Payment management device, terminal, payment management method, and display control method

Abstract

To improve convenience in electronic settlement.SOLUTION: The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the payment information JK including the payee information on the payee in the electronic payment, the user information on the user who is the payer in the electronic payment, and the payment amount information on the payment amount in the electronic payment from the user terminal 20-1 of the user U-1. The determination unit 112 determines, on the basis of the payee information and the user information, a common payment method included in both the member store selection payment method available for payment to the payee and the user selection payment method available to the user U-1, and determines, on the basis of the payment upper limit amount of the common payment method and the payment amount information, an available payment method whose payment upper limit amount is greater than or equal to the payment amount among the common payment methods. The first display control unit 114 causes the user terminal 20-1 to display information on the available payment methods.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment management device, a terminal, a payment management method, and a display control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic payments (cashless payments) have become increasingly popular. Users, who are the payers of electronic payments, can specify the payment method for the amount paid by electronic payment. Known payment methods include credit card payment, remaining balance payment, point use, and combined payment. However, some affiliated stores, which are the recipients of electronic payments, may have payment methods that cannot be used. Specifically, this can occur when the brand of credit card specified as the payment method cannot be used at the affiliated store.

[0003] For example, the payment system described in Patent Document 1 below executes payment of utility bills using a payment slip (including the manner in which it is displayed on the screen) by scanning a code image with a user terminal (smartphone). If the payee does not support the payment method specified by the user, the electronic payment server displays a screen on the user terminal instructing the user to charge or change the payment method as an alternative. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7175938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned conventional technology simply prompts users to change their payment method without taking into account the payment limit of that payment method. Therefore, for example, if a user selects one of the displayed payment methods, the payment limit for that payment method may fall below the payment amount, and the electronic payment may not be completed.

[0006] The present invention aims to improve the convenience of electronic payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A payment management device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first acquisition unit that acquires payment information from a user's terminal, the payment information including payment destination information regarding the payment destination in an electronic payment, user information regarding the user who is the payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information regarding the payment amount in the electronic payment; a determination unit that determines a third payment method that is included in both a first payment method that can be used when making a payment to the payment destination and a second payment method that can be used by the user based on the payment destination information and the user information, and determines a fourth payment method among the third payment methods whose payment maximum amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount based on the payment maximum amount of the third payment method and the payment amount information; and a first display control unit that displays information regarding the fourth payment method on the terminal.

[0008] A terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sending unit that sends payment information to a payment management device, the payment information including payment destination information regarding the payment destination in an electronic payment, user information regarding the user who is the payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information regarding the payment amount in the electronic payment; a second acquisition unit that acquires from the payment management device information regarding a fourth payment method, among first payment methods that can be used when making a payment to the payment destination, that is usable by the user and has a maximum payment amount that is equal to or greater than the payment amount; and a second display control unit that displays information regarding the fourth payment method on a display device.

[0009] A payment management method according to one embodiment of the present invention involves a computer obtaining payment information from a user's terminal, the payment information including payee information regarding the payee in an electronic payment, user information regarding the user who is the payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information regarding the payment amount in the electronic payment; determining a third payment method that is included in both a first payment method that can be used when making a payment to the payee and a second payment method that can be used by the user based on the payee information and the user information; determining a fourth payment method among the third payment methods whose payment upper limit amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount based on the payment upper limit amount of the third payment method and the payment amount information; and displaying information about the fourth payment method on the terminal.

[0010] A display control method according to one embodiment of the present invention involves a computer sending payment information to a payment management device, the payment information including payment destination information regarding the payment destination in an electronic payment, user information regarding the user who is the payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information regarding the payment amount in the electronic payment, obtaining information from the payment management device regarding a fourth payment method among first payment methods available for use when making a payment to the payment destination that is available to the user and has a maximum payment amount equal to or greater than the payment amount, and displaying information regarding the fourth payment method on a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of electronic payments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of data when using electronic payment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the transfer of electronic monetary value between accounts. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 20. [Figure 5]1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment management device 10. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of data between the functional units realized by the processor 103 of the payment management apparatus 10 and the processor 206 of the user terminal 20. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user database DB2. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a member store database DB1. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display image of a payment application. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a payment screen. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen display related to changing a payment method. [Figure 9D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen display related to changing a payment method. [Figure 9E] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen display related to changing a payment method. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a processing device 103 of the payment management apparatus 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A. Embodiment A-1. System Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment system 1 according to an embodiment. The payment system 1 includes a payment management device 10, multiple user terminals 20 (20-1 to 20-n, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2), and multiple affiliated store payment terminals 30 (30-1 to 30-m, where m is an integer equal to or greater than 2). The user terminals 20 are used by users U (U-1 to Un). The user terminals 20 are an example of a terminal. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the individual user terminals 20-1 to 20-n, they will be referred to simply as "user terminals 20." Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the individual users U-1 to Un, they will be referred to simply as "user U." Furthermore, the affiliated store payment terminals 30 are used by affiliated store operators T (T-1 to Tm). For convenience of illustration, in FIG. 1, one affiliated store payment terminal 30 corresponds to one affiliated store S (see FIG. 2). In reality, one affiliated store S may have multiple affiliated store payment terminals 30 installed. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the individual affiliated store payment terminals 30-1 to 30-m, they will simply be referred to as "affiliated store payment terminal 30." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the individual affiliated store operators T-1 to Tm, they will simply be referred to as "affiliated store operator T." The payment management device 10, each user terminal 20, and each affiliated store payment terminal 30 are connected via a network N.

