JP5057789B2 - Usage limit management device and IC chip - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device for managing a credit card usage limit and an IC chip.

  In recent years, credit cards have become widespread and payments using credit cards have been actively performed. Even if the user does not have cash, the user can easily purchase goods or receive services by presenting the credit card at the member store. Although the credit card is convenient as described above, there is a concern that although the use limit is set, the card is used excessively or not planned. In order to prevent this, patent applications have been filed with the content of setting a usage limit for each member store (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-244227 A

  However, even if the credit card usage limit is set for each member store, if a user purchases a urgent item that is not necessary for a while using a credit card at a plurality of member stores, one member Even if the purchase amount per store is small, a large amount of indispensable items will be purchased as a whole, and there is not enough funds to purchase unavoidable items such as food and daily necessities in daily life. There was a fear. In other words, even if a credit card usage limit is set for each member store, it is difficult to suppress the urgent use and secure funds for use inevitable. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a demand for a measure that prevents a user from using a credit card excessively for a high-priced product that is urgently needed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a limit amount management device and an IC chip that can manage the inevitable use and the needless use of a credit card. For the purpose.

In order to achieve such an object, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention is classified into the use of the credit card as inevitable use and the use without necessity, and the use is made for each category. Usage category determination information for storing a usage limit amount storage means for storing a limit amount and usage category determination information for determining whether the use of a credit card is necessary or inevitable use storage means, when the credit card usage in merchant user obtains the credit card information of the user, based on said usage category judgment information and the use information, use of the credit card of the use a determining usage category determining means for determining which of the utilization of the need urgent category must inevitably, the usage information, the credit Product information about a product to be over de usage, the identification information of the merchant, and the information for determining the industry of the merchant, utilization is determined and utilized category determining means, by the use category determining means Whether or not the sum of the total usage amount up to the previous usage and the current usage amount for the determined usage category exceeds the usage limit amount. A usage limit check means for performing a check, a use permission determination means for determining whether or not the use is possible based on a check result by the use limit check means, and a presentation means for presenting a determination result by the use permission determination means There is provided a use limit management device characterized by comprising:

  According to the present invention, the usage limit management device stores the usage limit for each category of credit card usage classified into unavoidable usage and urgent usage, and for each usage category. Since the use limit is checked and the result of determining whether or not the credit card can be used is presented, it is possible to manage the use of the credit card in an urgent need and the use that is unavoidable.

The invention described in claim 2 stores intention confirmation determination information for determining whether or not the use of a credit card requires use of the user's intention in the usage limit management device according to claim 1. The use that requires the user's intention confirmation based on the intention confirmation determination information when the use confirmation determination information storage means and the use availability determination means determine that the use is possible. An intention confirmation necessity determination unit that determines whether or not there is the information , and when the intention confirmation necessity determination unit determines that the use is a use that requires the user's intention confirmation, the presentation The means is characterized by presenting the fact.

  According to the present invention, even when it is determined that the credit card can be used by the use determination unit, since the user's intention is further confirmed by the intention confirmation necessity determination unit, the user is careful before using the credit card. It is possible to determine whether or not a credit card may be used, and the credit card can be used in a planned manner.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the credit limit management apparatus according to claim 1, when credit card by a user, to determine the category of the available from the product classification of goods to be the credit card If the usage category determination information is not stored in the usage category determination information storage means, the usage category determination means uses the usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the member store where the credit card is used. Is stored in the usage category determination information storage means, and when it is determined that the usage category determination information is stored, the usage category determination information and the identification information of the member store are included. Based on the above, the category of use is determined.

  According to the present invention, when the use category determination information for determining the use category from the product classification is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit, the use category can be determined from the member store. It is possible to determine the category of use at the level of the franchise, which is broader than the classification, and to determine the category of use because the use category determination information for determining the use category from the product classification is not registered. Cases that cannot be reduced.

The invention according to claim 4, in credit limit management apparatus according to claim 1, when credit card by the user, usage category for determining a category of the available from merchants the credit card is used When the determination information is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit, the use category determination unit stores use category determination information for determining the use category from the business type of the member store. Determining whether or not the usage category determination information is stored, and determining the usage category based on the usage category determination information and the business type. Features.

  According to the present invention, even when the use category determination information for determining the use category from the member store is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit, the use category can be determined from the business type of the member store. Therefore, it is possible to determine the category of use at the level of the industry that is broader than that of the member store, and because the use category determination information for determining the category of use from the member store is not registered, the category of use is determined. Cases that cannot be reduced.

The invention described in claim 5 further comprises similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information for determining similar products similar to products, in the usage limit amount management device according to claim 1 , and is provided by a user. When the use category determination information for determining the category of use is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when the credit card is used, the use category determination information for determining the use category from the product classification of the product to be used for the credit card is used. The means determines similar products similar to the product based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage means, and uses the category determined based on the similar product as the category of use. And

  According to the present invention, even when the use category determination information for determining the use category from the product classification is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit, the use category is determined based on the similar product classification. Therefore, the usage category can be determined within the similar range of the product classification, and the usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the product classification is not registered, so the usage category is determined. The number of cases that cannot be reduced can be reduced.

The invention described in claim 6 further includes similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information for determining a similar member store similar to the member store, in the use limit amount management device according to claim 1 , When the use category determination information for determining the use category from the member store where the credit card is used is not stored in the use category determination information storage means when the user uses the credit card, the use category determination means Determining a similar member store similar to the member store based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage means, and setting the category determined based on the similar member store as the category of use It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, even when the use category determination information for determining the use category from the member store is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit, the use category is determined based on the similar member store. Therefore, it is possible to determine the category of use within the similar range of the member stores, and to determine the category of use because the use category determination information for determining the category of use is not registered from the member stores. The number of cases that cannot be reduced can be reduced.

