Payment method, program, and payment system

Abstract

To provide an arrangement which, after an application for a new issuance of a credit card, allows settlement based on the credit card to be easily carried out.SOLUTION: A settlement method according to the present invention has steps at which: an intermediate server 10 registers a user ID given to a user by a business operator for providing an article or a service executed at a user terminal 40 with a credit card number issued based on an application information received from the user terminal 40; the intermediate server receives a settlement request including at least the user ID and payment information input by the user terminal 40 to specify the credit card number corresponding to the user ID; and the intermediate server transmits the credit card number to a settlement server 30 together with the payment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for processing credit cards. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies for processing credit cards have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that enables a user to immediately purchase goods or services based on credit card information after applying for a credit card. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6952084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to purchase goods using a credit card, it is necessary to use an application program provided independently by the credit card company, which is troublesome for the user.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a system that allows a user to easily make payments based on the information on a new credit card after applying for the issuance of that credit card. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a payment method comprising the steps of: accepting, at a user terminal, input of application information to be used for screening to issue a credit card number to a user of the user terminal; registering, by an intermediary server, a user ID assigned to the user of the user terminal by a business providing a product or service and a credit card number issued based on the application information received from the user terminal in association with each other; activating, upon receiving from the intermediary server a notification that the credit card number has been issued, a payment function of an application program provided by the business and executed on the user terminal; using the activated payment function, the user terminal accepting from the user a payment instruction for purchasing a product or using a service; upon receiving a payment request including at least the user ID and amount information including the purchase amount of the product or service related to the payment instruction, identifying a credit card number corresponding to the user ID and transmitting the credit card number together with the amount information to a payment server; and performing payment processing by the payment server based on the card number and amount information received from the intermediary server.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides an intermediary server having means executed on a user terminal for registering a user ID assigned to a user by a business providing a product or service and a credit card number issued based on application information received from the user terminal in association with each other, and means for, upon receiving a payment request input by the user terminal and including at least the user ID and payment information, identifying the credit card number corresponding to the user ID and transmitting the credit card number together with the payment information to a payment server.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a computer of a user terminal on which an application program provided by a business that introduces a product or service is executed is provided with application information used for screening to issue a credit card number to a user of the user terminal. a step of accepting input of the application information, a step of transmitting the accepted application information to a payment server, a step of activating a payment function of the application program using an intermediary server that stores a user ID assigned by the business operator and the issued credit card number in association with each other when notification that the credit card number has been issued by the payment server is received from the payment server, a step of accepting a payment instruction from the user regarding the purchase of a product or the use of a service using the activated payment function, and a step of transmitting the accepted payment instruction in association with the user ID to the intermediary server.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the user terminal includes a user terminal, an intermediary server, and a payment server, the user terminal including means for executing an application program provided by a business that introduces a product or service, means for accepting input of application information used in screening to issue a credit card number to a user of the user terminal, means for transmitting the accepted application information to the payment server, and means for activating a payment function of the application program using the intermediary server that, upon receiving from the payment server a notification that the credit card number has been issued by the payment server, stores the user ID assigned by the business and the issued credit card number in association with each other, and means for using the activated payment function to execute a payment function of the application program using the intermediary server. a means for receiving payment instructions from the user regarding the purchase of a product or the use of a service, and a means for transmitting the received payment instructions to the intermediary server in association with the user ID, wherein the intermediary server has a means for registering the user ID received from the user terminal and the credit card number notified by the payment server in association with each other, and a means for, upon receiving a payment request regarding the payment instructions including at least the user ID and payment information, identifying the credit card number corresponding to the user ID and transmitting the credit card number together with the payment information to the payment server, wherein the payment server has a means for performing payment processing based on the credit card number and payment information received from the intermediary server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, after applying for a credit card, a user can easily make a payment based on the information on the credit card. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a mediation server. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a payment server. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a store terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a business server. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a credit card application process. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (part 1) on a user terminal. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (part 2) on the user terminal. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (part 3) on the user terminal. [Figure 14D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (part 4) on the user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information database. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a payment process (part 1). [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (part 5) on a user terminal. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (part 6) on the user terminal. [Figure 17C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (part 7) on the user terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating payment processing (part 2). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a QR code display screen (part 1) on a store terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a payment process (part 3). [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a QR code display screen (part 2) on a store terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system SA. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a credit card application process. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a user terminal 40A. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating payment processing (part 4). [Figure 26] 10 shows an example of the content displayed on the screen of the user terminal 40A. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system SB. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system SB. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a card enrollment processing server. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for applying for immediate credit card use according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1. Configuration 1 shows an overview of an information processing system S according to one embodiment. The information processing system S is made up of an intermediary server 10, a network 20, a payment server 30, a user terminal 40, a store terminal 50, and a business operator server 90. The intermediary server 10, the payment server 30, and the user terminal 40 are each connected to one another via a network 20. The intermediary server 10 and the store terminal 50 are connected to one another via the network 20. The user terminal 40 and the business operator server 90 are connected to one another via the network 20. The network 20 is a network line such as the Internet. The user terminal 40 and the store terminal 50 can be connected to the network 20 via a wired or wireless connection. For convenience, only one user terminal 40, one payment server 30, one business server 90, and one store terminal 50 are shown in the figure, but there may be multiple of them. That is, multiple businesses (credit card member stores) and multiple credit card issuers (credit agencies) can access multiple users, and users can apply for cards related to multiple credit card issuers and instantly carry out commercial transactions and enjoy benefits using the cards they have applied for.

[0013] The information processing system S performs the payment process using the intermediary server 10 that has registered the user ID received from the user terminal 40 and the credit card number notified by the payment server 30 in association with each other. Generally, after a credit card application is submitted, it does not take long for the application to pass the credit card screening and for a credit card number to be generated (equivalent to issuing a credit card). However, after the credit card number is generated, it usually takes about 8 business days to 3 weeks for the credit card to be printed and mailed. In addition, some businesses offer special benefits that can be used by paying various charges related to commercial transactions with a credit card. However, as mentioned above, it usually takes at least one week from the time you apply for a credit card membership until you can actually use the credit card, so you generally cannot use the special benefits immediately after applying for a credit card membership.

[0014] In this regard, the information processing system S is provided with an intermediary server 10 that links and registers an ID (hereinafter referred to as a user ID) that is generated and managed by the business to uniquely identify the business's customer with a credit card number generated by a credit card company (a so-called issuer).By providing such an intermediary server 10, a user can instantly carry out a commercial transaction using a credit card number, even if they do not have a credit card (also called a physical card, plastic card, etc.) in hand, as long as they have generated a credit card number. In addition, business transactions are transactions conducted in physical stores or on EC (electronic commerce) sites. User IDs are used by businesses to uniquely identify their customers. It is identification information (ID) that is given to identify users and can be used by the user in web services, store services, etc. provided by the business. The user ID is, for example, composed of at least one of alphabets and numbers. In addition, as will be described later, in the information processing system S, when a user signs up for a credit card (a new credit card number is assigned to the user), the user can simultaneously receive benefit information (known as points, etc., which have monetary or economic value) from the business operator and / or the credit card company. As a result, the user can receive the benefit even when shopping without a credit card.

[0015] The intermediary server 10 is a server equipped with a user information database that stores credit card numbers and user IDs in association with each other. A credit card number is a number used for settlement that is generated when a user applies for a credit card number to be generated.

[0016] The payment server 30 is a server that generates a credit card number. The payment server 30 is a server managed by a credit card company. The payment server 30 performs payment processing using the credit card number sent from the intermediary server.

[0017] The user terminal 40 is an information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet PC used by a user to apply for a credit card. The user terminal 40 accepts input of at least application information in response to user operation. The application information is information used for screening to generate a credit card number for the user of the user terminal 40, and includes at least a user ID. The user ID is information assigned to the user of the user terminal 40 by a business providing a product or service, and is used to uniquely identify the user. When making a payment using the user ID, the user terminal 40 displays a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) to be read by the store terminal 50, displays an object for accepting a request for a commercial transaction using the credit card number, or reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the store terminal 50.

[0018] The store terminal 50 is a smartphone or tablet PC managed by and linked to the business, installed in a physical store operated by the business, and used by employees of the business (for example, clerks in charge of customer service or accounting). The store terminal 50 displays a two-dimensional code to be read by the user terminal 40, or reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal 40.

[0019] The business server 90 is managed and operated by the business that manages the store terminal 50, and communicates with the user terminal 40 and controls the operation of the application program executed on the user terminal 40. Communication between the user terminal and the intermediary server 10 or the payment server 30 is always carried out via the business server 90. In other words, when the application program is executed and information regarding credit card application and payment processing is exchanged, the user terminal 40 always accesses the business server 90. As will be described later, the business server When the credit card number is issued, the terminal 90 activates the payment function of the application program.

