Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To streamline electronic payments. [Solution] An information processing device 2 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit (credit card usage request acquisition unit 100a) that acquires first usage information (credit card usage request) relating to the use of a first payment means (credit card) in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from a first user, and a first generation unit (account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b) that is configured to generate first execution information (account balance usage instruction) relating to executing a payment using a first electronic value medium (account balance) associated with the first user based on the first usage information (credit card usage request).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to electronic payment have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for searching approval information corresponding to payment information indicating the content of payment using a credit card based on predetermined condition rules and associating the searched approval information with the payment information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, electronic payment cannot be sufficiently streamlined.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of streamlining electronic payment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first usage information regarding the use of a first payment means in which an issuer and an acquirer are involved in the remittance process from a first user, and a first generation unit configured to be able to generate first execution information regarding the execution of payment using a first electronic value medium associated with the first user based on the first usage information.

[0007] A data processing method relating to another aspect of this disclosure includes causing a computer to acquire first usage information relating to the use of a first settlement means in which an issuer and an acquirer are involved in the remittance process from a first user, and to generate first execution information relating to executing a settlement using a first electronic value medium associated with the first user, based on the first usage information.

[0008] A program relating to another aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following actions: obtain first usage information relating to the use of a first settlement means in which an issuer and an acquirer are involved in the remittance process from a first user; and generate first execution information relating to executing a settlement using a first electronic value medium associated with the first user, based on the first usage information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can streamline electronic payments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of System 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of System 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of each device in System 1 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A preferred embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0012] <1. Overview> Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of System 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "System 1") according to this embodiment. System 1 includes an information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 acts as an intermediary between the Instant Payment System (hereinafter referred to as "IPS") and the Payment Rail, which includes a credit card network.

[0013] An IPS (Instrument Presets System) may be a system for instant settlement. An IPS may be a system for account-to-account (A2A) transfers between accounts and / or accounts. An IPS may be, for example, a system for instantaneous sending and receiving of electronic value media. Electronic value media may be media usable for electronic settlement. Electronic value media may be transferred electronically between the sender and the recipient. Electronic value media may be converted into cash through prescribed procedures. Examples of electronic value media include balances associated with accounts in electronic payment services (hereinafter referred to as "account balances"), bank account deposit balances, electronic money, points usable for electronic settlement, and virtual currencies. In this disclosure, electronic value media will be described as account balances. According to an IPS, account balances can be sent from one user to another user without going through the issuer and acquirer described later.

[0014] A credit card network can be a system for conducting settlements via issuers and acquirers. In this embodiment, for convenience, such a system is referred to as a "credit card network", but even when debit cards and prepaid cards are used, settlements can be made through such a system. Hereinafter, the terms "credit card network" and "credit card" are used exemplarily, but the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0015] An issuer can issue credit cards and manage those who pay money via the credit card network (in one example, they can also be called card members). An acquirer can manage those who accept the use of credit cards and provide services (in one example, they can also be called merchants). An example of the flow of settlement by a credit card network is as follows in (1) to (9). (1) A card member purchases goods at a merchant and pays the consideration with a credit card. (2) The merchant transmits transaction information to the acquirer through a settlement terminal. (3) The acquirer requests approval of the transaction from the issuer. (4) The issuer reviews the transaction and returns the approval result to the acquirer. (5) The acquirer notifies the merchant of the approval result, and the transaction is completed. (6) The issuer bills the card member for the usage fee. (7) The card member pays the usage fee to the issuer. (8) The issuer pays the amount of the advance payment to the acquirer. (9) The acquirer pays the amount obtained by deducting the fee from the usage fee to the merchant.

[0016] In recent years, with the advancement of the infrastructure sophistication in the financial field, IPS has a tendency to spread in the market. However, there still exists a situation where the spread of IPS has not advanced as compared to the credit card network. On the other hand, in some countries and regions, although IPS has spread, there is also a situation where the spread of the credit card network has not advanced.

