Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device for providing a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to both the provider of the payment method and the customer using the payment method. [Solution] The information processing device 60 includes a transaction information acquisition unit, a fee information acquisition unit, a cost information acquisition unit, a fee calculation unit, and a value calculation unit. The transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information, including store information, payment method identification information for identifying the payment method used by the customer, and amount information which is information on the transaction amount, from the source of the transaction information. The fee information acquisition unit acquires information for calculating the fee to be paid to the provider that provides the payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the payment method. The cost information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the processing cost for the provider to process the transaction. The value calculation unit calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the fee paid to the provider and the provider's processing cost.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various cashless payment means such as credit cards, which are highly convenient for users, have become widespread among consumers. When a user makes a payment at a store, if such a payment means is used, the store pays a predetermined fee (merchant fee) according to the transaction amount or the like to a settlement business operator (acquirer) with which it has concluded a franchise agreement for the payment means. The merchant fee is generally calculated based on the merchant fee rate (Merchant Discount Rate) determined by a prior agreement (such as a franchise agreement) between each store and the acquirer and the transaction amount.

[0003] The acquirer pays a predetermined shopping fee according to the transaction amount or the merchant fee to the issuer of the credit card used by the user, and the shopping fee becomes a revenue source for the issuer. The shopping fee is calculated as an interchange fee, for example, by multiplying a predetermined rate (IRF: Interchange Reimbursement Fee) determined for each business type of the franchise or card type by the transaction amount. Alternatively, the shopping fee is calculated in a form of revenue sharing of the merchant fee by multiplying a predetermined rate by the merchant fee calculated based on the transaction amount and the merchant fee rate. As described above, a transaction in which the acquirer's business operator and the issuer's business operator are different is called an off-as transaction. On the other hand, a transaction in which the acquirer's business operator and the issuer's business operator are the same is called an on-as transaction. In an on-as transaction, since the issuer and the acquirer are the same settlement business operator, the merchant fee obtained by the settlement business operator as an acquirer becomes the shopping fee, which is the revenue obtained by the settlement business operator, who is both an acquirer and an issuer, from the transaction.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-057138 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As described above, the shopping fees that constitute the issuer's (and acquirer's in the case of on-us transactions) revenue fluctuate depending on the transaction amount of each individual transaction. On the other hand, most of the issuer's costs are fixed costs that do not fluctuate with the transaction amount, such as system costs, card issuance costs, personnel costs, and costs for various member services. Therefore, for an issuer, high-value transactions result in a profit because the shopping fees are also high, but low-value transactions result in a loss because the shopping fees are also low. In recent years, with the spread of cashless payments, cashless payment methods are being used not only for high-value transactions as before, but also for low-value transactions that occur on a daily basis. As a result, issuers are facing the problem of an increasing proportion of low-value transactions that result in a loss, and a deterioration in the issuer's business profitability. Furthermore, in order to avoid the above problems, issuers are being forced to take measures such as reducing various services that were provided to cardholders from the time of enrollment (so-called deterioration), or raising various fees related to card usage. This has led to a decrease in the attractiveness of the cards offered by the issuers, and has also created problems such as members canceling their memberships, which further worsens the issuers' business profits and losses.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program for providing a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to both the provider of the payment method and the customer using the payment method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device includes a transaction information acquisition unit, a fee information acquisition unit, a cost information acquisition unit, a fee calculation unit, and a value calculation unit. The transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The fee information acquisition unit acquires issuer fee information, which is information for calculating the issuer fee paid to the issuer that provides the payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction. The cost information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the processing cost for the issuer to process the transaction. The fee calculation unit identifies the issuer of the payment method used in the transaction based on the payment method identification information included in the transaction information, and calculates the issuer fee based on the issuer fee information of the identified issuer and the transaction information. The value calculation unit calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the issuer fee calculated by the fee calculation unit and the processing cost acquired by the cost information acquisition unit.

[0008] The information processing device also includes a transaction information acquisition unit, a fee information acquisition unit, a cost information acquisition unit, a fee calculation unit, and a value calculation unit. The transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The fee information acquisition unit acquires store fee information for calculating the store fee that the store will incur in the transaction in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction. The cost information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the processing costs for the provider that provides the payment method to the store and the customer to process the transaction. The fee calculation unit calculates the store fee based on the store fee information acquired by the fee information acquisition unit and the transaction information. The value calculation unit calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the store fee calculated by the fee calculation unit and the processing costs acquired by the cost information acquisition unit.

[0009] The information processing method includes a transaction information acquisition step, a fee information acquisition step, a cost information acquisition step, a fee calculation step, and a value calculation step. The transaction information acquisition step acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The fee information acquisition step acquires issuer fee information, which is information for calculating the issuer fee paid to the issuer that provides the payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction. The cost information acquisition step acquires information indicating the processing cost for the issuer to process the transaction. The fee calculation step identifies the issuer of the payment method used in the transaction based on the payment method identification information contained in the transaction information, and calculates the issuer fee based on the issuer fee information of the identified issuer and the transaction information. The value calculation step calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the issuer fee calculated in the fee calculation step and the processing cost acquired in the cost information acquisition step.

[0010] The information processing method also includes a transaction information acquisition step, a fee information acquisition step, a cost information acquisition step, a fee calculation step, and a value calculation step. The transaction information acquisition step acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount. The fee information acquisition step acquires store fee information for calculating the store fee that the store will incur in the transaction in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction. The cost information acquisition step acquires information indicating the processing costs for the provider that provides the payment method to the store and the customer to process the transaction. The fee calculation step calculates the store fee based on the store fee information acquired in the fee information acquisition step and the transaction information. The value calculation step calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the store fee calculated in the fee calculation step and the processing costs acquired in the cost information acquisition step.

