Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can improve the convenience of payment tools. [Solution] The information processing system includes a reception unit that receives a payment tool usage request message for applying to use a payment tool, and a determination unit that determines the first usage period information and the first amount information for the payment tool identification information based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating the first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating the first amount that can be used during the first usage period, contained in the payment tool usage request message received by the reception unit, and sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Prepaid payment means such as prepaid cards are widely used. Some prepaid payment means can be used in the same way as credit cards at credit card affiliated stores. There is known a technique of prepaying the amount for settlement, managing the remaining balance by a server, and performing settlement (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described technique, since the initial available amount is set within the range of the prepaid amount paid in association with the issuance application of the prepaid payment means, when the prepaid amount is less than the available amount to be set at the time of the issuance application of the prepaid payment means, the available amount is set to the same amount as the prepaid amount. For this reason, for example, even if it is desired to temporarily increase the available amount and impose a limit, it cannot be made higher than the available amount set at the time of the issuance application of the prepaid payment means, and a new procedure is required. Also, for a credit card, a new procedure is required to temporarily impose a limit on the available amount.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of improving the convenience of payment tools such as prepaid payment means and credit cards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising: a receiving unit that receives a payment tool usage request message for applying to use a payment tool; and a determination unit that determines the first usage period information and the first amount information with respect to the payment tool identification information based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating a first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating a first amount that can be used during the first usage period, contained in the payment tool usage request message received by the receiving unit, and sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. (2) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system as described in (1) above, wherein the receiving unit receives other payment tool usage request messages for applying to use the payment tool, and the determination unit determines the second usage period information and the second amount information for the payment tool identification information based on the payment tool identification information, second usage period information indicating a second usage period of the payment tool, and second amount information indicating a second amount that can be used during the second usage period, and sets the determined second usage period information and second amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. (3) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system as described in (2) above, wherein the determination unit determines an amount obtained by adding the first amount and the second amount as an amount that can be used during the period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap, and sets information indicating the period in which the determined first usage period and the second usage period overlap and information indicating the amount obtained by adding the first amount and the second amount in association with the payment tool identification information. (4) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system described in (1) above, further comprising a settlement unit that subtracts the amount used from the first amount set in association with the payment tool identification information included in the payment tool usage request message when the amount used during the first usage period by the payment tool is associated with the payment tool usage request message. (5) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system described in (2) above, further comprising a settlement unit that, when the amount used by the payment tool during the second usage period is associated with another payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from the second amount set in association with payment tool identification information included in another payment tool usage request message. (6) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system described in (5) above, wherein the amount used by the payment tool during the second usage period is associated with other payment tool usage request messages after the payment tool has been used. (7) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing system as described in (3) above, further comprising a settlement unit that, when the amount used by the payment tool during a period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap is associated with the payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from the sum of the first amount and the second amount set in association with the payment tool identification information included in the payment tool usage request message. (8) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by a computer, which receives a payment tool usage request message for applying to use a payment tool, determines the first usage period information and the first amount information for the payment tool identification information based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating a first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating a first amount that can be used during the first usage period, and sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. (9) One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to receive a payment tool usage request message for applying to use a payment tool, and based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating a first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating a first amount that can be used during the first usage period contained in the received payment tool usage request message, causes the computer to determine the first usage period information and the first amount information with respect to the payment tool identification information, and sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the effect of improving the convenience of payment tools can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a card database. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a user information database. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example 1 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example 2 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6]This figure shows example 3 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7A] This figure shows an example 4 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7B] This figure shows an example 4 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example 5 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Next, the information processing system, information processing method, and program of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the embodiments described below. In all the drawings used to describe the embodiments, components having the same function will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, "based on XX" as used in this application means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on something that has been calculated or processed from XX. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0010] (Embodiment) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. The information processing system 1 comprises a management device 30 and a payment processing device 40. In addition to the management device 30 and the payment processing device 40, Figure 1 also shows a user terminal 10, a financial institution 15, and a store terminal 20.

[0011] The user terminal 10, the financial institution 15, the store terminal 20, the management device 30, and the settlement processing device 40 can communicate with each other via the communication network NW. The communication network NW includes the Internet, WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), public line, provider device, dedicated line, wireless base station, and the like.

[0012] [User terminal 10] The user terminal 10 is a terminal used by the administrator M. An example of the administrator M is a person who requests the information processing device 100 to issue a payment tool. As the user terminal 10, for example, a stationary computer device may be used, or a portable computer device such as a smartphone or a tablet-type computer (tablet PC) may be used.

[0013] On the user terminal 10, an application program for using the information processing system 1, or a browser or the like is launched to support the settlement service. An example of the user terminal 10 is a personal computer, and it is assumed that an application program (settlement service usage application) is launched. The settlement service usage application communicates with the management device 30 according to the operation of the administrator M, and performs push notifications based on the responses received from the management device 30 and the settlement processing device 40.

[0014] [Management device 30 and settlement processing device 40] The management device 30 and the payment processing device 40 create a wallet in response to a request from the administrator M to create a deposit / withdrawal account (hereinafter referred to as "wallet") for the payment tool. The management device 30 and the payment processing device 40 issue one or more payment tools in association with (linked to) the wallet in response to a request from the administrator M to issue a payment tool. An example of a payment tool is a prepaid card, a credit card, a virtual card, or QR code (registered trademark) (Quick Response code) settlement. For example, in the case of a credit card, the function of the payment tool may be added to the function of the post-payment payment means of the credit card. In the present embodiment, as an example, the case where the function of the payment tool is added to a credit card will be described below. Hereinafter, a credit card to which the function of the payment tool is added may be collectively referred to as a card. The payment processing device 40 sets the usage limit amount for each of the one or more payment tools. Further, the payment processing device 40 changes the usage limit amount for each of the one or more payment tools.