[0017] In such a situation, in order to further promote the spread of IPS and credit cards, it is possible as one proposal to effectively utilize each other's systems. However, for that purpose, there is an issue that the IPS operator needs to adapt to the credit card network, and on the other hand, the credit card operator needs to adapt to IPS, and the burden is large for both.

[0018] According to System 1, such problems can be solved. Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the operation of System 1 will be described. In one embodiment, System 1 can realize the mediation between the IPS and the credit card network.

[0019] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 converts information regarding the use of the account balance in the IPS into a state processable in the credit card network. Specifically, the information processing device 2 receives an account balance use request from the IPS (S11), generates a credit card use instruction based on it, and transmits it to the credit card network (S12). The credit card network executes the settlement based on the credit card use instruction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 converts information regarding the use of the credit card in the credit card network into a state processable in the IPS. Specifically, the information processing device 2 receives a credit card use request from the credit card network (S21), generates an account balance use instruction based on it, and transmits it to the IPS (S22). The IPS executes the settlement based on the account balance use instruction.

[0021] The configuration and operation of System 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0022] In this disclosure, "electronic payment" may refer to payment made over the internet, or payment made via a physically existing payment terminal. One example of electronic payment is the use of a credit card when shopping online. Another example of electronic payment is the use of an account balance via a payment terminal such as an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader.

[0023] The various embodiments of System 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 7.

[0024] <2. Functional Configuration> Referring to Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of System 1 will be described. System 1 includes an information processing device 2, a user terminal device 3, a service provision device 4, a credit card server device 5, an A2A server device 6, and a communication network 7.

[0025] [Service provision device 4] The service provider device 4 is a device that performs at least a part of the processing related to the provision of services. In one embodiment, the service provider device 4 is a payment terminal device. The service provider device 4 may be a device that can accept the use of a credit card, or a device that can accept the use of an account balance. The service provider device 4 includes, for example, a credit card reader, an image code reader, an NFC module, a Bluetooth® communication module, and a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication module.

[0026] In one example, the service provider device 4 is equipped with a credit card reader and transmits information about the credit card read via the credit card reader to the credit card server device 5.

[0027] In one example, the service provider 4 is equipped with an image code reader and reads the image code displayed on the screen of the user terminal device 3, and transmits the read information to the A2A server device 6. In another example, the service provider 4 is equipped with an NFC module and communicates with the NFC module of the user terminal device 3, and transmits the received information to the A2A server device 6.

[0028] [Credit card server device 5] The credit card server device 5 is a device capable of performing at least a portion of the payment processing via a credit card network. In one embodiment, the credit card server device 5 may be managed by a business operator that provides credit card-related services. That is, the credit card server device 5 may be a device managed by an acquirer, a device managed by an issuer, or a device managed by a person who has the roles of both an acquirer and an issuer. Furthermore, the device managed by the acquirer and the device managed by the issuer may be collectively referred to as the credit card server device 5.

[0029] [A2A Server Device 6] The A2A server device 6 is a device capable of performing at least a portion of the settlement processing via the IPS. In one embodiment, the A2A server device 6 can store the amount of account balance associated with each of a plurality of users and / or service providers, and can realize the granting, use, and transfer (sending and receiving) of account balances by changing the amount.

[0030] [User terminal device 3] User terminal device 3 is a communication device used by a user (in this disclosure, a person who intends to receive services from a service provider, such as a general consumer). User terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device. User terminal device 3 includes an input interface, an output interface, and a communication interface.

[0031] The input interface is an interface that allows the user terminal device 3 to receive input from the user. The input interface may be a touch panel, microphone, camera, keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0032] The output interface is an interface for transmitting information to the user through images, sound, etc. The output interface includes a display (which may also function as a touch panel) and speakers.

[0033] The communication interface is an interface for enabling communication with other devices via the communication network 7. The communication interface may be a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface.

[0034] In one embodiment, the user terminal device 3 can download and install a variable interface application. The user terminal device 3 may download the variable interface application from, for example, an application distribution platform. That is, the variable interface application may be a so-called native application.

