ID and electronic The telephone function unit 10 reads the money function unit ID from the electronic money function unit 12 and transmits it to the electronic money server 2 at the time of authentication.

The transaction processing unit 59 acquires from the electronic money terminal 8 history information (eg, charge, settlement, balance inquiry, etc.) relating to value processing performed on the mobile phone 7 and the electronic money card 15, and acquires the transaction information database. It is a functional part to record in 54.

The information recorded by the transaction processing unit 59 includes not only information relating to the processing performed by the electronic money terminal 8 but also information performed by the electronic money server 2 via the Internet 4.

As described above, the electronic money server 2 constitutes a money information management device including the money amount information receiving means for receiving the money amount information for recording the history information, and the history information storage means for storing the history information. ing.

[0072] The point processing unit 60 is a functional unit that performs various processes necessary for performing the point service, such as calculating points for each user.

The point processing unit 60 searches the transaction information database 54 for history information (log data), for example, at predetermined time intervals (for example, once a day), and determines the value settlement amount for each point organizer. Aggregate each time. Then, the total value for each point organizer is multiplied by the point redemption rate for each point organizer, and the result is added to obtain the total point value for each user.

The electronic money server 2 converts the total point value into a value, transmits the value to the mobile phone 7, and returns the point to the user in the form of a value.

[0073] As described above, the electronic money server 2 includes an amount obtaining means for totalizing the value settlement amount from the history information, a means for calculating the total value point, further converting the value into a value, and a method for calculating the converted value. Is transmitted to the mobile phone 7 and also has a function as a money-return device.

[0074] In the present embodiment, points are accumulated when a user makes a payment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and points may be issued to the user for charging. It can be configured.

Alternatively, it can be configured so that points are issued for charges and no points are issued for settlement. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of user information stored in the user information database 53.

The user information includes the electronic money function unit ID, user name, user password, issue, address, subscription status to the point service, and, although not shown, occupation, telephone number, credit number, etc. It also stores personal information and information about the hardware such as the e-mail address of the mobile phone 7 and the IC chip ID. Note that the IC chip ID is transmitted to the mobile phone 7 at the time of user registration and stored.

The electronic money function unit ID is assigned to each of the electronic money card 15 and the non-contact type IC chip of the mobile phone 7, and the electronic money function unit 12 can be specified by this ID. The electronic money server 2 organizes information on value processing using the electronic money function unit ID.

The user name is a name entered by the user during registration. In the figure, the katakana name is shown. In addition, the name in kanji is also stored.

The user password is a password used by the authentication unit 58 to authenticate the user, and is set by the user at the time of registration.

[0077] The issuer, when the user changes the value from the electronic money server 2 via the Internet 4, the information is information that specifies the power issued from any issuer. This is selected from a plurality of issues.

It should be noted that the issuer is an issuer who issues values, and there are multiple issues for business operation reasons. The issued value can be used by any electronic money terminal 8 irrespective of the issuer.

The address and other personal information were input by the user at the time of registration.

[0078] The point service stores information on which point organizer the user sets the point service.

The user can select whether or not to subscribe to the point service for each point organizer, and the items of the point service include the point organizer A, the point organizer B, and so on. The subscription status is stored.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates subscription, and reference numeral 0 indicates non-subscription. Thus, when using the point service, the user can select the point organizer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of the transaction information stored in the transaction information database 54.

Transaction information consists of items such as the electronic money function unit ID, charge record, and payment record.

The electronic money function section ID is such that the electronic money terminal 8 is a mobile phone 7 (or an electronic money card 1).

It was read at the time of wireless communication from 5). Moreover, when communicating with electronic imitate first server ₂ via the Internet 4, read from the electronic money server ₂ is the mobile phone _7.

The charge record records the terminal ID of the charged electronic money terminal 8, the date and time when the charge was made, the amount of the charged value, and the like.

When charging from the electronic money server 2 via the Internet 4, the chip ID of the mobile phone 7 is recorded instead of the terminal ID.

The payment record includes the terminal ID of the electronic money terminal 8 that has performed the payment processing, the date and time when the payment processing has been performed, the value of the value that has performed the payment processing, and the like.

In the case where value payment is performed using the electronic money server 2 via the Internet 4, the IC chip ID of the mobile phone 7 is recorded as the terminal ID.

As will be described later, the terminal ID is associated with the affiliated store to which the electronic money terminal 8 specified by the terminal ID belongs. To see if you have charged or paid at a member store.