[0015] [Management device 30] The management device 30 is realized by a device such as a personal computer, a server, or an industrial computer. The management device 30 includes, for example, a communication unit 31, a reception unit 32, a setting unit 35, a conversion unit 36, a determination unit 37, a creation unit 38, and a storage unit 39. The communication unit 31 is realized by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 31 is composed of a device that performs wired communication. Also, the communication unit 31 may be composed of a wireless device that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication technology such as LTE or wireless LAN. The communication unit 31 communicates with the user terminal 10, the store terminal 20, and the payment processing device 40 via the communication network NW.

[0016] The storage unit 39 is implemented using a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM). The storage unit 39 stores the card database (DB39a). The card database (DB39a) may also be stored in the cloud. Figure 2 shows an example of a card database. Card database 39a is a table-formatted information that associates the card number, confidential ID, and card expiration date. This information is registered when the management device 30 obtains multiple card numbers issued by a card issuing company. The confidential ID is a secret ID used by the management device 30 and the payment processing device 40. Returning to Figure 1, we will continue the explanation.

[0017] The reception unit 32, setting unit 35, conversion unit 36, determination unit 37, and creation unit 38 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software) stored in the storage unit 39. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory (a storage device with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed when the storage medium is inserted into a drive device.

[0018] [Payment Processing Unit 40] The payment processing device 40 is implemented by a device such as a personal computer, server, or industrial computer. The payment processing device 40 includes, for example, a communication unit 41, a reception unit 42, a processing unit 43, a determination unit 44, a settlement unit 45, a determination unit 47, a creation unit 48, and a storage unit 49.

[0019] The communication unit 41 is implemented by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 41 is composed of a device that performs wired communication. Alternatively, the communication unit 41 may be composed of a wireless device that performs wireless communication using wireless communication technologies such as LTE or Wi-Fi.

[0020] The storage unit 49 is implemented using an HDD, flash memory, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 49 stores the user information DB 49a. The user information DB 49a may be stored in the cloud. Figure 3 shows an example of a user information database. User information database 49a contains multiple user information entries in table format, each associating one or more confidential IDs, one or more card IDs, one or more card spending limits, one or more card usage periods, one or more card availability status, and one or more card wallet IDs. In the example of user information database 49a shown in Figure 3, it is shown that for confidential IDs "Confidential ID #1", "Confidential ID #2", and "Confidential ID #3", the wallet corresponding to wallet ID "Wallet ID #1" is used in common. Return to Figure 1 and continue the explanation.

[0021] The reception unit 42, processing unit 43, decision unit 44, settlement unit 45, determination unit 47, and creation unit 48 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software) stored in the storage unit 49. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as LSIs, ASICs, FPGAs, and GPUs, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. The program may be pre-stored in a storage device such as an HDD or flash memory (a storage device with a non-transient storage medium), or it may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium) and installed when the storage medium is inserted into a drive device.

[0022] [Operation of the Information Processing System] [Action taken when administrator M requests the information processing system to create a wallet] Figure 4 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of the process when administrator M requests the information processing system 1 to create a wallet.

[0023] (Step S1-1) Administrator M requests the information processing system 1 to create a wallet by operating the user terminal 10. Administrator M inputs user identification information (user ID) and information indicating that a wallet creation request is being made into the user terminal 10. Here, the user ID is information that can uniquely identify user U, such as user U's email address and subscriber identification information. The user terminal 10 creates a wallet creation request message that includes the user ID entered by administrator M and information indicating that a wallet creation request is being made. (Step S2-1) The user terminal 10 sends the created wallet creation request message to the management device 30.

[0024] (Step S3-1) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives a wallet creation request message sent by the user terminal 10. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts the wallet creation request message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 receives the user ID and information indicating that a wallet is to be created, which are included in the received wallet creation request message. The setting unit 35 receives the user ID and information indicating that a wallet is to be created from the reception unit 32. Based on the information indicating that a wallet is to be created, the setting unit 35 creates (opens) the wallet.

[0025] (Step S4-1) In the management device 30, the setting unit 35 associates the wallet ID of the created wallet with the user ID and stores it in the storage unit 39. The creation unit 38 obtains the wallet ID from the setting unit 35 and creates a wallet registration request message that includes the obtained wallet ID.

[0026] (Step S5-1) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created wallet registration request message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the wallet registration request message output by the creation unit 38 to the payment processing device 40.

[0027] (Step S6-1) In the payment processing device 40, the communication unit 41 receives a wallet registration request message sent by the management device 30. The receiving unit 42 receives and accepts the wallet registration request message from the communication unit 41. The receiving unit 42 obtains the wallet ID included in the received wallet registration request message. The processing unit 43 obtains the wallet ID from the receiving unit 42 and creates user information including the obtained wallet ID. The processing unit 43 includes the created user information in the user information DB 49a.

[0028] (Step S7-1) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 obtains the wallet ID from the processing unit 43 and creates a wallet registration response message that includes the obtained wallet ID. (Step S8-1) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 outputs the created wallet registration response message to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 transmits the wallet registration response message output by the creation unit 48 to the management device 30.

[0029] (Step S9-1) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives a wallet registration response message sent by the payment processing device 40. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts a wallet registration request message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 obtains the wallet ID included in the received wallet registration request message. The creation unit 38 obtains the wallet ID from the reception unit 32 and, based on the obtained wallet ID, obtains the user ID stored in association with that wallet ID from the storage unit 39. The creation unit 38 creates a wallet creation response message including the user ID and the wallet ID.

[0030] (Step S10-1) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created wallet creation response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 receives the wallet creation response message output by the creation unit 38 and sends it to the user terminal 10. (Step S11-1) The user terminal 10 receives the wallet creation response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S12-1) The user terminal 10 obtains the wallet ID contained in the received wallet creation response message. The user terminal 10 displays the obtained wallet ID.

