Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To suppress the outflow of a commission to overseas even when a traveler from overseas performs cashless settlement.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes a blockchain associated with a storage unit set in a terminal of a user who visits a second country that uses a second currency from a first country that uses a first currency, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute, when a request for charging digital currency of a first value in the first currency is received from the terminal, a storage process of determining a second value of the second currency corresponding to the first value based on a currency exchange rate between the first currency and the second currency, generating the digital currency of the determined second value, and storing a transaction history of the digital currency in the blockchain, and a notification process of notifying the terminal of completion of the storage process and causing the terminal to store information on the generated digital currency in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Cashless payments, such as credit cards and crypto assets, are being used. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a crypto asset management technology that utilizes blockchain. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-016582 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an overseas traveler uses a credit card to make a payment in the currency of the country they are traveling to, the acquirer pays a fee to the overseas credit card issuer. The more the traveler pays with a credit card, the more fees the acquirer has to pay to the overseas credit card issuer, which can result in an increase in the acquirer's deficit.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed technology aims to provide an information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system that can prevent fees from flowing overseas even when travelers from overseas make cashless payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed technology is exemplified by the following information processing device. The information processing device includes: a blockchain associated with a storage unit installed in a terminal owned by a user visiting a second country using a second currency from a first country using a first currency; and a processor. Upon receiving a charge request for digital currency of a first value in the first currency from the terminal, the processor executes the following steps: a storage process for determining a second value in the second currency equivalent to the first value based on an exchange rate between the first currency and the second currency, generating the digital currency of the determined second value, and storing a transaction history of the digital currency in the blockchain; and a notification process for notifying the terminal of completion of the storage process and storing information related to the generated digital currency in the first storage unit.

[0007] When the user visiting the second country from the first country generates digital currency, the information processing device uses the first currency used in the first country. The information processing device does not use the second currency to generate digital currency. That is, even if the user generates digital currency by withdrawing funds from a credit card held by the user, the information processing device reduces the fees paid by the acquirer in the second country to the credit card issuer. Here, the information related to the digital currency transaction stored in the memory unit of the terminal may be a transaction history showing digital currency transactions from the past to the present, or information showing the digital currency balance. The digital currency transaction history may be stored in the blockchain, and the digital currency balance may be stored in the memory unit. Furthermore, a blockchain has high resistance to tampering with transaction history. Therefore, the information processing device can store the user's digital currency transaction history more securely.

[0008] The information processing device may have the following features. The blockchain includes a first storage area accessible from the information processing device and a second storage area that is limited to access in response to a request from the terminal. The storage process includes: storing the transaction history of the digital currency in the first storage area, and determining whether the value of the digital currency indicated by the transaction history matches the second value; and, if the determination is affirmative, adding the transaction history stored in the first storage area to the second storage area to update the transaction history stored in the second storage area. The first storage area is an area accessible from the information processing device. Meanwhile, access to the second storage area is prohibited unless there is a request from the terminal. This prevents the digital currency whose transaction history is stored in the second storage area from being used without the user's knowledge. Furthermore, since the determination process is executed by the information processing device while the digital currency is stored in the first area accessible from the information processing device, the security of the digital currency can be increased while the amount of digital currency to be stored in the second storage area can be checked more strictly.

[0009] The disclosed technology can also be understood from the aspects of an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the disclosed technology, even if travelers from overseas make cashless payments, the outflow of fees to overseas countries can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a credit card operating system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the acquirer management server and the issuer management server of the credit card operation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MNO server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing block of the management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the storage of digital currency transaction history in a blockchain according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for setting a wallet area in a mobile terminal in the payment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of a digital currency charging process in the payment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of a digital currency withdrawal process in the payment system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of a digital currency redemption process in the payment system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a payment system 1. The payment system 1 comprises a management server 100, a blockchain BC1, a credit card operation system 200, an MNO server 300, a mobile terminal 400, a cash register R1, and a network N1. The cash register R1 is connected to a store computer SC1. The management server 100, the credit card operation system 200, the MNO server 300, the mobile terminal 400, and the store computer SC1 are connected by, for example, the network N1. The management server 100 and the blockchain BC1 are connected by, for example, a dedicated network N2.

[0013] The payment system 1 supports digital currency payments by international traveler C1 in the country of their visit. The digital currency used in the payment system 1 is, for example, a prepaid electronic payment method. Examples of such electronic payment methods include value-transferable prepaid digital currency, non-value-transferable prepaid digital currency, deposit-type digital currency, and crypto assets. The digital currency used in the payment system 1 is used, for example, in code payments provided by a mobile network operator (MNO) that operates the mobile communication network used by the mobile terminal 400. In code payments, payments are made by a cash register R1 reading a code displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 400. The payment method provided by the MNO is not limited to code payments and may also be other cashless payment methods. In this embodiment, traveler C1 is an American traveling from the United States, where the U.S. dollar is legal tender, to Japan, where the Japanese yen is legal tender. The payment system 1 is an example of an "information system."