[0035] [Information Processing Device 2] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 mediates between the IPS and the credit card network (see Figure 1). In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a server device when the credit card server device 5 and the A2A server device 6 are client devices. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a cloud server device. The information processing device 2 may be a device that includes, for example, one or more virtual or physical web server devices and one or more virtual or physical database server devices.

[0036] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 comprises a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0037] (Control Unit 10) The control unit 10 can function as an acquisition unit 100, a generation unit 102, a transmission unit 104, and an execution unit 106 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0038] The acquisition unit 100 acquires various types of information and prepares it for processing by the control unit 10. The acquisition unit 100 includes a credit card usage request acquisition unit 100a and an account balance usage request acquisition unit 100b. The credit card usage request acquisition unit 100a acquires credit card usage requests from the credit card network. The account balance usage request acquisition unit 100b acquires account balance usage requests.

[0039] In this disclosure, the acquisition of information by the acquisition unit 100 may be any of the following: receiving the information from another device, reading the information from the storage unit 12, or obtaining the information as a result of a predetermined process.

[0040] The generation unit 102 generates various types of information and makes it ready for processing by the control unit 10. The generation unit 102 includes a credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a and an account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b. The credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a generates a credit card usage instruction based on an account balance usage request. The account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b generates an account balance usage instruction based on a credit card usage request.

[0041] In this disclosure, the generation of information by the generation unit 102 may be either by determining the information based on other information or by selecting the information from among multiple pieces of information.

[0042] The transmitting unit 104 transmits various information to other devices. The transmitting unit 104 includes a credit card usage instruction transmitting unit 104a and an account balance usage instruction transmitting unit 104b. The credit card usage instruction transmitting unit 104a transmits a credit card usage instruction to the credit card network. The account balance usage instruction transmitting unit 104b transmits an account balance usage instruction to the IPS.

[0043] In this disclosure, the transmission of information by the transmission unit 104 may be either by directly transmitting the information to the receiving device or by transmitting the information to the receiving device via another device.

[0044] The execution unit 106 performs processing related to settling the costs incurred when mediating between the IPS and the credit card network.

[0045] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various information necessary for the operation of the information processing device 2. For example, the storage unit 12 stores various programs to be executed by the control unit 10.

[0046] (Network interface section 14) The network interface unit 14 enables communication with other devices via the communication network 7.

[0047] [Communication Network 7] The communication network 7 facilitates communication between the information processing device 2, the user terminal device 3, the service provision device 4, the credit card server device 5, and the A2A server device 6. In one example, the communication network 7 facilitates communication based on the TCP / IP protocol.

[0048] <3.Operation> [First Embodiment] The credit card usage request acquisition unit 100a acquires credit card usage requests from the user regarding the use of a credit card in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process. The credit card usage request may include user identification information, information regarding the payment amount, information regarding the trading partner, and information regarding the time of the transaction.

[0049] The account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b is configured to generate an account balance usage instruction that allows a user to make a payment using the account balance associated with the user, based on a credit card usage request. The account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b can also convert a credit card usage request into an account balance usage instruction. The account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b may convert a credit card usage request into an account balance usage instruction based on a predetermined mapping rule.

[0050] In one embodiment, an account balance usage instruction may include identification information of the user who will use the account balance. The identification information of the user who will use the account balance may be uniquely determined based on the user's identification information included in the credit card usage request. For example, if the credit card usage request includes information that user X intends to use a credit card, the account balance usage instruction may include information regarding the use of user X's account balance.

[0051] In one embodiment, an account balance usage instruction may include information about the amount of account balance to be used. The amount of account balance to be used may be determined based on information about the amount of payment made by credit card. The information about the amount of account balance to be used may be information about using an amount of account balance corresponding to the amount of payment made by credit card to make the payment. For example, if a credit card request includes information about attempting to make a payment of 1,000 yen, the account balance usage instruction may include information about using an amount of account balance equivalent to 1,000 yen (or 1,000 yen minus the fee).