[0011] The information processing program is configured to make the computer function as the information processing device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the information processing device acquires information for calculating the fees to be paid to a provider that provides a payment method to a customer. The information processing device acquires information indicating the processing costs for the provider to process the transaction. Based on the payment method identification information included in the transaction information, the information processing device identifies the provider of the payment method used in the transaction, and calculates the fees to be paid to the provider based on the fee information of the identified provider and the transaction information. Based on the calculated provider fee and the acquired provider processing costs, the information processing device calculates the value that can be returned to the customer. This makes it possible to calculate the value that can be returned to the customer who made the transaction based on the profit of the provider that provides the payment method used in the transaction and the costs associated with the transaction. Therefore, it is possible to realize a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to both the provider of the payment method and the customer who uses the payment method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a payment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the store terminal. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the information processing center. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an acquirer system. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the outline configuration of a payment brand system. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram outlining the configuration of the issuer system. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for obtaining fee information performed by an information processing device. [Figure 10]It is a flowchart showing the procedure of cost information acquisition processing executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of value calculation processing executed by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining an example of value calculation processing.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0015] (Payment System) First, a payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the payment system includes a store terminal 10, an information processing center 20, an acquirer system 30, a payment brand system 40, an issuer system 50, and an information processing apparatus 60. The store terminal 10, the information processing center 20, the acquirer system 30, the payment brand system 40, the issuer system 50, and the information processing apparatus 60 are interconnected via a network.

[0018] The store terminal 10 is an information terminal installed in a store that is a merchant using the payment system. Multiple store terminals 10 may be connected to a payment server via a network, and the payment server may be connected to an information processing center 20, etc. In this case, the multiple store terminals 10 and the payment server cooperate to constitute the store terminal 10. Furthermore, if the store is a non-face-to-face merchant that conducts non-face-to-face transactions such as internet sales (EC), the store's payment server or the payment server of the payment processing company that performs the store's payment processing and the terminal used by the customer, such as a PC or smartphone, cooperate to constitute the store terminal 10.

[0019] The information processing center 20 is a system for processing and transmitting / receiving payment-related information. The information processing center 20 may also include the system of a Payment Service Provider (PSP) that handles various payment-related processes. Alternatively, instead of the information processing center 20, the payment service provider's system may be connected as the PSP system 20. Furthermore, the store terminal 10 may be connected to the acquirer system 30 via a network without going through the information processing center 20 (including the PSP system).

[0020] The acquirer system 30 is a system established by the acquirer (store owner) who enters into a merchant agreement with the store regarding the use of payment methods. If the acquirer has a merchant agreement with a payment service provider, the store may also enter into a merchant agreement with the payment service provider. In this case, the payment service provider also functions as an acquirer for the store.

[0021] The payment brand system 40 is a system established by the payment brand that operates the payment method. If the payment brand itself enters into a merchant agreement with a store, the payment brand system 40 and the acquirer system 30 may be established as the same system, or as separate systems by the same operator.

[0022] The issuer system 50 is a system established by an issuer (issuer) that issues payment methods to its customers, the users. Preferably, the payment method issued by the issuer is a prepaid payment method, for example, where the user pre-charges value into their account and uses that value to make payments. Alternatively, a credit card payment method, which allows for deferred payment based on the user's creditworthiness, or a debit card payment method, which deducts funds immediately from the user's bank account, may be used. If the payment brand itself issues the payment method, the payment brand system 40 and the issuer system 50 may be established as the same system or as separate systems by the same business operator. Furthermore, the payment brand itself may also act as an acquirer, entering into merchant agreements with stores. In this case, the payment brand system 40 and the acquirer system 30 may be established as the same system or as separate, independent systems. Also, as mentioned above, the issuer and the acquirer may be the same business operator. In this case, the acquirer system 30 and the issuer system 50 may be established as the same system, or they may be established as separate, independent systems. Below, we will explain using the example where the acquirer system 30, the payment brand system 40, and the issuer system 50 are each independent systems.

[0023] The information processing device 60 is a device for calculating the value (point value or cashback amount) that is returned to the customer in a transaction performed by the customer at a store using a payment method.

[0024] In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the information processing device 60 is connected to the acquirer system 30 and the issuer system 50, but it is not limited to this. The information processing device 60 may also be connected to the store terminal 10, the information processing center 20, the payment brand system 40, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a typical system configuration for credit card payment is given as an example, but the system configuration can be appropriately changed depending on the payment method used, etc.

[0025] Next, we will explain the details of each component.

[0026] (Store terminal) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a store terminal.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the store terminal 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation reception unit 15, and a reading unit 16. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 17 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0028] The control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that, according to the program, controls each of the above-mentioned components and performs various calculation processes.

[0029] The memory unit 12 consists of a ROM (Read Only Memory) for pre-storing various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing programs and data as a working area, and a hard disk for storing various programs and data.

[0030] The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with other terminals and devices via the network. For example, the communication unit 13 sends and receives various data with the information processing center 20, etc.

[0031] The display unit 14 consists of a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, etc., and displays various information.

[0032] The operation reception unit 15 consists of a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and receives various user operations. The display unit 14 and the operation reception unit 15 may be integrated using a touch panel or the like.

[0033] The reading unit 16 reads and obtains payment method identification information from the customer's card or customer information terminal to identify the payment method used by the customer. The reading unit 16 includes, for example, a contact or contactless card reader and obtains payment method identification information from the customer's credit card, etc. The payment method identification information includes, for example, information such as the customer's credit card number and expiration date. The reading unit 16 may also include a code reader that reads codes such as one-dimensional codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks). For example, in various code payment methods, the reading unit 16 obtains payment method identification information by reading a barcode displayed on the customer's information terminal.

[0034] Furthermore, if the store is a non-face-to-face merchant, the customer's smartphone or other terminal may constitute the display unit 14, operation reception unit 15, reading unit 16, etc. In this case, the reading unit 16 can obtain payment method identification information by acquiring information entered by the customer on the payment screen displayed on the display using browser software on the smartphone or other device.