[0014] The store computer SC1 is an information processing device that manages inventory for the store ST1. The store computer SC1 is located in the store ST1. The cash register R1 is a Point of Sale (POS) register. The cash register R1 reads code information such as a barcode attached to a product that a traveler C1 purchases at the store ST1 and sells the product to the traveler C1. The cash register R1 can accept code payments provided by an MNO, for example. When accepting code payments, the cash register R1 acquires address information indicating an area where information related to the digital currency held by the traveler C1 is stored. When accepting code payments, the cash register R1 may also acquire the traveler C1's membership number for code payments. The cash register R1 notifies the store computer SC1 of the acquired address information and the price of the purchased product. The cash register R1 is located in the store ST1.

[0015] Then, when the store computer SC1 receives the address information and the price of the purchased product from the register R1, it notifies the MNO server 300 of the address information and the price of the purchased product.

[0016] The MNO server 300 is an information processing device managed by an MNO that provides a mobile communication network used by the mobile terminal 400. The MNO that manages the MNO server 300 may provide the mobile terminal 400 to the traveler C1, for example. The provision of the mobile terminal 400 by the MNO may be performed, for example, by selling the mobile terminal 400 or by renting the mobile terminal 400. Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 400 is sold, the MNO server 300 may set a management area (also referred to as a "wallet area") for managing digital currency in the mobile terminal 400 so that digital currency can be used on the mobile terminal 400, and may also install an application program that supports the use of digital currency in the mobile terminal 400. The MNO server 300 may store, for example, the membership number of the traveler C1 who uses code payment provided by the MNO.

[0017] The credit card operation system 200 is an information system that manages payments made by travelers C1 using credit cards. The credit card operation system 200 is managed by issuing companies that issue credit cards, acquirers that manage affiliated stores of the credit cards, and other related parties. , and a plurality of information processing devices managed by each of the issuers who manage the users of the credit card.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a credit card operation system 200 according to an embodiment. The credit card operation system 200 includes an acquirer management server 21 managed by an acquirer, an issuer management server 22 managed by an issuer, and a brand network N3 provided by a credit card issuer. The brand network N3 is designed, for example, to securely exchange information related to cashless payments. The acquirer management server 21 and the issuer management server 22 are connected by the brand network N3. Furthermore, communication between the acquirer management server 21 and the issuer management server 22 is performed via the brand network N3.

[0019] Returning to FIG. 1, the management server 100 is an information processing device that manages payments using digital currency. When the management server 100 receives a request from traveler C1 to top up a desired amount of digital currency in U.S. dollars via the credit card operation system 200, the management server 100 determines the amount in Japanese yen equivalent to the desired top-up amount specified in U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen, and tops up the digital currency in the determined amount in Japanese yen. Furthermore, when the management server 100 receives a request from traveler C1 to use digital currency in a desired amount in Japanese yen, the management server 100 subtracts the desired amount from the top-up balance of the digital currency. For example, the management server 100 stores the digital currency transaction history in the blockchain BC1. The management server 100 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0020] Blockchain BC1 is a database connecting multiple information processing devices on a network. In blockchain BC1, transaction history from the past to the present is protected by cryptographic technology, and tampering with the transaction history is prevented. For example, a user wallet is constructed in blockchain BC1, in which the transaction history of digital currency held by traveler C1 is stored. Blockchain BC1 may have a smart contract that performs processing related to the digital currency whose transaction history is stored on blockchain BC1. Blockchain BC1 may be a public blockchain or a private blockchain.

[0021] The mobile terminal 400 is a portable information processing device used by the traveler C1. The mobile terminal 400 may be a terminal that the traveler C1 brings from the United States to Japan. The mobile terminal 400 may also be a terminal provided to the traveler C1 by the MNO that manages the MNO server 300. The mobile terminal 400 is connected to the network N1, for example, via a mobile communication network operated by the MNO that manages the MNO server 300. The traveler C1 has registered as a member of the code payment provided by the MNO. By using the wallet area set up in the mobile terminal 400 and the application program installed by the MNO, the traveler C1 can utilize digital currency in the code payment provided by the MNO. The mobile terminal 400 is an example of a "terminal." The traveler C1 is an example of a "user."

[0022] The network N1 is a computer network that connects information processing devices so that they can communicate with each other. The network N1 may be a wireless network or a wired network. The network N1 is, for example, the Internet.

[0023] (Hardware configuration of management server 100) 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server 100 according to an embodiment. The management server 100 includes a CPU 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, a communication unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a connection bus B1. The CPU 11, the main memory unit 12, the auxiliary memory unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the communication unit 15 are interconnected by the connection bus B1.