[0014] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the electronic payment handled by the payment system 1 is code payment. In the following embodiment, a case where a user U uses electronic payment when purchasing a product at a store (affiliated store S) in real space is described, but electronic payment can also be used for shopping at a virtual store on the Internet (online shopping), for example.

[0015] The payment management device 10 manages electronic payments using a user terminal 20 and an affiliated store payment terminal 30. The payment management device 10 is installed, for example, by a payment service operator that operates an electronic payment service. In this embodiment, the electronic payment service managed by the payment management device 10 is referred to as "payment service D," and the operator of payment service D is referred to as "operator JD." In addition, in this embodiment, operator JD operates a mobile phone carrier service (hereinafter referred to as "mobile phone service SD"). Therefore, for example, if user U uses mobile phone service SD, the mobile phone user ID that identifies user U in mobile phone service SD can be the same as the payment user ID that identifies user U in payment service D.

[0016] The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. A payment application for using payment service D is installed on the user terminal 20. A user U using the user terminal 20 can make a payment at an affiliated store S using payment service D. In other words, the user U is the "payer" in an electronic payment using payment service D.

[0017] The affiliated store payment terminal 30 is installed at the affiliated store S and is a terminal that manages the transfer of money at the affiliated store S. The affiliated store S is a store or the like that can use payment service D. In other words, the affiliated store S is the "payment recipient" in electronic payments using payment service D. The affiliated store payment terminal 30 may be, for example, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, or a system in which a POS terminal is connected to a computer for electronic payments. As shown in FIG. 2, the affiliated store S is equipped with an affiliated store setting terminal 32 that is separate from the affiliated store payment terminal 30. The affiliated store setting terminal 32 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. The affiliated store operator T uses the affiliated store setting terminal 32 to perform various settings when introducing electronic payments.

[0018] A-2. How to use electronic payment Next, we will explain the flow of using electronic payment. Below, we will explain the use of electronic payment (more specifically, the use of payment service D) in three phases: 1. Introduction of electronic payment, 2. Use of electronic payment at affiliated store S, and 3. Flow of payment funds.

[0019] [1. Introduction of electronic payments] User U can use payment service D by installing an application for payment service D (hereinafter referred to as the "payment application") on user terminal 20 and configuring various settings. These settings include, for example, registering a user ID that identifies the user in payment service D, inputting personal information such as name, and configuring a payment method. As mentioned above, if user U is using mobile phone service SD, registering a user ID and inputting personal information may be omitted. The settings configured by user U are stored in user database DB2 (see FIG. 7) of payment management device 10.

[0020] A payment method is a method for collecting money from user U via electronic payment. In this embodiment, user U can set, for example, the following payment methods: 1. "Credit card payment" using a registered credit card; 2. "Combined payment" in which the payment amount is combined with the mobile phone usage fee if user U uses mobile phone service SD; and 3. "Charge balance payment" in which the payment amount is deducted from the pre-charged balance for each payment. There are two types of charge balance payment: ATM charge, in which cash is inserted into an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) installed in a convenience store or the like, and bank account charge, in which the user U transfers money from their bank account to the charge balance. It is also possible to use points awarded for using payment service D and mobile phone service SD, etc., for part or all of the payment (hereinafter referred to as "point payment"), but point payment cannot be set as the only payment method. The payment method selected by user U is hereinafter referred to as the "user-selected payment method." One or more user-selected payment methods can be selected. In other words, multiple user-selected payment methods may be selected.

[0021] If the user U selects multiple user-selected payment methods, it may be possible to set priorities for the payment methods. In this embodiment, the user U can set the payment method with the highest priority (hereinafter referred to as the "highest priority payment method") from among the multiple user-selected payment methods. For example, if the user U selects the highest priority payment method as the charge balance payment, the charge balance payment will generally be used for payment. On the other hand, for example, if the payment amount for payment exceeds the charge balance, the charge balance payment cannot be used. In this case, the user U will select a payment method to use for this payment from among the user-selected payment methods other than the charge balance payment.

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of user database DB2. User database DB2 shown in Figure 7 mainly contains information related to payment methods, but may also contain personal information such as the name, email address, and gender of user U. User database DB2 includes a user ID 401 that identifies each user U in payment service D, a user-selected payment method 402 selected by user U, a highest-priority payment method 403, credit card information 404, bank account information 405, and payment limit amount information 406.

[0023] For convenience of illustration, credit card payment is represented as "H1", combined payment as "H2", and charge balance payment as "H3". For example, user U with user ID U001 has specified credit card payment, combined payment, and charge balance payment as user-specified payment methods, with credit card payment being the highest priority payment method. Also, for example, user U with user ID U002 has specified only combined payment as user-specified payment method. Therefore, the highest priority payment method is combined payment.

[0024] Credit card information 404 is input when user U selects credit card payment as the user-selected payment method. Credit card information 404 includes, for example, the number, expiration date, and security code of the credit card used by user U for payment. The international credit card brand can be determined, for example, from the card number. In other words, user database DB2 includes the types of credit card brands that user U can use. Bank account information 405 is input when user U selects payment of the remaining charge balance by bank transfer as the user-selected payment method.

[0025] The payment limit information 406 indicates the payment limit for each payment method. The payment limit for each payment method will be described later.

