Program, and product provision management apparatus

Abstract

To improve user convenience.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as: product order receiving means for receiving an order for a product; settlement means for settling the payment of the price of the ordered product using a settlement method for settling the payment of the price of the product based on the credit of a user; product shipment management means for managing a shipping date of an unsettled ordered product whose price has not yet been settled; and credit information acquisition means for acquiring updated credit information of the settlement method every time a first period elapses from the date of acquiring the final credit information by the settlement method, on the condition that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered product has not yet arrived. The product order receiving means maintains the order for the product on the condition that the updated credit information can be acquired every time the first period has elapsed since the date of acquiring the final credit information by the settlement method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a product provision management device. [Background technology]

[0002] When a user uses a credit card for payment, reservations cannot be accepted if the number of days between the reservation date and the date of use exceeds the credit period. Therefore, when a reservation is requested for payment by credit card or the like, where the number of days until the date of use exceeds the credit period, the validity of the specified credit card is confirmed. At this time, if the information processing device can confirm that the credit card is valid, it accepts the reservation and stores the information of the specified credit card in storage means. After the day when the number of days until the date of use of the service for which the reservation has been accepted falls within the credit period, the information processing device confirms the validity of the credit card specified at the time of reservation based on the credit card information stored in storage means. At this time, if the information processing device cannot confirm that the credit card is valid, a technology has been proposed in which the information processing device outputs information indicating that the payment method will be changed to a method different from that of payment with the specified credit card (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-182314 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is time-consuming for the user to change to a payment method other than the specified credit card, which reduces user convenience. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a program and a product provision management device that improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product order receiving means for receiving an order for a product, a payment means for settling the price of the ordered product using a payment method in which the price of the product is settled based on the user's credit, a product shipment management means for managing the shipping date of unsettled ordered products for which the price of the product has not yet been settled, and a credit information acquisition means for acquiring re-credit information for the payment method every time a first period has elapsed since the date on which the final credit information for the payment method was acquired, provided that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered products has not yet been reached, and the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product, provided that it has been able to acquire re-credit information every time a first period has elapsed since the date on which the final credit information for the payment method was acquired.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a product provision management device that includes a product order receiving means for receiving orders for products, a payment means for settling the price of the ordered products using a payment method in which the price of the products is settled based on the user's credit, a product shipment management means for managing the shipping dates of unsettled ordered products for which the price of the products has not yet been settled, and a credit information acquisition means for acquiring re-credit information for the payment method every time a first period has elapsed since the date on which the final credit information for the payment method was acquired, provided that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered products has not yet been reached, and the product order receiving means maintains the order for the products, provided that it has been able to acquire re-credit information every time a first period has elapsed since the date on which the final credit information for the payment method was acquired. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program and a product provision management device that improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product provision management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product provision management device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the product information database D2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a product purchase screen presented on the user's terminal 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of an order screen 71 on the product purchase screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the product provision management device 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D1 to which purchase history information has been added. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an operational flowchart of the credit card payment process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation for obtaining re-credit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example of a notification email urging you to renew your credit card. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining changes in the purchase history of a user in the user information database D1. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of updating credit card information. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the order cancellation process. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an example of an email informing the customer that an order will be cancelled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0010] [Overall configuration] The product provision management system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product provision management system according to the present embodiment, in which 1 is a product provision management device, 2 is a user terminal, 3 is a product, and 4 is a product management warehouse.

[0011] The product provision management device 1, the user terminal 2, and the product management warehouse 4 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N means a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0012] The product provision management device 1 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The product provision management device 1 performs various services for providing products 3 to users, acquires product inventory status in a product management warehouse 4, and processes delivery procedures for products to users.

[0013] The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 configured integrally with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. The terminal 2 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc., which are not shown.

[0014] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as an ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a base station. The control board also is equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. These elements equipped on the control board are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals.

