Programs, information processing devices, methods, and systems

Abstract

To ensure the effective use of registered deposits. [Solution] This is a program to be executed on a computer equipped with a processor and memory. The program causes the processor to perform the following steps: a registration step of receiving a deposit amount specified by the user and registering the deposit available for use in a predetermined service; a provision step of providing the user with first information indicating that the user has the right to use the deposit; and a settlement step of receiving the presentation of the first information by the user or a service user granted the right to use the deposit by the user and deducting the usage fee for the predetermined service from the deposit amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to programs, information processing apparatuses, methods, and systems.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, merchandise vouchers including digital ones have been widely used. A user of a merchandise voucher presents the voucher to a service provider, and uses at least part of the money equivalent to the face value of the voucher as the service fee. As a technology related to the use of such merchandise vouchers, Patent Document 1 proposes a local gift ordering device that digitally realizes the ordering of local products at a tourist destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be used for purchases in units of local products, it is not possible to deposit a certain amount of money and use the deposited money as the service fee for services provided by a service provider.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to effectively utilize the deposited money.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, a program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program to be executed on a computer having a processor and memory. The program causes the processor to execute a registration step of receiving a deposit amount specified by a user and registering a deposit that can be used for a predetermined service; a provision step of providing the user with first information indicating that the user has the right to use the deposit; and a settlement step of receiving the presentation of the first information by the user or a service user who has been granted the right to use the deposit by the user and deducting the usage fee for the predetermined service from the deposit amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure makes it possible to ensure the effective use of registered deposits. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user terminal 30. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the provider terminal 40. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows the data structure of the deposit DB2021. [Figure 7] Figure 5 shows the data structure of user information table 481. [Figure 8] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the reservation information table 482. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of how server 20 operates when payment for services is settled. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of how server 20 operates when payment for services is settled. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an example screen of display 441. [Figure 12] A block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of Computer 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings illustrating the embodiments, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. The following embodiments are not intended to unduly limit the content of this disclosure as described in the claims. Not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of this disclosure. Also, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strict illustration.

[0010] [1. Overview] The server according to this embodiment accepts a deposit amount specified by the user and registers a deposit that can be used for accommodation services at a specific accommodation facility. The server according to this embodiment sends a QR code (Quick Response Code: registered trademark) indicating that the user has the right to use the accommodation service to the user's email address. The server according to this embodiment accepts the presentation of the QR code and determines whether the received QR code belongs to the user or a service user who has been granted the right to use the service by the user. If the server according to this embodiment determines that the received QR code belongs to the user or a service user, it deducts the cost of the accommodation service from the deposit amount.

[0011] [2. Overall System Configuration] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. System 1 shown in Figure 1 includes, for example, a user terminal 10, a server 20, a user terminal 30, and a provider terminal 40. The user terminal 10, server 20, and provider terminal 40 communicate with each other via, for example, a network 80.

[0012] In FIG. 1, an example in which the system 1 includes one provider terminal 40 is shown. However, the number of provider terminals 40 included in the system 1 may be two or more. Also, in FIG. 1, an example in which the system 1 includes one user terminal 10 and one user terminal 30 is shown. However, the number of user terminals 10 and user terminals 30 included in the system 1 may be two or more, and the system 1 may not include the user terminal 30. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, an example in which the provider terminal 40 is independent of the server 20 is shown. For example, the server 20 may include the functions of the provider terminal 40. That is, the operator of the system 1 who is the administrator of the server 20 and the provider of a predetermined service who is the administrator of the provider terminal 40 may be the same.

[0013] Furthermore, in FIG. 1, an example in which the system 1 includes one server 20 is shown. However, for example, a collection of a plurality of devices may be regarded as one server 20. The way of distributing the plurality of functions required to realize the server 20 to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined according to the processing capabilities of each hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0014] The user terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a user who uses a predetermined service. There is no particular limitation on the predetermined service, and it includes various services such as cooking classes, adventure tours, experiential museums, factory tours, food festivals, concerts, live events, dining at restaurants or cafes, esthetics, and purchases at supermarkets or retail stores. In the present embodiment, the predetermined service is assumed to be an accommodation service at a specific accommodation facility, and hereinafter will be abbreviated as the accommodation service.

[0015] The user terminal 10 is realized, for example, by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user terminal 10 is a smartphone. The user terminal 10 may be realized, for example, by a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, or the like.

[0016] The user terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device for receiving an input operation from the user (for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel, a touch pad, a mouse, etc., a keyboard, etc.). The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user (a display, a speaker, etc.). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user terminal 10 includes a touch panel in which the input device 13 and the output device 14 are integrated.

[0017] The server 20 is, for example, an information processing device operated / managed by the operator of the system 1, and is an information processing device realized by a computer connected to the network 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface for an input device for receiving an input operation from the user and an output device for outputting information to the user.

[0018] The user terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a service user. The service user is a person to whom the use right of the deposit is granted by the user. "Granting of the use right" includes not only the case where the use right is transferred from the user free of charge or for a fee, but also the case where the use right is lent from the user free of charge or for a fee, and the case where the use right is set by the user free of charge or for a fee, etc. When the use right is lent or set, a period during which the use right can be exercised may or may not be set.

[0019] In the following description, a transfer free of charge or for a fee is referred to as a gift, and a person to whom the use right is gifted from the user is referred to as a service user. Also, in the following description, the case where the user gifts the use right to a third party (who becomes a service user at the time of the gift) is taken as an example, but for example, the user may gift the use right to himself / herself. That is, the user himself / herself may become a service user. In this case, the user terminal 10 and the user terminal 30 are the same.

[0020] The user terminal 30 includes an input device 33, an output device 34 (see Figure 4), a communication interface, memory, storage, and a processor (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 is assumed to be a smartphone.

[0021] The provider terminal 40 is an information processing device operated / managed by the accommodation service provider. The accommodation service provider (hereinafter referred to as the service provider) is an example of a provider of a predetermined service according to one aspect of this disclosure. The provider terminal 40 comprises an input device 43, an output device 44 (see Figure 5), a communication interface, memory, storage, and a processor (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the provider terminal 40 is assumed to be a smartphone.

[0022] Each information processing device consists of a computer 90 (see Figure 12) equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer 90 and the basic functional configuration of the computer 90 realized by this basic hardware configuration will be described later. Note that explanations of the user terminal 10, server 20, and provider terminal 40 that overlap with the basic hardware configuration of the computer 90 and the basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0023] <2.1 User Terminal Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 170, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a camera 160, a position information sensor 150, an acceleration sensor 155, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Each block included in the user terminal 10 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0024] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for the user terminal 10 to communicate with an external device. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and sends it to the external device (for example, the server 20). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from the outside and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0025] The input device 13 is a device for the user to input instructions or information. The input device 13 can be implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. If the user terminal 10 is a PC or the like, the input device 13 may be implemented by a reader, keyboard, mouse, etc. The input device 13 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs them to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0026] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user. The output device 14 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays various information according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0027] The audio processing unit 170 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 170 converts the signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 170 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 170 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 170. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 170 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the user terminal 10.

