JP7572155B2 - Electronic money system and electronic money processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic money system that manages the use of electronic money and an electronic money processing method.

Various technologies have been proposed for restricting the use of electronic money. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic money system that creates electronic money whose use is restricted by a number of different usage restriction items. This electronic money system makes it possible to restrict the use of electronic money when giving it to children or running errands (paragraph [0079] of Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-22407 A

When the user of electronic money is a child, limiting the uses as in the above-mentioned conventional technology is effective in preventing use that is undesirable to parents or other guardians, but there are disadvantages to only allowing use within a limited range, such as not giving the child an opportunity to learn how to use money.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main objective is to provide an electronic money system and an electronic money processing method that can solve the above problems.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the electronic money system of the present invention is an electronic money system capable of setting a usage limit consisting of at least one usage condition for each portable device used for using electronic money, and is equipped with a determination means for determining the amount of electronic money that can be used within the usage limit based on the balance of electronic money charged to the portable device and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit, and a notification means for notifying the user of the electronic money of the determined usable amount and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit.

In the above aspect, multiple usage limit frames, each configured with different usage conditions, are set for each portable device, and the specifying means may specify the usable amount of electronic money for each set usage limit frame.

In the above embodiment, the device may further include a transfer means for transferring the available amount in one usage limit to another usage limit.

In the above aspect, the transfer means may transfer an unused amount of the usable amount in one of the usage limit frames to another usage limit frame.

In addition, in the above aspect, when payment is possible with multiple usage limit limits, a reception means may be provided for receiving from the user a selection of the usage limit limit to be used.

In the above embodiment, the device may further include a charging means for accepting deposits of electronic money for each usage limit.

In the above aspect, a usage limit is set that is made up of usage conditions whose success or failure is determined depending on the user's behavior, and the specifying means may specify the amount of electronic money that can be used within the usage limit based on the user's behavior.

In the above aspect, the device may further include an acquisition means for acquiring behavioral information indicating the content of the user's behavior, and the determination means may determine the usable amount of electronic money within the usage limit based on the acquired behavioral information.

In the above aspect, a usage limit configured as a usage condition that a specified amount can be used for each portable device for a specified period is set, and the specifying means may specify an amount obtained by adding an unused amount of the specified amount for a preceding period to the specified amount for a subsequent period as the usable amount for the subsequent period.

In the above aspect, a usage limit configured as a usage condition that a predetermined amount can be used for each of the portable devices for each predetermined period is set, and the notification means may notify the user of the total amount that can be used for a plurality of the predetermined periods.

An electronic money processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic money processing method capable of setting a usage limit consisting of at least one usage condition for each portable device used to use electronic money, in which an information processing device identifies the amount of electronic money that can be used within the usage limit based on the balance of electronic money charged to the portable device and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit, and notifies the user of the electronic money of the identified usable amount and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit.

The present invention makes it possible to properly authenticate users of a service with a simple configuration.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic money system and its communication destination according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a management database. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the use conditions and charge conditions that constitute the use limit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a usage history database. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an inquiry process executed by the server and the information terminal according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a settlement process executed by the server and the electronic money terminal of the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a charge process executed by the server and the electronic money terminal according to the first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a usable amount transfer process executed by the server of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic money system and its communication destination according to a second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an inquiry process executed by the electronic money terminal 2 of the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a settlement process executed by the electronic money terminal 2 of the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a charge process executed by an electronic money terminal 2 according to a second embodiment.

The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of methods and devices for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to those described below. The technical concept of the present invention may be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

In the following embodiments, an example is described in which it is possible to restrict the use of electronic money when the user is a child, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to electronic money systems that restrict the use of electronic money by various people other than children.

(Embodiment 1)
The electronic money system of the first embodiment is made up of a server, and services are provided by the server working in cooperation with each device. The configuration and operation of each device will be described below.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic money system of this embodiment and its communication destination. The electronic money system of this embodiment is composed of a server 1 operated by a business that provides electronic money services. The server 1 is communicatively connected via a dedicated line 101 to electronic money terminals 2 installed in POS terminals in stores and automatic ticket vending machines in stations.

The server 1 is also communicatively connected to a communication network 102 including the Internet, and communicates with an information terminal 4 used by a user of electronic money via this communication network 102. The information terminal 4 is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The detailed configuration of the server 1 will be described later.