[0024] The CPU 11 is also referred to as a microprocessor unit (MPU) or processor. The CPU 11 is not limited to a single processor and may have a multi-processor configuration. Furthermore, a single CPU 11 connected via a single socket may have a multi-core configuration. At least a portion of the processing performed by the CPU 11 may be performed by a processor other than the CPU 11, such as a dedicated processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a numerical calculation processor, a vector processor, or an image processing processor. Furthermore, at least a portion of the processing performed by the CPU 11 may be performed by an integrated circuit (IC) or other digital circuit. Furthermore, at least a portion of the CPU 11 may include an analog circuit. Examples of integrated circuits include large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and programmable logic devices (PLDs). Examples of PLDs include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The CPU 11 may be a combination of a processor and an integrated circuit. This combination is called, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a system LSI, or a chipset. In the management server 100, the CPU 11 loads programs stored in the auxiliary memory 13 into the work area of ​​the main memory 12 and controls peripheral devices through the execution of the programs. This allows the management server 100 to execute processes that meet a predetermined purpose. The main memory 12 and the auxiliary memory 13 are recording media that the CPU 11 can read.

[0025] The main storage unit 12 is exemplified as a storage unit that is directly accessed by the CPU 11. The main storage unit 12 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM).

[0026] The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores various programs and various data on a readable and writable recording medium. The auxiliary storage unit 13 is also called an external storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The OS includes a communication interface program that exchanges data with external devices connected via the communication unit 14. The external devices include, for example, other information processing devices and external storage devices connected via a computer network, etc.

[0027] The auxiliary storage unit 13 is, for example, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 13 is also, for example, a compact disc (CD) drive device, a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive device, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc (BD) drive device, etc. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may also be provided by a network attached storage (NAS) or a storage area network (SAN).

[0028] The communication unit 14 is, for example, an interface with the network N1. The management server 100 communicates with external devices via the communication unit 14 and the network N1. The communication unit 15 is an interface with the blockchain BC1. The management server 100 communicates with the blockchain BC1 via the communication unit 15. In this embodiment, the management server 100 is equipped with the communication unit 14 and the communication unit 15, but the communication unit 15 may be omitted. In that case, the blockchain BC1 is connected to the network N1, and the management server 100 communicates with the blockchain BC1 via the communication unit 14 and the network N1.

[0029] (Hardware configuration of acquirer management server 21 and issuer management server 22) 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the acquirer management server 21 and the issuer management server 22 included in the credit card operation system 200 according to the embodiment. The acquirer management server 21 includes a CPU 211, a main memory unit 212, an auxiliary memory unit 213, a communication unit 214, a communication unit 215, and a connection bus B21. The issuer management server 22 includes a CPU 221, a main memory unit 222, an auxiliary memory unit 223, a communication unit 224, a communication unit 225, and a connection bus B22. The CPUs 211, 221, the main memories 212, 222, the auxiliary memories 213, 223, the communication units 214, 224, and the connection buses B21, B22 are similar to the CPU 11, the main memory unit 12, the auxiliary memory unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the connection bus B1 of the management server 100, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] The communication units 215 and 225 are communication interfaces with the brand network N3. The communication unit 215 communicates with the communication unit 225 via the brand network N3. The communication unit 225 also communicates with the communication unit 215 via the brand network N3.

[0031] (Hardware configuration of MNO server 300) 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MNO server 300 according to the embodiment. The MNO server 300 includes a CPU 31, a main memory unit 32, an auxiliary memory unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a connection bus B3. The CPU 31, the main memory unit 32, the auxiliary memory unit 33, and the communication unit 34 are interconnected by the connection bus B3. The CPU 31, the main memory unit 32, the auxiliary memory unit 33, the communication unit 34, and the connection bus B3 of the MNO server 300 are similar to the CPU 11, the main memory unit 12, the auxiliary memory unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the connection bus B1 of the management server 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] (Hardware configuration of mobile terminal 400) 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 400 according to an embodiment. The mobile terminal 400 includes a CPU 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary memory 43, a communication unit 44, a display 45, a touch panel 46, and a connection bus B3. The CPU 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary memory 43, the communication unit 44, the display 45, and the touch panel 46 are interconnected by a connection bus B4. The CPU 41, the main memory 42, the communication unit 44, and the connection bus B4 of the mobile terminal 400 are similar to the CPU 11, the main memory 12, the communication unit 14, and the connection bus B1 of the management server 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The auxiliary storage unit 43 differs from the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the management server 100 in that a wallet area 431 is constructed therein. The wallet area 431 stores information related to digital currency. Examples of information related to digital currency stored in the wallet area 431 include the balance of the digital currency and the history of usage of the digital currency. The wallet area 431 is constructed in response to instructions from the MNO server 300, for example.

[0034] The embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) 47 is a subscriber identity module embedded in the mobile terminal 400. The eSIM 47 stores information related to the traveler C1. The information related to the traveler C1 may include a telephone number and an identification ID that identifies the traveler C1. The identification ID may include, for example, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

[0035] The eSIM 47 is further provided with a secret area 471. Access to the secret area 471 is limited to, for example, the traveler C1 and the MNO server 300. The secret area 471 stores, for example, a secret key 472 used to authenticate the traveler C1. The secret key 472 is set in the eSIM 47 by, for example, the MNO server 300. The secret area 471 includes: Examples of such technologies include Near Field Communication (NFC) and Secure Element, exemplified by FeliCa (registered trademark).