[0028] Camera 160 is an imaging device that captures images using visible light. In other words, camera 160 is a device that receives visible light using a photodetector and outputs image data as a shooting signal. Camera 160 captures subjects in a certain direction and within a certain shooting range relative to the user terminal 10 and outputs image data as a result of the capture. If camera 160 has a function that allows adjustment of the shooting range, or more precisely, the angle of view, camera 160 also outputs information regarding this angle of view. Such a function is called a zoom function.

[0029] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the user terminal 10, and is generally a GNSS device, such as a GPS module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and based on the received signals, the current position of the user terminal 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected in coordinate values. The location information sensor 150 may also detect the current position of the user terminal 10 from the position of a wireless base station to which the user terminal 10 is connected via the communication unit 120.

[0030] The acceleration sensor 155 is a sensor that detects the acceleration applied to the user terminal 10. Preferably, the acceleration sensor 155 has the function of detecting the tilt around each axis (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) of the three-dimensional coordinate system with the position of the user terminal 10 as the origin. An acceleration sensor 155 with such a function can detect the orientation of the user terminal 10, that is, its direction with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes, by detecting the gravitational acceleration due to the force of gravity on the Earth.

[0031] The storage unit 180 is implemented by memory 15 and storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the user terminal 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181, application programs 182, and QR codes 183.

[0032] User information 181 includes, for example, various information about the user. This information includes, for example, the user's name, age, address, date of birth, and contact information. The contact information includes, for example, the telephone number of the user terminal 10, the telephone number of the landline telephone installed at the user's home, and the email address of the user terminal 10. In this embodiment, user information 181 includes the user's deposit usage history. However, user information 181 does not have to include this usage history.

[0033] The application program 182 may, for example, be pre-stored in the memory unit 180, or it may be downloaded via the communication IF 12 from a web server operated by a service provider. The application program 182 includes, for example, an interpreter-type programming language that runs on a web browser application (not shown) stored in the memory unit 180.

[0034] QR code 183 is a two-dimensional barcode that encodes information or a token necessary to authenticate that the user has the right to use the deposit, and is an example of the first information relating to one aspect of this disclosure. The deposit is a deposit that can be used in the accommodation service, specifically a deposit that can be used as payment for the accommodation service. The deposit is processed online in System 1.

[0035] The charges for accommodation services include not only the accommodation fee, but also, for example, the cost of repairing any damage to the accommodation facility or its ancillary equipment / accessories, and the charges for various services provided at related facilities. The deposit can also be used, for example, for charges for services other than accommodation services managed by the operator of System 1.

[0036] The storage unit 180 may store, instead of the QR code 183, a two-dimensional barcode such as a Data Matrix, PDF417, or Aztec Code, a password, a PIN (Personal Identification Number), a virtual token, or a digital certificate, or access information for requesting the server 20 to issue the QR code 183 (e.g., the URL of the server 20). The digital certificate is an electronic certificate that indicates that the user has the right to use the deposit. In other words, the first information relating to one aspect of this disclosure does not need to be information for authenticating that the user has the right to use the deposit, but can be any information that indicates that the user has the right to use the deposit.

[0037] The control unit 190 is implemented, for example, by the processor 19 reading the application program 182 stored in the memory unit 180 and executing the instructions contained in the application program 182. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the user terminal 10. By operating according to the application program 182, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, and a presentation control unit 193.

[0038] The operation reception unit 191 processes instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from the touch-sensitive device 131. The transmission / reception unit 192 processes data for the user terminal 10 to send and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 according to a communication protocol. Specifically, the transmission / reception unit 192 sends instructions or information input from the user to the server 20. The transmission / reception unit 192 receives information sent from the server 20. The presentation control unit 193 controls the output device 14 to present various information to the user.

[0039] <2.2 Functional Configuration of the Server> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the server 20 performs the functions of a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0040] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices. The storage unit 202 is implemented by memory 25 and storage 26 and stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores, for example, the deposit DB 2021 and the application program 2022. The deposit DB 2021 is a database that stores information related to deposits (hereinafter referred to as deposit information). Details of the deposit DB 2021 will be described later.

[0041] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads the application program 2022 stored in the memory unit 202 and executes the instructions contained in the application program 2022. The control unit 203 controls the operation of the server 20. By operating according to the application program 2022, the control unit 203 performs the functions of a receive control module 2031, a transmit control module 2032, a presentation control module 2033, an issue processing module 2034, a confirmation processing module 2035, and a settlement processing module 2036.

[0042] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol. The transmit control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to an external device according to a communication protocol. The presentation control module 2033 controls the process of presenting various information to the operator, users, service users, or service providers of system 1.

[0043] The issuance processing module 2034 controls the process of issuing the QR code 183. Specifically, for example, the issuance processing module 2034 generates the QR code 183 and issues it to the user when the deposit is registered with the server 20. The registration of the deposit with the server 20 is achieved, for example, by the server 20 storing the amount information and user information 181 received from the user terminal 10 in the deposit DB 2021. The amount information is, for example, information indicating the amount of the deposit specified by the user.

[0044] The issuance processing module 2034 issues the QR code 183 to the user terminal 10, for example, by transmitting the generated QR code 183 to the user terminal 10 via the transmission control module 2032. The issuance processing module 2034 stores the encoding information encoded in the generated QR code 183 in the deposit DB 2021, for example.

[0045] For example, the issuance processing module 2034 generates a QR code 183 and issues it to a third party who has become a service user by recognizing that the third party is a service user. The recognition of the third party as a service user is achieved, for example, by the receiving control module 2031 receiving gift information and the user's email address transmitted from the user terminal 10 or user terminal 30. The gift information is information that proves the third party has been gifted the right to use the deposit by the user. The issuance processing module 2034 issues the QR code 183 to the third party who has become a service user by, for example, transmitting the generated QR code 183 to the user terminal 30 via the transmission control module 2032.

[0046] In this case, the issuance processing module 2034 cancels the deposit registration for the user by, for example, invalidating the encoding information of the QR code 183 issued to the user, which is recorded in the deposit DB 2021. If a third party receives permission to use the deposit from the user, both the QR code 183 issued to the user and the QR code 183 issued to the service user will coexist in a valid state.

[0047] Furthermore, the issuance processing module 2034 may issue a 2D barcode other than QR code 183, a password, a PIN, a virtual token, or a digital certificate, etc., in place of QR code 183. In other words, the issuance processing module 2034 may issue any information that indicates that the user has the right to use the deposit.

[0048] The verification processing module 2035 controls the process of authenticating that the presentation of the QR code 183 received by the server 20 is by a user or service user. Specifically, for example, the verification processing module 2035 compares the encoded information of the QR code 183 received by the server 20 (hereinafter referred to as the target encoded information) with the encoded information of the QR code 183 read from the deposit DB 2021. If the two match, the verification processing module 2035 sends, for example, first success information indicating successful authentication and payment information indicating the cost of the accommodation service to the settlement processing module 2036.

[0049] Furthermore, the verification processing module 2035 may, for example, consider the presentation of the QR code 183 by a user or service user when the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoded information, and transmit the first success information and payment information to the settlement processing module 2036. Alternatively, for example, the verification processing module 2035 may, for example, consider the presentation of the QR code 183 by a user or service user when the server 20 receives the presentation of first information other than the QR code 183, and transmit the first success information and payment information to the settlement processing module 2036. In other words, it is not mandatory for the verification processing module 2035 to perform the aforementioned authentication processing.