[0015] Product 3 is a product sold by a seller to a user. In this embodiment, the product is a product that is provided to a user in exchange for a monetary payment. The product is expressed as a tangible product or the like. Examples include, but are not limited to, a sculpted object such as a figurine having the appearance of a certain character, clothing, plastic models, accessories, etc. Furthermore, there are multiple types of products depending on the shipping time. For example, there are products that are normally sold, such as in-stock products that can be shipped immediately if in stock, pre-order products that are sold in advance and take pre-orders, and made-to-order products that are produced after an order is placed. Note that the shipping time for pre-order products is predetermined.

[0016] The product management warehouse 4 is a warehouse where the products 3 are stored and managed. The product management warehouse 4 manages the inventory status of the products 3 and reports inventory status information of the products 3 to the product provision management device 1. In addition, the product management warehouse 4 receives a shipping instruction from the product provision management device 1 and carries out procedures to deliver the products 3 to the user's home or the like.

[0017] [Function Configuration] The configuration of each device will be explained.

[0018] First, a description will be given of the configuration of the product provision management device 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product provision management device 1.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the product provision management device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0020] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the product provision management device 1 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 10 includes, as its main functional units, a user information management unit 111, an inventory status management unit 112, a product purchase screen presentation control unit 113, a product order management unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a credit information acquisition unit 116, and a shipping management unit 117.

[0021] The user information management unit 111 manages user information using the user information database D1. The managed information includes the user's identification information (user ID) and password in the purchasing service, personal information such as the user's name, address, and email address, purchase history information of the user's product (product) 3, credit card information, credit information related to the user's payment, the latest credit acquisition date, etc.

[0022] The purchase history information includes information such as product information of the product (product) 3 purchased by the user, the number of products (products) 3 purchased, the purchase date, and the cumulative amount of the price (cost) of the products purchased by the user up to the present time.

[0023] Credit card information is information about the user's credit card. This information includes the credit card number, the expiration date of the credit card, the credit card's credit limit (payment limit), and usage restrictions. In this embodiment, a payment method using a credit card is described as an example of the payment method, but this is not limited to this, and similar payment methods, such as electronic payment using a credit card, may also be used. Credit information is information about the credit of the user's credit card. Credit information is information that determines the validity of the user's credit card. For example, based on information such as the credit card's expiration date, the credit card's credit limit (payment limit), and usage restrictions, if the user's credit card is valid, a valid flag of "1" is entered, and if it is invalid, a valid flag of "0" is entered. A provisional credit limit is a provisional reservation of a credit limit equivalent to the price of a product that is subject to deferred payment, such as a pre-order product.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D1. In the example of Fig. 4, the user information data D1 is a table in which the user's user ID, personal information, credit card information, credit information, the latest credit acquisition date, and purchase history information of the user are associated with each other.

[0025] The stock status management unit 112 manages the stock status of the product 3 using the product information data D2.

[0026] The product information database D2 is a database that records information about products for sale. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the product information database D2. Product information includes information such as product identification information (ID), product name, product information, product image, inventory status, payment method, scheduled shipping date, and delivery type. The product ID is identification information that identifies the product 3. The product name is the name of the product 3. The product information relates to general information about the product 3, including information about an in-stock product, which is sold in a normal manner, a pre-order product that requires a reservation, or a made-to-order product that is produced after an order is placed, as well as description information about the product 3. The product image is image data of the product 3. The inventory status is the inventory quantity (quantity) of the product 3. The payment type indicates when payment for the product price will be made, and may be, for example, immediate payment, in which payment for the product is made at the time of order, or shipping payment, in which payment is made when the product is shipped. The scheduled shipping date is the date when the product 3 can be shipped, and the shipping date may be measured in months, weeks, or days, but is measured in days in this embodiment. The delivery type is the delivery method for the product 3, such as a normal delivery method or a frozen / refrigerated delivery method.

[0027] The inventory status management unit 112 updates the product information database D2 every time a new product 3 is added or every time the inventory status of that product 3 changes.