[0036] The display 45 displays data processed by the CPU 41 and data stored in the main memory unit 42. The display 45 is, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Plasma Display Panel (PDP), an inorganic electroluminescence (EL) panel, or an organic EL panel.

[0037] The touch panel 46 detects touch operations made by the traveler C1's finger or the like. The touch panel 46 is, for example, disposed superimposed on the display 45. By providing the touch panel 46 superimposed on the display 45, the mobile terminal 400 can provide the traveler C1 with an intuitive operating environment.

[0038] (Processing block of management server 100) 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of the management server 100 according to the embodiment. The management server 100 includes a charging unit 101, a withdrawal unit 102, a money order acquisition unit 103, and a redemption unit 104. The management server 100 executes the processes of each unit of the management server 100, such as the charging unit 101, the withdrawal unit 102, the money order acquisition unit 103, and the redemption unit 104, by the CPU 11 executing a computer program deployed in an executable manner in the main memory unit 12.

[0039] The currency exchange obtaining unit 103 obtains the exchange rate between the currency of one country and the currency of another country. The currency exchange obtaining unit 103 obtains the exchange rate at predetermined intervals, for example. The currency exchange obtaining unit 103 can use, for example, RedStone provided by Oracle Corporation to obtain the exchange rate.

[0040] When the charging unit 101 receives a request from the mobile terminal 400 to charge a desired amount of digital currency in U.S. dollars, it determines the amount in Japanese yen equivalent to the desired charge amount specified in U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and Japanese yen acquired by the currency acquisition unit 103. The U.S. dollars used to charge the digital currency are withdrawn, for example, from a credit card held by traveler C1. The charging unit 101 generates digital currency in Japanese yen in the amount determined based on the exchange rate, and stores information related to the digital currency transaction in a user wallet associated with traveler C1 on blockchain BC1.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the storage of digital currency history in a blockchain BC1 according to an embodiment. A digital currency management area BC10 is constructed in the blockchain BC1 to store the digital currency transaction history of traveler C1. A digital currency management area BC10 is prepared for each user who uses the payment system 1. The digital currency management area BC10 includes a settled pool BC11, a user pool BC12, and a user wallet BC13. The digital currency management area BC10 is an example of a "storage unit."

[0042] The user pool BC12 temporarily stores information related to the digital currency transaction for which a charge is requested before the information related to the digital currency transaction for which a charge is requested is stored in the user wallet BC13. The user pool BC12 is an area that can be accessed without using the private key 472.

[0043] The charging unit 101 stores information about the digital currency transaction generated in response to a charge request from the mobile terminal 400 in the user pool BC12. The information about the digital currency transaction includes, for example, the amount of the generated digital currency. The charging unit 101 checks whether the information about the digital currency transaction stored in the user pool BC12 matches the transaction indicated by the charge request. The charging unit 101 determines whether to add the digital currency to the user wallet BC13. This determination, for example, determines whether the amount of the requested charge in Japanese yen, determined based on the exchange rate, matches the amount of the generated digital currency. If they match, the charging unit 101 stores information related to the digital currency transaction stored in the user pool BC12 in the user wallet BC13. That is, the charging unit 101 adds information related to the newly generated digital currency transaction to the transaction history already stored in the user wallet BC13, creating a new transaction history. The charging unit 101 notifies the mobile terminal 400 of the balance of the digital currency stored in the user wallet BC13 after charging.

[0044] The user wallet BC13 is an area to which information related to a digital currency transaction stored in the user pool BC12 is moved when it is determined that the information related to the digital currency transaction stored in the user pool BC12 matches the transaction indicated by the charge request. Access to the user wallet BC13 requires, for example, the private key 472. In other words, access to the user wallet BC13 without a request from the mobile terminal 400 is prohibited.

[0045] The settled pool BC11 is an area where information related to the withdrawal transaction of the digital currency to be withdrawn is temporarily stored when the digital currency is withdrawn from the user wallet BC13. The information related to the digital currency withdrawal transaction includes, for example, information indicating the amount of the digital currency to be withdrawn. When the withdrawal unit 102 receives a withdrawal request from the mobile terminal 400, it determines whether the balance of digital currency stored in the user wallet BC13 is equal to or greater than the amount requested for withdrawal. If the balance of digital currency stored in the user wallet BC13 is equal to or greater than the amount requested for withdrawal, the withdrawal unit 102 moves the information related to the withdrawal transaction indicating the amount requested for withdrawal to the settled pool BC11 and adds the information related to the withdrawal transaction to the transaction history of the user wallet BC13 to create a new transaction history.

[0046] The withdrawal unit 102 also determines whether the information related to the digital currency withdrawal transaction stored in the settled pool BC11 matches the withdrawal transaction indicated in the withdrawal request. This determination, for example, determines whether the amount indicated in the information related to the digital currency withdrawal transaction matches the amount indicated in the withdrawal request. If they match, the withdrawal unit 102 notifies the mobile terminal 400 of the amount withdrawn from the user wallet BC13. The charging unit 101 also notifies the mobile terminal 400 of the balance of digital currency stored in the user wallet BC13 after the withdrawal. If the balance of digital currency stored in the user wallet BC13 is less than the amount requested for withdrawal, the withdrawal unit 102 may notify the mobile terminal 400 of an error.