The electronic money terminal 2 is equipped with a reader/writer 21 capable of communicating with a portable device 3 used to use electronic money. The reader/writer 21 communicates with the portable device 3, which is an IC card 3a and a mobile phone 3b such as a smartphone, by NFC (Near Field Communication). However, the communication method is not limited to NFC, and may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc.

[Server configuration]
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the server 1 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the server 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, a hard disk 16, and a communication interface (I/F) 17, and these elements are connected to each other via a bus 18.

The CPU 11 executes computer programs stored in the ROM 12 and the hard disk 16. This enables the server 1 to perform the operations described below.

The ROM 12 stores computer programs executed by the CPU 11 and data used therein. The RAM 13 is used to read out computer programs stored on the hard disk 16.

The input unit 14 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse, and is connected to the bus 18 via an input/output interface such as a USB. The display unit 15 is composed of an LCD or a CRT, and is connected to the bus 18 via an image output interface. The display unit 15 displays images according to a video signal corresponding to image data provided by the CPU 11.

The hard disk 16 is installed with various computer programs, including an operating system and application programs, as well as data used to execute these computer programs. The hard disk 16 also includes a management database (hereinafter "DB") 161, a usage conditions DB 162, a behavior DB 163, and a usage history DB 164. Details of these databases will be described later.

In this embodiment, the management DB 161, the usage conditions DB 162, the behavior DB 163, and the usage history DB 164 are provided inside the server 1, but at least some of these databases may be provided in other external devices as long as they are accessible by the server 1.

[Database details]
The details of each database are explained below.
(A) Management DB161
The management DB 161 stores information related to the usage limit set for the portable device 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the management DB 161. In the example shown in Fig. 3, for each device ID for identifying the portable device 3, a device balance, which is the balance of electronic money charged to the portable device 3, and a frame balance, which is the balance within the usage limit frame and the usage conditions constituting the usage limit frames A to E, are stored. Note that the frame balance is the balance of the amount that can be used only within the usage limit frame, and the sum of the frame balance and the device balance is the balance of the entire portable device 3.

Each usage limit is made up of at least one usage condition. This usage condition can be anything including the usable amount, the usable stores, the usable products, the usable time, and combinations of these. In this embodiment, it is possible to deposit electronic money into each usage limit, i.e., charge it, and charge conditions, which are the conditions for this, are set for each usage limit. Specific examples of the usage conditions and charge conditions that can configure each usage limit are summarized in Figure 4.

Of the usage limit frames shown in FIG. 4, usage limit frame A is a frame in which a child who is the user of the electronic money can freely purchase products. The usage conditions that can configure this usage limit frame A are specified as a combination of the usable amount and the time when it can be used. For example, usage condition a1 specifies that the upper limit of the usable amount per day is 50 yen, usage condition a2 specifies that the upper limit of the usable amount changes between weekdays and holidays, being 50 yen on weekdays and 100 yen on holidays, and usage condition a3 specifies that the usable amount is increased to 500 yen only on certain days that are determined in advance.

In the case of the above usage conditions a1 to a3, if the daily usage amount does not reach the upper limit, the difference (unused amount) can be transferred to another usage limit. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the unused amount can be transferred from usage limit A to usage limit E, and electronic money can be used within the transferred amount in usage limit E.

The charge condition for the usage limit A is that a month's worth of charges must be made in one lump sum by the end of the previous month. According to this charge condition, for example, if the usage limit A is made up only of the usage condition a1 and the current month is a month that ends on the 30th, 1,500 yen will be charged in one lump sum by the last day of the previous month.

The usage limit B is a limit where the availability of the electronic money and/or the usable amount varies depending on the store where the electronic money is used. The usage conditions that can constitute this usage limit B are stipulated as a combination of usable stores, usable products, usable amount, etc. For example, usage condition b1 stipulates that the electronic money can be used up to 500 yen per month at stationery stores and bookstores regardless of the product, and usage condition b2 stipulates that the electronic money can be used up to 300 yen per month at convenience stores for products other than food and beverages.

Note that no charge conditions are set for the usage limit B. In the case of a usage limit for which no charge conditions are set, there is no usable balance within that usage limit alone, i.e., no frame balance, and electronic money is used within the device balance.

The usage limit C is a limit configured by usage conditions whose success or failure is determined by the actions of the child who uses the electronic money. The usage conditions that can configure this usage limit C are stipulated as a combination of the usable amount, usable products, and the user's actions. For example, usage condition c1 stipulates that if the child who uses the electronic money has finished his homework for the day, up to 200 yen can be used for any product, usage condition c2 stipulates that if the child helps out around the house, the usable amount will be increased by 300 yen, and usage condition c3 stipulates that if the price of the same product is compared at three or more different stores, that product can be purchased. In addition, the recharge condition stipulates that up to 3,000 yen can be recharged.