[0028] The product purchase screen presentation control unit 113 refers to the product information database D2 and performs overall processing in cooperation with other units to present the product purchase screen for product 3 on the terminal 2.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows an example of a product purchase screen presented on the user's terminal 2. The upper part of the product purchase screen shown in FIG. 6 displays a My Page icon 61, which transitions to a My Page where the user's information can be viewed; a product list icon 62, which transitions to a product list screen where a list of products currently on sale can be viewed; and a cart icon 63, which transitions to a cart screen where the user can view products selected for purchase. The lower part of the product purchase screen shown in FIG. 6 displays a details screen related to the selected icon. The lower part of the product purchase screen shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where a product list screen 64 is displayed when the product list icon 62 is selected. The product list screen 64 includes product information 65, such as product images, product names, prices, and shipping dates, and includes check boxes 66 for selecting each product 3. The user can select each product 3 by checking the check box 66. The user can add the selected product 3 to the cart by selecting a cart button 67 below the product list screen 64.

[0030] The product order management unit 114 obtains the payment type of the product 3 added to the cart (selected by the user) from the product information database D2, and groups the products 3 by payment type to generate an order group. In this embodiment, the payment type is either immediate payment or payment at time of shipment, so the product order management unit 114 groups the products by payment type and scheduled shipping date to generate an order group.

[0031] For example, on the product purchase screen of FIG. 6, if a user adds a total of four products to their cart, including the product name "XXX Zero Fighter," the product name "YYY Figure," the product name "ZZZ Figure," and the product name "AAA Secret Key," the product order management unit 114 obtains the payment type and scheduled shipping date of each product 3 from the product information database D2. Here, the product name "XXX Zero Fighter" is a pre-order product, its payment type is payment at time of shipping, and its scheduled shipping date is November 10, 2023. The product name "AAA Secret Key" is a pre-order product, its payment type is payment at time of shipping, and its scheduled shipping date is December 10, 2023. The product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" are in-stock products, their payment type is immediate payment, and their scheduled shipping date is the purchase date (payment date). The product order management unit 114 generates order group 1 by grouping the product name "XXX Zero Fighter", which has payment at the time of shipment and a scheduled shipping date of November 10, 2023, generates order group 2 by grouping the product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure", which have immediate payment and a scheduled shipping date of the purchase date (payment date), and generates order group 3 by grouping the product name "AAA Secret Key", which has payment at the time of shipment and a scheduled shipping date of December 10, 2023.

[0032] The product order management unit 114 may take into consideration not only the scheduled shipping date but also the delivery type when grouping the products 3. For example, even if the scheduled delivery date is the same, products may be grouped into different order groups if the delivery types are different.

[0033] Furthermore, the product order management unit 114 may be configured to stop generating an order group and alert the user when the number of purchased units of one product exceeds a predetermined number. This is effective when the number of units exceeds the number that can be shipped at the same time or to prevent the product from being resold.

[0034] The payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for each order group grouped by the product order management unit 114. When the cart icon 63 is selected on the product purchase screen of the terminal 2, an order screen for performing payment procedures for each order group is presented on the terminal 2. FIG. 7 is an example of an order screen 71 on the product purchase screen. The example of the order screen 71 in FIG. 7 displays the order procedures for product 3 belonging to order group 1, the order procedures for product 3 belonging to order group 2, and the order procedures for product 3 belonging to order group 3. The product name "XXX Zero Fighter" belongs to order group 1, the product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" belong to order group 2, and the product name "AAA Secret Key" belongs to order group 3.

[0035] When the order procedure button for an order group is selected, the payment processing unit 115 performs order processing for that order group. The order processing performs payment for the total amount of the products belonging to that order group. The payment method can be any type, such as credit card or points operated by the sales system. The detailed operation of the payment processing unit 115 when the payment method is credit card will be described later.

[0036] The credit information acquisition unit 116 periodically acquires credit information of credit cards. The credit information acquisition unit 116 records the credit approval / disapproval based on the acquired credit information and the acquisition date of the credit information in the user information database D1. The detailed operation of the credit information acquisition unit 116 will be described later.

