Payment system for supporting split payment and method for performing split payment thereof

Abstract

To provide a payment system and a split payment method thereof that improve convenience of users by efficiently performing split payments.SOLUTION: A method includes the steps of: generating, by a user terminal 101, split payment information for splitting a single payment amount with one or more other user terminals 102-103 to make a payment; transmitting the split payment information to a payment service server 300 that provides a payment service; receiving a payment request by the payment service server; checking whether or not the received payment request is a split payment request by the payment service server; if it is the split payment request, checking whether or not the split payment is possible by the payment service server; and if the split payment is possible, performing the split payment by the payment service server based on the split payment information, and when the split payment is completed, transmitting, by the payment service server, a notification about completion of the split payment to each of the user terminal and the one or more other user terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment system that supports installment payments and a method for executing the installment payments. [Background technology]

[0002] When gathering (for example, a club, reunion, class reunion, social gathering, etc.), it is common for multiple participants to pool money to pay for the expenses. Recently, the culture of splitting the bill (Dutch pay or Dutch treat) has become widespread among office workers. For example, cash can be collected from everyone in the group before the meal, or one person can pay with their credit card (or cash, check card, etc.) and then bill the others individually.

[0003] However, this method can cause inconvenience to users. For example, as the use of credit cards has become commonplace, many people no longer carry cash, making it difficult to collect cash. On the other hand, the payer must provide their bank account information in order to later bill others individually, which is inconvenient for the payer, and they must encourage those who have not yet paid to make a payment.

[0004] Meanwhile, card terminals (e.g., POS machines) that support installment payments are available. For example, a portion of the total payment amount to be paid in installments can be entered into the card terminal, and the user can pay that amount by presenting their card. However, this method has the inconvenience of requiring multiple payments for each installment. For example, when paying for a meal for four users in installments, each of the four users must pay separately. Therefore, installment payments using card terminals have the problem of taking a long time to complete the entire payment.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a payment method that can solve the above-mentioned problems and / or inconveniences. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a payment system that supports installment payments, and a method for executing such installment payments, which, when an installment payment is requested by the representative's electronic device, can confirm whether installment payment is possible based on installment payment information and then execute the installment payment.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a payment system that supports installment payments, which can check whether installment payments are possible based on installment payment information, and if installment payments are not possible, can notify the user of the reason why payment is not possible, and a method for executing such installment payments.

[0008] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A method for performing installment payments in a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: an electronic device generating installment payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device; the electronic device transmitting the installment payment information to a payment service server that provides payment services; the payment service server receiving a payment request; the payment service server confirming whether the received payment request is a installment payment request; if the installment payment request is a installment payment request, the payment service server confirming whether installment payment is possible; and if installment payment is possible, the payment service server executing the installment payment based on the installment payment information; and when the installment payment is completed, the payment service server transmitting a notification regarding the completion of the installment payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively.

[0010] The method may further include a step in which, if the installment payment is not possible, the payment service server notifies the electronic device that the installment payment is not possible, and transmits a notification regarding the payment being not possible and a reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the installment payment is not possible.

[0011] The method may further include a step in which the electronic device invites the at least one other electronic device to perform the split payment to generate a split payment group, and the step of generating the split payment information may include a step of respectively setting a payment ratio or a payment amount for each group member included in the split payment group.

[0012] The step of generating the installment payment information may include a step of the electronic device confirming with the at least one other electronic device whether or not the installment payment information is approved, and a step of confirming the installment payment information if all of the at least one other electronic device approves the installment payment.

[0013] The method may further include the step of the at least one other electronic device requesting the electronic device to adjust the payment ratio or the payment amount.

[0014] The step of executing the installment payment may include the steps of generating single payment information regarding the installment payment, withdrawing or requesting the payment amount from each electronic device based on the installment payment information to complete the installment payment, and generating payment approval information for the single payment information.

[0015] The step of executing the installment payment may include the steps of generating sub-payment information for each electronic device based on the installment payment information, withdrawing or requesting the payment amount corresponding to the sub-payment information from each electronic device to complete the installment payment, and generating payment approval information for each of the sub-payment information.