[0082] By analyzing the transaction information stored in the transaction information database 54, the cash collected from the issuer can be distributed to the franchisees who settled the transaction with the nou, and the counterfeit electronic money card 15 can be monitored. In addition to collecting information that can be used for business execution, such as doing business, data mining such as market research can be performed by simultaneously recording the products purchased by the user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of the member store database 55.

The member store database 55 is composed of businesses, point redemption rates, member store IDs, member store names, terminal IDs, and other items. The company stores the name of the company that operates the member store (eg, corporate name, natural person name, etc.). A business may have multiple merchants or may have a single merchant.

In the example in the figure, the operator “Outberger Co., Ltd.” operates multiple member stores such as the Shibuya branch and the Osaka branch as member stores, and the company “Muneo Yamada” operates a privately owned Chinese restaurant “ Manraiken is operated as a sole member store.

[0084] The business operator can select whether or not to become a point organizer, and when he becomes the point organizer, the point service is carried out at a member store owned by the business operator.

In the example in the figure, the operator "Outberger Co., Ltd." and the operator "Nanbu Department Store Group Co., Ltd." provide point services, and the operator "Muneo Yamada" does not provide point services.

As a result, points will be issued when value payments are made at each affiliated store operated by the operator Outberger Co., Ltd. and the operator Nambu Department Store Group Co., Ltd., but the member operated by the operator Muneo Yamada No points will be issued even if payment is made at the store “Manraiken”.

The points issued to the user are later converted into value and returned to the user, so that even a member store that does not provide the point service can use the points issued from other member stores.

[0085] The point redemption rate stores the rate of redemption as points when value is settled at a member store operated by each point organizer. For example, if the point redemption rate is 10%, and if a purchase of 1000 yen is made at a member store operated by the point organizer with value, 100 points will be given to the user.

The point redemption rate can be set by each point organizer.

In the case of businesses that have not joined the point service, the item of the point redemption rate has not been subscribed.

[0086] The member store ID stores HD information for identifying each member store. The merchant ID is used to manage various information about the merchant.

In the member store name, the name of the member store is stored. The terminal ID stores the terminal ID of the electronic money terminal 8 installed in each member store.

By collating the terminal ID with the terminal ID recorded in the history information of the transaction information database 54, it is possible to know at which member store the user has made a charge or settlement.

[0087] As described above, since the member store database 55 associates businesses with each member store and the terminal IDs installed in these member stores, by comparing the records with the transaction information database 54, The point accumulation status of each user can be totaled for each point organizer.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the point redemption rate is fixed, but it is better to change the point redemption rate.

For example, when the settlement amount reaches a certain amount, the point redemption rate can be set higher for the portion exceeding the amount. Such a variable setting of the point redemption rate can be set, for example, for each member store.

Furthermore, even member stores operated by the same point organizer tend to set point redemption rates for each store.

Alternatively, the point redemption rate can be changed according to the period, such as when a point redemption service period is provided and the point redemption rate is set high for a certain period.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money server 2.

The electronic money server 2 is configured by connecting a CPU 65, a ROM 66, a RAM 67, a communication control unit 68, a storage unit 69, an input / output unit 73, and the like via a bus line 72.

[0090] The CPU 65 performs information processing according to a predetermined program, and also controls the entire electronic money server 2.

The ROM 66 is a read-only memory, and stores basic programs and parameters for operating the electronic money server 2.

The RAM 67 is a readable and writable memory, and provides a working memory for the CPU 65, and loads and stores programs and data stored in the storage unit 69.

[0091] The communication control unit 68 communicates with the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 4 and the base station 5, This is a functional unit that communicates with the electronic money terminal 8 via a communication line.

The CPU 65 can receive information related to transactions using the electronic money card 15 and the mobile phone 7 from the electronic money terminal 8 via the communication control unit 68, and transmit various commands to the mobile phone 7. be able to.

[0092] The storage unit 69 is configured by, for example, a hard disk or other nonvolatile memory, and includes a program storage unit 70 storing various programs, a data storage unit 71 storing data, and the like.

[0093] The program storage unit 70 includes an OS that is a basic program for making the electronic money server 2 function, a service site program for operating a service site, a registration program for performing user registration, and the like. An authentication program for authenticating the user, a transaction processing program for performing transaction processing, a point processing program for performing point processing, and other programs are stored.

When these programs are executed by the CPU 65, the service site section 56 and the user registration section 5

7. The authentication unit 58, transaction processing unit 59, and point processing unit 60 are each configured as software.

The data storage 71 stores a user information database 53, a transaction information database 54, a member store database 55, and other databases.

The input / output unit 73 includes an interface that can be connected to a terminal via a network.