[0026] Next, we will explain the introduction of electronic payment at member store S. Member store manager T accesses a website offering information on introducing payment service D, for example, using member store setting terminal 32. The website requests input of, for example, member store S's store name, location, business type, documents related to the actual business situation, bank account, and the name and email address of the person in charge (member store manager T). Once this information is input and submitted, payment service D manager JD reviews whether member store S is eligible to use payment service D, and the review results are sent to member store manager T's email address. If member store S passes the review, manager JD mails a starter kit to member store manager T. The starter kit includes, for example, a booklet explaining how to set up member store payment terminal 30 and a sticker printed with member store payment code C (see FIG. 2), which will be described later. The input information by member store manager T is stored in member store database DB1 (see FIG. 8) of payment management device 10.

[0027] After installing payment service D, merchant operator T can access payment service D's merchant website and change various settings. These settings include, for example, the payment methods available at merchant S. As described above, user U can select "credit card payment," "balance payment," "combined payment," and "points payment" as user-selected payment methods. Meanwhile, merchant operator T can set the payment methods available at merchant S, for example, from among "credit card payment," "balance payment," "combined payment," and "points payment." Furthermore, merchant operator T can specify the card card brands available at merchant S, among "credit card payment." A payment method available at merchant S is hereinafter referred to as a "merchant-selected payment method." One or more merchant-selected payment methods can be selected. The various settings are also stored in merchant database DB1.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of affiliated store database DB1. The affiliated store database DB1 shown in FIG. 8 primarily includes information related to payment methods, but may also include affiliated store information such as the name and email address of affiliated store operator T and the location of affiliated store S. The affiliated store database DB1 includes an affiliated store ID 501 that identifies each affiliated store S in payment service D, and an affiliated store-selected payment method 502 that can be used at the affiliated store S. In the affiliated store-selected payment method 502, "ALL" indicates that credit card payment, remaining charge payment, combined payment, and point payment are all permitted. Furthermore, "credit card payment (excluding Company A)" indicates that credit cards using the international brand Company A cannot be used. In other words, the affiliated store database DB1 includes the types of credit card brands that can be used at the affiliated store S.

[0029] [2. Use of electronic payment at merchant S] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of data when using electronic payment. There are two methods for code payment: a first method (MPM: Merchant Presented Mode) in which a member store payment code C displayed in front of the member store S is read by the user terminal 20, and a second method (CPM: Consumer Presented Mode) in which a user payment code image displayed on the display device 201 (see Figure 3) of the user terminal 20 is read by the member store payment terminal 30. In this embodiment, we will mainly explain the case where the payment code is read by the first method.

[0030] First, the first method will be described. When making a payment at affiliated store S, user U launches a payment application installed on user terminal 20. When the payment application launches, an image such as that shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on display device 201 of user terminal 20. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image of the payment application. Display device 201 of user terminal 20 shown in FIG. 9A displays a barcode N1 (user payment code image) used in a second method described below, a point balance N2 indicating the balance of points granted to user U for use of payment service D, etc., a point usage switching interface N3 for switching whether or not points are used when making a payment, a reading icon N4 for reading the code using the first method, a charge icon N5 for charging the balance to user account KU, and a usage history icon N6 for checking the usage history of payment service D.

[0031] When user U taps the reading icon N4, the camera 203 (see FIG. 4) of the user terminal 20 is activated. User U captures an image of the affiliated store payment code C posted at the affiliated store S with the camera 203 (step S10). The user terminal 20 decodes the affiliated store payment code captured by the camera 203 and converts it into an affiliated store URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the affiliated store S. The affiliated store URL is the domain of payment service D plus information that can identify the affiliated store S. The affiliated store URL is associated in the payment management device 10 with an affiliated store ID, etc. that identifies the affiliated store S (or the affiliated store payment terminal 30).

[0032] The user terminal 20 transmits the read affiliated store URL and the user ID that identifies the user U in the payment service D to the payment management device 10 (step S11). The payment management device 10 searches for affiliated store information such as the affiliated store name from the affiliated store ID corresponding to the affiliated store URL, and transmits the affiliated store information to the user terminal 20 (step S12).

[0033] Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen. Displayed on the display device 201 of the user terminal 20 shown in Fig. 9B are the name of the merchant to which the payment is to be made N11, an input interface N12 for inputting the payment amount, the name of the payment method and the upper limit of the payment amount using that payment method N13, the point balance and point usage switching interface N14, and a payment button N15 for instructing payment.

[0034] The user U checks the merchant name N11 displayed on the user terminal 20 to confirm that the merchant S to which payment is to be made is correct. The user U also inputs the payment amount into the input interface N12 and presses the payment button N15. The user terminal 20 transmits the input payment amount to the payment management device 10 (step S13).

[0035] The payment management device 10 manages a user account KU (see FIG. 3) that manages electronic monetary value held by a user U, and a member store account KS that manages electronic monetary value held by a member store S. The payment management device 10 executes a payment process to transfer electronic monetary value equivalent to the payment amount from the user account KU to the member store account KS. More specifically, the payment management device 10 identifies the user account KU corresponding to the user ID transmitted in step S11. The payment management device 10 also identifies the member store account KS based on the member store ID included in the payment information JK. The payment management device 10 then transfers electronic monetary value equivalent to the payment amount from the user account KU corresponding to the user ID to the member store account KS corresponding to the member store ID.