[0047] When the redemption unit 104 receives a redemption request from the mobile terminal 400, it acquires the digital currency transaction history stored in the user wallet BC13. The redemption unit 104 determines the amount of US dollars equivalent to the digital currency balance indicated in the acquired digital currency transaction history based on the exchange rate acquired by the exchange rate acquisition unit 103. The redemption unit 104 deposits the determined amount of US dollar digital currency balance into the credit card held by the traveler C1 and updates the transaction history in the user wallet BC13. The digital currency balance indicated in the updated transaction history becomes "0". The redemption request is executed, for example, when the traveler C1 leaves Japan for reasons such as returning home.

[0048] (Wallet area 431 setting process sequence) 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for setting a wallet area 431 in a mobile terminal 400 in the payment system 1 according to the embodiment. The processing illustrated in FIG. 9 is executed, for example, before the mobile terminal 400 is handed over to the traveler C1. Hereinafter, an example of a processing sequence for setting a wallet area 431 in a mobile terminal 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0049] In step S1, the MNO server 300 instructs the mobile terminal 400 to set a private key 472. The setting instruction may include, for example, a user wallet address that identifies a user wallet BC13 constructed in the blockchain BC1. The user wallet BC13 is an example of an area in which information related to digital currency held by the traveler C1 is stored. The user wallet address is an example of address information that indicates an area in which information related to digital currency held by the traveler C1 is stored. The MNO server 300 may also instruct the mobile terminal 400 to set a wallet area 431. In step S2, the mobile terminal 400 generates a private key 472 in the hidden area 471 in response to the setting instruction from the MNO server 300 received in step S1. The private key 472 indicates, for example, a user wallet address. If the mobile terminal 400 also receives an instruction to set the wallet area 431 in step S1, the mobile terminal 400 may set the wallet area 431 in the auxiliary storage unit 43.

[0050] (Digital currency top-up processing sequence) 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of a digital currency top-up process in the payment system 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a processing sequence of a digital currency top-up process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] In step S11, the mobile terminal 400 makes a charge request. The charge request is a request to store the desired charge amount as digital currency in the user wallet BC13. The charge request includes the user wallet address stored in the wallet area 431. The desired charge amount is specified in US dollars. As described above, the source of the withdrawal of the desired charge amount is the credit card held by the traveler C1.

[0052] In step S12, the credit card operation system 200 checks the charge request received in step S11. When checking the charge request, for example, the issuer management server 22 checks the attributes of traveler C1's credit card member, checks security, checks the content of the charge request, and checks for fraudulent use. When checking the content of the charge request, for example, it is determined whether or not withdrawing the desired charge amount from the credit card will exceed the limit set for traveler C1.

[0053] If the issuer management server 22 determines that there are no problems with these checks, it withdraws the funds requested in the charge request from traveler C1's credit card and secures them. Furthermore, once the acquirer management server 21 has secured the funds requested in the charge request, it notifies the management server 100 to that effect. Note that if the issuer management server 22 determines that withdrawing the desired charge amount from the credit card would exceed the limit set for traveler C1, it may notify the mobile terminal 400 that charge is not permitted.

[0054] In step S13, the credit card operation system 200 notifies the management server 100 of the charge request received in step S11. In notifying the charge request, the credit card operation system 200 may, for example, forward the charge request received in step S11 to the management server 100 and notify that funds for the desired charge amount have been secured.

[0055] In step S14, the charging unit 101 of the management server 100 determines the amount in Japanese yen equivalent to the desired charging amount specified in US dollars in the charging request, based on the exchange rate acquired by the currency acquisition unit 103.

[0056] In step S15, the charge unit 101 of the management server 100 generates digital currency in Japanese yen for the amount determined in step S14. The charge unit 101 stores information related to the digital currency transaction in a user pool BC12 prepared corresponding to the user wallet BC13 indicated by the user wallet address stored in step S14. The charge unit 101 determines whether the amount of Japanese yen determined in step S14 matches the amount of generated digital currency indicated by the information related to the digital currency transaction stored in the user pool BC12. If they do not match, the charge unit 101 may notify the credit card operation system 200 of an error.

[0057] In step S16, the charging unit 101 of the management server 100 adds the information related to the digital currency transaction stored in the user pool BC12 in step S15 to the transaction history already stored in the user wallet BC13 indicated by the user wallet address included in the charge request, thereby updating the transaction history stored in the user wallet BC13. In step S17, the charging unit 101 sends a result notification to the credit card operation system 200, including the digital currency balance in Japanese yen in the user wallet BC13 after the charge. Note that the processing of steps S14 to S16 may be executed by a smart contract in the blockchain BC1 by the charging unit 101 passing the desired charge amount and exchange rate specified in the charge request to the smart contract. Then, upon receiving a notification of the digital currency storage from the smart contract, the charging unit 101 may send a result notification of step S17.