[0037] The shipping management unit 117 manages the shipping of products ordered by users. The shipping address is selected from addresses registered in the user information database D1. The delivery date is the shipping date of the order group.

[0038] The communication unit 11 connects to a communication line N to realize communication.

[0039] The memory unit 12 stores a system program and a function program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the product provision management device 1 as a computer. The function program is a program for causing the processing unit 10 to function as a user information management unit 111, an inventory status management unit 112, a product purchase screen presentation control unit 113, a product order management unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a credit information acquisition unit 116, and a shipping management unit 117. The memory unit 12 also stores a user information database D1 and a product information database D2.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the terminal 2. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal 2 includes an operation input unit 30, a processing unit 31, an image display unit 32, a sound output unit 33, a communication unit , and a storage unit .

[0042] The operation input unit 30 is used to input various operations by the user and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 31. The functions of the operation input unit 30 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by the user's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 22.

[0043] The processing unit 31 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 35, operation input signals from the operation input unit 30, etc. The functions of the processing unit 31 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, an IC memory, etc. The processing unit 31 includes a calculation unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a sound generation unit 42, and a communication control unit 43 as its main functional units.

[0044] The calculation unit 40 executes various processes for purchasing the product 3 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 41, the sound generation unit 42, and the communication control unit 43. The calculation unit 40 includes a display control unit 50 and an order procedure processing unit 51.

[0045] The display control unit 50 uses information provided by the product provision management device 1 and user operation information to display and present a product purchase screen for the product 3, perform ordering procedures for the product 3, and the like.

[0046] The order procedure processing unit 51 performs the order procedure for the item (product) 3. Specifically, it performs the order process for the product 3 with the product provision management device 1.

[0047] The image generation unit 41 generates one image per frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 32. The functions of the image generation unit 41 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc.

[0048] The sound generation unit 42 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs them to the sound output unit 33. The function of the sound generation unit 42 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing back audio files.

[0049] The communication control unit 43 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the product provision management device 1.

[0050] Image display unit 32 displays a screen based on the image signal input from image generation unit 41. The function of image display unit 32 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, image display unit 32 corresponds to display 21.

[0051] The sound output unit 33 outputs sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 42. In FIG.

[0052] The communication unit 34 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N. The function of the communication unit 34 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like.

[0053] The storage unit 35 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal 2 and realizing various functions of the terminal 2, as well as data used during execution of these programs. The storage unit 35 can be realized by, for example, RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Specifically, the storage unit 35 stores a system program and a control program for controlling the terminal 2 to process the purchase of an item (product) 3. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the processing unit 31 to function as the calculation unit 40.

[0054] [Explanation of operation] The operation of the product provision management device 1 will be described, focusing on payment. FIG.

[0055] First, the user uses the terminal 2 to access the product provision management device 1 and make a request for a product purchase screen.

[0056] Upon receiving the request for the product purchase screen, the product purchase screen presentation control section 113 of the product provision management device 1 transmits the product purchase screen to the terminal 2, causing the terminal 2 to display the product purchase screen (Step 100).

[0057] The user selects the product 3 to purchase from the product purchase screen displayed on the terminal 2. Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the user selects the product list icon 62 to display a list of products available for purchase. The user can select the product 3 to order from the displayed product list by checking the check box 66 for that product. After selecting the product 3, the user selects the cart button 67 provided below the product list screen to add the selected product 3 to the cart.

[0058] The product purchase screen presentation control unit 113 determines whether the product 3 selected by the user has been added to the cart (Step 101). If the product has been added to the cart (Step 102), the product ID of the product 3 is stored (Step 103).