[0035] (Information Processing Center) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing center.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing center 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation reception unit 25. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 26 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the components of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, and operation reception unit 25 of the information processing center 20 have the same functions as the components of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, display unit 14, and operation reception unit 15 of the store terminal 10, so their explanation is omitted.

[0037] (Acquirer System) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the acquirer system.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the acquirer system 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and an operation reception unit 35. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 36 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the acquirer system 30 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0039] (Payment brand system) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the payment brand system.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the payment brand system 40 comprises a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a display unit 44, and an operation reception unit 45. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 46 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the payment brand system 40 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0041] (Issua System) Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the issuer system.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the issuer system 50 comprises a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, a display unit 54, and an operation reception unit 55. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 56 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the issuer system 50 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0043] (Information processing device) Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an information processing device.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 60 comprises a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, a display unit 64, and an operation reception unit 65. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 66 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Since each component of the information processing device 60 has the same function as each component of the information processing center 20, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0045] (Functions of information processing equipment) Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device.

[0046] The control unit 61 of the information processing device 60 reads the program stored in the storage unit 62 and executes the processing. As a result, the control unit 61 functions as a transaction information acquisition unit 611, a fee information acquisition unit 612, a cost information acquisition unit 613, a fee calculation unit 614, a value calculation unit 615, a value processing unit 616, and a decision unit 617, as shown in Figure 8.

[0047] The transaction information acquisition unit 611 acquires transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the payment method used by the customer in the transaction; and amount information, which is the transaction amount in the transaction. The payment method may be, for example, a prepaid payment method that the customer pre-charges and uses.

[0048] The fee information acquisition unit 612 acquires issuer fee information, which is information for calculating the issuer fee paid to the issuer who provides the payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the payment method in a transaction. The issuer fee information may also be information that shows the percentage of the issuer fee to the transaction amount, as determined by the payment brand. Furthermore, the issuer fee information may be set so that the percentage of the fee paid to the issuer to the transaction amount differs depending on at least one of the following: the payment brand, the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, the content or form of the transaction, the country of issue of the payment method, and the contractual status between the issuer of the payment method and the store.

[0049] The cost information acquisition unit 613 acquires information from the issuer of the payment instrument that indicates the processing costs for processing the transaction.

[0050] The fee calculation unit 614 identifies the issuer of the payment method used in the transaction based on the payment method identification information included in the transaction information, and calculates the issuer fee based on the issuer fee information of the identified issuer and the transaction information.

[0051] The value calculation unit 615 calculates the value that can be passed on to the customer based on the issuer fee calculated by the fee calculation unit 614 and the processing costs obtained by the cost information acquisition unit 613. The value calculation unit 615 calculates the value, for example, by subtracting the value of the processing costs obtained by the cost information acquisition unit 613 from the value of the fee calculated by the fee calculation unit 614.

[0052] The value processing unit 616 returns the value to the customer if the value calculated by the value calculation unit 615 is positive, and collects the value from the customer if it is negative. The value processing unit 616 may return the value to the customer in the form of points or cashback.

[0053] The determination unit 617 determines whether the store acquirer, who receives the store fees incurred by the store in a transaction, and the issuer are the same or different entities. If the determination unit 617 determines that the store acquirer and the issuer are different entities, the value calculation unit 615 calculates the value based on the issuer fee and processing costs.

[0054] Alternatively, the fee information acquisition unit 612 may acquire store fee information to calculate the store fee that the store will incur in a transaction in connection with the use of a payment method in the transaction. The store fee information may be, for example, information indicating the merchant fee rate set by the store contractor (acquirer or payment service provider acting on behalf of the acquirer, etc.) in a merchant agreement with the store. The merchant fee rate is, for example, the ratio of the store fee to the transaction amount. In this case, the cost information acquisition unit 613 acquires information from the provider indicating the processing costs for the provider (acquirer and issuer, etc.) that provides the payment method to the store and the customer to process the transaction. The fee calculation unit 614 then calculates the store fee based on the store fee information acquired by the fee information acquisition unit 612 and the transaction information. The value calculation unit 615 calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the store fee calculated by the fee calculation unit 614 and the processing costs acquired by the cost information acquisition unit 613. The value calculation unit 615 calculates the value based on store charges and processing costs, for example, when the store contract holder and the issuer of the payment method are the same person.

[0055] (Processing Summary) The following describes the processing performed by the information processing device 60. First, we will explain using the example of an off-us transaction in which the acquirer and issuer are different businesses. An example of processing in the case of an on-us transaction in which the acquirer and issuer are the same business will be described later as a modified example. The information processing device 60 can determine which business will be the acquirer and which will be the issuer in a given transaction using information such as the card number included in the payment method identification information and a pre-stored determination table. The acquirer is the store contractor that receives the store fees borne by the store in the transaction. The issuer is the issuer that issued (provided) the payment method used in the transaction to the customer. If the acquirer and issuer are the same business, the transaction is determined to be an on-us transaction, and if the acquirer and issuer are different business businesses, the transaction is determined to be an off-us transaction.

[0056] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for acquiring fee information performed by the information processing device. The algorithm for the process shown in Figure 9 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and is executed by the control unit 61.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, the information processing device 60 waits until a predetermined period has elapsed (step S101: NO), and when the predetermined period has elapsed (step S101: YES), it proceeds to the process in step S102. The predetermined period can be set to any period, such as one day or one week, in accordance with the trend and frequency of updates to the issuer fee information.