The usage limit D is a limit that can only be used in an emergency. The usage conditions that can configure this usage limit D are made up of the conditions that apply in an emergency. For example, usage condition d1 specifies that the card can be used to cover transportation costs for commuting to school if a child who is the user loses a commuter pass or other item used for commuting to school, and usage condition d2 specifies that the card can be used to call home from a public phone. Note that no recharge conditions are set for usage limit D.

The usage limit E is a limit where the amount transferred from another usage limit (in this embodiment, usage limit A) becomes the usable amount. The usage conditions that can configure this usage limit E are made up of the usable amount and the like. For example, usage condition e1 specifies that usage can be made within the limit balance, and usage condition e2 specifies that usage can be made up to 300 yen within the limit balance. Note that no charge conditions are set for usage limit E.

The above usage limit frame and the usage conditions and charge conditions that make up the usage limit frame are merely examples, and various conditions are possible. The number of usage limit frames is also not limited to 5, and may be any number greater than or equal to 1.

(B) Terms of use DB162
Various information related to the use conditions constituting each use limit is stored in the use condition DB 162. Each use condition is created by a business providing an electronic money service, and is stored in the use condition DB 162. In addition, the use conditions under which the unused amount can be moved to another use limit, such as the above use conditions a1 to a3, are stored in the use condition DB 162 so that this fact can be identified.

(C) Behavior DB163
The behavior DB 163 stores behavior information indicating the content of the behavior of a child who is a user of electronic money. This behavior information is acquired by various methods and stored in the behavior DB 163. For example, It is assumed that a parent or the like inputs information indicating the content of the action into the information terminal 4, and the information terminal 4 transmits the information to the server 1. In addition, when a child uses the information terminal 4 to do homework, When the homework is completed, the information terminal 4 can transmit the fact to the server 1. In addition, devices installed in various places can detect the child's behavior and transmit the results to the server 1. Various embodiments are possible.

(D) Usage history DB 164
The usage history DB 164 stores the usage history of electronic money. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of the usage history DB 164. As shown in Fig. 5, the usage history DB 164 stores at least the device ID of the portable device 3 used, the date and time of use of the electronic money, the terminal ID of the electronic money terminal 2 used at the time of the use, the usage limit and usage conditions used, and the amount used. This information is generated by the electronic money terminal 2 and provided to the server 1.

[System Operation]
Next, the operation of the electronic money system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to flowcharts, etc. Below, each of the following processes will be described: (1) inquiry process for inquiring about the available amount of electronic money, (2) payment process for making a payment using electronic money, (3) charge process for charging electronic money, and (4) available amount transfer process for transferring the available amount from one usage limit to another usage limit.

(1) Inquiry Processing The following inquiry processing is executed to inquire of the server 1 about the available amount of electronic money in the portable device 3. Note that, although an example in which the inquiry processing is executed using the information terminal 4 is shown below, the same processing may be executed using the electronic money terminal 2 instead of the information terminal 4.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the inquiry process executed by the server 1 and the information terminal 4 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the information terminal 4 first transmits the device ID of the portable device 3 to the server 1 in accordance with an instruction from the owner or user of the portable device 3 (S101). Here, if the information terminal 4 and the portable device 3 are the same device, that is, if the portable device 3 itself is an information terminal 4, the information terminal 4 transmits the device ID stored in its own storage device to the server 1. Also, if the information terminal 4 and the portable device 3 are different devices, the information terminal 4 reads the device ID from the portable device 3 using a separately provided reader and transmits the device ID to the server 1.

When the server 1 receives the device ID transmitted from the information terminal 4 (S201), it refers to the management DB 161 to identify the usage limit set for that device ID (S202). Next, the server 1 identifies the available amount for each usage limit based on the charge balance stored in the management DB 161, the usage conditions for each identified usage limit, and the usage history stored in the usage history DB 164 (S203).

For example, if the usage limit A is configured with usage condition a1 (maximum daily usage amount of 50 yen), server 1 will check using the usage history whether 50 yen has already been used that day, and if an amount less than 50 yen has been used, whether the remaining limit amount is equal to or greater than the amount used minus 50 yen, and determine the available amount. If 20 yen has already been used and there is a remaining limit amount of 30 yen or more, calculated by subtracting 20 yen from 50 yen, the available amount will be determined to be 30 yen.

