Credit card management device

Abstract

To provide a credit card management device that reduces the burden associated with updating a card number when a user of a credit card uses a dependent card number.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 comprises a management unit 111 that manages card number information as a card number of a credit card, for mapping a main number that is not disclosed to third parties other than a credit card management company to the sub-number that is disclosed to the credit card holder and account management information for mapping the main number to the account information related to the account at the time of credit card being used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a credit card management device. [Background technology]

[0002] When a credit card user uses multiple services, the user notifies multiple businesses of his / her credit card number. When the user uses a service provided by a business, the service fee is automatically debited from the bank account linked to the card number.

[0003] A technology is known in which a user uses a virtual card number, instead of the card number written on the credit card, as the card number that the user notifies multiple businesses. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses a unique virtual card number linked to an actual card number as the virtual card number. In this technology, the virtual card number is notified to the business, while the transaction amount is charged to the actual card number that is not notified to the business. Patent Document 1 also describes an aspect in which multiple virtual card numbers are used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-042838 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a credit card user loses his / her actual card number, multiple virtual card numbers are subordinately linked to the actual card number, and therefore it is necessary to update information regarding all of the multiple virtual card numbers, which places a heavy burden on credit card users when updating their card numbers.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a credit card management device that reduces the burden on credit card users in updating their card numbers when they use subordinate card numbers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A credit card management device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a management unit that manages card number information that associates a main number, which is not disclosed to third parties other than the management company of the credit card, with a sub-number that is disclosed to the owner of the credit card, as the card number of the credit card, and account management information that associates the main number with account information related to the account at the time of using the credit card. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when a credit card user uses a dependent card number, the burden of updating the card number is reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a credit card management system 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a card number information database CDB1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an account management information database ADB1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a card number information database CDB1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a card number information database CDB1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first terminal device 20. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second terminal device 30. [Figure 9]6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10 when updating card number information. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10 when making a payment using a sub-number. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of account management information database ADB2. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of account management information database ADB2. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of account management information database ADB2. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10 when updating card number information and account management information. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of information processing device 10A when making a payment using a sub-number. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1: First embodiment The credit card management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1-1: Configuration of the first embodiment 1-1-1: Overall composition Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a credit card management system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the credit card management system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a first terminal device 20, and a second terminal device 30. The information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NET. Note that there may be a plurality of each of the first terminal devices 20 and the second terminal devices 30.

[0012] The information processing device 10 is a device used by a credit card management company or personnel of the management company. The information processing device 10 is a device that manages information related to credit cards and executes payments using the credit cards. The information processing device 10 is an example of a "credit card management device."

[0013] The first terminal device 20 is a terminal device used by the owner of a credit card. The owner of the credit card purchases a product or service using the credit card by inputting the credit card number into the first terminal device 20. More specifically, the owner of the credit card purchases a product or service by inputting a sub-number, which will be described later, from the first terminal device 20.

[0014] The second terminal device 30 is a terminal device used by a provider of a product or service. The second terminal device 30 determines whether to provide the product or service based on the credit card number acquired from the first terminal device 20.

[0015] 1-1-2: Configuration of information processing device 10 Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, and an input device 15. The elements of the information processing device 10 are connected to each other by a single or multiple buses for communicating information. Note that the term "apparatus" in this specification may be replaced with other terms such as a circuit, a device, or a unit.

[0016] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire information processing device 10. The processing device 11 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11 is also configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 11 may be realized by hardware such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0017] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 12 also stores a control program PR1 executed by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also functions as a work area for the processing device 11.

[0018] Furthermore, the storage device 12 stores a card number information database CDB1 and an account management information database ADB1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the card number information database CDB1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, card number information is stored in the card number information database CDB1. The card number information is information that associates an owner ID indicating the owner of a credit card, a main number of the credit card, a sub-number of the credit card, and the credit limit of the sub-number. The main number of the credit card is not disclosed to third parties other than the management company of the credit card, which is the user of the information processing device 10. The third parties include the owner of the credit card who uses the first terminal device 20, and the merchant who uses the second terminal device 30.

[0020] On the other hand, the credit card sub-number is made public to the owner of the credit card. When the owner uses the credit card to purchase a product or service, the owner uses the credit card sub-number. Specifically, the owner purchases a product or service by inputting the credit card sub-number into the first terminal device 20. Alternatively, the user purchases a product or service at a store operated by a merchant using the second terminal device 30 by using a physical credit card on which the sub-number is printed or a physical credit card on which information indicating the sub-number is written.

[0021] A merchant selling goods or services provides the goods or services based on the sub-number provided by the credit card owner.

[0022] Also, one main number is associated with one or more sub-numbers. As a result, for example, a credit card owner can use multiple sub-numbers corresponding to one main number for different purposes. In the example shown in Figure 3, the owner ID and the main number have a one-to-one correspondence.

[0023] Furthermore, the credit limit for each sub-number is the maximum total amount that can be paid when purchasing goods or services using that sub-number. Each time a credit card owner pays for a product or service using a certain sub-number, the amount of that product or service is accumulated. The owner can use that sub-number to pay for goods or services until the accumulated amount reaches the credit limit set for each sub-number. Note that on the closing date of the credit card, if the accumulated amount of goods or services using the sub-number is paid from an account linked to the main number as described below, the accumulated amount is reset.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the account management information database ADB1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the account management information database ADB1 stores account management information. The account management information is information that associates an owner ID, a main number, account information, and a credit limit of the main number. The account information is information about an account when using a credit card. For example, the account information is information about an account number from which a payment is debited when a credit card is used. Alternatively, the account information may include information about other accounts, such as the name of a financial institution that provides the account, and the date and time when the account was opened. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the owner ID and the main number correspond one-to-one. Furthermore, the main number and the account number correspond one-to-one. Furthermore, as described above, one main number is associated with one or more sub-numbers. Therefore, when a credit card owner pays for a product or service by using a sub-number, the amount of the product or service is debited from a debit account corresponding to the main number linked to the sub-number.