[0058] In step S18, the credit card operation system 200 transfers the result notification received from the management server 100 to the mobile terminal 400. In step S19, the mobile terminal 400 stores the balance notified by the result notification in the wallet area 431. The mobile terminal 400 may also output the amount charged in Japanese yen and the balance of digital currency on the display 45. Through the processing from step S1 to step S19, the digital currency used for code payment provided by the MNO is charged to the user wallet BC13.

[0059] (Digital currency withdrawal processing sequence) Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for digital currency withdrawal processing in the payment system 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 11, the store computer is abbreviated as "SC." Hereinafter, an example of a processing sequence for digital currency withdrawal processing will be described with reference to Figure 11.

[0060] In step S21, the mobile terminal 400 transmits to the management server 100 an approval request including the price of the product to be purchased and the user wallet address.

[0061] In step S22, the withdrawal unit 102 of the management server 100 checks the contents of the approval request received in step S21. The withdrawal unit 102 determines whether the balance of digital currency indicated by the transaction history stored in the user wallet BC13 corresponding to the user wallet address included in the approval request received in step S21 is equal to or greater than the price of the product included in the approval request. In this determination, the withdrawal unit 102 may, for example, pass the user wallet address and the price of the product to a smart contract in the blockchain BC1 to determine whether the balance of digital currency indicated by the transaction history stored in the user wallet BC13 corresponding to the user wallet address is equal to or greater than the price of the product included in the approval request. The withdrawal unit 102 may then receive the determination result from the smart contract.

[0062] In step S23, if the withdrawal unit 102 of the management server 100 determines in step S22 that the balance of digital currency indicated by the transaction history stored in the user wallet BC13 corresponding to the user wallet address is equal to or greater than the price of the product included in the approval request, the withdrawal unit 102 notifies the mobile terminal 400 of approval. In this case, the mobile terminal 400 may be notified of the non-approval.

[0063] In step S24, when the mobile terminal 400 is notified of approval in step S23, the mobile terminal 400 displays on the display 45 a code to be used for payment of the product.

[0064] In step S25, the register R1 obtains the user wallet address of the traveler C1 by reading the code displayed in step S24. The register R1 may also obtain the member number of the traveler C1 for code payment by reading the code displayed in step S24. The register R1 obtains the price of the product that the traveler C1 wishes to purchase by reading the code information attached to the product. The register R1 notifies the store computer SC1 of the obtained user wallet address and product price.

[0065] In step S26, the store computer SC1 transmits to the MNO server 300 an inquiry including the user wallet address and the product price notified in step S25.

[0066] In step S27, the MNO server 300 transfers the inquiry received from the store computer SC1 in step S26 to the management server 100.

[0067] In step S28, the withdrawal unit 102 of the management server 100 determines whether the content of the inquiry received in step S27 matches the content approved in step S22. The withdrawal unit 102 determines, for example, whether the user wallet address and the price of the product match the content of the inquiry received in step S27 and the content approved in step S22.

[0068] In step S29, the withdrawal unit 102 of the management server 100 notifies the MNO server 300 of payment permission if the user wallet address and the product price match the inquiry received in step S27 and the details approved in step S22. The payment permission includes, for example, the balance of the user wallet BC13 after subtracting the product price. Note that the withdrawal unit 102 may notify the MNO server 300 of payment denial if the user wallet address and the product price do not match the inquiry received in step S27 and the details approved in step S22.

[0069] In step S2A, the MNO server 300 notifies the store computer SC1 of the payment permission notified in step S27.

[0070] In step S2B, the store computer SC1 decrements the inventory of the products purchased by the traveler C1 by the purchased quantity, and notifies the register R1 of the completion of the payment process.

[0071] In step S2C, the register R1 notifies the mobile terminal 400 of the completion of the payment process. The mobile terminal 400 updates the information indicating the balance of digital currency stored in the wallet area 431 to the amount notified upon completion of the payment. Note that in FIG. 11, the balance of the user wallet BC13 after subtracting the price of the product is not directly notified to the mobile terminal 400 by the management server 100, but the withdrawal unit 102 of the management server 100 may directly notify the mobile terminal 400 of the balance of the user wallet BC13 after subtracting the price of the product without going through the MNO server 300, store computer SC1, and register R1.

[0072] (Digital currency redemption processing sequence) FIG. 12 shows a processing sequence of the digital currency redemption process in the payment system 1 according to the embodiment. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for redeeming digital currency. Hereinafter, an example of a processing sequence for redeeming digital currency will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] In step S31, a redemption request is made by traveler C1 leaving Japan on the mobile terminal 400. The mobile terminal 400 transmits the redemption request to the credit card operation system 200 in response to the traveler C1's operation.

[0074] In step S32, the credit card operation system 200 notifies the management server 100 of the redemption request from the mobile terminal 400. To notify the redemption request, for example, the credit card operation system 200 may forward the redemption request from the mobile terminal 400 to the management server 100.

[0075] In step S33, the redemption unit 104 of the management server 100 transfers information related to a withdrawal transaction for withdrawing the entire balance indicated by the digital currency transaction history stored in the user wallet BC13 to the user pool BC12.