[0052] In one embodiment, an account balance usage instruction may include information regarding the recipient of the account balance. This information may be uniquely determined based on information regarding the credit card transaction partner included in the credit card usage request. For example, if the credit card usage request includes information indicating an intention to use a credit card at store Y (an example of a service provider), the account balance usage instruction may include information indicating that the account balance should be sent to store Y.

[0053] With the above configuration, information regarding credit card usage can be converted into information regarding the use of the account balance.

[0054] In one embodiment, the account balance usage instruction transmission unit 104b is configured to transmit an account balance usage instruction to the A2A server device 6 that controls the account balance.

[0055] This configuration allows information about account balance usage, obtained by converting credit card usage information, to be linked to the IPS, enabling control to ensure that payments are made using the account balance.

[0056] In one embodiment, a credit card usage request includes information regarding the use of a credit card for payment to a predetermined service provider. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 may have an intermediate account for facilitating the transfer of funds to the predetermined service provider. The intermediate account may at least temporarily hold cash and / or account balances. The execution unit 106 can use this intermediate account to perform settlements. Specifically, the execution unit 106 performs (1) an account balance usage instruction transmission unit 104b to send an account balance usage instruction to the A2A server device 6, then retrieves the account balance from the A2A server device 6 and stores it in the intermediate account, and (2) based on the retrieved (or to be retrieved) account balance, performs a settlement from the intermediate account to the predetermined service provider.

[0057] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of System 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] First, the service provider 4 receives a credit card request from the user and sends a credit card usage request to the credit card server device 5 (S100). Next, the credit card server device 5 sends a credit card usage request to the information processing device 2 (S102). In this example, the credit card usage request includes information that user X intends to make a payment of 1,000 yen at store Y.

[0059] For the sake of clarity, the credit card usage request received by the credit card server device 5 in S100 and the credit card usage request transmitted by the credit card server device 5 in S102 are given the same name, but their contents do not necessarily have to be identical. For example, the credit card server device 5 may convert the credit card usage request received in S100 into a format that can be accepted by the information processing device 2 and transmit it in S102.

[0060] The information processing device 2 generates an account balance usage instruction based on the received credit card usage request (S104). As described above, the credit card usage request received by the information processing device 2 in S102 includes information that user X intends to make a payment of 1,000 yen at store Y, so the account balance usage instruction generated by the information processing device 2 in S104 may include information that user X's account balance should be transferred for 1,000 yen.

[0061] Next, the information processing device 2 sends an account balance usage instruction to the A2A server device 6 (S106). In response, the A2A server device 6 sends the account balance to the information processing device 2 (S108). As described above, the account balance usage instruction generated by the information processing device 2 in S104 includes information about sending 1,000 yen of user X's account balance, so in S108, the A2A server device 6 sends 1,000 yen of the account balance to the information processing device 2.

[0062] Information processing device 2 deposits the account balance received in S108 into the intermediate account (S110). Next, information processing device 2 determines the fee (S112). In this example, information processing device 2 determines that the fee is 10% of the settlement amount. That is, in this example the settlement amount is 1000 yen, so information processing device 2 determines that the fee is 10% of that, which is 100 yen.

[0063] The information processing device 2 transfers the amount obtained by subtracting the fee from the account balance received in S108 from the intermediate account to the service provider (S114). In this example, the fee is 100 yen out of the settlement amount of 1000 yen, so the information processing device 2 transfers 900 yen to the service provider. This transfer may be in cash or from the account balance.

[0064] According to the operation of System 1 in the first embodiment, even when a user uses a credit card, the service provider 4 accepts the use of the credit card (S100-S102), and the service provider receives payment for the service, for example, in cash (S114), payment is internally made using the account balance (S104-S114).

[0065] [Second Embodiment] The account balance usage request acquisition unit 100b acquires an account balance usage request relating to the use of the account balance associated with the user. The account balance usage request may include the user's identification information, information about the amount to be used, information about the recipient, and information about the time of the transaction.