[0058] The information processing device 60 determines whether the issuer fee information has been updated (step S102). For example, if the issuer fee is calculated as an interchange fee based on the IRF, the IRF becomes the issuer fee information. In that case, the information processing device 60 accesses the database in the storage unit 42 of the payment brand system 40 or a web page provided by the payment brand system 40 to check the latest IRF. The IRF is information that shows the transaction amount and the ratio of the issuer fee according to the payment brand, the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, the content or form of the transaction, the country of issue of the payment method, and the contract status between the issuer of the payment method and the store. The content or form of the transaction includes the form of the transaction, such as whether the transaction is a transaction that is carried out at the store using the payment method each time, or whether it is a transaction that is carried out continuously in a predetermined cycle using a payment method registered under a contract. The content or form of the transaction may also include whether the transaction is carried out using a payment method issued by the issuer, or whether it is a transaction that is carried out using various tokens, such as smartphone contactless payment. Furthermore, the content or form of the transaction may include whether the store and acquirer generated sales data within a specified period after obtaining authorization for the credit transaction. Alternatively, if the issuer fee is calculated as a revenue share of the merchant fee, the issuer fee information will include the merchant fee rate and the percentage of the merchant fee paid to the issuer. In that case, the information processing device 60 accesses the acquirer system 30, the payment brand system 40, etc., to obtain information indicating the merchant fee rate and revenue share percentage applicable to the store. It should be noted that the merchant fee rate and revenue share percentage may also be changed depending on various factors, similar to the IRF described above.

[0059] If the issuer fee information has not been updated (step S102: NO), the information processing device 60 terminates the process of acquiring the issuer fee information.

[0060] If the issuer fee information has been updated (step S102: YES), the information processing device 60 obtains the latest issuer fee information and updates the issuer fee information table stored in the storage unit 62 (step S103). The information processing device 60 then terminates the process of obtaining the issuer fee information. As a result, the latest issuer fee information is stored in the storage unit 62.

[0061] In the example above, we described an example where issuer fee information is retrieved only if it has been updated. However, the method of updating is not limited to this; the latest issuer fee information may be retrieved and updated regardless of whether the issuer fee information has been updated or not. Alternatively, if the issuer fee information has been updated, only the changed parts may be retrieved as differential data and updated. In addition, other information such as a card number-based determination table provided by the payment brand may also be retrieved.

[0062] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may obtain store master information, which contains various information about the store where the transaction takes place, from the acquirer system 30 or the like. The store master information stores information such as store information to identify each store (merchant number, etc.), the type of business of the store, the name of the store, the merchant fee rate, and the payment cycle. In addition, the store master information may also store the type of payment terminal used at each store, the unit price of the transaction amount, various information regarding fraudulent transactions, information about the PSP or payment network being used, and information about the method of inputting payment method identification information.

[0063] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for acquiring cost information performed by the information processing device. The algorithm for the process shown in Figure 10 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and is executed by the control unit 61.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the information processing device 60 determines whether or not it has received the setting of processing cost information indicating the processing cost (step S201).

[0065] If the processing cost information has not been set (step S201: NO), the information processing device 60 waits until the processing cost information is set.

[0066] If the information processing device 60 receives a request to set processing cost information (step S201: YES), it stores the set processing cost information in the storage unit 62 (step S202). The processing cost information is, for example, information indicating the amount of processing cost incurred per transaction for each issuer. If there are multiple issuers, processing cost information is set and stored for each issuer. Processing costs include various costs incurred by each issuer to provide payment methods. For example, processing costs may include system costs, card issuance costs, personnel costs, points, supplementary insurance, costs for various member services such as promotional services, printing and postage costs, payment brand costs, and costs related to fraud damage. For example, the amount of processing cost incurred per transaction for each issuer is calculated from the processing costs for a certain period and the number of transactions during that period. The information processing device 60 receives a request to set processing cost information from each issuer, for example. Alternatively, the information processing device 60 may accept the setting of processing cost information from an operator or the like who has calculated the processing cost based on the information from each issuer.

[0067] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for value calculation processing performed by the information processing device. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of value calculation processing. The algorithm for the processing shown in Figure 11 is stored as a program in the storage unit 62 of the information processing device 60 and is executed by the control unit 61.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing device 60 acquires transaction information (step S301). For example, the information processing device 60 acquires transaction information from the issuer system 50 according to a predetermined cycle, such as once a day. In this embodiment, an example in which the value calculation process is performed for each transaction is described, but it is not limited to this, and the value calculation process may be performed collectively for multiple transactions to which the same conditions apply. The transaction information may include store information, payment method identification information, transaction amount information, information indicating the content or form of the transaction, etc.

[0069] Next, the information processing device 60 obtains issuer fee information applicable to the transaction based on the transaction information obtained in step S301 (step S302). For example, the information processing device 60 identifies the type of business of the store where the transaction was performed based on the store information included in the transaction information and the store master stored in the storage unit 62. The information processing device 60 also identifies the payment brand and type of payment method used based on the card number included in the transaction information as payment method identification information and the determination table stored in the storage unit 62. The information processing device 60 also identifies the content or form of the transaction, the country of issue of the payment method, contract information with the store, etc., based on the transaction information. The information processing device 60 obtains issuer fee information for the transaction by referring to the issuer fee information stored in the storage unit 62 based on the identified information.

[0070] Next, the information processing device 60 refers to the processing cost information of each issuer stored in the storage unit 62 and obtains the processing cost information of the issuer that issued the settlement means used in the transaction (step S303).

[0071] Next, the information processing device 60 calculates the issuer fee for the transaction based on the transaction information obtained in step S301 and the issuer fee information obtained in step S302 (step S304). For example, the information processing device 60 can calculate the issuer fee by applying the IRF, or the ratio of merchant fee rate to revenue share, obtained in step S302, to the transaction amount.

[0072] Next, the information processing device 60 calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the issuer fee calculated in step S304 and the processing cost obtained in step S303 (step S305). Figure 12 shows the relationship between the transaction amount, the issuer fee as revenue for the issuer, and the value that can be returned to the user as the issuer's revenue minus the processing cost. The transaction amount is shown in a range from 1,000 yen to 3,000,000 yen, the IRF is shown in three cases: 0.60%, 1.20%, and 2.28%, and the processing cost is set at 200 yen per transaction.