[0076] In step S34, the redemption unit 104 of the management server 100 determines the amount of US dollars equivalent to the balance of digital currency in Japanese yen indicated by the information related to the withdrawal transaction moved to the user pool BC12 in step S33, based on the exchange rate acquired by the exchange rate acquisition unit 103. Note that the processes of steps S33 and S34 may be executed by a smart contract of the blockchain BC1 by passing the exchange rate from the redemption unit 104 to the smart contract. Then, the redemption unit 104 may receive a notification of completion of determination of the amount of US dollars from the smart contract. The notification of completion of determination of the amount of US dollars includes, for example, information indicating the determined amount of US dollars.

[0077] In step S35, the redemption unit 104 of the management server 100 sends a deposit instruction to the credit card operation system 200 to deposit the amount determined in step S34 in U.S. dollars into the credit card of traveler C1. The redemption unit 104 also resets the balance of the digital currency indicated by the transaction history stored in the user pool BC12 and the user wallet BC13 to "0."

[0078] In step S36, the acquirer management server 21 of the credit card operation system 200, which has received the deposit instruction from the management server 100, notifies the issuer management server 22 of the credit card operation system 200 of the deposit instruction. The issuer management server 22 checks the attributes of the credit card member of traveler C1 and the amount instructed to be deposited in the deposit instruction. The issuer management server 22 deposits the amount instructed in the deposit instruction into the credit card of traveler C1.

[0079] In step S37, the issuer management server 22 of the credit card operation system 200 transmits a result notification to the mobile terminal 400, including the amount of money deposited into the credit card of the traveler C1 in step S36.

[0080] In step S38, upon receiving the result notification in step S37, mobile terminal 400 erases the digital currency balance. That is, mobile terminal 400 updates the information indicating the digital currency balance stored in wallet area 431 to indicate a balance of "0."

[0081] <Effects of the embodiment> When a traveler C1 visiting Japan from the United States uses a credit card issued in the United States to make a payment in Japanese yen in Japan, the issuer and acquirer of the credit card in Japan pay a fee to the international brand of the credit card. Due to the influence of the fees, the more traveler C1 uses credit cards, the greater the deficit of acquirers in Japan may become.

[0082] In this embodiment, when traveler C1 visiting Japan from the United States generates digital currency, the money is withdrawn in US dollars rather than Japanese yen from traveler C1's credit card. This reduces the fees paid by acquirers in Japan to international brands. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of Japanese yen equivalent to US dollars is determined based on the exchange rate, and the determined amount of Japanese yen digital currency is stored in user wallet BC13, making it easy to use the digital currency within Japan.

[0083] In this embodiment, a digital currency management area BC10 including a settled pool BC11, a user pool BC12, and a user wallet BC13 is built on a blockchain BC1. The blockchain BC1 prevents information tampering, allowing the digital currency management area BC10 to be operated more safely.

[0084] In this embodiment, a user pool BC12 and a user wallet BC13 are prepared in association with traveler C1. The user pool BC12 is an area that can also be accessed from the management server 100. On the other hand, access to the user wallet BC13 is limited to using the private key 472, and therefore access from the management server 100 to the user wallet BC13 is prohibited unless there is a request from the mobile terminal 400. This prevents the digital currency stored in the user wallet BC13 from being used without the knowledge of the traveler C1 who owns the mobile terminal 400.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before storing digital currency in user wallet BC13, the charge unit 101 of management server 100 determines whether the amount requested in the charge request (the amount in Japanese yen determined based on the exchange rate) matches the amount of digital currency stored in user pool BC12. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the security of traveler C1's digital currency can be increased by user wallet BC13, while the amount of digital currency to be stored in user wallet BC13 can be checked more strictly.

[0086] In this embodiment, the eSIM 47 is used to store the wallet area 431. Therefore, according to this embodiment, demand for the eSIM 47 can be generated.

[0087] In this embodiment, when traveler C1 makes a payment using digital currency, the payment request goes through the MNO server 300. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is also possible to have the MNO server 300 perform statistical processing of purchase data of overseas visitors to Japan.

[0088] <Modification> In the embodiment described above, for example, in step S11 of Fig. 10, digital currency is charged in response to the operation of traveler C1. However, charging of digital currency does not have to be performed at a timing corresponding to the operation of traveler C1. For example, when the balance of user wallet BC13 falls below a preset threshold, digital currency may be charged by a predetermined amount, i.e., so-called auto-charge.

[0089] In the embodiment described above, the digital currency transaction history of traveler C1 is stored in blockchain BC1. However, the digital currency transaction history of traveler C1 may be stored in an area other than blockchain BC1. The digital currency transaction history of traveler C1 may be stored in the auxiliary memory unit 13 of the management server 100, for example.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the operator of the management server 100 and the MNO involved in the operation of the payment system 1 may receive a fee from the requested charge amount, and digital currency may be generated for the amount remaining after deducting the fee.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the secret area 471 storing the private key 472 is constructed in the eSIM 47, but the secret area 471 may be constructed in a SIM card. A Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) can be given as an example of a SIM card in which the secret area 471 can be constructed. Furthermore, the secret area 471 may be constructed in an area other than the eSIM 47 or the SIM card, as long as the area can securely store the private key 472 in the mobile terminal 400. Examples of such an area include Trusty TEE, OP-TEE, ARM TrustZone, Hardware Security Module (HSM), Secure Enclave, and Effaceable Storage.