[0016] A method for executing an installment payment in a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: an electronic device generating installment payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device; the electronic device transmitting the installment payment information to a payment service server that provides payment services; a payment terminal receiving a payment request; the payment terminal transmitting the payment request to the payment service server; the payment service server confirming whether the payment request is a installment payment request; if the installment payment is a installment payment request, the payment service server confirming whether the installment payment is possible; if the installment payment is possible, the payment service server executing the installment payment based on the installment payment information; and, when the installment payment is completed, the payment service server transmitting a notification regarding the completion of the installment payment to each of the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device; and if the installment payment is not possible, the payment service server notifying the electronic device that the installment payment is not possible and transmitting a notification regarding the payment impossibility and the reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the installment payment is not possible.

[0017] A method for executing an installment payment in a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: an electronic device generating installment payment information for dividing a single payment amount and paying it with at least one other electronic device; the electronic device transmitting the installment payment information to a payment service server that provides payment services; the payment service server confirming whether the installment payment is possible in response to receiving the installment payment information; if the installment payment is possible, the payment service server notifying the electronic device of the execution of the installment payment; the payment service server receiving a payment request; the payment service server confirming whether the received payment request is a installment payment request; if the installment payment request is a installment payment request, the payment service server executing the installment payment based on the installment payment information; and, when the installment payment is completed, the payment service server transmitting a notification regarding the completion of the installment payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively.

[0018] A payment system supporting installment payments according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electronic device that generates installment payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device, and a payment service server that, in response to receiving a payment request from the electronic device, checks whether the received payment request is a installment payment request, and if it is, checks whether the requested installment payment is possible, and if the installment payment is possible, executes the requested installment payment based on the installment payment information, and when the installment payment is completed, transmits a notification regarding the completion of the installment payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively.

[0019] If the installment payment is not possible, the payment service server may notify the electronic device that the installment payment is not possible and transmit a notification regarding the payment impossibility and the reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the installment payment is not possible.

[0020] The electronic device can invite the at least one other electronic device to perform the installment payment to create an installment payment group, and can generate the installment payment information by setting a payment ratio or payment amount for each group member included in the installment payment group.

[0021] The electronic device can inquire of the at least one other electronic device whether the installment payment information is approved, and if all of the at least one other electronic device approves the installment payment, the installment payment information can be confirmed.

[0022] The at least one other electronic device may request the electronic device to adjust the payment ratio or the payment amount.

[0023] The payment service server generates single payment information regarding the installment payment, and based on the installment payment information, withdraws or requests the payment amount from each electronic device to complete the installment payment, and generates payment approval information for the single payment information.

[0024] The payment service server can generate sub-payment information for each electronic device based on the installment payment information, withdraw or request the payment amount corresponding to the sub-payment information from each electronic device to complete the installment payment, and generate payment approval information for each of the sub-payment information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently execute installment payments and improve user convenience. For example, the present invention can check whether installment payments are possible based on installment payment information, and if installment payments are not possible, notify the user of the reason for the impossibility and encourage the user to quickly resolve the reason for the impossibility, thereby smoothly progressing the installment payment. Furthermore, the present invention can generate payment approval information for each installment payment group member, allowing them to cancel installment payments individually or easily change payment cards.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for executing installment payments in a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for executing installment payments in a payment system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a diagram for explaining a method for generating payment approval information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a method for generating payment approval information according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] 5a to 5c are illustrations of screens for generating a split payment group according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] 5a to 5c are illustrations of screens for generating a split payment group according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5c] 5a to 5c are illustrations of screens for generating a split payment group according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5d] 5d to 5g are views showing examples of the installment payment amount setting screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5e] 5d to 5g are views showing examples of the installment payment amount setting screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5f] 5d to 5g are views showing examples of the installment payment amount setting screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5g] 5d to 5g are views showing examples of the installment payment amount setting screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5h]5h and 5i are illustrations of a notification screen of installment payment details according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5i] 5h and 5i are illustrations of a notification screen of installment payment details according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed examples, which are provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples disclosed below, and may be realized in various different forms. These examples are provided solely to ensure complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0029] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, components, and / or sections, it is understood that these elements, components, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element, component, or section from another. Therefore, it is understood that a first element, first component, or first section referred to below may also be a second element, second component, or second section within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0030] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "made of" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements in addition to the stated components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein can be used in a manner commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless they are clearly and specifically defined.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] 1, a payment system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can support not only general payments but also split payment (e.g., splitting) services in which multiple users split a single payment amount. The system 1000 can include a user terminal (e.g., electronic device) 100, a payment terminal 200, and a payment service server 300.