[0025] The credit limit of a main number is the maximum cumulative amount of payment that a credit card owner will make when purchasing goods or services using one or more sub-numbers. In other words, the credit limit that a credit card management company can settle using a main number is the total amount of the credit limits for one or more sub-numbers that correspond to the main number.

[0026] 2, the communication device 13 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 13 may include a connector for wired connection and a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

[0027] The display device 14 is a device for displaying images. The display device 14 displays various images under the control of the processing device 11.

[0028] The input device 15 is a device that accepts operations by a user of the information processing device 10. The input device 15 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation by the user to the processing device 11. The input device 15 is configured by, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0029] In the above configuration, the processing device 11 reads out the control program PR1 from the storage device 12. The processing device 11 executes the read out control program PR1 to function as a management unit 111, a usage limit setting unit 112, an update request acquisition unit 113, an update unit 114, a notification unit 115, a settlement request acquisition unit 116, an identification unit 117, and a settlement unit 118.

[0030] The management unit 111 manages the card number information stored in the card number information database CDB1 and the account management information stored in the account management information database ADB1.

[0031] The credit limit setting unit 112 sets a credit limit for payments using the sub-number. If there are multiple sub-numbers corresponding to the main number, the credit limit setting unit 112 sets a credit limit for each sub-number. The credit limit setting unit 112 also stores the credit limit set for each sub-number in the card number information database CDB1.

[0032] For example, the credit limit setting unit 112 sets a credit limit for each sub-number used by the credit card owner based on the information input by the owner to the first terminal device 20. If the owner uses multiple sub-numbers, the credit limit setting unit 112 sets a credit limit for each sub-number in such a manner that the total amount of the credit limits for each sub-number becomes the credit limit of the main number.

[0033] 3, it is assumed that the owner with the owner ID=003 inputs 300,000 yen as the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number=286730988 to the first terminal device 20. The usage limit setting unit 112 sets 300,000 yen as the usage limit for the sub-number=286730988. Thereafter, it is assumed that the owner with the owner ID=003 inputs 100,000 yen as the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number=789345272 to the first terminal device 20. The usage limit setting unit 112 sets 100,000 yen as the usage limit for the sub-number=789345272. Furthermore, it is assumed that the owner with the owner ID=003 inputs 400,000 yen as the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number=369126510 to the first terminal device 20. The usage limit setting unit 112 sets 400,000 yen as the usage limit for the sub-number=369126510.

[0034] 4, the credit limit of main number 9827634 corresponding to owner ID=003 is 1 million yen. Therefore, the credit limit setting unit 112 automatically sets the credit limit of the remaining sub-number, 936529831, to 1 million yen - 300,000 yen - 100,000 yen - 400,000 yen = 200,000 yen.

[0035] Furthermore, when the credit limit is increased, the credit limit setting unit 112 may allocate the increased amount to each sub-number used by the credit card owner based on the information input by the credit card owner to the first terminal device 20. Alternatively, the credit limit setting unit 112 may automatically allocate the increased amount to each sub-number.

[0036] As an example, assume that the credit limit of main number 9827634 used by the owner with owner ID=003 is increased from 1 million yen to 1.4 million yen as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, the usage limit setting unit 112 may automatically and evenly increase the usage limits of the four sub-numbers corresponding to main number 9827634 in Fig. 3 by 100,000 yen each. Alternatively, if the frequency of use of sub-number=286730988 among the four sub-numbers used by the owner with owner ID=003 is high, the usage limit setting unit 112 may increase the usage limit of sub-number=286730988 more than the usage limits of the other sub-numbers.

[0037] 2, the update request acquisition unit 113 acquires an update request for updating a sub-number from the first terminal device 20 used by the credit card owner via the communication device 13. The update request includes an addition request indicating the addition of a new sub-number. The update request also includes a deletion request indicating the deletion of an existing sub-number.

[0038] When update request acquisition section 113 acquires an update request, update section 114 updates the card number information but does not update the account management information.

[0039] When the update request acquisition unit 113 acquires an addition request indicating the addition of a new sub-number as an update request, the update unit 114 issues a new sub-number. Furthermore, the update unit 114 updates the card number information in which one main number is associated with an existing sub-number to card number information in which the one main number is associated with the existing sub-number and the new sub-number. Here, the "existing sub-number" is an example of a "first sub-number". Furthermore, the "new sub-number" is an example of a "second sub-number". Furthermore, the card number information in which the one main number is associated with the existing sub-number is an example of a "first card number information". Furthermore, the card number information in which the one main number is associated with the existing sub-number and the new sub-number is an example of a "second card number information".

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the card number information database CDB1 including the card number information after adding the sub-number. In the example shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the credit card holder corresponding to the holder ID=002 transmits a request for adding a sub-number from the first terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10. In this case, the sub-number=286509384 shown in FIG. 5 is added as a sub-number associated with the main number=7598358 in addition to the sub-number=178936581 shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the card number information corresponding to the holder ID=002 is information that associates the main number=7598358 with the sub-number=178936581. Meanwhile, in FIG. 5, the card number information corresponding to the holder ID=002 is information that associates the main number=7598358 with the sub-number=178936581 and the sub-number=286509384.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the credit limit corresponding to the owner ID=002 is 700,000 yen. Even if the sub-number=286509384 is added, the total amount of the credit limits of the two sub-numbers corresponding to the owner ID=002 must be the credit limit of 700,000 yen. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the credit limit setting unit 112 sets the credit limit corresponding to the sub-number=286509384 to 200,000 yen based on the contents input by the credit card owner to the first terminal device 20. On the other hand, the credit limit setting unit 112 reduces the credit limit corresponding to the sub-number=178936581 from 700,000 yen shown in FIG. 3 to 500,000 yen. The update unit 114 updates the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number 286509384 and the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number 178936581 to the usage limit set by the usage limit setting unit 112. Note that the allocation in which the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number 178936581 is 500,000 yen and the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number 286509384 is 200,000 yen is merely an example.

