Information processing system, terminal device, server device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To realize a transaction based on an electronic value in a more suitable manner even in a situation where communication via a network is restricted.SOLUTION: A terminal device holds second transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium and information relating to an electronic transaction in a situation where communication is restricted; and transmits, when the communication is restored, the held second transaction information to a server device. When receiving the second transaction information from the terminal device, the server device holds the second transaction information. When identification information included in first transaction information received from the terminal device that has read the transaction medium and identification information included in the held second transaction information match, electronic transactions each corresponding to each of the first transaction information and the second transaction information are considered as a series of electronic transactions and the server device notifies a result of the series of electronic transactions to the terminal device. The result of the series of electronic transactions is reflected on the electronic value held in the transaction medium which is read by the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a terminal device, a server device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various technologies have been proposed for electronically implementing various transactions by using data having monetary value such as electronic money, points, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as electronic value). Transactions using such electronic value are implemented, for example, by storing the electronic value in a transaction medium such as a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or an IC card, and having the transaction medium be read by an electronic transaction processing terminal (hereinafter also referred to as a terminal device). In recent years, a technology has also been proposed in which various data related to transactions based on the results of reading transaction media by a terminal device is centrally managed by a management server, also called a center server, which is connected to the terminal device via a network. By applying such a technology, it is expected to have effects such as improving the security of data processing related to electronic transactions and reducing the cost of terminal devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a technology for electronically implementing transactions using electronic money, points, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-13324 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, the method of managing data related to electronic transactions based on electronic value in a management server is premised on the establishment of communication via a network between a terminal device and the management server. Therefore, for example, if communication via a network is restricted due to some factor such as the occurrence of a disaster, the use of electronic transactions based on electronic value may be restricted (and may even become unusable).

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to enable transactions based on electronic value to be realized in a more suitable manner even under circumstances in which communication via a network is restricted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system including a server device that manages information related to a transaction using an electronic value, and a terminal device that is connected to the server device via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information held in the transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading a transaction medium on which the electronic value is held, wherein the terminal device has a first processing means that, when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication via the network is possible, transmits first transaction information to the server device via the network, the first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device, and, when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication via the network is restricted, transmits second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium, and a transmission means for transmitting the second transaction information held by the first holding means to the server device when communication via the network is restored. The server device has a second processing means for, when receiving the first transaction information from the terminal device, executing a procedure related to an electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction, and a second holding means for holding the second transaction information when receiving the second transaction information from the terminal device. When the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information held in the second holding means, the second processing means treats the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions, and notifies the terminal device of the results of the series of electronic transactions, and the results of the series of electronic transactions are reflected in the electronic value held in the transaction medium read by the terminal device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even under circumstances in which communication via a network is restricted, it is possible to realize a transaction based on electronic value in a more suitable manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the information processing system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a process flow for electronic trading. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a terminal device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a terminal device. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a management server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] <Summary> An overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For example, Fig. 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that electronically realizes transactions such as payment for purchasing products and using services using electronic value having monetary value such as electronic money and points, and charging electronic money and giving points. The information processing system 1 includes a management server 200 and one or more terminal devices 100. In the example shown in Fig. 1, for convenience, three terminal devices 100a to 100c are provided as the terminal devices 100. The management server 200 and each terminal device 100 are connected to each other via a network N1 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other. In addition, the type of the network N1 is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to connect the management server 200 and each terminal device 100 so that data can be transmitted and received between them. As a specific example, the network N1 may be a network such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN). In addition, the network N1 may be a network conforming to a wireless communication standard such as LTE or 5G. In addition, the network N1 may be realized by a plurality of networks. In this case, the plurality of networks may include two or more networks of different types, and the type of transmission path or the communication method applied in some networks may be different from that of the other networks. In addition, the communication between the management server 200 and each terminal device 100 may be mediated by another communication device.

[0011] The terminal device 100 is configured to be able to refer to and update information held in the transaction medium 300, including the electronic value, by reading a transaction medium 300 capable of holding electronic value, such as a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone, an IC card, and an IC chip. Based on this configuration, when the terminal device 100 reads the transaction medium 300, it requests a management server 200, described later, to carry out a procedure related to an electronic transaction using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. In addition, the terminal device 100 may obtain from the management server 200 the result of the procedure of the electronic transaction requested to the management server 200 according to the result of reading the transaction medium 300, and update information such as the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 based on the result of the procedure related to the electronic transaction. As a specific example, the terminal device 100 may subtract the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 according to the price associated with the purchase of a product or the use of a service. As another example, the terminal device 100 may add electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 by charging or granting (refunding) electronic value. For example, the transaction medium 300a shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a transaction medium realized as a so-called IC card. Also, the transaction medium 300b shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a transaction medium realized as a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 100 is configured to read the transaction medium 300 by communicating with the transaction medium 300 located nearby by short-range wireless communication (non-contact communication) represented by NFC (Near Field Communication). However, the example shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and as long as the terminal device 100 can update information (e.g., information on electronic value) held in the transaction medium 300 by reading the transaction medium 300, the method is not particularly limited.

[0012] The management server 200 manages various information related to electronic transactions using electronic value according to the results of reading the transaction medium 300 by each of the series of terminal devices 100 to be managed. For example, the management server 200 manages information related to the electronic value held in each transaction medium 300 (e.g., the remaining amount of electronic value, etc.) individually in association with identification information assigned to the transaction medium 300. In addition, in response to a request from a terminal device 100 that has read the transaction medium 300, the management server 200 executes processing related to electronic transactions using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300, and notifies the terminal device 100 of the results (e.g., the added or subtracted value of the electronic value, etc.).

[0013] With the above-described configuration, for example, when the terminal device 100 reads a trading medium 300 for electronic trading, it transmits trading information including identification information of the trading medium 300 and information regarding electronic trading based on the electronic value held in the trading medium 300 to the management server 200 via the network N1. When the management server 200 receives transaction information from the terminal device 100, the management server 200 updates information on the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 indicated by the identification information included in the transaction information based on information on the electronic transaction (e.g., information indicating the transaction content). Then, the management server 200 transmits information on the update of the electronic value held in the target transaction medium 300 to the terminal device 100 as information according to the result of the electronic transaction. The terminal device 100 acquires information related to the update of the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 as a result of actual processing of the electronic transaction based on the transaction information from the management server 200 that transmitted the transaction information. Then, the terminal device 100 updates the electronic value held in the read transaction medium 300 based on the information acquired from the management server 200. In this way, the result of the electronic transaction is reflected in the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300.

[0014] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment has a function for realizing electronic transactions using electronic value when communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restricted. The details of this function will be described separately below together with an explanation of the functional configuration and processing of the information processing system 1.

[0015] <Hardware configuration> An example of the hardware configuration of various information processing devices (for example, the management server 200 and the terminal device 100) constituting the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] First, an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 900 applicable as the management server 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The information processing device 900 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a communication interface device 902, a HD (Hard Disk) 903, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 908, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 909. The information processing device 900 may also include at least one of an input device 904 and an output device 905. The information processing device 900 may also include a recording medium drive device 906.