The invention described in claim 7 further includes member store similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information for determining a similar business type similar to a business type in the usage limit management device according to claim 1 , When the use category determination information for determining the use category is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when the user uses the credit card, the use category determination information for determining the use category from the type of business of the member store where the credit card is used is stored. The determination means determines a similar industry similar to the industry based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage means, and sets the category determined based on the similar industry as the category of use. Features.

  According to the present invention, even when the usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the business category of the member store is not stored in the usage category determination information storage unit, the usage category is determined based on the similar business category. Therefore, it is possible to determine the usage category within the similar range of the industry, and the usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the industry of the member store is not registered, so the usage category is determined. Cases that cannot be reduced.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the usage limit management device according to the first aspect, the determination of the similar product classification similar to the product classification of the product, the determination of the similar member store similar to the member store, and the member store And a similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information used for at least one of the determination of similar member stores similar to the type of business of the product, and when the credit card is used by the user, The use category determination information for determining the use category from the product classification, the use category determination information for determining the use category from the member store where the credit card is used, and the business type of the member store When none of the usage category determination information for determining the usage category is stored in the usage category determination information storage unit, Serial use category determining means, the category determination based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage means, characterized in that the category of the use.

  According to this invention, since the category determination of use based on similar product classification, similar member store or similar industry is performed after the determination of whether or not the category of use based on product classification, member store or industry is determined, the product is preferentially used. Since the usage category can be determined based on the classification, the member store, or the business type, the usage category can be accurately determined.

The invention according to claim 9 is the usage limit management device according to claim 5 , wherein the similarity determination information for determining a similar product classification similar to the product classification of the product to be used for the credit card is If not stored in the similarity determination information storage means, the use category determination means stores use category determination information for determining the use category from a member store where the credit card is used. It is determined whether the use category determination information is stored, and when it is determined that the use category determination information is stored, the use category is determined based on the use category determination information.

  According to the present invention, when the category of use cannot be determined from the similar product classification, the category of use is determined at the level of the member store that is more general than the similar product classification in order to determine the category of use from the member store. It is possible to reduce the number of cases where the usage category cannot be determined because the similarity determination information for determining the similar product classification is not registered.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the usage limit management apparatus according to the sixth aspect , similarity determination information for determining a similar member store similar to a member store where the credit card is used is the similarity determination information. If not stored in the storage means, the usage category determination means determines whether usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the business type of the member store is stored in the usage category determination information storage means. When the use category determination information is stored, the use category is determined based on the use category determination information.

  According to the present invention, when the category of use cannot be determined from a similar member store, the category of use can be determined from the type of business. It is possible to reduce the number of cases where the category of use cannot be determined because similarity determination information for determining a similar member store similar to the member store is not registered.

The invention described in claim 11 is the usage limit management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the usage limit storage means further stores a usage limit for each product category, The usage limit check means performs a usage limit check for each product category in addition to a usage limit check for each usage category, and the usage determination unit determines the total usage amount for each usage category and the product classification. It is characterized in that it is determined that the use is possible when both of the total use amount of the first and second use amounts do not exceed the use limit amount.

  According to the present invention, since it is determined that the credit card can be used when both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each product category do not exceed the usage limit amount, it is more detailed. You can manage the usage limit.

The invention described in claim 12 is the usage limit management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the usage limit storage means further stores a usage limit for each member store, The usage limit check means performs a usage limit check for each member store in addition to the use limit check for each use category, and the use permission / inhibition determining means determines the total use amount for each use category and each member store. It is characterized in that it is determined that the use is possible when both of the total use amount of the first and second use amounts do not exceed the use limit amount.

  According to the present invention, when both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each member store do not exceed the usage limit, it is determined that the credit card can be used. The limit of use can be managed in detail.

The invention described in claim 13 is the usage limit management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the usage limit storage means further stores a usage limit for each industry, and the usage The limit check means checks the limit of use for each type of business of the member store in addition to the check of the limit of use for each category of use. It is characterized in that it is determined that the use is possible when both the total use amount for each type of industry does not exceed the use limit amount.

  According to the present invention, in order to determine that the credit card can be used when both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each type of business of the member store do not exceed the usage limit. It is possible to manage the usage limit more finely.

The invention described in claim 14 is the usage limit amount management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the usage category determination information storage means stores the credit card in the past when the usage category determination information is a user's credit card. Use category determination information storage means including a use history database in which a history of use is stored, wherein the use category determination means includes the use history database included in the use category determination information when a user uses a credit card. Based on the above, by searching for past similar usages and adopting usage categories associated with the corresponding similar usages, the usage categories are classified into unavoidable usages and urgent usages. It is characterized by determining which one.

According to the present invention, by searching for past similar usage based on the usage history database and adopting the usage category associated with the corresponding similar usage, the usage category is necessary and inevitable. It can be determined whether the use is an urgent need.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is an IC chip having the function of the usage limit management device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to manage the usage limit amount for the urgent use and the unavoidable use of the credit card in the IC chip carried by the user. It is not necessary to communicate with the management apparatus, and the load caused by centrally managing data with the communication load and the usage limit management apparatus can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the usage limit management device stores the usage limit for each category of credit card usage classified into unavoidable usage and urgent usage, and for each usage category. Since the use limit is checked and the result of determining whether or not the credit card can be used is presented, it is possible to manage the use of the credit card in an urgent need and the use that is unavoidable.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which has the same function in each drawing.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a credit card usage limit management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a credit card usage limit management system 1 includes a usage limit management device 10 installed in a credit card company, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 20 installed in a credit card member store, And the communication network 40 which connects the limit management apparatus 10 and the POS terminal 20 so that communication is possible is comprised.

