Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

We provide an information processing program and an information processing device that can support the purchase of financial products, etc. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's equipment related to at least one service; a calculation unit that calculates the purchase price based on the set amount and usage fee set by the user; and a purchase processing unit that purchases financial products based on the purchase price.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing program for assisting in the purchase of financial products and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various investment services such as services that set an investment amount according to usage fees such as public charges and conduct investments have been provided. On the other hand, liberalization has been carried out so that consumers can freely choose public service providers such as gas and electricity.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an investment system that withdraws the difference between the limit amount of the amount withdrawn from the user's financial account to the investment account and the usage fee of the user's mobile communication network into the user's investment account and transfers it to the account of the investment product selected by the user.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an investment system that, when receiving a bill for usage fees such as electricity, gas, and water for a customer from a business company system, pays the usage fees from a settlement investment account and conducts investments with the remaining amount after paying the usage fees.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] <管理番号

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the usage fee of the mobile communication network is obtained from the charging device of the system integrated with the investment device, since the source of the usage fee deduction is determined in advance, it cannot sufficiently respond to the liberalization of the selection of public service providers.

[0007] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, the investment system pays usage fees for electricity, gas, water, etc., but it is difficult to pay usage fees to various billing sources and cannot adequately respond to the liberalization of the choice of public utility service providers.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing program that can support the purchase of financial products, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's equipment related to at least one service; a calculation unit that calculates the purchase price based on the set amount and usage fee set by the user; and a purchase processing unit that purchases financial products based on the purchase price. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the embodiment, it is possible to support the purchase of financial products, etc. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, it is expected that the consumption of gas, electricity, etc. will decrease, thus contributing to the global environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overview view showing an example of the overall configuration of the purchasing support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the purchasing support service provided by the purchasing support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a purchasing support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the purchasing support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an overview of a modified example of the purchasing support service provided by the purchasing support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the processing performed by the purchasing support device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Embodiment) The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0013] (1) Overall configuration of the purchasing support system 1 Figure 1 is an overview view showing an example of the overall configuration of a purchasing support system 1 according to an embodiment. The purchasing support system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a purchasing support device 2, a user terminal 3, a business device 4, and a financial institution device 5. The purchasing support device 2, user terminal 3, business device 4, and financial institution device 5 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via a network NW. For example, the network NW is the internet. The network NW may include a wireless network or a wired network. Note that the purchasing support system 1 may also refer to a system that includes at least two of the devices among the purchasing support device 2, user terminal 3, business device 4, and financial institution device 5.

[0014] The purchasing support system 1 may include multiple user terminals 3. The configuration of the multiple user terminals may be the same as that of user terminal 3. The purchasing support system 1 may include multiple business equipment 4. The configuration of the multiple business equipment may be the same as that of business equipment 4. The purchasing support system 1 may include multiple financial institution equipment 5. The configuration of the multiple financial institution equipment may be the same as that of financial institution equipment 5.

[0015] The purchase support system 1 is, for example, a system for providing users with purchase support services from securities companies, etc. The purchase support service is, for example, a monthly installment investment service that purchases financial products based on a purchase setting amount predetermined by the user. Financial products include securities such as stocks. The purchase setting amount is, for example, the amount of installment investment used to purchase securities each month. The purchase support service automatically purchases financial products based on, for example, the purchase setting amount and the amount of service used specified by the user. For example, if the user sets the purchase setting amount to 30,000 yen and the amount of service used specified by the user to 10,000 yen, the purchase support service will purchase 20,000 yen worth of financial products. Automatic purchases include, for example, automatically purchasing a predetermined number of shares of a given stock for each set purchase setting amount. Automatic purchases may be executed, for example, on a specific day each month. The purchase setting amount may, for example, have an upper limit set per stock. In the following description, the purchase setting amount is also referred to as the set amount. The purchase support service is not limited to securities and may be a service that purchases various financial products.

[0016] Services include the sale of tangible goods such as products and the provision of services by businesses. Services are, for example, services in which usage fees are incurred at regular intervals, such as monthly. Usage fees may be a fixed amount for usage over a certain period. Usage fees may also vary depending on usage over a certain period. Businesses can be of any type. A business is, for example, a service provider that provides lifeline services such as gas and electricity. A business includes not only the business itself but also a group of businesses. A group of businesses is a group of services that are recognized as a chain. For example, a group of businesses is a group that operates stores using the same name. A group of businesses may also include franchisees in which a business is involved as a franchisor. A business may also be a billing business that charges users for the use of services. Procurement support system 1 is an example of an information processing system.

[0017] The purchase support device 2 is a device that collects data and processes the collected data. The device includes a computer. The purchase support device 2 is communicably connected to the user terminal 3, the business operator device 4, and the financial institution device 5 via the network NW. The purchase support device 2 receives various data from the user terminal 3, the business operator device 4, and the financial institution device 5, and outputs various data to the user terminal 3, the business operator device 4, and the financial institution device 5. The purchase support device 2 is an example of an information processing device. A configuration example of the purchase support device 2 will be described later.

[0018] The user terminal 3 is a device that can communicate with other devices. The user terminal 3 is a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal 3 is an example of an information processing terminal. The user terminal 3 accesses a service application or the like of the purchase support service to use the purchase support service.

[0019] The business operator device 4 is a device that collects data and processes the collected data. The device includes a computer. The business operator device 4 is communicably connected to the purchase support device 2, the user terminal 3, and the financial institution device 5 via the network NW. The business operator device 4 receives various data from the purchase support device 2, the user terminal 3, and the financial institution device 5, and outputs various data to the purchase support device 2, the user terminal 3, and the financial institution device 5. The business operator device 4 is a device used by a business operator related to the service specified by the user. The business operator device 4 calculates the usage fee for the service for the user of the user terminal 3 and bills the user of the user terminal 3 for the usage fee. The business operator device 4 may, for example, output a notification of the usage fee to the user terminal 3. The business operator device 4 bills the user of the user terminal 3 for the usage fee by any method.

[0020] The financial institution device 5 is a device that collects and processes data. The device includes a computer. The financial institution device 5 is communicatively connected to the purchase support device 2, user terminal 3, and business device 4 via a network NW. The financial institution device 5 receives various data from the purchase support device 2, user terminal 3, and financial institution device 5, and outputs various data to the purchase support device 2, user terminal 3, and business device 4. The financial institution device 5 is a device used by a financial institution designated by the user. The financial institution is a bank, etc. The financial institution device 5 manages the user's financial accounts. Financial accounts are, for example, bank accounts.