[0017] The CPU 901 controls various operations of the information processing device 900. The ROM 908 stores control programs, boot programs, and the like that can be executed by the CPU 901. The RAM 909 is the main memory of the CPU 901, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for expanding various programs. The HD 903 stores various data and various programs. The CPU 901 reads out a program stored in the HD 903, loads it into the RAM 909, and executes the program, thereby realizing the various functions described below with reference to Fig. 5 and the processes described below with reference to Figs. 6 to 9. Instead of the HD 903 or together with the HD 903, a storage device other than the HD 903, such as a non-volatile memory typified by an SSD (Solid State Drive), may be used.

[0018] The communication interface device 902 is an interface that connects the information processing device 900 to various networks such as the network N1. A device applied as the communication interface device 902 may be appropriately changed depending on the type of the network N1 and the communication method applied. As a specific example, when the network N1 is a wired network, the communication interface device 902 may include a connector that connects a cable used as a transmission path, a device related to receiving data via the cable, and a device related to transmitting data via the cable. As another example, when the network N1 is a wireless network, the communication interface device 902 may include various devices for realizing wireless communication such as an antenna device and an RF circuit.

[0019] The input device 904 is a device for receiving instructions from an administrator of the information processing device 900. The input device 904 may be realized by, for example, an operation device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a lever, or a pedal. In addition, the device applied as the input device 904 may be appropriately changed according to a method by which a user gives instructions to the information processing device 900 (in other words, a method of operating the information processing device 900). For example, when the information processing device 900 receives instructions from a user by voice input, the input device 904 may be realized by a sound collection device that receives voice input, such as a microphone.

[0020] The output device 905 is a device for presenting various information to the user of the information processing device 900. The output device 905 may be realized by a display device such as a display that presents information to the user by displaying various display information, screens, etc. Furthermore, the device applied as the output device 905 may be appropriately changed depending on the method of presenting information to the user. For example, when information is presented to the user by sound such as voice or electronic sound, the output device 905 may be realized by an audio output device that outputs sound such as a speaker.

[0021] The program of the information processing device 900 is provided to the information processing device 900 by a recording medium 907 such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or an IC card memory, or is downloaded via a network, etc. When the program of the information processing device 900 is provided by the recording medium 907, the recording medium 907 is set in the recording medium drive device 906, and the program recorded on the recording medium 907 is installed in the HD 903 via the recording medium drive device 906.

[0022] Next, an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 950 applicable as the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The information processing device 950 includes a CPU 951, a ROM 952, a RAM 953, a HD 954, a communication interface device 955, and a reading interface device 956. The information processing device 950 may also include at least one of an input device 957 and an output device 958. Note that the CPU 951, the ROM 952, the RAM 953, the HD 954, the input device 957, and the output device 958 are substantially similar to the CPU 901, the ROM 908, the RAM 909, the HD 903, the input device 904, and the output device 905 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The communication interface device 955 is an interface that connects the information processing device 950 to various networks such as the network N2. The device applied as the communication interface device 955 may be appropriately changed depending on the type of the network N2 and the communication method applied. This is substantially the same as the device applied as the communication interface device 902 being appropriately changed depending on the type of the network N1 and the communication method applied, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0024] The reading interface device 956 is an interface for the information processing device 950 to read the transaction medium 300 and thereby refer to and update information (e.g., information related to electronic value, etc.) held in the transaction medium 300. The device applied as the reading interface device 956 may be appropriately changed according to the reading method of the transaction medium 300. As a specific example, when so-called non-contact communication is applied as the reading method of the transaction medium 300, the reading interface device 956 may include a device for realizing the non-contact communication, such as an antenna device or an RF circuit.

[0025] 2 and 3 are merely examples and do not necessarily limit the hardware configuration of the information processing device constituting the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As a specific example, the information processing device 900 may not include some components such as the input device 904 and the output device 905. As another example, components according to the functions realized by the information processing device 900 may be added as appropriate. The same applies to the information processing device 950.

[0026] An example of the hardware configuration of each of the information processing devices constituting the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0027] <Functional configuration> With reference to Fig. 4, an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described for the transaction medium 300, the terminal device 100, and the management server 200. In the example shown in Fig. 4, for convenience, it is assumed that non-contact communication is applied as a method for the terminal device 100 to read the transaction medium 300.

[0028] First, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the transaction medium 300. The transaction medium 300 includes a non-contact communication unit 310, a transaction processing unit 320, and a storage unit 330.

[0029] When the non-contact communication unit 310 detects a terminal device 100 located nearby (in other words, a terminal device 100 located within a communication range), it establishes a wireless communication path with the terminal device 100. This allows the terminal device 100 to read the transaction medium 300, and the transaction medium 300 becomes capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the terminal device 100 via the wireless communication path.

[0030] The storage unit 330 is a schematic representation of a storage area for the transaction medium 300 to store various information. As a specific example, the storage unit 330 stores information related to electronic value (e.g., electronic money charged to the transaction medium 300) associated with the transaction medium 300. The storage unit 330 may also store information related to the transaction medium 300, such as identification information assigned to the transaction medium 300.

[0031] The transaction processing unit 320 executes various processes related to electronic transactions using the electronic value stored in the storage unit 330 . Specifically, when communication between the transaction processing unit 320 and the terminal device 100 is established, the transaction processing unit 320 transmits the identification information assigned to the transaction medium 300 to the terminal device 100 via the communication. At this time, the transaction processing unit 320 may transmit information on the electronic value stored in the storage unit 330 to the terminal device 100 via the communication. This allows the terminal device 100 to recognize the transaction medium 300 that is the subject of the electronic transaction and information on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300, and then execute processing related to the electronic transaction using the electronic value. As described above, the electronic transaction may include a transaction involving a subtraction of the electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300, such as the purchase of a product or the use of a service, and a transaction involving an addition of the electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300, such as the charging of electronic money or the granting of points. Furthermore, the transaction processing unit 320 receives instructions (e.g., instructions to add or subtract electronic value) according to the results of an electronic transaction executed in association with the transmission of information related to the electronic transaction to the terminal device 100 from the management server 200 via the terminal device 100. The transaction processing unit 320 updates the electronic value held in the storage unit 330 based on the instructions received from the terminal device 100. As a result, the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 is added or subtracted according to the contents of the electronic transaction.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 includes a non-contact communication unit 110, a communication unit 120, a communication status monitoring unit 130, a transaction processing unit 140, a transaction information transfer unit 150, and a storage unit 160.

[0033] When the non-contact communication unit 310 detects a trading medium 300 located nearby (in other words, a trading medium 300 located within a communication range), it establishes a wireless communication path with the trading medium 300. This enables the terminal device 100 to read the trading medium 300 and transmit and receive information with the trading medium 300. The non-contact communication unit 310 can be realized by, for example, the reading interface device 956. The configuration of the non-contact communication unit 310 may be appropriately changed depending on the method of reading the trading medium 300.

[0034] The communication unit 120 is a communication interface for the terminal device 100 to communicate with an external device such as the management server 200 via a predetermined network N1. The communication unit 120 can be realized by, for example, a communication interface device 955. In the following description, when each component of the terminal device 100 transmits and receives information to and from an external device via the network N1, it is assumed that the transmission and reception of the information is performed via the communication unit 120, even if there is no particular explanation.

[0035] The communication status monitoring unit 130 monitors the status of communication with an external device via the network N1, and notifies the results to the transaction processing unit 140 and the transaction information transfer unit 150, which will be described later. This enables the transaction processing unit 140 and the transaction information transfer unit 150 to recognize situations in which communication via the network N1 is restricted due to the occurrence of a network failure or the like, and situations in which the restricted communication has been restored.