[0050] The server 20 accepts the presentation of the QR code 183 when, for example, the encoded information of the QR code 183 scanned by a mobile terminal used by an employee of a specific accommodation facility, a dedicated QR code reader device, etc., is transmitted to the server 20, and the receiving control module 2031 receives the encoded information. The scanning of the QR code 183 is achieved, for example, when the aforementioned mobile terminal or QR code reader device, etc., reads the QR code 183 displayed on the display 141 or the display 341.

[0051] The settlement processing module 2036 controls the process of deducting the accommodation service fee from the registered deposit amount when the server 20 successfully authenticates that the presentation of the QR code 183 received by the server is by a user or service user. Specifically, for example, when the settlement processing module 2036 receives first success information and payment information from the confirmation processing module 2035, it updates the deposit amount recorded in the deposit DB 2021 to the first remaining balance amount. The first remaining balance is the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee indicated by the payment information from the deposit amount recorded in the deposit DB 2021.

[0052] The settlement processing module 2036 controls the process of paying the service provider the second remaining balance, which is the service fee minus a fee, if the server 20 successfully authenticates that the presentation of the QR code 183 received by the service user. The fee deducted from the service fee is an example of the first fee relating to one aspect of this disclosure and can be set arbitrarily. Specifically, for example, if the content of the first success information indicates that authentication of a particular service user has been successful, the settlement processing module 2036 executes the process of transferring the second remaining balance to the service provider's designated account via the transmission control module 2032.

[0053] The settlement processing module 2036 controls, for example, the process of paying the fee deducted from the usage fee to the operator of System 1. Specifically, for example, if the content of the first success information indicates that authentication of a particular service user has been successful, the settlement processing module 2036 executes the process of transferring the aforementioned fee to the designated account of the operator of System 1 via the transmission control module 2032. It is not mandatory for the settlement processing module 2036 to control the process of paying the second remaining balance to the service provider and the process of paying the fee to the operator of System 1.

[0054] It should be noted that the settlement processing module 2036 does not perform the aforementioned settlement processing only when the authentication of the QR code 183 is successful. For example, the settlement processing module 2036 may perform the aforementioned settlement processing after receiving the first success information and payment information from the confirmation processing module 2035 when the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information. Alternatively, the settlement processing module 2036 may perform the aforementioned settlement processing after receiving the first success information and payment information from the confirmation processing module 2035 when the server 20 accepts the presentation of first information other than the QR code 183. In other words, the settlement processing module 2036 may perform the aforementioned settlement processing after the server 20 accepts the presentation of the QR code 183, etc., by a user or service user.

[0055] <2.3 User Terminal Configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the user terminal 30 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 30 includes a communication unit 320, an input device 33, an output device 34, an audio processing unit 370, a microphone 371, a speaker 372, a camera 360, a position information sensor 350, an acceleration sensor 355, a storage unit 380, and a control unit 390.

[0056] The communication unit 320 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation for the user terminal 30 to communicate with an external device. The input device 33 is a device for the service user to input instructions or information. The input device 33 is implemented by, for example, a touch-sensitive device 331. The output device 34 is a device for presenting information to the service user. The output device 34 is implemented by, for example, a display 341.

[0057] The audio processing unit 370 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The microphone 371 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 370. The speaker 372 converts the audio signal provided by the audio processing unit 370 into sound and outputs the sound to the outside of the user terminal 30. The camera 360 is an imaging device that captures images using visible light. The position information sensor 350 is a sensor that detects the position of the user terminal 30. The acceleration sensor 355 is a sensor that detects the acceleration applied to the user terminal 30.

[0058] The storage unit 380 stores data and programs used by the user terminal 30. For example, the storage unit 380 stores user information 381 and application programs 382. The storage unit 380 may also store, for example, a QR code 183.

[0059] User information 381 includes, for example, various information about the service user. The content of the various information about the service user is the same as the various information about the user described above. In this embodiment, user information 381 includes the deposit usage history by the service user. However, user information 381 does not have to include this usage history.

[0060] The application program 382 may, for example, be pre-stored in the memory unit 380, or it may be downloaded from a web server operated by a service provider via a communication interface. The application program 382 includes, for example, an interpreter-type programming language that runs on a web browser application (not shown) stored in the memory unit 380.

[0061] The control unit 390 controls the operation of the user terminal 30. The control unit 190 performs its respective functions as an operation reception unit 391, a transmission / reception unit 392, and a presentation control unit 393 by operating according to the loaded application program 182.

[0062] The operation reception unit 391 processes instructions or information input from the input device 33. The transmission / reception unit 392 processes data for the user terminal 30 to send and receive data with external devices such as the server 20 according to a communication protocol. The presentation control unit 393 controls the output device 34 to present various information to the service user.

[0063] <2.4 Configuration of the provider's terminal> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the provider terminal 40 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the provider terminal 40 includes a communication unit 420, an input device 43, an output device 44, an audio processing unit 470, a microphone 471, a speaker 472, a camera 460, a position information sensor 450, an acceleration sensor 455, a storage unit 480, and a control unit 490.

[0064] The communication unit 420 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation for the provider terminal 40 to communicate with an external device. The input device 43 is a device for the service provider to input instructions or information. The input device 43 is implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 431. The output device 44 is a device for presenting information to the service provider. The output device 44 is implemented, for example, by a display 441.

[0065] The audio processing unit 470 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The microphone 471 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 470. The speaker 472 converts the audio signal provided by the audio processing unit 470 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the provider terminal 40. The camera 460 is an imaging device that captures images using visible light. The position information sensor 450 is a sensor that detects the position of the provider terminal 40. The acceleration sensor 455 is a sensor that detects the acceleration being applied to the provider terminal 40.

[0066] The storage unit 480 stores data and programs used by the provider terminal 40. The storage unit 480 stores, for example, a user information table 481, a reservation information table 482, and an application program 483. The user information table 481 is, for example, a table that stores information about users who have previously used the accommodation service. The reservation information table 482 is, for example, a table that stores information about people who have made reservations to use the accommodation service. The reservation information table 482 is optional, or the user information table 481 and the reservation information table 482 may be merged into a single table. Details of the user information table 481 and the reservation information table 482 will be described later.

[0067] The control unit 490 is realized when the processor reads the application program 483 stored in the memory unit 480 and executes the instructions contained in the application program 483. The control unit 490 controls the operation of the provider terminal 40. By operating according to the application program 483, the control unit 490 performs the functions of the operation reception unit 491, the transmission / reception unit 492, and the presentation control unit 493.

[0068] The operation reception unit 491 processes instructions or information input from the input device 43. The transmission / reception unit 492 processes data for the provider terminal 40 to send and receive data with external devices such as the server 20 according to a communication protocol. The presentation control unit 493 controls the output device 44 to present various information to the service provider.

[0069] [3 Data Structure] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the database stored by server 20, and Figures 7 and 8 show the data structure of the tables stored by provider terminal 40. Note that Figures 6 to 8 are examples and do not exclude data that is not shown. Also, even if data is listed in the same table, it may be stored in separate storage areas in storage unit 202 or storage unit 480.

