Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of payments made by multiple users. [Solution] The information processing device manages accounts of a first group including a first user and a second user. When it receives a first settlement request from the first group's accounts via the first user's information processing terminal, it settles the payment from the first group's accounts based on the first settlement request. When it receives a second settlement request from the first group's accounts via the second user's information processing terminal, it settles the payment from the first group's accounts based on the second settlement request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a plurality of users purchase a product, one user pays the total price (in a lump sum) at a store cashier or the like, and the other users transfer money (personal-to-person transfer) to the one user using a settlement service such as online settlement. Thus, a technique has been known that enables the plurality of users to share the payment of the price (split the bill) (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, for example, by performing a bill-splitting operation every time of settlement, it may be troublesome for the user. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can improve the convenience when a plurality of users perform settlement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure manages accounts of a first group including a first user and a second user, and when receiving a first settlement request by the accounts of the first group from an information processing terminal of the first user, settles from the accounts of the first group based on the first settlement request, and when receiving a second settlement request by the accounts of the first group from an information processing terminal of the second user, executes a process of settling from the accounts of the first group based on the second settlement request. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a server and terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a server and terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the sequence of processes for creating a joint account in a communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] This figure shows an example of user information stored in the user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5B] This figure shows an example of group information stored in the group information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] This figure shows an example of the display screen of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] This figure shows an example of the display screen of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a processing sequence for settlement using a shared account in a communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] This figure shows an example of the display screen of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] This figure shows an example of the display screen of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8C] This figure shows an example of the display screen of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a payment history stored in the payment history storage unit according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] <Legal compliance> The disclosures contained herein, if implemented, will be made in compliance with the laws and regulations of each country in which they are implemented. Furthermore, the disclosures contained herein will be made with all changes, substitutions, modifications, alterations, and modifications that a person skilled in the art could make to comply with the laws and regulations of each country.

[0008] The method for implementing settlements using a joint account for multiple users as described in this disclosure will be explained with reference to the drawings. <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As disclosed in Figure 1, in the communication system 1, servers 110A and 110B are connected to terminals 120A, 120B and 120C via a network 130.

[0009] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between server 110A and server 110B, both server 110A and server 110B may be referred to as server 110.

[0010] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between terminal 120A, terminal 120B, and terminal 120C, terminal 120A, terminal 120B, and terminal 120C may each be referred to as terminal 120 (an example of an "information processing terminal").

[0011] In this disclosure, if it is not necessary to distinguish between the server 110 and the terminal 120, the server 110 and the terminal 120 may each be referred to as an information processing device 200. The number of information processing devices 200 connected to the network 130 is not limited to the example in Figure 1.

[0012] Server 110 provides a predetermined service to terminal 120 used by a user via network 130. The predetermined service includes, by way of example and not limitation, payment services, financial services, e-commerce services, messaging services such as those using instant messengers, SNS (Social Networking Service) typified by messaging services, content providing services such as music, video, book, etc. Server 110 may provide one or more predetermined services alone, or may provide one or more predetermined services in plurality. By the user using the predetermined service via terminal 120, server 110 can provide the predetermined service to one or more terminals 120.

[0013] Terminal 120 is, for example, a terminal such as a user's smartphone, and performs processing for using various services provided by server 110.

[0014] As necessary, the terminal used by user X is expressed as terminal 120X, and user information in a predetermined service associated with user X or terminal 120X is expressed as user information X. Note that user information is information of the user associated with the account used by the user in a predetermined service. User information includes, by way of example and not limitation, information associated with the user such as the name of the user input by the user or given by the predetermined service, the icon image of the user, the age of the user, the gender of the user, the address of the user, the hobbies of the user, the identifier of the user, etc., balance information of electronic value (electronic money) associated with the user, credit card information (such as credit card number) associated with the user, and may be any one or combination thereof.

[0015] Network 130 plays a role of connecting two or more information processing apparatuses 200. Network 130 means a communication network that provides a connection path so that data can be transmitted and received after terminal 120 is connected to server 110.

[0016] One or more parts of the network 130 may be a wired network or a wireless network. The network 130 includes, by way of example and not limitation, an Ad Hoc Network, an intranet, an extranet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Wireless WAN (WWAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a part of the Internet, a part of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a mobile phone network, ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), wireless LANs, LTE (Long Term Evolution), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communication, etc., or a combination of two or more of these. The network 130 can include one or more networks 130.

[0017] The information processing device 200 may be any information processing device as long as it can realize the functions and methods described in the present disclosure.

[0018] The information processing device 200 includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (including, but is not limited to, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), server equipment, media computer platforms (including, but is not limited to, cable, satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders, etc.), handheld computer devices (including, but is not limited to, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (including, but is not limited to, glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.), other types of computers, or communication platforms.