In the case of a usage condition such as this usage condition a1, where a specified amount can be used every specified period, the server 1 may specify the unused amount in the preceding period as the usable amount in the following period. For example, if the usage limit A is configured with the usage condition a1 and the total amount used on the previous day was 20 yen, the unused amount of 30 yen is carried over to the usable amount for the day, and 30 yen + 50 yen = 80 yen becomes the usable amount for the day in the usage limit A (however, this is only applicable if the remaining limit is 80 yen or more).

For example, if the usage limit B is configured with usage condition b1 (up to 500 yen can be used at stationery stores/bookstores each month), the server 1 checks the amount used at the stationery store/bookstore for the current month using the usage history, checks the device balance of the portable device 3, and determines the usable amount based on the confirmation results. If the amount used at the stationery store/bookstore for the current month is 100 yen and the device balance of the portable device 3 is 400 yen or more, the usable amount is determined to be 400 yen.

For example, if the usage limit C is configured with usage condition c1 (200 yen can be used if the homework for that day is completed), the server 1 refers to the behavior DB 163 to confirm whether the child who is the user of the electronic money has completed his/her homework for that day, whether the usage limit C has already been used for that day using the usage history, and whether there is a balance in the usage limit C, and then identifies the usable amount. If the homework for that day has been completed and the usable amount for that day under the usage limit C is zero, the usable amount is identified as 200 yen.

After the usable amounts for each usage limit have been determined as described above, the server 1 transmits answer information including the usable amounts and the usage conditions that constitute each usage limit to the information terminal 4 (S204).

When the information terminal 4 receives the response information sent from the server 1 (S102), it displays the available amount and the usage conditions included in the response information on the display unit (S103).

As a result of the above inquiry process, the owner and user of the portable device 3 can know the usable amount under each usage limit and the conditions for using that usable amount. As a result, the owner and user can know how much can be used and under what conditions, and can therefore consider, for example, how much electronic money should be used at which store during a given period, such as the current day or month. In particular, if the user is a child, they can learn about how to spend money through such considerations.

In the case of a usage condition such as usage condition a1, where a specified amount can be used for each specified period, the server 1 may provide the information terminal 4 with the total amount that can be used for multiple specified periods. More specifically, for example, if the usage limit A is configured with usage condition a1, and there are 20 days left in the month, it is assumed that the server 1 will notify the information terminal 4 of 1,000 yen, which is obtained by multiplying 50 yen by 20 days. The owner and user of the portable device 3 will be able to plan their use of electronic money taking this total amount into consideration.

(2) Payment Processing When a user of electronic money uses electronic money to purchase a product at a store, the following payment processing is executed. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the payment processing executed by the server 1 and the electronic money terminal 2. The electronic money terminal 2 first reads the product ID (JAN code, etc.) attached to the tag of the product that the user is about to purchase using the reader/writer 21, and also reads the device ID from the portable device 3 (S301).

Next, the electronic money terminal 2 accepts the selection of the usage limit to be used for the payment (S302). For example, if the user wishes to use usage limit A, the user or a store staff member operates the electronic money terminal 2 and instructs the selection of usage limit A. Note that if the usage limit is not specified, this selection is not made and the process proceeds to the next step. In that case, the server 1 decides which usage limit to use based on the usage conditions, etc.

Next, the electronic money terminal 2 transmits a payment request to the server 1, including the read product ID and device ID, the product name and price that are pre-stored in association with the product ID, whether or not a usage limit has been selected and, if so, an identifier for identifying the usage limit, and the terminal ID of its own device (S303).

When the server 1 receives a payment request sent from the electronic money terminal 2 (S401), it refers to the management DB 161 to identify the usage limit set for the device ID included in the payment request (S402).

Next, the server 1 determines whether or not there is a usage limit available for the current payment from among the identified usage limit limits (S403). Here, if a usage limit limit to be used for payment has already been selected, the server 1 determines that there is a usage limit available for the current payment. On the other hand, if no usage limit limit has been selected, the server 1 determines whether or not the current payment satisfies any of the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit, and if any of the usage conditions are satisfied, the server 1 identifies the usage limit configured by that usage condition as the one that can be used for the current payment. Note that if no usage conditions are satisfied, it is determined that there is no usage limit available for the current payment.