[0042] When the update request acquisition unit 113 acquires a deletion request indicating the deletion of one sub-number as an update request, the update unit 114 updates the card number information in which one main number is associated with multiple existing sub-numbers to card number information in which the one main number is associated with a sub-number obtained by excluding the one sub-number from the multiple existing sub-numbers. Here, the "one sub-number" is an example of a "first sub-number". Also, the "sub-number obtained by excluding the one sub-number from the multiple existing sub-numbers" is an example of a "second sub-number". Also, the card number information in which the one main number is associated with the multiple existing sub-numbers is an example of a "first card number information". The card number information in which the one main number is associated with the "sub-number obtained by excluding the one sub-number from the multiple existing sub-numbers" is an example of a "second card number information". That is, the "first card number information" associates one main number with a "first sub number" and a "second sub number." The "second card number information" associates one main number with a "second sub number."

[0043] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the card number information database CDB1 including the card number information after deleting the sub-number. In the example shown in Fig. 3, it is assumed that the credit card holder corresponding to the holder ID=001 transmits a deletion request for the sub-number=678943261 from the first terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10. In this case, the sub-number associated with the main number=3564412 is only the sub-number=789614632 shown in Fig. 6 out of the two sub-numbers, sub-number=789614632 and sub-number=678943261 shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, the card number information corresponding to the holder ID=001 is information that associates the main number=3564412 with the sub-number=789614632 and sub-number=678943261. On the other hand, in FIG. 6, the card number information corresponding to the owner ID=001 is information that associates the main number=3564412 with the sub-number=789614632.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the credit limit corresponding to the owner ID=001 is 800,000 yen. Even if the sub-number=678943261 is deleted, the usage limit of the sub-number corresponding to the owner ID=001 needs to be the credit limit of 800,000 yen. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the usage limit setting unit 112 increases the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number=789614632 from 300,000 yen shown in FIG. 3 to 800,000 yen. The update unit 114 updates the usage limit corresponding to the sub-number=789614632 to the usage limit set by the usage limit setting unit 112.

[0045] 2, if the update request acquired by the update request acquisition unit 113 is a request to add a new sub-number, the notification unit 115 notifies the first terminal device 20 used by the credit card owner of the new sub-number. Also, if the update request acquired by the update request acquisition unit 113 is a request to delete an existing sub-number, the notification unit 115 notifies the first terminal device 20 used by the credit card owner that the update has been completed.

[0046] When a credit card owner makes a payment using one of his / her own sub-numbers, the payment request acquisition unit 116 acquires a payment request including the sub-number and the amount of payment from the second terminal device 30 used by the payee via the communication device 13. Here, the "payee" is, for example, a provider of a product or service.

[0047] The identification unit 117 uses the sub-number included in the payment request to refer to the card number information database CDB1 to identify the main number corresponding to the sub-number. The identification unit 117 also uses the main number to refer to the account management information database ADB1 to identify the account information corresponding to the main number.

[0048] For example, assume that the sub-number included in the payment request is 369126510 and the amount of consideration included in the payment request is 100,000 yen. The identification unit 117 uses the sub-number=369126510 to refer to the card number information database CDB1 shown in Fig. 3 to identify the main number=9826634. The identification unit 117 also uses the main number=9826634 to refer to the account management information database ADB1 shown in Fig. 4 to identify the account number=2-754-3098152.

[0049] 2, the settlement unit 118 executes settlement based on the amount of the consideration and the account information indicating the account number identified by the identification unit 117. For example, as shown in the above example, if the account number identified by the identification unit 117 is 2-754-3098152 and the amount of the consideration is 100,000 yen, the settlement unit 118 debits 100,000 yen from the account with the account number = 2-754-3098152.

[0050] In addition, if the settlement unit 118 attempts to execute a settlement but the amount exceeds the usage limit of the sub-number included in the settlement request, the settlement unit 118 may be configured not to execute the settlement. Alternatively, the usage limit setting unit 112 may temporarily reduce the shortfall amount from the usage limit corresponding to a sub-number different from the sub-number included in the settlement request, and temporarily increase the usage limit of the sub-number included in the settlement request by the shortfall amount, and then the settlement unit 118 may execute the settlement.

[0051] For example, as shown in the above example, when the settlement unit 118 attempts to withdraw 100,000 yen from the account with account number 2-754-3098152, if the withdrawal exceeds the limit of 50,000 yen for sub-number 369126510, the limit setting unit 112 may, for example, temporarily reduce the limit of sub-number 286730988 by 50,000 yen and temporarily increase the limit of sub-number 369126510 by 50,000 yen. After the limit of sub-number 369126510 is temporarily increased by 50,000 yen, the settlement unit 118 withdraws 100,000 yen from the account with account number 2-754-3098152. In this case, the limit setting unit 112, for example, temporarily reduces the limit of sub-number 286730988, which has the largest amount of the originally set limit.

[0052] 1-1-3: Configuration of the first terminal device 20 Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the first terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 7, the first terminal device 20 includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, and an input device 25. The elements of the first terminal device 20 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0053] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire first terminal device 20. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 21 is also configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 21 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0054] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM. The storage device 22 also stores a control program PR2 executed by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also functions as a work area for the processing device 21.