[0059] Next, the system determines whether the user has requested to view the cart (Step 104). When the system receives a request to view the cart (Step 105), the product order management unit 114 obtains the payment type and shipping date of the product 3 from the product information database D2 based on the product ID of the product 3 added to the cart (Step 106). The product order management unit 114 then groups the products 3 by payment type and shipping date to generate an order group (Step 107). Specifically, when the user adds a total of four products to the cart on the product purchase screen of FIG. 6, namely, a product name "XXX Zero Fighter," a product name "YYY Figure," a product name "ZZZ Figure," and a product name "AAA Secret Key," the product order management unit 114 obtains the payment type and scheduled shipping date of each product 3 from the product information database D2. Here, the product name "XXX Zero Fighter" is a pre-order product, its payment type is payment at time of shipment, and its scheduled shipping date is November 10, 2023. The product name "AAA Secret Key" is a pre-order product, its payment type is payment at time of shipment, and its scheduled shipping date is December 10, 2023. The product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" are inventory products, their payment type is immediate payment, and their scheduled shipping date is the purchase date (payment date). The product order management unit 114 groups the product name "XXX Zero Fighter" with payment at time of shipment and scheduled shipping date of November 10, 2023, to generate order group 1, groups the product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" with immediate payment and scheduled shipping date of the purchase date (payment date) to generate order group 2, and groups the product name "AAA Secret Key" with payment at time of shipment and scheduled shipping date of December 10, 2023, to generate order group 3.

[0060] The payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for each grouped order group (Step 108). Specifically, when the user selects the cart icon 63 on the product purchase screen of the terminal 2, the payment processing unit 115 presents an order screen 71 on the terminal 2 for performing payment procedures for each order group. In the example of Fig. 7, there are three procedures for ordering product 3 belonging to order group 1, order group 2, and order group 3.

[0061] When the user selects the order procedure button 72 for an order group, the payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for that order group. The payment processing is a process for settling the total amount of products belonging to that order group. In addition, the payment processing unit 115 enters the product information (including product ID), scheduled shipping date and month, and order group of the products in the order group for which ordering processing has been completed into the purchase history information of the user who placed the order in the user information database D1. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D1 to which purchase history information has been added.

[0062] The shipping management unit 117 assembles each order group for which payment has been completed into a shipping group, which will ship all the products belonging to that order group at once, and carries out procedures for the shipping destination and delivery time for the shipping group (Step 109). For an order group for which shipping has been suspended, shipping procedures will not be carried out until the suspension is lifted. The shipping group is added to the user information database D1, as shown in Figure 10. The shipping destination address for the products in the shipping group is selected from the addresses registered in the user information database D1. The delivery time for the products in the shipping group is set to the shipping due date for the shipping group. This information is entered by referencing the user information database D1.

[0063] <Credit card payment processing> The following describes credit card payment processing when payment is made using a credit card among the payments made by payment processing unit 115. Fig. 11 is an operational flowchart of the credit card payment processing.

[0064] The payment processing unit 115 determines the payment method for each order group (Step 200). If the payment method is credit card payment (Step 201), the payment processing unit 115 determines whether the user has used a credit card in the system in the past and whether that credit card information is registered (Step 202). Specifically, this determination is made based on whether credit card information is registered in the user information database D1 for the user. If the user's credit card information is registered, the payment processing unit 115 acquires the credit card's credit information (Step 203). On the other hand, if the credit card information is not registered, the payment processing unit 115 acquires the credit card information from the user (Step 204), and then acquires the credit card's credit information (Step 203).

[0065] The payment processing unit 115 determines whether the user is creditworthy based on the acquired credit information (Step 205). If creditworthy (Step 206), the payment processing unit 115 records the validity of the credit and the date of credit acquisition in the last credit acquisition date in the user information database D1 of the user (Step 207).

[0066] The payment processing unit 115 determines, for each order group, whether the product to be paid for is an item that requires immediate payment (Step 208). If the product to be paid for is an item that requires immediate payment (Step 209), the payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing using a credit card for the amount of the product to be paid for (Step 210). The payment processing unit 115 then registers "paid" as the payment information in the purchase history information in the user information database D1. On the other hand, if the product to be paid for is not an item that requires immediate payment (in the case of payment at the time of shipment) (Step 209), the payment processing unit 115 performs processing to provisionally reserve a credit limit equivalent to the amount of the product to be paid for (Step 211). The provisional reservation processing is performed by securing a credit limit equivalent to the price of the product from the credit card's credit limit and registering it in the payment information in the purchase history information in the user information database D1. This concludes the explanation of the credit card payment process.