[0019] <Hardware Configuration> The hardware configuration of the information processing device 200 included in the communication system 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 200 according to the embodiment.

[0020] The information processing device 200 includes a processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output interface (I / F) 204, and communication interface (Communication I / F) 205. The hardware components of the information processing device 200 are interconnected via bus B, not limited to, but as an example.

[0021] The information processing device 200, in cooperation with the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205, realizes the functions and / or methods described in this disclosure.

[0022] The processor 201 executes functions and methods realized by code or instructions contained in a program stored in the storage 203. The processor 201 may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and may realize each process disclosed in each embodiment by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be realized by a single integrated circuit. In addition, LSIs may be referred to as VLSI, Super LSI, Ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

[0023] Memory 202 temporarily stores programs loaded from storage 203 and provides a workspace for processor 201. Memory 202 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 201 is executing programs. Memory 202 includes, but is not limited to, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0024] Storage 203 stores programs. Storage 203 includes, but is not limited to, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), flash memory, and others.

[0025] The communication interface 205 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 130. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the two devices is possible. The communication interface 205 has the function of communicating with other information processing devices via the network 130. The communication interface 205 transmits various types of data to other information processing devices according to instructions from the processor 201. The communication interface 205 also receives various types of data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits them to the processor 201.

[0026] The input / output interface 204 includes an input device for inputting various operations to the information processing device 200, and an output device for outputting processing results processed by the information processing device 200. The input / output interface 204 may have the input device and output device integrated, or they may be separated into an input device and an output device.

[0027] The input device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of receiving user input and transmitting the information related to said input to the processor 201. The input device includes, but is not limited to, hardware keys such as touch panels, touch displays, and keyboards, pointing devices such as mice, cameras (for image-based operation input), and microphones (for voice-based operation input).

[0028] The output device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by processor 201. When outputting the processing results as video or moving images, the output device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying the display data written to the frame buffer. The output device includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (including, but is not limited to, liquid crystal displays, OLEDs (Organic Electroluminescence Displays), etc.), head-mounted displays (HDMs), projection mapping, holograms, devices capable of displaying images or text information in air (or a vacuum), speakers (audio output), printers, etc. These output devices may also be capable of displaying the display data in 3D.

[0029] The programs of each embodiment of this disclosure may be provided stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a “tangible medium that is not temporary” on which the program can be stored. The program includes, but is not limited to, software programs and computer programs.

[0030] The storage medium may include, where appropriate, one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (including, but not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tape, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, any other suitable storage medium, or any two or more suitable combinations thereof. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate.

[0031] Furthermore, the program of this disclosure may be provided to the information processing device 200 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves).

[0032] Furthermore, each embodiment of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0033] The programs disclosed herein can be implemented using, but are not limited to, scripting languages ​​such as JavaScript® and Python, C, Go, Swift, Kotlin, and Java®.

[0034] At least a portion of the processing in the information processing device 200 may be implemented by cloud computing, which consists of one or more computers.

[0035] The information processing device 200 may be configured to perform at least a portion of its processing on another information processing device. In this case, at least a portion of the processing of each functional unit implemented by the processor 201 may be performed on another information processing device.

[0036] <Other> Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the configuration of the determination in the embodiments of this disclosure is not essential, and a predetermined process may be performed if the determination conditions are met, or if the determination conditions are not met.

[0037] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or indicated by the context, “at least one of A and B” means “A, B, or both.” Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or indicated by the context, “a,” “an,” or “the” means “one or more.” Thus, in this specification, unless otherwise specified or indicated by the context, “an A” or “the A” means “one or more A.”

[0038] This disclosure includes all modifications, substitutions, alterations, modifications, or changes that a person skilled in the art could make to the embodiments and examples of this disclosure. Furthermore, the appended claims include all modifications, substitutions, alterations, modifications, or changes that a person skilled in the art could make to the embodiments and examples of this disclosure. In addition, this disclosure includes any combination of one or more features of the embodiments or examples in this disclosure and one or more features of other embodiments or examples in this disclosure that a person skilled in the art could make.

[0039] In addition, any reference in the appended claims to a device or system or component of a device or system that is adapted, positioned, capable, configured, available, operable, or capable of performing a particular function includes that device, system, or component, regardless of whether the device, system, component or any particular function of it is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that device, system, or component is adapted, positioned, capable, configured, available, operable, or capable in that manner.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly stated, this disclosure may obtain user consent before or immediately before implementing any embodiment or example. The consent obtained may be comprehensive or obtained on a case-by-case basis.

[0041] <Embodiment> The embodiments of this disclosure are, This embodiment provides a shared account that can be used by multiple users for payment.

[0042] Depending on the embodiment, for example, convenience can be improved when multiple users make a payment. In addition, since users do not need to set the split amount each time they make a payment, the load on terminal 120A and server 110, as well as the load on the network 130 between terminal 120A and server 110, can be reduced.