[0055] The communication device 23 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

[0056] The display device 24 is a device for displaying images. The display device 24 displays various images under the control of the processing device 21.

[0057] The input device 25 is a device that accepts operations by the credit card owner. The input device 25 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation by the credit card owner to the processing device 21. The input device 25 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0058] In the above configuration, the processing device 21 reads out the control program PR2 from the storage device 22. The processing device 21 executes the read out control program PR2 to transmit an update request for updating the sub-number to the information processing device 10 via the communication device 23. If the update request is an addition request indicating a request for adding a new sub-number, the processing device 21 causes the display device 24 to display the new sub-number notified by the information processing device 10. If the update request is a deletion request indicating a request for deleting an existing sub-number, the processing device 21 causes the display device 24 to display information indicating completion of the update notified by the information processing device 10.

[0059] 1-1-4: Configuration of the second terminal device 30 Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the second terminal device 30. As shown in Fig. 8, the second terminal device 30 includes a processing device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an input device 35. The elements of the second terminal device 30 are connected to each other by one or more buses for communicating information.

[0060] The processing device 31 is a processor that controls the entire second terminal device 30. The processing device 31 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 31 is also configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, and a register. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 31 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA. The processing device 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0061] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM. The storage device 32 also stores a control program PR3 executed by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 also functions as a work area for the processing device 31.

[0062] The communication device 33 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 33 may include a connector for wired connection and a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

[0063] The display device 34 is a device for displaying images. The display device 34 displays various images under the control of the processing device 31.

[0064] The input device 35 is a device that accepts operations of a provider that provides a product or service. The input device 35 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the provider to the processing device 31. The input device 35 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0065] In the above configuration, the processing device 31 reads out the control program PR3 from the storage device 32. When a credit card owner presents any of the sub-numbers used by the credit card owner to a provider of a product or service, the processing device 31 executes the read out control program PR3 to transmit a payment request including the sub-number and the amount of the product or service to the information processing device 10 via the communication device 33.

[0066] 1-2: Operation of the First Embodiment Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] 1-2-1: Update behavior FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10 when updating the card number information.

[0068] In step S1, the processing device 11 receives an update request for updating a sub-number from the first terminal device 20 used by the owner of the credit card.

[0069] In step S2, the processor 11 updates the card number information, but does not update the account management information.

[0070] More specifically, if the update request acquired in step S1 indicates adding a new sub-number, the processing device 11 in step S2 updates the first card number information that associates the main number with the first sub-number to second card number information that associates the main number with the first sub-number and the second sub-number.

[0071] On the other hand, if the update request acquired in step S1 indicates that the existing sub-number is to be deleted, the processing device 11 in step S2 updates the first card number information that associates the main number with the first sub-number and the second sub-number to second card number information that associates the main number with the second sub-number.

[0072] In step S1, the processing device 11 functions as an update request acquisition unit 113. In step S2, the processing device 11 functions as an update unit 114.

[0073] 1-2-2: Payment process FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10 when making a payment using a sub-number.

[0074] In step S11, when the credit card owner uses the sub-number to pay a fee to a merchant, the processing device 11 obtains a payment request including the sub-number and the amount of the fee from the second terminal device 30 used by the merchant.

[0075] In step S12, the processor 11 identifies the main number corresponding to the sub-number acquired in step S11 based on the sub-number corresponding to the payment request and the card number information stored in the card number information database CDB1.

[0076] In step S13, the processor 11 identifies the account information corresponding to the main number identified in step S12, based on the main number and the account management information stored in the account management information database ADB1.

[0077] In step S14, the processor 11 executes the payment based on the account information specified in step S13 and the amount of the consideration included in the payment request.

[0078] In step S11, the processing device 11 functions as a payment request acquisition unit 116. In steps S12 and S13, the processing device 11 functions as an identification unit 117. In addition, in step S14, the processing device 11 functions as a payment unit 118.

[0079] 1-3: Advantages of the First Embodiment According to the above description, the information processing device 10 serving as a credit card management device includes the management unit 111. The management unit 111 manages card number information that associates, as the card number of a credit card, a main number that is not disclosed to third parties other than the credit card management company and a sub-number that is disclosed to the owner of the credit card, and account management information that associates the main number with account information related to the account at the time of using the credit card.

[0080] Since the information processing device 10 has the above configuration, the burden on the credit card owner regarding updating the card number is reduced when the credit card owner uses a subordinate sub-number. Specifically, the main number is not notified to the credit card owner, so the risk of the main number being leaked is reduced. As a result, there are no cases where the credit card owner updates the main number. Furthermore, even if the sub-number is leaked through the credit card owner or the company, the information processing device 10 only needs to update the leaked sub-number, and does not need to update the main number.

[0081] Moreover, information processing device 10 further includes an update unit 114. When update unit 114 receives an update request from the credit card owner regarding updating of the sub-number, it updates the card number information but does not update the account management information.

[0082] Since the information processing device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, the load associated with updating the card number is reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10, if the above sub-number is the first sub-number, the above card number information is the first card number information, and the above update request indicates that a new second sub-number is to be added, the update unit 114 updates the first card number information to second card number information that associates the main number with the first sub-number and the second sub-number. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 further includes a notification unit 115. The notification unit 115 notifies the credit card owner of the second sub-number.

[0084] Since the information processing device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, the credit card owner can use multiple sub-numbers for different purposes, for example.

[0085] In addition, in the information processing device 10, when the first card number information associates the main number with the first sub-number and the second sub-number, and the update request indicates that the first sub-number is to be deleted, the update unit 114 updates the first card number information to the second card number information that associates the main number with the second sub-number. The notification unit 115 notifies the credit card owner that the update has been completed.