[0036] When the payment process is completed, the payment management device 10 transmits a payment completion notification indicating that the payment has been completed to the user terminal 20 and the affiliated store payment terminal 30 (step S14).

[0037] Next, the second method will be described in detail. When making a payment at an affiliated store S, the user U launches a payment application installed on the user terminal 20. When the payment application is launched, the user terminal 20 sends a request to issue a one-time code to the payment management device 10. The request includes, for example, a user ID that identifies the user U in the electronic payment service. The payment management device 10 generates a one-time code and sends it to the user terminal 20.

[0038] The user terminal 20 generates a user payment code based on the one-time code and displays an image of the user payment code on the display device 201. In this embodiment, the user payment code is a barcode. The barcode N1 shown in FIG. 9A is an image of the user payment code generated based on the one-time code.

[0039] When user U presents user terminal 20 displaying barcode N1, a clerk at affiliated store S reads barcode N1 with the optical reader of affiliated store payment terminal 30. The affiliated store payment terminal 30 decodes the barcode and obtains a one-time code. The affiliated store payment terminal 30 generates payment information JK including the one-time code, payment amount, affiliated store ID, etc., and sends it to the payment management device 10.

[0040] The payment management device 10 identifies the user ID based on the one-time code included in the payment information, and identifies the user account KU corresponding to the user ID. The payment management device 10 also identifies the affiliated store account KS based on the affiliated store ID included in the payment information JK. The payment management device 10 then transfers electronic monetary value equivalent to the payment amount from the user account KU corresponding to the user ID to the affiliated store account KS. When the payment process is complete, the payment management device 10 sends a payment completion notification to the user terminal 20 and the affiliated store payment terminal 30, indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0041] [3. Payment Flow] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of electronic monetary value between accounts. In this embodiment, the electronic monetary value is assumed to be in the same units as the currency of the applicable region of payment service D. As an example, a case will be described where the applicable region of payment service D is Japan and the currency is the yen. As described above, user account KU manages the electronic monetary value held by user U. When payment management device 10 executes payment processing (transfer of electronic monetary value from user account KU to affiliated store account KS) (step S20), the balance of user account KU decreases by the payment amount, and the balance of affiliated store account KS increases.

[0042] The balance of merchant account KS increases with each payment process, and for example, the amount of money equivalent to the balance of merchant account KS on the closing date, which is set once a month (shown as "total monthly balance" in the figure), is deposited into the bank account held by merchant S (merchant bank account KB) (step S21). At this time, the amount remaining after deducting the usage fee for payment service D from the total monthly balance may be deposited into merchant bank account KB. When the amount is deposited into merchant bank account KB, the balance of merchant account KS is reset to zero.

[0043] On the other hand, the increase or decrease in the balance of the user account KU differs depending on the payment method set by the user U. When "balance payment" is set, the amount deposited by the user U through ATM charging or bank account charging becomes the balance of the user account KU (step S24). When the payment process is performed, the balance of the user account KU is reduced by the payment amount. In other words, the upper limit of payment amount for balance payment is the balance of the user account KU.

[0044] 3, for "point payment," the upper limit of payment amount (balance of user account KU) is the product of the value of points granted to user U and the exchange rate of those points to currency. For example, if user U has 1,500 points and the exchange rate is 100%, the upper limit of point payment amount is 1,500 yen.

[0045] Furthermore, for "credit card payment," when processing the payment, operator JD advances the payment amount to member store account KS, and operator JD bills the credit card company for the payment amount (step S26). In this case, it can be said that user account KU owes operator JD a debt. The upper limit for credit card payment is, for example, the credit card's usage limit, or an amount that user U has preset as the upper limit for credit card payments in payment service D.

[0046] Furthermore, for "combined payment," when processing the payment, the operator JD advances the payment amount to the affiliated store account KS, and the operator JD bills the system that manages telephone charges for the payment amount (step S28). In this case, too, it can be said that the user account KU owes the operator JD a debt. The upper limit of payment for telephone charges is, for example, an amount that is preset as the upper limit for combined payment.

[0047] A-3. User terminal 20 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of user terminal 20. User terminal 20 includes display device 201, input device 202, camera 203, communication device 204, storage device 205, processing device 206, and bus 220 interconnecting these devices.

[0048] The display device 201 is a display device (for example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel) that displays information to the outside. The input device 202 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, or a sensor) that receives input from the outside. The display device 201 and the input device 202 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0049] The camera 203 generates an image of the surroundings of the user terminal 20. In this embodiment, the camera 203 is mainly used to read affiliated store payment codes in code payments. The camera 203 has an imaging optical system and an imaging element. The imaging optical system is an optical system including at least one imaging lens. The imaging optical system may have various optical elements such as a prism, or may have a zoom lens or a focus lens. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) image sensor.

[0050] The communication device 204 has an interface connectable to the network N, and communicates with other devices connected to the network N using wireless or wired communication.

[0051] The storage device 205 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 206. The storage device 205 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 205 stores a program PG2. The program PG2 is a program for operating the user terminal 20.

[0052] The storage device 205 also stores a display data group HD used for screen display in the payment application. The display data group HD includes, for example, multiple pieces of image data and text data. Each piece of image data and text data is assigned a display data ID. The second display control unit 213, which will be described later, causes the display device 201 to display, as part of the payment application, at least one of the image data and text data corresponding to a display data ID specified by the payment management device 10.