[0073] For example, if the transaction amount is 50,000 yen, and the IRF is 0.60%, the issuer's profit will be 300 yen, and after deducting the processing cost of 200 yen, 100 yen is calculated as the value that can be returned to the user. In this case, the return rate to the user is 0.20%. On the other hand, even if the transaction amount is the same 50,000 yen, if the IRF is 2.28%, the issuer's profit will be 1,140 yen, and after deducting the processing cost of 200 yen, 940 yen is calculated as the value that can be returned to the user. In this case, the return rate to the user is a significant 1.88%.

[0074] Furthermore, if the transaction amount is 200,000 yen, and the IRF is 0.60%, the issuer's profit will be 1,200 yen, and after deducting the processing cost of 200 yen, 1,000 yen is calculated as the value that can be returned to the user. In this case, the return rate to the user is 0.50%. On the other hand, even if the transaction amount is the same 200,000 yen, if the IRF is 2.28%, the issuer's profit will be 4,560 yen, and after deducting the processing cost of 200 yen, 4,360 yen is calculated as the value that can be returned to the user. In this case, the return rate to the user is an even higher value of 2.18%.

[0075] On the other hand, if the transaction amount is 1,000 yen, and the IRF is 0.60%, the issuer's revenue will be 6 yen. After deducting the processing cost of 200 yen, the value that can be returned to the user is calculated as a negative value of -194 yen. In this case, the issuer will incur a loss in its business profit and loss, so in order to continue operations, the issuer will collect a value equivalent to 194 yen from the user. Also, even if the transaction amount is the same 1,000 yen, if the IRF is 2.28%, the issuer's revenue will be 23 yen. After deducting the processing cost of 200 yen, the value that can be returned to the user is calculated as a negative value of -177 yen. In this case, the issuer will incur a loss in its business profit and loss, so in order to continue operations, the issuer will collect a value equivalent to 177 yen from the user.

[0076] Furthermore, if the value that can be returned to the user becomes negative, the company may collect the value from the user as described above, or it may choose not to collect the value from the user and simply not return any value to the user, taking into consideration the relationship with the user. In addition, even when collecting value from the user, the amount collected may be reduced, or the collection may be waived if certain conditions such as the average usage price are met, and various adjustments may be made.

[0077] Furthermore, while the example in Figure 12 uses an IRF to explain how the issuer's revenue is calculated, the same process is carried out in a revenue-sharing model for merchant fees by subtracting processing costs from the calculated issuer's revenue.

[0078] Next, the information processing device 60 determines whether or not there is any further transaction information to be processed (step S306).

[0079] If there is more transaction information to process (step S306: YES), the information processing device 60 returns to the process in step S301 and repeats the processes in steps S301 to S305.

[0080] If there is no further transaction information to process (step S306: NO), the information processing device 60 outputs the value that can be returned to the customer, calculated in the processing of step S305 (step S307). For example, the information processing device 60 aggregates and outputs information indicating the value of the calculated value in any unit, such as per user or per payment method account. For example, the information processing device 60 may return the calculated value to the user as points or cashback. Alternatively, the information processing device 60 may output the calculated value by sending it to a pre-specified destination such as the issuer system 50 or the acquirer system 30. This allows the issuer, etc., to appropriately grasp the value that can be returned to the user. The issuer may return the value to the user by awarding points equivalent to the amount of the value that can be returned to the user, or by returning it to the user as cashback. In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which transaction information for a predetermined period is acquired and processed all at once, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 60 may calculate the value that can be returned to the user for each transaction and output the calculated value so that the user can view it each time.

[0081] Although an example of a payment system's processing has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0082] (modified version) In the above embodiment, we explained using an off-us transaction as an example, where the acquirer and issuer are different entities. However, the same processing is possible in on-us transactions where the acquirer and issuer are the same entity. This will be explained in detail below.

[0083] In on-us transactions, the acquirer and issuer are the same entity, so the issuer's revenue in a transaction can be considered identical to the acquirer's revenue. The acquirer's revenue in a transaction is the merchant fee. Therefore, in on-us transactions, the information processing device 60 uses the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), which is store fee information used to calculate the store fees that the store incurs in a transaction, instead of the IRF. In addition, in on-us transactions, the information processing device 60 obtains and uses information indicating the amount of processing cost incurred per transaction by the acquirer, in addition to the issuer's costs mentioned above, as processing costs. The acquirer's processing costs may include system costs, payment terminal costs, personnel costs, bank transfer fees, costs for various store services such as promotional services, printing and postage costs, payment brand costs, and costs related to fraud prevention. For example, the amount of processing cost incurred per transaction by the acquirer is calculated from the acquiring's processing costs over a certain period and the number of transactions during that period. The information processing device 60 may, for example, receive processing cost information from an acquirer and issuer conducting an on-us transaction. Alternatively, the information processing device 60 may receive processing cost information from an operator or the like who has calculated the processing cost based on the information from the acquirer and issuer.

[0084] Therefore, in the case of an on-us transaction, the information processing device 60 checks whether the MDR has been updated instead of the IRF in each process in Figure 9, and obtains and stores the latest MDR. Also, in the case of an on-us transaction, the information processing device 60 obtains and stores the processing cost information of the acquirer and issuer instead of the issuer's processing cost in each process in Figure 10. In the case of an on-us transaction, the information processing device 60 obtains the MDR applicable to the target transaction in step S302 of Figure 11, and obtains the processing cost of the acquirer and issuer that processes the transaction in step S303. Then, in step S304, the information processing device 60 calculates the merchant fee that will be the revenue of the acquirer and issuer, and in step S305, calculates the value that can be returned to the user by subtracting the processing cost from the merchant fee.

[0085] Furthermore, even in on-us transactions, if the issuer's revenue is clearly distinguished within the acquiring and issuer business, and the issuer can calculate its revenue based on issuer fee information, then the value that can be returned to the customer may be calculated based on the issuer fee and the issuer's processing costs.