[0021] (2) Hardware configuration (2-1) Procurement support device 2 The purchasing support device 2 comprises a processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, a communication interface (I / F) 24, an input / output interface (I / F) 25, and a bus 26 connecting these. The processor 21 controls the operation of the entire purchasing support device 2. The processor 21 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to a general-purpose processor and may be a dedicated processor such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The memory 22 is the main memory and includes RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage 23 is the auxiliary memory and includes a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive). The communication interface 24 is a wired or wireless communication interface and is a module for communicating with devices such as the user terminal 3, the operator's equipment 4, and the financial institution's equipment 5 via the network NW. The network NW may include, for example, the Internet, and may also include access networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), mobile communication network, wired telephone network, FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and CATV (Community Antenna Television) network. The input / output interface 25 takes in input data from external devices and outputs output data to external devices.

[0022] (3) Overview of Procurement Support Services Figure 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the purchasing support service provided by the purchasing support system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0023] Customers (users) of the purchasing support service configure their purchasing settings from the purchasing support service platform provided by the purchasing support device 2. For example, a customer logs in to the purchasing support service application using user terminal 3. The purchasing support device 2 manages the customer's user information based on the customer's user ID. The user ID is information that uniquely identifies a user of the purchasing support service. The user ID is an example of user identification information. The customer configures their purchasing settings on the service application. The purchasing settings include setting the purchase amount. The purchasing settings include specifying services to associate with the purchasing support service. Services associated with the purchasing support service are also called specified services. The customer specifies at least one service. Specifying a service includes specifying the service provider involved in that service. Service providers involved in a service include service providers that provide the service. Service providers involved in a service may also be billing businesses that charge for the use of the service. The billing business may be the same business as the service provider or a different business. Service providers involved in a service manage the customer's service usage fees. Service providers involved in a service are also called service providers. The service provider for the designated service is also called the designated service provider. The purchase setting includes setting up a financial institution account from which the purchase amount will be withdrawn. The purchase support device 2 performs an automatic transfer to withdraw the purchase amount from the designated financial institution account based on the user's designation. The financial institution designated by the user is also called the designated financial institution. Withdrawing the purchase amount includes moving the purchase amount from the designated financial institution account to the purchase account. The purchase account is the user's account managed by the purchase support device 2. The purchase account is the account that manages the user's funds used to purchase financial products. The purchase account is a different account from the designated financial institution account. The purchase setting may also include financial product setting, which specifies the financial products to be purchased.

[0024] Figure 2 shows the flow of the purchase support service when a customer sets up a purchase using user terminal 3 in April. In the following explanation, the customer is assumed to be the user of user terminal 3. User terminal 3 performs purchase settings based on user operations (S1). User terminal 3 obtains information indicating the set amount based on the set amount entered by the user. In this example, the set amount is assumed to be "30,000 yen". User terminal 3 obtains information identifying the specified service based on the specified service entered by the user. The information identifying the specified service may also be information identifying the service provider of the specified service. The information identifying the specified service includes, for example, information that can identify the specified service provider. Information that can identify the specified service provider is, for example, a service provider ID. The information identifying the specified service may also include user identification information managed by the specified service provider. User identification information is, for example, a service user ID. The service user ID is information that can uniquely identify a user at the service provider of the specified service. The service user ID is an example of user identification information. In this example, it is assumed that an electric utility company is set as the specified service. User terminal 3 transmits information regarding purchase settings to purchase support device 2. The information regarding purchase settings includes information indicating the set amount and information identifying the specified service. User terminal 3 may acquire information identifying the account at the designated financial institution based on the user's financial institution account settings. The account at the designated financial institution is also called the designated account. The user may update the purchase settings at any time. The user may also select at least one of the lifeline service providers, such as an electricity company or a gas company, as the designated service.

[0025] The purchasing support device 2 receives information regarding purchasing settings from the user terminal 3 (S2). In the following description, "receive" may be read as "get" or "acquire". Based on the information indicating the setting amount, the purchasing support device 2 sets the setting amount for each user. In this example, the purchasing support device 2 sets the user's setting amount to "30,000 yen". The purchasing support device 2 saves the setting amount for each user.

[0026] The purchasing support device 2 performs user linkage with the designated service provider based on the user's specification (S3). User linkage includes setting up the designated service. Setting up the designated service includes saving the designated service for each user. User linkage includes notifying the service provider of the designated service of the person to be linked. The person to be linked is, for example, the user of user terminal 3. The purchasing support device 2 outputs, for example, user identification information to the service provider's device 4. The purchasing support device 2 may also output the user ID to the device 4. The purchasing support device 2 may also output the service user ID of the designated service to the device 4. In the following description, "output" may be read as "transmit".

[0027] The business device 4 determines the target user for integration based on the user identification information obtained from the purchasing support device 2 (S4). In this example, the business device 4 sets the user of user terminal 3 as the target user for integration. The business device 4 saves the information of the target user for integration.

[0028] The service provider's device 4 calculates the service usage fee for the linked user in April (S5). For example, the service provider's device 4 calculates the electricity usage fee based on information such as the meter reading results. The service provider's device 4 finalizes the usage fee (S6). For example, the service provider's device 4 finalizes the usage fee on a predetermined day each month. In this example, the service provider's device 4 finalizes the usage fee to 10,000 yen. The service provider's device 4 bills the linked user for the usage fee (S7). For example, the service provider's device 4 outputs information indicating the usage fee to the user terminal 3. The service provider's device 4 may also notify the user of the user terminal 3 of the usage fee information by any method of its choosing.

[0029] The user of user terminal 3 receives an invoice for service usage fees from the service provider of the designated service. User terminal 3 makes payment of the usage fees based on the invoice (S8). User terminal 3 may also make payment of the usage fees by electronic payment. In addition to electronic payment, the user of user terminal 3 may also make payment of the usage fees by credit card, bank transfer, or payment slip. For example, the user of user terminal 3 makes payment of the usage fees within the specified period from the day after the meter reading date. In this example, the user of user terminal 3 receives an invoice for April's usage fees at the end of April. The user of user terminal 3 makes payment of April's usage fees at any time until the end of May.

[0030] The business device 4 exchanges data with the purchasing support device 2 regarding service usage fees (S9). For example, the business device 4 outputs information to the purchasing support device 2 indicating the service usage fees for the linked user in April. The business device 4 may also output information indicating usage fees to the purchasing support device 2 when the usage fees for the linked user are finalized. The business device 4 may also output information indicating user usage fees to the purchasing support device 2 on a specific day each month. The business device 4 may also output information indicating usage fees to the purchasing support device 2 based on a usage fee request from the purchasing support device 2. A usage fee request may include, for example, a usage fee request command that requests the usage fees for the linked user. A usage fee request command may include, for example, information that can identify the linked user. The information that can identify the linked user may be a user ID. The information that can identify the linked user may be a service user ID for a specified service. The information that can identify the linked user is an example of user identification information. In this example, the business device 4 outputs information to the purchasing support device 2 indicating the user's usage fee for April, which is "10,000 yen".