[0031] [Action taken when Administrator M requests Information Processing System 1 to issue a payment tool] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment (Example 2). Figure 5 shows an example of the process when administrator M requests the issuance of a payment tool. (Step S1-2) Administrator M inputs the wallet ID, the number of cards to be issued, the spending limit for each card, and the usability status for each card into the user terminal 10. The number of cards to be issued is the number of cards issued in association with (linked to) the wallet opened by Administrator M. The spending limit for each card is the amount that can be paid with the card during a specified period. Here, the specified period can be set to any period such as daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, yearly, every six months, or by a specified date. By setting the spending limit to zero, the use of the card can be temporarily restricted. The usability status for each card is information indicating whether or not each card can be used. The user terminal 10 creates a payment tool issuance request message that includes the wallet ID, the information indicating the number of cards to be issued, the information indicating the spending limit for each card, and the information indicating the usability status for each card, all of which were entered by Administrator M.

[0032] (Step S2-2) The user terminal 10 sends the created payment tool issuance request message to the management device 30. (Step S3-2) The management device 30 requests the card issuing company to issue card numbers. The management device 30 obtains multiple card numbers issued by the card issuing company and registers each of the obtained card numbers in the card database. The card database stores the card number, confidential ID, and expiration date in association with each other. In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives a payment tool issuance request message sent by the user terminal 10. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts the payment tool issuance request message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 obtains the wallet ID, information indicating the number of cards to be issued, information indicating the usage limit for each card, and information indicating whether each card is usable, which are included in the received payment tool issuance request message. The setting unit 35 obtains the wallet ID, information indicating the number of cards to be issued, information indicating the usage limit for each card, and information indicating whether each card is usable, from the reception unit 32. The setting unit 35 issues multiple payment tools based on the information indicating the number of cards to be issued that it has obtained. The setting unit 35 configures the payment tools by assigning one or more card numbers stored in the card DB 39a to each of the one or more issued payment tools.

[0033] (Step S4-2) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 creates a payment tool registration request message that includes a wallet ID, a confidential ID stored in association with each of the one or more card numbers assigned to each of the one or more payment tools, information indicating the usage limit for each card, and information indicating whether each card is usable. (Step S5-2) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created payment tool registration request message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 receives the payment tool registration request message output by the creation unit 38 and transmits it to the settlement processing device 40.

[0034] (Step S6-2) In the payment processing device 40, the communication unit 41 receives the payment tool registration request message transmitted by the information processing device 100. The receiving unit 42 receives and accepts the payment tool registration request message from the communication unit 41. The receiving unit 42 receives one or more confidential IDs, information indicating the usage limit for each card, and information indicating whether each card is usable, which are included in the received payment tool registration request message. The processing unit 43 obtains one or more confidential IDs, information indicating the usage limit for each card, and information indicating whether each card is usable from the reception unit 42. The processing unit 43 creates the same number of card IDs as the one or more confidential IDs obtained. Here, a card ID refers to a name, code, string, number, or one or more combinations thereof used to uniquely distinguish a particular card from multiple cards.

[0035] (Step S7-2) In the payment processing device 40, the processing unit 43 associates each of the one or more created card IDs with each of the one or more confidential IDs. (Step S8-2) In the payment processing device 40, the processing unit 43 obtains user information, including the acquired wallet ID, from the user information DB 49a. The processing unit 43 stores the acquired user information in association with one or more confidential IDs, the created card ID, information indicating the usage limit, and information indicating whether or not it is usable.

[0036] (Step S9-2) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 creates a payment tool registration response message that includes multiple pieces of information linking the Confidential ID and the Wallet ID. (Step S10-2) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 outputs the created payment tool registration response message to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 transmits the payment tool registration response message output by the creation unit 48 to the management device 30.

[0037] (Step S11-2) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives the payment tool registration response message sent by the payment processing device 40. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts the payment tool registration response message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 obtains multiple pieces of information that associate the Confidential ID and Wallet ID contained in the received payment tool registration response message. The creation unit 38 obtains multiple pieces of information that associate the Confidential ID and Wallet ID from the reception unit 32. Based on the multiple pieces of information that associate the Confidential ID and Wallet ID obtained, the creation unit 38 obtains the card number stored in association with each of the multiple Confidential IDs from the card DB 39a. The creation unit 38 creates a payment tool issuance response message that includes multiple pieces of information that associate the card number and Wallet ID.

[0038] (Step S12-2) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created payment tool issuance response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the payment tool issuance response message output by the creation unit 38 to the user terminal 10. (Step S13-2) The user terminal 10 receives the payment tool issuance response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S14-2) The user terminal 10 retrieves multiple pieces of information associated with the card number and wallet ID contained in the received payment tool issuance response message. The user terminal 10 displays the retrieved information. The administrator M refers to the multiple pieces of information associated with the card number and wallet ID and issues a card 5 with the card number to one or more of the relevant users U.

[0039] [Action taken when administrator M requests a deposit to the payment method's deposit / withdrawal account] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment (Example 3). Figure 6 shows an example of the process when administrator M requests a deposit into the deposit / withdrawal account for a payment method (electronic money). (Step S1-3) Administrator M uses user terminal 10 to deposit funds into the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID by specifying the wallet ID and the deposit amount. Based on administrator M's actions, user terminal 10 creates a payment method deposit request message that includes information indicating the wallet ID and information indicating the deposit amount.

[0040] (Step S2-3) The user terminal 10 sends the created payment method deposit request message to the financial institution 15. (Step S3-3) The financial institution 15 receives a payment method deposit request message sent by the user terminal 10. Based on the information indicating the wallet ID and deposit amount contained in the payment method deposit request message, the financial institution 15 processes the deposit of the amount corresponding to the deposit amount into the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID.