[0070] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the deposit DB2021. The deposit DB2021 shown in Figure 6 is a table that has columns for amount, recipient information, target service, usage history, fee information, and encoding information, with the deposit ID as the key. In other words, the deposit information includes all the information stored in these items. The information stored in the deposit DB2021 is entered and updated as appropriate by, for example, the issuance processing module 2034 or the settlement processing module 2036.

[0071] The item "Deposit ID" stores identification information (identifier) ​​to uniquely identify the deposit. The item "Amount" stores the amount of the deposit. Specifically, the item "Amount" stores the most recent first balance. The item "Eligible Person Information" stores user information 181 or user information 381. The item "Eligible Service" stores information about services for which the deposit can be used. Service information includes, for example, the type of service for which the deposit can be used, an overview, and the usage fee. In this embodiment, the item "Eligible Service" always stores information about accommodation services.

[0072] The "Usage History" field stores the usage history of deposits by the user or service user. The "Fee Information" field stores the amount of the fee paid to the operator of System 1 when the second remaining balance is paid to the service provider. The "Encoding Information" field stores the encoding information of the QR code 183 issued to the user or service user.

[0073] Regarding user information 181 or user information 381, the information transmitted from the user terminal 10 when the deposit is registered by the server 20 may be stored in the item "Target Person Information," or the information transmitted from the user terminal 30 when a QR code 183 is issued to the service user may be stored in the item "Target Person Information." Alternatively, user information 181 or user information 381 transmitted in response to a transmission request from the operator of system 1 or the service provider may be stored in the item "Target Person Information." Regarding the deposit usage history, for example, the usage history of the user or service user may be read from an unillustrated usage history database stored in the storage unit 202 based on the user information 181 or user information 381 stored in the item "Target Person Information," and stored in the item "Usage History."

[0074] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the user information table 481. The user information table 481 shown in Figure 7 is, for example, a table that has columns for name, age, address, contact information, and usage history, with user ID as the key.

[0075] The "User ID" field stores identification information (identifier) ​​to uniquely identify the user. The "Name" field stores the user's name. The "Age" field stores the user's age. The "Address" field stores the user's registered address. The "Contact Information" field stores the user's contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.). The "Usage History" field stores the date the user has previously used accommodation services.

[0076] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the reservation information table 482. The reservation information table 482 shown in Figure 8 is a table that has columns for name, age, address, contact information, reservation information, and usage history, with the reservation ID as the key.

[0077] The "Reservation ID" field stores identification information (identifier) ​​to uniquely identify the reservation holder. The "Name" field stores the reservation holder's name. The "Age" field stores the reservation holder's age. The "Address" field stores the reservation holder's registered address. The "Contact Information" field stores the reservation holder's contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.). The "Reservation Information" field stores the date the reservation holder made the reservation for the accommodation service (reservation date) and the date the reservation holder plans to use the accommodation service (planned stay date). The "Usage History" field stores the date the reservation holder has used the accommodation service in the past. If the reservation holder has never used the accommodation service in the past, information such as "None" will be stored in the "Usage History" field.

[0078] [4 actions] This section describes the operation of server 20 during the settlement of usage fees. Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing examples of the operation of server 20 during the settlement of usage fees.

[0079] In step S11 shown in Figure 9, the server 20 accepts the user's specified deposit amount and registers the deposit available for use in the accommodation service (registration step).

[0080] Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives a deposit amount specified by the user and transmits amount information indicating the received amount to the transmission / reception unit 192. The operation reception unit 191 also receives a request to send the user's email address (contact information), reads user information 181 from the storage unit 180, and transmits it to the transmission / reception unit 192. The transmission / reception unit 192 then transmits the received amount information and user information 181 to the server 20.

[0081] The receiving control module 2031 generates deposit information by adding identification information such as a deposit ID to the amount information and user information 181 received from the user terminal 10, and stores the deposit information in the deposit DB 2021. As a result, the server 20 registers the deposit. After storing the deposit information in the deposit DB 2021, the receiving control module 2031 sends completion information indicating that the storage is complete, along with the user information 181, to the issuance processing module 2034.

[0082] In addition, instead of accepting a request to send the user's email address, the operation reception unit 191 may, for example, accept the input of an email address or the input of user information 181. If the user information 181 is accepted, the operation reception unit 191 does not perform the process of reading the user information 181 from the storage unit 180.

[0083] In step S12, the server 20 provides the QR code 183 to the user (providing step).

[0084] Specifically, for example, the issuance processing module 2034 receives completion information from the receiving control module 2031 and generates a QR code 183 based on the user information 181 also received from the receiving control module 2031. The issuance processing module 2034 issues the QR code 183 to the user by sending the generated QR code 183 to the user's email address (contact).

[0085] Moving on to Figure 10, in step S21, the server 20 accepts the presentation of the QR code 183 (settlement step).

[0086] Specifically, for example, the receiving control module 2031 accepts the presentation of the QR code 183 by receiving the target encoding information from a mobile terminal used by an employee of a specific accommodation facility, a dedicated QR code reader device, etc. The receiving control module 2031 then transmits, for example, acceptance information indicating that the presentation of the QR code 183 has been accepted, along with the target encoding information, to the confirmation processing module 2035.

[0087] In step S22, if the server 20 determines that the presentation of the received QR code 183 was made by the user or service user, it deducts the cost of the accommodation service from the deposit amount (settlement step).

[0088] Specifically, for example, the confirmation processing module 2035 receives the reception information and the target encoding information, and sequentially reads the encoding information from the deposit DB 2021 and compares it with the target encoding information. If the target encoding information matches any of the read encoding information, the confirmation processing module 2035 reads the payment information from the deposit DB 2021 and sends it to the settlement processing module 2036 along with the first success information. Here, the payment information read from the deposit DB 2021 is included in the deposit information whose encoding information matches the target encoding information.

[0089] If the target encoding information does not match any of the read encoding information, the verification processing module 2035 does not need to send any information to, for example, the settlement processing module 2036. Alternatively, for example, the verification processing module 2035 may send failure information indicating that authentication failed to the user terminal 10 or user terminal 30 via the transmission control module 2032.

[0090] If failure information is transmitted to the user terminal 10, the display control unit 193 may, for example, transmit the received failure information via the transmitting / receiving unit 192 to the output device 14 and display the failure information on the display 141. If failure information is transmitted to the user terminal 30, the display control unit 393 may, for example, transmit the received failure information via the transmitting / receiving unit 392 to the output device 34 and display the failure information on the display 341.

[0091] The confirmation processing module 2035 may, for example, transmit at least one of the first success information and the failure information to the provider terminal 40. In this case, the presentation control unit 493 may, for example, transmit at least one of the first success information and the failure information received via the transmitting / receiving unit 492 to the output device 44 and display it on the display 441.

[0092] For example, if the settlement processing module 2036 receives first success information and payment information from the confirmation processing module 2035, it updates the deposit amount recorded in the "Amount" field of the deposit DB 2021 to the amount of the first remaining balance. On the other hand, if the settlement processing module 2036 receives either first success information or payment information from the confirmation processing module 2035, it maintains the deposit amount recorded in the "Amount" field of the deposit DB 2021.