[0031] The purchasing support device 2 obtains information indicating the usage fee for the designated service from the service provider of the designated service specified by the user. In this example, the purchasing support device 2 obtains information indicating the user's usage fee for April, which is "10,000 yen".

[0032] The purchase support device 2 performs the purchase process (S10). The purchase process may be an automated purchase in which the purchase support device 2 automatically purchases financial products on the purchase execution date based on the user's settings. For example, the purchase support device 2 calculates the purchase amount by subtracting the amount used for the specified service from the amount set by the user. In this example, the purchase amount is calculated to be "20,000 yen," which is the amount obtained by subtracting the amount used for the specified service (10,000 yen) from the set amount (30,000 yen). The purchase support device 2 saves the purchase amount.

[0033] The purchase support device 2 requests a withdrawal of the purchase amount from the user's designated bank account (S11). For example, the purchase support device 2 outputs the withdrawal request to the designated bank's financial institution device 5. The withdrawal request is, for example, a withdrawal request command. The withdrawal request command includes user identification information, information identifying the designated bank account, and information indicating the purchase amount.

[0034] Financial institution device 5 processes the transfer of the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account to the user's purchase account. For example, financial institution device 5 withdraws the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account based on the withdrawal request. Financial institution device 5 deposits the purchase amount into the purchase account. In this example, financial institution device 5 withdraws 20,000 yen from the designated financial institution account and deposits 20,000 yen into the user's purchase account. Note that financial institution device 5 does not perform the transfer process if the balance in the designated financial institution account is less than the purchase amount (insufficient balance).

[0035] Purchase support device 2 receives the purchase amount from the designated financial institution's account. Based on the received purchase amount, purchase support device 2 purchases financial products. In this example, purchase support device 2 purchases financial products worth the purchase amount (20,000 yen). If the designated financial institution's account has insufficient funds and the transfer process is not performed by financial institution device 5, purchase support device 2 will not purchase the financial products.

[0036] The purchase support device 2 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result (S12). For example, the purchase support device 2 outputs a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3. The purchase result notification may include information indicating the purchase amount. The purchase result notification may also include information indicating whether a purchase was made. In this example, the purchase support device 2 may output a notification to the user terminal 3 indicating that a purchase of 20,000 yen has been made.

[0037] Based on the data exchange from the business device 4 regarding the service usage fees for May, the purchase support device 2 performs the same processing as in S10-S12. For example, the business device 4 outputs information to the purchase support device 2 indicating the service usage fees (5,000 yen) for the linked customer in May. The purchase support device 2 calculates the purchase amount as "25,000 yen," which is the amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee for the designated service (5,000 yen) from the set amount (30,000 yen). The purchase support device 2 debits the purchase amount of "25,000 yen" from the financial institution device 5 of the designated financial institution. The purchase support device 2 purchases financial products worth the purchase amount of "25,000 yen." The purchase support device 2 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result.

[0038] In this way, the purchase support device 2 calculates the purchase amount for the following month based on the monthly usage fee for the designated service, and then performs the process of purchasing financial products based on the calculated purchase amount.

[0039] Furthermore, if the user updates the set amount, the purchase support device 2 will calculate the purchase amount based on the updated set amount.

[0040] (4) Functional configuration (4-1) Procurement support device 2 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the purchasing support device 2 according to this embodiment. The purchasing support device 2 of this embodiment includes a control unit 200 and a storage unit 210 as its functional configuration.

[0041] (4-1-1) Storage section 210 The storage unit 210 includes a user information storage unit 211. The storage unit 210 may be implemented by storage 23. Here, an example is described in which the purchasing support device 2 includes a user information storage unit 211, but the user information storage unit 211 may be included in a device other than the purchasing support device 2.

[0042] The user information storage unit 211 is a storage unit for centrally storing and maintaining user information. User information includes user information for each user of the purchasing support service. User information includes information such as user identification information, attribute information, purchasing setting information, and purchasing account information. User identification information is information that can uniquely identify a user. User identification information is, for example, a user ID. Attribute information includes personal information. Personal information may include information such as name, age, gender, occupation, and family structure. Attribute information may also include the user's point information. Points are, for example, points awarded to the user in accordance with the use of the service. Personal information may also include the user's contact information. Contact information is, for example, the user's telephone number and email address.

[0043] Purchase setting information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the set amount, information indicating the designated service provider, and information indicating the transfer method. The information indicating the set amount is information indicating the set amount set by the user. The information indicating the designated service provider is information indicating the service provider that is linked to the purchase support service set by the user. The information indicating the designated service provider is, for example, information that identifies the designated service, or user identification information managed by the designated service provider. The information that identifies the designated service is, for example, a service provider ID. The user identification information managed by the designated service provider is, for example, a service user ID. The information indicating the designated service provider includes information indicating at least one designated service provider. The user may designate one service as a designated service, or multiple services as designated services.

[0044] Information indicating the transfer method is information indicating the method of depositing funds into the purchase account. Methods of depositing funds into the purchase account include, for example, direct debit, user transfer, and deposit. If the method of depositing funds into the purchase account is direct debit, the information indicating the transfer method includes information indicating the designated financial institution. Information indicating the designated financial institution includes information identifying the designated financial institution and information identifying the account at the designated financial institution. Information identifying the designated financial institution includes, for example, the name of the designated financial institution and the branch name. Information identifying the account at the designated financial institution is, for example, the account number of the account at the designated financial institution.

[0045] Purchase account information includes information that identifies the purchase account. This information, for example, is the account number of the purchase account. Purchase settings information may be updated based on user settings.

[0046] User information may include information indicating purchase history. Purchase history includes information indicating purchase results. Purchase results may include information indicating the purchase amount, whether a purchase was made, and the date the purchase was executed. Purchase results may also include information indicating the financial instruments purchased. The user information storage unit 211 can be updated whenever the information contained in the user information is updated.

[0047] (4-1-2) Control Unit 200 The control unit 200 functions as a setting unit 201, an acquisition unit 202, a calculation unit 203, a purchase processing unit 204, and a notification processing unit 205, as the processor 21 executes a program stored in the memory 22.

[0048] The setting unit 201 performs the user's purchase setting process. The purchase setting process includes setting the set amount. Based on the user's operation, the setting unit 201 obtains information indicating the set amount from the user terminal 3. The setting unit 201 stores the information indicating the set amount in the user information storage unit 211. The purchase setting process includes setting the specified service. Based on the user's operation, the setting unit 201 obtains information identifying the specified service from the user terminal 3. The setting unit 201 stores the information identifying the specified service in the user information storage unit 211. The purchase setting process includes setting the transfer method. Based on the user's operation, the setting unit 201 obtains information indicating the transfer method from the user terminal 3. The setting unit 201 stores the information indicating the transfer method in the user information storage unit 211.