[0034] The user terminal 100 may be an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a smart watch, etc.) that includes an online / offline payment function. The user terminal 100 may include an application (e.g., an electronic wallet, a mobile card, etc.) that manages and controls the payment function.

[0035] The user terminal 100 may be a terminal of a group member (or constituent) of a group (or organization) for installment payment. That is, the user terminal 100 may include multiple user terminals 101, 102, and 103. The user terminal 100 may support installment payment during payment services. For example, one of the multiple user terminals 101, 102, and 103 (e.g., the first user terminal 101) may invite at least one other user terminal (e.g., the second user terminal 102 to the Nth user terminal 103) as a representative terminal to form a installment payment group. After forming the installment payment group, the first user terminal 101 may generate installment payment information and perform installment payment. Detailed operations of the user terminal 100 for installment payment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0036] The payment terminal 200 receives a payment request (e.g., a request for general payment or installment payment) from the first user terminal 101, transmits it to the payment service server 300, and can receive a payment approval or failure message from the payment service server 300. The payment terminal 200 may be a card terminal (e.g., a POS machine) installed in an offline store (e.g., an affiliated store). Alternatively, the payment terminal 200 may be payment software (e.g., a payment application) for online payment.

[0037] The payment service server 300 can support a payment service for the user terminal 100. The payment service server 300 may be a third-party server that provides a payment service using a card company's network. For example, the payment service server 300 may be connected to the user terminal 100 and the payment terminal 200 via a network including a card company's network, the Internet, an intranet, a wired / wireless communication network, a mobile communication network, etc., and may receive a payment request from the first user terminal 101 via the payment terminal 200 and process the received payment request. The payment service server 300 may also store information about service subscribers (e.g., information about at least one payment card held by the subscriber, information about a charging account, etc.) in a database.

[0038] The payment service server 300 according to one embodiment may support installment payments. For example, the payment service server 300 may receive installment payment information (e.g., group members, total payment amount, installment payment amount for each group member, payment method for each group member, etc.) from the first user terminal 101 and check whether installment payments are possible based on the installment payment information. If installment payments are possible, the payment service server 300 may execute installment payments by withdrawing (or requesting) the payment amount for each group member and notify the group members of the completion of the installment payments (e.g., by transmitting a message detailing the installment payment to the terminals of each group member).

[0039] Meanwhile, if installment payment is not possible, the payment service server 300 may notify the first user terminal 101 that installment payment is not possible. At this time, the payment service server 300 may notify the group members who are unable to make the payment and / or the reason for the impossibility. Furthermore, the payment service server 300 may transmit the reason for the impossibility of payment (e.g., insufficient balance, exceeding limit) to the terminal of the group member who is unable to make the installment payment, to encourage the member to resolve the reason. The detailed operation of the payment service server 300 for the above-mentioned installment payment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0040] Meanwhile, although not shown, the payment service server 300 can also provide payment services in cooperation with card companies. For example, the payment service server 300 can store card information of other card companies using various known methods and bill the card company for the installment payment amount using the stored card information. Furthermore, when an installment payment is requested, the payment service server 300 can inquire of the card company as to whether the installment payment amount can be paid and receive the result.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for executing installment payments in a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, a method for executing an installment payment in a payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the "installment payment method") can generate installment payment information in step S201. For example, an electronic device (e.g., a first user terminal 101) can generate installment payment information for making an installment payment with at least one other electronic device (e.g., a second user terminal 102 to an Nth user terminal 103) for a single payment. The installment payment information can include the group members for which the installment payment will be made, the total payment amount, and the installment payment amount (or ratio) for each group member. Specifically, the user of the electronic device can select one of pre-defined groups or invite at least one other electronic device to form an installment payment group, and then set the payment amount or payment ratio for each group member relative to the total payment amount to generate the installment payment information. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0043] In step S203, the installment payment method may transmit installment payment information to the payment service server 300. For example, the electronic device may transmit the installment payment information to the payment service server 300 using a wired or wireless communication network. As another example, the electronic device may transmit the installment payment information to the payment service server 300 via the payment terminal 200.