[0036] Upon establishing contactless communication with the transaction medium 300 , the transaction processing unit 140 reads the transaction medium 300 and executes various processes related to electronic transactions using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 .

[0037] As a specific example, the transaction processing unit 140 acquires identification information assigned to the transaction medium 300 from the read transaction medium 300, and generates transaction information including the identification information and information indicating the content of the electronic transaction using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. Note that the method of acquiring the information indicating the content of the electronic transaction is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the transaction processing unit 140 may acquire information indicating the content of the electronic transaction from a device to which the terminal device 100 is connected (e.g., a cash register, etc.) or a device that has the terminal device 100 built in (e.g., an entrance / exit gate, etc.). As another example, the transaction processing unit 140 may acquire information indicating the content of the electronic transaction from a transaction medium 300 realized as a communication terminal, etc. The transaction processing unit 140 transmits the generated transaction information to the management server 200 via the network N1, thereby requesting the management server 200 to carry out a procedure for an electronic transaction based on the transaction information. In addition, the transaction processing unit 140 acquires information according to the result of the electronic transaction based on the transaction information from the management server 200 (e.g., an adjustment value related to the addition or subtraction of electronic value held in the transaction medium 300, etc.) as a response to the request for the procedure for the electronic transaction. Then, based on the information according to the result of the electronic transaction acquired from the management server 200, the transaction processing unit 140 instructs the read transaction medium 300 to update the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 (e.g., add or subtract electronic value). As a result, the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 is updated according to the result of the electronic transaction. As described above, when communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is possible, the transaction information transmitted to the management server 200 in response to the result of the terminal device 100 reading the transaction medium 300 corresponds to an example of “first transaction information.”

[0038] In addition, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment provides a function for realizing electronic transactions based on the reading results of the transaction medium 300, even when communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restricted. Specifically, when communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restricted, the transaction processing unit 140 recognizes the situation based on a notification from the communication status monitoring unit 130. In such a situation, when the transaction medium 300 is read, the transaction processing unit 140 stores transaction information generated based on identification information acquired from the transaction medium 300 and information indicating the contents of the electronic transaction in a predetermined memory area, thereby retaining the transaction information. The memory unit 160 is a schematic representation of the memory area provided in the terminal device 100. In the following description, the transaction information stored in the storage unit 160 under the condition that communication via the network N1 is restricted is also referred to as failure time detailed information for convenience. This failure time detailed information corresponds to an example of "second transaction information". In the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, transaction information corresponding to the above-mentioned first transaction information and failure time detailed information corresponding to the second transaction information are managed separately. As long as it is possible to distinguish between these pieces of information, the method for doing so is not particularly limited. As a specific example, each piece of transaction information may include information indicating whether the transaction information corresponds to the above-mentioned first transaction information or second transaction information. Also, at this timing, since the management server 200 does not execute any processing related to electronic transactions based on the transaction information (detailed information at the time of failure), the electronic value held in the read transaction medium 300 is not updated.

[0039] When the transaction information transfer unit 150 recognizes that the communication via the network N1 has transitioned from a state in which the communication is restricted to a state in which the communication is restored based on a notification from the communication status monitoring unit 130, the transaction information transfer unit 150 transfers the detailed information at the time of failure stored in the storage unit 160 to the management server 200. As a result, when the transaction processing unit 140 stores detailed information at the time of failure in the storage unit 160 under a condition in which the communication via the network N1 is restricted, the series of detailed information at the time of failure stored in the storage unit 160 is transferred to the management server 200.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the management server 200. The management server 200 includes a communication unit 210, a communication status monitoring unit 220, a transaction management unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

[0041] The communication unit 210 is a communication interface that enables the management server 200 to communicate with an external device such as the terminal device 100 via a predetermined network N1. The communication unit 210 can be realized by, for example, a communication interface device 902. In the following description, when each component of the management server 200 transmits and receives information to and from an external device via the network N1, it is assumed that the transmission and reception of the information is performed via the communication unit 210, even if no special explanation is given.

[0042] The communication status monitoring unit 220 monitors the status of communication with an external device via the network N1, and notifies the result to the transaction management unit 230, which will be described later. This enables the transaction management unit 230 to recognize situations in which communication via the network N1 is restricted due to the occurrence of a network failure or the like, and situations in which the restricted communication has been restored.

[0043] The storage unit 240 is a schematic representation of a storage area for storing various information. For example, the storage unit 240 stores and holds various information related to electronic transactions that are managed by the transaction management unit 230, which will be described later. The storage unit 240 may be realized by, for example, the HD 903.

[0044] The transaction management unit 230 manages various information related to electronic transactions using electronic assets, and upon receiving a request from the terminal device 100, executes various processes related to the electronic transactions.

[0045] Specifically, the transaction management unit 230 manages information related to the electronic value held in each transaction medium 300 by storing the information in a predetermined storage area in association with identification information assigned to the transaction medium 300. For example, the storage unit 240 corresponds to an example of a storage area used by the transaction management unit 230 to manage various information.

[0046] In addition, in response to a request from the terminal device 100, the transaction management unit 230 executes processing related to the procedure of the electronic transaction indicated by the transaction information (first transaction information) transmitted from the terminal device 100, targeting the transaction medium 300 indicated by the transaction information. Specifically, the transaction management unit 230 identifies the transaction medium 300 that is the subject of the electronic transaction based on the identification information included in the transaction information transmitted from the terminal device 100. The transaction management unit 230 executes processing related to the electronic transaction for the identified transaction medium 300 based on information indicating the contents of the electronic transaction included in the transaction information, and reflects the result of the processing in the information related to the transaction medium 300 that it manages. As a specific example, when the content of the electronic transaction is the purchase of a product or the use of a service, the transaction management unit 230 subtracts the cost of the purchase of the product or the use of the service from the electronic value managed in association with the target transaction medium 300. As another example, when the content of the electronic transaction is the charge of electronic value, the transaction management unit 230 adds the electronic value to be charged to the electronic value managed in association with the target transaction medium 300. Then, the transaction management unit 230 transmits, as a response, information according to the result of the electronic transaction, including an adjustment value related to the addition / subtraction associated with the electronic transaction of the electronic value held in the target transaction medium 300, to the terminal device 100 that is the requester of the electronic transaction. This enables the terminal device 100 to update the electronic value held in the target transaction medium 300 based on the information transmitted from the transaction management unit 230 (e.g., an adjustment value related to the addition / subtraction of the electronic value).

[0047] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment provides a function for realizing electronic transactions based on the results of reading the transaction medium 300, even when communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restricted. Specifically, the transaction management unit 230 may receive the breakdown information from the terminal device 100 after communication via the network N1 is restored from a restricted state. In this case, the transaction management unit 230 identifies the target transaction medium 300 based on the identification information included in the breakdown information, and manages the breakdown information in association with information on the transaction medium 300 managed by the transaction management unit 230. When a request for electronic transaction for the transaction medium 300 is subsequently accepted, the electronic transaction indicated by the breakdown information managed in association with the information on the transaction medium 300 is processed together with the requested electronic transaction. That is, in this case, the transaction management unit 230 executes the process related to the requested electronic transaction and the process related to the electronic transaction indicated by the held breakdown information, adds up the results of these processes, and notifies the terminal device 100, which is the request source, of information indicating the result. This enables the terminal device 100 to reflect the results of the requested electronic transaction and the results of the electronic transaction indicated in the failure detail information previously sent to the management server 200 in the electronic value held in the target transaction medium 300. The process flow in this case will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

[0048] An example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. 4. However, the above-mentioned configuration is merely an example, and the configuration of the information processing system 1 is not necessarily limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, so long as it is possible to realize a series of processes related to electronic transactions using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 exemplified above. For example, a series of functions of the management server 200 may be realized by a plurality of devices working together. As a specific example, the functions of some of the components of the management server 200 may be realized by other devices. Furthermore, the management server 200 may be realized as a so-called network service such as a cloud service.