[0053] The processing device 206 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The one or more CPUs are examples of one or more processors. Each of the processor and the CPU is an example of a computer.

[0054] The processing device 206 reads the program PG2 from the storage device 205. By executing the program PG2, the processing device 206 functions as a payment request sending unit 211, a second acquisition unit 212, and a second display control unit 213. The payment request sending unit 211 is an example of a sending unit. The payment request sending unit 211, the second acquisition unit 212, and the second display control unit 213 may be configured by circuits such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this embodiment, the payment request sending unit 211, the second acquisition unit 212, and the second display control unit 213 are realized as functions of a payment application. Details of these functions will be described later.

[0055] A-4. Payment management device 10 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment management apparatus 10. The payment management apparatus 10 comprises a communication device 101, a storage device 102, a processing device 103, and a bus 109 that interconnects these devices.

[0056] The communication device 101 has an interface connectable to a network N, and communicates with other terminals connected to the network N using wireless or wired communication.

[0057] The storage device 102 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 103. The storage device 102 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM. The storage device 102 stores a program PG1. The program PG1 is a program for operating the payment management device 10. The storage device 102 also stores an affiliated store database DB1, a user database DB2, and an account database DB3.

[0058] The contents of the affiliated store database DB1 and the user database DB2 are as explained using Figures 5 and 6. The account database DB3 manages the history of deposits and withdrawals to and from the user account KU and the affiliated store account KS.

[0059] The processing device 103 includes one or more CPUs. The one or more CPUs are an example of one or more processors. Each of the processor and the CPU is an example of a computer. The processing device 103 executes the program PG1 to function as a first acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, a payment processing unit 113, and a first display control unit 114. At least some of these functions may be configured by circuits such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA.

[0060] A-5.Details of each functional part Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of data between the functional units realized by the processing device 103 of the payment management device 10 and the processing device 206 of the user terminal 20. The example of Fig. 5 explains a case where a payment is made at an affiliated store S-1 (not shown) using the user terminal 20-1 used by user U-1.

[0061] The payment request sending unit 211 of the user terminal 20-1 sends payment information JK to the payment management device 10, which includes payment destination information regarding the payment destination in the electronic payment, user information regarding user U-1 who is the payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information regarding the payment amount in the electronic payment. In this embodiment, the payment destination information is, for example, the affiliated store URL sent in step S11 of FIG. 2. As described above, the affiliated store URL is associated with the affiliated store ID, etc. in the payment management device 10. The affiliated store ID may also be used as the payment destination information. The user information is, for example, the user ID sent in step S11 of FIG. 2. The payment amount information is, for example, the value of the payment amount sent in step S13 of FIG. 2.

[0062] The first acquisition unit 111 acquires payment information JK from the user terminal 20-1. In other words, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires payment information JK from the user terminal 20 of the user U, which includes payment destination information related to the payment destination in the electronic payment, user information related to the user U who is the payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information related to the payment amount in the electronic payment.

[0063] Based on the payee information and user information, the determination unit 112 determines common payment methods that belong to both the member-selected payment methods available for use when making payments to the payee and the user-selected payment methods available for use by user U-1, and also determines available common payment methods whose upper payment limit is equal to or greater than the payment amount based on the payment limit amount of the common payment method and payment amount information. The member-selected payment method is an example of a first payment method. The user-selected payment method is an example of a second payment method. The common payment method is an example of a third payment method. The available payment method is an example of a fourth payment method. Note that each of the member-selected payment method, the user-selected payment method, and the common payment method may be one payment method, or two or more payment methods.

[0064] The determination unit 112 determines the second payment method based on the member store database DB1 and the user database DB2. More specifically, the determination unit 112 determines the member store-selected payment method by referencing the member store database DB1, which associates payment destination information (member store ID) with payment methods (member store-selected payment methods) acceptable to the payment destination. The member store database DB1 is an example of first information. The determination unit 112 also determines the user-selected payment method available to user U-1 by referencing the user database DB2, which associates user information (user ID) with payment methods available to user U-1 (user-selected payment methods). The user database DB2 is an example of second information.

[0065] The payment processing unit 113 executes payment processing to transfer electronic monetary value from the user account KU to the store account KT, etc. The payment processing unit 113 performs payment processing, for example, based on a request from the payment request sending unit 211 of the user terminal 20. Furthermore, upon completion of the payment processing, the payment processing unit 113 transmits a payment completion notification to the user terminal 20 and the affiliated store payment terminal 30, indicating that the payment has been completed.

[0066] If the determination unit 112 determines that there are shared payment methods, the payment processing unit 113 performs payment processing using one of the shared payment methods. If user U-1 has set a highest priority payment method and the highest priority payment method is included in the shared payment methods, the payment processing unit 113 performs payment processing using the highest priority payment method.

[0067] In addition, if user U-1 has set a top priority payment method and the top priority payment method is not included in the common payment methods, i.e., if the top priority payment method cannot be used at affiliated store S-1, the payment processing unit 113 will display a message via the first display control unit 114 prompting user U-1 to change the payment method to one of the common payment methods.

[0068] Even if user U-1 changes the payment method to one of the shared payment methods, the payment will not be completed if the payment upper limit of the payment method specified by user U-1 is lower than the current payment amount. Therefore, the first display control unit 114 displays on the user terminal 20 available shared payment methods whose payment upper limit is equal to or greater than the current payment amount. In other words, the first display control unit 114 displays information about the available payment methods on the user terminal 20.