(Configuration of limit management device)
Next, the configuration of the usage limit management apparatus 10 will be described. The limit management device 10 includes a CPU, a storage device including a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk device, and the like, and a communication interface. The hard disk device stores various software including data and programs. Hereinafter, a database stored in the hard disk device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the data structure of the usage limit database (corresponding to “use limit storage means”) 11. The usage limit database 11 stores the credit card usage limit and the total used amount for each credit card usage category classified as "Necessary use unavoidable" and "Necessary use". The As shown in the figure, the data items of the usage limit database 11 are a “membership number” for identifying a user who uses a credit card and an upper limit of the amount per month that the user can use the credit card. “Usage limit”, “Necessary unavoidable usage limit”, “Necessary usage limit”, and “Total used amount” which is the total usage amount of the credit card that the user has already used within the specified period. ”,“ Total amount of unavoidable use necessary ”and“ Total amount of urgent use necessary ”. Among these, “use limit amount”, “of which unavoidable use limit amount” and “of which needless use limit amount” can be set by user input. In addition, when the usage limit for a specific usage category is set to “0”, it indicates that the credit card cannot be used for the usage category. Here, “inevitable use” refers to the use of a credit card for purchase of goods essential for daily life and provision of services such as food, daily necessities, and cleaning. “Necessary use” means the use of a credit card that should be performed carefully while taking into account the surplus funds. However, it depends on each user which individual usage is applicable.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of the member store database (corresponding to “use category determination information storage means” and “intention confirmation determination information storage means”) 12. As shown in the figure, the data items of the member store database 12 include “member number” for identifying the user, “member store number” for identifying the member store of the credit card, and the name of the member store. "Membership" to be displayed, "Usage category" (corresponding to "Usage category determination information") indicating whether the use of a credit card at the member store is unavoidable or urgently required, and the member store And “intention confirmation” (corresponding to “intention confirmation determination information”) indicating whether or not the user's intention confirmation is necessary when using the credit card. The data items “use category” and “intention confirmation” can be input and set by the user.

  The member store database 12 is used to determine whether the use category is an inevitable use or an inevitable need when the user uses a credit card at a member store. . Further, it is used to determine whether or not the user's intention confirmation (confirmation of whether or not the user approves the use of the credit card) needs to be performed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the data configuration of the industry database (corresponding to “use category determination information storage means” and “intention confirmation determination information storage means”) 13. As shown in the figure, the data items of the industry database 13 are “membership number” for identifying the user, “industry code” for identifying the industry of the member store, and “industry” indicating the industry name. , “Use category” that indicates whether the credit card must be used at a merchant in the industry or unavoidable, and when the user uses the credit card at a merchant in the industry And “intention confirmation” indicating whether or not intention confirmation is necessary. The data items “use category” and “intention confirmation” can be input and set by the user.

  This industry database 13 is used to determine whether the usage category is inevitable use or urgent use when the user uses a credit card at a member store of a certain industry. The Further, it is used to determine whether or not it is necessary to confirm the user's intention.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the member store list database. The member store list database is a database in which a list of credit card member stores and the type of business of each member store are stored. The data stored in the member store list database is created by a credit card company. The member store list database is used to determine the type of business of the member store.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the data configuration of the product classification database 15 (corresponding to “use category determination information storage means” and “intention confirmation determination information storage means”) 15. As shown in the figure, the data items of the product classification database 15 include a “membership number” for identifying the user, a “product classification code” for identifying the product category, and a “product” indicating the name of the product category. "Category", "Usage category" indicating whether the use of a credit card for the product classification is inevitable or urgent use, and the user's intention when using the credit card for the product And “intention confirmation” indicating whether confirmation is necessary or not. The data items “use category” and “intention confirmation” can be input and set by the user.

  This product classification database 15 is used to determine whether the use category is inevitable use or needless use when a user uses a credit card for a product classification. used. It is also used to determine whether or not the user's intention should be confirmed. In the present embodiment, “product” includes services such as home renovation.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of the data configuration of the similar product classification database 16 (corresponding to “similarity determination information storage unit”) 16. The similar product classification database 16 stores similarity determination information for determining similar products similar to a certain product. As shown in the figure, the similarity determination information includes “similar product category 1” and “similar product category 2” indicating similar product categories.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of the data structure of the similar member store database (corresponding to “similarity determination information storage means”) 17. The similar member store database 17 stores similarity determination information for determining similar member stores similar to a certain member store. As shown in the figure, the similarity determination information includes “similar member store 1” and “similar member store 2” indicating similar member stores.

  FIG. 7C shows an example of the data structure of a similar industry database (corresponding to “similarity determination information storage unit”) 18. In the similar industry database 18, similarity determination information for determining a similar industry similar to a certain industry is stored. As shown in the figure, the similarity determination information includes “similar industry 1” and “similar industry 2” indicating similar member stores.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the data structure of the usage history database 19. The usage history database 19 stores a history of a user's use of a credit card in the past.

(Functional configuration of limit management device)
In addition, the hard disk device of the usage limit management device 10 stores various programs for managing the credit card usage limit. The CPU of the usage limit management apparatus 10 reads the program from the hard disk device and executes it, so that the functional means shown in FIG.

  The usage information acquisition means 106 acquires usage information when the user uses a credit card. In the present embodiment, the usage information acquisition unit 106 receives usage information read by the POS terminal 20 from the POS terminal 20 when the user intends to purchase a product using a credit card at a member store. The usage information includes a merchandise classification code of a product to be used for a credit card, a member store code of a member store where the credit card is used, and a usage amount.

  When the user uses a credit card, the use category determination unit 101 uses the credit card based on the use category determination information (“use category” in the member store database 12, the industry database 13, or the product classification database 15). It is determined whether the category is an inevitable use or an inevitable need.