[0049] <Processing> An example of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the flow of processing related to electronic transactions according to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 is different between a situation where communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is available and a situation where the communication is restricted. Therefore, first, referring to FIG. 5, an outline of the flow of processing related to electronic transactions according to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 will be described for each of a situation where communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is available and a situation where the communication is restricted.

[0050] Figure 5(a) shows an example of a processing flow for electronic trading based on electronic value held in a trading medium 300 in response to the reading result of the trading medium 300, when communication via network N1 between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 is available. In this case, when the terminal device 100 reads the transaction medium 300, it acquires identification information of the transaction medium 300 and generates transaction information including the identification information and information indicating the content of an electronic transaction using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. Then, the terminal device 100 transmits the generated transaction information to the management server 200 via the network N1 and requests the management server 200 to carry out a procedure for an electronic transaction based on the transaction information. When the management server 200 receives the request from the terminal device 100, it identifies the target transaction medium 300 based on the identification information included in the transaction information transmitted from the terminal device 100. The management server 200 then executes a process related to the procedure of the electronic transaction indicated by the transaction information, and updates information (e.g., information related to electronic value) related to the transaction medium 300 that it manages based on the result of the process. In response to the request from the terminal device 100, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of information (e.g., the added or subtracted value of electronic value) corresponding to the execution result of the process related to the procedure of the electronic transaction indicated by the transaction information. The terminal device 100 obtains information corresponding to the results of the electronic transaction (information corresponding to the execution result of processing related to the electronic transaction procedure) from the management server 200, and based on the information, updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 read when requesting the electronic transaction. In this manner, a series of processes relating to the procedure of electronic transactions based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 in accordance with the reading result of the transaction medium 300 under normal circumstances is completed.

[0051] In addition, Figures 5(b) to 5(d) show an example of a processing flow for electronic trading based on electronic value held in the trading medium 300 in response to the reading result of the trading medium 300, under a situation in which communication via network N1 between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 is restricted.

[0052] First, Fig. 5(b) will be described. Fig. 5(b) shows an example of a schematic process flow when the terminal device 100 reads the transaction medium 300 under a situation in which communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restricted. For example, the terminal device 100 monitors the network N1 sequentially, and recognizes that communication via the network N1 is restricted based on the result of the monitoring. In this case, the terminal device 100 acquires the identification information of the read transaction medium 300, and generates failure time detailed information including the identification information and information indicating the contents of the electronic transaction using the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. Then, the terminal device 100 stores the generated failure time detailed information in a predetermined storage area. In this manner, when the terminal device 100 reads the transaction medium 300 for the procedure of the electronic transaction under a situation in which communication via the network N1 is restricted, it generates and stores failure time detailed information for each electronic transaction. In addition, in this case, since substantial processing related to the procedure of the electronic transaction according to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 is not executed, the terminal device 100 does not update the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 at this timing.

[0053] Next, Fig. 5(c) will be described. Fig. 5(c) shows an example of a schematic process flow when communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restored from a state in which the communication is restricted as shown in Fig. 5(b). For example, the terminal device 100 monitors the network N1 successively, and recognizes that the communication through the network N1, which had been restricted, has been restored based on the result of the monitoring. In this case, the terminal device 100 checks whether or not detailed information at the time of failure was generated and stored when the network N1 was restricted, and if detailed information at the time of failure is stored, transmits the detailed information at the time of failure to the management server 200. When the management server 200 receives detailed information at the time of failure from the terminal device 100, it identifies the target transaction medium 300 based on the identification information included in the detailed information at the time of failure, and associates the detailed information at the time of failure with information on the transaction medium 300 managed by the management server 200 and stores the information. Note that at this timing, the terminal device 100 does not necessarily read the target transaction medium 300 (in other words, it does not necessarily establish communication with the transaction medium 300), and it is difficult to update the electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300. Therefore, at this timing, the management server 200 may suspend the execution of processing related to the procedure of electronic trading based on the acquired detailed information at the time of failure, and even if the processing is executed, the management server 200 will at least suspend the notification of information corresponding to the result of the processing to the terminal device 100. Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 5(c), for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the execution of processing related to the procedure of electronic trading based on the detailed information at the time of failure and the notification of information corresponding to the result of the processing to the terminal device 100 are suspended.

[0054] Next, Fig. 5(d) will be described. Fig. 5(d) shows an example of a flow of processing related to electronic transactions based on electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300, in response to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 in which the failure time detailed information is stored as shown in Fig. 5(c) after the communication via the network N1 is restored. In this case, the terminal device 100 first reads the transaction medium 300, similar to the example shown in Fig. 5(a), obtains the identification information of the transaction medium 300, and generates transaction information including the identification information and information indicating the content of the electronic transaction. Then, the terminal device 100 transmits the generated transaction information to the management server 200 via the network N1, and requests the management server 200 to carry out the procedure for the electronic transaction based on the transaction information. When the management server 200 receives a request from the terminal device 100, it identifies the target transaction medium 300 based on the identification information included in the transaction information transmitted from the terminal device 100. At this time, the management server 200 recognizes that the failure time detailed information is associated with and stored in the information on the transaction medium 300 that it manages, and extracts the failure time detailed information. The management server 200 executes a process related to the procedure of the electronic transaction indicated by the transaction information transmitted from the terminal device 100 and a process related to the procedure of the electronic transaction indicated by the extracted failure time detailed information. Then, the management server 200 adds up the results of these processes, and updates the information on the transaction medium 300 (the transaction medium 300 that is the target of the electronic transaction) that it manages based on the addition result. In addition, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of information corresponding to the result of the electronic transaction, including at least information corresponding to the addition result (for example, an adjustment value related to the addition or subtraction of electronic value, etc.), as a response to the request from the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 obtains information according to the result of the electronic transaction, including at least information according to the summation result, from the management server 200, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 read when requesting the electronic transaction based on the information. As a result, in addition to the result of the electronic transaction based on the result of reading the transaction medium 300 at the timing shown in Fig. 5(d), the result of the electronic transaction when the transaction medium 300 was previously read at the timing shown in Fig. 5(b) is reflected in the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. That is, the update of the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300, which was suspended due to the restriction on communication via the network N1 at the timing shown in Fig. 5(b), is reflected at the timing shown in Fig. 5(d), thereby maintaining consistency.

[0055] Here, we will provide a detailed explanation using a specific example of an example of processing related to electronic transactions based on electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 in response to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 under a situation in which communication via the network N1 is restricted, as described with reference to Figures 5(b) to 5(d).