[0020] <Basic functions> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the basic functional configuration of the information processing system S. The information processing system S has a receiving means 201, a generating means 202, a storage means 203, a reading means 204, a reading means 205, an acquisition means 206, a payment means 207, a generating means 208, a control means 209, a control means 210, a control means 211, a control means 212, a control means 213, and a control means 214. The storage means 203, acquisition means 206, and control means 209 are implemented in the intermediary server 10. The generation means 202, payment means 207, and control means 210 are implemented in the payment server 30. The reception means 201, reading means 204, and control means 211 are implemented in the user terminal 40. The reading means 205 and control means 212 are implemented in the store terminal 50.

[0021] First, we will explain the functions of the intermediary server 10. The storage means 203 stores various types of data. The storage means 203 also stores a user information database. The acquisition means 206 acquires information stored in the user information database from the storage means 203. The control means 209 performs various controls.

[0022] Next, the functions of the payment server 30 will be explained. Generation means 202 generates (issues) a credit card number using application information entered at the user terminal 40. Payment means 207 performs payment processing using the credit card number acquired from the intermediary server 10. Control means 210 performs various controls.

[0023] Next, we will explain the functions of the user terminal 40. The reception means 201 receives input of application information based on an operation by the user. The reading means 204 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the store terminal 50. The control means 211 performs various controls.

[0024] Next, we will explain the functions of the store terminal 50. The reading means 205 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal 40. The control means 212 performs various controls.

[0025] Next, the functions of the business operator server 90 will be described. The application control means 291 controls the operation of the application executed on the user terminal 40. The benefit management means determines the content and method of the benefit (including the case where no benefit is given) to be given to a new member when the member newly applies for a credit card issued by the payment server. The communication means 292, the communication means 294, and the communication means 295 exchange various information with the user terminal 40, the payment server, and the intermediary server 10, respectively.

[0026] An example of the functional configuration of the information processing system S will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. The processing performed by the information processing system S can be broadly divided into two: credit card application processing and payment processing. Payment processing can be divided into three methods: CPM, static MPM, and dynamic MPM. The functional configuration diagram illustrated in FIG. 3 corresponds to credit card application processing. The functional configuration diagram illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to CPM payment processing. The functional configuration diagram illustrated in FIG. 5 corresponds to static MPM payment processing. The functional configuration diagram illustrated in FIG. 6 corresponds to dynamic MPM payment processing. The functional configuration diagram illustrated in FIG. 7 corresponds to a modified example of credit card application processing. The functional diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7 correspond to the sequence diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 13, 16, 18, 20, and 22, respectively, which will be described later.

[0027] <Functions related to processing applications for immediate credit card use> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system S, and corresponds to the operations relating to the processing of an application for immediate credit card use, which is shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 13, which will be described later. The information processing system S has a storage means 203, an activation means 340, a reception means 341, a communication means 342, a communication means 330, a communication means 331, an acquisition means 303, a generation means 304, a transmission means 305, an acquisition means 306, a notification means 307, an acquisition means 308, a transmission means 309, a generation means 310, a storage control means 311, a transmission means 312, an acquisition means 313, a registration means 314, a notification means 315, an acquisition means 316, a request means 317, an acquisition means 318, a generation means 319, a transmission means 320, an acquisition means 321, and an activation means 322. The storage means 203 , acquisition means 306 , acquisition means 313 , registration means 314 , notification means 315 , acquisition means 318 , generation means 319 , and transmission means 320 are implemented in the intermediation server 10 . The acquiring means 303 , the generating means 304 , the transmitting means 305 , the notifying means 307 , and the transmitting means 309 are implemented in the payment server 30 . The communication means 330 , the communication means 331 , the acquisition means 308 , the generation means 310 , the storage control means 311 , the transmission means 312 , the acquisition means 316 , the request means 317 , the acquisition means 321 , and the activation means 322 are implemented in the business server 90 . The activation means 340, the reception means 341, and the communication means 342 are implemented in the user terminal 40.

[0028] The functions of the intermediary server 10 will be described. The storage means 203 stores various data. The storage means 203 also stores a user information database. The acquisition means 306 acquires the user ID and credit card number transmitted from the payment server 30. The acquisition means 313 receives the user ID from the user terminal 40. The registration means 314 executes user registration to utilize a system for making payments by acquiring a user ID rather than a credit card number from the user terminal 40 (hereinafter referred to as numberless payment). The notification means 315 notifies the user terminal 40 that user registration has been completed. The acquisition means 318 acquires a request for an authorization code from the user terminal 40. The generation means 319 generates an authorization code in response to a request from the user terminal 40. The generation means 319 also generates an access token in response to a request from the user terminal 40. The transmission means 320 transmits the authorization code to the user terminal 40. The transmission means 320 also transmits the access token to the user terminal 40. The exchange of the authorization code and the access token is a process required to perform payment using the store terminal 50 with a QR code.

[0029] The functions of the payment server 30 will be described. Acquisition means 303 acquires application information sent from user terminal 40. Generation means 304 generates a credit card number based on the application information acquired from user terminal 40. Transmission means 305 transmits the user ID included in the application information and the generated credit card number to intermediary server 10. Notification means 307 notifies user terminal 40 that the user has passed the examination related to the generation of the credit card number and that the credit card number has been generated.

[0030] The functions of the user terminal 40 will be described. The accepting means 341 accepts input of application information based on an operation by the user. The communication means 342 transmits the input application information to the business operator server 90. The communication means 342 also receives a notification from the business operator server 90 that the user has passed the screening related to the generation of a credit card number and that a credit card number has been generated. The activation means 340 activates the payment function of an application program (hereinafter referred to as an app) executed on the user terminal 40 based on an instruction from the business operator server 90. The app may be a so-called native app that is called directly from the OS (operating system), or a so-called non-native app that runs on another app such as a browser. In short, it is sufficient if it is a program that runs on the user terminal 40.

[0031] The functions of the business entity server 90 will be described. The communication means 330 receives application information from the user terminal 40 and sends a notification to the user terminal 40 that the user has passed the screening for generating a credit card number and that a credit card number has been generated. The communication means 342 sends the application information received from the user terminal 40 to the business entity server 90. The acquisition means 308 acquires a notification from the payment server 30 that the user has passed the screening for generating a credit card number and that a credit card number has been generated. The generation means 310 generates benefit information. The storage control means 311 stores the user ID and the benefit information in association with each other. The stored information may be further transmitted to the user terminal 40 and stored in the memory of the user terminal 40. The benefit information is read by the user terminal or the business entity server as needed (for example, at the time of payment) when the application is executed. The transmission means 312 transmits the user ID and the benefit information to the intermediary server 10. Acquisition means 316 acquires a notification from intermediary server 10 that user registration has been completed. Request means 317 requests an authorization code for acquiring an access token from intermediary server 10. Request means 317 also requests an access token from intermediary server 10. Acquisition means 321 acquires the authorization code from intermediary server 10. Acquisition means 321 also acquires the access token from intermediary server 10. Activation means 322 activates the payment function of the app executed on user terminal 40.

[0032] <Functions related to processing applications for immediate credit card use> 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system S, following on from FIG. 3. FIG. 4 corresponds to the processing sequence diagram of an application for immediate credit card use shown in FIG. The information processing system S has a storage means 203, a reception means 401, a request means 402, an acquisition means 403, a generation means 404, a display control means 405, a reading means 407, a reception means 408, a request means 409, an acquisition means 410, an acquisition means 411, a transmission means 412, an acquisition means 413, a payment means 414, a notification means 415, an acquisition means 416, a notification means 417, an acquisition means 418, a display control means 419, and a display means 420. The storage means 203, acquisition means 403, generation means 404, display control means 405, acquisition means 410, acquisition means 411, transmission means 412, acquisition means 416, notification means 417, and display control means 419 are implemented in the intermediary server 10. The acquisition means 413, payment means 414, and notification means 415 are implemented in the payment server 30. The reception means 401, request means 402, acquisition means 403, and display means 420 are implemented in the user terminal 40. The reading means 407, reception means 408, request means 409, and acquisition means 418 are implemented in the store terminal 50.