If it is determined in step S403 that there is no usable limit for the current payment (NO in S403), the server 1 transmits payment failure information indicating that payment cannot be made with electronic money to the electronic money terminal 2 (S404). When the electronic money terminal 2 receives the payment failure information (S304), it displays a payment failure message on the display unit indicating that payment cannot be made with electronic money because there is no usable limit (S305), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that there is a usage limit available for the current payment (YES in S403), the server 1 identifies the available amount in the usage limit (S405). This available amount is identified based on the charge balance stored in the management DB 161, the usage conditions of each identified usage limit, and the usage history stored in the usage history DB 164, in the same manner as in step S203 in the above-mentioned inquiry process.

Next, the server 1 determines whether the price of the product related to this payment is equal to or less than the specified available balance (S406). If it determines that the price of the product exceeds the specified available balance (NO in S406), the server 1 transmits payment impossible information indicating that payment cannot be made with electronic money to the electronic money terminal 2 (S407). When the electronic money terminal 2 receives the payment impossible information (S306), it displays a payment impossible message on the display indicating that payment cannot be made with electronic money because the available balance is insufficient (S307), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the price of the product is equal to or less than the specified usable amount (YES in S406), the server 1 executes the payment process by subtracting the price of the product from the usable amount (S408), and transmits payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed to the electronic money terminal 2 (S409). This payment completion information includes the usable amount after the payment of the used usage limit and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit.

When the electronic money terminal 2 receives the payment completion information sent from the server 1 (S308), it outputs a payment completion message indicating that the payment with electronic money has been completed, as well as the available amount and the terms of use included in the payment completion information (S309). In this case, the information may be displayed on the display unit of the electronic money terminal 2, or the information may be printed on paper media.

The server 1 also updates the management DB 161 by writing the balance after the payment, and updates the usage history DB 164 by writing the usage history related to this payment (S410).

As a result of the above payment process, the user of the portable device 3 can know the latest available amount within the usage limit that has been used, and the conditions for using that available amount. As with the above inquiry process, this allows the user to consider how much electronic money should be used at which store during a given period, such as the current day or month, and through such considerations, the user can learn about how to spend money.

In this embodiment, the usable amount and the usage conditions in the used usage limit are notified to the user, but as in the case of the inquiry process, the usable amount and the usage conditions in each usage limit may be notified to the user. Also, in the case of the usage condition that a specified amount can be used for each specified period, the server 1 may provide the electronic money terminal 2 with the total amount of usable amounts for multiple specified periods, as in the case of the inquiry process.

In addition, although the present embodiment has been described with reference to a case where payment is made at a physical store, the present invention can also be applied to payments at virtual stores (online shops). In that case, the user of electronic money inputs the device ID of the portable device 3 using the information terminal 4, and the information terminal 4 transmits the device ID to the server 1, thereby realizing a process similar to the above-mentioned payment process.

(3) Recharge Process When the owner of the portable device 3 is running low on electronic money, for example, the owner recharges the portable device 3. At that time, the owner holds the portable device 3 over the reader/writer 21 of the electronic money terminal 2. This starts the next recharge process.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the charge process executed by the server 1 and electronic money terminal 2 in this embodiment. First, the electronic money terminal 2 reads the device ID of the portable device 3 using the reader/writer 21 (S501). Next, the electronic money terminal 2 accepts the selection of the usage limit to be charged (S502). For example, when charging electronic money that can only be used within usage limit A, the owner of the portable device 3 instructs the electronic money terminal 2 to select usage limit A. Note that if a specific usage limit is not to be charged, this selection is not made and the process proceeds to the next step.

The electronic money terminal 2 accepts a deposit of money equivalent to the charge amount from the owner (S503). This deposit is made by cash or credit card. After accepting the deposit, the electronic money terminal 2 transmits a charge request to the server 1 including the device ID, whether or not a usage limit has been selected and, if selected, the identifier of the usage limit, and the charge amount (S504).

When the server 1 receives a charge request sent from the electronic money terminal 2 (S601), it uses the information included in the charge request to update the balance stored in the management DB 161 (S602). At this time, if the usage limit for the charge target is specified, the specified usage limit balance is increased, and if not specified, the device balance is increased. Note that if the charge conditions that constitute the usage limit are not satisfied, the balance is not updated, and information to that effect is sent from the server 1 to the electronic money terminal 2.

After the balance has been updated, the server 1 transmits charge completion information to the electronic money terminal 2, which includes the available amount under the usage limit after charging and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit (S603).

When the electronic money terminal 2 receives the charge completion information sent from the server 1 (S505), it outputs a charge completion message indicating that the charge has been completed, as well as the available amount and the terms of use contained in the charge completion information (S506), and ends the process.