[0049] The configuration unit 201 communicates with the designated service provider and the user. For example, the configuration unit 201 outputs user identification information to the service provider's equipment 4 via the communication interface 24.

[0050] The acquisition unit 202 acquires information from the carrier equipment 4 via the communication interface 24 that indicates the usage fee for at least one designated service specified by the user. The acquisition unit 202 may acquire information indicating the usage fee for each designated service from different carrier equipment 4. For example, the acquisition unit 202 may acquire information indicating the usage fee from the carrier equipment 4 on a specific day each month. The acquisition unit 202 may acquire information indicating the usage fee for the previous month from the carrier equipment 4. The acquisition unit 202 may store the information indicating the usage fee in the user information storage unit 211.

[0051] The calculation unit 203 calculates the purchase price based on the set amount set by the user and the usage fee for the specified service. The calculation unit 203 calculates the purchase price as the amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee for the specified service from the set amount.

[0052] The purchase processing unit 204 performs the purchase process. For example, the purchase processing unit 204 purchases financial instruments based on the purchase amount. The purchase processing unit 204 may purchase a predetermined financial instrument. The predetermined financial instrument is, for example, shares of a security specified by the user. The predetermined financial instrument may be a financial instrument selected by the purchase processing unit 204 according to the purchase amount.

[0053] The purchase processing unit 204 debits the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account. The purchase processing unit 204 outputs a debit request to the financial institution equipment 5 of the designated financial institution, for example. The debit request may include a debit request command. The purchase processing unit 204 obtains a notification from the financial institution equipment 5 indicating whether the debit is possible. The notification indicating whether the debit is possible may be, for example, a notification indicating whether the purchase amount can be debited from the user's designated financial institution account. The notification indicating whether the debit is possible may also be a notification indicating whether the balance in the user's designated financial institution account is equal to or greater than the purchase amount. If the purchase processing unit 204 can debit the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account, it debits the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account. The purchase processing unit 204 may receive the deposit of the purchase amount into the purchase account from the financial institution equipment 5.

[0054] The purchase processing unit 204 may determine whether to debit the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account based on a notification indicating whether the debit is possible. If the notification indicating whether the debit is possible indicates that the debit is possible, the purchase processing unit 204 will debit the amount from the designated financial institution account. If the notification indicating whether the debit is possible indicates that the debit is not possible, the purchase processing unit 204 will not debit the amount from the designated financial institution account.

[0055] The purchase processing unit 204 performs the process of purchasing financial instruments based on the purchase amount. The purchase processing unit 204 performs settlement processing for the purchase of financial instruments for the purchase amount from the purchase account. Settlement processing includes, for example, updating the balance of the purchase account.

[0056] The notification processing unit 205 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result via the communication interface 24. The notification processing unit 205 outputs a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3, for example.

[0057] (5) Processing procedure of the purchasing support device 2 An example of the processing procedure of the purchasing support device 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the purchasing support device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0058] The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0059] In the following process, the user will configure purchase settings using user terminal 3. For example, the user logs in to a service application that provides purchase support services on user terminal 3. The user inputs purchase setting information via the input device of user terminal 3 according to the service application. User terminal 3 outputs the purchase setting information to purchase support device 2. Purchase support device 2 acquires purchase setting information for each user. Purchase support device 2 stores the purchase setting information for each user in user information storage unit 211.

[0060] The following processes are to be performed, for example, on a specific day each month. The specific day may be, for example, the day on which the purchasing support device 2 obtains information indicating the usage fee for the designated service from the business device 4. The specific day may be a day set in advance by the management of the purchasing support service, etc. The usage fee for the designated service may be, for example, the usage fee for the designated service in the previous month. The specific day may be, for example, the purchase execution day.

[0061] In the following process, the user is assumed to be a user of the purchasing support service. The user is a user who uses user terminal 3.

[0062] The control unit 200 of the purchasing support device 2 acquires the set amount (step S101). The processing in step S101 may also be performed by the setting unit 201 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S101, for example, the control unit 200 acquires user information from the user information storage unit 211. Based on the user information, the control unit 200 acquires information indicating the set amount.

[0063] The control unit 200 obtains information from the service provider's equipment 4 via the communication interface 24 indicating the usage fee for at least one designated service specified by the user (step S102). The processing in step S102 may also be performed by the acquisition unit 202 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S102, for example, the control unit 200 obtains information from the service provider's equipment 4 of the designated service provider indicating the usage fee for the user's designated service for a certain period. The control unit 200 may, for example, obtain information from the service provider's equipment 4 indicating the user's usage fee for the previous month. The control unit 200 may, for example, output a usage fee request command to the service provider's equipment 4 of the designated service provider. The control unit 200 may obtain information indicating the usage fee for the user's designated service as a response to the usage fee request command. The control unit 200 may also obtain information indicating the usage fee for the user's designated service transmitted from the service provider's equipment 4 on the purchase execution date. The control unit 200 may obtain information indicating the usage fees for multiple designated services from multiple service provider equipment 4. The control unit 200 may also acquire information indicating the usage fee for the specified service stored in the user information storage unit 211.

[0064] The control unit 200 calculates the purchase price based on the set amount and the usage fee for the specified service (step S103). The process in step S103 may also be performed by the calculation unit 203 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S103, for example, the control unit 200 calculates the purchase price by subtracting the usage fee for the specified service from the set amount. If the control unit 200 obtains information indicating the usage fees for multiple specified services, it may calculate the purchase price by subtracting the total usage fees for multiple specified services from the set amount.

[0065] The control unit 200 determines whether the purchase amount can be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account (step S104). The processing in step S104 may also be carried out by the purchase processing unit 204 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S104, for example, the control unit 200 outputs a withdrawal request to the financial institution equipment 5 of the designated financial institution. The control unit 200 may output a withdrawal request command to the financial institution equipment 5. The control unit 200 outputs information indicating the purchase amount to the financial institution equipment 5. The control unit 200 obtains a notification from the financial institution equipment 5 indicating whether the withdrawal is possible as a response to the withdrawal request. Based on the notification indicating whether the withdrawal is possible, the control unit 200 determines whether the purchase amount can be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account.

[0066] If the notification indicating whether a withdrawal is possible indicates that a withdrawal is possible, the control unit 200 determines that the purchase amount can be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account. Being able to withdraw means that the balance in the user's designated financial institution account is equal to or greater than the purchase amount. If the notification indicating whether a withdrawal is possible indicates that a withdrawal is not possible, the control unit 200 determines that the purchase amount cannot be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account. Being unable to withdraw means that the balance in the user's designated financial institution account is less than the purchase amount.