[0033] First, the functions of the intermediary server 10 will be described. The storage means 203 stores various data. The storage means 203 also stores a user information database. The acquisition means 403 acquires a request to generate a QR code (registered trademark) from the user terminal 40. At this time, the acquisition means 403 acquires a user ID from the user terminal 40. The generation means 404 generates a QR code using the user ID and payment information transmitted from the user terminal 40. The display control means 405 controls the display of the QR code on the user terminal 40. At this time, the display control means 405 transmits the QR code to the user terminal 40. The acquisition means 410 acquires a request to execute payment from the store terminal 50. At this time, the acquisition means 410 acquires amount information, business operator identification information, the user ID, and payment information from the store terminal 50. The acquisition means 411 reads the user information database stored in the storage means 203 and acquires the credit card number corresponding to the user ID transmitted from the store terminal 50. The sending means 412 sends the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information to the payment server 30. The amount information includes the purchase amount of the product or service related to the payment instruction. The acquiring means 416 acquires a notification that the payment has been completed from the payment server 30. The notifying means 417 notifies the store terminal 50 that the payment has been completed. The display control means 419 displays a screen indicating that the payment has been completed (hereinafter referred to as the payment completion screen) on the user terminal 40. At this time, the display control means 419 transmits data of a payment completion screen to the user terminal 40.

[0034] Next, the functions of the settlement server 30 will be described. Acquisition means 413 acquires the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information from intermediary server 10. Settlement means 414 executes settlement based on the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information sent from intermediary server 10. Notification means 415 notifies intermediary server 10 that the settlement has been completed.

[0035] Next, the functions of the user terminal 40 will be described. Receiving means 401 receives payment instructions for commercial transactions based on operations by the user. Requesting means 402 requests the intermediary server 10 to generate a QR code to be read by the store terminal 50. At this time, the requesting means 402 transmits the user ID to the intermediary server 10. Display control means 405 displays the QR code transmitted from the intermediary server 10. Displaying means 420 displays the payment completion screen transmitted from the payment server 30.

[0036] Next, the functions of the store terminal 50 will be described. Reading means 407 reads the QR code displayed on the user terminal 40. Accepting means 408 accepts input of amount information based on operation by the operator of the store terminal 50. Requesting means 409 requests the intermediary server 10 to execute payment. At this time, the requesting means 409 transmits to the intermediary server 10 the amount information, business operator identification information, and the user ID and payment information that are part of the information contained in the read QR code. Acquiring means 418 acquires a notification from the intermediary server 10 that the payment has been completed.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system S, following Fig. 4. Fig. 5 corresponds to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 18. The information processing system S has a storage means 203, a reception means 501, a reading means 502, a transmission means 503, an acquisition means 504, a notification means 505, an acquisition means 506, a reception means 507, an authentication means 508, a request means 509, an acquisition means 510, an acquisition means 511, a transmission means 512, an acquisition means 513, a payment means 514, a notification means 515, an acquisition means 516, a display control means 517, and a display means 518. The storage means 203, the acquisition means 504, the notification means 505, the acquisition means 510, the acquisition means 511, the transmission means 512, the acquisition means 516, and the display control means 517 are implemented in the intermediation server 10. The acquisition means 513, the payment means 514, and the notification means 515 are implemented in the payment server 30. The reception means 501, the reading means 502, the transmission means 503, the acquisition means 506, the reception means 507, the authentication means 508, the request means 509, and the display means 518 are implemented in the user terminal 40.

[0038] First, the functions of the intermediary server 10 will be described. The storage means 203 stores various data. The storage means 203 also stores a user information database. The acquisition means 504 acquires business operator identification information from the user terminal 40. The notification means 505 notifies the user terminal 40 that the QR code reading at the user terminal 40 has been successfully completed. The acquisition means 510 acquires a request to execute payment from the user terminal 40. At this time, the acquisition means 510 acquires the user ID and payment information from the user terminal 40. The acquisition means 511 reads the user information database stored in the storage means 203 and acquires the credit card number corresponding to the user ID transmitted from the user terminal 40. The transmission means 512 transmits the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information to the payment server 30. The acquisition means 516 acquires a notification from the payment server 30 that the payment has been completed. The display control means 517 controls the display of a payment completion screen on the user terminal 40. At this time, the display control means 517 transmits data of a payment completion screen to the user terminal 40.

[0039] Next, the functions of the settlement server 30 will be described. The credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information are acquired from the intermediary server 10. The settlement means 514 executes the settlement based on the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information sent from the intermediary server 10. The notification means 515 notifies the intermediary server 10 that the settlement has been completed.

[0040] Next, the functions of the user terminal 40 will be described. Receiving means 501 receives a payment instruction for a commercial transaction based on a user operation. Reading means 502 reads a QR code containing business identification information. Sending means 503 sends the business identification information obtained by reading the QR code to the intermediary server 10. Acquisition means 506 receives a notification from the intermediary server 10 that the user terminal 40 has successfully read the QR code. Receiving means 507 receives input of amount information based on a user operation. Authentication means 508 performs user authentication in the app to confirm that the person attempting to make payment is the user himself / herself. Requesting means 509 requests the intermediary server 10 to execute a payment. At this time, requesting means 509 transmits the user ID and payment information to the intermediary server 10. Displaying means 518 displays the payment completion screen sent from the intermediary server 10.

[0041] 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system S, following on from Fig. 5. Fig. 6 corresponds to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 20. The information processing system S includes a storage unit 203, a transmission unit 601, an acquisition unit 602, a generation unit 603, a display control unit 604, a display unit 605, a reception unit 606, a reading unit 607, a transmission unit 608, an acquisition unit 609, a display control unit 610, a display unit 611, an authentication unit 612, a request unit 613, an acquisition unit 614, an acquisition unit 615, a transmission unit 616, an acquisition unit 617, a settlement unit 618, a notification unit 619, an acquisition unit 620, a display control unit 621, a display unit 622, and a display unit 623. The storage unit 203, the acquisition unit 602, the generation unit 603, the display control unit 604, the acquisition unit 609, the display control unit 610, the acquisition unit 614, the acquisition unit 615, the transmission unit 616, the acquisition unit 620, and the display control unit 621 are implemented in the intermediation server 10. The acquisition means 617, the payment means 618, and the notification means 619 are implemented in the payment server 30. The reception means 606, the reading means 607, the transmission means 608, the display means 611, the authentication means 612, the request means 613, and the display means 623 are implemented in the user terminal 40. The transmission means 601, the display means 605, and the display means 622 are implemented in the store terminal 50.

[0042] First, the functions of the intermediary server 10 will be described. The storage means 203 stores various data. The storage means 203 also stores a user information database. The acquisition means 602 acquires business operator identification information and amount information from the store terminal 50. The generation means 603 generates a QR code using the business operator identification information and amount information transmitted from the store terminal 50. The display control means 604 controls the display of the QR code on the store terminal 50. At this time, the display control means 604 transmits the QR code to the store terminal 50. The acquisition means 609 acquires amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information from the user terminal 40 via the business operator server 90. The display control means 610 controls the display of amount information on the user terminal 40 via the business operator server 90. In other words, the display control means 610 notifies the user terminal 40 that the QR code has been successfully read. The acquisition means 614 acquires a request for payment execution from the user terminal 40 via the business operator server 90. The acquisition means 615 reads the user information database stored in the storage means 203 and acquires the credit card number corresponding to the user ID transmitted and received from the business server 90. The transmission means 616 transmits the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information to the payment server 30. The acquisition means 620 acquires a notification that the payment has been completed from the payment server 30. The display control means 621 controls the display of a payment completion screen on the store terminal 50. The display control means 621 also controls the display of a payment completion screen on the user terminal 40 via the business server 90.

[0043] Next, the functions of the settlement server 30 will be described. Acquisition means 617 acquires the credit card number and amount information from the intermediary server 10. Settlement means 618 executes settlement based on the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information sent from the intermediary server 10. Notification means 619 notifies the intermediary server 10 that the settlement has been completed.

[0044] Next, the functions of the user terminal 40 will be described. The acceptance means 606 accepts instructions for payment of the price associated with a commercial transaction based on an operation by the user. The reading means 607 reads the QR code displayed on the store terminal 50. The transmission means 608 transmits payment information, as well as amount information and business identification information contained in the read QR code, to the intermediary server 10. The display means 611 displays the amount information. The authentication means 612 performs user authentication in the app to confirm that the person attempting to make payment is the user himself / herself. The request means 613 requests the intermediary server 10 to execute the payment. At this time, the request means 613 transmits the user ID to the intermediary server 10. The display means 623 displays the payment completion screen transmitted from the intermediary server 10.

[0045] Next, the functions of the store terminal 50 will be described. Transmission means 601 transmits business identification information and amount information to the intermediary server 10. Display means 605 displays the QR code transmitted from the intermediary server 10. Display means 622 displays the payment completion screen transmitted from the intermediary server 10.

[0046] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediary server 10. The intermediary server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, and a communication interface (IF). The CPU 11 is a computer device that executes a program. The CPU 11 is a control device that performs various calculations and controls other hardware elements of the intermediation server 10. The memory 12 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 11 executes programs. The storage 13 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. The communication IF 14 is a communication device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)).