[0067] <Re-authorization process> Next, the operation of obtaining re-authorization to check the credit of the credit card will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0068] The credit information acquisition unit 116 determines whether the current date is the re-credit check execution date (Step 300). The re-credit check execution date is, for example, the first day of each month. If the current date is the re-credit check execution date (Step 301), the credit information acquisition unit 116 acquires unpaid products (unpaid order group) whose last credit acquisition date has passed a first period from among products whose credit limit has been provisionally reserved and payment has not been made (e.g., payment at the time of shipment) (Step 302). The first period is, for example, 60 or 90 days, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the credit information acquisition unit 116 extracts unpaid items listed in the purchase history of users whose last credit acquisition date has passed the first period from the user information database D1. Then, the credit information acquisition unit 116 performs a process to release the provisionally reserved credit limit for the unpaid products (a refund process for the provisionally reserved credit limit) (Step 303).

[0069] Next, the credit information acquisition unit 116 performs a re-credit process to re-acquire credit card credit for the unpaid item (Step 304). If the credit information is re-acquired (Step 305), the credit information acquisition unit 116 enters the acquisition date of the credit information as the last credit acquisition date in the user information database D1 of the user whose credit was re-acquired, and enters "1" (valid) in the credit information (Step 306). The credit information acquisition unit 116 then notifies the payment processing unit 115 that credit has been re-acquired. On the other hand, if the credit information cannot be re-acquired (Step 305), the credit information acquisition unit 116 enters "0" (invalid) in the credit information (Step 313).

[0070] Upon receiving notification from the credit information acquisition unit 116, the payment processing unit 115 checks the user's purchase history in the user information database D1 and determines the shipping date of the unpaid item (Step 307). If the shipping date of the unpaid item is the credit acquisition date (Step 308), the payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for the unpaid item and records "paid" in the payment information of the purchase history in the user information database D1 (Step 309). The shipping management unit 117 then confirms that payment has been completed and ships the item (Step 310). If the shipping date of the unpaid item is not the credit acquisition date (Step 308), the payment processing unit 115 temporarily reserves the credit limit for the amount of the item to be paid (Step 312).

[0071] On the other hand, if the credit information acquisition unit 116 determines that the credit information for the unpaid item is invalid (Step 313), the payment processing unit 115 determines whether the unpaid item has been suspended from shipping due to a previous failure to obtain re-credit (Step 314). If the item has been suspended from shipping, the payment processing unit 115 notifies the product order management unit 114 of this fact, and the product order management unit 114 performs order cancellation processing (Step 315). The order cancellation processing (Step 315) will be described later.

[0072] If the unpaid product is not a shipment suspension case (Step 314), the payment processing unit 115 sends the user a notification email urging them to update their credit card information (Step 316). Figure 13 is an example of a notification email urging them to update their credit card information. Note that the notification urging them to update their credit card information may also be sent when the user displays the product purchase screen to purchase another product. The payment processing unit 115 then writes a shipment suspension to the payment information for the unpaid product in the purchase history of the user's user information database D1 (Step 317). Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining changes in the purchase history of the user's user information database D1. In the example of Figure 14, the credit information is invalid, and product 3 with the product name "AAA Secret Key" in order group 3 has been suspended from shipment. This concludes the explanation of the re-authorization process.

[0073] <Credit card information update process> The credit card information update process when the credit card information is updated will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The credit information acquisition unit 116 determines whether the credit card information has been updated (Step 400). If the credit card information has been updated (Step 401), the credit information acquisition unit 116 acquires the credit information, and if there is credit (Step 402), it enters the acquisition date of the credit information as the last credit acquisition date in the user information database D1 of the user who acquired credit, and enters "1" (valid) in the credit information (Step 403). Then, the credit information acquisition unit 116 notifies the payment processing unit 115 that the credit information has been updated.