[0066] The credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a is configured to generate a credit card usage instruction based on an account balance usage request, which concerns executing a payment using a credit card in which the issuer and acquirer are involved during the user's remittance process. The credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a can also convert an account balance usage request into a credit card usage instruction. The credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a may convert an account balance usage request into a credit card usage instruction based on a predetermined mapping rule.

[0067] In one embodiment, a credit card usage instruction may include identification information of the user using the credit card. The identification information of the user using the credit card may be uniquely determined based on the user identification information included in the account balance usage request. For example, if the account balance usage request includes information that user X intends to use their account balance, the credit card usage instruction may include information regarding the use of user X's credit card.

[0068] In one embodiment, a credit card usage instruction may include information regarding the amount of the credit card payment. The information regarding the credit card payment amount may be determined based on information regarding the amount of account balance to be used, which is included in the account balance usage request. The information regarding the credit card payment amount may be information regarding making a payment by credit card corresponding to the amount of account balance to be used. For example, if the account balance usage request includes information regarding using 1,000 yen of account balance, the credit card usage instruction may include information regarding making a payment of 1,000 yen (or 1,000 yen minus the fee).

[0069] In one embodiment, a credit card usage instruction may include information about the credit card's transaction partner. This information about the credit card's transaction partner can be uniquely determined based on information about the recipient of the account balance, which is included in the account balance usage request. For example, if the account balance usage request includes information indicating that the account balance will be used at store Y (an example of a service provider), the credit card usage instruction may include information indicating that the credit card payment should be made with store Y as the transaction partner.

[0070] With the above configuration, information regarding account balance usage can be converted into information regarding credit card usage.

[0071] The credit card usage instruction transmission unit 104a is configured to transmit credit card usage instructions to the credit card server device 5 that controls the credit card.

[0072] This configuration allows information about credit card usage, obtained by converting information about account balance usage, to be linked to the credit card network, thereby controlling the process to ensure that payments are made via credit card.

[0073] In one embodiment, the account balance usage request acquired by the account balance usage request acquisition unit 100b includes information regarding the use of the account balance for settlement with a predetermined service provider. Based on the account balance usage request, the execution unit 106 executes a sending process for sending the account balance from the intermediate account to the predetermined service provider. In one embodiment, the credit card usage instruction transmitted by the credit card usage instruction transmission unit 104a includes information regarding the execution of a settlement for the said sending process using a credit card. That is, the information processing device 2 can send the account balance to the service provider in response to the account balance usage request and settle the sent amount with the credit card network.

[0074] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of System 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0075] First, the service provider 4 receives a request from the user to use their account balance and sends an account balance usage request to the A2A server device 6 (S200). Next, the A2A server device 6 sends an account balance usage request to the information processing device 2 (S202). In this example, the account balance usage request includes information that user X intends to use 1,000 yen of their account balance at store Y.

[0076] For the sake of clarity, the account balance usage request received by the A2A server device 6 in S200 and the account balance usage request transmitted by the A2A server device 6 in S102 are given the same name, but their contents do not necessarily have to be identical. For example, the A2A server device 6 may convert the account balance usage request received in S200 into a format that can be accepted by the information processing device 2 and transmit it in S202.

[0077] Next, the information processing device 2 determines the fee (S204). In this example, the information processing device 2 determines that the fee is 10% of the settlement amount. That is, in this example the settlement amount is 1000 yen, so the information processing device 2 determines that the fee is 10% of that, which is 100 yen.

[0078] Next, the information processing device 2 performs an authorization process related to making a payment by credit card (S206). The authorization process may, for example, involve sending a notification to the user terminal device 3 and accepting the user's authorization operation.