[0047] In this example, storage 13 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as "intermediate server program") for causing a computer device to function as intermediary server 10 in information processing system S. When CPU 11 executes the intermediary server program, the functions shown in Figures 2 to 7 are implemented in the computer device. When CPU 11 is executing the intermediary server program, at least one of memory 12 and storage 13 is an example of storage means 203, CPU 11 is an example of acquisition means 206, control means 209, registration means 314, generation means 319, generation means 404, acquisition means 411, acquisition means 511, generation means 603, and acquisition means 615, and communication IF 14 is an example of acquisition means 306, acquisition means 313, notification means 315, acquisition means 318, transmission means 319, and so on. 20, acquiring means 403, display control means 405, acquiring means 410, transmitting means 412, acquiring means 416, notifying means 417, display control means 419, acquiring means 504, notifying means 505, acquiring means 510, transmitting means 512, acquiring means 516, display control means 517, acquiring means 602, display control means 604, acquiring means 609, display control means 610, acquiring means 614, transmitting means 616, acquiring means 620, display control means 621, and acquiring means 708.

[0048] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the payment server 30. The payment server 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, and a communication interface (IF). The CPU 31 is a computer device that executes a program. It is a control device that performs various calculations and controls other hardware elements of the payment server 30. The memory 32 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 31 executes a program. The storage 33 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. The communication IF 34 is a communication device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)).

[0049] In this example, storage 33 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as the "payment server program") for causing a computer device to function as payment server 30 in information processing system S. When CPU 31 executes the payment server program, the functions of Figures 2 to 7 are implemented in the computer device. When CPU 31 is executing the payment server program, CPU 31 is an example of generation means 202, payment means 207, control means 210, generation means 304, payment means 414, payment means 514, and payment means 618, and communication IF 34 is an example of acquisition means 303, transmission means 305, notification means 307, transmission means 309, acquisition means 413, notification means 415, acquisition means 513, notification means 515, acquisition means 617, notification means 619, and acquisition means 710.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal 40. The user terminal 40 is a computer device having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, memory 42, storage 43, a communication IF (Interface) 44, an input unit 45, and a display 46. The CPU 41 is a control device that executes programs to perform various calculations and controls other hardware elements of the user terminal 40. The memory 42 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 41 executes programs. The storage 43 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. The communication IF 44 is a communication device that communicates with other devices in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)). The input unit 45 is an operation unit composed of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or the like, and inputs various information in response to user instructions. The display 46 is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and outputs images or characters.

[0051] In this example, storage 43 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as a "user terminal program") for causing a computer device to function as a user terminal 40 in information processing system S. When CPU 41 executes the user terminal program, the functions of FIGS. 2 to 7 are implemented in the computer device. When the CPU 41 is executing the server program, the CPU 41 is an example of the receiving means 201, the reading means 204, the control means 211, the receiving means 301, the memory control means 311, the activation means 322, the receiving means 401, the receiving means 501, the reading means 502, the receiving means 507, the authentication means 508, the receiving means 606, the reading means 607, the authentication means 612, and the receiving means 701, the communication IF 44 is an example of the transmitting means 302, the acquiring means 308, the generating means 310, the transmitting means 312, the acquiring means 316, the requesting means 317, the acquiring means 321, the requesting means 402, the transmitting means 503, the acquiring means 506, the requesting means 509, the transmitting means 608, the display means 611, the requesting means 613, and the transmitting means 702, and the display 46 is an example of the display control means 405, the display means 420, the display means 518, and the display means 623.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a store terminal 50. The store terminal 50 is a computer device having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, memory 52, storage 53, a communication IF (Interface) 54, an input unit 55, and a display 56. The CPU 51 is a control device that executes programs to perform various calculations and controls other hardware elements of the store terminal 50. The memory 52 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 51 executes a program. The storage 53 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. The communication IF 54 is a communication device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)). The input unit 5 Reference numeral 5 denotes an operation unit consisting of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., which inputs various information in response to user instructions. A display 56 is composed of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and outputs images or characters.

[0053] In this example, the storage 53 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as the "store terminal program") for causing the computer device to function as the store terminal 50 in the information processing system S. When the CPU 51 executes the store terminal program, the functions of Figures 2, 4, and 6 are implemented in the computer device. When the CPU 51 is executing the server program, the CPU 51 is an example of the reading means 205, the control means 212, the reading means 407, and the receiving means 408, the communication IF 54 is an example of the request means 409, the acquisition means 418, and the transmission means 601, and the display 56 is an example of the display means 605 and the display means 622.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the business server 90. The business server 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a memory 92, a storage 93, and a communication The CPU 91 is a computer device having a communication IF (Interface) 94. The processor 92 is a control device that executes various calculations and controls other hardware elements of the business server 90. The memory 92 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 91 executes programs. The storage 93 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. The communication IF 94 is a communication device that communicates with other devices in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)).

[0055] In this example, storage 93 stores a program for causing the computer device to function as business entity server 90 in information processing system S. When CPU 91 executes this program, the computer device is implemented with the functions shown in Figures 2 to 6. When CPU 91 is executing the program, CPU 91 is an example of application control means 291, benefit management means 293, activation means 322, display control means 421, display control means 422, display control means 534, display control means 632, display control means 634, etc.

[0056] 2.Operation 2.1 Immediate Use Application Processing Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for applying for immediate use of a credit card. Fig. 14 explains the process for applying for a commercial transaction using a credit card number after the credit card number is generated and before the physical card (so-called plastic card) is delivered to the user.

[0057] First, in step S1401, the accepting means 301 of the user terminal 40 accepts input of application information based on an operation by the user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, the user selects and launches an app provided by a retailer that provides "xxx store" and that has been installed in the user terminal 40 in advance from a home screen displayed under the control of the OS of the user terminal 40. Next, when the user performs a predetermined login operation such as inputting an ID, password, etc. as necessary, communication with the business server 90 is performed, and the top page shown in FIG. 14B is displayed. A page screen is displayed on the user terminal 40. This screen is generated by the business server 90, and an object OB21 for accepting credit card application is arranged on it. When a user who wants to apply for a credit card taps on OB21, the operation information is sent to the business server 90, and the screen shown in FIG. 14C is displayed on the user terminal 40. This screen is an input form for applying for a credit card, which is specified by the card issuing company that manages the payment server 30, and contains the information necessary for card application screening. It contains a field OB32 for entering information.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 13, when the user inputs the necessary information and taps the object OB31, the input information is transmitted to the business server 90 (S1402A). In step S1402B, if the received application information does not include a user ID, the communication means 331 of the business entity server 90 adds the user ID to the application information and transmits it as application information to the payment server 30. The acquisition means 303 of the payment server 30 acquires the application information.

[0059] In step S1403, the generating means 304 of the payment server 30 performs an examination using the acquired application information, and if the examination is passed, generates a credit card number for the user. In step S1404, the transmitting means 305 of the payment server 30 generates a credit card number for the user using the user ID acquired in step S1402B and the The generated credit card number is sent to the intermediary server 10. The sending means 305 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the user ID and the credit card number from the payment server 30.

[0060] In step S1405, the storage means 203 of the intermediary server 10 stores the user ID and credit card number acquired in step S1404 in the user information database in association with each other.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a user information database. The user information database is composed of a user ID 1501, a credit card number 1502, and a user ID payment flag 1503. The user information database stores the user ID 1501, the credit card number 1502, and the user ID payment flag 1503 in association with each other. The user ID 1501 is the user ID whose input was accepted in step S1401. The credit card number 1502 is the credit card number generated in step S1403. The user ID payment flag 1503 is a flag indicating that payment is to be made using the user ID 1501 associated with the credit card number 1502. For example, when the user ID payment flag 1503 is "ON," payment is possible using the user ID 1501, and when the user ID payment flag 1503 is "OFF," payment is not possible using the user ID 1501. At the time of step S1405, the user ID payment flag 1503 is stored as "OFF."

[0062] 13, in step S1406A, the notification means 307 of the payment server 30 notifies the business operator server 90 that the examination for generating the credit card number has been passed and that the credit card number has been generated. Then, the business operator server 90 notifies the user terminal 40 that the examination for generating the credit card number has been passed and that the credit card number has been generated (step S1406B).

[0063] In step S1408, the generation means 310 of the business entity server 90 generates benefit information. The benefit information is given to the user along with the generation of the credit card number, and is information indicating the benefit that can be used by making a payment using the credit card in a commercial transaction at the business entity.