It is possible to access the electronic money server 2 from an external terminal device via the input / output unit 73.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile phone 7 when the user performs a setting regarding the point service.

FIG. 11A is a screen displayed when the mobile phone 7 is connected to the service site of the electronic money server 2 by performing a login process and selecting the point service item on the main menu screen.

Note that the electronic money server 2 can identify a user from a password or the like at the time of login processing. [0096] It is displayed that this user has already subscribed to the point service for point organizer E, and point organizer E is currently set as a point service target store. Then, to add a new point organizer to which the point service is to be applied, click “Yes,” to select it. If not, click “Yes, no”.

FIG. 11B is a screen displayed when “Yes” is clicked on the screen of FIG. 11A.

On this screen, a list of the point organizers who are implementing the point service is displayed, and the user selects the point organizer to be used for the point service (one or more) and clicks the selection completion button.

In the electronic money server ₂ , the point organizer selected by the user is provisionally registered in the user information database 53, and registered when the user has paid the subscription fee.

FIG. 11 (c) is a screen displayed when the selection completion button is clicked on the screen of FIG. 11 (b).

It is displayed that an invoice mail for collecting the subscription fee will be sent to the user later.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an invoice mail (e-mail) transmitted from the electronic money server 2 to the mobile phone 7 when the user subscribes to the point service. In the present embodiment, the subscription to the point service is charged, and the subscription fee is collected using an invoice mail. The invoice e-mail is an e-mail incorporating a mechanism for subtracting the know-how of the mobile phone 7 online. In this embodiment, the invoice e-mail is used to collect a charge for the point service. It can be widely used as a payment method for other products and services.

[0100] The invoice mail includes a billing content display area 135, a message area 136, a settlement URL 137, a cancellation URL 138, and an expiration date area 139.

The billing content display area 135 is an area for displaying information on a billing target, and here, it is displayed that the billing is for a subscription to the point service.

In addition, the information attached thereto includes the date and time of subscription, the amount charged, the name of the store from which the product was purchased, and the name of the point organizer set as a target of the point service. [0101] In the present embodiment, regarding the subscription of the point service, a virtual member store is opened in the electronic money center 101, and the user takes a business form of purchasing the point service subscription right from the member store. .

This is because the electronic money center 101 is originally an organization that manages information related to value, and settlement using the mobile phone 7 and the electronic money card 15 is now performed by member stores registered in the electronic money center 101 in advance. Because it is.

Therefore, the electronic money center 101 is assumed to be a virtual member store, and the electronic money center 101 setstle the subscription fee.

[0102] The message area 136 displays a message prompting the user to select whether or not to make a payment after confirming the content displayed in the billing content display area 135.

The settlement URL 137 and the cancellation URL 138 are URLs for connecting to the settlement site and the cancellation site provided in the electronic money server 2, respectively, and are displayed so that the user can select them.

[0103] The user can select any power by using an input means such as a function key or a numeric keypad of the mobile phone 7. When performing payment, click the payment URL 137, and when not performing payment. Click Cancel URL138.

When either the settlement URL 137 or the cancellation URL 138 is clicked, the telephone function unit 10 connects the mobile phone 7 to the electronic money server 2 with the clicked URL to establish a communication line.

[0104] The payment URL 137 is composed of a URL of a payment site of the electronic money server 2 and parameters for specifying payment contents. The contents specified by the parameters include the amount to be settled, information specifying the point organizer, the product ID, the settlement date, and the like. These parameters are set to electronic money when the mobile phone 7 is connected to the settlement site. Sent to server 2.

Thereby, the electronic money server 2 obtains information on the settlement such as the amount of payment based on these parameters, and generates a subtraction command for subtracting the value of the mobile phone 7. This subtraction command is transmitted to the mobile phone 7 and then executed by the mobile phone 7, and the value stored in the mobile phone 7 is subtracted by the amount of the point service subscription fee. Thereby, the subscription fee for the point service is paid. [0105] The cancellation URL 138 is configured by appending information for specifying the transaction to be canceled to the URL of the cancellation site of the electronic money server 2 as a parameter. The expiration date area 139 displays the settlement expiration date. After this time limit, the electronic money server 2 does not accept the settlement by this bill e-mail.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to collect a subscription fee from the mobile phone 7 to the point service using the invoice mail.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for joining the point service.

The electronic money server ₂ receives the request from the user to join the point service, temporarily registers the request, and then generates a settlement URL and a cancel URL to be displayed on the invoice mail (step 30).

Next, the electronic money server 2 generates an invoice mail incorporating these URLs and sends it to the mobile phone 7 (step 32).