[0086] Since the information processing device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, the credit card owner can delete a sub-number that is no longer needed.

[0087] The information processing device 10 further includes a payment request acquisition unit 116, an identification unit 117, and a payment unit 118. When the credit card owner uses the sub-number to pay a fee to a merchant, the payment request acquisition unit 116 acquires a payment request including the sub-number and the amount of the fee from the merchant. The identification unit 117 identifies a main number corresponding to the sub-number based on the sub-number corresponding to the payment request and card number information. The identification unit 117 also identifies account information corresponding to the main number based on the identified main number and account management information. The payment unit 118 executes payment based on the account information and the amount of the fee identified by the identification unit 117.

[0088] Since the information processing device 10 has the above configuration, the main number is not notified to the vendor, reducing the risk of the main number being leaked. In addition, since the information processing device 10 actually uses the main number for payment, even if the sub-number is leaked, the information processing device 10 does not need to rewrite the main number used for payment.

[0089] The information processing device 10 further includes a usage limit setting unit 112. The usage limit setting unit 112 sets a usage limit for payments using the sub-number. When there are multiple sub-numbers linked to the main number, the usage limit setting unit 112 sets a usage limit for each sub-number.

[0090] Since the information processing device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, for example, when multiple sub-numbers are issued to a credit card owner according to their intended use, a usage limit can be set for each intended use.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple sub-numbers linked to a main number in the information processing device 10, the credit limit that the credit card management company can settle using the main number is the total amount of the credit limits for each of the multiple sub-numbers.

[0092] Since the information processing device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, when multiple sub-numbers are issued, a usage limit is set for each sub-number, while the credit card management company can set a usage limit on the total amount of the usage limits of all sub-numbers.

[0093] 2: Second embodiment Hereinafter, the credit card management system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of simplicity, the following description will focus mainly on the differences between the credit card management system 1A and the credit card management system 1. Furthermore, among the components of the credit card management system 1A, the same components as those of the credit card management system 1 will be designated by the same reference numerals, and a description of their functions may be omitted.

[0094] In the first embodiment, one main number is linked to one piece of account information in the account management information contained in the account management information database ADB1. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, one sub-number is linked to one piece of account information in the account management information contained in the account management information database ADB2. In the credit card management system 1A according to the second embodiment, when a product or service is purchased using a sub-number, the price of the product or service is debited from the account linked to the sub-number.

[0095] 2-1: Configuration of the second embodiment 2-1-1: Overall composition The credit card management system 1A includes an information processing device 10A instead of the information processing device 10 included in the credit card management system 1, and a first terminal device 20A instead of the first terminal device 20. In other respects, the configuration of the credit card management system 1A is the same as that of the credit card management system 1, and therefore illustration of the credit card management system 1A is omitted.

[0096] 2-1-2: Configuration of information processing device 10A Information processing device 10A has an account management information database ADB2 in place of account management information database ADB1 provided in information processing device 10, an update request acquisition unit 113A in place of update request acquisition unit 113, an update unit 114A in place of update unit 114, and an identification unit 117A in place of identification unit 117. In other respects, the configuration of information processing device 10A is the same as the configuration of information processing device 10, and therefore illustration of information processing device 10A is omitted.

[0097] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the account management information database ADB2. In the example shown in FIG. 11, account management information is stored in the account management information database ADB2. The account management information is information that associates an owner ID, a main number, a sub-number, account information, and the credit limit of the main number. The account information is information about an account number from which a payment is debited when a credit card is used. One main number is associated with one or more sub-numbers. Furthermore, there is a one-to-one correspondence between a sub-number and an account number. When a credit card owner pays for a product or service by using a sub-number, the amount of the product or service is debited from a debit account linked to the sub-number.

[0098] The credit limit of a main number is the maximum cumulative amount of payment that a credit card owner will make when purchasing goods or services using one or more sub-numbers. In other words, the credit limit that a credit card management company can settle using a main number is the total amount of the credit limits for one or more sub-numbers that correspond to the main number.

[0099] Similar to the update request acquisition unit 113, the update request acquisition unit 113A acquires an update request for updating a sub-number from the first terminal device 20 used by the credit card owner via the communication device 13. The update request includes an addition request indicating the addition of a new sub-number. The addition request includes, in addition to an instruction to add a new sub-number, account information indicating an account number linked to the sub-number. The update request also includes a deletion request indicating the deletion of an existing sub-number.

[0100] When the update request acquisition unit 113A acquires an addition request indicating the addition of a new sub-number as an update request, the update unit 114A issues a new sub-number, similar to the update unit 114. Also, similar to the update unit 114, the update unit 114A updates the card number information in which one main number is associated with an existing sub-number to card number information in which the one main number is associated with the existing sub-number and the new sub-number. Here, the card number information in which the one main number is associated with the existing sub-number is an example of "first card number information". The card number information in which the one main number is associated with the existing sub-number and the new sub-number is an example of "second card number information".

[0101] Update unit 114A further adds account management information indicating the new sub-number and account information corresponding to the new sub-number to the existing account management information stored in account management information database ADB2. Here, the existing account management information is an example of "first account management information." Account management information in which the new account management information is added to the existing account management information is an example of "second account management information."