[0067] If the purchase amount can be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account (Step S104: YES), the process transitions from Step S104 to Step S105. If the purchase amount cannot be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account (Step S104: NO), the process transitions from Step S104 to Step S107. In this case, the control unit 200 does not withdraw the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account.

[0068] The control unit 200 withdraws the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account based on the fact that the purchase amount can be withdrawn from the user's designated financial institution account (step S105). The process in step S105 may also be performed by the purchase processing unit 204 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S105, for example, the control unit 200 transfers the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account to the user's purchase account. The control unit 200 performs the process of moving the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account to the user's purchase account. The control unit 200 may withdraw the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account and deposit the purchase amount into the user's purchase account. Alternatively, the control unit 200 may deposit the purchase amount into the user's purchase account based on a transfer by the user. In this case, the control unit 200 may, for example, output information indicating the purchase amount to the user terminal 3. The user of user terminal 3 deposits the purchase amount into their purchase account based on information indicating the purchase amount. The control unit 200 may update the balance of the user's purchase account based on the user's transfer.

[0069] The control unit 200 purchases financial instruments based on the purchase amount (step S106). The process in step S106 may also be carried out by the purchase processing unit 204 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S106, for example, the control unit 200 purchases predetermined financial instruments for the purchase amount. The control unit 200 may update the balance of the user's purchase account based on the purchase of financial instruments.

[0070] The control unit 200 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result via the communication interface 24 (step S107). The processing in step S107 may also be carried out by the notification processing unit 205 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S107, for example, the control unit 200 outputs a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3. The purchase result notification may include information indicating whether or not a purchase was made. The purchase result notification may also include information indicating the purchase amount. The purchase result notification may include a message such as, "A purchase of financial product YY worth XX million yen has been made." If the control unit 200 did not make a purchase of the financial product, the purchase result notification may include a message such as, "The purchase was not made," or "The balance in the designated financial institution's account was insufficient."

[0071] In this example, the purchase support device 2 can vary the purchase amount within a set range according to the usage fees of the services specified by the user. The user can vary the purchase amount based on the usage fees of the services they specify from among a variety of services. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can provide purchase support that meets the user's needs. The purchase support device 2 can cooperate with various service providers as specified by the user. Furthermore, the purchase support device 2 can provide purchase support from calculating the purchase amount to purchasing the financial product within the set range. Therefore, the user does not need to perform any processing related to executing the purchase according to the purchase amount. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can improve the user's convenience when purchasing financial products.

[0072] Furthermore, users can set the usage fees for public services such as gas and electricity as designated services. The purchase support device 2 allows users to purchase financial products with the amount saved by reducing their use of these services. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can encourage users to limit their use of gas, electricity, etc., and provide support for purchasing financial products that contribute to the global environment.

[0073] Furthermore, the purchase support device 2 can deduct the purchase amount according to the balance in the designated financial institution account. The purchase support device 2 will not deduct the purchase amount if the balance in the designated financial institution account is insufficient. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can simplify the process related to the deduction of the purchase amount. Since the purchase amount is deducted according to the balance in the designated financial institution account, the user's fund management becomes easier.

[0074] Furthermore, the purchase support device 2 can output a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3. Based on the purchase result notification, the user can recognize the purchase amount, which fluctuates monthly according to the amount of service used. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can improve the convenience of the user's fund management. If a purchase is not made, the purchase support device 2 can output a notification to the user terminal 3 indicating that the purchase was not made. Based on the purchase result notification, the user can also easily manage their account at the designated financial institution.

[0075] (6) Variant The above example describes a case where the purchase support device 2 transfers the purchase amount from an account at a designated financial institution to make a purchase, but it is not limited to this. The purchase support device 2 may also make a purchase based on funds deposited in advance by the user into the purchase account. These funds refer to, for example, funds that have been deposited in advance into the user's purchase account. Depositing funds into the purchase account is also referred to as transferring funds to the purchase account. The following example describes a case where the purchasing support device 2 makes a purchase based on the deposit.

[0076] (6-1) Overview of variations of the purchasing support service Figure 5 shows an overview of a modified example of the purchasing support service provided by the purchasing support system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0077] Customers (users) of the purchasing support service configure their purchasing settings from the purchasing support service platform provided by the purchasing support device 2, similar to the purchasing support service shown in Figure 2. For example, the customer uses the user terminal 3 to set the purchase amount and specify the service.

[0078] Figure 5 shows the flow of the purchase support service when a customer uses user terminal 3 to set up a purchase in April. In the following explanation, the customer is assumed to be the user of user terminal 3.

[0079] User terminal 3, similar to S1, performs purchase settings based on user operations (S201). User terminal 3 obtains information indicating the set amount based on the set amount entered by the user. In this example, the set amount is assumed to be "30,000 yen". User terminal 3 obtains information identifying the designated service based on the designated service entered by the user. In this example, it is assumed that an electricity provider is set as the designated service. User terminal 3 transmits information regarding the purchase settings to the purchase support device 2. The information regarding the purchase settings includes information indicating the set amount and information identifying the designated service. The user may update the purchase settings at any time. The user may also select at least one of the lifeline service providers, such as an electricity provider or a gas provider, as the designated service.

[0080] The purchasing support device 2, similar to S2, receives information regarding purchasing settings from the user terminal 3 (S202). Based on the information indicating the setting amount, the purchasing support device 2 sets the setting amount for each user. In this example, the purchasing support device 2 sets the user's setting amount to "30,000 yen". The purchasing support device 2 saves the setting amount for each user.

[0081] The purchasing support device 2, similar to S3, performs user communication with the designated service provider based on the user's specifications (S203). The purchasing support device 2 outputs, for example, user identification information to the service provider's device 4. The purchasing support device 2 may also output the user ID to the device 4. The purchasing support device 2 may also output the service user ID of the designated service to the device 4.

[0082] The business device 4, similar to S4, determines the target user for integration based on the user identification information obtained from the purchasing support device 2 (S204). In this example, the business device 4 sets the user of user terminal 3 as the target user for integration. The business device 4 saves the information of the target user for integration.

[0083] The user of user terminal 3 deposits funds into their purchase account at any time prior to a specific date. User terminal 3 outputs information about the deposit to the purchase support device 2 (S205). For example, based on the user's operation, user terminal 3 outputs a deposit instruction to the purchase support device 2 to deposit the funds into the purchase account. The deposit instruction is, for example, a deposit command. The deposit command includes information that identifies the user's purchase account and information such as the amount of the deposit.

[0084] The service provider's device 4 calculates the service usage fee for the linked user in April, similar to S5 (S206). For example, the service provider's device 4 calculates the electricity usage fee based on information such as the meter reading results. The service provider's device 4 determines the usage fee, similar to S6 (S207). For example, the service provider's device 4 determines the usage fee on a predetermined day each month. The service provider's device 4 determines the usage fee to be 10,000 yen. The service provider's device 4 bills the linked user for the usage fee, similar to S7 (S208). For example, the service provider's device 4 outputs information indicating the usage fee to the user terminal 3. The service provider's device 4 may also notify the user of the user terminal 3 of the usage fee information by any method of its choosing.