[0107] The mobile phone 7 receives the invoice mail (step 20), and the user browses the bill. When the user clicks and selects the payment URL (step 22), the mobile phone 7 sets the electronic money management server 2 Then, information such as parameters attached to the settlement URL and the electronic money function unit ID of the mobile phone 7 is transmitted to the electronic money server 2.

The electronic money server 2 performs user authentication using the information transmitted from the mobile phone 7 (step 34).

[0108] Next, the electronic money server 2 generates a subtraction command for subtracting the price for the subscription fee, and transmits it to the mobile phone 7 (step 36).

The mobile phone 7 receives this subtraction command, and the electronic money function unit 12 executes this. As a result, the electronic money function unit 12 performs a value subtraction process, and a point service subscription fee is collected (step 24).

When the subtraction process is completed, the mobile phone 7 sends a subtraction process completion notification to the electronic money server 2 (step 26).

[0109] Electronic money server 2 receives this, and transmits a payment confirmation mail to mobile phone 7 (step 38). The mobile phone 7 receives this and displays it on the display 21 (step 28). The electronic money server 2 changes the point service item of the user from the temporary registration to the formal registration in the user information database 53, and registers as a subscriber of the point service (step 39).

[0110] In the present embodiment, the subscription fee for the point service is collected by using the invoice mail, but various other methods for collecting the subscription fee are conceivable.

For example, the user pays a monthly fee for receiving the Internet connection service of the mobile phone 7. Then, by adding the point service subscription fee to this usage fee and making a bill, the subscription fee for the point service can be collected. Alternatively, the charge may be included in the charge for the call charge of the mobile phone 7.

[0111] Further, the application unit 26 is provided with a payment assisting function unit for performing settlement by connecting to the electronic money server 2, and an electronic mail containing information for activating the settlement assisting function unit is transmitted to a mobile phone 7 Can also be configured to be transmitted.

In this case, a message to the effect that the subscription fee for the point service is collected by e-mail, the amount, and a settlement button and a cancel button for starting the settlement are displayed.

If the user selects the cancel button, no payment is made. When the user selects the payment button, the payment assistance function unit of the application unit 26 is activated and connects to the electronic money server 2 to settle the subscription fee.

[0112] More specifically, this e-mail is accompanied by a settlement number that identifies the settlement matter to be settled. Send the Nobu ID to the electronic money server 2.

The electronic money server ₂ specifies a settlement case from the settlement number, generates a settlement amount subtraction command relating to this case, and transmits the command to the mobile phone 7.

The mobile phone 7 executes this subtraction command to subtract the value.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of a point calculation process performed by the point processing unit 60 or the like in the electronic money server 2.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the points are totaled every predetermined period (for example, once a day), and the points issued to the user during this period are converted into value and returned to the user. It shall be.

In addition, in addition to this, for example, when the user's point exceeds a certain standard (for example, 1 000 points), the point is converted into a screw and returned to the user.

In this case, the points of each user are periodically checked, and if any points exceed the reference value, an addition command is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 7 of the user.

First, the point processing unit 60 sets a counter i for covering users to 0 (initial value) (step 100), and collects points for the i-th user in the user information database 53. Then, the value to be reduced is calculated (step 102).

Then, the electronic money server 2 generates a notice mail (e-mail notifying the amount of the value to be returned) to the user, and transmits it to the mobile phone 7 (step 104).

[0115] The point processing unit 60 confirms that the point calculation has been performed for all the users,

If there is a user who has not calculated points (step 106; N), i is incremented by 1 (step 108), and the process returns to step 102 to calculate points for the next user.

When the points have been calculated for all the users (Step 106; Y), the process ends.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the point calculation process (step 102) in FIG.

Note that this calculation process can be used at any time when it is necessary to calculate points, such as when the user inquires about the point balance.

First, the point processing unit 60 specifies the electronic money function unit ID of the mobile phone 7 used by the user using the user information database 53 (step 200).

Next, the point processing unit 60 refers to the user information database 53 and specifies the point organizer for which this user is a target of the point service (step 202).

Next, the counter j for covering the point organizers is reset to 0 (step 204).

The point processing unit 60 sums up the amount settled by the user at each of the member stores operated by the j-th point organizer among the point organizers identified in step 202 (step 206).

This aggregation is performed by referring to the settlement record in the transaction information database 54 and summing up the amounts settled at the electronic money terminals 8 of the respective member stores operated by the point organizer.

[0118] The point processing unit 60 multiplies the total amount of the settled payments by the point return rate of the point organizer, and the points issued by the user performing settlement at the member store operated by the point organizer. Is calculated and stored (step 208).