[0041] (Step S4-3) Financial institution 15 creates a payment method deposit completion message that includes information indicating the wallet ID and the deposit amount. (Step S5-3) The financial institution 15 sends the payment method deposit completion message it created to the settlement processing device 40.

[0042] (Step S6-3) In the payment processing device 40, the communication unit 41 receives a payment method deposit completion message sent by the financial institution 15. The receiving unit 42 receives and accepts the payment method deposit completion message from the communication unit 41. The receiving unit 42 obtains information indicating the wallet ID and deposit amount contained in the received payment method deposit completion message. The determination unit 47 obtains information indicating the wallet ID and deposit amount from the receiving unit 42. Based on the obtained information indicating the wallet ID and deposit amount, the determination unit 47 determines whether the amount corresponding to the information indicating the deposit amount has been deposited into the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID. The following describes the case where the amount corresponding to the information indicating the deposit amount has been deposited.

[0043] (Step S7-3) In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 obtains a determination result from the determination unit 47 regarding whether or not an amount corresponding to the information indicating the wallet ID and deposit amount has been deposited. If the obtained determination result indicates that an amount corresponding to the information indicating the deposit amount has been deposited, the determination unit 44 determines the available amount for each of the multiple card IDs for the obtained wallet ID in the user information DB 49a. Specifically, if the usage limit set in association with each of the multiple card IDs for a wallet ID is higher than the amount deposited in the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID, the determination unit 44 determines and stores the amount deposited in the wallet as the available amount. If the usage limit set in association with each of the multiple card IDs for a wallet ID is less than or equal to the amount deposited in the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID, the determination unit 44 determines and stores the usage limit as the available amount.

[0044] (Step S8-3) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 obtains a determination result from the determination unit 47 regarding whether or not the payment amount has been received. The creation unit 48 creates a payment method payment response message that includes the obtained determination result. (Step S9-3) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 outputs the created payment method deposit response message to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 transmits the payment method deposit response message output by the creation unit 48 to the user terminal 10.

[0045] (Step S10-3) The user terminal 10 receives the payment method deposit response message sent by the payment processing device 40. (Step S11-3) The user terminal 10 obtains information indicating that a deposit has been made into the wallet, which is included in the received payment method deposit response message. The user terminal 10 notifies the administrator M that a deposit has been made by displaying the obtained information indicating that a deposit has been made into the wallet.

[0046] [How the system works when temporarily changing the credit limit on a card] Figures 7A and 7B show an example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Figures 7A and 7B show an example of the process when administrator M temporarily changes the credit limit of a card based on a request from user U. As an example, the case of temporarily increasing the credit limit of card 5 will be explained. (Step S1-4) Based on the operation of administrator M, user terminal 10 creates a first payment tool usage request message that includes the card number of card 5, user ID, first usage period information indicating the first usage period of card 5, and first amount information indicating the first amount that can be used during the first usage period. Here, an example of the first amount information is the amount to be increased during the first usage period.

[0047] (Step S2-4) The user terminal 10 sends the created first payment tool usage request message to the management device 30. (Step S3-4) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives the first payment tool usage request message transmitted by the user terminal 10. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts the first payment tool usage request message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 receives the card number, user ID, first usage period information, and first amount information of card 5 included in the received first payment tool usage request message. The determination unit 37 receives the card number, user ID, first usage period information, and first amount information of card 5 from the reception unit 32. The determination unit 37 receives the expiration date stored in association with the received card number from the card DB 39a and determines whether card 5 is within its expiration date based on the received expiration date.

[0048] (Step S4-4) In the management device 30, if the determination unit 37 determines that card 5 is not within its expiration date, it outputs the card number and the determination result of whether card 5 is within its expiration date (information indicating that card 5 is not within its expiration date) to the creation unit 38. The creation unit 38 obtains the card number output by the determination unit 37 and the determination result of whether card 5 is within its expiration date. The creation unit 38 creates a first payment tool usage response message that includes the obtained card number and the determination result of whether card 5 is within its expiration date. (Step S5-4) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created first payment tool usage response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the first payment tool usage response message output by the creation unit 38 to the user terminal 10.

[0049] (Step S6-4) The user terminal 10 receives the first payment tool usage response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S7-4) The user terminal 10 obtains the card number and the result of determining whether or not card 5 is within its expiration date, which are included in the received first payment tool usage response message. The user terminal 10 notifies administrator M that card 5 is not within its expiration date by displaying the obtained card number and the result of determining whether or not card 5 is within its expiration date.

[0050] (Step S8-4) In the management device 30, if the determination unit 37 determines that card 5 is within its validity period, it outputs the card number and user ID to the conversion unit 36. The conversion unit 36 ​​acquires the card number and user ID output by the determination unit 37 and stores the acquired card number and user ID in the storage unit 39 in association with each other. The conversion unit 36 ​​acquires the confidential IDs stored in association with the acquired card number. The conversion unit 36 ​​outputs the acquired confidential IDs to the determination unit 37. The determination unit 37 acquires the confidential IDs output by the conversion unit 36.

[0051] (Step S9-4) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 obtains the Confidential ID, the first usage period information, and the first amount information from the determination unit 37. The creation unit 38 creates a first payment tool registration change request message that includes the Confidential ID, the first usage period information, and the first amount information. (Step S10-4) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created first payment tool registration change request message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the first payment tool registration change request message output by the creation unit 38 to the settlement processing device 40.

[0052] (Step S11-4) In the payment processing device 40, the communication unit 41 receives the first payment tool registration change request message transmitted by the management device 30. The receiving unit 42 receives and accepts the first payment tool registration change request message from the communication unit 41. The receiving unit 42 receives the confidential ID, first usage period information, and first amount information contained in the received first payment tool registration change request message.