[0056] First, as a first embodiment, an example will be described in which a payment is made using electronic value stored in a common transaction medium 300 when communication via the network N1 is restricted and after the communication is restored. Specifically, first, at the timing shown in Fig. 5(b), a payment of 200 yen occurs with the purchase of a product or the use of a service, and the payment is made with electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300. In this case, detailed information at the time of failure is created for the payment of 200 yen, and at the timing shown in Fig. 5(b), the 200 yen is not subtracted (put on hold) from the electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300. In addition, as shown in Fig. 5(c), this detailed information at the time of failure is sent to the management server 200 after the communication via the network N1 is restored, and is stored in the management server 200. Next, at the timing shown in FIG. 5(d), a payment of 1000 yen occurs with the purchase of a product or the use of a service, and the payment is made with the electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300. In this case, the management server 200 sums up the payment of 1000 yen according to the result of reading the transaction medium 300 and the payment of 200 yen indicated by the stored failure time detailed information, and executes processing related to the payment of 1200 yen after the sum. That is, the information related to the transaction medium 300 managed by the management server 200 reflects the result of the payment of 1200 yen (the result of subtracting the electronic value of 1200 yen). In addition, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of the processing result related to the payment of 1200 yen. That is, the terminal device 100 subtracts 1200 yen from the electronic value stored in the read transaction medium 300 at the timing shown in FIG. 5(d).

[0057] Next, as a second embodiment, an example will be described in which a payment is made using electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300 when communication via the network N1 is restricted, and the electronic value is charged to the transaction medium 300 after the communication is restored. Specifically, first, as in Example 1, at the timing shown in Fig. 5(b), a payment of 200 yen occurs with the purchase of a product or the use of a service, and the payment is made with electronic value stored in the transaction medium 300. Note that the processing at the timings shown in Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 5(c) in this case is the same as in Example 1, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Next, assume that 1000 yen worth of electronic value is charged to the transaction medium 300 at the timing shown in FIG. 5(d). In this case, the management server 200 offsets the payment amount of 200 yen indicated by the stored failure time detailed information from the charge amount of 1000 yen worth of electronic value to the transaction medium 300, and executes processing related to the charge of 800 yen after offset. That is, the information related to the transaction medium 300 managed by the management server 200 reflects the result of the charge of 800 yen (the result of adding 800 yen worth of electronic value). In addition, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of the processing result related to the charge of 800 yen. That is, the terminal device 100 adds 800 yen to the electronic value stored in the read transaction medium 300 at the timing shown in FIG. 5(d).

[0058] In the above, an example was described in which the management server 200 sums up the added and subtracted values ​​of electronic value and then executes a process related to electronic transaction based on the information after the summation, but as long as the summation result is reflected, the process of the management server 200 is not necessarily limited. As a specific example, the management server 200 may separately execute a process related to electronic transaction according to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 and a process related to electronic transaction indicated by the failure time detailed information, and sum up the results of these executions.

[0059] Next, the processes of the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 will be described individually with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the processing of the terminal device 100 will be described, focusing on the processing when the terminal device 100 reads the transaction medium 300.

[0060] In S101, when the terminal device 100 detects the transaction medium 300 by the transaction medium 300 being brought close to the reading interface device 956, the terminal device 100 reads the transaction medium 300. As a specific example, the terminal device 100 establishes non-contact communication with the detected transaction medium 300. In S102, the terminal device 100 determines whether communication with the management server 200 is possible based on the result of monitoring the communication via the network N1. If the terminal device 100 determines in S102 that communication with the management server 200 is possible, the process proceeds to S103. On the other hand, if the terminal device 100 determines in S102 that communication with the management server 200 is not possible (communication is restricted), the process proceeds to S106.

[0061] The processing of S103 to S105 will be described below. The processing of S103 to S105 corresponds to an example of the processing of the terminal device 100 at the timing exemplified in FIG. In S103, the terminal device 100 generates transaction information based on the result of reading the transaction medium 300, the transaction information including the identification information acquired from the transaction medium 300 and information indicating the content of the electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. Then, the terminal device 100 transmits the generated transaction information to the management server 200 via the network N1, and requests the management server 200 to carry out the procedure for the electronic transaction based on the transaction information. In S104, the terminal device 100 receives, as a response to the request for the procedure of the electronic transaction to the management server 200 in S103, information indicating the result of the electronic transaction from the management server 200. The information received by the terminal device 100 from the management server 200 in S104 reflects at least the result of the electronic transaction requested to the management server 200 in S103. Furthermore, as in the example shown in Fig. 5(d), in the case where detailed information at the time of failure is held in the management server 200, the information received by the terminal device 100 from the management server 200 in S104 will also reflect the result of the electronic transaction indicated by the detailed information at the time of failure. In S105, the terminal device 100 updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 read in S101 based on the information indicating the result of the electronic transaction received from the management server 200 in S104.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the processes of S106 and S107. The processes of S106 and S107 correspond to an example of the processes of the terminal device 100 at the timing exemplified in FIG. In S106, the terminal device 100 acquires, from the transaction medium 300 read in S101, the identification information held in the transaction medium 300 (that is, the identification information for uniquely identifying the transaction medium 300). In S107, the terminal device 100 generates detailed information at the time of failure including the identification information of the transaction medium 300 acquired in S106 and information indicating the contents of the electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. Then, the terminal device 100 holds the generated detailed information at the time of failure by storing it in a predetermined storage area (for example, HD903). In this case, the communication via the network N1 is continuously monitored, and after recovery of the communication is detected, the process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

[0063] Next, an example of the processing of the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7, focusing on the processing executed after communication via the network N1 that has been restricted due to a failure or the like is restored. In S201, the terminal device 100 successively monitors the state of communication via the network N1, and when the restricted communication is restored, detects the restoration of the communication. In S202, the terminal device 100 judges whether or not detailed information at the time of failure based on the result of reading the transaction medium 300 during the restriction of communication through the network N1 is stored. If the transaction medium 300 is read during the restriction of communication through the network N1, detailed information at the time of failure is generated and stored in a predetermined storage area by the processes of S106 and S107 shown in FIG. If the terminal device 100 determines in S202 that the detailed information at the time of failure is stored, the process proceeds to S203. In this case, in S203, the terminal device 100 transmits the stored detailed information at the time of failure to the management server 200 via the network N1. The detailed information at the time of failure transmitted to the management server 200 is stored by the management server 200 in association with information on the transaction medium 300 indicated by the identification information included in the detailed information at the time of failure. On the other hand, if the terminal device 100 determines in S202 that the failure-time detailed information is not held, the terminal device 100 ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the process of S203 is skipped.

[0064] Next, referring to Figure 8, an example of the processing of the management server 200 will be described, focusing on the processing when a request for electronic trading is made by the terminal device 100 in response to the reading result of the trading medium 300 (processing at the timing exemplified as Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(d)). In S301, the management server 200 accepts a request for electronic trading from the terminal device 100 according to the reading result of the trading medium 300. In addition, at this time, the management server 200 acquires from the terminal device 100 the trading information generated according to the reading result of the trading medium 300 (the trading information generated in S103 of FIG. 6). In S302, the management server 200 identifies the transaction medium 300 that is the subject of the electronic transaction based on the identification information included in the transaction information received in S301. Then, the management server 200 determines whether or not the failure detail information is associated with and stored in relation to the information on the identified transaction medium 300. If the management server 200 determines in S302 that the failure time detailed information is associated with and stored in relation to the information on the target transaction medium 300, the management server 200 advances the process to S303. On the other hand, if the management server 200 determines in S302 that the failure time detailed information is not associated with and stored in relation to the information on the target transaction medium 300, the management server 200 advances the process to S305.