[0044] In the installment payment method, in steps S205 and S206, a user of an electronic device can use the electronic device to request payment from the payment service server 300 via the payment terminal 200. For example, if the payment terminal 200 is a POS device, the POS device can transmit a payment request to the payment service server 300 when the user of the electronic device brings the electronic device into contact with (or within a certain distance from) the POS device. As another example, if the payment terminal 200 is a payment application, the payment application can transmit a payment request to the payment service server 300 when a payment button is activated (e.g., clicked) on a payment screen. The payment request can include a total payment amount and identification information (e.g., card number).

[0045] In step S207, the installment payment method can determine whether the requested payment is an installment payment request. For example, the payment service server 300 can determine whether the requested payment is an installment payment request based on installment payment information. For example, after receiving installment payment information from an electronic device, the payment service server 300 can determine that the payment request received from the electronic device is an installment payment request.

[0046] If the requested payment is not a split payment request, the split payment method may proceed with a normal payment in step S208. On the other hand, if the requested payment is a split payment request, the split payment method may check whether split payment is possible in step S209. For example, the payment service server 300 may check whether split payment is possible based on the received split payment information. For example, if the group member's payment method is a prepaid charge card (or account), the payment service server 300 may check whether the balance is equal to or greater than the split payment amount, and if the payment method is a credit card, the payment service server 300 may check whether the available balance is equal to or greater than the split payment amount.

[0047] If the check in step S209 indicates that installment payment is not possible, the payment service server 300 can notify the payment terminal 200 of the payment impossibility in step S211. The payment service server 300 can also notify the electronic device of the payment impossibility in step S213. At this time, the payment service server 300 can notify (transmit) both the group member who is unable to make the payment and the reason for the impossibility. The payment service server 300 can also transmit the reason for the impossibility to the terminal of the group member who is unable to make the payment in step S215. Steps S213 and S215 allow group members to quickly resolve the situation in which installment payment is not possible (for example, by recharging a prepaid charge card (or account), increasing the credit limit on a credit card, requesting an adjustment to the installment amount (or ratio), or changing a payment card (or account)), thereby improving the convenience of installment payment.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the payment service server 300 may transmit information on at least one card that can be used for payment among the cards held by the group member who cannot make a payment when transmitting the reason for non-payment. According to another embodiment, if a group member has set up automatic charging, the payment service server 300 may automatically charge the payment card with insufficient balance and transmit an automatic charging message to the terminal of the group member informing the group member of the automatic charging of the card.

[0049] On the other hand, if the check in step S209 shows that installment payment is possible (or if all reasons for payment impossibility are resolved after step S215), the installment payment method can execute the installment payment based on the installment payment information in step S221. For example, the payment service server 300 can withdraw (or request) the payment amount for each group member based on the installment payment information. The installment payment method can generate payment approval information in step S223. In this case, the payment service server 300 can generate payment approval information for each group member separately. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4a. As another example, the payment service server 300 can withdraw the payment amount for each group member, but only generate one payment approval information for the total amount. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4b.

[0050] The installment payment method may transmit a notification in step S225. For example, the payment service server 300 may transmit first notification information (e.g., payment approval) to the payment terminal 200, second notification information (e.g., installment payment approval details) to the electronic device, and third notification information (e.g., installment payment approval details) to at least one other electronic device. Details of this will be described later with reference to FIG. 5c.

[0051] Meanwhile, although not shown, when checking whether installment payment is possible in step S209, the payment service server 300 can check whether installment payment is possible by comparing the total payment amount transmitted from the payment terminal 200 with the total payment amount included in the installment payment information received from the electronic device. This is to prevent payment errors that occur when the user of the electronic device incorrectly inputs the total payment amount when generating the installment payment information.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for executing installment payments in a payment system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, a method for executing installment payment in a payment system according to another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "installment payment method") is similar to the installment payment method of Figure 2. However, in the installment payment method of Figure 3, the payment service server 300 can confirm whether installment payment is possible before the user of the electronic device actually requests installment payment from the payment terminal 200 using the electronic device.