[0079] If the approval process is completed, the information processing device 2 will send the amount obtained by subtracting the fee from the amount of the account balance related to the account balance usage request to the service provider (S208). In this example, the fee is 100 yen out of the settlement amount of 1000 yen, so the information processing device 2 will send 900 yen to the service provider. If the approval process is not completed in S206, the information processing device 2 does not need to execute the processes from S208 onwards.

[0080] Next, the information processing device 2 generates a credit card usage instruction based on the account balance usage request received in S202 (S210) and transmits it to the credit card server device 5 (S212). As described above, the account balance usage request received by the information processing device 2 in S202 includes information that user X intends to use an account balance of 1,000 yen at store Y. Therefore, the credit card usage instruction generated and transmitted by the information processing device 2 in S210 to S212 may include information regarding the payment of 1,000 yen based on user X's credit card.

[0081] The credit card server device 5 sends funds to the information processing device 2 based on the received credit card usage instruction (S214). As described above, the credit card usage instruction generated by the information processing device 2 in S210 includes information regarding the payment of 1,000 yen based on user X's credit card, so in S214, the credit card server device 5 sends an account balance of 1,000 yen to the information processing device 2.

[0082] According to the operation of System 1 in the second embodiment, even when a user uses their account balance, the service provider 4 accepts the use of the account balance (S200-S202), and the service provider receives payment for the service, for example, in the account balance (S208), the settlement is internally carried out by credit card payment (S210-S214).

[0083] [Third Embodiment] A user can set a combination of their account balance and the credit card to be used when using that account balance, for example via the user terminal device 3. The information processing device 2 can store this setting as setting information. For example, if a combination of a first account balance and a first credit card is set, and a combination of a second account balance and a second credit card is set, and the user uses the first account balance (see S200 in Figure 4), the information processing device 2 may generate a credit card usage instruction for the use of the first credit card (see S210 in Figure 4). In a similar case, if the user uses the second credit card (see S100 in Figure 3), the information processing device 2 may generate an account balance usage instruction for the use of the second account balance (see S104 in Figure 3).

[0084] [Fourth Embodiment] The information processing device 2 can store information indicating whether each of the multiple service providers preferentially uses the IPS or the credit card network. An example of the operation of System 1 in this case will be explained with reference to Figures 5-6.

[0085] Figure 5 shows another embodiment corresponding to the first embodiment (Figure 3). After receiving a credit card usage request from the credit card server device 5 (S102), the information processing device 2 may identify the service provider based on the credit card usage request and determine whether the service provider is configured to use the IPS preferentially (S300). If the service provider is configured to use the IPS preferentially (upper alt in Figure 5), the system 1 may operate according to S104 to S114 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the service provider is not configured to use the IPS preferentially (lower alt in Figure 5), the information processing device 2 notifies the credit card server device 5 that there is no need to cooperate with the IPS (S302), and the credit card server device 5 sends the payment to the service provider according to the normal flow (S304).

[0086] Figure 6 shows another embodiment corresponding to the second embodiment (Figure 4). After receiving an account balance usage request from the A2A server device 6 (S202), the information processing device 2 may identify the service provider based on the account balance usage request and determine whether the service provider is configured to use the IPS preferentially (S400). If the service provider is configured to use the IPS preferentially (upper alt in Figure 6), the information processing device 2 notifies the A2A server device 6 that there is no need to cooperate with the credit card network (S402), and the A2A server device 6 sends the account balance to the service provider according to the normal flow (S404). On the other hand, if the service provider is not configured to use the IPS preferentially (lower alt in Figure 5), the system 1 may operate according to S204 to S214 of the second embodiment.

[0087] These examples illustrate how to determine whether a service provider is configured to prioritize the use of an IPS (Instrument Prescription Service). However, the information processing device 2 may also be configured to determine whether a service provider is configured to prioritize the use of a credit card network.

[0088] <4. Hardware Configuration> Referring to Figure 7, an example of a hardware configuration when the devices included in System 1 described above are implemented by computer 70 will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7, the computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input interface 704, a data interface 706, a communication interface 708, and a display device 710.

[0090] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the information processing device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0091] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700, as well as data required during program execution.