[0065] First, the processes of S305 and S306 will be described below. The processes of S305 and S306 correspond to an example of the processes of the management server 200 in the case of the example shown in FIG. In S305, the management server 200 identifies the transaction medium 300 that is the subject of the electronic transaction based on the identification information included in the transaction information acquired from the terminal device 100 in S301. Then, the management server 200 executes a process related to the procedure of the electronic transaction indicated in the transaction information acquired from the terminal device 100, and updates information related to the transaction medium 300 that is the subject of the management server 200 based on the result of the process. In S306, in response to the request received from the terminal device 100 in S101, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of information corresponding to the execution result of the processing related to the electronic transaction procedure executed in S305 (e.g., an adjustment value related to the addition or subtraction of electronic value, etc.).

[0066] Next, the processes of S303 and S304 will be described below. The processes of S303 and S304 correspond to an example of the processes of the management server 200 in the case of the example shown in FIG. In S303, the management server 200 identifies the transaction medium 300 that is the target of the electronic transaction based on the identification information included in the transaction information acquired from the terminal device 100 in S301. At this time, the management server 200 recognizes that the detailed information at the time of failure is associated with and stored in the information on the transaction medium 300 that it manages, and extracts the detailed information at the time of failure. The management server 200 executes processing related to the procedure of the series of electronic transactions, regarding the electronic transaction indicated by the transaction information acquired from the terminal device 100 and the electronic transaction indicated by the extracted detailed information at the time of failure as a series of electronic transactions. That is, the electronic value that is added or subtracted in the electronic transaction indicated by the transaction information acquired from the terminal device 100 and the electronic value that is added or subtracted in the electronic transaction indicated by the detailed information at the time of failure are added or subtracted. Then, the management server 200 updates the information on the transaction medium 300 that it manages based on the result of processing related to the series of electronic transactions (i.e., a series of electronic transactions in which the added or subtracted values ​​of the electronic value are added or subtracted). In S304, in response to the request received from the terminal device 100 in S101, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of information corresponding to the combined results of the execution of processing related to the electronic transaction procedure based on the transaction information and the detailed information at the time of the failure executed in S303.

[0067] An example of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to FIGS.

[0068] <Modification> Next, a modified example of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 5(b), the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment allows electronic transactions based on electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 to be used even under circumstances in which communication between the terminal device 100 and the management server 200 via the network N1 is restricted. On the other hand, regarding the use of the above electronic transactions under circumstances as shown in FIG. 5(b), circumstances may be assumed in which it is undesirable to allow unconditional use. Therefore, restrictions may be set so that the above electronic transactions under circumstances in which communication via the network N1 is restricted as shown in FIG. 5(b) are allowed to be used only when certain conditions are satisfied.

[0069] For example, a restriction may be set for each terminal device 100 with respect to the use of electronic transactions when communication via the network N1 is restricted. Specifically, electronic transactions may be controlled so that the total of electronic values ​​added or subtracted in electronic transactions corresponding to each of the failure-time detailed information held by the terminal device 100 according to the reading result of the transaction medium 300 does not exceed the upper limit assigned to the terminal device 100. That is, the terminal device 100 may restrict the acceptance of new electronic transactions when the total of electronic values ​​added or subtracted in electronic transactions corresponding to each of the series of failure-time detailed information held by the terminal device 100 reaches a threshold value. In addition, when the terminal device 100 newly reads the transaction medium 300 under such a situation where the use of electronic transactions is restricted, the terminal device 100 may notify the user who has caused the terminal device 100 to read the transaction medium 300 of information indicating that the use of electronic transactions is restricted. The upper limit may be set for each predetermined period. As a specific example, the upper limit may be assigned to the terminal device 100 on a calendar day basis.

[0070] As another example, each transaction medium 300 may have restrictions on the use of electronic transactions in cases where communication via the network N1 is restricted. As a specific example, an upper limit of electronic value available for electronic transactions when communication via the network N1 is restricted may be assigned to each transaction medium 300. In this case, for example, electronic transactions using electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 are permitted to the extent that the total of electronic value added or subtracted in electronic transactions does not exceed the upper limit assigned to the transaction medium 300. In other words, detailed information at the time of failure for the transaction medium 300 is held in the terminal device 100 to the extent that the total of electronic value added or subtracted in electronic transactions does not exceed the upper limit. In addition, when the total of electronic value added or subtracted in electronic transactions exceeds the upper limit, electronic transactions using electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 are restricted. As another example, electronic transactions using electronic value held in the trading medium 300 may be permitted to the extent that the total of electronic value added or subtracted in association with electronic transactions does not exceed the electronic value held in the trading medium 300. In this case, detailed information at the time of failure for the trading medium 300 is held in the terminal device 100 to the extent that the total of electronic value added or subtracted in association with electronic transactions does not exceed the electronic value held in the trading medium 300. In addition, when the total of electronic value added or subtracted in association with electronic transactions exceeds the electronic value held in the target trading medium 300, electronic transactions using electronic value held in the trading medium 300 are restricted.

[0071] <Conclusion> As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes the management server 200 that manages information related to transactions using electronic value, and the terminal device 100 that is connected to the management server 200 via a network N1. The terminal device 100 is configured to be able to refer to and update information held in the transaction medium 300, including at least the electronic value, by reading the transaction medium 300 in which the electronic value is held. In addition, when the transaction medium 300 is read under a condition where communication via the network N1 is possible, the terminal device 100 transmits first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium 300 and information on electronic transactions based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 to the management server 200 via the network N1. Then, the terminal device 100 updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 based on the result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified by the management server 200. In addition, when the transaction medium 300 is read under a condition where communication via the network N1 is restricted, the terminal device 100 holds second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium 300 and information on electronic transactions based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300. Then, when communication via the network N1 is restored, the terminal device 100 transmits the held second transaction information to the management server 200. Furthermore, when the management server 200 receives first transaction information from the terminal device 100, it executes a procedure related to an electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifies the terminal device 100 of the result of the procedure of the electronic transaction. Furthermore, when the management server 200 receives second transaction information from the terminal device 100, it stores the second transaction information. After that, when the management server 200 receives first transaction information from the terminal device 100, it checks whether or not the identification information included in the first transaction information matches the identification information included in the second transaction information. When the identification information included in the first transaction information matches the identification information included in the second transaction information, the management server 200 executes a procedure for electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions. Then, the management server 200 notifies the terminal device 100 of the result of the series of electronic transactions. As a result, the results of the series of transactions are reflected by the terminal device 100 in the electronic value held in the transaction medium 300 that has been read by the terminal device 100 . By applying the above-mentioned configuration, even under circumstances in which communication via a network is restricted, it becomes possible to realize a transaction based on electronic value in a more suitable manner.