Next, the point processing unit 60 determines whether or not all the point organizers identified in step 202 have been subjected to the aggregation processing. (Step 210; N), j is incremented by 1 and the process returns to Step 206 to calculate the points issued to the next point organizer.

[0119] If points have been calculated for all the point organizers identified in step 202 (step 210; Y), the point processing unit 60 sends the calculated points to all the point organizers identified in step 202. The total value of points issued to the user during a predetermined period is calculated (step 212).

Then, the point processing unit 60 converts this point into a value amount and stores it in a predetermined storage area, and ends the processing (step 214).

The conversion rate from points to values is set in advance (common to each point organizer). For example, one point is calculated as one yen.

[0120] Further, the above point calculation processing may be configured to be performed when the user inquires about the current balance of points.

In this case, the user connects from the mobile phone 7 to the service site of the electronic money server 2 and inquires about the current balance of points.

On the other hand, the electronic money server 2 searches the transaction information database 54 using the electronic money function unit ID of the mobile phone 7, and performs a point calculation process on the history information obtained as a result. Then, it converts the point balance into a value amount and notifies the mobile phone 7.

[0121] FIG. 16 illustrates a procedure for returning points issued to a user as a user. It is a flowchart for performing.

First, the electronic money server 2 sends a notification mail to the user in step 104 of FIG. 14, and then the user receives this by the mobile phone 7 and confirms it (step 60). The user confirms that the e-money server 2 has completed the preparation for redemption of the points via the notification e-mail, and then connects to the service site of the e-money server 2 from the mobile phone 7 (step 64). ).

[0122] Then, electronic money server 2 requests mobile phone 7 to receive the value (step 76).

Next, in response to the request, the mobile phone 7 requests transmission of a value (step 66). In response to this request, the electronic money server ₂ generates an addition command for adding the value corresponding to the amount to be redeemed (the amount is calculated by the point calculation process and stored in a predetermined storage area). Send to phone 7 (step 78).

[0123] The mobile phone 7 executes the addition command to charge the value (step 68).

. Then, the mobile phone 7 transmits an addition processing completion notification to the electronic money server 2 to notify the electronic money server 2 that the addition processing has been completed (step 69).

The electronic money server 2 receives the notification of completion of the addition processing, records that the value has been charged in the charge record of the transaction information database 54, and updates this (step 7).

9).

With the above processing, the point redemption processing ends.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a notice mail (distributed in step 104 of FIG. 15).

As shown in the figure, the notification mail displays the amount of value to be returned to the user as points.

By this e-mail, the user can know that preparation for the point redemption has been completed in the electronic money server 2 and the amount to be redeemed.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile phone 7 when charging the value to be returned as points into the mobile phone 7.

FIG. 18 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile phone 7 when the user logs into the service site of the electronic money server 2 after receiving the notification mail. This screen is a screen corresponding to step 76 in FIG. 16, and the electronic money server 2 requests the user to receive the value by a message on this screen.

Clicking “Yes” on the screen and selecting it will request the transmission of the result (corresponding to step 66 in Fig. 16).

When the user selects “Yes”, the electronic money server 2 starts to charge the mobile phone 7 for the points.

If you click “No” to make a selection, the charge on the knowle will be reserved.

FIG. 18 (b) shows a screen displayed while the mobile phone 7 is charging value, and corresponds to the screen displayed in step 68 of FIG.

It is displayed on the mobile phone 7 until the electronic money function unit 12 completes the execution of the addition command and transmits a notification of the completion of the addition processing to the electronic money server 2.

[0127] FIG. 18 (c) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when charging of the mobile phone 7 is completed.

As shown in the figure, a message indicating that the recharge has been completed and the value of the value after the recharge have been displayed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the point inquiry screen.

The user can connect the mobile phone 7 to the electronic money server 2 and request an inquiry of the point accumulation status.

Then, the electronic money server 2 totals the point accumulation status of this user, and transmits the totaled result to the mobile phone 7. The mobile phone 7 displays the result of the aggregation, and the user confirms the result.

On the point inquiry screen shown in FIG. 19, for example, “Outberger 200 yen, Nambu Department Store

A list of points and the total value of points for each point organizer, such as 100 yen, · · ·, total 900 yen.

In addition, the value of the point can be represented by various display forms such as a number, a graph, or a character growth.

[0130] Further, although not shown, a list of point redemption rates, such as "Outberger 10%, Nambu Department Store 6%, ...", can be requested from the electronic money server 2. Return points to users By presenting a list of rates, it is possible to guide the user to participating stores of the point organizer with a higher point return rate.