[0043] <Functional Configuration of the Embodiment> The functional configuration of the server 110 and terminal 120 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the server 110 and terminal 120 according to this embodiment. The functional units disclosed in Figure 3 are realized through the cooperation of the processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, input / output I / F 204, and communication I / F 205 of the information processing device 200.

[0044] (1) Server Functional Configuration The server 110 includes a reception unit 311, a transmission / reception unit 312, a control unit 313, a display control unit 314, and a storage unit 315. The functions or processing of each functional unit may be implemented by machine learning or AI (Artificial Intelligence) to the extent feasible.

[0045] The reception unit 311 receives various configuration operations and other requests from businesses operating the various services provided by the server 110.

[0046] The transmitting / receiving unit 312 transmits and receives data with the terminal 120 according to the instructions of the control unit 313. For example, when the user of terminal 120 is authenticated by the user ID and password included in the login request from terminal 120, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 establishes a communication session with terminal 120 using HTTPS or the like. The transmitting / receiving unit 312 then stores the communication address of terminal 120, etc., and the user ID, etc., associated with the ID of the established communication session. Then, it sends data to terminal 120, etc., using the established communication session.

[0047] The control unit 313 performs processing to provide services such as payment services, financial services, and SMS messaging services to the user of the terminal 120.

[0048] The display control unit 314, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 313, causes the transmission / reception unit 312 to transmit information to control the display screen of the terminal 120 or the like.

[0049] The storage unit 315 includes a user information storage unit 3151 for storing user information, a group information storage unit 3152 for storing information about the group managing the joint account, and a payment history storage unit 3153 for storing the history of each payment made using the joint account. The information stored in each storage unit will be described later.

[0050] (2) Terminal Functional Configuration The terminal 120 includes a reception unit 321, a transmitting / receiving unit 322, a control unit 323, a display control unit 324, and a storage unit 325. The functions or processing of each functional unit may be implemented by machine learning or AI to the extent feasible.

[0051] The reception unit 321 receives various operations and other requests from the user of terminal 120.

[0052] The transmitting / receiving unit 322 transmits and receives data with the server 110, etc., according to the instructions of the control unit 323. For example, when logging into the server 110, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 establishes a communication session with the server 110 using HTTPS or the like. It then stores the communication address of the server 110, etc., associated with the ID of the established communication session. Finally, it sends data to the server 110 using the established communication session.

[0053] The control unit 323 performs processing to utilize predetermined services, such as payment services, provided by the server 110.

[0054] The display control unit 324 controls the display screen of the terminal 120 based on information received from the server 110, etc., in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 323.

[0055] The memory unit 325 stores information for using services provided by the server 110.

[0056] <Processing in the embodiment> The following describes the processing of the communication system 1 according to the embodiment. In the following, the users of terminals 120A, 120B, and 120C will be referred to as User A, User B, and User C, respectively. It is assumed that each terminal 120 is authenticated by the server 110 using the user account of each terminal 120 when communicating with the server 110.

[0057] ≪Process when creating a joint account≫ Referring to Figures 4 to 6B, the process of creating a joint account in the communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of the process of creating a joint account in the communication system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 5A is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user information storage unit 3151 according to the embodiment. Figure 5B is a diagram showing an example of group information stored in the group information storage unit 3152 according to the embodiment. Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of the display screen of the terminal 120 according to the embodiment.

[0058] The following example illustrates a scenario where User A first creates a group (Group A) containing Users A and B, and then adds User C to that group. Note that the number of users in a group is not limited to this example. Also, adding users to a group is not mandatory.

[0059] In step S1, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120A receives an operation from user A to set up a group that includes multiple users. Here, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120A may, for example, receive an operation to select users to include in the group from each user who has been set in advance in the user information storage unit 3151 of server 110 as a friend or other predetermined relationship with user A.

[0060] Furthermore, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120A may obtain candidate users to include in the group from the server 110, and allow user A to select from these candidate users. The control unit 313 of server 110 may select candidate users to include in the group based on a social graph or the like. In this case, the control unit 313 of server 110 may, for example, select candidate users to include in the group based on the user IDs of users of terminal 120 located within a predetermined range from the current location of terminal 120A, for whom a predetermined relationship has been set in the user information storage unit 3151. For example, the control unit 313 of server 110 may select users for whom a predetermined relationship has been set with user A (friends), and users for whom a predetermined relationship has been set with users for whom a predetermined relationship has been set with user A (friends of friends). This makes it possible to extract other users near user A who are thought to be sharing meals, etc., with user A as candidate users to include in the group.