[0093] In this embodiment, the operation example concludes with the completion of step S22, but various processes may be performed after step S22. For example, after the completion of step S22, if the server 20 successfully authenticates that the received QR code 183 was presented by a service user, it may pay the second remaining balance to the service provider.

[0094] Specifically, for example, if the content of the first success information indicates that authentication of a specific service user has been successful, the settlement processing module 2036 may calculate the second balance and send balance information indicating the second balance to the transmission control module 2032. The transmission control module 2032 may, for example, transfer the second balance to the service provider's designated account by sending the balance information to the management server of the bank where the service provider's designated account is opened.

[0095] Furthermore, if the settlement processing module 2036 successfully authenticates that the received QR code 183 was presented by the user, it may pay the usage fee to the service provider. Specifically, for example, if the content of the first success information indicates that authentication of a specific user has been successful, the settlement processing module 2036 may send payment information via the transmission control module 2032 to the management server of the bank where the service provider's designated account is opened. As a result, the usage fee is transferred to the service provider's designated account.

[0096] Alternatively, for example, the settlement processing module 2036 may notify the service provider that the usage fee or the second remaining balance has been paid. Specifically, for example, the settlement processing module 2036 may send transmission completion information to the provider terminal 40 via the transmission control module 2032, indicating that the payment information or remaining balance information has been sent to the aforementioned bank's management server. The display control unit 493 may, for example, send the transmission completion information received via the transmission / reception unit 492 to the output device 44 and display it on the display 441. This notifies the service provider that the usage fee or the second remaining balance has been paid.

[0097] As another example, after step S22 is completed, if the server 20 has successfully authenticated that the received QR code 183 was presented by a service user, it may pay the service fee minus the usage fee to the operator of system 1.

[0098] Specifically, for example, if the settlement processing module 2036 indicates that the authentication of a specific service user has been successful, it may send first fee information, which indicates the amount of the fee deducted from the usage fee, to the transmission control module 2032. The transmission control module 2032 may, for example, send the first fee information to the management server of the bank where the operator of system 1 has a designated account, thereby transferring the aforementioned fee to the operator of system 1's designated account.

[0099] Here, if server 20 performs the process of paying the second remaining balance to the service provider and the process of paying the fee to the operator of system 1 in addition to the process in step S22, it is not necessary to execute each of these processes in the order described above, and the order of the processes may be changed at will. Alternatively, server 20 may execute each of these processes concurrently.

[0100] [5 Summary] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation reception unit 191 receives the user's email address and deposit amount specification, and transmits the amount information and user information 181 to the server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 192. The reception control module 2031 registers the deposit by generating deposit information based on the received amount information and user information 181 and storing it in the deposit DB 2021. The issuance processing module 2034 generates a QR code 183 based on the user information 181 received from the reception control module 2031 and sends it to the user's email address. The reception control module 2031 accepts the presentation of the QR code 183 by receiving target encoding information from a mobile terminal or the like used by an employee of a specific accommodation facility. The confirmation processing module 2035 sequentially reads the encoding information from the deposit DB 2021 and compares it with the target encoding information, and if the target encoding information matches any of the read encoding information, it reads the payment information from the deposit DB 2021 and transmits it to the settlement processing module 2036. When the settlement processing module 2036 receives payment information from the confirmation processing module 2035, it updates the deposit amount recorded in the deposit DB 2021 to the amount of the first remaining balance.

[0101] This allows the deposits registered on server 20 to be used for various services, thereby ensuring their effective utilization. Furthermore, third parties other than the user can also use the deposits by being granted access rights by the user. This also contributes to the effective utilization of the deposits registered on server 20.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the content of the first success information indicates that authentication of a specific service user has been successful, the settlement processing module 2036 calculates the second balance and sends the balance information to the management server of the bank where the service provider's designated account is opened, thereby transferring the second balance to the service provider's designated account. In addition, the settlement processing module 2036 sends the first fee information to the aforementioned bank's management server, thereby transferring the fee deducted from the usage fee to the system 1 operator's designated account.

[0103] This allows the operator of System 1 to collect a fee equivalent to the increased deposit management costs, even in complex situations where a third party other than the direct recipient of the QR code 183 (i.e., the user) uses the QR code 183. Therefore, the operator of System 1 can generate stable revenue.

[0104] [6 Variations] <6.1 First Variation> In this embodiment, an example was described in which the server 20 does not set an expiration date for the deposit. However, the server 20 may, for example, set an expiration date for the deposit. In this case, if the entire deposit amount has not been used by the expiration date, the server 20 may refund the remaining balance to the user. Alternatively, the server 20 may provide the remaining balance to the service provider (remaining balance processing step).

[0105] Specifically, for example, the issuance processing module 2034 may include a default expiration date in the encoding information of the QR code 183 during the process of generating the QR code 183. Alternatively, for example, the issuance processing module 2034 may include an expiration date set according to the deposit amount included in the amount information in the encoding information. Furthermore, the issuance processing module 2034 may include an expiration date received as input by the operation reception unit 191 in the encoding information.

[0106] The settlement processing module 2036 identifies deposits that have expired and whose full amount has not been used (hereinafter referred to as "invalid deposits") by, for example, searching the deposit DB 2021. The settlement processing module 2036 may perform this search in response to a search request from the operator of System 1, or it may perform it automatically at a predetermined timing or period.

[0107] If an invalid deposit is identified, the settlement processing module 2036 may, for example, send unused amount information indicating the remaining balance to the management server of the bank where the user's personal account is opened, via the transmission control module 2032. This will result in the remaining balance being refunded to the user's personal account. Alternatively, for example, the settlement processing module 2036 may send unused amount information to the management server of the bank where the service provider's designated account is opened, via the transmission control module 2032. This will result in the remaining balance being provided to the service provider's designated account.

[0108] This allows for the effective use of the remaining balance of invalid deposits that can no longer be used for accommodation services, etc. Furthermore, since the remaining balance of invalid deposits is returned to the stakeholders of the deposit service (users or service providers), it can promote the use of the deposit service.

[0109] In addition, in the first modified example, if the server 20 refunds the remaining balance of the invalid deposit to the user, the server 20 may deduct a fee from the remaining balance. In this case, the user will be refunded the remaining balance of the invalid deposit minus the fee.

[0110] In this case, the server 20 may, for example, pay the deducted fee to the operator of System 1. The fee deducted from the remaining balance of the invalid deposit is an example of a second fee relating to one aspect of this disclosure and can be set arbitrarily. Specifically, for example, the settlement processing module 2036 may, via the transmission control module 2032, send second fee information indicating the amount of the fee deducted from the remaining balance of the invalid deposit to the management server of the bank where the operator of System 1's designated account is opened. As a result, the aforementioned fee is transferred to the operator of System 1's designated account. Therefore, the operator of System 1 can obtain stable sales.

[0111] <6.2 Second Variation> In this embodiment, an example was described in which all of the deposit information recorded in the deposit DB 2021 is not disclosed. However, the server 20 may, for example, disclose some of the deposit information recorded in the deposit DB 2021.

[0112] Specifically, for example, the server 20 may obtain the service provider's account from the provider terminal 40 and authenticate that the service provider has the right to access the list of registered deposits (authentication step). Alternatively, for example, if authentication is successful, the server 20 may present the list of registered deposits to the service provider (list presentation step).