  The usage limit check means 102 performs a credit card usage limit check. Specifically, in this embodiment, the usage limit check unit 102 acquires the usage limit amount and the total used amount for the usage category determined by the usage category determination unit 101 from the usage limit amount database 11, and It is checked whether the sum of the total amount and the current usage amount exceeds the usage limit.

  The availability determination unit 103 determines whether or not the current credit card can be used by the user based on the check result by the usage limit check unit 102. In the present embodiment, the availability determination unit 103 determines whether the user uses the current credit card when the sum of the already used total amount and the current usage amount for the determined usage category exceeds the usage limit amount. It is determined that it is not possible, and if it does not exceed, it is determined that it is usable.

  The intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104 determines the intention confirmation determination information (the member store database 12, the industry database 13, or the product when the use permission determination unit 103 determines that the user can use the current credit card. Based on the “will check” in the classification database 15, it is determined whether or not the current use of the credit card is a use that requires the user's intention confirmation. In this embodiment, when “necessary” is set in “intention confirmation” included in the database record used to determine the usage category, it is determined that the intention confirmation is necessary.

  The presentation unit 105 presents the determination result by the availability determination unit 103. In the present embodiment, the presentation unit 105 displays the determination result on the display of the POS terminal 20 by transmitting the determination result to the POS terminal 20.

  Further, when the intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104 determines that the use of the credit card by the user is a use that requires the user's intention confirmation, the presenting unit 105 transmits information to that effect to the POS terminal 20. To confirm the user's intention.

(POS terminal configuration)
Next, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU, a storage device, a display, a barcode reader, a card reader, and a communication interface. The bar code reader reads the bar code of the product tag attached to the product. The information read by the bar code includes a product code, a product classification code, a product price, and a member store code. The card reading device reads a credit card number, a membership number, and the like from the credit card. The POS terminal 20 transmits information read from the product tag and the credit card to the credit limit management apparatus 10 as credit card usage information.

(Processing performed by the limit management device)
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the process performed by the usage limit management apparatus 10 in the above configuration will be described.

  First, the usage information acquisition unit 106 of the usage limit management apparatus 10 receives the usage information transmitted from the POS terminal 20 (step S201).

  Next, the usage category determination means 101 performs usage category determination processing to determine the category of credit card usage (step 202). Details of the use category determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the usage limit check means 102 acquires the usage limit for the usage category determined in step S202 and the total usage up to the previous time from the usage limit database 11, and uses the total usage up to the previous time and the current usage. It is checked whether or not the sum with the sum exceeds the usage limit (step S203).

  The availability determination unit 103 determines whether or not the credit card can be used based on the check result by the limit amount check unit 102 (step S204). Specifically, if the sum of the total amount used up to the previous time for the determined usage category and the current usage amount exceeds the acquired usage limit, it is determined that the usage is not possible, and the previous time for the determined usage category When the sum of the total usage amount until this time and the current usage amount is equal to or less than the acquired usage limit amount, it is determined that the usage is possible. If the usage category cannot be determined in the usage category determination processing in step S203, it is determined that the usage is possible.

  When it is determined that it can be used (step S204; Yes), the intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104 performs credit based on the “intention confirmation” stored in the member store database 12, the industry database 13, or the product classification database 15. It is determined whether or not the use of the card is use requiring confirmation of the user's intention (step S205). When it is determined that the intention confirmation is necessary (step S205; Yes), the presentation unit 105 approves the use of the credit card, but transmits information to the POS terminal 20 that the user's intention confirmation is necessary. (Step S206).

  When the information indicating that the user has approved the use of the credit card is received from the POS terminal 20, the use limit management apparatus 10 adds the use history of the current credit card use to the use history database 19, and further up to the previous time. The used total amount in the usage limit amount database 11 is updated with the sum of the total usage amount and the current usage amount.

  When it is determined in step S205 that confirmation of intention is not necessary (step S205; No), the presenting means 105 transmits information indicating that the use of the credit card is approved to the POS terminal 20 (step S206).

  If it is determined in step S204 that the current credit card use by the user is not possible (step S204; No), the usage limit management device 10 gives information indicating that the use of the credit card is not approved by the presenting means 105 to POS. It transmits to the terminal 20 (step S207).

(Use category judgment processing)
Next, the use category determination process in step S202 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the usage category determination unit 101 of the usage limit management apparatus 10 determines whether it is possible to determine the usage category from the product classification (step S301). Specifically, the usage category determination unit 101 determines whether or not usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the product classification of the product targeted for credit card use this time is stored in the product classification database 15. judge.

  When the use category determination information cannot be determined from the product classification because the use category determination information is not stored in the product classification database 15 (step S301; No), the use category determination unit 101 determines the use category from the member store. It is determined whether or not determination is possible (step S302). Specifically, the use category determination unit 101 determines whether or not use category determination information for determining a use category from a member store where the credit card is used is stored in the member store database 12.

  If the use category determination information cannot be determined from the member store because the use category determination information is not stored in the member store database 12 (step S302; No), the use category determination unit 101 determines the use category from the business type. It is determined whether or not it is possible (step S303). Specifically, the usage category determination unit 101 determines whether usage category determination information for determining a usage category from the type of business of the member store where the credit card is used is stored in the business category database 13.

  Since the use category determination information is not stored in the industry database 13, when the use category cannot be determined from the industry (step S303; No), it is determined whether the use category can be determined from the similar product classification. (Step S304). Specifically, the use category determination unit 101 determines whether or not similarity determination information for determining a similar product classification similar to the product classification of a product to be used for a credit card is stored in the similar product classification database 16. Determine.