In this way, in this embodiment, electronic money deposits are accepted for each usage limit. This allows the owner of the portable device 3 to perform detailed balance management, such as ensuring a sufficient balance for usage limit frames that are deemed to be of high necessity, while keeping a small balance for usage limit frames that are deemed to be of low necessity.

(4) Usable Amount Transfer Processing As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to transfer the usage amount from the usage limit A to the usage limit E. The usable amount transfer processing for this purpose will be described below.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the usable amount transfer process executed by the server 1. The server 1 first refers to the management DB 161 and the usage condition DB 162, and identifies the usage condition under which the usable amount can be transferred from among the usage conditions of the usage limit set for the device ID of the portable device 3 to be processed (S701). In the case of this embodiment, the usage conditions a1 to a3 correspond to the usage conditions.

Next, the server 1 extracts the usage history of the usage limit (in this embodiment, usage limit A) constituting the identified usage condition from the usage history DB 164 (S702), and determines whether or not a transfer between usage limit limits is possible (S703). For example, if usage limit A is constituted by usage condition a1, and there is a day when the daily usage amount is less than the upper limit of 50 yen, the server 1 determines that the difference can be transferred to usage limit E.

If it is determined in step S703 that the amount is not transferable (NO in S703), the server 1 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount is transferable (YES in S703), the server 1 stores the transferable amount in the limit balance of the destination usage limit (in this embodiment, limit E) (S704). As a result, the limit balance of the source usage limit A decreases, while the limit balance of the destination usage limit E increases.

In this way, by saving within a particular spending limit, it is possible to increase the remaining balance of other spending limits. Users of electronic money can plan their use of electronic money by taking into account the possibility of transferring spending amounts in this way.

In the above, an amount equal to the unused amount is transferred to another usage limit, but an amount greater or less than the unused amount may be transferred by multiplying the unused amount by a specified coefficient. Also, if there is an unused amount, a specified amount may be transferred regardless of the amount of the unused amount.

(Embodiment 2)
The electronic money system of the second embodiment is composed of an electronic money terminal, and the electronic money terminal cooperates with each device to provide services. The configuration and operation of each device will be described below. Note that the description of the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic money system and its communication destinations of this embodiment. The electronic money system of this embodiment is composed of an electronic money terminal 5 installed in a POS terminal in a store, an automatic ticket vending machine in a station, etc. The electronic money terminal 5 has a reader/writer 51 that can communicate with a portable device 6 used for using electronic money. The reader/writer 51 communicates with the portable device 6, which is an IC card 6a and a mobile phone 6b such as a smartphone, by NFC (Near Field Communication). In this embodiment, the electronic money is stored in the IC chip of the portable device 6.

The electronic money terminal 5 is communicatively connected to the server 7 via a dedicated line 101, as in the first embodiment. The server 7 is communicatively connected to the information terminal 4 via a communication network 102, as in the first embodiment.

The electronic money terminal 5 has a usage conditions DB 52 similar to the usage conditions DB 162 provided in the server 1 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the information on the device balance and usage limit stored in the management DB 161 provided in the server 1 of the first embodiment, and the usage history stored in the usage history DB 164 are recorded in each portable device 6. In addition, the behavior DB 163 provided in the server 1 of the first embodiment is provided in the server 7.

Next, the operation of each device in this embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, as in the case of embodiment 1, (1) inquiry processing, (2) payment processing, (3) charge processing, and (4) usable amount transfer processing are executed. Of these, the usable amount transfer processing is omitted here because the electronic money terminal 5 simply executes the same processing as the server 1 in embodiment 1. The inquiry processing, payment processing, and usable amount transfer processing are explained below.

(1) Inquiry Processing Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the inquiry processing executed by the electronic money terminal 5 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the electronic money terminal 5 first reads the information recorded in the portable device 6 using the reader/writer 21 (S801), and identifies the usage limit included in the recorded information, i.e., the usage limit set for the portable device 6 (S802).

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 determines the available amount for each usage limit based on the determined usage limit, the charge balance and usage history contained in the recorded information, and each usage condition stored in the usage condition DB 52 (S803). This determination of the available amount is performed in the same manner as in step S203 in the inquiry process of the first embodiment. Note that if behavioral information is necessary to determine the available amount, the electronic money terminal 5 obtains the behavioral information from the server 7.

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 outputs the available amount for each identified usage limit and the usage conditions that constitute each usage limit (S804). In this case, the information may be displayed on the display unit of the electronic money terminal 5, or the information may be printed on paper media.