[0102] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the account management information database ADB2 after new account management information is added. In the example shown in Fig. 11, it is assumed that the credit card holder corresponding to the holder ID=002 transmits a request to add a sub-number from the first terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10. In this case, as the sub-number and account number associated with the main number=7598358, the sub-number=286509384 and the account number 1-264-1876354 shown in Fig. 12 are added in addition to the sub-number=178936581 and the account number 1-315-9539289 shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the account management information corresponding to the holder ID=002 is information that associates the main number=7598358 with a set of the sub-number=178936581 and the account number 1-315-9539289. On the other hand, in FIG. 12, the account management information corresponding to owner ID=002 is information that associates main number=7598358 with a set of sub-number=178936581 and account number 1-315-9539289, and a set of sub-number=286509384 and account number 1-264-1876354.

[0103] When the update request acquisition unit 113A acquires, as an update request, a deletion request indicating the deletion of a sub-number designated by the credit card owner, the update unit 114A updates the card number information in which one main number is associated with multiple existing sub-numbers to card number information in which the one main number is associated with a sub-number obtained by excluding the designated sub-number from the multiple existing sub-numbers. Here, the "designated sub-number" is an example of a "second sub-number". Also, the card number information in which one main number is associated with multiple existing sub-numbers is an example of a "first card number information". The card number information in which one main number is associated with "a sub-number obtained by excluding the designated sub-number from multiple existing sub-numbers" is an example of a "second card number information". In other words, the "second card number information" associates a sub-number obtained by deleting the "second sub-number" from the multiple sub-numbers with the main number.

[0104] The update unit 114A further deletes one piece of account management information indicating the above "second sub-number" and account information corresponding to the "second sub-number" from the existing account management information stored in the account management information database ADB2. Here, the existing account management information is an example of "first account management information." The account management information from which the above "one piece of account management information" has been deleted is an example of "second account management information." In other words, the "second account management information" is information from which the "second sub-number" and the account information associated with the "second sub-number" have been deleted from the "first account management information."

[0105] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the account management information database ADB2 including the account management information after deleting the sub-number. In the example shown in Fig. 11, it is assumed that the credit card holder corresponding to the holder ID=001 transmits a request to delete the sub-number=678943261 from the first terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10. In this case, the pair of the sub-number and the account information associated with the main number=3564412 is only the pair of the sub-number=789614632 and the account number 1-987-4532910 shown in Fig. 13, out of the two pairs of the pair of the sub-number=789614632 and the account number 1-987-4532910 and the pair of the sub-number=678943261 and the account number 1-987-3625891 shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the account management information corresponding to the owner ID = 001 is information that associates the main number = 3564412 with the set of the sub number = 789614632 and the account number 1-987-4532910, and the set of the sub number = 678943261 and the account number 1-987-3625891. On the other hand, in Fig. 13, the account management information corresponding to the owner ID = 001 is information that associates the main number = 3564412 with the set of the sub number = 789614632 and the account number 1-987-4532910.

[0106] The identification unit 117A uses the sub-number included in the payment request to refer to the account management information database ADB2 to identify the account information corresponding to the sub-number. Note that the sub-number included in the payment request is an example of the "first sub-number."

[0107] For example, assume that the sub-number included in the payment request is 369126510 and the amount of the consideration included in the payment request is 100,000 yen. The identifying unit 117 identifies the account number 2-197-1896827 by referring to the account management information database ADB2 shown in FIG. 11 using the sub-number 369126510.

[0108] 2-1-3: Configuration of the first terminal device 20A The first terminal device 20A includes a processing device 21A instead of the processing device 21 included in the first terminal device 20, and a storage device 22A instead of the storage device 22. In other respects, the configuration of the first terminal device 20A is the same as the configuration of the first terminal device 20, so illustration of the first terminal device 20A is omitted.

[0109] The storage device 22A stores a control program PR2A executed by the processing device 21A in place of the control program PR2 included in the storage device 22. The storage device 22A also functions as a work area for the processing device 21A.

[0110] The processing device 21A reads out the control program PR2A from the storage device 22A. The processing device 21A executes the read out control program PR2A to transmit an update request for updating the sub-number to the information processing device 10A via the communication device 23. If the update request is an addition request indicating a request for adding a new sub-number, the addition request includes account information indicating an account number linked to the new sub-number. The processing device 21A causes the display device 24 to display the new sub-number notified from the information processing device 10. If the update request is a deletion request indicating a request for deleting an existing sub-number, the processing device 21A causes the display device 24 to display information indicating completion of the update notified from the information processing device 10.

[0111] 2-2: Operation of the second embodiment Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing device 10A will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] 2-2-1: Update behavior FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10 when updating the card number information and the account management information.

[0113] In step S21, the processing device 11A receives an update request for updating the sub-number from the first terminal device 20A used by the owner of the credit card.

[0114] In step S22, the processor 11A executes updating of the card number information.

[0115] More specifically, if the update request acquired in step S21 indicates adding a new sub-number, in step S22, the processing device 11A updates the first card number information that associates the main number with the existing sub-number to second card number information that associates the main number with the existing sub-number and the new sub-number.

[0116] On the other hand, if the update request acquired in step S21 indicates that the sub-number designated by the credit card owner is to be deleted from the multiple sub-numbers, in step S22, the processing device 11A updates the first card number information that associates the main number with the multiple sub-numbers to second card number information in which the designated sub-number is deleted from the multiple sub-numbers.

[0117] In step S23, the processor 11A executes updating of the account management information.

[0118] More specifically, if the update request acquired in step S21 indicates the addition of a new sub-number, in step S23, the processing device 11A updates the existing first account management information to second account management information. Here, the second account management information is information obtained by adding a newly issued new sub-number and account information corresponding to the new sub-number acquired from the credit card owner to the above-mentioned first account management information.

[0119] On the other hand, if the update request acquired in step S21 indicates that the sub-number designated by the credit card owner is to be deleted from the multiple sub-numbers, in step S23, the processing device 11A updates the existing first account management information to second account management information. Here, the second account management information is information obtained by deleting the designated sub-number and the account information associated with the sub-number from the above-mentioned first account management information.