[0072] It should be noted that the above-described embodiment is merely an example and does not necessarily limit the configuration or processing of the present invention. Various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 100 recognizes that communication via the network N1 is restricted by monitoring the network N1. On the other hand, as long as the terminal device 100 can recognize that communication via the network N1 is restricted, the method is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the mode of the terminal device 100 may be switched based on an instruction from an administrator of the terminal device 100 (for example, a person in charge of a store where the terminal device 100 is installed), so that the terminal device 100 recognizes that communication via the network N1 is restricted. The present invention also includes a program for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

[0073] In addition, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An information processing system including: a server device that manages information related to a transaction using electronic value; and a terminal device that is connected to the server device via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in a transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading a transaction medium on which the electronic value is held, wherein the terminal device has a first processing means that, when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication over the network is possible, transmits first transaction information to the server device via the network, the first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device; and a first processing means that, when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication over the network is restricted, holds second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium. a storage means and a transmission means for transmitting the second transaction information stored in the first storage means to the server device when communication via the network is restored, the server device having a second processing means for, when receiving the first transaction information from the terminal device, executing a procedure related to an electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction, and a second storage means for storing the second transaction information when receiving the second transaction information from the terminal device, the second processing means treating the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information respectively as a series of electronic transactions and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the series of electronic transactions when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage means, and the result of the series of electronic transactions is reflected in the electronic value stored in the transaction medium read by the terminal device. Information processing system. (2) In an information processing system as described in (1), when the second transaction information includes information regarding an electronic transaction involving a subtraction of electronic value held in the transaction medium, the second processing means includes the result of subtracting an adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for an electronic transaction based on the second transaction information from the adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for an electronic transaction based on the first transaction information in the result of the series of electronic transactions and notifies the terminal device. (3) In an information processing system as described in (1), when the second transaction information includes information regarding an electronic transaction involving an addition of electronic value held in the transaction medium, the second processing means includes the result of adding an adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for an electronic transaction based on the second transaction information to the adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for an electronic transaction based on the first transaction information in the result of the series of electronic transactions and notifies the terminal device of the result. (4) An information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first holding means holds the second transaction information based on the result of reading the transaction medium within a range in which the total of electronic value added or subtracted in connection with electronic transactions corresponding to each of the held series of the second transaction information does not exceed the upper limit of electronic value assigned to the terminal device. (5) The information processing system according to (4), wherein the upper limit of the electronic value is allocated on a calendar day basis. (6) An information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first holding means holds the second transaction information based on the reading result of the transaction medium within a range in which the total of electronic value added or subtracted in connection with electronic transactions corresponding to each series of the second transaction information held for each transaction medium does not exceed the upper limit of electronic value assigned to the transaction medium. (7) An information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first storage means stores the second transaction information based on the result of reading the transaction medium, within the range where the total of electronic value added or subtracted in connection with electronic transactions corresponding to each series of the second transaction information stored for each transaction medium does not exceed the electronic value stored in the transaction medium. (8) A terminal device connected to a server device that manages information related to transactions using electronic value via a network, and configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in the transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading a transaction medium on which the electronic value is held, the terminal device comprising: a first processing means that, when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication via the network is possible, transmits first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information on an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure for the electronic transaction notified from the server device; and when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication via the network is restricted, the first processing means transmits first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information on an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure for the electronic transaction notified from the server device; a first holding means for holding second transaction information, when read, including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium; and a transmission means for transmitting the second transaction information held by the first holding means to the server device when communication via the network is restored, wherein the first processing means, when transmitting the first transaction information to the server device after the second transaction information is transmitted to the server device upon recovery of communication via the network, is notified by the server device of a result of a procedure for combining the electronic transactions corresponding to each of the first transaction information and the second transaction information into a series of electronic transactions, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on the result of the series of procedures. (9) A server device that is connected via a network to a terminal device configured to be able to refer to and update at least information stored in the transaction medium including the electronic value by reading the transaction medium on which electronic value is held, and that manages information related to a transaction using the electronic value, wherein when first transaction information is received from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, the first transaction information includes identification information of the transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium, the first transaction information being transmitted from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, the first transaction information executes a procedure related to the electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifies the terminal device of a result of the procedure for the electronic transaction; and a second storage means for storing second transaction information when second transaction information is received, the second transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium read by the terminal device and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium, the second processing means, when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage means, treats the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions, and notifies the terminal device of a result of a procedure for the series of electronic transactions; A server device in which the result of the series of electronic transaction procedures is reflected in the electronic value held in the transaction medium read by the terminal device. (10) An information processing method executed by a terminal device that is connected to a server device that manages information related to transactions using electronic value via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information held in the transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading a transaction medium on which the electronic value is held, the method comprising: a first processing step of transmitting, when the transaction medium is read under a situation in which communication via the network is possible, first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure for the electronic transaction notified from the server device; and a second processing step of transmitting, when the communication via the network is restricted, first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network. An information processing method comprising: a first storage step of storing, when a medium is read, second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored on the transaction medium; and a transmission step of transmitting, when communication via the network is restored, the second transaction information stored in the first storage step to the server device, wherein, in the first processing step, when the first transaction information is transmitted to the server device after the second transaction information is transmitted to the server device upon restoration of communication via the network, the server device notifies the result of a procedure for combining the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information into a series of electronic transactions, and the electronic value stored on the transaction medium is updated based on the result of the series of procedures. (11) An information processing method executed by a server device that is connected via a network to a terminal device configured to be able to refer to and update information held in the transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading the transaction medium holding electronic value, and that manages information related to a transaction using the electronic value, comprising the steps of: when first transaction information is received from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, the first transaction information includes identification information of the transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium, and the first transaction information is transmitted from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, executing a procedure related to the electronic transaction based on the first transaction information, and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure for the electronic transaction; and, when communication via the network is restored from the terminal device after the communication via the network is restricted, and a second storing step of storing the second transaction information when second transaction information is received, the second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium read by the terminal device and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored on the transaction medium, wherein the second processing step, when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storing step, treats the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions, and notifies the terminal device of the results of the series of electronic transaction procedures, and the results of the series of electronic transaction procedures are reflected in the electronic value stored on the transaction medium read by the terminal device. (12) A terminal device is connected to a server device that manages information related to transactions using electronic value via a network, and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in the transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading a transaction medium on which the electronic value is held, and when the transaction medium is read under a situation where communication via the network is possible, a first processing step of transmitting first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device; and when the transaction medium is read under a situation where communication via the network is restricted, a first storing step of storing second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium when communication over the network is restored, and a transmitting step of transmitting the second transaction information stored in the first storing step to the server device when communication over the network is restored, wherein the first processing step includes, when the first transaction information is transmitted to the server device after the second transaction information is transmitted to the server device upon recovery of communication over the network, receiving from the server device a result of a procedure for combining the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information into a series of electronic transactions, and updating the electronic value stored in the transaction medium based on the result of the series of procedures. (13) A second processing step of, when first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium read by the terminal device and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium, which is connected via a network to a terminal device configured to be able to refer to and update at least information held in the transaction medium including the electronic value by reading the transaction medium holding the electronic value, and which is transmitted from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible to a server device that manages information regarding transactions using the electronic value, executing a procedure related to the electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction; and, when first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium read by the terminal device and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium is received, the server device notifies the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction, which is transmitted from the terminal device after communication via the network is restored from a restricted state. a second storage step of storing the second transaction information when second transaction information is received, the second storage step including identification information of a transaction medium read by a terminal device and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored on the transaction medium, wherein when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage step, the second processing step treats the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions, notifies the terminal device of the results of the series of electronic transaction procedures, and the results of the series of electronic transaction procedures are reflected in the electronic value stored on the transaction medium read by the terminal device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Information processing system, 100 Terminal device, 110 Non-contact communication unit, 120 Communication unit, 130 Communication status monitoring unit, 140 Transaction processing unit, 150 Transaction information transfer unit, 160 Memory unit, 200 Management server, 210 Communication unit, 220 Communication status monitoring unit, 230 Transaction management unit, 240 Memory unit, 300 Transaction medium, 310 Non-contact communication unit, 320 Transaction processing unit, 330 Memory unit