As a result of the above inquiry process, the owner or user of portable device 6 can grasp the available amount for each usage limit and the conditions for using that available amount, and thus, as in the case of embodiment 1, can consider how much electronic money should be used at which store during a given period such as the current day or month, and through such consideration, it becomes possible to learn about how to spend money.

(2) Payment Processing When a user of electronic money uses electronic money to purchase a product at a store, the following payment processing is executed. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the payment processing executed by the electronic money terminal 5. The electronic money terminal 5 first reads the product ID attached to the tag or the like of the product that the user is about to purchase using the reader/writer 21, and also reads the device ID from the portable device 6 (S901).

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 accepts the selection of the usage limit to be used for the payment (S902). If the usage limit is not specified, this selection is not made and the process proceeds to the next step, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the electronic money terminal 5 determines which usage limit to use based on the terms of use, etc.

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 identifies the usage limit included in the read record information, i.e., the usage limit set for the portable device 6 (S903), and determines whether or not there is a usage limit that can be used for the current payment from among the identified usage limit (S904). This determination is performed in the same manner as in step S403 in the payment processing of the first embodiment.

If it is determined in step S904 that there is no usable limit for the current payment (NO in S904), the electronic money terminal 5 displays a payment impossible message on the display unit indicating that payment cannot be made with electronic money because there is no usable limit (S905), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S904 that there is a usable limit for the current payment (YES in S904), the electronic money terminal 5 identifies the usable amount within the usable limit (S906). This identification of the usable amount is performed in the same manner as in step S203 in the inquiry process of the first embodiment.

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 judges whether the price of the product related to this payment is equal to or less than the specified usable amount (S907). If it is judged that the price of the product exceeds the specified usable amount (NO in S907), the electronic money terminal 5 displays a payment impossible message on the display unit, indicating that payment cannot be made by electronic money because the usable amount is insufficient (S908), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S907 that the price of the product is equal to or less than the specified usable amount (YES in S907), the electronic money terminal 5 executes the payment process by subtracting the price of the product from the usable amount (S909), and writes the post-payment balance and usage history to the portable device 6 using the reader/writer 51 (S910).

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 outputs a payment completion message indicating that the payment with electronic money has been completed, as well as the available amount after the payment of the used usage limit and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit (S911), and ends the process.

As a result of the above payment process, the user of the portable device 6 can know the latest available amount within the usage limit that has been used, and the conditions for using that available amount. As in the first embodiment, this allows the user to consider how much electronic money should be used at which store during a given period, such as the current day or month, and through such consideration, the user can learn about how to spend money.

(3) Charge Processing Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the charge processing executed by the electronic money terminal 2 of the second embodiment. The electronic money terminal 5 first reads the recorded information of the portable device 6 using the reader/writer 51 (S1001), and accepts the selection of the usage limit to be charged (S1002). As in the first embodiment, this selection is not made unless a specific usage limit is to be charged.

The electronic money terminal 5 then accepts a deposit of money equivalent to the charge amount from the owner (S1003). This deposit is made by cash or credit card. After accepting the deposit, the electronic money terminal 5 calculates the balance based on the read recorded information and the deposit amount, and writes it to the portable device 6 using the reader/writer 51 (S1004). This process is performed in the same way as step S602 in the charge process of embodiment 1.

Next, the electronic money terminal 5 outputs a charge completion message indicating that the charge has been completed, as well as the available amount within the usage limit after the charge and the usage conditions that constitute the usage limit (S1005), and ends the process.

In this charging process, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to realize detailed balance management, such as ensuring sufficient balances for usage limit limits that are determined to be highly necessary for use, while keeping small balances for usage limit limits that are determined to be less necessary for use.

Other Embodiments
As described above, the usage limit and the usage conditions and charge conditions constituting the usage limit are merely examples, and various conditions can be assumed. For example, it is possible to provide a usage limit that cannot be used in principle without the permission of the owner of the portable device, and to stipulate as a usage condition that the entire remaining balance of the limit can be used with the permission of the owner. In this case, it is assumed that the owner charges the usage limit with an amount equivalent to the New Year's gift money received by the child who is the user. Since this usage limit cannot be used in principle, the remaining balance of the limit, that is, the available amount, increases unilaterally. In this case, the inquiry process of each of the above embodiments is executed, and the child who is the user can learn about saving money by knowing the available amount in the usage limit. Furthermore, it is also assumed that the parent who is the owner charges an appropriate amount as interest to the usage limit for the amount not used for a predetermined period (for example, one year). In that case, the child can learn about the mechanism of finance.