[0120] In step S21, the processing device 11A functions as an update request acquisition unit 113A. In steps S22 and S23, the processing device 11A functions as an update unit 114A.

[0121] 2-2-2: Operation at the time of payment FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of information processing device 10A when making a payment using a sub-number.

[0122] In step S31, when the credit card owner uses the sub-number to pay a fee to a merchant, the processing device 11A obtains a payment request including the sub-number and the amount of the fee from the second terminal device 30 used by the merchant.

[0123] In step S32, the processor 11A identifies the account information corresponding to the sub-number, based on the sub-number included in the payment request acquired in step S31 and the account management information stored in the account management information database ADB1.

[0124] In step S33, the processor 11A executes the payment based on the account information specified in step S32 and the amount of the consideration included in the payment request.

[0125] In step S31, the processing device 11A functions as the payment request acquisition unit 116. In step S32, the processing device 11A functions as the specification unit 117A. In addition, in step S33, the processing device 11A functions as the payment unit 118.

[0126] 2-3: Advantages of the Second Embodiment According to the above description, information processing device 10A serving as a credit card management device includes management unit 111. Management unit 111 manages card number information that associates a main number, which is not disclosed to third parties other than the issuer of the credit card, with a plurality of sub-numbers that are disclosed to the owner of the credit card as card numbers of the credit card, and account management information that associates, for each sub-number, account information related to an account from which payment is withdrawn when the credit card is used.

[0127] Since information processing device 10A has the above configuration, an account can be set for each sub-number, so that the credit card owner can manage the usage fees for the sub-numbers using different accounts for each purpose of the sub-number.

[0128] The information processing device 10A further includes a payment request acquisition unit 116, an identification unit 117A, and a payment unit 118. When a credit card owner uses a first sub-number among multiple sub-numbers to pay a fee to a merchant, the payment request acquisition unit 116 acquires a payment request including the first sub-number and the amount of the fee from the merchant. The identification unit 117A identifies account information corresponding to the first sub-number based on the first sub-number corresponding to the payment request and the account management information. The payment unit 118 executes a payment based on the account information and the amount of the fee identified by the identification unit 117A.

[0129] Since the information processing device 10A has the above-mentioned configuration, it can make payments using the accounts set up for each sub-number.

[0130] In addition, in the information processing device 10A, the card number information is the first card number information, the account management information is the first account management information, and when the update request for updating the sub-number acquired from the credit card owner indicates adding a new sub-number, the update unit 114A issues a new sub-number and updates the first card number information to second card number information that associates the main number with the issued new sub-number and the above-mentioned multiple sub-numbers. Also, the update unit 114A updates the first account management information to second account management information in which the issued new sub-number and the account information acquired from the credit card owner and corresponding to the new sub-number are added to the first account management information. The notification unit 115 notifies the credit card owner of the issued new sub-number.

[0131] Since information processing device 10A has the above-mentioned configuration, the owner of the credit card can use multiple sub-numbers for different purposes, for example, and can add a new sub-number linked to a new purpose.

[0132] 3: Variations The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined.

[0133] 3-1: Variation 1 In the card number information database CDB1 according to the above embodiment, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the owner ID and the main number. That is, it is assumed that one credit card owner uses one main number. However, one credit card owner may use multiple main numbers. In this case, in the card number information database CDB1, multiple main numbers correspond to one owner ID.

[0134] 3-2: Variation 2 In the above embodiment, the credit limit corresponding to one main number is equal to the total amount of the credit limits corresponding to one or more sub-numbers corresponding to the main number, but the total amount of the credit limits corresponding to one or more sub-numbers may be less than the credit limit corresponding to one main number corresponding to these sub-numbers.

[0135] 3-3: Variation 3 In the above embodiment, the update request acquisition units 113 and 113A acquire, as an update request, a deletion request indicating the deletion of a sub-number designated by the credit card owner. However, the update request acquisition units 113 and 113A may acquire a deletion request indicating the deletion of a sub-number designated by someone other than the credit card owner. For example, the update request acquisition units 113 and 113A may acquire a deletion request indicating the deletion of a sub-number inputted from the input device 15 provided in the information processing device 10 by a credit card management company or a staff member of the management company.

[0136] 3-4: Variation 4 In the above first embodiment, when the update request acquisition unit 113 acquires an update request from the first terminal device 20 used by the owner of the credit card, the update unit 114 executes the update of the card number information. However, when the update request acquisition unit 113 does not acquire an update request, the management unit 111 may update the card number information. For example, the management unit 111 may update the card number information based on an input to the input device 15 by the credit card management company or a staff member of the management company.

[0137] Similarly, in the second embodiment, when the update request acquisition unit 113A does not acquire an update request, the management unit 111 may update the card number information.

[0138] 3-5: Variation 5 In the above embodiment, a usage limit is set for each sub-number individually, but a configuration may be adopted in which a usage limit is not set for each sub-number. In this case, when making a payment using a sub-number, the payment can be made within the credit limit of the main number linked to the sub-number. Also, the total amount that can be paid using one or more sub-numbers linked to one main number is the credit limit of the main number. Also, in this case, the information processing device 10 and 10A do not need to have the usage limit setting unit 112 as a required configuration.

[0139] 3-6: Variation 6 In the above embodiment, the total amount of the usage limits for each sub-number is the credit limit of the main number. However, the credit limit of the main number may be the total amount of the usage limits for each sub-number and the amount of the backup usage limit.