  When it is determined that the usage category cannot be determined from the similar product classification because the similarity determination information is not stored in the similar product classification database 16 (step S304; No), the usage category determination unit 101 determines that the similarity is not similar. It is determined whether the usage category can be determined from the member store (step S305). Specifically, the use category determination means 101 determines whether or not similarity determination information for determining a similar member store similar to the member store that uses the credit card this time is stored in the similar member store database 17. To do.

  If the usage category cannot be determined from the similar member store because the similarity determination information is not stored in the similar member store database 17 (step S305; No), it is possible to determine the usage category from the similar business category. Is determined (step S306). Specifically, the use category determination unit 101 determines whether or not similarity determination information for determining a similar business type similar to the business type of the member store where the credit card is used is stored in the similar member store database 17. To do.

  When the similarity determination information for determining the similar business type is not stored in the similar member store database 17 (step S306; No), the process ends without determining the use category.

  In step S307, when it is determined in step S301 that the use category can be determined, the use category determination unit 101 acquires from the product classification database 15 a use category corresponding to the product classification of the product to be used for the current credit card. . If it is determined in step S302 that the use category can be determined, the use category determination unit 101 acquires the use category corresponding to the member store where the credit card is used from the member store database 12 at this time. If it is determined in step S303 that the use category can be determined, the use category determination unit 101 acquires the use category corresponding to the business type of the member store where the credit card is used from the business type database 13. If it is determined in step S304 that the use category can be determined, the use category determination unit 101 acquires the use category corresponding to the similar product classification from the product classification database 15. When it is determined in step S305 that the use category can be determined, the use category determination unit 101 acquires the use category corresponding to the similar member store from the member store database 12. If it is determined in step S306 that the usage category can be determined, the usage category determination unit 101 acquires the usage category corresponding to the similar business category from the business category database 13.

  As described above, by making it possible to determine the usage category based on various information and conditions, it is possible to reduce the case where the usage category cannot be determined because the user has not registered data in the database. be able to. In addition, it is possible to accurately determine the usage category by performing the determination from the fine classification (product classification) to the rough classification (business type) and from the same to the similar order.

(Operation example)
Next, an operation example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 as appropriate. As a premise, it is assumed that the data shown in each figure is stored in advance in each database shown in FIGS.

(Operation example 1)
First, as one example of operation, a case where a user with a membership number “A001” uses a credit card at butcher F, which is a credit card member store, will be described.

  First, the user hands a credit card to the store clerk in order to buy 10,000 yen beef at the butcher F store. The store clerk performs an operation of reading the product barcode of the beef with the barcode reader of the POS terminal 20.

  As a result, the barcode reader reads the barcode information, and the POS terminal 20 analyzes the barcode information to obtain the product code “01”, the beef product classification code “C01” (meat), and the usage amount “10,000 yen”. And information including the member store code “0006” of butcher F is temporarily stored in the RAM (step S1 in FIG. 12).

  Next, the store clerk performs an operation of reading the credit card with the card reader of the POS terminal 20. Thereby, the card reading device reads information such as the membership number and the expiration date from the credit card, and the POS terminal 20 temporarily stores the information read by the card reading device in the RAM (step S2 in FIG. 12).

  Next, the store clerk performs an operation of transmitting the read information. As a result, the POS terminal 20 transmits usage information including the member store code, the product classification code, the usage amount, and the membership number to the usage limit management device 10 (step S3 in FIG. 12).

  The usage limit management device 10 determines the usage category based on any one of the product category, the member store, and the type of business (step S4 in FIG. 12). If the usage category can be determined, the usage limit management apparatus 10 performs processing such as a usage limit check for the usage category, and transmits the processing result to the POS terminal 20 (step S5 in FIG. 12). . On the other hand, when the usage category cannot be determined, the usage limit management apparatus 10 determines the usage category based on any one of the similar product classification, the similar member store, and the similar industry. Then, processing such as a check on the limit of use for the use category is performed (step S6). The usage limit management apparatus 10 transmits the processing result to the POS terminal 20 (step S7).

  Here, the specific processing contents performed by the usage limit management apparatus 10 in steps S4 to S7 shown in FIG. 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The usage information acquisition unit 106 of the usage limit management apparatus 10 receives the usage information transmitted from the POS terminal 20 (step S201 in FIG. 10). The usage category determination means 101 of the usage limit management apparatus 10 performs usage category determination processing (step S202 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the usage category determination unit 101 searches the product category database 15 for a usage category corresponding to the product category code “C01”. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, since the use category “1” (necessary unavoidable) corresponding to the product classification code “C01” is stored in the product classification database 15, the use category determination unit 101 determines that the credit It is determined that the card usage category is inevitable usage (step S301 in FIG. 11; Yes, step S307).

  Next, the usage limit check means 102 refers to the usage limit database 11, and the sum of the previous usage total amount and the current usage amount for the determined usage category “necessary use unavoidable” is the usage limit amount. Is checked (step S203 in FIG. 10). Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the usage limit for the inevitable use of the membership number “A0001” is 100,000 yen, and the total used amount (the total use up to the previous time) for the inevitable use is 5 It is 10,000 yen, and the amount used this time is 10,000 yen, so the sum of the total amount used up to the previous time for the inevitable use and the total amount used this time is 60,000 yen, which is for the inevitable use It does not exceed the maximum limit of 100,000 yen.

  Since the sum of the total usage amount up to the previous time and the current usage amount for the inevitable usage does not exceed the usage limit amount, the availability determination unit 103 determines that the user can use the credit card this time. (Step S204 in FIG. 10; Yes).

  Next, the intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104 determines whether or not the user's intention confirmation is necessary (step S205 in FIG. 10). Here, in the merchandise classification database 15 shown in FIG. 6, since “necessary” is set for the intention confirmation corresponding to the merchandise classification “meat”, the intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104 needs to confirm the intention of the user. judge.