[0061] The term "predetermined relationship" means that the server 110 or terminal 120 remembers a predetermined relationship between two or more users. For example, a predetermined relationship may include, but is not limited to, a relationship where both parties mutually approve the relationship, a relationship where at least one party initiates the relationship, a relationship established based on user information, a relationship established based on user behavior, or a state where a relationship is established because certain conditions are met. A relationship established based on user information may include relationships between users who have one or more identical or similar pieces of user information, and a relationship established based on user behavior may include relationships between users who have one or more identical or similar user behaviors. Furthermore, for example, a user with whom a predetermined relationship has been established may include not only the second user with whom a predetermined relationship has been established, but also a third user (a friend of a friend) with whom a predetermined relationship has been established.

[0062] Furthermore, the term "users with whom a predetermined relationship has been established" is not limited to any specific group of users. For example, it could refer to all users with whom a predetermined relationship exists, a predetermined number of users, or users whose level of intimacy exceeds a predetermined degree.

[0063] Here, intimacy may be determined by the degree to which the intimacy level increases in order of the number of messages sent and received between users within a predetermined period (which may be a fixed period such as one or two months, or the period from when a predetermined relationship was established until the present). Alternatively, it may be determined by the degree to which the intimacy level increases in order of the number of transactions (including buying and selling goods, sending and receiving assets, currency exchange, etc.) conducted between users within a predetermined period.

[0064] Furthermore, intimacy may be a degree determined such that the longer the period from when a predetermined relationship was established to the present, the higher the intimacy. The length of time from when a predetermined relationship was established to the present may be an absolute value, or it may be a relative value among the one or more users with whom the user has a predetermined relationship.

[0065] Furthermore, intimacy may be a degree determined such that, for multiple other users with whom the user has a predetermined relationship, the longer the time that other users are within a predetermined range from the user's location, the higher the intimacy. Alternatively, intimacy may be a degree determined such that, for multiple users with whom the user has a predetermined relationship, the degree determined such that the higher the relationship estimated based on the time elapsed since the predetermined relationship was established and the location information of each user (for example, the higher the estimated family relationship), the higher the intimacy.

[0066] Furthermore, intimacy may also be defined as a degree to which the intimacy level increases as the number of mutual users (number of mutual friends) between a user and several other users with whom the user has a predetermined relationship increases.

[0067] Furthermore, intimacy may be defined as a degree determined such that the degree of intimacy increases as the number of users who have established a predetermined relationship with the user increases, among the users with whom the user is communicating and the users with whom the user has established a predetermined relationship.

[0068] Furthermore, intimacy may be determined as a degree such that the degree of intimacy increases as the similarity between the user's own attributes and the attributes of each of the multiple users with whom the user has a predetermined relationship increases. User attributes are not limited to, but may include, for example, interests or concerns.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 323 of terminal 120A may acquire information on candidate users to be included in the group from other terminals 120 via short-range wireless communication, and display the acquired users from other terminals 120 using the display control unit 324. In this case, the short-range wireless communication can be any method that can establish wireless communication between terminals 120 at a relatively short distance. Examples of short-range wireless communication include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), NFC (Near Field Communication), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and ultrasound.

[0070] This allows other users near user A to be extracted as candidates for inclusion in the group. Alternatively, the control unit 323 of terminal 120A may select candidates for inclusion in the group based on the social graph. In this case, the control unit 323 of terminal 120A may, for example, select users of other terminals 120 detected by short-range wireless communication who have a predetermined relationship with user A (friends), and display the selected users using the display control unit 324.

[0071] Furthermore, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120B may accept an operation to designate a group that has been pre-generated as a group for sending and receiving content using the messaging service provided by server 110 as a group for a joint account.

[0072] (User information storage unit 3151) In the example shown in Figure 5A, the user information storage unit 3151 stores the name, icon, balance, and user IDs of each user set in a predetermined relationship, associated with the user ID. The user ID is the user's identification information. The name is the name of the user. The icon is an image (still image, illustration, etc.) that represents the user and is set for that user. The balance is the balance of the user's account that can be used for payments in the payment service provided by the server 110. The user IDs of each user set in a predetermined relationship are, for example, the user IDs of users set as friends in an SNS or similar service provided by the server 110.

[0073] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120A sends a request to the server 110 to set up a group (step S2). Here, the request to set up a group may include, for example, the user ID of user A and the user IDs of one or more users to be included in the group specified for user A. The control unit 313 of server 110 may obtain the user ID of user A of terminal 120A based on the ID of the communication session for data received from terminal 120A, which has previously logged into server 110 using the user ID of user A.

[0074] In the following explanation, we will assume that User A first specifies that User B should be included in the group. The control unit 313 of Server 110 sets up a group containing each specified user in the group information storage unit 3152 (step S3). At this point, the control unit 313 of Server 110 sends a notification to Terminal 120B that it has been invited to a group containing Users A and B and displays it. Then, when User B accepts the request to join the group, a notification to that effect is sent to Terminal 120A and displayed. As a result, Users A and B can send and receive content among themselves in the group using, for example, a messaging service provided by Server 110. This content may include messages, images (including still images and videos), illustrations, etc.