[0064] The reward information may be, for example, points that can be used for payment in commercial transactions. Here, the content of the reward information may be determined based on the period of time that has elapsed since the credit card number was generated. For example, the content of the reward information may be defined as points that can be used within a predetermined period (e.g., 30 days) after the credit card number was generated. Alternatively, the number of points may be added only for a predetermined period after the credit card number was generated. Alternatively, the content of the benefit information may include the number of commercial transactions that have been made using the card since the card was issued. For example, the content of the benefit information may be stipulated as being available only the first time a commercial transaction is made using the generated credit card number (or only a predetermined number of times from the first time). In other words, an expiration date may be set for the benefit information.

[0065] The content of the privilege information, the timing of generating (or deleting) the privilege information, the expiration date (in other words, the process of enabling / disabling the privilege information), and other specifications of the privilege information can be independently set by the business operator. The set specifications are stored in the business operator server 90, and may be notified to and stored in the user terminal 40 as necessary. Alternatively, the content of the above-mentioned special benefit information and other specifications may be determined by the payment server 30. In this case, information about the content of the special benefit information and other specifications that have been determined is notified to the business server 90 at the same time that the credit card number is issued after passing the screening.

[0066] Furthermore, how the business or credit card issuer uses the reward information granted to the user is up to the user. In short, the business just needs to control the operation of the app or the operation of the store terminal 50 so that the user can use the reward information either by explicitly specifying it or automatically without the user's knowledge when using at least the commercial transaction service provided by the business.

[0067] The benefit information may be transmitted from the business operator server 90 to the user terminal 40 and stored in the user terminal 40, or may be held solely by the business operator server 90. In short, it is sufficient that the business operator server 90 and the user terminal 40 exchange information at least when the app is launched and a commercial transaction is performed, and the user can receive notification of and use the benefit information. In step S1409, the transmission means 312 of the agent server 90 transmits the user ID and the benefit information to the intermediation server 10. The acquisition means 313 of the intermediation server 10 acquires the user ID and the benefit information from the agent server 90.

[0068] In step S1410, registration means 314 of intermediary server 10 performs user registration using the user ID and benefit information transmitted in step S1409. The user registration performed here is registration for performing payment processing using intermediary server 10, which stores user IDs and credit card numbers in association with each other. At this time, the user ID payment flag in the user information database is rewritten to ON. In step S1411, notification means 315 of intermediary server 10 notifies user terminal 40 that user registration has been completed. Acquisition means 316 of business entity server 90 acquires from intermediary server 10 a notification that user registration has been completed.

[0069] Next, preparations are made between the business entity server 90 and the intermediary server 10 for making a payment using a QR code, which will be described later. Specifically, first, in step S1412, the request means 317 of the business entity server 90 requests an authorization code for obtaining an access token from the intermediary server 10 from the intermediary server 10. The acquisition means 318 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the request for the authorization code from the user terminal 40. In step S1413, the generation means 319 of the intermediary server 10 generates an authorization code. In step S1414, the transmission means 320 of the intermediary server 10 transmits the authorization code generated in step S1413 to the user terminal 40. The acquisition means 321 of the business entity server 90 acquires the authorization code from the intermediary server 10.

[0070] In step S1415, the request means 317 of the agent server 90 requests an access token from the intermediary server 10. The acquisition means 318 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the access token request. In step S1416, the generation means 319 of the intermediary server 10 generates an access token. In step S1417, the transmission means 320 of the intermediary server 10 transmits the access token generated in step S1416 to the user terminal 40. The acquisition means 321 of the business server 90 acquires the access token from the intermediation server 10.

[0071] In step S1418A and / or S1418A, the activation means 322 of the business operator server 90 and / or the activation means 340 of the user terminal 40 activates the payment function of the app executed on the user terminal 40. Activating the payment function means making the numberless payment function provided in the app available on the user terminal 40, and it is sufficient that the activation is executed on at least either the user terminal 40 or the business operator server 90. Hereinafter, numberless payments will be explained by classifying them into QR code and other so-called code payments and user ID payments (payments that do not use QR codes, etc.). However, the system according to the present invention can be applied to any payment method.

[0072] QR code payment is, for example, a payment method that uses the generation or reading of a QR code and is a payment method that is mainly carried out at a business's physical store. User ID payment is, for example, a payment method that uses a user ID associated with a credit card number and is a payment method that is mainly adopted for so-called online sales (commercial transactions using an EC (E-commerce) site). A payment function is, for example, a function that displays a QR code for performing payment processing, a function that reads a QR code for performing payment processing, or a function that displays a button or other object on the screen of user terminal 40 to allow the user to specify user ID payment as the payment method.

[0073] 2.2 Payment Processing Figures 16, 18, and 20 are sequence diagrams illustrating payment processing using a QR code. The examples shown in Figures 16, 18, and 20 all have in common the fact that they ultimately request the intermediary server 10 to execute payment. The payment server 30 acquires information necessary for payment, such as a credit card number, from the intermediary server 10 that has acquired the request to execute payment, and executes the payment.

[0074] 2.2.1 CPM Payment Processing The payment process shown in Figure 16 is based on the so-called CPM (Consumer-Presented Mode) method. The payment process using the CPM method is a payment process that is performed by the store terminal 50 reading a QR code displayed on the user terminal 40.

[0075] First, in step S1601, the accepting means 401 of the user terminal 40 accepts an instruction for payment in a commercial transaction based on an operation by the user. Specifically, based on an operation by the user, the accepting means 401 accepts input of payment information. FIG. 17A shows a screen displayed on the user terminal 40. 1 is an example of a screen for accepting payment instructions. On this screen, the user taps object OB41 to make payment for the purchased product. Here, payment information is information related to the number of payments or the timing of payments. Information related to the number of payments or the timing of payments is, for example, a lump sum payment, an installment payment, or a revolving payment.

[0076] In steps S1602A and S1602B, the request means 402 of the user terminal 40 The user requests the intermediary server 10 to generate a QR code to be read by the store terminal 50 via the communication means 423 of the business entity server 90. At this time, the request means 402 transmits the user ID and payment information to the business entity server 90. The user ID is stored in the app, for example. Alternatively, the user ID may be input based on an operation by the user when the payment instruction is accepted in step S1601. The acquisition means 403 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the request to generate a QR code from the business entity server 90.

[0077] In step S1603, the generation means 404 of the intermediary server 10 generates a QR code including the user ID and payment information transmitted in step S1602. In steps S1604A and S1604B, the display control means 405 of the intermediary server 10 The display control means 405 controls the display of the QR code generated in step S1603 on the user terminal 40 via the business server 90. At this time, the display control means 405 transmits the QR code data to the user terminal 40 via the business server 90. In step S1605, the display control means 405 of the user terminal 40 displays the QR code received from the business server 90.

[0078] FIG. 17B shows an example of a QR code display screen on the user terminal 40. This screen displays: Objects OB42 and OB43 are displayed to indicate that payment will be made using a QR code linked to the issued credit card ("XX card") and to prompt the user to have the store terminal 50 read the QR code.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 16 , in step S1606, the reading means 407 of the store terminal 50 reads the QR code displayed on the user terminal 40. In step S1607, the acceptance means 408 of the store terminal 50 accepts input of amount information based on an operation by the business operator. In step S1608, the request means 409 of the store terminal 50 requests the intermediary server 10 to execute a payment. At this time, the request means 409 transmits to the intermediary server 10 the amount information, business operator identification information, and the user ID and payment information, which are part of the information contained in the read QR code. The acquisition means 410 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the request to execute a payment from the store terminal 50. At this time, the acquisition means 410 acquires the amount information, business operator identification information, user ID, and payment information from the store terminal 50.

[0080] In step S1609, the acquisition means 411 of the intermediary server 10 reads the user information database stored in the storage means 203, and acquires the credit card number corresponding to the user ID sent from the store terminal 50. In step S1610, the transmission means 412 of the intermediary server 10 transmits the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information to the payment server 30. The acquisition means 413 of the payment server 30 acquires the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information from the intermediary server 10.

[0081] In step S1611, the payment means 414 of the payment server 30 executes the payment based on the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information sent from the intermediary server 10. For example, if the payment information indicates a lump-sum payment, the payment is made as a lump-sum payment using the credit card number. In step S1612, the notification means 415 of the payment server 30 notifies the intermediary server 10 that the payment has been completed. The acquisition means 416 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the notification that the payment has been completed from the payment server 30. In step S1613, the notification means 417 of the intermediary server 10 notifies the store terminal 50 that the payment has been completed. The acquisition means 418 of the store terminal 50 acquires the notification that the payment has been completed from the intermediary server 10.