  The presenting means 105 transmits information including a determination result for approving the use of the credit card and a message notifying that the user's intention confirmation is necessary to the POS terminal 20 (step S206 in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 step S5).

  The POS terminal 20 displays the information received from the usage limit management apparatus 10 on the display. The user looks at the information displayed on the display and inputs information indicating that the use of the credit card is approved to the POS terminal 20. Thereby, the POS terminal 20 performs processing such as sales (step S9 in FIG. 12).

(Operation example 2)
Next, as another example of operation, a case where a user with a membership number “A001” uses a credit card at a convenience store H that is a member store that is not registered in the member store database 12 will be described.

  First, in order to buy canned crab at 60,000 yen at convenience store H, the user hands his credit card and merchandise to the store clerk at the convenience store H storefront. The store clerk performs an operation of reading the barcode of the product tag attached to the product with the barcode reader of the POS terminal 20.

  As a result, the bar code reader reads the bar code information, and the POS terminal 20 analyzes the bar code information to obtain a canned crab product code “XYZ”, a product classification code “X01” (canned product), and an amount “60,000 yen”. ", Information including the convenience store H member store code" ZYX "is acquired, and the information is temporarily stored in the RAM (step S1 in FIG. 12).

  Next, the store clerk performs an operation of reading the credit card with the card reader of the POS terminal 20. Thereby, the card reading device reads information such as the membership number and the expiration date from the credit card, and the POS terminal 20 temporarily stores the information read by the card reading device in the RAM (step S2 in FIG. 12).

  Next, the store clerk performs an operation of transmitting the read information. As a result, the POS terminal 20 transmits usage information including the member store code, the product classification code, the usage amount, and the membership number to the usage limit management device 10 (step S3 in FIG. 12).

  The usage information acquisition unit 106 of the usage limit management apparatus 10 receives the usage information transmitted from the POS terminal 20 (step S201 in FIG. 10).

  Next, the usage category determination unit 101 performs usage category determination processing (step S202 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the usage category determination unit 101 first searches the product classification database 15 for a usage category corresponding to the product classification code “X01”. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, since the product classification code “X01” and the corresponding usage category are not stored in the product classification database 15, the usage category determination unit 101 determines the usage category from the product classification. Is determined to be impossible (step S301 in FIG. 11; No). Next, the use category determination unit 101 searches the member store database 12 for a use category corresponding to the member store code “ZYX”. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, since the member store code “ZYX” and the corresponding use category are not stored in the member store database 12, the use category determining unit 101 determines the use category from the member store. Is determined to be impossible (step S302 in FIG. 11; No). Next, the usage category determination unit 101 acquires the business type code “5555” of the convenience store H from the member store list database shown in FIG. 5, and searches the business category database 13 for the usage category corresponding to the business type code “5555”. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, since the industry code “5555” and the corresponding usage category are not stored in the industry database 13, the usage category determination unit 101 cannot determine the usage category from the industry. Determination is made (step S303 in FIG. 11; No).

  Next, the use category determination unit 101 determines whether similarity determination information for determining a product similar to the product classification “canned” is stored in the similar product classification database 16 (step S304 in FIG. 11). . Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, information for determining a product similar to the product classification “canned” is not stored in the similar product classification database 16 (step S304 in FIG. 11; No). The usage category determination means 101 determines whether or not information for determining a member store similar to the member store “Convenience Store H” is stored in the similar member store database 17 (step S305 in FIG. 11). Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, information for determining a member store similar to the member store “Convenience Store H” is not stored in the similar member store database 17 (step S305 in FIG. 11; No). ), The usage category determination unit 101 determines whether or not similarity determination information for determining a business type similar to the business type “convenience store” is stored in the similar business type database 18 (step S306 in FIG. 11). Here, as shown in FIG. 7C, since the similar industry 1 “super” is stored in the similar industry database 18 in association with the similar industry 2 “convenience store”, the usage category determination means 101 It is determined that the similar industry of “Convenience store” is “Super”. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, since the usage category corresponding to the business type “super” stored in the business type database 13 is “1 (necessary unavoidable)”, the usage category determination unit 101 stores “convenience store”. The use category that is inevitable that is the usage category of the similar industry “supermarket” is determined as the usage category of the “convenience store” (step S306 in FIG. 11; Yes, step S307).

  Next, the usage limit checking means 102 checks whether or not the sum of the total usage up to the previous time and the current usage for the determined usage category “inevitable usage” exceeds the usage limit. This is performed (step S203 in FIG. 10). Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the total amount already used for the inevitable use is 50,000 yen, and the current use amount is 60,000 yen. The sum with the amount of usage this time is 110,000 yen in total, which exceeds the usage limit of 100,000 yen for inevitable use.

  Since the sum of the total usage amount up to the previous time and the current usage amount for the unavoidable usage exceeds the usage limit amount, the usage determination unit 103 determines that the user cannot use the current credit card ( Step S204 in FIG. 10; No). The presenting means 105 transmits information indicating that the use of the credit card is not approved to the POS terminal 20 (step S207 in FIG. 10, step S7 in FIG. 12). The POS terminal 20 displays information indicating that the approval is not received received from the limit management device 10 on the display (step S9 in FIG. 12).

  As described above, the usage limit management device 10 stores the usage limit for each use category of credit cards classified into use unavoidable use and use urgent need, and uses the use limit for each use category. Since the limit amount is checked and the result of determining whether or not the credit card can be used is presented, it is possible to manage the use of the credit card that is unavoidable and the use that is urgently necessary. This makes it possible for the user to use a credit card systematically, so that he / she does not have a shortage of money to buy necessary inevitable items because he / she has purchased too much necessity, and multiple debts No longer fall into the process.