[0140] In this sixth variant, when the settlement unit 118 attempts to execute a settlement but would result in a withdrawal that exceeds the credit limit of the account number identified by the identification unit 117, the credit limit setting unit 112 may temporarily deduct the shortfall amount from the preliminary credit limit and temporarily increase the credit limit of the sub-number included in the settlement request by the shortfall amount.

[0141] 4:Other (1) In the above-described embodiment, the storage devices 12, 12A, 22, 22A, and 32 are exemplified as ROM and RAM, but may be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via electric communication lines. The programs may also be transmitted from a communication network via electric communication lines.

[0142] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0143] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the input / output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a management table. The input / output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. The output information, etc. may be deleted. The input information, etc. may be transmitted to another device.

[0144] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the determination may be made based on a value represented using one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0145] (5) The order of the process steps, sequences, flow charts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be changed without causing any inconsistency. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0146] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 15 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by using one device that is physically or logically combined, or may be realized by using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and directly or indirectly connected (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). The functional block may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

[0147] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0148] Additionally, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired and / or wireless technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave, etc.), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0149] (8) In each of the above embodiments, the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably.

[0150] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0151] (10) In the above-described embodiment, the first terminal device 20, 20A, and the second terminal device 30 may be a mobile station (MS). A mobile station may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable term. In the present disclosure, the terms "mobile station", "user terminal", "user equipment (UE)", "terminal", etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0152] (11) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the terms "connected" and "coupled" or any variation thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read with "access". As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and light (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0153] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0154] (13) The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, search, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, "determining" and "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. In addition, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc., to be a "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering some action to be a "judgment" or "decision." In addition, "judgment" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0155] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0156] (15) In this disclosure, where articles have been added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural.

[0157] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0158] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched according to execution. In addition, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is the case") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the specific information).

[0159] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented as modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1,1A...credit card management system, 10,10A...information processing device, 11,11A...processing device, 12,12A...storage device, 13...communication device, 14...display device, 15...input device, 20,20A...first terminal device, 21,21A...processing device, 22,22A...storage device, 23...communication device, 24...display device, 25...input device, 30...second terminal device, 31...processing device, 32...storage device, 33...communication device, 34 ...display device, 35...input device, 111...management unit, 112...usage limit setting unit, 113, 113A...update request acquisition unit, 114, 114A...update unit, 115...notification unit, 116...settlement request acquisition unit, 117, 117A...identification unit, 118...settlement unit, 119...usage limit setting unit, ADB1, ADB2...account management information database, CDB1...card number information database, PR1, PR2, PR2A, PR3...control program

Claims

1. A management unit that manages card number information that associates a main number, which is not disclosed to third parties other than the management company of the credit card, with a sub-number that is disclosed to the owner of the credit card, as a card number of the credit card, and account management information that associates the main number with account information related to the account at the time of use of the credit card. A credit card management device comprising:

2. an update unit that, when receiving an update request for updating the sub-number from the owner, executes the update of the card number information and does not execute the update of the account management information; 2. The credit card management device according to claim 1.

3. the sub-number is a first sub-number, the card number information is first card number information, When the update request indicates that a new sub-number is to be added, the update unit issues a second sub-number and updates the first card number information to second card number information that associates the main number with the first sub-number and the second sub-number; a notification unit for notifying the owner of the second sub-number, 3. The credit card management device according to claim 2.

4. the sub-number is a first sub-number, the card number information is first card number information, The first card number information associates the main number with the first sub-number and the second sub-number. When the update request indicates that the first sub-number is to be deleted, the update unit updates the first card number information to second card number information that associates the main number with the second sub-number; and a notification unit that notifies the owner that the update has been completed.

3. The credit card management device according to claim 2.

5. a payment request acquisition unit that acquires a payment request including the sub-number and the amount of the payment from a payee when the owner makes a payment using the sub-number; an identification unit that identifies the main number corresponding to the sub-number based on the sub-number corresponding to the payment request and the card number information, and identifies the account information corresponding to the main number based on the identified main number and the account management information; and a settlement unit that executes settlement based on the account information and the amount of the consideration identified by the identification unit.

2. The credit card management device according to claim 1.

6. A credit limit setting unit that sets a credit limit for payments using the sub-number, When there are a plurality of sub-numbers linked to the main number, the usage limit setting unit sets the usage limit for each of the sub-numbers.

2. The credit card management device according to claim 1.

7. When there are a plurality of sub-numbers linked to the main number, the credit limit that the management company of the credit card can settle using the main number is the total amount of the credit limits for each of the plurality of sub-numbers.

5. The credit card management device according to claim 4.

8. The account management information is information that associates a plurality of the sub-numbers with account information regarding the account when the credit card is used, instead of associating the main number with account information regarding the account when the credit card is used.

2. The credit card management information according to claim 1.

9. a payment request acquisition unit that acquires, when the owner makes a payment to a vendor using a first sub-number among the plurality of sub-numbers, a payment request including the first sub-number and the amount of the payment from the vendor; An identification unit that identifies the account information corresponding to the first sub-number based on the first sub-number corresponding to the payment request and the account management information; and a settlement unit that executes settlement based on the account information and the amount of the consideration identified by the identification unit.

9. The credit card management device according to claim 8.

10. the card number information is first card number information, the account management information is first account management information, If an update request for updating the sub-number obtained from the owner indicates adding a new sub-number, issue a new sub-number and update the first card number information to second card number information that associates the main number with the issued new sub-number and the plurality of sub-numbers; an update unit that updates the first account management information to second account management information obtained by adding the issued new sub-number and account information corresponding to the issued new sub-number obtained from the owner to the first account management information when the update request indicates the addition of a new sub-number; and a notification unit that notifies the owner of the issued new sub-number.

9. The credit card management device according to claim 8.

Images