[0054] The installment payment method can generate installment payment information in step S301. The installment payment method can transmit the installment payment information to the payment service server 300 in step S303. The installment payment method can confirm whether installment payment is possible in step S305. Steps S301, S303, and S305 are similar to steps S201, S203, and S209 in Figure 2, respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0055] If the check result in step S305 indicates that installment payment is not possible, the installment payment method may have the payment service server 300 notify the electronic device that installment payment is not possible in step S311, and transmit the reason for the impossibility to the terminal of the group member who is unable to make the payment in step S313. Steps S311 and S313 are similar to steps S213 and S215 in Fig. 2, respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0056] On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S305 indicates that payment in installments is possible, the payment in installments method allows the payment service server 300 to notify the electronic device of the execution of payment in installments in step S315.

[0057] In the installment payment method, in steps S317 and S318, the user of the electronic device can use the electronic device to request payment from the payment service server 300 via the payment terminal 200. Steps S317 and S318 are similar to steps S205 and S206 in Figure 2, respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0058] The installment payment method may check whether the requested payment is an installment payment request in step S319. If the requested payment is not an installment payment request, the installment payment method may proceed with a general payment in step S320. On the other hand, if the requested payment is an installment payment request, the installment payment method may cause the payment service server 300 to perform an installment payment based on the installment payment information in step S321, generate payment approval information in step S323, and transmit a notification in step S325. The above steps S319, S320, S321, S323, and S325 are similar to steps S207, S208, S221, S223, and S225 of FIG. 2, respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0059] 2 and 3 illustrate the use of the first user terminal 101 to request payment in installments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. According to another example, after generating payment in installments information in the first user terminal 101, the present invention also allows a physical card (e.g., a credit card, a prepaid charge card, etc.) to be brought into contact with (or within a certain distance from) the payment terminal 200 instead of the first user terminal 101 to request payment in installments.

[0060] Although the description has been given assuming that installment payment information is generated each time an installment payment is made, the present invention is not limited to this. According to another example, the present invention may be configured to proceed with all payments as installment payments during a group travel period (e.g., a week, a month, or a specified date), and during that period, installment payments may be made based on installment payment information generated and stored in advance, without the need to generate installment payment information for each payment.

[0061] FIG. 4a is a diagram for explaining a method for generating payment approval information according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4b is a diagram for explaining a method for generating payment approval information according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] 4a and 4b, a payment service server according to an embodiment of the present invention may generate payment approval information for a payment installment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4a, when a payment installment request for a single payment is made (S401), the payment service server may generate sub-payment information for each payment installment based on the payment installment information (S402-1, S402-2), withdraw (or request) (S403-1, S403-2) the amount equivalent to the generated sub-payment information from each electronic device to complete the payment installment (S404-1, S404-2), and generate payment approval information for each sub-payment information. In this way, when sub-payment information is generated for each group member, if a specific group member wishes to cancel their own payment (or change their payment card (or method)), they can cancel only that sub-payment without having to cancel the entire payment and re-pay, thereby improving convenience for affiliated stores and users.

[0063] As another example, as shown in Fig. 4b, when a split payment of a single payment is requested (S411), the payment service server generates single payment information for the split payment (S412), and based on the split payment information, withdraws (or requests) the split payment amount from the electronic device and at least one other electronic device (S413-1, S413-2), respectively, to complete the split payment (S414), and generates payment approval information for the single payment information. In other words, although Fig. 4b shows a split payment, it can be processed as a single payment from the perspective of the payment terminal 200.

[0064] Figures 5a to 5c are illustrations of an example of a screen for creating an installment payment group according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5d to 5g are illustrations of an example of a screen for setting an installment payment amount according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5h and 5i are illustrations of an example of a screen for notifying the details of an installment payment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] 5a to 5i, when an installment payment menu is executed in a payment service app, an electronic device (e.g., a first user terminal) according to an embodiment of the present invention can display a payment group list screen as shown in the diagram with reference numeral

[0510] . The diagram with reference numeral

[0510] shows an example in which there are no pre-created payment groups.