[0082] In steps S1614A and S1614B, the display control means 419 of the intermediary server 10 controls the display of a payment completion screen on the user terminal 40 via the business entity server 90. Specifically, the business entity server 90 generates a payment completion screen based on the information received from the display control means 419 and transmits display screen data to the user terminal 40. As a result, in step S1615, the display means 420 displays a payment completion screen including an object OB44 indicating payment completion and the payment amount, as shown in FIG. 17C.

[0083] 2.2.2 Payment processing using the static MPM method The payment process illustrated in Figure 18 is a so-called static MPM (Merchant-Presented Mode) method. This corresponds to payment processing using a static MPM system. Payment processing using the MPM system is payment processing performed by the user terminal 40 reading a QR code managed by the business operator. Payment processing using the static MPM system refers to payment processing using a QR code that does not change over time or with each commercial transaction. While payment processing using the static MPM system has the advantage of not needing to generate a QR code for each commercial transaction, QR codes cannot contain amount information, so the user must input amount information using the user terminal 40.

[0084] In step S1801, the accepting means 501 of the user terminal 40 accepts a payment instruction for a commercial transaction based on an operation by the user. Specifically, the accepting means 501 accepts input of payment information based on an operation by the user. In step S1802, the reading means 502 of the user terminal 40 reads a QR code owned by a business operator. The QR code includes business operator identification information.

[0085] 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a QR code display screen on the store terminal 50. To prompt the user to read the QR code using the camera function of the user terminal 40, the store terminal 50 displays the QR code along with a message saying, "Please read the QR code below." In the process shown in FIG. 18, the QR code does not necessarily have to be displayed on the store terminal 50; for example, the QR code may be printed on paper or the like.

[0086] In steps S1803A and S1803B, transmission means 503 of user terminal 40 transmits the business identification information included in the QR code read in step S1802 to intermediary server 10 via business server 90. Acquisition means 504 of intermediary server 10 acquires this business identification information.

[0087] In steps S1804A and S1804B, the notification means 505 of the intermediation server 10 notifies user terminal 40 via business server 90 that reading of the QR code has been completed successfully. Intermediary server 10 determines that reading of the QR code has been completed successfully if the business identification information stored in a database (not shown) stored in storage means 103 of intermediary server 10 includes the business identification information transmitted in step S1803.

[0088] In step S1805, the accepting means 507 of the user terminal 40 accepts input of amount information based on an operation by the user. In step S1806, the authenticating means 508 of the user terminal 40 performs user authentication in the app to confirm that the person attempting to make payment is the user himself / herself.

[0089] In steps S1807A and S1807B, the request means 509 of the user terminal 40 requests the intermediary server 10 to execute payment via the business server 90. At this time, the request means 509 transmits the user ID and payment information to the business server 90. The acquisition means 510 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the request to execute payment from the business server 90. At this time, the acquisition means 510 acquires the user ID and payment information from the user terminal 40.

[0090] In step S1808, acquisition means 511 of intermediary server 10 reads the user information database stored in storage means 203, and acquires the credit card number corresponding to the user ID sent from user terminal 40. In step S1809, transmission means 512 of intermediary server 10 transmits the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information to payment server 30. Acquisition means 513 of payment server 30 acquires the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information from intermediary server 10.

[0091] In step S1810, the payment means 514 of the payment server 30 executes the payment based on the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information sent from the intermediary server 10. For example, if the payment information indicates a lump-sum payment, the payment is made as a lump-sum payment using the credit card number. In step S1811, the notification means 515 of the payment server 30 notifies the intermediary server 10 that the payment has been completed. The acquisition means 516 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the notification that the payment has been completed from the payment server 30.

[0092] In steps S1812A and S1812B, the display control means 517 of the intermediary server 10 controls the display of a payment completion screen on the user terminal 40 via the business operator server 90. At this time, the display control means 534 transmits data of the payment completion screen to the user terminal 40. As a result, in step S1813, the display means 518 of the user terminal 40 displays a payment completion screen (not shown).

[0093] 2.2.3 Payment processing using the dynamic MPM method The payment process illustrated in Figure 20 is a so-called dynamic MPM (Merchant-Presented Mode) method. This corresponds to payment processing using a dynamic MPM system. Payment processing using a dynamic MPM system refers to payment processing using a QR code that changes over time or with each commercial transaction. In payment processing using the dynamic MPM system, the QR code can include amount information. In payment processing using the dynamic MPM system, a QR code including amount information input by the business operator via the store terminal 50 is displayed on the store terminal 50, which has the advantage that the user does not need to input amount information.

[0094] In step S2001, the transmitting means 601 of the store terminal 50 transmits the business operator identification information and amount information to the intermediary server 10. The acquiring means 602 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the business operator identification information and amount information from the store terminal 50. In step S2002, the generating means 603 of the intermediary server 10 generates a QR code using the business operator identification information and amount information transmitted from the store terminal 50.

[0095] In step S2003, the display control means 604 of the intermediary server 10 controls the display of the QR code on the store terminal 50. At this time, the display control means 604 transmits the QR code to the store terminal 50. In step S2004, the display means 605 of the store terminal 50 displays the QR code transmitted from the intermediary server 10.

[0096] 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a QR code display screen on the store terminal 50. To prompt the user terminal 40 to read the QR code, the store terminal 50 displays the QR code along with a message saying, "Please read the QR code below." Also, "Amount: 1,000 yen" is displayed as the amount corresponding to the amount information transmitted in step S2001.

[0097] 20 , in step S2005, the accepting means 606 of the user terminal 40 accepts a payment instruction for a commercial transaction based on an operation by the user. Specifically, the accepting means 606 of the user terminal 40 accepts input of payment information based on an operation by the user. In step S2006, the reading means 607 of the user terminal 40 reads the QR code displayed on the store terminal 50. In steps S2007A and S2007B, the transmitting means 608 of the user terminal 40 transmits the payment information, and the amount information and business identification information contained in the read QR code to the intermediary server 10 via the business server 90. The acquiring means 609 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the amount information, business identification information, and payment information from the user terminal 40.

[0098] In steps S2008A and S2008B, the display control means 610 of the intermediary server 10 controls the display of the amount information on the user terminal 40 via the business server 90. As a result, in step S2009, the display means 611 of the user terminal 40 displays the amount information. At this time, the display means 611 may display not only the amount information but also the business identification information.

[0099] In step S2010, authentication means 612 of user terminal 40 performs user authentication in the app to confirm that the person attempting to make payment is the user himself / herself. In steps S2011A and S2011B, request means 613 of user terminal 40 requests intermediary server 10 to execute payment. At this time, request means 613 transmits the user ID to business entity server 90. Acquisition means 614 of intermediary server 10 acquires the request to execute payment from business entity server 90.

[0100] In step S2012, acquisition means 615 of intermediary server 10 reads the user information database stored in storage means 203 and acquires the credit card number corresponding to the received user ID. In step S2013, transmission means 616 of intermediary server 10 transmits the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information to payment server 30. Acquisition means 617 of payment server 30 acquires the credit card number, amount information, business operator identification information, and payment information from intermediary server 10.

[0101] In step S2014, the payment means 618 of the payment server 30 executes the payment based on the credit card number, amount information, business identification information, and payment information sent from the intermediary server 10. For example, if the payment information indicates a lump-sum payment, the payment is made as a lump-sum payment using the credit card number. In step S2015, the notification means 619 of the payment server 30 notifies the intermediary server 10 that the payment has been completed. The acquisition means 620 of the intermediary server 10 acquires the notification that the payment has been completed from the payment server 30.

[0102] In step S2016, the display control means 621 of the intermediary server 10 controls the display of a payment completion screen on the store terminal 50. In step S2017, the display means 622 of the store terminal 50 displays the payment completion screen sent from the intermediary server 10.

[0103] Subsequently, in steps S2018A and S2018B, the display control means 621 of the intermediary server 10 performs control to display a payment completion screen on the user terminal 40 via the business operator server 90. As a result, in step S2019, the display means 623 of the user terminal 40 displays the payment completion screen transmitted from the business operator server 90.

[0104] According to each of the above-described embodiments, even though payment is made using a so-called code such as a QR code, the user can specify the number of payments, the timing of payments, and other payment aspects, which was not possible in the past.