Note that the list of the accumulation status of these points and the redemption rate may be presented to the user by displaying it on the screen of the mobile phone 7, or may be presented to the user by voice.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for displaying the point inquiry screen. First, the mobile phone 7 logs in to the service site of the electronic money server 2 (step 80).

At this time, the electronic money function unit ID and the user password set in the mobile phone 7 are transmitted from the mobile phone 7 to the electronic money server 2, and the electronic money server 2 can recognize the mobile phone 7 and the user. it can.

Next, electronic money server 2 transmits menu screen data to mobile phone 7 (step 92).

The mobile phone 7 receives the menu screen data, and displays the menu screen by using the data. The user selects the point inquiry from the menu screen. Then, a signal indicating that the point inquiry has been selected is transmitted from the mobile phone 7 to the electronic money server 2 (step 82).

The electronic money server 2 receives this signal (inquiry receiving means), and totals points using the electronic money function unit ID of the mobile phone 7 (step 94).

That is, the electronic money server 2 collates the transaction information related to the electronic money function part ID of the transaction information stored in the transaction information database 54 (FIG. 8) with the member store database 55 (FIG. 9). Then, a point value for each point organizer is calculated. Then, these are summed to calculate the total value of points.

The calculation of the point total value can be performed using, for example, the point totaling process of FIG.

[0134] Next, the electronic money server 2 generates point inquiry screen data (money presentation information) for displaying the calculated point value on the mobile phone 7, and transmits it to the mobile phone 7 (money amount). Presentation information transmission means) (step 96).

The mobile phone 7 receives the inquiry screen data and displays a point inquiry screen using the data (step 84).

As described above, when the method of calculating the total point value every time there is a point inquiry is used, the calculation load of the electronic money server ₂ increases, but the user can know the accurate total point value.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining another procedure for displaying the point inquiry screen.

Steps other than step 100 are the same as those in FIG. 20, and a description thereof will be omitted. In this example, when the user inquires about the total point value, the electronic money server ₂ retrieves and obtains the total point value calculated periodically in step 100, and presents this value to the user. .

In this way, when points are queried, by presenting already calculated values, the calculation load on the electronic money server 2 is reduced, but the electronic money server 2

The points related to the payment made by the user between the point calculation and the next point calculation are not displayed.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Users do not need to carry a medium (point card, etc.) for accumulating and using points, and simply conduct business transactions using electronic money as usual and accumulate points automatically. .

(2) Since points are returned in the form of value, points can be used at all franchisees, regardless of the point issuer.

(3) The business that operates the member store does not need to build and maintain a system for issuing and managing points, and can issue points at low cost.

(4) Users can be enclosed by issuing points.

(5) By simply adding a point management module to the existing electronic money management system, points can be issued and managed in the existing system, adding value to the existing electronic money system. Can be enhanced. (6) The total number of points currently accumulated can be displayed on the mobile phone 7. In addition, points can be displayed as a list of total values and values for each point organizer.

[0137] (Modification 1)

In the present embodiment, points are issued to the mobile phone 7, but points may be issued to the electronic money card 15.

The electronic money card 15 is provided with a card ID for identifying each card, and the history information of which electronic money card 15 has been processed by which electronic money terminal 8 is stored in the transaction information database 54. It is managed by.

Therefore, the usage status of the electronic money card 15 can be monitored and a point can be issued in the same manner as the mobile phone 7.

The electronic money card 15 can be accessed by a terminal such as a personal computer having a reader / writer.

Then, by accessing the service site of the electronic money server 2 from the terminal on which the electronic money card 15 is set, a communication line can be established between the electronic money server 2 and the electronic money card 15.

After the electronic money server 2 is ready for a value charge equivalent to points, communication is performed between the electronic money card 15 and the electronic money server 2 using the terminal as an intermediary, and the value for the points is transferred to the electronic money card 15. Can be charged.

In this way, the user of the electronic money card 15 can enjoy the benefits of the point in the same way as the user of the mobile phone 7.

[0139] Further, the points accumulated by the mobile phone 7 can be returned to the electronic money card 15 or another mobile phone 7, or the points accumulated by the electronic money card 15 can be returned to the mobile phone 7 or another electronic money card 15. It is also possible to reduce to

In this case, the point of redemption of the points may be specified for the electronic money server 2.

This can be done, for example, by using an e-mail provided with a redemption URL (to be referred to as a point redemption mail) in the same manner as a settlement mail. [0140] When the user receives the received point redemption mail, the user transfers the point redemption mail to the terminal provided with the reader / writer in the case of the mobile phone 7 of the point redemption destination, and in the case of the electronic money card 15.