[0053] (Step S12-4) In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 obtains the Confidential ID, the first usage period information, and the first amount information from the reception unit 42. The determination unit 44 obtains the usage limit information and usage period information associated with the obtained Confidential ID from the user information DB 49a. Based on the usage limit information and usage period information obtained from the user information DB 49a and the first usage period information and first amount information obtained from the first payment tool registration change request message, the determination unit 44 determines the usage period information and amount information for the Confidential ID. Specifically, based on the usage period information and the first usage period information, the determination unit 44 determines the new usage limit to be the amount obtained by adding the first amount to the usage limit for the first overlapping usage period in which the usage period and the first usage period overlap.

[0054] (Step S13-4) In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 sets the determined usage period information and usage limit information by associating them with the Confidential ID and storing them in the user information DB 49a. (Step S14-4) In the payment processing device 40, the creation unit 48 obtains a Confidential ID from the determination unit 44 and creates a first payment tool registration change response message that includes the obtained Confidential ID. (Step S15-4) In the settlement processing device 40, the creation unit 48 outputs the created first payment tool registration change response message to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 transmits the first payment tool registration change response message output by the creation unit 48 to the management device 30.

[0055] (Step S16-4) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives the first payment tool registration change response message transmitted by the payment processing device 40. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts the first payment tool registration change response message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 obtains the confidential ID contained in the received first payment tool registration change response message. The creation unit 38 obtains the confidential ID from the reception unit 32. The creation unit 38 obtains the card number stored in association with the obtained confidential ID. The creation unit 38 obtains the user ID associated with the obtained card number from the storage unit 39. The creation unit 38 creates a first payment tool usage response message including the card number and user ID.

[0056] (Step S17-4) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created first payment tool usage response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the first payment tool usage response message output by the creation unit 38 to the user terminal 10. (Step S18-4) The user terminal 10 receives the first payment tool usage response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S19-4) The user terminal 10 retrieves the card number and user ID contained in the received first payment tool usage response message. The user terminal 10 displays the retrieved information.

[0057] Next, as an example, we will explain the case of temporarily increasing the credit limit of card 5. Steps S1-5 to S11-5 and steps S14-5 to S19-5 can be explained by applying steps S1-4 to S11-4 and steps S14-4 to S19-4 in Figure 7A.

[0058] (Step S12-5) In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 obtains the Confidential ID, second usage period information, and second amount information from the reception unit 42. The determination unit 44 obtains the usage limit information and usage period information associated with the obtained Confidential ID from the user information DB 49a. Based on the usage limit information and usage period information obtained from the user information DB 49a and the second usage period information and second amount information obtained from the second payment tool registration change request message, the determination unit 44 determines the usage period information and amount information for the Confidential ID. Specifically, based on the usage period information and second usage period information, the determination unit 44 determines the new usage limit to be the amount obtained by adding the second amount to the usage limit for the second overlapping usage period in which the usage period and the second usage period overlap.

[0059] (Step S13-5) In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 sets the determined usage period information and usage limit information by associating them with the wallet ID and confidential ID and storing them in the user information DB 49a.

[0060] [Actions taken when user U makes a purchase at a store] Figure 8 shows an example 5 of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the processing when user U makes a purchase at a store using card 5. For example, the product being purchased is assigned an information code. A product is a material item that is produced, distributed, and exchanged in economic activity. An information code is product identification information, which is information that identifies a product, and is represented by information such as numbers and characters. Examples of information codes include barcodes, which are converted information such as numbers, characters, and symbols into a one-dimensional code according to certain rules, two-dimensional codes that represent a lot of information by arranging dots vertically and horizontally, and QR codes (registered trademark). Card 5 is set to be usable. (Step S1-6) The store terminal 20 captures the information code attached to the product using the imaging device. Based on the image captured by the imaging device, the store terminal 20 obtains information indicating the price of the product. Here, if user U purchases multiple products, the total amount may be used instead of the individual prices. The following explanation continues with an example where user U purchases one item. The store terminal 20 also obtains the card number shown on the card 5 presented by user U using a reading device such as an IC card reader. (Step S2-6) The store terminal 20 creates a withdrawal request message that includes information indicating the acquired card number and the price P of the product.

[0061] (Step S3-6) The store terminal 20 sends the created withdrawal request message to the management device 30. The withdrawal request message sent by the store terminal 20 is received by the management device 30, for example, via one or more systems. (Step S4-6) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives a withdrawal request message transmitted by the store terminal 20. The reception unit 32 receives and accepts the withdrawal request message from the communication unit 31. The reception unit 32 receives information indicating the card number and price P contained in the received withdrawal request message. The determination unit 37 receives information indicating the card number and price P from the reception unit 32. The determination unit 37 receives the expiration date stored in association with the received card number from the card DB 39a. Based on the obtained expiration date, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not card 5 is within its expiration date.

[0062] (Step S5-6) In the management device 30, if the determination unit 37 determines that card 5 is not within its expiration date, it outputs the determination result of whether card 5 is within its expiration date (in this case, information indicating that card 5 is not within its expiration date) and information indicating the card number to the creation unit 38. The creation unit 38 acquires the determination result of whether card 5 is within its expiration date and information indicating the card number output by the determination unit 37. The creation unit 38 creates a withdrawal response message that includes the acquired determination result of whether card 5 is within its expiration date and information indicating the card number.

[0063] (Step S6-6) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created withdrawal response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the withdrawal response message output by the creation unit 38 to the store terminal 20. (Step S7-6) The store terminal 20 receives the withdrawal response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S8-6) The store terminal 20 obtains information indicating whether or not card 5, which is included in the received withdrawal response message, is within its expiration date and the card number. The store terminal 20 displays the obtained information indicating whether or not card 5 is within its expiration date and the card number. This allows the user U to be informed that card 5 is not within its expiration date.