[0075] (Group information storage unit 3152) In the example shown in Figure 5B, the group information storage unit 3152 stores the group name, each user ID, the history of transmitted and received content, and the balance, all associated with the group ID. The group ID is the identification information of the group. The name is, for example, the name of the group specified by the user when the group was set up (generated, created).

[0076] Each user ID of multiple users is the user ID of each user included in the group. The history of sent and received content is the history of content sent and received within that group. The history of sent and received content may also store, for example, the user ID of the user who sent the content, the date and time the content was sent, and data of the content itself, associated with the ID of the sent and received content.

[0077] The balance is the balance of the group's account (joint account) that each user in the group can use to make payments using the payment service provided by server 110.

[0078] Next, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120A receives an operation from each user in the group to specify the amount to be deposited into the group's joint account (step S4). In the example in Figure 6A, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120A displays the group name 602, a message 603 prompting each user to enter the amount to be deposited, user A's icon 604A, name 604B, deposit amount input field 604C, user B's icon 605A, name 605B, deposit amount input field 605C, and a "Confirm" button 606 on the joint account deposit screen 601. When the reception unit 321 receives the operation that amounts have been entered into input fields 604C and 605C and the "Confirm" button 606 has been pressed, terminal 120A performs the following processing. In the example of input fields 604C and 605C in Figure 6A, it is specified that user A and user B will each deposit 5,000 yen into the joint account. Furthermore, users may be allowed to specify the amount they wish to deposit. Alternatively, deposits may be made automatically at predetermined intervals (for example, every month).

[0079] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120A sends a deposit request to the server 110 containing information on the amounts to be deposited into the group's joint account, as specified by user A (step S5). Here, the deposit request may include the group ID, user A's user ID, user A's deposit amount, user B's user ID, user B's deposit amount, etc.

[0080] Next, the control unit 313 of the server 110 transfers (deposits) the amount that user A will deposit into the group's joint account, as specified by user A in the received deposit request, from user A's account to the group's joint account (step S6). Here, the control unit 313 of the server 110 subtracts the specified amount from user A's balance in the user information storage unit 3151. Then, the control unit 313 of the server 110 adds the same amount to group A's balance in the group information storage unit 3152. Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 may send a notification to terminal 120A enabling user A to settle from group A's balance. When the display control unit 324 of terminal 120A receives this notification, it may enable user A to operate a button or the like to settle from group A's balance.

[0081] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 sends a deposit request to the terminal 120B for the amount that user B will deposit into the group's joint account, as specified by user A in the received deposit request (step S7).

[0082] Next, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120B displays the received payment request (step S8). Here, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120B may display a display screen such as that shown in Figure 6B. In the example in Figure 6B, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120B displays a group message screen 611 that displays the content sent and received by group A via the messaging service provided by server 110 in chronological order of transmission. In the example in Figure 6B, the content is displayed from the bottom up in the display area 613 for sent and received content, in order from newest to oldest. Alternatively, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120 may display the content from the top up in the display area 613 in order from newest to oldest.

[0083] In the example in Figure 6B, the message 614A sent by user A and the date and time 614B of message 614A are displayed, associated with user A's icon 604A and name 604B. Similarly, the message 615A sent by user B and the date and time 615B of message 615A are displayed, associated with user B's icon 605A and name 605B. Also displayed is the message 616A and its date and time 616B, which were distributed by server 110 to each user's terminal 120 in the group, indicating that user A has made a deposit into the joint account. Furthermore, the deposit request message 617A and its date and time 617B, the "Cancel" button 617C, and the "Accept and Deposit" button 617D sent by server 110 are displayed.

[0084] Next, the receiving unit 321 of terminal 120B receives an operation from user B to agree to deposit the amount specified by user A (step S9). Here, the receiving unit 321 of terminal 120B receives an operation from user B to press the "Agree and Deposit" button 617D in Figure 6B. Terminal 120B may also allow user B to specify any deposit amount. In this case, terminal 120B may allow user B to specify an amount greater than or equal to the amount specified by user A. This allows user B to deposit an amount greater than the amount specified by user A.

[0085] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120B sends an acceptance response to the server 110 for the received deposit request (step S10). Here, the acceptance response may include the group ID, the user ID of user B, the deposit amount of user B, etc.