[0113] A service provider account (hereinafter abbreviated as "account") is authentication information that authenticates that the user is a service provider in order to access a list of registered deposits, and is an example of the second information relating to one aspect of this disclosure. An account consists, for example, of a service provider's identification information (ID) and information that confirms that the user is a service provider (password). An account may, for example, be issued in advance to the service provider by the server 20, or it may be stored in the deposit DB 2021.

[0114] More specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 492 may, for example, receive an account from the operation reception unit 491 that has received an input operation from a service provider, and transmit it to the server 20. The server 20 may acquire the account by having the receiving control module 2031 receive the account transmitted from the provider terminal 40. The receiving control module 2031 may, for example, transmit the received account to the confirmation processing module 2035.

[0115] A registered deposit is a deposit registered on server 20, in other words, a deposit whose information is stored in deposit DB 2021. The list of registered deposits is a collection of information, each user and each service user, that includes deposit information recorded in deposit DB 2021, excluding information that is not desirable to disclose to service providers.

[0116] There are no particular limitations on what constitutes "information that is undesirable to disclose to service providers," and for example, the operator of System 1 may decide at their discretion. Examples of "information that is undesirable to disclose to service providers" include, for example, information from User Information 181 and User Information 381 that requires strong consideration for user privacy (e.g., age, gender, etc.). Also, for example, highly confidential encoded information could be cited as an example from the perspective of preventing unauthorized access.

[0117] The verification processing module 2035 may, for example, sequentially read the accounts recorded in the deposit DB 2021 and compare them with the accounts received from the receiving control module 2031 (hereinafter referred to as the target account). If the target account matches a specific account, that is, if authentication is successful, the verification processing module 2035 may, for example, send second success information indicating successful authentication to the presentation control module 2033.

[0118] The presentation control module 2033 may, for example, receive second success information, generate a list of registered deposits based on the deposit information associated with the aforementioned specific account, and transmit it to the provider terminal 40 via the transmission control module 2032. This allows the presentation control module 2033 to control the presentation control unit 493 to display, for example, the list of registered deposits on the display 441.

[0119] Figure 11 shows an example of the screen of display 441. The display control module 2033 may, for example, display the list of registered deposits 4412 shown in Figure 11 in area 4411 of the display screen of display 441. Note that the list of registered deposits 4412 shown in Figure 11 is merely an example, and various display contents, display formats, and arrangements on the display screen are conceivable.

[0120] In this way, service providers can easily understand the status of multiple registered deposits. Therefore, the convenience of service providers when using System 1 is improved.

[0121] In the second modified example, the server 20 may accept the selection of a specific deposit from the list of registered deposits and present the specific deposit information to the service provider. The specific deposit information is information relating to the selected specific deposit and is an example of the third information relating to one aspect of this disclosure. There are no particular limitations on the content of the specific deposit information other than that it is more detailed than the content of the list of registered deposits and does not contain information that is undesirable to present to the service provider.

[0122] Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 491 may accept a selection operation from a service provider when a list of registered deposits is displayed on the display 441. The selection operation is the operation of selecting a specific deposit from the list of registered deposits displayed on the display 441. The operation reception unit 491 may, for example, transmit selection information indicating the specific deposit that has been accepted to the server 20 via the transmission / reception unit 492. The server 20 may accept the selection of a specific deposit, for example, when the reception control module 2031 receives the selection information.

[0123] The presentation control module 2033 may, for example, search for a specific deposit from the deposit DB 2021 based on selection information received from the receiving control module 2031. The presentation control module 2033 may, for example, generate specific deposit information based on the deposit information of the searched specific deposit and transmit it to the provider terminal 40 via the transmission control module 2032. As a result, the presentation control module 2033 may control the presentation control unit 493 to, for example, display the specific deposit information on the display 441.

[0124] In this way, service providers can easily obtain more detailed information about specific deposits. Therefore, the convenience of service providers using System 1 is further improved.

[0125] Furthermore, in the second modified example, the server 20 may accept the presentation of the QR code 183 and present the service provider with specific deposit information relating to the deposit registered by the user or service user.

[0126] Specifically, for example, if the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information and the authentication of the QR code 183 is successful, the verification processing module 2035 may transmit the first success information and the target encoding information to the presentation control module 2033. The presentation control module 2033, having received the first success information, may, for example, search the deposit DB 2021 and extract deposit information containing encoding information that matches the target encoding information. The presentation control module 2033 may, for example, generate specific deposit information based on the extracted deposit information and transmit it to the provider terminal 40 via the transmission control module 2032. As a result, the presentation control module 2033 may control the presentation control unit 493 to, for example, display the specific deposit information on the display 441.

[0127] <6.3 Third Variation> In this embodiment, an example was described in which the presentation of the QR code 183 is accepted when settling the payment for the service. However, the server 20 may also accept the presentation of the QR code 183 when, for example, an application for the use of accommodation services is made.

[0128] Specifically, for example, server 20 may accept an application for the use of the accommodation service and check whether a reservation exists (confirmation step). Alternatively, for example, if there is no reservation, server 20 may accept the presentation of QR code 183 and permit the user or service user to use the accommodation service if certain conditions are met (permission step).

[0129] More specifically, the operation reception unit 191 or operation reception unit 391 may, for example, receive an application for the use of accommodation services and transmit application information indicating the content of the received application to the transmission / reception unit 192 or transmission / reception unit 392. The application information may include, for example, the name, address, contact information, service details (type and grade of accommodation room, whether or not meals are provided at the accommodation facility and the menu, etc.) and desired date of use of the service. The transmission / reception unit 192 or transmission / reception unit 392 may, for example, transmit the received application information to the server 20. The server 20 may, for example, accept an application for the use of accommodation services when the reception control module 2031 receives the application information.

[0130] The receiving control module 2031, for example, transmits the received application information along with a confirmation request to the provider terminal 40. The confirmation request is a request to confirm whether or not the user or service user has made a reservation for the accommodation service. The receiving control module 2031 may, for example, store the received application information in the storage unit 202. The transmitting / receiving unit 492 may, for example, search the reservation information table 482 upon receiving the application information and confirmation request to check whether or not there is a reservation holder that matches the contents of the application information. The transmitting / receiving unit 492 may, for example, transmit confirmation information indicating the confirmation result to the server 20. The server 20 may, for example, confirm whether or not there is a reservation upon receiving the confirmation information from the receiving control module 2031. The receiving control module 2031 may, for example, store the received confirmation information in the storage unit 202.

[0131] For example, if the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information and successfully authenticates the QR code 183, the confirmation processing module 2035 may read confirmation information from the storage unit 202 to check whether a reservation has been made. Alternatively, the confirmation processing module 2035 may consider the presentation of the QR code 183 by the user or service user as occurring when the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information, and send the first success information to the settlement processing module 2036.

[0132] If it is confirmed that no reservation has been made, the confirmation processing module 2035 may, for example, read the application information from the storage unit 202 and determine whether or not the predetermined conditions are met. The predetermined conditions can be any conditions that allow the use of accommodation services even without a reservation. An example of a predetermined condition is that there are no meals provided at the accommodation facility. This is because it eliminates the need to prepare meals in advance, reducing the burden on employees.