[0064] (Step S9-6) In the management device 30, if the determination unit 37 determines that card 5 is within its validity period, it outputs the card number to the conversion unit 36. The conversion unit 36 ​​obtains the card number output by the determination unit 37. The conversion unit 36 ​​converts the card number into the obtained confidential ID by obtaining the confidential ID stored in association with the obtained card number. (Step S10-6) In the management device 30, the determination unit 37 obtains a confidential ID from the conversion unit 36. The determination unit 37 outputs information indicating the confidential ID and price P to the creation unit 38. The creation unit 38 obtains the information indicating the confidential ID and price P output by the determination unit 37. The creation unit 38 creates a settlement request message including the information indicating the confidential ID and price P. The creation unit 38 outputs the created settlement request message to the communication unit 31.

[0065] (Step S11-6) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives the settlement request message output by the creation unit 38 and transmits it to the settlement processing device 40. (Step S12-6) In the payment processing device 40, the communication unit 41 receives the payment request message transmitted by the management device 30. The receiving unit 42 obtains the payment request message from the communication unit 41 and obtains information indicating the confidential ID and price P contained in the obtained payment request message. (Step S13-6) In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 47 obtains information indicating the Confidential ID and price P from the reception unit 42. Based on the obtained information indicating the price P, the determination unit 47 determines whether the price P is less than or equal to the available amount.

[0066] (Step S14-6) In the payment processing device 40, if the determination unit 47 determines that the price P is not less than or equal to the available amount (that the price P is higher than the available amount), it outputs the determination result of whether the price P is less than or equal to the available amount (information indicating that the price P is not less than or equal to the available amount) and a confidential ID to the creation unit 48. The creation unit 48 obtains the determination result of whether the price P is less than or equal to the available amount and the confidential ID output by the determination unit 47. The creation unit 48 creates a payment response message that includes the obtained determination result of whether the price P is less than or equal to the available amount and the confidential ID.

[0067] (Step S15-6) In the settlement processing device 40, the creation unit 48 outputs the created settlement response message to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 transmits the settlement response message output by the creation unit 48 to the management device 30. (Step S16-6) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives the settlement response message transmitted by the settlement processing device 40. The creation unit 38 obtains the settlement response message from the communication unit 31 and obtains the determination result of whether the price P included in the obtained settlement response message is less than or equal to the available amount, and the Confidential ID. The creation unit 38 obtains the card number stored in association with the obtained Confidential ID from the card DB 39a. The creation unit 38 creates a withdrawal response message including the obtained card number and the determination result of whether the price P is less than or equal to the available amount.

[0068] (Step S17-6) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created withdrawal response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 receives the withdrawal response message output by the creation unit 38 and transmits it to the store terminal 20. (Step S18-6) The store terminal 20 receives the withdrawal response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S19-6) The store terminal 20 obtains the result of determining whether the card number and price P included in the received withdrawal response message are less than or equal to the available amount. The store terminal 20 displays the result of determining whether the obtained card number and price P are less than or equal to the available amount. This allows the user U to be informed that the price P is higher than the available amount.

[0069] (Step S20-6) In the payment processing device 40, if the determination unit 47 determines that the price P is less than or equal to the available amount, it creates a payment request that includes information indicating the Confidential ID and price P. The determination unit 47 outputs the created payment request to the payment unit 45. The payment unit 45 retrieves the payment request output by the determination unit 47. The payment unit 45 retrieves the information indicating the Confidential ID and price P included in the retrieved payment request. The payment unit 45 retrieves the card ID and wallet ID associated with the Confidential ID from the user information DB 49a. The payment unit 45 subtracts the amount corresponding to price P from the amount deposited in the wallet corresponding to the retrieved wallet ID. The payment unit 45 executes the process of depositing the amount corresponding to price P into the store's wallet. The payment unit 45 updates the user information DB 49a by subtracting the amount corresponding to price P from the available amount associated with the card ID.

[0070] In the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 determines and stores the amount deposited in the wallet as the available amount if the usage limit set in association with each of the multiple card IDs for a wallet ID is higher than the amount deposited in the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID. The determination unit 44 determines and stores the usage limit as the available amount if the usage limit set in association with each of the multiple card IDs for a wallet ID is less than or equal to the amount deposited in the wallet corresponding to the wallet ID. Here, for the usage limit associated with the card ID included in the payment request, the amount corresponding to price P is reduced. Furthermore, for the available amount associated with the card ID of the card used, the amount reduced by price P is used.

[0071] (Step S21-6) In the payment processing device 40, the payment unit 45 outputs the card ID and payment result to the creation unit 48. The creation unit 48 obtains the card ID and payment result output by the payment unit 45 and obtains the confidential ID stored in association with the obtained card ID from the user information DB 49a. The creation unit 48 creates a payment response message including the obtained confidential ID and payment result. (Step S22-6) In the settlement processing device 40, the creation unit 48 outputs the created settlement response message to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 receives the settlement response message output by the creation unit 48 and transmits it to the management device 30.

[0072] (Step S23-6) In the management device 30, the communication unit 31 receives the settlement response message transmitted by the settlement processing device 40. The communication unit 31 outputs the received settlement response message to the creation unit 38. The creation unit 38 obtains the confidential ID and settlement result contained in the settlement response message output by the communication unit 31. The creation unit 38 obtains the card number stored in association with the obtained confidential ID from the card DB 39a. The creation unit 38 creates a withdrawal response message including the obtained card number and settlement result. (Step S24-6) In the management device 30, the creation unit 38 outputs the created withdrawal response message to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 receives the withdrawal response message output by the creation unit 38 and transmits it to the store terminal 20.

[0073] (Step S25-6) The store terminal 20 receives the withdrawal response message sent by the management device 30. (Step S26-6) The store terminal 20 retrieves the card number and payment result included in the received withdrawal response message. The store terminal 20 displays the retrieved card number and payment result. This allows the user U to be notified that the payment has been completed.