[0105] 2.2.4 Payment processing without using QR codes An example of a payment process that does not use a QR code will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 shows an overview of the information processing system SA. The information processing system SA includes an intermediary server 10, a payment server 30, a user terminal 40A, and an EC server 80. The information processing system SA differs from the information processing system S shown in FIG. 1 in that a user terminal 40A is provided instead of the user terminal 40, and an EC server 80 is provided instead of the user terminal 50. The user terminal 40A is a general computer such as a smartphone or PC that has the function of communicating with the EC server 80, and the function of reading and displaying QR codes has been omitted from the user terminal 40. The EC server 80 is a server that manages a so-called EC site, and The EC server 80 communicates with the user terminal 40A, and in response to a request from the user terminal 40A, causes the user terminal 40A to display web pages (screens) that display information about products and services, screens that accept instructions for purchases and payments, and other screens related to online commercial transactions. A description of the basic functions of the EC server 80 will be omitted. On the other hand, the intermediary server 10 and the payment server 30 are substantially the same as those described in Figures 1 to 21. That is, the intermediary server 10 registers the user ID in association with the credit card number generated by the credit card company, makes a payment request to the payment server 30 in response to a payment instruction from the user or business associated with the purchase of a product, and transmits the result of the payment executed by the payment server 30 and information associated with the issuance of the card to the user or business.

[0106] 23, a user operates user terminal 40A, launches a browser, and enters a URL to access EC server 80 managed and operated by a business operator (step S2300), and then enters application information from a web page for card membership application prepared by EC server 80 (step S2301). The entered application information is sent to EC server 80 along with the user's user ID. EC server 80 then transmits the application information to 30. The subsequent processes of examination and card issuance in payment server 30, linking the card number with the user ID in intermediary server 10, and notifying user terminal 40A of the examination results and benefit information (steps S2304 to S2309) are the same as the processes of S1403 to S1407 shown in FIG. 14. If the card membership examination is passed, a flag indicating that payment can be made using the credit card number and user ID is stored in user terminal 40A in association with access information (such as a URL) to EC server 80.

[0107] FIG. 24 shows an example in which the flag information is stored in the storage unit of the user terminal 40A. In this example, a user ID 2402, a credit card number 2403, and a user ID payment flag 2404 are stored in association with an EC site ID 2301, which is an identifier that uniquely identifies an EC site. The information shown in FIG. 24 is stored, for example, as a cookie of a browser application, and is transmitted to the EC server 80 as needed after the browser application is launched in the user terminal 40A. Note that the information shown in FIG. 24 may be stored in the EC server 80 instead of the user terminal 40A, or may be stored in both the user terminal 40A and the EC server 80. In short, when the user terminal 40A accesses the EC server 80 to perform a commercial transaction, it is sufficient for the EC server 80 to know that payment by user ID is possible when using this EC site.

[0108] 25 shows the operation when a user performs a commercial transaction on the EC server 80 after a card is issued. First, the user accesses the EC server 80 and, if necessary, performs a login operation such as inputting a user ID and password (steps S2501 and S2502). The EC server 80 checks the above flag information from a cookie or the like, obtains information indicating whether payment using the user ID is possible, and performs activation processing if payment using the user ID is possible. The activation processing involves generating a web page including a display object for specifying payment using the user ID when a payment request is received from the user terminal 40A and payment using the user ID is possible.

[0109] Using FIG. 26, an example of the difference in the screens generated by the EC server 80 and displayed on the user terminal 40A depending on whether a flag is set or not will be described. FIG. 26(a) is a screen for selecting an item to purchase, and is displayed regardless of whether a flag is set or not. When the user inputs a payment instruction in the state shown in FIG. 26(a), if the flag is not set, a screen such as FIG. 26(b) will be displayed, and the credit card registered by the user in advance will be displayed as a possible payment method. On the other hand, if the flag is set, the activation process is performed in the EC server 80, and the screen shown in FIG. 26(c) will be displayed, and the credit card registered in advance will be displayed as a possible payment method. In addition to the card, payment by user ID is also available.

[0110] Returning to Fig. 25, when the user selects a product and specifies a payment method (step S2504), EC server 80 transmits a payment request to intermediary server 10 or payment server 30 according to the selected payment method. Specifically, if the above flag exists, EC server 80 transmits a payment request to intermediary server 10 together with the user ID (step S2505B), whereas if the above flag does not exist, it transmits a payment request to payment server 30, similar to conventional credit card payments (step S2505A). The processing of steps S2506 to S2512 is essentially the same as the processing shown in Fig. 16, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] According to each of the above embodiments, as shown in Figures 13, 16, 18, 20, and 25, once a credit card number is generated, the user can immediately use the generated credit card number to make a payment. At this time, the user or business has or has acquired the card screening results and the benefit information associated with the card issuance, so the user or business can use the specified information. If the business incorporates link information to the access destination (payment server 30) for applying for a card into the application program used by the user to search for and purchase products, the process from purchase to immediate issuance and use of the card (including use of the benefit information) can be completed in one go, improving user convenience.

[0112] 3. Other Examples The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications will be described below. Two or more of the features described in the following modifications may be used in combination.

[0113] (1) Processing card applications on your behalf In the above embodiment, the payment server 30 issues cards and processes applications, but a dedicated server may be provided to process applications.

[0114] FIG. 27 shows a schematic diagram of an information processing system SB according to a modified example. The information processing system SB is an information processing system S provided with a card enrollment agent server 60 for performing card enrollment-related processing that was previously handled by the payment server 30. The card enrollment agent server 60 is managed and operated, for example, by a business operator or a company commissioned by a credit card issuer, and acquires application information and business operator identification information on behalf of the payment server 30, and transmits the acquired application information and business operator identification information to the payment server 30. The business operator identification information includes, for example, a character string composed of at least one of alphabets and numbers. The business operator identification information may also include the name of the business operator.

[0115] 28 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system SB. The information processing system SB includes a storage unit 203, a receiving unit 701, a transmitting unit 702, an acquiring unit 703, a transmitting unit 704, an acquiring unit 705, a generating unit 706, a transmitting unit 707, a transmitting unit 709, and a transmitting unit 711. The storage means 203 and acquisition means 710 are implemented in the intermediary server 10. The acquisition means 708 is implemented in the settlement server 30. The acceptance means 701 and transmission means 702 are implemented in the user terminal 40. The acquisition means 703 and transmission means 704 are implemented in the card enrollment agency server 60. The acquisition means 705, generation means 706, and transmission means 707 are implemented in the settlement server 30. The transmission means 711 is implemented in the business operator's server 90.

[0116] First, we will explain the functions of the intermediary server 10. The storage means 203 stores various data. The storage means 203 also stores a user information database. The acquisition means 710 acquires a user ID and a credit card number from the payment server 30.

[0117] Next, we will explain the functions of the user terminal 40. Receiving means 701 receives input of application information and business identification information based on user operation. Transmission means 702 transmits the application information and business identification information to the card enrollment agency server 60 via the business server 90.

[0118] The transmission means 711 of the business server 90 transmits the application information and business identification information received from the user terminal 40 to the card enrollment agency server 60. Note that the business identification information may not be entered at the user terminal 40, but may be added to the application information in the business server 90 and transmitted to the card enrollment agency server 60.

[0119] Next, we will explain the functions of the card enrollment agency server 60. Acquisition means 703 acquires application information and business identification information from the user terminal 40. Transmission means 704 transmits the application information and business identification information to the payment server 30.

[0120] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the card enrollment proxy server 60. The card enrollment proxy server 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a memory 62, a storage The CPU 6 is a computer device having a memory 63 and a communication IF (Interface) 64. Reference numeral 1 denotes a control device that executes programs to perform various calculations and controls other hardware elements of the card enrollment proxy server 60. Memory 62 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 61 executes programs. Storage 63 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data. Communication IF 64 is a communication device that communicates with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)).

[0121] In this example, storage 63 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as the "card enrollment agency server program") for causing the computer device to function as card enrollment agency server 60 in information processing system S. When CPU 61 executes the card enrollment agency server program, the functions of Fig. 28 are implemented in the computer device. When CPU 61 is executing the card enrollment agency server program, CPU 61 is an example of control means 213, and communication IF 64 is an example of acquisition means 703 and transmission means 704.

[0122] FIG. 30 shows a modified example of the processing shown in steps S1401 to S1405 of FIG. 13, from when the application information is input at the user terminal 40 until the user ID and credit card number are stored in association with each other in the intermediary server 10.

[0123] In step S2201, the accepting means 701 of the user terminal 40 accepts input of application information and business identification information based on an operation by the user. In steps S2202A and S2202B, the transmitting means 702 of the user terminal 40 transmits the application information and business identification information to the card application agency server 60 via the business server 90. The acquiring means 703 of the card application agency server 60 acquires the application information and business identification information from the business server 90.

[0124] In step S2203, the transmitting means 704 of the card enrollment agent server 60 transmits the application information and business identification information to the payment server 30.

[0125] In step S2204, generation means 706 of payment server 30 generates a credit card number based on the received application information and business identification information. In step S2206, transmission means 709 of payment server 30 transmits the user ID included in the application information and the generated credit card number to intermediary server 10. Acquisition means 710 of intermediary server 10 acquires the user ID and credit card number from payment server 30. In step S2207, the storage means 203 of the intermediary server 10 stores the user ID and credit card number sent in step S2205 in association with each other.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the payment server 30, which performs screening for new card issuance and credit management (payment), does not need to perform processing related to card enrollment, so the processing load on the payment server 30 is reduced.