[0133] If the application information satisfies the specified conditions, the confirmation processing module 2035 may, for example, send permission information granting permission to use the accommodation service to the user terminal 10 or user terminal 30 via the transmission control module 2032. This allows the server 20 to grant permission to the user or service user to use the accommodation service.

[0134] On the other hand, if it is confirmed that a reservation has been made, the confirmation processing module 2035 may, for example, immediately send permission information to the user terminal 10 or user terminal 30. Also, if the content of the application information does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the confirmation processing module 2035 may, for example, send first denial information indicating that the use of the accommodation service is not permitted to the user terminal 10 or user terminal 30 via the transmission control module 2032.

[0135] <6.4 Fourth Variation> In this embodiment, the case in which a service user is granted full access rights to the deposit by the user has been described. However, a person who is granted access rights to only a portion of the deposit amount by the user may also be included as a service user. Hereinafter, the portion of the deposit amount to which a service user is granted access rights by the user will be referred to as the "first available amount." In this case, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the first available amount from the deposit amount to which the user has access rights will be referred to as the "second available amount."

[0136] The fourth modification describes the processing of the server 20 when a service user has the right to use the first available amount and a user has the right to use the second available amount. Specifically, for example, the server 20 may first accept the designation of the first available amount and the designation of the second available amount (designation acceptance step).

[0137] More specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 may receive a designation of a first available amount and transmit the first available amount information, indicating the accepted amount, to the transmission / reception unit 192 along with user information 181. The transmission / reception unit 192 may, for example, transmit the first available amount information and user information 181 received from the operation reception unit 191 to the server 20. The operation reception unit 391 may, for example, receive a designation of a second available amount and transmit the second available amount information, indicating the accepted amount, to the transmission / reception unit 392 along with user information 381. The transmission / reception unit 392 may, for example, transmit the second available amount information and user information 381 received from the operation reception unit 391 to the server 20.

[0138] Server 20 may accept the designation of the first available amount and the designation of the second available amount by having the receiving control module 2031 receive the first available amount information and the second available amount information. The receiving control module 2031 may store the first available amount information and the second available amount information in the deposit DB 2021. The receiving control module 2031 may send storage completion information, indicating that storage has been completed, to the issuing processing module 2034 along with the user information 181 and user information 381 received from the user terminal 10.

[0139] Furthermore, the designation of the first available amount and the second available amount may be made by either the user or the service user. In other words, the operation reception unit 191 may, for example, accept the designation of the second available amount in addition to the designation of the first available amount. Alternatively, the operation reception unit 391 may, for example, accept the designation of the first available amount in addition to the designation of the second available amount.

[0140] Next, the server 20 may, for example, provide the service user with fourth information indicating that they have the right to use the first available amount, and provide the user with first information indicating that they have the right to use the second available amount.

[0141] More specifically, for example, the issuance processing module 2034 may generate a first QR code based on user information 181 received from the receiving control module 2031. The first QR code is a two-dimensional barcode encoding information or a token indicating that the user has the right to use a second available amount, and is another example of the first information relating to one aspect of this disclosure. The issuance processing module 2034 may generate a second QR code based on user information 381 received from the receiving control module 2031. The second QR code is a two-dimensional barcode encoding information or a token indicating that the user has the right to use a first available amount, and is an example of the fourth information relating to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0142] The issuance processing module 2034 may issue a first QR code to the user by, for example, sending the generated first QR code to the user's email address. The issuance processing module 2034 may also issue a second QR code to the service user by, for example, sending the generated second QR code to the service user's email address.

[0143] Next, the server 20 may, for example, accept the submission of first information by the user or the submission of fourth information by the service user, and deduct the accommodation service fee from the deposit amount.

[0144] More specifically, for example, the receiving control module 2031 may accept the presentation of the first QR code by receiving the target encoding information for the first QR code from a mobile terminal or the like used by an employee of a specific accommodation facility. Alternatively, the receiving control module 2031 may accept the presentation of the second QR code by receiving the target encoding information for the second QR code from the aforementioned mobile terminal or the like. The receiving control module 2031 may, for example, transmit reception information indicating that the presentation of the first QR code or the second QR code has been accepted, along with the target encoding information, to the confirmation processing module 2035.

[0145] The verification processing module 2035 may perform authentication processing similar to that of this embodiment, for example, by receiving reception information and target encoding information from the receiving control module 2031. Alternatively, the verification processing module 2035 may consider the presentation of the QR code by the user or service user to occur when the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information for the first QR code or the target encoding information for the second QR code. Subsequent processing is the same as in the example of this embodiment.

[0146] In the fourth variation, an example was described in which only the deposit amount can be divided and used by the user and the service user, but the system is not limited to this example. For example, in conjunction with the division of the deposit amount, the right to use the specified services subject to the deposit may also be made available for division and use. Specifically, for example, the user may be able to use a portion of the accommodation services (e.g., a set of accommodation, meals, and hot springs) within the range of the second available amount, and the service user may be able to use the remaining portion of the accommodation services (e.g., a set of use of shops and fitness facilities within the accommodation) within the range of the first available amount.

[0147] <6.5 Fifth Variation> In addition to the first to fourth variations described above, various other variations are conceivable. For example, the server 20 may accept the presentation of a QR code 183 by a user or service user and deduct the purchase price of the right to receive accommodation services at the accommodation facility from the deposit amount.

[0148] Specifically, for example, the verification processing module 2035 may transmit the first success information and purchase price information to the settlement processing module 2036 when the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information and successfully authenticates the QR code 183. The purchase price information is information indicating the purchase price of the right to receive accommodation services at the accommodation facility. For example, the settlement processing module 2036 may update the deposit amount recorded in the deposit DB 2021 to the amount of the third remaining balance by receiving the first success information and purchase price information from the verification processing module 2035. The third remaining balance is the remaining balance obtained by subtracting the purchase price indicated by the purchase price information from the deposit amount recorded in the deposit DB 2021. In addition, the verification processing module 2035 may consider the presentation of the QR code 183 by the user or service user as occurring when the receiving control module 2031 receives the target encoding information, and transmit the first success information and purchase price information to the settlement processing module 2036.

[0149] For example, server 20 may perform the following processes. • Process to present users with information about various types of trial services. - A process that accepts the request to purchase the right to use a specific trial service (hereinafter referred to as "the specific trial service") from among the multiple trial service information presented, without specifying a service usage date. - A process to display on the user terminal screen operated by the user a first object that accepts an operation to transfer the aforementioned right, for which an operation to purchase has been accepted, to another user. • A process that, in response to user input on the first object, generates availability information to enable other users to utilize the aforementioned rights, and presents the generated availability information to the user.

[0150] [7. Basic Computer Hardware Configuration] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 includes at least a processor 901, main memory 902, auxiliary memory 903, and a communication interface IF991. These are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus 921.

[0151] The processor 901 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in a program. The processor 901 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0152] Main memory 902 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0153] Auxiliary storage device 903 refers to a storage device for saving data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and semiconductor memory.

[0154] The IF991 communication interface is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0155] A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0156] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0157] [8. Basic Functional Configuration of a Computer] The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 (Figure 12) will be explained. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0158] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0159] The control unit is realized when the processor 901 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, loads them into the main memory device 902, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0160] The memory unit is implemented by the main memory 902 and the auxiliary memory 903. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 901 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 902 or the auxiliary memory 903 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 901 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0161] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link together tabular data sets called masters, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, masters are called masters, the columns of tables are called columns, and the rows of tables are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables and masters.