[0074] When the credit card information is updated and credit is granted, the payment processing unit 115 determines whether there are any pending items linked to the updated credit card that have been suspended from shipping (Step 404). If there are any suspended shipping items (Step 405), the payment processing unit 115 lifts the suspension of shipping for those items (Step 406).

[0075] The payment processing unit 115 determines the shipping date of the product that was suspended from shipping (Step 407). If the product is due to be shipped (Step 408), the payment processing unit 115 processes the payment for the unpaid product and records "paid" in the payment information of the purchase history in the user information database D1 (Step 409). The shipping management unit 117 then confirms that payment has been completed and ships the product (Step 410). If the shipping date of the unpaid product is not the credit acquisition date (Step 408), the payment processing unit 115 temporarily reserves the credit limit for the amount of the product to be paid for (Step 411). This concludes the description of the credit card information update process.

[0076] <Order cancellation process> Next, the order cancellation process for canceling an order for a product will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0077] The product order management unit 114 determines whether there are any unpaid products for which a second period has elapsed since the scheduled shipping date (Step 500). If there are any unpaid products for which a second period has elapsed since the scheduled shipping date (Step 501), it determines whether an order cancellation notification email has been sent for the unpaid products, informing the user that the order will be canceled (cancelled) (Step 502). If an order cancellation notification email has not been sent (Step 503), the product order management unit 114 sends the user an email informing the user that the order will be canceled (Step 507). Figure 17 is an example of an email informing the user that the order will be canceled. The example email in Figure 17 states that the order for the product will be canceled within a few days.

[0078] On the other hand, if the order cancellation notification email has already been sent (Step 503), the product order management unit 114 determines whether a third period has passed since the order cancellation notification email was sent (Step 504). If the third period has passed since the order cancellation notification email was sent (Step 505), the product order management unit 114 cancels the order for that product (Step 506). On the other hand, if the third period has not passed since the order cancellation notification email was sent (Step 505), the order cancellation process ends. This concludes the explanation of the order cancellation process.

[0079] In this embodiment, in a payment method in which payment is made based on credit, such as credit card payment, credit is obtained for a predetermined period until payment of the product.Therefore, as long as the credit card has credit, the user does not need to update their credit card information, improving user convenience.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0081] [Appendix 1] Computer, a product order receiving means for receiving an order for a product; a payment means for paying the price of the ordered goods by a payment method for paying the price of the goods based on the credit of the user; a product shipment management means for managing the shipping date of unsettled ordered products whose price has not yet been paid; a credit information acquisition means for acquiring re-credit information of the payment method every time a first period elapses from the date of last credit information acquisition of the payment method, on the condition that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered product has not yet arrived; It functions as the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product on the condition that new credit information is obtained every time a first period has elapsed since the date of obtaining the final credit information for the payment method; A program.

[0082] [Appendix 2] the settlement means settles the price of the unsettled ordered product by the settlement method upon shipment of the unsettled ordered product; The program described in Appendix 1.

[0083] [Appendix 3] The product shipment management means suspends the shipment of the product on the condition that the re-credit information cannot be acquired. 1. A program according to claim 1 or 2.

[0084] [Appendix 4] The product order receiving means maintains the order for the product until a second period on the condition that the re-credit information cannot be obtained. 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0085] [Appendix 5] The second period is a predetermined period from the scheduled shipping date of the unpaid order product. 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0086] [Appendix 6] The product order receiving means maintains the order for the product until a third period after the second period has elapsed. 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0087] [Appendix 7] the product order receiving means cancels the order for the product on the condition that the re-credit information has not been obtained by a third period after the second period has elapsed and that the user has been notified in advance of the cancellation of the order for the product; 10. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 6.

[0088] [Appendix 8] The product is a pre-order product or a made-to-order product. 1. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 7.