[0085] The user of user terminal 3 receives an invoice for service usage fees from the service provider of the designated service. User terminal 3 makes payment of the usage fees based on the invoice, similar to S8 (S209).

[0086] The business device 4, similar to S9, exchanges data with the purchasing support device 2 regarding service usage fees (S210). For example, the business device 4 outputs information to the purchasing support device 2 indicating the service usage fees for the linked user in April. The business device 4 may also output information indicating the usage fees to the purchasing support device 2 when the usage fees for the linked user are finalized. The business device 4 may also output information indicating the user's usage fees to the purchasing support device 2 on a specific day each month. The business device 4 may also output information indicating the usage fees to the purchasing support device 2 based on a usage fee request from the purchasing support device 2. In this example, the business device 4 outputs information to the purchasing support device 2 indicating the user's usage fee for April, which is "10,000 yen".

[0087] The purchasing support device 2 obtains information indicating the usage fee for the designated service from the service provider of the designated service specified by the user. In this example, the purchasing support device 2 obtains information indicating the user's usage fee for April, which is "10,000 yen".

[0088] The purchase support device 2 performs the purchase process (S211). The purchase process may be an automated purchase in which the purchase support device 2 automatically purchases financial products on the purchase execution date based on the user's settings. For example, the purchase support device 2 calculates the purchase amount by subtracting the amount used for the specified service from the amount set by the user. In this example, the purchase amount is calculated to be "20,000 yen," which is the amount obtained by subtracting the amount used for the specified service (10,000 yen) from the set amount (30,000 yen). The purchase support device 2 saves the purchase amount.

[0089] The purchasing support device 2 debits the purchase amount from the user's purchasing account (S212). For example, the purchasing support device 2 deducts the purchase amount from the balance in the user's purchasing account. The purchasing support device 2 may also deduct the purchase amount from the balance in the user's purchasing account based on a debit request command. The debit request command includes user identification information, information identifying the purchasing account, and information indicating the purchase amount. If the balance in the purchasing account is less than the purchase amount (insufficient balance), the debit process will not be performed.

[0090] The purchase support device 2 purchases financial products based on the purchase amount. The purchase support device 2 purchases the specified financial products up to the purchase amount from the deposit amount that has been pre-deposited in the user's purchase account. In this example, the purchase support device 2 purchases financial products worth 20,000 yen. If the balance of the deposit in the purchase account is less than the purchase amount, the purchase support device 2 will not purchase the financial products.

[0091] The purchase support device 2 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result, similar to S12 (S213). For example, the purchase support device 2 outputs a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3. The purchase result notification may include information indicating the purchase amount. The purchase result notification may also include information indicating whether a purchase was made. In this example, the purchase support device 2 may output a notification to the user terminal 3 indicating that a purchase of 20,000 yen has been made.

[0092] Based on the data exchange from the business device 4 regarding the service usage fees for May, the purchase support device 2 performs the same processing as in S210-S213. For example, business device 4 outputs information to the purchase support device 2 indicating the service usage fees (5,000 yen) for the linked user in May. The purchase support device 2 calculates the purchase amount as "25,000 yen," which is the amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee for the specified service (5,000 yen) from the set amount (30,000 yen). The purchase support device 2 deducts the purchase amount of "25,000 yen" from the purchase account. The purchase support device 2 purchases financial products worth "25,000 yen" from the funds in the purchase account. The purchase support device 2 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result.

[0093] In this manner, the purchase support device 2 calculates the purchase amount for the following month based on the monthly usage fee for the designated service, and then processes the purchase of financial products from the deposit based on the calculated purchase amount.

[0094] Furthermore, if the user updates the set amount, the purchase support device 2 will calculate the purchase amount based on the updated set amount.

[0095] (6-2) Processing procedure of the purchasing support device 2 An example of the processing procedure of the purchasing support device 2 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the processing performed by the purchasing support device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0096] The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0097] In the following process, the user will configure purchase settings using user terminal 3. For example, the user logs in to a service application that provides purchase support services on user terminal 3. The user inputs purchase setting information via the input device of user terminal 3 according to the service application. User terminal 3 outputs the purchase setting information to purchase support device 2. Purchase support device 2 acquires purchase setting information for each user. Purchase support device 2 stores the purchase setting information for each user in user information storage unit 211.

[0098] The following processes are to be performed, for example, on a specific day each month. The specific day may be, for example, the day on which the purchasing support device 2 obtains information indicating the usage fee for the designated service from the business device 4. The specific day may be a day set in advance by the management of the purchasing support service, etc. The usage fee for the designated service may be, for example, the usage fee for the designated service in the previous month. The specific day may be, for example, the purchase execution day.

[0099] In the following process, the user is assumed to be a user of the purchasing support service. The user is a user who uses user terminal 3.

[0100] The control unit 200 of the purchasing support device 2 acquires the set amount (step S301), similar to step S101. The processing in step S301 may also be performed by the setting unit 201 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S301, for example, the control unit 200 acquires user information from the user information storage unit 211. Based on the user information, the control unit 200 acquires information indicating the set amount.

[0101] The control unit 200, similar to step S102, obtains information from the service provider's equipment 4 via the communication interface 24 indicating the usage fee for at least one designated service specified by the user (step S302). The processing in step S302 may also be performed by the acquisition unit 202 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S302, for example, the control unit 200 obtains information from the service provider's equipment 4 of the designated service provider indicating the usage fee for the user's designated service for a certain period. The control unit 200 may, for example, obtain information from the service provider's equipment 4 indicating the user's usage fee for the previous month. The control unit 200 may, for example, output a usage fee request command to the service provider's equipment 4 of the designated service provider. The control unit 200 may obtain information indicating the usage fee for the user's designated service as a response to the usage fee request command. The control unit 200 may also obtain information indicating the usage fee for the user's designated service transmitted from the service provider's equipment 4 on the purchase execution date. The control unit 200 may obtain information indicating the usage fees for multiple designated services from multiple service provider equipment 4. The control unit 200 may also acquire information indicating the usage fee for the specified service stored in the user information storage unit 211.

[0102] The control unit 200 calculates the purchase price based on the set amount and the usage fee for the specified service, similar to step S103 (step S303). The processing in step S303 may also be performed by the calculation unit 203 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S303, for example, the control unit 200 calculates the purchase price by subtracting the usage fee for the specified service from the set amount. If the control unit 200 obtains information indicating the usage fees for multiple specified services, it may calculate the purchase price by subtracting the total usage fees for multiple specified services from the set amount.