[0086] Next, the control unit 313 of the server 110 transfers the amount specified by either user A or user B, which user B will deposit into the group's joint account, from user B's account to the group's joint account (step S11). Here, the control unit 313 of the server 110 subtracts the specified amount from user B's balance in the user information storage unit 3151. Then, the control unit 313 of the server 110 adds the same amount to group A's balance in the group information storage unit 3152. Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 may determine whether the amount deposited by user B into the group's joint account is equal to or greater than the amount specified by user A, and only if it is equal to or greater than the specified amount, it may send a notification to terminal 120B allowing user B to settle from group A's balance. When the display control unit 324 of terminal 120B receives the notification, it may enable user B to operate a button or the like to settle from group A's balance. This allows users who have deposited a predetermined amount or more into the joint account to settle using the joint account. Furthermore, users who have not deposited funds into the joint account can be prevented from using the joint account for payments.

[0087] Next, the receiving unit 321 of terminal 120A adds user C to the group and receives an operation from user A specifying the amount that user C will deposit into the group's joint account (step S12). Subsequently, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120A sends a deposit request to the server 110 containing information on each amount that user C will deposit into the group's joint account, as specified by user A (step S13).

[0088] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 sends a deposit request to the terminal 120C (step S14). Here, the deposit request may include information on the amount that user C will deposit into the group's joint account, as specified by user A.

[0089] Next, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120C displays the received deposit request (step S15). Subsequently, the receiving unit 321 of terminal 120C receives an operation from user C to accept the deposit of the amount specified by user A (step S16). Terminal 120C may also allow user C to specify any deposit amount. In this case, terminal 120C may allow user C to specify an amount greater than or equal to the amount specified by user A. This allows, for example, user C to deposit an amount greater than the amount specified by user A. Subsequently, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120C sends an acceptance response to the received deposit request to the server 110 (step S17).

[0090] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 transfers the amount specified by either user A or user C to be deposited by user C into the group's joint account from user C's account to the group's joint account (step S18). Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 may determine whether the amount deposited by user C into the group's joint account is equal to or greater than the amount specified by user A, and only if it is equal to or greater than the specified amount, it may send a notification to terminal 120C that enables user C to settle from the balance of group A. When the display control unit 324 of terminal 120C receives this notification, it may enable user C to operate a button or the like to settle from the balance of group A. Furthermore, the control unit 313 of the server 110 may add user C to group A of the messaging service, enabling users A, B, and C to send and receive content using group A. As a result, user C, who is added to group A, can deposit an amount equal to or greater than the amount specified by user A into the joint account, enabling settlement using the joint account and use of the messaging service in group A.

[0091] Processing when settling using a joint account Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the process of settling using the shared account of the communication system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example sequence of the process of settling using the shared account of the communication system 1 according to this embodiment. Figures 8A to 8C are diagrams showing an example of the display screen of the terminal 120 according to this embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the settlement history stored in the settlement history storage unit 3153 according to this embodiment.

[0092] The following example illustrates a case where User C settles a transaction using a joint account belonging to Group A, which includes Users A, B, and C. Note that the number of users in the group is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the processing for users A and B settling a transaction using Group A's joint account may be the same as the processing for user C settling a transaction using Group A's joint account, as described below.

[0093] In step S51, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120C receives an operation from user C to make a payment from group A's joint account using the payment service provided by server 110. Here, the reception unit 321 of terminal 120C may accept payment operations using various methods such as QR code (registered trademark) payment, contactless payment, credit card payment, and online payment.

[0094] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120C sends a payment request to the server 110 (step S52). Here, the payment request may include the group ID of group A, the user ID of user C, and payment information. The payment information may include the payment amount, the ID of the business to which the payment is made, and information such as the breakdown of the payment (receipt information).

[0095] Next, the control unit 313 of the server 110 stores the payment information and other data included in the received payment request in the payment history storage unit 3153 (step S53).

[0096] (Payment history storage unit 3153) In the example shown in Figure 9, the settlement history storage unit 3153 stores the settlement ID, the settler's user ID, settlement information, the amount used (yen), and the approval status, all associated with the group ID. The settlement ID is the identification information for settlements in the joint account. The settler's user ID is the user ID of the user who made the settlement. The settlement information is information indicating the details of the settlement. The amount used is the amount used by each user who used (consumed) the paid goods. The approval status is the approval status of each user for settlements in the joint account, including "approved," "not approved," and "unapproved," etc. The amount used and the approval status may be set, for example, by user operation on terminal 120.

[0097] Next, the control unit 313 of the server 110 settles (advances payment) from user C's account (step S54). Here, the control unit 313 of the server 110 subtracts the settlement amount from user C's balance stored in the user information storage unit 3151 and adds the settlement amount to the balance of the account of the business to which the payment is made. With this, the settlement at the store, etc., is completed.

[0098] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 transmits the payment information to terminals 120A, 120B, and 120C of each user included in group A via the messaging service (steps S55-1 to S55-3). Subsequently, the display control units 324 of terminals 120A, 120B, and 120C each display the payment information, including receipt information, on the group message screen for group A in the messaging service (steps S56-1 to S56-3).