[0069] The second acquisition unit 212 of the user terminal 20 acquires from the payment management device 10 information about available payment methods that are available to user U-1 and have a payment upper limit equal to or greater than the payment amount, from among the affiliated store-selected payment methods available for payment to the payee. The second display control unit 213 causes the display device 201 to display information about the available payment methods. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the first display control unit 114 transmits display control information JH1 to JH3 to the user terminal 20. The second acquisition unit 212 acquires the display control information JH1 to JH3. The second display control unit 213 controls the display on the display device 201 based on the display control information JH1 to JH3.

[0070] "Displaying on the user terminal 20, among the shared payment methods, payment methods whose upper limit is equal to or greater than the current payment amount" does not only mean displaying on the user terminal 20 only those shared payment methods whose upper limit is equal to or greater than the current payment amount, but also means distinguishably displaying among the shared payment methods, payment methods whose upper limit is equal to or greater than the current payment amount, and payment methods whose upper limit is less than the current payment amount. In other words, the first display control unit 114 may distinguishably display among the shared payment methods, available payment methods whose upper limit is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and insufficient payment methods whose upper limit is less than the payment amount.

[0071] To put the above display control in another perspective, if the payment method set by user U-1 as the highest priority payment method is not included in the available payment methods, the first display control unit 114 causes the user terminal 20 to display a message indicating that the highest priority payment method is unavailable and urging the user to change the payment method to an available payment method. In other words, the user-selected payment method is a set of multiple payment methods including the highest priority payment method, and the highest priority payment method is pre-determined as a payment method to be used with priority over other payment methods selected by the user. The highest priority payment method is an example of the sixth payment method. If the highest priority payment method is not included in the available payment methods, the first display control unit 114 displays a first screen on the user terminal 20 urging the user to change the payment method to an available payment method.

[0072] The available payment methods include one or more payment methods. The first screen includes one or more options corresponding to each of the one or more payment methods included in the available payment methods. The first acquisition unit 111 acquires selection information JS regarding the selection result of the one or more options by user U-1. Based on the selection information JS, the first display control unit 114 causes the user terminal 20 to display a second screen prompting user U-1 to confirm that he or she will make payment using the payment method selected by user U-1.

[0073] 9C to 9E are schematic diagrams showing an example of a screen display related to changing the payment method. The processing of the first display control unit 114 and the like will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 9B, it is assumed that user U-1 is attempting to make a payment of 2,000 yen at XX Mart YY store, which is affiliated store S-1. The payment method specified is credit card payment (maximum amount 3,000 yen), which is user U-1's highest priority payment method.

[0074] Here, it is assumed that credit card payment (or the international brand of the credit card used by user U-1) is not accepted at affiliated store S-1, i.e., credit card payment is not included in the affiliated store designated payment methods of affiliated store S-1 (or the international brand of the credit card used by user U-1 is not accepted). In this case, the first display control unit 114 transmits to the user terminal 20 display control information JH1 that causes the display device 201 of the user terminal 20 to display screen M1 shown in FIG. 9C. The second acquisition unit 212 of the user terminal 20 acquires the display control information JH1, and the second display control unit 213 causes the display device 201 to display screen M1 based on the display control information JH1.

[0075] 9C, the payment destination merchant name N21, the payment amount N22, the payment method currently specified by user U-1 (highest priority payment method) N23, a message N24 indicating that the payment method specified by user U-1 is unavailable, and a change button N25 for instructing the user to change the payment method are displayed. Note that, together with the change button N25, a cancel button for instructing the user to cancel the current payment may also be displayed.

[0076] When user U-1 presses change button N25, first display control unit 114 transmits display control information JH2 to user terminal 20, causing screen M2 shown in Fig. 9D to be displayed on display device 201 of user terminal 20. Second acquisition unit 212 of user terminal 20 acquires display control information JH2, and second display control unit 213 causes display device 201 to display screen M2 based on display control information JH2.

[0077] Screen M2 shown in Figure 9D displays buttons N31 to N34 corresponding to each user-specified payment method. Assume that user U-1 has specified, for example, credit card payment, combined payment, and charge balance payment as the user-specified payment methods. In this case, a credit card payment button N31 for specifying credit card payment, a combined payment button N32 for specifying combined payment, and a charge balance payment button N33 for specifying charge balance payment are displayed. In addition, a button for canceling the change of payment method and returning to the previous screen shown in Figure 9C may be displayed.

[0078] Of these, the credit card payment button N31 is a button for specifying credit card payment, which is not a payment method at the affiliated store, and is therefore grayed out and displayed in a manner that user U-1 cannot operate. Text indicating the reason for the grayed-out button, such as "This payment method is not available at this affiliated store," may be displayed near the credit card payment button N31.

[0079] Furthermore, for the balance payment, the balance on the user account UK is 580 yen, which is less than the current payment amount. In other words, the upper limit for the balance payment (= balance) is less than the current payment amount. Therefore, the balance payment button N33 is a button for specifying a payment method whose upper limit is less than the current payment amount, so it is grayed out and displayed in a manner that user U-1 cannot operate. Text indicating the reason for the grayed-out button, such as "This payment method cannot be used because the upper limit is less than the payment amount," may be displayed near the balance payment button N33.