[0066] When a create menu 501 for creating a payment group is selected (e.g., touched) on the payment group list screen, the electronic device can display a payment group creation screen as shown in the diagram with reference numeral

[0520] . The payment group creation screen can include a group name field 521 for setting (e.g., inputting) a group name, a group type field 522 for setting (e.g., selecting) a group type (e.g., whether it is a one-time group or a group that can be used multiple times), and a participant list field 523 for displaying a group member list. In this case, the participant list field 523 can basically include a user of the electronic device (e.g., participant A(me)).

[0067] When the invitation menu 502 for inviting group members is selected (e.g., touched) on the payment group creation screen, the electronic device can display an invitation screen as shown in the diagram with reference numeral

[0530] . The invitation screen can include at least one group member field 531 containing the name and contact information (e.g., phone number) of the group member. For example, the user of the electronic device can add a group member (e.g., participant B) by directly entering the name and contact information of the user to be invited into the group member field 531. Alternatively, the user of the electronic device can add a group member (e.g., participant B) by selecting a specific contact from pre-stored contacts.

[0068] Meanwhile, the invitation screen may include an add menu 503 for adding group members. When the add menu 503 is selected (e.g., touched), the electronic device can add a group member field 532, as shown in the diagram with reference numeral

[0540] . At this time, the user of the electronic device can add a group member (e.g., participant C) to the added group member field 532.

[0069] When the confirmation menu 504 to complete the group setting is selected (e.g., touched) on the invitation screen, the electronic device can display a payment group creation screen in which group members for installment payment (e.g., Participant B, Participant C) are added to the invitation list 523, as shown in the figure with reference numeral

[0550] .

[0070] When the confirmation menu 505 is selected (e.g., touched) on the payment group creation screen, the electronic device may display a payment group list screen to which the created payment group (e.g., payment group 1) has been added, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral

[0560] . The payment group list screen of reference numeral

[0560] may display the created payment group in the form of a card (hereinafter, "payment group card") 561. The payment group card 561 may include an on / off menu 506 for activating or deactivating the card, a delete menu 507 for deleting the card, a name change menu 508 for changing the name of the payment group, and a usage history menu 509 for checking the usage history of the payment group.

[0071] Meanwhile, if the confirmation menu 505 is selected (e.g., touched) on the payment group creation screen, the electronic device may transmit an invitation message to group members (e.g., participant B, participant C) included in the payment group. In this case, other electronic devices (e.g., participant C's electronic device) that receive the invitation message from the electronic device may display a pop-up message 562 as shown in the figure with reference numeral

[0565] .

[0072] When the payment group card 561 is selected on the payment group list screen indicated by reference numeral

[0560] , the electronic device can display a payment amount setting screen for setting the payment amount for each group member, as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral

[0570] . The payment amount setting screen can include amount setting fields 571, 572, and 573 for setting the installment payment amount for each group member, and a representative change menu 574 for changing the representative who sets the installment payment information. In this case, the electronic device can activate only the amount setting fields for group members who accepted the invitation on the payment amount setting screen. For example, as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral

[0570] , if an acceptance message is not received from the electronic devices of the invited group members (e.g., Participant B and Participant C), the electronic device can activate and display only the amount setting field 571 for itself (e.g., Participant A) and inactivate the amount setting fields 572 and 573 for the invited group members (e.g., Participant B and Participant C).

[0073] Meanwhile, when the pop-up message 562 shown in the diagram of reference numeral

[0565] is selected, the other electronic device may display a split payment group list screen including an invitation card 576 displaying detailed information about the invitation message, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral

[0575] . The invitation card 576 may include a rejection menu 511 for the invitation and an acceptance menu 512. When the rejection menu 511 is selected, the other electronic device may transmit a rejection message for the invitation to the electronic device and delete the invitation card 576. On the other hand, when the acceptance menu 512 is selected, the other electronic device may transmit an acceptance message to the electronic device and change the invitation card 576 to a payment group card 578, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral

[0577] . The payment group card 578 may include a withdrawal menu 513 for withdrawing from the payment group and a usage details menu 514 for checking payment details. On the other hand, the acceptance message may include payment method information if the group member has not specified a basic payment method (e.g., credit card, prepaid charge card, account, etc.) for payment or if the group member requests a change in payment method.