[0089] [Appendix 9] The pre-ordered products include lottery-offered products, the product order receiving means receives an order for the lottery-offered product on the condition that the user wins the lottery for the lottery-offered product; 10. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 8.

[0090] [Appendix 10] The payment means secures a credit limit equivalent to the price of the ordered goods when the goods are ordered, releases the credit limit when a first period has elapsed since the date of acquisition of the final credit information of the payment method, and re-secures a credit limit equivalent to the price of the ordered goods on the condition that the re-credit information has been acquired. 10. A program according to any one of appendices 1 to 9.

[0091] [Appendix 11] The payment method is card payment or a similar payment method. 11. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0092] [Appendix 12] a product order receiving means for receiving an order for a product; a payment means for paying the price of the ordered goods by a payment method in which the price of the goods is paid based on the credit of the user; a product shipment management means for managing the shipping dates of unsettled ordered products whose prices have not yet been paid; a credit information acquisition means for acquiring re-credit information of the payment method every time a first period elapses from the date of the last credit information acquisition of the payment method, on the condition that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered product has not yet arrived; Equipped with the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product on the condition that new credit information is obtained every time a first period has elapsed since the date of obtaining the final credit information for the payment method; Product provision management device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Product provision management device 2. Terminal 3 items 4 Product management warehouse 10 Processing section 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 111 User Information Management Department 112 Inventory Management Department 113 Product purchase screen presentation control unit 114 Product Order Management Department 115 Payment processing unit 116 Credit Information Acquisition Department 117 Shipping Management Department

Claims

1. Computer, a product order receiving means for receiving an order for a product; a payment means for paying the price of the ordered goods by a payment method for paying the price of the goods based on the credit of the user; a product shipment management means for managing the shipping date of unsettled ordered products whose price has not yet been paid; a credit information acquisition means for acquiring re-credit information of the payment method every time a first period elapses from the date of last credit information acquisition of the payment method, on the condition that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered product has not yet arrived; It functions as the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product on the condition that new credit information is obtained every time a first period has elapsed since the date of obtaining the final credit information for the payment method; A program.

2. the settlement means settles the price of the unsettled ordered product by the settlement method upon shipment of the unsettled ordered product; The program according to claim 1.

3. The product shipment management means suspends the shipment of the product on the condition that the re-credit information cannot be acquired. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product until a second period on the condition that the re-credit information has not been acquired; The program according to claim 3.

5. the second period is a predetermined period from the scheduled shipping date of the unpaid order product; The program according to claim 4.

6. the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product until a third period after the second period has elapsed; The program according to claim 5.

7. the product order receiving means cancels the order for the product on the condition that the re-credit information has not been acquired within a third period after the second period has elapsed and that a notice of cancellation of the order for the product has been notified to the user; The program according to claim 6.

8. The product is a pre-order product or a made-to-order product. The program according to claim 7.

9. The pre-ordered products include lottery-offered products, the product order receiving means receives an order for the lottery-offered product on the condition that the user wins the lottery for the lottery-offered product; The program according to claim 8.

10. The payment means secures a credit limit equivalent to the price of the ordered goods when the goods are ordered, releases the credit limit when a first period has elapsed since the date of acquisition of the final credit information of the payment method, and secures again a credit limit equivalent to the price of the ordered goods on the condition that the re-credit information can be acquired. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The payment method is card payment or a similar payment method. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

12. a product order receiving means for receiving an order for a product; a payment means for paying the price of the ordered goods by a payment method in which the price of the goods is paid based on the credit of the user; a product shipment management means for managing the shipping dates of unsettled ordered products whose prices have not yet been paid; a credit information acquisition means for acquiring re-credit information of the payment method every time a first period elapses from the date of last credit information acquisition of the payment method, on the condition that the shipping date of the unsettled ordered product has not yet arrived; Equipped with the product order receiving means maintains the order for the product on the condition that new credit information is obtained every time a first period has elapsed since the date of obtaining the final credit information for the payment method; Product provision management device.

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