[0092] The storage device 702 can also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. The storage medium storing these various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 can also store tables for registering various information and a database for managing those tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and accessed by the processor 700.

[0093] The input interface 704 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input interface 704 include cameras, buttons, microphones, keyboards, mice, touch panels, various sensors, and wearable devices. The input interface 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0094] The data interface 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. Specific examples of the data interface 706 include drive devices for reading data stored on various storage media. The data interface 706 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the data interface 706 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0095] The communication interface 708 is a device for communicating data with external devices of the computer 70 via a communication network 7, either wired or wirelessly. The communication interface 708 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication interface 708 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0096] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and displays for wearable devices. The display device 710 may be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, if a touch panel is used as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integrated unit with the input I / F 704.

[0097] Furthermore, the components of the device included in the System 1 described above are such that a program stored in the storage device 702 is executed by the processor 700, thereby realizing a defined process in cooperation with other hardware. In other words, these components are conceived as both software or firmware, and as corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described and interpreted as "function," "means," "part," "processing circuit," "unit," or "module," etc.

[0098] <5. Variation> The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined.

[0099] <6. Example Configuration> This disclosure includes the following technologies. Terms in parentheses indicate examples of the embodiments described above.

[0100] (Note 1) Information processing device 2 comprises: a first acquisition unit (credit card usage request acquisition unit 100a) that acquires first usage information (credit card usage request) relating to the use of a first payment method (credit card) in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from the first user; and a first generation unit (account balance usage instruction generation unit 102b) configured to generate first execution information (account balance usage instruction) relating to executing a payment using a first electronic value medium (account balance) associated with the first user based on the first usage information (credit card usage request).

[0101] (Note 2) The first execution information (account balance usage instruction) includes information relating to executing a settlement using a first electronic value medium (account balance) in an amount corresponding to the settlement amount by the first settlement method (credit card), as described in Appendix 1, for the information processing device 2.

[0102] (Note 3) The information processing device 2 according to Appendix 1 or 2 further comprises a first transmission unit (account balance usage instruction transmission unit 104b) configured to transmit first execution information (account balance usage instruction) to another information processing device (A2A server device 6) that controls the first electronic value medium (account balance).

[0103] (Note 4) The information processing device 2 described in Appendix 3 further comprises: first usage information (credit card usage request) includes information regarding the use of a first payment method (credit card) for payment to a predetermined target; first transmission unit (account balance usage instruction transmission unit 104b) transmits first execution information (account balance usage instruction) to another information processing device (A2A server device 6); first execution unit (execution unit 106) obtains a first electronic value medium (account balance) from the other information processing device (A2A server device 6); and executes payment to a predetermined target based on the first electronic value medium (account balance).

[0104] (Note 5) The information processing device 2 according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4 further comprises: a second acquisition unit (account balance usage request acquisition unit 100b) that acquires second usage information (account balance usage request) relating to the use of a second electronic value medium (account balance) associated with a second user; and a second generation unit (credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a) configured to generate second execution information (credit card usage instruction) relating to executing a settlement by a second settlement means (credit card) in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from the second user, based on the second usage information (account balance usage request).

[0105] (Note 6) The second execution information (credit card usage instruction) includes information relating to executing a settlement corresponding to the amount of the second electronic value medium (account balance) using the second payment method (credit card), as described in Appendix 5 of the information processing device 2.

[0106] (Note 7) The information processing device 2 according to Appendix 5 or 6 further comprises a second transmission unit (credit card usage instruction transmission unit 104a) configured to transmit second execution information (credit card usage instruction) to another information processing device (credit card server device 5) that controls a second payment method (credit card).

[0107] (Note 8) The information processing device 2 as described in Appendix 7, further comprising: a second usage information (account balance usage request) which includes information regarding the use of a second electronic value medium (account balance) for settlement to a predetermined target; a second execution unit (execution unit 106) which performs a sending process for sending a third electronic value medium in an amount corresponding to the second electronic value medium (account balance) to a predetermined target based on the second usage information (account balance usage request); and a second execution information (credit card usage instruction) which includes information regarding the execution of a settlement for the sending process using a second payment method (credit card).