[0074] Meanwhile, when acceptance messages are received from at least some of the invited group members (e.g., participant B and participant C), the electronic device may activate the amount setting field 573 for the group member who accepted the invitation (e.g., participant C) on the payment amount setting screen, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral

[0580] . The user of the electronic device may set the payment ratio for each group member using the bar in the amount setting field. For example, the user of the electronic device may set the payment ratio so that participant A (me) pays 80% and participant C pays 20%. Once the payment ratios for the group members have been set, the electronic device may transmit the set payment ratios to the electronic devices of the group members.

[0075] After receiving the payment ratio from the electronic device, when the payment group card 578 in the diagram indicated by reference numeral

[0577] is selected, the other electronic device (e.g., participant C's electronic device) can display a payment amount setting screen as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral

[0585] . The payment amount setting screen indicated by reference numeral

[0585] may be the same as the payment amount setting screen of the electronic device indicated by reference numeral

[0580] . Meanwhile, the diagram indicated by reference numeral

[0585] shows that the amount setting field is activated so that the user of the other electronic device (e.g., participant C) can change the payment ratio using the amount setting field. In this case, the other electronic device can transmit the changed payment ratio to the electronic device. In other words, the final payment ratio can be determined through consultation between the group members. In another example, the other electronic device can display the amount setting field in an inactive state, preventing the user of the other electronic device from changing the payment ratio set by the user of the electronic device. In this case, the other electronic device may transmit the user's decision regarding whether to approve the payment ratio to the other electronic device. In another example, the user of the electronic device may set the payment ratio to be changeable or not changeable on the other electronic device when generating the payment in installments.

[0076] Once the installment payment information has been generated through the above-described procedure, the electronic device can request installment payment from the payment service server 300 via the payment terminal 200. In response to the installment payment request, the payment service server 300 checks whether installment payment is possible, and if installment payment is possible, it can proceed with the installment payment. Once the installment payment is completed, the payment service server 300 can generate an installment payment approval detail and transmit the generated installment payment approval detail to the electronic device and other electronic devices. For example, the payment service server 300 can generate a first installment payment approval detail 591 associated with the electronic device and a second installment payment approval detail 592 associated with another electronic device (e.g., participant C's electronic device), as shown in the diagrams indicated by reference numerals [590-1] and [590-2].

[0077] An electronic device that receives the first installment payment approval details 591 can display a first pop-up message 593 on one side of the display as shown in the figure with reference numeral [595-1]. Similarly, another electronic device that receives the second installment payment approval details 592 can display a second pop-up message 594 on one side of the display as shown in the figure with reference numeral [595-2].

[0078] While the above describes setting a payment ratio, in another embodiment, the electronic device user may input the installment payment amount for each group member instead of the payment ratio. In this case, the electronic device may display the total of the input installment payment amounts. The electronic device user can check whether the displayed total amount matches the actual total payment amount.

[0079] As another example, the electronic device may obtain the total payment amount from the user or the payment terminal 200 and compare the obtained total payment amount with the total installment payment amount entered via the amount setting field.

[0080] As another example, the user of the electronic device may input a payment installment amount for each group member by combining a payment ratio and a payment amount. For example, the user of the electronic device may input a payment installment amount for at least one group member, set a payment ratio for the remaining group members, and have the remaining group members pay the remaining amount according to the payment ratio.

[0081] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, changes, and equivalent embodiments of the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical ideas of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for effecting installment payments in a payment system, comprising: generating, by the electronic device, split payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device; The electronic device transmits the divided payment information to a payment service server that provides a payment service; The payment service server receives a payment request; The payment service server confirms whether the received payment request is a split payment request; If the payment is a request for installment payment, the payment service server confirms whether or not the payment can be made in installments; If the split payment is possible, the payment service server executes the split payment based on the split payment information, and when the split payment is completed, the payment service server transmits a notification regarding the completion of the split payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively; If the payment by installments is not possible, the payment service server notifies the electronic device of the impossibility of the payment by installments, and further includes a step of transmitting a notice regarding the payment impossibility and a reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the payment by installments is not possible; The step of executing the installment payment includes: generating a single payment information relating to the split payment; and completing the split payment by withdrawing or requesting the payment amount from each electronic device based on the split payment information, and generating payment approval information for the single payment information.