Then, when the transfer destination mobile phone 7 or terminal selects the redemption URL embedded in the point redemption mail, the electronic money server 2 transmits an addition command to the transfer destination, and as a result, the transfer destination Is charged.

[0141] (Modification 2)

In the embodiment, the points issued by a certain point organizer are configured so that they can be used by a member store operated by a business other than the point organizer. However, in this modification, the points are assigned to each point organizer. Make it available for use.

In other words, for example, the points worth issued by the point organizer A must be used by the point organizer A's affiliated stores. With this configuration, each point organizer can effectively enclose users.

[0142] This function can be realized, for example, by providing the log data storage unit 29 with an area for storing values that can be used by all member stores and an area for storing values specialized for a predetermined point organizer. Can be.

Then, the value corresponding to the point issued by the point organizer is stored in an area specialized for the point organizer.

By configuring the log data storage unit 29 in this way, the value of points issued by the point organizer A is stored in the storage area for the point organizer A, and the value of points issued by the point organizer B is stored. The point management can be performed for each point organizer, as described above when stored in the storage area for the point organizer B.

[0143] Further, the mobile phone 7 has a function of identifying to which point organizer the electronic money terminal 8 of the communication partner belongs from the terminal ID or the like of the electronic money terminal 8, and the knowledge for the point organizer is provided. If stored, the value is configured to be usable.

In this modified example, by providing a point area for each point organizer in the log data storage unit 29 and providing the mobile phone 7 with a function of identifying the point organizer to which the electronic money terminal 8 belongs, as described above, Point management can be performed for each point organizer. [0144] (Modification 3)

In this modification, the point organizer can inquire of the electronic money server 2 about the point issuance status at its affiliated member store.

The point organizer has a client terminal connected to the electronic money server 2, and can access the electronic money server 2 from this client terminal to grasp the point issue status for each user.

Using this, for example, for users whose points have reached 200 yen or more, hamburger free coupons or gifts can be provided to each user for services according to the points. Can be provided. Coupons and gifts can be given to users, for example, by mail or in stores. Further, it is also possible to provide an area for storing a coupon in the electronic money function unit 12 and provide a coupon ticket as electronic data.

[0145] After providing the coupon, the electronic money server 2 can also subtract points corresponding to the coupon and the present coupon.

In this case, a subtraction processing request is sent from the client terminal to the electronic money server 2, and the electronic money server 2 responds to the request from the client terminal based on the points stored in the user to whom the coupon is issued. Subtract points.

[0146] As described above, in this modification, the point organizer can access the electronic money server 2 and refer to the point issuance status relating to his / her business for each user.

Then, a service according to the point issuing status is provided to each user, and the points stored in the electronic money server 2 can be settled from the management screen of the client terminal.

By using points as coupons in this way, point organizers can limit the use of points issued by themselves to franchisees belonging to their affiliates, effectively enclosing customers .

[0147] (Modification 4)

In this modification, each point organizer prepares a management server for point management, and each point organizer manages points.

User information management of users for whom points are issued on each management server, and The e-money server 2 performs point management issued to the user, and the electronic money server 2 tallies up the value of the bonito from the history information of value use and provides the information to the management server.

In this modification, the user subscribes to the point service to the point organizer.

At this time, the electronic money function unit ID of the mobile phone 7 and the card ID of the electronic money card 15 are notified to the point organizer.

The point organizer notifies the electronic money function unit ID and the card ID to the electronic money center 101, and notifies that settlement at these terminals is to be pointed.

[0149] The point organizer appropriately receives the result of the point collection from the electronic money server 2, and manages the points.

Then, a service (such as a coupon) is provided according to the points accumulated by the user. In this modification, each point organizer can individually manage points. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing an outline of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic money operation system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a mobile phone.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a mobile phone.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile phone.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic money server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of user information stored in a user information database.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of transaction information stored in a transaction information database.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of a member store database.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electronic money server.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for making settings related to a point service.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an invoice mail.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for joining a point service.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a point calculation process. Garden 15] is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of point calculation processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for redeeming points.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a notice mail.

Garden 18] is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when a value to be returned as points is charged to a mobile phone.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a point inquiry screen.