[0086] Although an example of a payment system's processing has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0087] For example, in the above embodiment, prepaid payment was used as an example of a payment method, but the payment method is not limited to this. Payment methods include all payment methods such as debit card payments, prepaid card payments, electronic money payments, various code payments, various ID payments, convenience store payments, and deferred payments.

[0088] Furthermore, the program includes both face-to-face member stores that conduct face-to-face transactions with customers, and non-face-to-face member stores that conduct non-face-to-face transactions through various communication methods such as the internet, telephone, and written correspondence without face-to-face interaction with customers.

[0089] Depending on the payment method, the business structure and division of functions of the payment brand, payment method issuer, and acquirer may differ from the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, the payment brand and the payment method issuer may be the same business, the payment brand and the acquirer may be the same business, or the acquirer and the payment method issuer may be the same business. Even in such cases, the present invention can be applied in the same way as the embodiments described above by assigning the roles of each business to the acquirer and issuer.

[0090] For example, in the case of convenience store payment, the provider that offers the convenience store payment method is both the payment brand and the issuer that issues (provides) the payment method to the customer. In some cases, the provider itself enters into a merchant agreement with the store and becomes the acquirer, but in many cases, a payment processing company that can handle other payment methods as well enters into a merchant agreement with the provider, and the payment processing company then enters into a merchant agreement with the store. In this case, the payment processing company becomes the acquirer in this embodiment. The fee that the payment processing company pays to the provider, which is also the issuer, becomes the issuer fee. Therefore, even in the case of convenience store payment, the information processing device 60 can calculate the value that can be returned to the user based on the issuer fee information and the issuer's processing cost information. Furthermore, when the issuer and acquirer are the same company, the information processing device 60 can calculate the value that can be returned to the user based on the store fee information and the issuer / acquirer's processing cost information.

[0091] Furthermore, the same applies to post-payment settlements as to the convenience store payment settlement described above. The provider that offers the post-payment settlement method is both the payment brand and the issuer that issues (provides) the payment method to the customer. When a payment processing company concludes a merchant agreement with the provider, and the payment processing company concludes a merchant agreement with the store, the payment processing company becomes the acquirer in this embodiment. Therefore, even in the case of post-payment settlements, the information processing device 60 can calculate the value that can be returned to the user based on the issuer fee information and the issuer's processing cost information. Also, when the issuer and acquirer are the same company, the information processing device 60 can calculate the value that can be returned to the user based on the store fee information and the issuer / acquirer's processing cost information.

[0092] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described an example where the issuer fee information is a percentage set differently depending on the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, etc., it is not limited to this. For example, a uniform percentage may be set as the issuer fee information, or a fixed amount may be set instead of a percentage. Moreover, the issuer fee information may be set in stages according to the range of transaction amounts, and any arbitrary judgment conditions or calculation formulas, such as combinations of such amounts and percentages, may be set.

[0093] Furthermore, the payment system may include devices other than the store terminal 10, information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, issuer system 50, and information processing device 60, and may not include any of these components. Also, each of the store terminal 10, information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, issuer system 50, and information processing device 60 may include components other than those described above, and may not include some of the components described above.

[0094] Furthermore, the functions of each component may be implemented by other components. For example, some of the functions described as being provided by the information processing device 60 may be performed by other components such as the information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, and issuer system 50.

[0095] Furthermore, the store terminal 10, information processing center 20, acquirer system 30, payment brand system 40, issuer system 50, and information processing device 60 may each be composed of multiple devices or a single device.

[0096] Furthermore, the processing in the billing support system according to the above embodiment may include steps other than those in the flowchart above, or may not include some of the steps described above. Also, the order of the steps is not limited to the embodiment described above. Moreover, each step may be executed as a single step in combination with other steps, may be executed as part of other steps, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed.

[0097] As described above, the information processing device 60 of this embodiment obtains transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is store identification information, payment method identification information for identifying the payment method used by the customer, and amount information, which is transaction amount information. The information processing device 60 obtains issuer fee information, which is information for calculating the issuer fee paid to the issuer that provides the payment method to the customer in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction. The information processing device 60 obtains information indicating the processing cost for the issuer to process the transaction. Based on the payment method identification information included in the transaction information, the information processing device 60 identifies the issuer of the payment method used in the transaction, and calculates the issuer fee based on the issuer fee information of the identified issuer and the transaction information. Based on the calculated issuer fee and the obtained processing cost, the information processing device 60 calculates the value that can be returned to the customer. This makes it possible to calculate the value that can be returned to the customer who made the transaction based on the profit of the issuer that provides the payment method used in the transaction and the costs incurred by the issuer in the transaction. Therefore, it is possible to realize a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to both the provider of the payment method and the customer that uses the payment method. The above configuration makes it possible to continuously provide benefits to both the issuer's business and its customers, especially in off-us transactions where the acquirer and issuer are different entities.

[0098] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 obtains transaction information from the source of the transaction information, which includes store information, which is store identification information, payment method identification information for identifying the payment method used by the customer, and amount information, which is information on the transaction amount. The information processing device 60 obtains store fee information for calculating the store fee incurred by the store in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction. The information processing device 60 obtains information indicating the processing costs for the provider that provides the payment method to the store and the customer to process the transaction. The information processing device 60 calculates the store fee based on the obtained store fee information and the transaction information. The information processing device 60 calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the calculated store fee and the obtained processing costs. This makes it possible to calculate the value that can be returned to the customer who made the transaction based on the profit of the provider that provides the payment method used in the transaction and the costs incurred by the provider in the transaction. Therefore, it is possible to realize a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to both the provider of the payment method and the customer who uses the payment method. The above configuration makes it possible to continuously provide benefits to both the acquirer / issuer and its customers, especially in on-us transactions where the acquirer and issuer are the same entity.