[0092] The embodiments and modifications disclosed above can be combined with each other.

[0093] <Computer-readable recording medium> An information processing program that causes a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as a computer, etc.) to realize any of the above functions can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, by having the computer, etc. read and execute the program from this recording medium, the function can be provided.

[0094] Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs electrically, magnetically, optically, mechanically, or chemically and that can be read by a computer. Among such recording media, those that are removable from a computer include, for example, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disc-Rewriteable (CD-RW), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc (BD), Digital Audio Tape (DAT), 8mm tape, flash memory, external hard disk drives, and solid state drives (SSDs). Furthermore, recording media that are fixed to a computer include internal hard disk drives, SSDs, and ROMs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Payment system 11. CPU 12...Main memory 13...Auxiliary storage section 14. Communications Department 15. Communications Department 21. Acquirer Management Server 22 Issuer Management Server 31 CPU 32...Main memory 33...Auxiliary storage section 34. Communications Department 41 CPU 42...Main memory 43...Auxiliary storage section 44. Communications Department 45··Display 46··Touch panel 47··eSIM 100 Management Server 101 Charging section 102 Withdrawal Section 103 Foreign Exchange Acquisition Department 104... Redemption Department 200··Credit card operation system 300··MNO server 400··Mobile device 211 CPU 212 Main memory 213...Auxiliary storage section 214··Communications Department 215··Communications Department 221 CPU 222...Main memory 223...Auxiliary storage section 224··Communications Department 225··Communications Department 431 Wallet area 471··Secret Area 472·Private key B1 Connecting bus B3 Connecting bus B4··Connecting bus B21··Connecting bus B22··Connecting bus BC1 Blockchain BC10: Digital Currency Management Area BC11. Settled Pool BC12 User Pool BC13 User Wallet C1·Traveler N1 Network N2 Dedicated Network N3 Brand Network R1 Register SC1 Store Computer ST1··Store

Claims

1. A blockchain associated with a storage unit set in a terminal owned by a user who travels from a first country using a first currency to a second country using a second currency; a processor, The processor: a storage process in which, when a charge request for digital currency of a first value in the first currency is received from the terminal, a second value in the second currency equivalent to the first value is determined based on an exchange rate between the first currency and the second currency, the digital currency of the determined second value is generated, and a transaction history of the digital currency is stored in the blockchain; and notifying the terminal of the completion of the storage process, and causing information related to the generated digital currency to be stored in the storage unit. Information processing device.

2. The blockchain includes a first storage area accessible from the information processing device and a second storage area that is limited to access in response to a request from the terminal, The storage process includes: a determination process of storing the transaction history of the digital currency in the first storage area and determining whether the value of the digital currency indicated by the transaction history matches the second value; and an update process for adding the transaction history stored in the first storage area to the second storage area when the determination process results in a positive decision, thereby updating the transaction history stored in the second storage area. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. A computer having a blockchain associated with a storage unit set in a terminal owned by a user who visits a second country using a second currency from a first country using a first currency, a storage process in which, when a charge request for digital currency of a first value in the first currency is received from the terminal, a second value in the second currency equivalent to the first value is determined based on an exchange rate between the first currency and the second currency, the digital currency of the determined second value is generated, and a transaction history of the digital currency is stored in the blockchain; and notifying the terminal of the completion of the storage process, and causing information related to the generated digital currency to be stored in the storage unit. Information processing methods.

4. A computer including a blockchain associated with a first storage unit set in a terminal owned by a user who travels from a first country using a first currency to a second country using a second currency. Data, a storage process in which, when a charge request for digital currency of a first value in the first currency is received from the terminal, a second value in the second currency equivalent to the first value is determined based on an exchange rate between the first currency and the second currency, the digital currency of the determined second value is generated, and a transaction history of the digital currency is stored in the blockchain; and notifying the terminal of the completion of the storage process, and causing information related to the generated digital currency to be stored in the storage unit. Information processing program.

5. a terminal possessed by a user who is traveling from a first country using a first currency to a second country using a second currency, the terminal having a storage unit; an information processing device including a blockchain associated with the storage unit, The information processing device includes: a first storage process that, upon receiving a charge request for digital currency of a first value in the first currency from the terminal, determines a second value in the second currency that corresponds to the first value based on an exchange rate between the first currency and the second currency, generates the digital currency of the determined second value, and stores information related to the digital currency transaction in the blockchain; a notification process of notifying the terminal of the completion of the first storage process; The terminal a transmission process of transmitting the charge request to the information processing device; and executing a second storage process for storing information related to the digital currency in the storage unit in response to a notification from the information processing device. Information processing system.

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