[0080] That is, among credit card payment, combined payment, and charge balance payment, credit card payment is a payment method that is not included in the common payment methods, combined payment is a payment method that is included in the common payment methods and is included in the available payment methods, and charge balance payment is a payment method that is included in the common payment methods and is included in the insufficient amount payment methods. User U-1 can make a payment using combined payment, which is an available payment method.

[0081] Screen M2 is an image that displays available payment methods. Also, on screen M2, buttons corresponding to payment methods that cannot be selected are grayed out, making it possible to distinguish between available payment methods and other payment methods (payment methods with insufficient amount and payment methods not included in the shared payment methods). Screens M1 and M2 are also the first screens that prompt the user to change the payment method to an available payment method if the highest-priority payment method is not an available payment method.

[0082] When user U-1 presses the joint payment button N32, selection information JS indicating that joint payment has been selected is sent from the user terminal 20 to the payment management device 10. The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the selection information JS. In response to the selection information JS, the first display control unit 114 transmits display control information JH3 to the user terminal 20, which causes the display device 201 of the user terminal 20 to display screen M3 shown in FIG. 9E. The second acquisition unit 212 of the user terminal 20 acquires the display control information JH3, and the second display control unit 213 causes the display device 201 to display screen M3 based on the display control information JH3.

[0083] Screen M3 shown in FIG. 9E displays the payment destination merchant name N41, payment amount N42, payment method N43 specified by user U-1 in FIG. 9D, the value of owned points and a switching interface N44 for switching whether or not points can be used, and a payment button N45 for instructing payment. Screen M3 corresponds to a second screen that prompts user U-1 to confirm that payment will be made using the payment method selected by user U-1 based on the selection information JS. Note that, for example, a cancel button for instructing cancellation of this payment may be displayed together with the payment button N45. When user U-1 presses the payment button N45, the payment processing unit 113 performs payment processing and this payment is completed.

[0084] If the determination unit 112 determines that there is no shared payment method, the payment processing unit 113 does not perform the payment process, and instead sends, for example, a message via the first display control unit 114 (described later) indicating that "the user-specified payment method cannot be used at affiliated store S-1." Sending the message may be, for example, sending text data indicating the message, or sending a display data ID corresponding to the message from the display data group HD stored in the user terminal 20.

[0085] 9C, buttons N31 to N34 corresponding to each of the user-specified payment methods are displayed, but buttons corresponding to each of the merchant-specified payment methods may be displayed, and only those payment methods that are designated as user-specified payment methods and have a maximum payment amount equal to or greater than the current payment amount may be designated (button operation is enabled). Alternatively, buttons corresponding to each of the payment methods available for payment service D may be displayed, and only those payment methods that are designated as user-specified payment methods and have a maximum payment amount equal to or greater than the current payment amount may be designated (button operation is enabled).

[0086] A-6. Flowchart Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing device 103 of the payment management device 10. In more detail, Fig. 10 mainly shows the operation when a payment request is received from the user terminal 20, and does not include, for example, the operation when a payment application is installed in the user terminal 20.

[0087] The processing device 103 functions as a first acquisition unit 111 and waits until it acquires payment information JK from one of the user terminals 20 (step S100: NO). When it acquires payment information JK from one of the user terminals 20 (user terminal 20-1, for example) (step S100: YES), the processing device 103 functions as a determination unit 112 and determines whether or not there are any available payment methods based on the payment information JK, affiliated store database DB1, and user database DB2 (step S101). If there are no available payment methods (step S101: NO), the processing device 103 functions as a payment processing unit 113, cancels the current payment (step S106), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0088] On the other hand, if there are available payment methods (step S101: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the determination unit 112 and determines whether the highest priority payment method of user U-1 is included in the available payment methods (step S102). If the highest priority payment method of user U-1 is included in the available payment methods (step S102: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the payment processing unit 113 and performs payment processing using the highest priority payment method (step S105), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0089] On the other hand, if user U-1's highest priority payment method is not included in the available payment methods (step S102: NO), the processing device 103 functions as the first display control unit 114 and causes the user terminal 20 to display information about the available payment methods (step S103). The information about the available payment methods includes, for example, an option to select one of the available payment methods. The processing device 103 functions as the first acquisition unit 111 and acquires selection information JS for selecting one of the available payment methods from the user terminal 20-1 (step S104). If the selection information JS has been acquired (step S104: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the payment processing unit 113 and performs payment processing using the selected available payment method (step S105), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0090] On the other hand, if the selection information JS cannot be acquired (step S103: N4), the processing device 103 functions as the payment processing unit 113, cancels the current payment (step S106), and ends the processing of this flowchart. The case where the selection information JS cannot be acquired corresponds to, for example, when user U-1 instructs to cancel the payment.

[0091] A-7. Summary of embodiments As described above, the payment management device 10 according to the embodiment displays information on the user terminal 20 about available payment methods that belong to both the user-selected payment method and the affiliated store-selected payment method and have a payment upper limit equal to or greater than the payment amount of the current payment. The user U can know which payment methods are available to the user U and have a payment upper limit equal to or greater than the payment amount, among the payment methods allowed at the affiliated store S, thereby improving convenience for the user U.

[0092] The payment management device 10 also determines the merchant-selected payment method by referring to the merchant database DB1, and determines the user-selected payment method by referring to the user database DB2. By using the merchant database DB1 and the user database DB2, it is possible to easily determine the available payment methods.

[0093] In addition, in the payment management device 10, the affiliated store database DB1 and the user database DB2 both contain information regarding the type of credit card brand, so if there is an affiliated store S that cannot accept payments depending on the brand type, an appropriate payment method can be presented to the user U.