[0103] The control unit 200 determines whether the balance in the user's purchase account is equal to or greater than the purchase amount (step S304). The process in step S304 may also be carried out by the purchase processing unit 204 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S304, for example, the control unit 200 obtains information indicating the balance of the user's purchase account. The control unit 200 may compare the balance of the purchase account with the purchase amount and determine whether the balance is equal to or greater than the purchase amount.

[0104] The control unit 200 determines that the deposit is equal to or greater than the purchase amount if the balance in the purchase account is equal to or greater than the purchase amount. The control unit 200 determines that the deposit is not equal to or greater than the purchase amount if the balance in the purchase account is less than the purchase amount.

[0105] If the deposit is equal to or greater than the purchase amount (step S304: YES), the process transitions from step S304 to step S305. If the deposit is not equal to or greater than the purchase amount (step S304: NO), the process transitions from step S304 to step S306. In this case, the control unit 200 does not purchase the specified financial product.

[0106] The control unit 200 purchases financial instruments from the deposit amount based on the purchase amount, based on the deposit amount being equal to or greater than the purchase amount (step S305). The process in step S305 may also be carried out by the purchase processing unit 204 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S305, for example, the control unit 200 purchases predetermined financial instruments for the purchase amount. The control unit 200 may update the balance of the user's purchase account based on the purchase of financial instruments.

[0107] The control unit 200 notifies the user terminal 3 of the purchase result via the communication interface 24, similar to step S107 (step S306). The processing in step S306 may also be carried out by the notification processing unit 205 implemented by the control unit 200. In step S306, for example, the control unit 200 outputs a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3. The purchase result notification may include information indicating whether or not a purchase was made. The purchase result notification may also include information indicating the purchase amount. The purchase result notification may include a message such as, "A purchase of financial product YY worth XX million yen has been made." If the control unit 200 did not make a purchase of the financial product, the purchase result notification may include a message such as, "The purchase was not made," or "There were insufficient funds in the account."

[0108] In this example, the purchase support device 2 can vary the purchase amount within a set range according to the usage fees of the services specified by the user. The user can vary the purchase amount based on the usage fees of the services they specify from among a variety of services. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can provide purchase support that meets the user's needs. The purchase support device 2 can cooperate with various service providers as specified by the user. Furthermore, the purchase support device 2 can provide purchase support from calculating the purchase amount to purchasing the financial product within the set range. Therefore, the user does not need to perform any processing related to executing the purchase according to the purchase amount. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can improve the user's convenience when purchasing financial products.

[0109] Furthermore, users can set the usage fees for public services such as gas and electricity as designated services. The purchase support device 2 allows users to purchase financial products with the amount saved by reducing their use of these services. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can encourage users to limit their use of gas, electricity, etc., and provide support for purchasing financial products that contribute to the global environment.

[0110] Furthermore, the purchase support device 2 can determine whether to purchase financial products based on the balance of funds in the purchase account. If the balance of funds in the purchase account is less than the purchase amount, the purchase support device 2 will not purchase financial products. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can simplify the purchase process. Since purchases are made according to the balance of funds in the account, fund management becomes easier for the user.

[0111] Furthermore, the purchase support device 2 can output a purchase result notification to the user terminal 3. Based on the purchase result notification, the user can recognize the purchase amount, which fluctuates monthly according to the amount of service used. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can improve the convenience of the user's fund management. If a purchase is not made, the purchase support device 2 can output a notification to the user terminal 3 indicating that the purchase was not made. Based on the purchase result notification, the user can also easily manage their deposits.

[0112] (7) Effects The purchase support device 2 of this embodiment can acquire the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's equipment related to at least one service, calculate the purchase amount based on the set amount and usage fee set by the user, and purchase financial products based on the purchase amount. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can purchase financial products within the range of the set amount according to the usage fee of the service specified by the user. Since the user can pay the usage fee for the specified service and purchase financial products within the range of the set amount, the monthly expenditure for the specified service and the purchase of financial products can be fixed. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can provide a financial product purchase service that makes it easy for the user to manage their funds. In addition, the purchase support device 2 can acquire the usage fee of a service provider specified by the user from among a variety of service providers. For example, the user can select multiple services as specified services. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can calculate the purchase amount according to the user's diverse needs. Furthermore, since the purchase support device 2 purchases financial products for the calculated purchase amount, the user does not need to perform any operations related to the purchase of financial products. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can enhance the convenience of purchasing financial products. In this way, the purchase support device 2 can assist in the purchase of financial products.

[0113] Furthermore, in the embodiment, if the user sets the usage fees for public services such as gas and electricity as designated services, the purchase support device 2 can purchase financial products with the amount saved by the user's reduction in the use of those services. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can encourage users to limit their use of gas, electricity, etc., and provide support for purchasing financial products that contribute to the global environment.

[0114] The purchase support device 2 of this embodiment can calculate the purchase amount by subtracting the usage fee from the set amount. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can easily calculate the purchase amount simply by obtaining information on the usage fee from the designated service provider. Since the user can pay the usage fee for the designated service and purchase financial products within the range of the set amount, the monthly expenditure for the designated service and the purchase of financial products can be fixed. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can provide a financial product purchase service that makes it easy for the user to manage their funds.

[0115] The purchasing support device 2 of this embodiment can obtain usage fees from a business device 4 that can communicate with the purchasing support device 2 via a network. Therefore, the purchasing support device 2 can easily obtain information on usage fees from a designated service provider specified by the user from among a variety of service providers. As a result, the purchasing support device 2 can easily calculate the purchase amount according to the user's needs.

[0116] The purchasing support device 2 of this embodiment can acquire the usage fee for at least one service for which a usage fee is incurred at regular intervals. For example, the purchasing support device 2 can acquire the usage fee from the business device 4 according to the user's service usage over a certain period. As a result, the purchasing support device 2 can appropriately calculate the purchase amount by acquiring the user's usage fee from the business device 4 and calculating the purchase amount.

[0117] The purchasing support device 2 of this embodiment can acquire the usage fee for at least one service on a specific day each month. Therefore, for example, even if the usage fee fluctuates depending on the user's service usage over a certain period, the purchasing support device 2 can acquire the updated usage fee from the business device 4. This allows the purchasing support device 2 to appropriately calculate the purchase amount.

[0118] The purchase support device 2 of this embodiment can transfer the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account to the user's purchase account and purchase financial products based on the purchase amount. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can process a transfer from the user's designated financial institution account according to the purchase amount. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can deposit the purchase amount into the purchase account without requiring any operation from the user. The purchase support device 2 can then purchase financial products with the purchase amount deposited into the purchase account. In this way, the purchase support device 2 can provide a financial product purchase service that makes it easy for the user to manage their funds.