2. The electronic device further includes inviting the at least one other electronic device to perform the split payment to form a split payment group; The step of generating installment payment information includes: The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of setting a settlement ratio or a settlement amount for each group member included in the split settlement group.

3. The step of generating installment payment information includes: The electronic device confirms with the at least one other electronic device whether or not the divided payment information is approved; and determining said split payment information if said at least one other electronic device as a whole approves said split payment.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of the at least one other electronic device requesting an adjustment of the payment ratio or the payment amount from the electronic device.

5. 1. A method for effecting installment payments in a payment system, comprising: generating, by the electronic device, split payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device; The electronic device transmits the divided payment information to a payment service server that provides a payment service; receiving a payment request at a payment terminal; The payment terminal transmits the payment request to the payment service server; The payment service server confirms whether the payment request is a split payment request; If the payment is a request for installment payment, the payment service server confirms whether or not the payment can be made in installments; If the split payment is possible, the payment service server executes the split payment based on the split payment information, and when the split payment is completed, the payment service server transmits a notification regarding the completion of the split payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively; If the installment payment is not possible, the payment service server notifies the electronic device of the impossibility of the installment payment, and transmits a notice regarding the payment impossibility and a reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the installment payment is not possible; When the installment payment is possible, the payment service server executes the installment payment based on the installment payment information, generating a single payment information relating to the split payment; and completing the split payment by withdrawing or requesting the payment amount from each electronic device based on the split payment information, and generating payment approval information for the single payment information.

6. 1. A method for effecting installment payments in a payment system, comprising: generating, by the electronic device, split payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device; The electronic device transmits the divided payment information to a payment service server that provides a payment service; In response to receiving the split payment information, the payment service server confirms whether or not split payment is possible; If the installment payment is possible, the payment service server notifies the electronic device of the execution of the installment payment; The payment service server receives a payment request; The payment service server confirms whether the received payment request is a split payment request; If the payment is a split payment request, the payment service server executes the split payment based on the split payment information; and when the partial payment is completed, the payment service server transmits a notification regarding the completion of the partial payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively; If the payment by installments is not possible, the payment service server notifies the electronic device of the impossibility of the payment by installments, and further includes a step of transmitting a notice regarding the payment impossibility and a reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the payment by installments is not possible; The step of executing the installment payment includes: generating a single payment information relating to the split payment; and completing the split payment by withdrawing or requesting the payment amount from each electronic device based on the split payment information, and generating payment approval information for the single payment information.

7. In a payment system that supports installment payments, an electronic device that generates split payment information for splitting a single payment amount with at least one other electronic device; a payment service server that, in response to receiving a payment request from the electronic device, checks whether the received payment request is a split payment request, and if it is, checks whether the requested split payment is possible, and if the split payment is possible, executes the requested split payment based on the split payment information, and when the split payment is completed, transmits a notification regarding the completion of the split payment to the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device, respectively; The payment service server, If the installment payment is impossible, notify the electronic device of the impossibility of the installment payment, and transmit a notice regarding the impossibility of the payment and a reason for the impossibility to at least one electronic device for which the installment payment is impossible; The payment service server also A system characterized by generating a single payment information for the split payment, withdrawing or requesting the payment amount from each electronic device based on the split payment information to complete the split payment, and generating payment approval information for the single payment information.

8. The electronic device comprises: The system described in claim 7, characterized in that a split payment group is generated by inviting at least one other electronic device to perform the split payment, and the split payment information is generated by setting a payment ratio or payment amount for each group member included in the split payment group.

9. The electronic device comprises: The system described in claim 8, characterized in that the at least one other electronic device is inquired about whether or not the split payment information is approved, and if the at least one other electronic device as a whole approves the split payment, the split payment information is confirmed.

10. The at least one other electronic device 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a request to the electronic device to adjust the payment ratio or the payment amount.

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