[0074] In the embodiments described above, prepaid cards, credit cards, virtual cards, and QR code payment methods were described as examples of payment tools, but the invention is not limited to these examples. For example, a display device that shows the card ID may also be used. In the embodiments described above, the case where user U makes a purchase at a store was explained as an example, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, it can also be applied to cases where user U makes a purchase at an e-commerce (electronic commerce) site.

[0075] In the embodiment described above, the information processing device 100 and the payment processing device 40 were described as separate devices, but the example is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 100 and the payment processing device 40 may be implemented as a single device, or as three or more devices. In the embodiments described above, the case in which the card ID is converted to a confidential ID in the information processing device 100 and the confidential ID is converted back to a card ID in the payment processing device 40 was explained, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, processing may be performed using the card ID without the card ID being converted back to a confidential ID in the information processing device 100. Also, processing may be performed using the confidential ID in the payment processing device 40 without the confidential ID being converted back to a card ID. In the embodiments described above, while examples of predetermined periods for the spending limit per card were explained, such as daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, yearly, every six months, or by specified date, the examples are not limited to these. For example, it may be the payment amount per transaction or the total amount.

[0076] In the embodiment described above, when temporarily changing the card usage limit, the determination unit 44 in the payment processing device 40 may set the usage period information and amount information in association with the combination of the first payment tool registration change request message and the confidential ID, based on the usage limit information and usage period information obtained from the user information DB 49a and the first usage period information and first amount information obtained from the first payment tool registration change request message. For example, the determination unit 44 may generate a new sub-wallet ID in association with the first payment tool registration change request message and associate the usage period information and amount information with the newly generated sub-wallet ID. Alternatively, when setting the usage period information and amount information, the determination unit 44 may use the first payment tool usage request message instead of, or together with, the first payment tool registration change request message.

[0077] Furthermore, in the payment processing device 40, the determination unit 44 may set the usage period information and amount information in association with the combination of the second payment tool registration change request message and the confidential ID, based on the usage limit information and usage period information obtained from the user information DB 49a and the second usage period information and second amount information obtained from the second payment tool registration change request message. For example, the determination unit 44 may generate a new sub-wallet ID in association with the second payment tool registration change request message and associate the usage period information and amount information with the newly generated sub-wallet ID. Also, when setting the usage period information and amount information, the determination unit 44 may use the second payment tool usage request message instead of the second payment tool registration change request message, or together with the second payment tool registration change request message.

[0078] In this case, administrator M may associate at least one of the first payment tool registration change request message and the second payment tool registration change request message with the information indicating the card number and product price P obtained by the store terminal 20. In the management device 30, the determination unit 37 outputs at least one of the first payment tool registration change request message and the second payment tool registration change request message, along with information indicating the Confidential ID and price P, to the creation unit 38. The creation unit 38 acquires at least one of the first payment tool registration change request message and the second payment tool registration change request message output by the determination unit 37, along with information indicating the Confidential ID and price P, and creates a settlement request message that includes at least one of the acquired first payment tool registration change request message and second payment tool registration change request message, along with information indicating the Confidential ID and price P.

[0079] In the payment processing device 40, if the determination unit 47 determines that the price P is less than or equal to the available amount, it creates a payment request that includes at least one of the first payment tool registration change request message and the second payment tool registration change request message, a confidential ID, and information indicating the price P. The determination unit 47 outputs the created payment request to the payment unit 45. The payment unit 45 retrieves the payment request output by the determination unit 47 and retrieves at least one of the first payment tool registration change request message and the second payment tool registration change request message, a confidential ID, and information indicating the price P included in the retrieved payment request. The payment unit 45 retrieves the card ID and wallet ID associated with the confidential ID from the user information DB 49a. The payment unit 45 subtracts the amount corresponding to the price P from the amount set in the sub-wallet corresponding to the sub-wallet ID associated with at least one of the first payment tool registration change request message and the second payment tool registration change request message, from the sub-wallet associated with the retrieved wallet ID. The settlement unit 45 executes a process to deposit the amount corresponding to price P, which is the amount deposited in the sub-wallet corresponding to the sub-wallet ID, into the store's wallet. The settlement unit 45 updates the user information DB 49a by subtracting the amount corresponding to price P from the available balance associated with the card ID.

[0080] (Examples of application) Examples of applications of this embodiment will be described. Scene 1: An application is made to allow 100,000 yen to be spent during a business trip to Osaka between April 5th and April 10th. Upon approval of this application, a restriction is set on the card that the total amount that can be spent between April 5th and April 10th must be no more than 100,000 yen (Pattern 1). Scene 2.1: In the same state as Pattern 1, an application is made to allow an additional 10,000 yen for health checkup expenses to be used on April 20th. Once this application is approved, restrictions are set on the card: a total of 100,000 yen can be used between April 5th and April 10th, and a total of 10,000 yen can be used on April 20th. Scene 2.2: In the state of Pattern 1, an application is made to allow a total of 5 million yen to be used in April for preparation costs of an exhibition to be held in May. Once this application is approved, restrictions are set on the card that allow the use of a total of 5 million yen or less between April 1st and April 4th, a total of 5.1 million yen or less (5 million yen + 100,000 yen) or less between April 5th and April 10th, and a total of 5 million yen or less between April 11th and April 30th (Pattern 2).

[0081] Furthermore, a 50,000 yen card transaction was made on April 6th. If this card transaction is associated with approval under Pattern 1, the card will be subject to two restrictions: a total limit of 5,050,000 yen (5,000,000 yen + 50,000 yen) between April 5th and April 10th, and a total limit of 5,000,000 yen between April 11th and April 30th. If this card usage is associated with approval under Pattern 2, the card will be restricted to a total of 5.05 million yen (4.95 million yen + 100,000 yen) between April 5th and April 10th, and a total of 4.95 million yen between April 11th and April 30th. If the use of this card is not associated with either Pattern 1 or Pattern 2 authorization, the card will be subject to two restrictions: a limit of 5 million yen (4.95 million yen + 50,000 yen) between April 5th and April 10th, and a limit of 4.95 million yen between April 11th and April 30th.