[0099] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 312 of the server 110 sends the payment approval request to terminals 120A and 120B of each user in group A, excluding user C, via the messaging service (steps S57-1 to S57-2). Subsequently, the display control units 324 of terminals 120A and 120B each display the approval request on the group message screen for group A in the messaging service (steps S58-1 to S58-2). In the example shown in Figure 8A, the display control units 324 of terminals 120A and 120B display the group message screen 801, which displays the content sent and received by group A via the messaging service provided by the server 110, in chronological order of transmission.

[0100] In the example shown in Figure 8A, the area 802, which displays payment information and approval requests, shows a message 802A indicating that user C has requested approval for payment in a joint account, a summary of the payment details 802B, a "View Details" button 801C, and a "Set Users" button 801D. Area 802 also displays the approval status 802E for each user in group A other than the payer, a "Do not approve payment" button 802F, an "Approve payment" button 802G, and the date and time the approval request was sent 802H.

[0101] Additionally, the message 803C sent by user C, along with the date and time 803D of message 803C, are displayed, corresponding to user C's icon 803A and name 803B.

[0102] Since approval from user C, who made the payment using the joint account, is not required, the group message screen displayed by the display control unit 324 of terminal 120C does not show the "Do not approve payment" button 802F or the "Approve payment" button 802G.

[0103] When the "View Details" button 801C is pressed, the display control unit 324 of the terminal 120 displays detailed payment information, such as a breakdown of the purchased items. Also, when the "Set Users" button 801D is pressed, a display screen is shown that accepts the operation of setting each user who used (consumed) the paid items and the amount used by each user.

[0104] When the "Do not approve payment" button 802F is pressed, the transmitting / receiving unit 322 of terminal 120 sends a non-approval response to server 110. Then, the control unit 313 of server 110 updates the approval status for the user of terminal 120 in the payment history storage unit 3153 from "Unapproved" to "Non-approved".

[0105] Next, the reception units 321 of terminals 120A and 120B receive approval operations from user A and user B, respectively (steps S59-1 to S59-2). Here, the reception units 321 of terminals 120A and 120B each receive, for example, the operation of pressing the "Approve Payment" button 802G in Figure 9. Subsequently, the transmitting and receiving units 322 of terminals 120A and 120B each send approval responses to the server 110 (steps S60-1 to S60-2).

[0106] Next, the control unit 313 of the server 110 transfers the settlement amount from the joint account of group A to the account of user C (step S61). Here, the control unit 313 of the server 110 subtracts the settlement amount from the balance of group A in the group information storage unit 3152 and adds the settlement amount to the balance of user C stored in the user information storage unit 3151. As a result, the settlement amount that user C had advanced is settled from the joint account. In addition, the control unit 313 of the server 110 updates the approval status for the user of terminal 120 from "unapproved" to "approved" in the settlement history storage unit 3153.

[0107] When a payment in a joint account is approved by both User A and User B, and the user and amount of the payment are set for either user, the display control unit 324 of terminal 120 displays the group message screen 811 shown in Figure 8B. In the example in Figure 8B, the user and amount of the payment 812, and the approval status 813 for each user are displayed.

[0108] Furthermore, the display control unit 324 of each user's terminal 120 in Group A displays the payment history of each user's transactions in Group A's joint account in response to user operations. In the example shown in Figure 8C, the payment history screen 821 for user B in Group A displays payment information 822 and 823 associated with user B, the balance of Group A's joint account 824, the total amount deposited into the joint account by user B 825, and the amount used by user B in the joint account 826. This allows users to check the usage status of the joint account by each user in the group.

[0109] According to the above-described embodiment, there is no need to go through the trouble of splitting the bill each time a payment is made. For example, when using a joint account between a married couple or when traveling in a group with friends, payments can be made jointly with simple operations.

[0110] <Example 1> In the embodiment described above, an example was explained in which payment is made from the joint account when all users in the group except the payer perform the approval operation. Alternatively, the terminal 120 may, for example, set the group administrator on the server 110 in response to a user's operation when setting up (creating) the group, and then make the payment from the joint account when the group administrator performs the approval operation. This makes it easier to approve payments. Alternatively, payment may be made from the joint account when a majority of the users in the group perform the approval operation. Alternatively, payment may be made from the joint account when one or more users in the group perform the approval operation.

[0111] Alternatively, in the case of a group such as a married couple, the approval process may be made unnecessary by the operation performed when setting up (creating) the group. In this case, in step S54 of Figure 9, the control unit 313 of the server 110 settles the payment from the joint account and does not send an approval request to the terminal 120.

[0112] <Example 2> In the embodiment described above, an example was explained in which, at the time of settlement, the payment is advanced from the account of user C, who is the settler, and if approval is obtained, the funds are transferred from the joint account to user C's account. Alternatively, the settlement may be made using the joint account at the time of settlement, and if the settlement is not approved, the funds may be transferred from user C's account to the joint account.