  Further, even if it is determined that the credit card can be used by the use determination unit 103, since the user's intention confirmation is further performed by the intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104, the user carefully checks the credit card immediately before using the credit card. It is possible to determine whether or not to use the credit card, and to use the credit card systematically. In addition, the credit card usage category can be determined based on product classification, member store, member store industry, similar product classification, similar member store, or similar industry, so user data registration is insufficient. This reduces the number of cases where the usage category cannot be determined. In addition, since the determination is performed in the order from fine classification (product classification) to rough classification (business type) and from the same to similar, the usage category can be determined as accurately as possible.

(Modification)
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. As modifications, for example, the following can be considered.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, in step S204 of FIG. 10, the availability determination unit 103 determines the availability by performing a usage limit check for the determined usage category. Is not limited to this, and other conditions may be added. For example, a database that stores at least one of the usage limit for each product category, the usage limit for each member store, and the usage limit for each industry is provided, and in addition to the usage limit check for the usage category, Whether or not a credit card can be used may be determined by checking a usage limit for at least one for each member store, for each member store, and for each type of business of the member store. For example, in the case of performing the usage limit check for each product category in addition to the usage limit amount check for the usage category, the availability determination unit 103 uses the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each product category. It is determined that the credit card can be used by the user when both of these do not exceed the usage limit.

  In addition, when checking the usage limit for each member store, the availability determination unit 103 determines that both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each member store do not exceed the usage limit amount. In addition, it is determined that the credit card can be used by the user.

  In addition, when checking the usage limit for each type of business of the member store, the availability determination unit 103 determines that both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each type of industry do not exceed the usage limit amount. In this case, it is determined that the credit card can be used by the user.

  In this way, by adding the usage limit check for each product category, each member store, or each industry, in addition to managing the usage amount for each usage category, each product category, each member store, or each member store It is possible to manage the usage amount for each industry. For this reason, even if the usage amount for each usage category is within the usage limit, the use of credit cards for specific product classifications, specific member stores, or specific industries can be restricted. Can be managed.

(2) In the use category determination process in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, whether or not the use category can be determined is determined in the order of product classification → member store → industry → similar product classification → similar member store → similar industry. . That is, the determination is performed in the order from fine classification (product classification) to large classification (business type) and from the same to similar order, but the determination order is not limited to this. For example, when the determination is made in the order from the fine classification including the similarity to the large classification, as shown in FIG. It can be performed. In this case, since it is possible to make a determination from fine classifications including similarities, if the user registers a lot of data in the product classification database 15 and the similar product classification database 16, the use category is determined more accurately. It becomes possible.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the use category determination process based on the similar product classification (steps S304 and S307 shown in FIG. 11) is similar to the product classification of the product to be used for the credit card from the similar product classification database 16. In the above description, the product category to be acquired is acquired and the usage category corresponding to the acquired product category is acquired from the product classification database 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the usage history database 19 may be used. It is done. Specifically, a product category similar to the product category of the product to be used for the credit card is searched from the usage history database 19 and stored in the usage history database 19 in association with the corresponding similar product category. The usage category may be a usage category of credit card usage. When such a processing method is adopted, since it is determined that the product classification, member store, and industry that the user has used in the past are similar, the product classification and membership that the user tends to use It is possible to prevent the user from using the credit card excessively for the store or the business type.

  Similarly, the use category database 19 is used to determine the use category from the similar member store (step S305, step S307) and the use category determination process from the similar business category (step S306, step S307). Is possible.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the intention confirmation necessity determination unit 104 makes an intention when “necessary” is set in the “intention confirmation” included in the record of the database used to determine the usage category. Although it has been described that it is determined that confirmation is necessary, the determination method of necessity confirmation is not limited to this. For example, “intention confirmation” in the member store database 12 for the member store used by the user this time, Of the “intention confirmation” in the industry database 13 for the industry of the member store and the “intention confirmation” in the product classification database 15 for the product classification of the product that the user intends to purchase this time, “necessary” is included in at least one data item. If it is set, it may be determined that intention confirmation is necessary.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the use limit management device 10 has been described as being installed in a credit card company. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the function of the use limit management device 10 is provided. An IC (Integrated Circuit) chip may be mounted on a credit card or a mobile phone. As a result, the usage limit can be managed in the IC chip without performing communication via the communication network 40, and the load of the communication network 40 and the centralized management by the usage limit management device 10 can be reduced. can do.

(6) The data structure of the database and transmission / reception data in the above-described embodiment is merely an example. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the usage information has been described as including a product classification code, a member store code, and a usage amount, but a product code may be included instead of the product classification code. In this case, the limit management device 10 determines the product classification code from the product code. The usage information may include an industry code. In this case, the limit management device 10 does not need to determine the business type code from the member store code.

  Further, instead of storing the information for determining the use category, similar product, similar member store, or similar business type in the database, the information may be described in the program.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the credit card use limit management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the usage limit amount database which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of data composition of a member store database concerning the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the industry database which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the member store list database which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the goods classification database which concerns on the embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the similar product classification database according to the embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows an example of the data configuration of the similar member store database according to the embodiment. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the similar industry database according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of data composition of a use history database concerning the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the usage limit management apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the usage limit management apparatus which concerns on the embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the use category determination process which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the whole process in the credit card use limit management system which concerns on the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the use category determination process which concerns on a modification.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Credit card use limit management system 10 Use limit management apparatus 20 POS terminal 40 Communication network 101 Category determination means 102 Usage limit check means 103 Use availability determination means 104 Intention confirmation necessity determination means 105 Presentation means 106 Use information acquisition means 11 Usage Limit Database 12 Member Store Database 13 Industry Database 15 Product Classification Database 16 Similar Product Classification Database 17 Similar Member Store Database 18 Similar Industry Database 19 Usage History Database