[0127] The function of issuing credit card numbers may be separated from the payment server 30, and the payment server 30 may be configured to handle only the payment function. Specifically, a server is provided that receives application information from the intermediary server 10 or the card enrollment agent server 60 and notifies the intermediary server 10 of the issued credit card number and user ID.

[0128] (2) Intermediary server The intermediary server 10 may be managed and operated by another business that cooperates with the business that issues the credit card, or may be managed and operated by the business that issues the credit card itself. The intermediary server 10 may be provided for each business that issues a credit card, or one intermediary server 10 may be provided for businesses that issue multiple credit cards (in other words, multiple payment servers 30).

[0129] If there are multiple intermediary servers 10, the user terminal 40 and the store terminal 50 may be configured to send a request for payment execution to a specific intermediary server 10 when they read the two-dimensional code, regardless of the issuer of the credit card. In this case, the specific intermediary server 10 identifies the issuer of the credit card from the information included in the request obtained from the terminal that read the two-dimensional code (i.e., the user terminal 40 or the store terminal 50), and requests the payment server 30 corresponding to the issuer of the credit card to execute the payment. If an intermediary server 10 is provided for each credit card issuer, the store terminal 50 that reads the two-dimensional code may identify one credit card issuer from the credit card number if the credit card number contains information that identifies the credit card issuer, and may request the execution of payment from one intermediary server 10 corresponding to the identified issuer.

[0130] (3) Other In the above-described embodiments, the user terminal 40 and the store terminal 50 are not limited to being a smartphone or a tablet PC, but may be, for example, a PC (personal computer) or a desktop computer.

[0131] The correspondence between the functional elements and the hardware elements in the information processing system S is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment. For example, some of the functions described as the functions of the intermediary server 10 in the embodiment may be implemented in another server. Alternatively, some of the functions described as the functions of the intermediary server 10 in the embodiment may be implemented in another device on the network. The intermediary server 10 may be a physical server or a virtual server (including a so-called cloud).

[0132] The operations of the information processing systems S, SA, and SB described above are merely examples, and the order of the processing procedures of the information processing system S may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Also, some of the processing procedures of the information processing systems S, SA, and SB may be omitted.

[0133] In short, in the information processing system according to the present invention, a user terminal receives input of application information to be used for screening to issue a credit card number to a user of the user terminal, and an intermediary server .... The method may include the steps of: registering a user ID assigned to a user of a user terminal in association with a credit card number issued based on application information received from the user terminal; activating a payment function of an application program provided by the business and executed on the user terminal when notification that the credit card number has been issued is received from the intermediary server; the user terminal using the activated payment function to accept payment instructions from the user regarding the purchase of a product or the use of a service; when the intermediary server receives a payment request including at least the user ID and amount information including the purchase amount of the product or service related to the payment instruction, identifying the credit card number corresponding to the user ID and transmitting the credit card number together with the amount information to a payment server; and the payment server performing payment processing based on the card number and amount information received from the intermediary server.

[0134] Here, the application program may be one that is created and managed by a business operator and distributed to users as customers, as explained using Figures 1 to 21, or it may be a general-purpose browser program for accessing an EC site, as explained using Figures 22 to 26. Furthermore, activation of the application program may be substantially executed on the user terminal side, or may be substantially executed by an EC server (a business operator's device) as explained using Figures 22 to 26, or may be realized as a hybrid as a result of information exchange between the user terminal side and a business operator's device (a store terminal or an EC server).

[0135] The various programs exemplified in the embodiments may be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD-ROM. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] S, SA, SB...information processing system, 10...intermediary server, 11...CPU, 12...memory, 13...storage, 14...communication IF, 20...network, 30...payment server, 31...CPU, 32...memory, 33...storage, 34...communication IF, 40, 40A...user terminal, 41...CPU, 42...memory, 43...storage, 44...communication IF, 45...input unit, 46...display, 50...store terminal, 51...CPU, 52...memory, 53...storage, 54...communication IF, 55...input unit, 56...display, 60...card application agent server, 61...CPU, 62...memory, 63...storage, 64...communication IF, 80...EC server, 90...business operator server, 91...CPU, 92...memory, 93...storage, 94...communication IF

Claims

1. a step of accepting input of application information to be used for screening for issuing a credit card number at a user terminal; a step of registering, in the intermediary server, a user ID assigned to the user by a business providing the product or service and a credit card number issued based on the application information in association with each other; When the credit card number is issued, activating a payment function of an application program provided by the business operator and executed on the user terminal; a step of displaying, on the user terminal using the activated payment function, a code required for purchasing the product or service and including the user ID; reading the code from the user terminal at a store terminal used by the business; a step of accepting input of price information including a purchase price of the product or service at the store terminal; transmitting a payment request including the user ID and the amount information from the store terminal to the intermediary server; a step in which, when the intermediary server receives the payment request from the store terminal, the intermediary server identifies a credit card number corresponding to the user ID and transmits the credit card number together with the amount information to a payment server; the payment server performs payment processing based on the credit card number and the amount information received from the intermediary server; A payment method that has

2. The method further comprises a step of generating, when the business server of the business receives from the payment server a notification that the credit card number has been issued, benefit information indicating a benefit to be granted to the user in association with the issuance of the credit card number. The payment method according to claim 1 .

3. The content of the benefit is determined based on the period of time that has passed since the credit card number was issued. The payment method according to claim 2 .

4. The content of the benefit is determined based on the number of commercial transactions based on the credit card number. The payment method according to claim 2 .

5. A step in which a card enrollment agent server receives application information including the user ID and business operator identification information that identifies the business operator that issued the user ID; transmitting the received application information and business identification information to the payment server; Further having The payment method according to claim 1 .

6. A computer provided by a business operator and used by a user, the computer being a user terminal, a step of accepting input of application information to be used for screening for issuing a credit card number when the user purchases a product or receives a service provided by the business; activating a payment function when the credit card number is issued; using the activated payment function to display a code including a user ID, which is necessary for purchasing a product or using a service, and which is to be read by a store terminal used by the business operator at the store where the product is purchased or the service is provided; A program to execute.

7. The user ID included in the code is transmitted from the store terminal to an intermediary server as a payment request together with amount information including the purchase amount of the product or service input into the store terminal. The program according to claim 6.

8. In a store where goods are purchased or services are provided, a store terminal computer used by a business operator, a step of reading a code that includes a user ID of the user and is necessary for purchasing the product or using the service, the code being displayed on a user terminal of the user at the store when purchasing the product or receiving the service provided by the business; receiving input of price information including a purchase price of the product or service; sending a payment request including the user ID and the amount information to an intermediary server that registers the user ID and a credit card number issued based on application information used for screening to issue a credit card number, the application information being entered at the user terminal, in association with each other; A program to execute.

9. The code including the user ID is displayed on the user terminal using a payment function on the user terminal that is activated when the credit card number is issued. The program according to claim 8.

10. A payment system having a user terminal, a store terminal used by a business operator at a store where goods or services are provided, an intermediary server, and a payment server, The user terminal means for accepting input of application information to be used for screening to issue a credit card number; a means for displaying on the user terminal a code required for purchasing a product or using a service, the code including a user ID assigned to the user by the business operator, using the activated payment function; and The store terminal means for reading the code from the user terminal; means for accepting input of price information including the purchase price of the product or service; means for transmitting a payment request including the user ID and the amount information to the intermediary server; and The intermediary server a means for registering the user ID and a credit card number issued based on the application information in association with each other; a means for specifying a credit card number corresponding to the user ID when the payment request is received from the store terminal and transmitting the specified credit card number together with the amount information to the payment server; and The payment server means for carrying out a payment process based on the credit card number and the amount information received from the intermediary server; Payment system.

11. A payment system having a user terminal, a store terminal used by a business operator at a store where goods or services are provided, and a server, The user terminal means for accepting input of application information to be used for screening to issue a credit card number; a means for displaying on the user terminal a code required for purchasing a product or using a service, the code including a user ID assigned to the user by the business operator, using the activated payment function; and The store terminal means for reading the code from the user terminal; means for accepting input of price information including the purchase price of the product or service; means for transmitting a payment request including the user ID and the amount information to the server; and The server a means for registering the user ID and a credit card number issued based on the application information in association with each other; a means for identifying a credit card number corresponding to the user ID when the payment request is received from the store terminal; means for performing payment processing based on the specified credit card number and the amount information; having Payment system.

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