[0099] For customers, using the payment method for high-value transactions or transactions at stores in industries with high commission rates, which increase the profits of the payment method provider, will result in larger amounts or percentages of points or cashback being returned to the customer in proportion to the provider's profits. When providing a payment method to a customer, the payment method provider can use the information processing device 60 of this embodiment to appropriately calculate the value that can be returned to the customer for each transaction and then return points or cashback to the customer. Therefore, the payment method provider can give customers a strong incentive to conduct high-value transactions or transactions at stores with high commission rates, thereby promoting the use of the payment method. In this way, the information processing device 60 of this embodiment makes it possible to continuously provide benefits to both the payment method provider and the customer using the payment method.

[0100] As mentioned above, the fees that constitute the revenue of payment method providers fluctuate depending on the transaction amount of each individual transaction. On the other hand, most of the costs for payment method providers are fixed costs that do not fluctuate with the transaction amount, such as system costs and personnel costs. Therefore, for providers, high-value transactions result in higher shopping fees and thus a profit, while low-value transactions result in lower shopping fees and thus a loss. In recent years, with the spread of cashless payments, cashless payment methods are being used not only for high-value transactions as before, but also for low-value transactions that occur on a daily basis. As a result, providers are facing the problem of an increasing proportion of low-value transactions that result in a loss, and their business profitability is deteriorating. Furthermore, in order to avoid the above problems, providers are being forced to take measures such as reducing various services that were offered to customers from the time of membership (so-called deterioration), or raising various fees related to card usage. This reduces the attractiveness of the payment method, and the problem of members canceling their memberships and other factors further worsening the business profitability of providers. According to the information processing device 60 of this embodiment, for each transaction conducted using the payment method, the profit and cost of the provider of the payment method are identified, and the value that can be returned to the customer is calculated. Therefore, while appropriately adjusting the income and expenses of the provider of the payment method for each transaction, an appropriate value can be returned to the customer according to the profit, making it possible to continuously provide benefits to both the provider of the payment method and the customer who uses the payment method.

[0101] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may calculate the value that can be returned to the customer by subtracting the acquired processing cost from the calculated fee. This makes it possible to realize a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to customers without burdening them, while ensuring that the provider of the payment method does not incur any losses.

[0102] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 may return the value to the customer if the calculated value is positive, or collect the value from the customer if it is negative. This makes it possible to realize a cashless payment method that can continuously provide benefits to customers without burdening them, as long as the provider of the payment method does not incur any losses. In addition, if the value is negative, by collecting the value from the customer, such as by deducting points equivalent to the value, it is possible to deter customers from engaging in transactions that do not generate much profit for the provider of the payment method. This makes it possible to encourage the use of the payment method in transactions that are highly profitable for the provider, thereby increasing the provider's profits and profit margins.

[0103] Furthermore, the payment method may be a prepaid payment method that customers charge in advance. This eliminates the need for payment method providers to raise funds to enable customers to pay later, assess customers' creditworthiness and ability to pay to grant credit, or incur losses on recoverable transactions. Therefore, payment method providers can reduce the risks and costs mentioned above, thereby lowering the processing costs required for transactions and increasing the value they can return to customers. Moreover, since prepaid payment methods can be used anonymously using only the payment method's identification information without associating them with the user's personal information, they are easy to issue and manage and can be widely used for purposes such as gifts. Prepaid payment methods can also be used in a way that associates them with the user's personal information and bank account information, and allows value to be charged from the bank account (such as charging based on user operation or auto-charging based on balance conditions). Therefore, it is possible to continuously provide significant benefits to both payment method providers and customers who use such payment methods.

[0104] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 returns value to the customer in the form of points or cashback. This allows the payment provider to return value to the customer in a way that is easier for the customer to understand and more beneficial, in proportion to the profit from the transaction.

[0105] Furthermore, issuer fee information indicates the percentage of the issuer fee relative to the transaction amount. This makes it easy to identify the issuer fee and calculate the value that can be passed on to the customer, for example, when the issuer fee is determined based on the IRF set by the payment brand.

[0106] Furthermore, issuer fee information is set according to at least one of the following: the payment brand operating the payment method, the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, the nature or form of the transaction, the country where the payment method is issued, and the contractual status between the payment method issuer and the store. This allows for the calculation of the value that can be passed on to customers using the issuer fee, even when the issuer fee fluctuates depending on the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, the nature or form of the transaction, the country where the payment method is issued, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, issuer fee information may also include information showing the ratio of the issuer fee to the merchant fee, which is calculated based on the transaction amount and a predetermined merchant fee rate. This makes it easy to identify the issuer fee and calculate the value that can be returned to the customer, even when the issuer fee is determined by a revenue-sharing method in which the acquirer and issuer share the merchant fee at a predetermined rate.

[0108] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 determines whether the store contract holder, who receives the store fees incurred by the store in the transaction, and the issuer are the same or different entities. If it is determined that the store contract holder and the issuer are different entities, the device calculates a value based on the issuer fee and processing costs. This allows for the appropriate calculation of the value that can be returned to the customer who made the transaction, based on the issuer's profit from the transaction and the costs incurred by the issuer in that transaction, in off-us transactions where the acquirer and issuer are different entities.

[0109] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 determines whether the store contract holder who receives the store fees incurred by the store in the transaction is the same as or different from the issuer. If the store contract holder and the issuer of the payment method are the same, it calculates a value based on the store fees and processing costs. This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the value that can be returned to the customer who made the transaction in an on-us transaction where the acquirer and issuer are the same, based on the profit of the acquirer / issuer in the transaction and the costs incurred by the business operator in the transaction.

[0110] Store fee information is information that shows the percentage of store fees relative to the transaction amount. This makes it easy to identify the profit of an acquirer / issuer in a given transaction based on, for example, the merchant fee rate agreed upon between the acquirer and the store, and to calculate the value that can be returned to the customer.