Garden 20] is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for inquiring the accumulation status of the bonito. Garden 21] is a flowchart for explaining another procedure for inquiring the accumulation status of the bonito.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 Electronic money operation system

2 Electronic money server

4 Internet

5 base stations

6 Telephone network

7 Mobile phone

8 Electronic money terminal

15 Electronic Money Card

101 Electronic Money Center

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Command receiving means for receiving an addition / subtraction command, storage means for storing an amount of money value as electronic information, and command execution means for executing the received addition / subtraction command to update the stored value. Money terminal,

An instruction transmission device for transmitting an addition / subtraction instruction for performing addition / subtraction for a predetermined amount to the money terminal;

Using the amount information receiving means for receiving the amount of money added by the money terminal according to the addition / subtraction command transmitted to the money terminal, and the amount information specifying the subtracted amount of subtraction, the money terminal using the received amount information A money information management device comprising a history information storage means for storing history information of the added amount and the subtracted amount processed in each money terminal, and a money amount returning device used in a structured money information operation system. So,

From the history information, amount acquisition means for acquiring at least one of the added amount added by the money terminal and the subtracted amount subtracted,

A redemption amount calculating means for calculating a redemption amount to be returned to the user using the obtained amount;

An addition command generation means for generating an addition command for performing an addition process for the calculated return amount;

Transmission means for transmitting the generated addition command to the money terminal,

A money amount reduction device comprising:

[2] The history information of the amount added or subtracted by the money terminal within a predetermined period out of the history information of the added amount and the deducted amount stored in the history information storage unit. 2. The money amount reduction device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the added money amount and the subtracted money amount is obtained by using the following.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the addition command generation unit generates the addition command when the return amount calculated by the return amount calculation unit reaches a predetermined amount. The money reduction device described.

[4] The return rate for calculating the return amount is set for each of the command transmitting devices. The rebate amount calculating means is configured to apply the rebate rate set in the command transmission device to at least one of the added amount added to the money terminal and the subtracted deduction amount by the command transmission device. 4. The money amount reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the money amount is calculated.

[5] Inquiry accepting means for receiving an inquiry for a rebate amount from the money terminal,

When the inquiry is received by the inquiry receiving means, the rebate amount calculating means calculates a rebate amount, and generates amount presenting information for presenting the calculated amount at the money terminal. When,

A money amount returning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising money amount presentation information transmitting means for transmitting the generated money amount presentation information to the money terminal. .

[6] The command transmission devices are grouped,

The history storage means stores, together with the added amount added by the money terminal and the subtracted amount subtracted, group specifying information for specifying a group to which the command transmitting apparatus that has transmitted the addition / subtraction command to the money terminal belongs.

The return amount calculating means calculates a return amount for each of the gnoles by using the stored gnolap identification information,

6. The money amount returning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the money amount presentation information generating means generates money amount presentation information for presenting the calculated cash amount for each group at the money terminal for each of the gnolaps.

[7] Command receiving means for receiving the addition / subtraction command, storage means for storing the monetary value as electronic information, and command execution means for executing the received addition / subtraction command to update the stored value. Money terminal,

An added amount added by the money terminal by an addition / subtraction command transmitted to the money terminal, And amount information receiving means for receiving amount information specifying the subtracted amount of subtraction, and using the received amount information, the added amount processed by the money terminal and the history information of the subtracted amount for each of the money terminals. A monetary information management device provided with a history information storage means for storing, and a monetary amount return method used in a configured monetary information operation system,

In a computer comprising an amount obtaining means, a return amount calculating means, an addition instruction generating means, and a transmitting means,

From the history information, an amount acquisition step of acquiring at least one of the added amount added by the money terminal and the subtracted amount by the amount acquisition unit,

A return amount calculating step of calculating a return amount to be returned to the user by the return amount calculation means using the acquired amount;

An addition command generating step of generating, by the addition command generation means, an addition command for performing an addition process for the calculated return amount;

A transmitting step of transmitting the generated addition command to the money terminal by the transmitting unit;

A monetary value reduction method characterized by power.

A money terminal provided with a command receiving means for receiving an addition / subtraction command, a storage means for storing an amount of money value as electronic information, and a command execution means for executing the received addition / subtraction command to update the stored money amount. When,

Using the amount information receiving means for receiving the amount of money added by the money terminal according to the addition / subtraction command transmitted to the money terminal, and the amount information specifying the subtracted amount of money, the money terminal using the received amount information A money information management device comprising: a history information storage means for storing, for each money terminal, history information of the added amount and the subtracted amount processed in the above, and a computer used in a structured money information operation system. ,

From the history information, the added amount added by the money terminal, and the subtracted amount of subtraction An amount acquisition function for acquiring at least one,

A redemption amount calculation function for calculating a redemption amount to be returned to the user using the acquired amount;

An addition command generation function of generating an addition command for performing an addition process for the calculated return amount,

A transmission function of transmitting the generated addition command to the money terminal,

A money reduction program that realizes.