[0162] Typically, each table and master has a primary key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a primary key column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 901 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the memory unit, according to various programs.

[0163] Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the memory unit, the information processing device and information processing system related to this disclosure can be considered to have been manufactured.

[0164] Furthermore, the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structures (lists, dictionaries, associative arrays, objects, etc.) in which information is structurally defined. Data structures also include data that can be considered as data structures by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc., written in any programming language.

[0165] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF991. The communication unit provides the functionality to communicate with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0166] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc., may be implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. The present invention can also be implemented by software program code that realizes the functions of the embodiments. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and the processor of that computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiments described above, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media used to supply such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and the like.

[0167] Furthermore, the program code that implements the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of programming or scripting languages, such as assembler, C / C++, Perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0168] Furthermore, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiment may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the computer's processor may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0169] The functions realized by the components described herein may be implemented in a circuit or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions described herein. A processor is considered a circuit or processing circuitry, including transistors and other circuits. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory.

[0170] In this specification, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein.

[0171] If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0172] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0173] [9. Addendum] The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0174] <Note 1> A program for execution on a computer having a processor and memory, the program causing the processor to execute: a registration step of receiving a deposit amount specified by a user and registering a deposit usable for a predetermined service; a provision step of providing the user with first information indicating that the user has the right to use the deposit; and a settlement step of receiving the presentation of the first information by the user or a service user granted the right to use the deposit by the user and deducting the usage fee for the predetermined service from the amount.

[0175] <Note 2> In the settlement step, if the first information received is presented by the service user, the program described in (Appendix 1) pays the remaining amount to the service provider after deducting the first fee from the service fee.

[0176] <Note 3> A program as described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2) that, in the registration step, sets an expiration date for the deposit, and if the deposit amount has not been fully used after the expiration date, causes the processor to execute a remaining balance processing step to refund the remaining amount to the user or to provide the remaining amount to the specified service provider.

[0177] <Note 4> In the remaining balance processing step, when the remaining balance of the deposit is refunded to the user, the program deducts the second fee from the remaining balance of the deposit (as described in Appendix 3).

[0178] <Note 5> A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 4) that causes the processor to execute an authentication step which involves obtaining second information to authenticate that the provider is a provider of a specified service and authenticates that the provider has the right to access a list of registered deposits, and a list presentation step which, if authentication is successful, presents the list to the provider.

[0179] <Note 6> The program described in Appendix 5, which, in the list presentation step, accepts the selection of a specific deposit from the list and presents third-party information regarding that specific deposit to the provider.

[0180] <Note 7> The program described in (Appendix 5) or (Appendix 6) accepts the presentation of the first piece of information in the list presentation step and presents the provider with the third piece of information regarding the deposit registered by the user or service user.

[0181] <Note 8> A program described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7) that causes the processor to execute a confirmation step to check whether a reservation has been made for a specified service and, if no reservation has been made and the specified conditions have been met, to accept the presentation of the first information and permit the user or service user to use the specified service.

[0182] <Note 9> A program as described in any of the following (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8), which, in the settlement step, accepts the presentation of primary information by the user or service user and deducts the purchase price of the right to receive the specified service at the facility where the specified service is provided from the deposit amount.

[0183] <Note 10> A service user is a person who has been granted the right to use a first available amount, which is part of the deposit amount, by the user, and the user is a person who has the right to use a second available amount, which is the deposit amount minus the first available amount. The program executes a designation acceptance step to accept the designation of the first available amount and the designation of the second available amount, provides the service user with fourth information indicating that they have the right to use the first available amount, provides the user with information indicating that they have the right to use the second available amount as first information, and in the settlement step accepts the presentation of first information by the user or the presentation of fourth information by the service user and deducts the usage fee for the prescribed service from the deposit amount, as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 9).

[0184] <Note 11> An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit executes all steps in any of the programs described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 10).

[0185] <Note 12> A method to be executed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor executes all steps in any of the programs described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 10).

[0186] <Note 13> A system comprising means for executing all steps in any of the programs described in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 10). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0187] 1... System 10…User terminal 120, 320, 420… Communications Department 13, 33, 43… Input devices 14, 34, 44… Output devices 15…Memory 16…Storage 19… Processor 20... Server 22...Communication IF 23…Input / Output Interface 25…Memory 2 hours… storage 29… Processor 30…User terminal 40…Provider terminal

Claims

1. A program to be executed on a computer having a processor and memory, The program is provided to the processor: A registration step that accepts the amount of the deposit specified by the user and registers the deposit that can be used in the specified service, A provision step of providing the user with first information indicating that the user has the right to use the deposit, A settlement step in which the user or a service user to whom the user has been granted the right to use the information presents the first information and the usage fee for the specified service is deducted from the amount. A program that executes the command.

2. The program according to claim 1, which, in the settlement step, if the presentation of the first information received is by the service user, pays the remaining amount after deducting the first fee from the usage fee to the provider of the specified service.

3. In the registration step, set the expiration date of the deposit, The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to execute a remaining balance processing step, which refunds the remaining balance of the amount to the user or provides the remaining balance of the amount to the provider of the predetermined service, if the amount has not been used in full after the expiration date.

4. The program according to claim 3, wherein, in the balance processing step, when the remaining balance of the amount is refunded to the user, a second fee is deducted from the remaining balance of the amount.

5. An authentication step which involves obtaining second information to authenticate that the provider is the provider of the predetermined service, and authenticating that the provider has the right to access the registered list of deposits, If the authentication is successful, the list presentation step involves presenting the list to the provider. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to execute the following.

6. The program according to claim 5, wherein in the list presentation step, the program accepts the selection of a specific deposit from the list and presents third information relating to the specific deposit to the provider.

7. The program according to claim 5, wherein in the list presentation step, the program receives the presentation of the first information and presents the provider with the third information relating to the deposit registered by the user or service user.

8. The process involves receiving an application for the aforementioned specified service and confirming whether a reservation has been made, If no reservation has been made, and the specified conditions are met, the user or service user is granted permission to use the specified service. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to execute the following.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the settlement step, the program accepts the presentation of the first information by the user or the service user and deducts from the amount the purchase price of the right to receive the predetermined service at the facility where the predetermined service is provided.

10. The aforementioned service user is a person who has been granted the right to use the first available amount, which is a portion of the aforementioned amount, by the aforementioned user. The aforementioned user is a person who has the right to use the second available amount, which is the amount obtained by subtracting the first available amount from the aforementioned amount. The program is instructed to execute a designation acceptance step that accepts the designation of the first available amount and the designation of the second available amount. In the aforementioned provision step, The service user is provided with fourth information indicating that they have the right to use the first available amount, The user is provided with information indicating that they have the right to use the second available amount as the first information, The program according to claim 1, wherein in the settlement step, the program accepts the presentation of the first information by the user or the presentation of the fourth information by the service user and deducts the usage fee from the amount.

11. An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit executes all steps in the program described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method to be performed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs all steps of a program according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A system comprising means for executing all steps in the program described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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