[0111] The means and methods for performing various processing tasks in each device of the system according to the above embodiment can be implemented by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as a standalone application software, or it may be incorporated into the software of each device of the system as a function of that device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 store terminals, 11 Control unit, 12 storage section, 13 Communications Department, 14 Display section, 15 Operation reception unit, 16 Reading unit, 20. Information Processing Center (PSP System), 21 Control unit, 22 Memory section, 23 Communications Department, 24 Display section, 25 Operation reception unit, 26 buses, 30 Acquirer Systems, 31 Control unit, 32 storage section, 33 Communications Department, 34 Display section, 35 Operation reception unit, 36 buses, 40 Payment Brand Systems, 41 Control unit, 42 Memory section, 43 Communications Department, 44 Display section, 45 Operation reception unit, 46 buses, 50 Issuer Systems, 51 Control unit, 52 Memory section, 53 Communications Department, 54 Display section, 55 Operation reception unit, 56 bus, 60 Information Processing Devices, 61 Control unit, 611 Transaction Information Acquisition Department, 612 Fee information acquisition unit, 613 Cost information acquisition unit, 614. Price Calculation Section, 615 Value Calculation Unit, 616 Value Processing Unit, 617 Judgment Department, 62 Memory section, 63 Communications Department, 64 Display section, 65 Operation reception unit, 66 bus.

Claims

1. A transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information from the source of said transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the payment method used by the customer in said transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount in said transaction. A fee information acquisition unit acquires issuer fee information, which is information for calculating the issuer fee to be paid to the issuer that provides the settlement means to the customer in connection with the use of the settlement means in the transaction, A cost information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the processing costs for the issuer to process the transaction, A fee calculation unit that identifies the issuer of the payment instrument used in the transaction based on the payment instrument identification information contained in the transaction information, and calculates the issuer fee based on the issuer fee information of the identified issuer and the transaction information, A value calculation unit calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the issuer fee calculated by the fee calculation unit and the processing cost acquired by the cost information acquisition unit. An information processing device having

2. A transaction information acquisition unit acquires transaction information from the source of said transaction information, which includes store information, which is the identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information, which is the identification information of the payment method used by the customer in said transaction; and amount information, which is the information of the transaction amount in said transaction. A fee information acquisition unit acquires store fee information for calculating the store fees that the store will incur in the transaction in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction, A cost information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the processing costs for a provider that provides the payment means to the store and the customer to process the transaction. A fee calculation unit calculates the store fee based on the store fee information obtained by the fee information acquisition unit and the transaction information, A value calculation unit calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the store charges calculated by the charge calculation unit and the processing costs acquired by the cost information acquisition unit. An information processing device having

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the value calculation unit calculates the value by subtracting the value of the processing cost obtained by the cost information acquisition unit from the value of the charge calculated by the charge calculation unit.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a value processing unit that, if the value calculated by the value calculation unit is a positive value, returns the value to the customer, and if it is a negative value, collects the value from the customer.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the payment means is a prepaid payment means that the customer pre-charges and uses.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the value processing unit returns the value to the customer as points or cashback.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the issuer fee information is information indicating the ratio of the issuer fee to the transaction amount.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the issuer fee information is set according to at least one of the following: a payment brand that operates a payment method, the type of business of the store, the type of payment method, the content or form of the transaction, the country of issue of the payment method, and the contractual status between the issuer of the payment method and the store.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the issuer fee information is information indicating the ratio of the issuer fee to the merchant fee calculated based on the transaction amount and a predetermined merchant fee rate.

10. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the store contract holder who receives the store fees borne by the store in the transaction is the same as or different from the issuer. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the value calculation unit calculates the value based on the issuer fee and the processing cost when the determination unit determines that the store contract holder and the issuer are different.

11. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the store contract holder who receives the store fees borne by the store in the transaction and the issuer who provides the payment method to the customer are the same or different. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the value calculation unit calculates the value based on the store charges and the processing costs when the store contract holder who receives the store charges borne by the store in the transaction is the same as the issuer of the payment method.

12. The information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the store charge information is information indicating the ratio of the store charge to the transaction amount.

13. A method of information processing performed by a computer, Transaction information acquisition step, in which the computer acquires transaction information from the source of said transaction information, which includes store information, which is identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information for identifying the payment method used by the customer in said transaction; and amount information, which is information on the transaction amount in said transaction. The computer obtains issuer fee information, which is information for calculating issuer fees to be paid to the issuer that provides the settlement means to the customer in connection with the use of the settlement means in the transaction. The cost information acquisition step involves the computer obtaining information from the issuer indicating the processing costs for the issuer to process the transaction. The computer identifies the issuer of the payment instrument used in the transaction based on the payment instrument identification information contained in the transaction information, and calculates the issuer fee based on the issuer fee information of the identified issuer and the transaction information, in a fee calculation step. The computer performs a value calculation step in which it calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the issuer fee calculated in the fee calculation step and the processing cost obtained in the cost information acquisition step, Information processing methods including

14. A method of information processing performed by a computer, Transaction information acquisition step, in which the computer acquires transaction information from the source of said transaction information, which includes store information, which is identification information of the store where the customer conducts the transaction; payment method identification information for identifying the payment method used by the customer in said transaction; and amount information, which is information on the transaction amount in said transaction. The computer obtains store charge information for calculating the store charges that the store will incur in the transaction in connection with the use of the payment method in the transaction, The cost information acquisition step involves the computer obtaining information from the provider indicating the processing cost for the provider to process the transaction, which provides the payment means to the store and the customer. The computer performs a fee calculation step in which it calculates the store fee based on the store fee information obtained in the fee information acquisition step and the transaction information, The computer performs a value calculation step in which it calculates the value that can be returned to the customer based on the store charges calculated in the fee calculation step and the processing costs obtained in the cost information acquisition step, Information processing methods including

15. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images