[0119] The purchase support device 2 of this embodiment can purchase financial products based on the purchase amount from the user's deposit account. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 can purchase financial products up to the purchase amount from the user's deposit account without requiring any user operation. This makes it possible to provide a financial product purchase service that makes it easy for the user to manage their funds.

[0120] The purchase support device 2 of this embodiment can notify the user of the purchase results. For example, the purchase amount fluctuates monthly according to the usage fee of the user's designated service. Therefore, the user can recognize the monthly purchase amount based on the purchase result notification. In addition, if a purchase is not made, the purchase support device 2 can notify the user of the purchase result indicating that the purchase was not made. Therefore, the user can recognize, for example, insufficient balance in the designated financial institution account or purchase account based on the purchase result notification. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can provide a financial product purchase service that makes it easy for the user to manage their funds.

[0121] In this embodiment, the purchase support device 2 does not make a purchase if the balance in the user's designated financial institution account is less than the purchase amount. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 does not need to perform processing to change the purchase amount according to the balance in the designated financial institution account. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can simplify the calculation of the purchase amount and the purchase process.

[0122] In this embodiment, the purchase support device 2 does not make a purchase if the balance of the deposit is less than the purchase amount. Therefore, the purchase support device 2 does not need to perform processing to change the purchase amount according to the balance of the account at the designated financial institution. As a result, the purchase support device 2 can simplify the calculation of the purchase amount and the purchase process.

[0123] (8) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, the case where the user's set amount is equal to or greater than the usage fee for the specified service was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the purchase support device 2 may be controlled not to process the purchase of financial products if the user's specified service fee exceeds the set amount.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the case described as one in which the service provider's device 4 bills the service fee after the user has set the amount and specified services, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the user may set the amount after the service provider's device 4 bills the service fee for the specified services. In this case, the purchasing support device 2 may calculate the purchase amount based on the fact that the amount has been set. The purchasing support device 2 may set or update the user's set amount and specified services at any time based on instructions from the user terminal 3.

[0125] In the embodiments described above, the example was given in which the user selects at least one of lifeline service providers such as an electricity company or a gas company as the designated service provider, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the user may select a service as the designated service that provides communication services, or a subscription service such as the distribution of digital content, use of a sports club, or delivery of goods.

[0126] The purchasing support device may be implemented as a single device, such as purchasing support device 2, or as multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0127] The embodiments described above may apply not only to the apparatus but also to the methods performed by the apparatus. The embodiments described above may apply to a program that can cause the computer of the apparatus to perform each function. The embodiments described above may apply to a recording medium that stores the program. The embodiments described above may apply not only to the system but also to the methods performed by multiple elements included in the system.

[0128] The program may be transferred while stored in the device, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary, tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0129] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects of the present invention. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, when implementing the present invention, specific configurations may be adopted as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0130] In short, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and materialized without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Moreover, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0131] (9) Note The above-described embodiments may be represented as follows: (1) An acquisition unit that acquires the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's equipment related to the said at least one service, A calculation unit that calculates the purchase price based on the set amount set by the user and the usage fee, A purchase processing unit that purchases financial products based on the aforementioned purchase amount, Equipped with, Information processing device. (2) The purchase price is the amount obtained by subtracting the usage fee from the set price. (1) The information processing device described above. (3) The acquisition unit acquires the usage fee from the carrier equipment which can communicate with the information processing device via a network. (1) The information processing device described above. (4) The at least one of the services is a service in which a usage fee is incurred at regular intervals. (1) The information processing device described above. (5) The acquisition unit acquires the usage fee on a specific day each month. (1) The information processing device described above. (6) The purchase processing unit moves the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account to the user's purchase account and purchases the financial product based on the purchase amount. (1) The information processing device described above. (7) The purchasing processing unit purchases the financial product based on the purchase amount from the deposit that has been previously deposited into the user's purchasing account. (1) The information processing device described above. (8) The system further comprises a notification processing unit that notifies the user of the purchase results by the purchase processing unit, (1) The information processing device described above. (9) The purchase processing unit shall not make a purchase if the balance in the designated financial institution's account is less than the purchase amount. (6) The information processing device described above. (10) The purchase processing unit shall not make a purchase if the balance of the deposit is less than the purchase amount. (7) The information processing device described above. (11) A service provider's equipment relating to at least one service specified by the user, An information processing system comprising the aforementioned business operator equipment and an information processing device that can communicate via a network, The aforementioned operator's equipment is The system includes an output unit that outputs the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's device, A calculation unit that calculates the purchase price based on the set amount set by the user and the usage fee, A purchase processing unit that purchases financial products based on the aforementioned purchase amount, Equipped with, Information processing system. (12) An information processing program for executing each part of the information processing device described in (1) to (10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1...Purchase support system, 2...Purchase support device, 3...User terminal, 4...Business equipment, 5...Financial institution equipment, 21...Processor, 22...Memory, 23...Storage, 24...Communication interface, 25...Input / output interface, 26...Bus, 200...Control unit, 201...Setting unit, 202...Acquisition unit, 203...Calculation unit, 204...Purchase processing unit, 205...Notification processing unit, 210...Storage unit, 211...User information storage unit, NW...Network.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's equipment related to the said at least one service, A calculation unit that calculates the purchase price based on the set amount set by the user and the usage fee, A purchase processing unit that purchases financial products based on the aforementioned purchase amount, Equipped with, Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned purchase price is the amount obtained by subtracting the aforementioned usage fee from the aforementioned set price. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires the usage fee from the service provider's equipment, which can communicate with the information processing device via a network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned at least one service is a service in which a usage fee is charged at regular intervals. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition unit acquires the usage fee on a specific day each month. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The purchase processing unit transfers the purchase amount from the user's designated financial institution account to the user's purchase account and purchases the financial product based on the purchase amount. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The purchase processing unit purchases the financial product based on the purchase amount from the deposit that has been pre-paid in the user's purchase account. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The system further includes a notification processing unit that notifies the user of the purchase results obtained by the purchase processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned purchase processing unit shall not make a purchase if the balance in the designated financial institution's account is less than the purchase amount. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

10. The aforementioned purchase processing unit shall not make a purchase if the balance of the deposit is less than the purchase amount. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

11. A service provider's equipment relating to at least one service specified by the user, An information processing system comprising the aforementioned business operator equipment and an information processing device that can communicate via a network, The aforementioned operator's equipment is The system includes an output unit that outputs the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires the usage fee for at least one service specified by the user from the service provider's device, A calculation unit that calculates the purchase price based on the set amount set by the user and the usage fee, A purchase processing unit that purchases financial products based on the aforementioned purchase amount, Equipped with, Information processing system.

12. An information processing program for causing the computer of an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 10 to execute each part.

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