Claims

1. A server device for managing information related to transactions using electronic value; A terminal device that is connected to the server device via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information held in the transaction medium, including at least the electronic value, by reading the transaction medium in which the electronic value is held; An information processing system comprising: The terminal device a first processing means for transmitting, when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device; a first holding means for holding second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is restricted; a transmission means for transmitting the second transaction information stored in the first storage means to the server device when communication via the network is restored; having The server device includes: a second processing means for, when receiving the first transaction information from the terminal device, executing a procedure for electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure for electronic transaction; a second storage means for storing the second transaction information when the second transaction information is received from the terminal device; having the second processing means, when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage means, treats the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions, and notifies the terminal device of the results of the procedures for the series of electronic transactions; a result of the series of electronic transactions is reflected in the electronic value stored in the transaction medium read by the terminal device; Information processing system.

2. In a case where the second transaction information includes information regarding an electronic transaction involving a subtraction of electronic value held in the transaction medium, the second processing means subtracts an adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for electronic transaction based on the second transaction information from an adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for electronic transaction based on the first transaction information, and includes the result in a result of the series of electronic transactions and notifies the terminal device of the result. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. In a case where the second transaction information includes information regarding an electronic transaction involving an addition of electronic value held in the transaction medium, the second processing means adds an adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for electronic transaction based on the second transaction information to an adjustment value of electronic value associated with a procedure for electronic transaction based on the first transaction information, and includes the result in a result of the series of electronic transactions and notifies the terminal device of the result. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. The information processing system described in claim 1, wherein the first holding means holds the second transaction information based on the result of reading the transaction medium, within a range in which the total of electronic value added or subtracted in connection with electronic transactions corresponding to each of the held series of the second transaction information does not exceed an upper limit of electronic value assigned to the terminal device.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the upper limit of the electronic value is allocated on a calendar day basis.

6. The information processing system described in claim 1, wherein the first holding means holds the second transaction information based on the reading result of the transaction medium, within a range in which the total of electronic value added or subtracted in connection with electronic transactions corresponding to each series of the second transaction information held for each transaction medium does not exceed the upper limit of electronic value assigned to the transaction medium.

7. The information processing system described in claim 1, wherein the first storage means stores the second transaction information based on the result of reading the transaction medium, within a range in which the total of electronic value added or subtracted in connection with electronic transactions corresponding to each series of the second transaction information stored for each transaction medium does not exceed the electronic value stored in the transaction medium.

8. A terminal device is connected to a server device that manages information related to transactions using electronic value via a network, and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in a transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading the transaction medium in which the electronic value is stored, a first processing means for transmitting, when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device; a first holding means for holding second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is restricted; a transmission means for transmitting the second transaction information stored in the first storage means to the server device when communication via the network is restored; having when the first processing means transmits the first transaction information to the server device after the second transaction information is transmitted to the server device as a result of recovery of communication via the network, the first processing means is notified by the server device of a result of a procedure for combining the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information into a series of electronic transactions, and updates the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on the result of the series of procedures. Terminal device.

9. A server device that is connected to a terminal device via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in a transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading the transaction medium in which the electronic value is stored, and that manages information related to a transaction using the electronic value, a second processing means for, when receiving first transaction information transmitted from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, the second processing means executing a procedure related to the electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction, the first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to the electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium; a second holding means for holding, when receiving second transaction information transmitted from the terminal device after communication via the network is restored from a restricted state, the second transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium; having the second processing means, when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage means, treats the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information as a series of electronic transactions, and notifies the terminal device of the results of the procedures for the series of electronic transactions; A result of the series of electronic transaction procedures is reflected in the electronic value stored in the transaction medium read by the terminal device. Server device.

10. An information processing method executed by a terminal device that is connected to a server device that manages information related to transactions using electronic value via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in a transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading the transaction medium in which the electronic value is stored, comprising: a first processing step of transmitting, when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device; a first storage step of storing second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is restricted; a transmission step of transmitting the second transaction information stored in the first storage step to the server device when communication via the network is restored; Including, the first processing step includes, when the first transaction information is transmitted to the server device after the second transaction information is transmitted to the server device upon recovery of communication via the network, receiving a notification of a result of a procedure for combining the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information into a series of electronic transactions from the server device, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on the result of the series of procedures; Information processing methods.

11. An information processing method executed by a server device that is connected to a terminal device via a network and that is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in a transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading the transaction medium in which electronic value is stored, and that manages information related to a transaction using the electronic value, comprising: a second processing step of, when first transaction information is received, the first transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium, transmitted from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, executing a procedure related to the electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction; a second storage step of storing second transaction information when second transaction information is received, the second transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium, the second transaction information being transmitted from the terminal device after the communication via the network is restored from a restricted state; having In the second processing step, when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage step, the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information are treated as a series of electronic transactions, and a result of the series of electronic transaction procedures is notified to the terminal device; A result of the series of electronic transaction procedures is reflected in the electronic value stored in the transaction medium read by the terminal device. Information processing methods.

12. A terminal device is connected to a server device that manages information related to transactions using electronic value via a network, and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in the transaction medium, including at least the electronic value, by reading the transaction medium in which the electronic value is stored. a first processing step of transmitting, when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, first transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information regarding an electronic transaction based on the electronic value held in the transaction medium to the server device via the network, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction notified from the server device; a first storage step of storing second transaction information including identification information of the transaction medium and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium when the transaction medium is read under a condition in which communication via the network is restricted; a transmission step of transmitting the second transaction information stored in the first storage step to the server device when communication via the network is restored; Run the command, the first processing step includes, when the first transaction information is transmitted to the server device after the second transaction information is transmitted to the server device upon recovery of communication via the network, receiving a notification of a result of a procedure for combining the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information into a series of electronic transactions from the server device, and updating the electronic value held in the transaction medium based on the result of the series of procedures; program.

13. A server device that is connected to a terminal device via a network and is configured to be able to refer to and update information stored in the transaction medium including at least the electronic value by reading the transaction medium in which the electronic value is stored, and that manages information related to transactions using the electronic value, a second processing step of, when first transaction information is received, the first transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium, transmitted from the terminal device under a condition in which communication via the network is possible, executing a procedure related to the electronic transaction based on the first transaction information and notifying the terminal device of a result of the procedure of the electronic transaction; a second storage step of storing second transaction information when second transaction information is received, the second transaction information including identification information of a transaction medium read by the terminal device and information related to an electronic transaction based on the electronic value stored in the transaction medium, the second transaction information being transmitted from the terminal device after the communication via the network is restored from a restricted state; Run the command, In the second processing step, when the identification information included in the first transaction information received from the terminal device that read the transaction medium matches the identification information included in the second transaction information stored in the second storage step, the electronic transactions corresponding to the first transaction information and the second transaction information are treated as a series of electronic transactions, and a result of the series of electronic transaction procedures is notified to the terminal device; A result of the series of electronic transaction procedures is reflected in the electronic value stored in the transaction medium read by the terminal device. program.

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