[0113] In this case, in step S54 of Figure 9, the control unit 313 of the server 110 settles the payment from the joint account of group A. Here, the control unit 313 of the server 110 subtracts the settlement amount from the balance of group A in the group information storage unit 3152 and adds the settlement amount to the balance of the account of the business to which the payment is made. This completes the settlement at the store or other location.

[0114] If the payment is rejected by another user, the control unit 313 of the server 110 will replenish the payment amount from user C's account. Here, the control unit 313 of the server 110 subtracts the payment amount from user C's balance stored in the user information storage unit 3151 and adds the payment amount to the balance of group A in the group information storage unit 3152. This allows the payment to be made in the joint account even if the payer's balance is less than the payment amount.

[0115] <Example 3> If a user who is part of a joint account group leaves the group, the control unit 313 of the server 110 may transfer at least a portion of the joint account balance to the leaving user's balance. In this case, the control unit 313 of the server 110 may transfer an amount to the leaving user's balance that corresponds to, for example, the proportion of the amount each user in the joint account group has deposited into the joint account, plus the balance of the joint account. For example, if user A who is leaving has deposited 10,000 yen into the joint account, and each of the other users has deposited a total of 10,000 yen into the joint account, and the balance of the joint account is 10,000 yen, then half of that, 5,000 yen, may be transferred to user A.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 313 of the server 110 may, for example, transfer an amount to the balance of the user who is leaving the group, based on the proportion of the amount each user in the group has deposited into the joint account, the amount each user has used in the joint account, and the balance of the joint account. For example, if user A who is leaving has deposited 10,000 yen into the joint account, user A's usage amount is 5,000 yen, and all other users have deposited a total of 10,000 yen into the joint account, all other users' usage amount is 0 yen, and the balance of the joint account is 10,000 yen, then 1 / 3 of that amount, or 3,333 yen, may be transferred to user A.

[0117] In this disclosure, "transferring funds" includes subtracting a predetermined amount from the balance of one account and adding a predetermined amount to the balance of the other account. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Communication System 110 Servers 120 devices 130 Networks 200 Information Processing Devices 311 Reception Department 312 Transmitter / Receiver 313 Control Unit 314 Display Control Unit 315 Storage section 3151 User information storage unit 3152 Group Information Storage Unit 3153 Payment history storage unit 321 Reception Department 322 Transmitter / Receiver 323 Control Unit 324 Display Control Unit 325 Storage section

Claims

1. Information processing device, Manage the accounts of the first group, including the first user and the second user. When a first settlement request from the account of the first group is received from the information processing terminal of the first user, settlement is made from the account of the first group based on the first settlement request. An information processing method that, when a second settlement request from the first group's account is received from the second user's information processing terminal, executes a process to settle the payment from the first group's account based on the second settlement request.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein when a request to transfer funds from the second user's account to the first group's account is received from the second user's information processing terminal, the second user is enabled to make a settlement using the first group's account.

3. When the second payment request is received from the second user's information processing terminal, the information of the second payment request is transmitted to the first user's information processing terminal. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the second payment request is approved by the first user, the method executes a process to settle the payment from the first group's account based on the second payment request.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein when the second payment request is received from the second user's information processing terminal, payment is made from the second user's account based on the second payment request, information of the second payment request is transmitted to the first user's information processing terminal, and if the first user approves the second payment request, money is transferred from the first group's account to the second user's account based on the second payment request.

5. The information processing method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when the second payment request is received from the second user's information processing terminal, payment is made from the first group's account based on the second payment request, information of the second payment request is transmitted to the first user's information processing terminal, and if the second payment request is not approved by the first user, money is transferred from the second user's account to the first group's account based on the second payment request.

6. We provide a messaging service that allows groups of multiple users to send and receive content. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein information is transmitted to the information processing terminal of the first user and the information processing terminal of the second user, which displays the information settled from the account of the first group and the content sent and received by the first group via the messaging service in chronological order.

7. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, if the second user is set as the person responsible for the amount to be settled in the first settlement request, the list of information settled by the second user from the first group's account includes the information settled from the first group's account based on the first settlement request.

8. Manage the accounts of the first group, including the first user and the second user. When a first settlement request from the account of the first group is received from the information processing terminal of the first user, settlement is made from the account of the first group based on the first settlement request. An information processing device having a control unit that, when it receives a second settlement request from the first group's account from the second user's information processing terminal, settles the payment from the first group's account based on the second settlement request.

9. In an information processing device, Manage the accounts of the first group, including the first user and the second user. When a first settlement request from the account of the first group is received from the information processing terminal of the first user, settlement is made from the account of the first group based on the first settlement request. A program that, upon receiving a second settlement request from the first group's account via the second user's information processing terminal, executes a process to settle the payment from the first group's account based on the second settlement request.

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