In addition, in the above embodiment 1, the electronic money system is configured by a server, and in embodiment 2, the electronic money system is configured by an electronic money terminal, but it is also possible to configure the electronic money system by combining a server and an electronic money terminal. For example, the server and the electronic money terminal can work together to determine the amount of electronic money that can be used in each usage limit.

In each of the above embodiments, the servers 1 and 7 are configured by one computer, but this is not limited to this and may be configured by a distributed system using multiple computers. The same is true for the electronic money terminals 2 and 5, which may be realized by multiple devices rather than a single device.

1, 7 Server 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Input unit 15 Display unit 16 Hard disk 161 Management database 162 Usage condition database 163 Behavior database 164 Usage history database 17 Communication interface 18 Bus 2, 5 Electronic money terminal 21, 51 Reader/writer 3, 6 Portable device 3a, 6a IC card 3b, 6b Mobile phone 4 Information terminal 101 Dedicated line 102 Communication network

Claims (9)

An electronic money system capable of setting a usage limit configured with at least one usage condition for each portable device used for using electronic money, comprising:
A usage limit is set, which consists of usage conditions that, if successful, will increase the available amount depending on the user's actions.
a determination means for determining a usable amount of electronic money within the usage limit based on a balance of electronic money charged to the portable device and the user's behavior;
a notification means for notifying a user of the electronic money of the specified usable amount, the use conditions constituting the use limit, and the content of the action related to the use conditions,
A plurality of usage limit frames each having different usage conditions is set for each of the portable devices,
the specifying means specifies a usable amount of electronic money for each set usage limit;
Electronic money system. The device further includes a transfer means for transferring a usable amount in one limit of usage to another limit of usage.
2. The electronic money system according to claim 1. the transfer means transfers an unused amount of the usable amount in the one usage limit to another usage limit,
3. The electronic money system according to claim 2. The payment method further includes a receiving unit for receiving a selection of a usage limit to be used from a user when a plurality of usage limit limits are available for payment.
4. An electronic money system according to claim 1. Further, a charging means is provided for accepting deposits of electronic money for each usage limit.
5. An electronic money system according to claim 1. The system further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring behavior information indicating the content of the user's behavior,
the specifying means specifies a usable amount of electronic money within the usage limit based on the acquired behavioral information;
6. The electronic money system according to claim 5. An electronic money system capable of setting a usage limit configured with at least one usage condition for each portable device used for using electronic money, comprising:
A usage limit is set, which consists of usage conditions that, if successful, will increase the available amount depending on the user's actions.
a determination means for determining a usable amount of electronic money within the usage limit based on a balance of electronic money charged to the portable device and the user's behavior;
a notification means for notifying a user of the electronic money of the specified usable amount, the use conditions constituting the use limit, and the content of the action related to the use conditions,
A usage limit configured by a usage condition that a predetermined amount can be used for each of the portable devices is set,
the specifying means specifies an amount obtained by adding an unused amount of the predetermined amount in the preceding period to the predetermined amount in the subsequent period as the usable amount in the subsequent period;
Electronic money system. An electronic money system capable of setting a usage limit configured with at least one usage condition for each portable device used for using electronic money, comprising:
A usage limit is set, which consists of usage conditions that, if successful, will increase the available amount depending on the user's actions.
a determination means for determining a usable amount of electronic money within the usage limit based on a balance of electronic money charged to the portable device and the user's behavior;
a notification means for notifying a user of the electronic money of the specified usable amount, the use conditions constituting the use limit, and the content of the action related to the use conditions,
A usage limit configured by a usage condition that a predetermined amount can be used for each of the portable devices is set,
the notification means notifies the user of the total amount of the usable amount for a plurality of the predetermined periods;
Electronic money system. 1. An electronic money processing method capable of setting a usage limit configured with at least one usage condition for each portable device used for using electronic money, comprising:
A usage limit is set, which consists of usage conditions that, if successful, will increase the available amount depending on the user's actions.
An information processing device,
determining a usable amount of electronic money within the usage limit based on a balance of electronic money charged to the portable device and the user's behavior;
notifying a user of the electronic money of the identified usable amount, the conditions of use constituting the usage limit, and the content of the action related to the conditions of use ;
A plurality of usage limit frames each having different usage conditions is set for each of the portable devices,
The information processing device,
Identifying the amount of electronic money that can be used for each set usage limit;
Electronic money processing method.

Images