Claims (15)

Use limit storage means for classifying credit card use categories into unavoidable use and urgent use and storing a use limit for each category;
Use category determination information storage means for storing use category determination information for determining whether the use of a credit card is necessary use unavoidable or needless use;
When credit card at merchant user, said when the credit card information of the user to retrieve, based on said usage category judgment information and the use information, the credit card is needed category of the utilization unavoidable Use category determination means for determining whether the use of the credit card or the necessity of use is urgent, the use information including product information relating to the product to be used for the credit card, identification information of the member store , And usage category determination means including information for determining the business type of the member store ;
The usage limit amount for the usage category determined by the usage category determination unit is acquired from the usage limit amount storage unit, and the sum of the total usage amount up to the previous time and the current usage amount for the determined usage category is Usage limit checking means for checking whether or not the usage limit is exceeded;
Use permission determination means for determining the use permission based on a check result by the use limit check means;
Presenting means for presenting a result of determination by the usability determining means. Intention confirmation determination information storage means for storing intention confirmation determination information for determining whether or not the use of a credit card requires the user's intention confirmation;
An intention confirmation for determining whether or not the use is a use requiring the user's intention confirmation based on the intention confirmation determination information when the use determination unit determines that the use is possible. anda necessity determination means,
The said presentation means presents that when the said usage is determined to be the usage that requires the user's intention confirmation by the intention confirmation necessity judging means. Usage limit management device. When the use category determination information for determining the use category is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when the user uses the credit card, the use category is determined from the product classification of the product to be used for the credit card.
The use category determination means determines whether use category determination information for determining the use category from a member store where the credit card is used is stored in the use category determination information storage means, If the usage category identification information is determined to be stored, according to claim 1, characterized in that to determine the category of the use on the basis of said member store identification information and said usage category determination information Usage limit management device. When the use category determination information for determining the category of use from the member store where the credit card is used is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when the credit card is used by the user,
The usage category determination means determines whether usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the type of business of the member store is stored in the usage category determination information storage means, and the usage category determination information The usage limit management apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the usage category is determined based on the usage category determination information and the business type. It further comprises a similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information for determining a similar product similar to the product,
When the use category determination information for determining the category of use is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when the credit card is used by the user, from the product classification of the product to be used for the credit card,
The usage category determination unit determines a similar product similar to the product based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage unit, and determines the category determined based on the similar product as the usage category. The usage limit management apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: Similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information for determining a similar member store similar to the member store,
When the use category determination information for determining the category of use from the member store where the credit card is used is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when the credit card is used by the user,
The use category determination means determines a similar member store similar to the member store based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage means, and uses the category determined based on the similar member store. The usage limit management apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the usage limit management apparatus is a category. It further comprises a member store similarity determination information storage means for storing similarity determination information for determining a similar industry similar to the industry,
When the use category determination information for determining the category of use is not stored in the use category determination information storage unit when using the credit card by the user, from the type of business of the member store where the credit card is used,
The usage category determination means determines a similar industry similar to the industry based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage means, and determines the category determined based on the similar industry as the usage category. The usage limit management apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: Similarity determination information used for at least one of a determination of a similar product classification similar to the product classification of the product, a determination of a similar member store similar to the member store, and a determination of a similar member store similar to the business type of the member store Further comprising similarity determination information storage means for storing,
When a user uses a credit card, use category determination information for determining the use category from the product classification of a product that is the object of credit card use, and the use category from a member store where the credit card is used. When neither of the usage category determination information for determining and the usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the type of business of the member store is stored in the usage category determination information storage unit,
2. The usage limit management according to claim 1, wherein the usage category determination unit sets the category determined based on the similarity determination information stored in the similarity determination information storage unit as the usage category. apparatus. When the similarity determination information for determining the similar product classification similar to the product classification of the product to be used for the credit card is not stored in the similarity determination information storage unit,
The use category determination means determines whether use category determination information for determining the use category from a member store where the credit card is used is stored in the use category determination information storage means, The usage limit management apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein when it is determined that usage category determination information is stored, the usage category is determined based on the usage category determination information. When similarity determination information for determining a similar member store similar to a member store where the credit card is used is not stored in the similarity determination information storage unit,
The usage category determination means determines whether usage category determination information for determining the usage category from the type of business of the member store is stored in the usage category determination information storage means, and the usage category determination information The usage limit management apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein, when it is determined that the usage category is stored, the usage category is determined based on the usage category determination information. The usage limit storage means further stores a usage limit for each product category,
The usage limit check means performs a usage limit check for each product category in addition to a usage limit check for each usage category,
The availability determination unit determines that the usage is possible when both the usage total amount for each usage category and the usage total amount for each product category do not exceed the usage limit amount. The usage limit management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . The usage limit storage means further stores a usage limit for each member store,
The usage limit check means performs a usage limit check for each member store in addition to a use limit check for each category of use,
The availability determination means determines that the use is possible when both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each member store do not exceed the usage limit. The usage limit management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The usage limit storage means further stores a usage limit for each industry,
The usage limit check means performs a usage limit check for each type of business of the member store in addition to a usage limit check for each category of usage,
The availability determination means determines that the use is allowed when both the total usage amount for each usage category and the total usage amount for each type of business of the member store do not exceed the usage limit. The usage limit management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , characterized in that:   The usage category determination information storage means is a usage category determination information storage means in which the usage category determination information includes a usage history database in which a history of a user's use of a credit card in the past is stored.
  The usage category determination means searches for past similar usage based on the usage history database included in the usage category determination information when a credit card is used by a user, and associates it with the corresponding similar usage. 14. The use category according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the use category is used to determine whether the use category is inevitable use or needless use. Usage limit management device. An IC chip having the function of the limit management device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 .

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