[0094] Furthermore, the payment management device 10 displays available payment methods and insufficient payment methods in a distinguishable manner, so that the user U can recognize which payment methods are valid and which are invalid.

[0095] Furthermore, if the highest priority payment method is not an available payment method, the payment management device 10 displays a first screen on the user terminal 20 to prompt the user U to change the payment method to an available payment method. This allows the user U to easily change from the highest priority payment method to an available payment method.

[0096] Furthermore, the payment management device 10 displays options corresponding to each of the multiple available payment methods on the user terminal 20, and also displays a second screen on the user terminal 20 that prompts the user U to confirm that the payment will be made using the payment method selected by the user U. This allows the user U to confirm the payment method and payment amount selected by the user U, improving convenience.

[0097] B: Other (1) In the above-described embodiment, ROM and RAM are exemplified as storage devices 102 and 205, but storage devices 102 and 204 may be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) discs), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media.

[0098] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0099] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0100] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0101] (5) The order of the process procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0102] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. A functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or multiple devices.

[0103] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0104] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0105] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0106] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0107] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the portable device may be a mobile station (MS). Those skilled in the art may also refer to a mobile station as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term. In this disclosure, terms such as "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0108] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof refers to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0109] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0110] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judgment" or "decision." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0111] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0112] (15) In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are plural.

[0113] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0114] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information). [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1...payment system, 10...payment management device, 20 (20-1 to 20-n)...user terminal, 30 (30-1 to 30-m)...affiliated store payment terminal, 32...affiliated store setting terminal, 101...communication device, 102...storage device, 103...processing device, 111...first acquisition unit, 112...determination unit, 113...payment processing unit, 114...first display control unit, 201...display device, 202...input device, 203...camera, 204...communication device, 205...storage device, 206...processing device, 211...payment request sending unit, 212...second acquisition unit, 213...second display control unit, N...network, U (U-1 to Un)...user.

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires payment information from a terminal of the user, the payment information including payment destination information relating to a payment destination in an electronic payment, user information relating to a user who is a payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information relating to a payment amount in the electronic payment; a determination unit that determines a third payment method that is included in both a first payment method that can be used when making a payment to the payee and a second payment method that can be used by the user, based on the payee information and the user information, and that determines a fourth payment method among the third payment methods, the fourth payment method having the upper limit of payment equal to or greater than the payment amount, based on the upper limit of payment of the third payment method and the payment amount information; a first display control unit that causes the terminal to display information about the fourth payment method; A payment management device comprising:

2. The determination unit determining the first payment method by referring to first information that associates the payment destination information with payment methods accepted by the payment destination; determining the second payment method by referring to second information that associates the user information with payment methods available to the user; The payment management device according to claim 1 .

3. the first information includes a type of a brand of credit card that can be used at the payee; the second information includes a type of brand of credit card that can be used by the user; The payment management device according to claim 2 .

4. The first display control unit Among the third payment methods, the fourth payment method, whose upper limit of payment is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and the fifth payment method, whose upper limit of payment is less than the payment amount, are displayed in a distinguishable manner. The payment management device according to claim 1 .

5. the second payment method is a plurality of payment methods including a sixth payment method, The sixth payment method is predetermined as a payment method to be used preferentially over other payment methods of the second payment method, The first display control unit If the sixth payment method does not correspond to the fourth payment method, a first screen prompting the user to change the payment method to the fourth payment method is displayed on the terminal. The payment management device according to claim 1 .

6. the fourth payment method includes one or more payment methods; the first screen includes one or more options corresponding to each of the one or more payment methods included in the fourth payment method; the first acquisition unit acquires selection information regarding a selection result of the one or more options by the user; the first display control unit causes the terminal to display a second screen prompting the user to confirm that the payment will be made using the payment method selected by the user, based on the selection information; The payment management device according to claim 5 .

7. a transmitter that transmits payment information to the payment management device, the payment information including payment destination information relating to a payment destination in an electronic payment, user information relating to a user who is a payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information relating to a payment amount in the electronic payment; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from the payment management device, information about a fourth payment method that is available to the user and has a payment upper limit amount equal to or greater than the payment amount, from among the first payment methods that can be used when making a payment to the payment destination; a second display control unit that causes a display device to display information about the fourth payment method; A terminal comprising:

8. By computer, Obtain payment information from the user's terminal, the payment information including payment destination information relating to a payment destination in an electronic payment, user information relating to a user who is a payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information relating to a payment amount in the electronic payment; Based on the payment destination information and the user information, determine a third payment method that is included in both a first payment method that can be used when making a payment to the payment destination and a second payment method that can be used by the user, and based on the payment upper limit amount of the third payment method and the payment amount information, determine a fourth payment method among the third payment methods whose payment upper limit amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount; displaying information about the fourth payment method on the terminal; Electronic payment management methods.

9. By computer, Transmitting payment information to a payment management device, the payment information including payment destination information relating to a payment destination in an electronic payment, user information relating to a user who is a payer in the electronic payment, and payment amount information relating to a payment amount in the electronic payment; obtain, from the payment management device, information on a fourth payment method that is available to the user and has a payment upper limit equal to or greater than the payment amount, from among the first payment methods that can be used when making a payment to the payee; displaying information about the fourth payment method on a display device; Display control method.

Images