[0082] According to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the system includes a reception unit 42 that receives a payment tool usage request message for applying to use a payment tool, and a determination unit 44 that determines the first usage period information and the first amount information for the payment tool identification information based on the payment tool identification information (card number in this embodiment), first usage period information indicating the first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating the first amount that can be used during the first usage period, and sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set the first usage period information and the first amount information for the payment tool identification information, thereby temporarily changing the usage limit of the payment tool. This improves the convenience of the payment tool.

[0083] In the information processing system 1, the reception unit 42 receives other payment tool usage request messages for applying to use a payment tool. The determination unit 44 determines the second usage period information and the second amount information for the payment tool identification information based on the payment tool identification information, second usage period information indicating the second usage period of the payment tool, and second amount information indicating the second amount that can be used during the second usage period, all of which are included in the other payment tool usage request messages received by the reception unit 42. The determination unit then sets the determined second usage period information and second amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set second usage period information and second amount information for the payment tool identification information, thereby temporarily changing the usage limit of the payment tool. This improves the convenience of the payment tool.

[0084] In the information processing system 1, the determination unit 44 determines the amount of money that can be used during the period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap, by adding the first amount and the second amount, and sets information indicating the period in which the first and second usage periods overlap and information indicating the sum of the first and second amounts in association with the payment tool identification information. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set information indicating the period during which the first and second usage periods overlap, and information indicating the sum of the first and second amounts, for the payment tool identification information, thereby temporarily changing the usage limit of the payment tool. This improves the convenience of the payment tool.

[0085] The information processing system 1 further includes a settlement unit that, when the amount used during the first usage period by the payment tool is associated with the payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from a first amount set in association with the payment tool identification information included in the payment tool usage request message. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set the first amount to be calculated by subtracting the amount used during the first usage period by the payment tool.

[0086] The information processing system 1 further includes a settlement unit that, when the amount used during the second usage period by a payment tool is associated with another payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from a second amount set in association with the payment tool identification information contained in the other payment tool usage request message. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set the second amount to be calculated by subtracting the amount used during the second usage period by the payment tool.

[0087] In information processing system 1, the amount used during the second usage period by the payment tool is associated with other payment tool usage request messages after the payment tool has been used. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set the second amount after the payment tool has been used, by subtracting the amount used during the second usage period by the payment tool.

[0088] The information processing system 1 further includes a settlement unit that, when the amount used by the payment tool during a period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap is associated with the payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from the sum of the first amount and the second amount set in association with the payment tool identification information included in the payment tool usage request message. By configuring it in this way, the information processing system 1 can set the first amount by subtracting the amount used during the period in which the first and second usage periods overlap, as determined by the payment tool.

[0089] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, a computer program to implement the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time.

[0090] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement only some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the aforementioned functions can be achieved in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system; these may be so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1...Information processing system, 5...Card, 10...User terminal, 15...Financial institution, 20...Store terminal, 30...Management device, 31...Communication unit, 32...Reception unit, 35...Setting unit, 36...Conversion unit, 37...Determination unit, 38...Creation unit, 39...Storage unit, 39a...Card DB, 40...Payment processing unit, 41...Communication unit, 42...Reception unit, 43...Processing unit, 44...Decision unit, 45...Payment unit, 47...Determination unit, 48...Creation unit, 49...Storage unit, 49a...User information DB

Claims

1. A reception desk that receives payment tool usage request messages for applying to use the payment tool, Based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating the first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating the first amount usable during the first usage period, contained in the payment tool usage request message received by the reception unit, the determination unit determines the first usage period information and the first amount information for the payment tool identification information, and sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The reception unit receives other payment tool usage request messages for applying to use the payment tool. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the second usage period information and the second amount information with respect to the payment tool identification information based on payment tool identification information included in other payment tool usage request messages received by the reception unit, second usage period information indicating a second usage period of the payment tool, and second amount information indicating a second amount that can be used during the second usage period, and sets the determined second usage period information and second amount information in association with the payment tool identification information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines, with respect to the payment tool identification information, an amount obtained by adding the first amount and the second amount as the amount that can be used during the period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap, and sets information indicating the determined period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap and information indicating the amount obtained by adding the first amount and the second amount in association with the payment tool identification information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a settlement unit that subtracts the amount used during the first usage period by the payment tool from the first amount set in association with the payment tool identification information included in the payment tool usage request message, when the amount used during the first usage period by the payment tool is associated with the payment tool usage request message.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a settlement unit that, when the amount used during the second usage period by the payment tool is associated with another payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from the second amount set in association with payment tool identification information included in another payment tool usage request message.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the amount used by the payment tool during the second usage period is associated with other payment tool usage request messages after the payment tool has been used.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a settlement unit that, when the amount used by the payment tool during a period in which the first usage period and the second usage period overlap is associated with the payment tool usage request message, subtracts the amount used from the sum of the first amount and the second amount set in association with the payment tool identification information included in the payment tool usage request message.

8. A method of information processing performed by a computer, We accept payment tool usage request messages to apply for the use of payment tools. Based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating the first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating the first amount usable during the first usage period, the payment tool identification information is used to determine the first usage period information and the first amount information. An information processing method for setting the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information.

9. On the computer, The system accepts payment tool usage request messages to apply for the use of the payment tool. Based on the payment tool identification information, first usage period information indicating the first usage period of the payment tool, and first amount information indicating the first amount usable during the first usage period, the payment tool identification information is used to determine the first usage period information and the first amount information. A program that sets the determined first usage period information and first amount information in association with the payment tool identification information.

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