[0108] (Note 9) Information processing device 2 comprises: an acquisition unit (account balance usage request acquisition unit 100b) that acquires usage information related to the use of electronic value media associated with a user; and a generation unit (credit card usage instruction generation unit 102a) configured to generate execution information (credit card usage instruction) related to executing a settlement using a settlement means (credit card) in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from the user, based on the usage information.

[0109] (Note 10) An information processing method that causes computer 70 to perform the following actions: obtain first usage information (credit card usage request) relating to the use of a first payment method (credit card) in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from the first user; and generate first execution information (account balance usage instruction) relating to executing a settlement using a first electronic value medium (account balance) associated with the first user, based on the first usage information (credit card usage request).

[0110] (Note 11) The computer 70 acquires first usage information (credit card usage request) regarding the use of a first payment method (credit card) in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from the first user, and generates first execution information (account balance usage instruction) regarding the execution of a settlement using a first electronic value medium (account balance) associated with the first user, based on the first usage information (credit card usage request). A program that executes something. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1...System, 2...Information Processing Device, 3...User Terminal Device, 4...Service Provisioning Device, 5...Credit Card Server Device, 6...A2A Server Device, 7...Communication Network, 10...Control Unit, 12...Storage Unit, 14...Network Interface Unit, 70...Computer, 100...Acquisition Unit, 100a...Credit Card Usage Request Acquisition Unit, 100b...Account Balance Usage Request Acquisition Unit, 102...Generation Unit, 102a...Credit Card Usage Instruction Generation Unit, 102b...Account Balance Usage Instruction Generation Unit, 104...Transmission Unit, 104a...Credit Card Usage Instruction Transmission Unit, 104b...Account Balance Usage Instruction Transmission Unit, 106...Execution Unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires first usage information regarding the use of a first settlement method involving the issuer and acquirer in the remittance process from the first user, A first generation unit is configured to generate first execution information relating to executing a payment using a first electronic value medium associated with the first user, based on the first usage information, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first execution information includes information relating to performing a settlement using the first electronic value medium in an amount corresponding to the settlement amount by the first settlement means.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first transmission unit configured to transmit the first execution information to another information processing apparatus that controls the first electronic value medium.

4. The first usage information includes information relating to the use of the first payment method for payment to a predetermined target, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a first execution unit that, after transmitting the first execution information by the first transmission unit to the other information processing apparatus, acquires the first electronic value medium from the other information processing apparatus and performs settlement to the predetermined target based on the first electronic value medium.

5. A second acquisition unit that acquires second usage information regarding the use of a second electronic value medium associated with a second user, A second generation unit is configured to generate second execution information relating to the execution of a settlement by a second settlement means involving the issuer and acquirer in the remittance process from the second user, based on the second usage information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second execution information includes information relating to performing a settlement corresponding to the amount of the second electronic value medium by the second settlement means.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second transmitting unit configured to transmit the second execution information to another information processing apparatus that controls the second payment means.

8. The second usage information includes information relating to the use of the second electronic value medium in connection with settlement to a predetermined target, The system further comprises a second execution unit that performs a sending process for sending a quantity of a third electronic value medium corresponding to the second electronic value medium to a predetermined target, based on the second usage information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second execution information includes information relating to the execution of settlement for the sending process by the second settlement means.

9. An acquisition unit that acquires usage information regarding the use of electronic value media associated with a user, A generation unit is configured to generate execution information relating to the execution of settlement by a settlement means in which the issuer and acquirer are involved in the remittance process from the user, based on the aforementioned usage information. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

10. On the computer, To obtain first usage information regarding the use of a first payment method involving the issuer and acquirer in the remittance process from the first user, Based on the first usage information, first execution information relating to executing a payment using the first electronic value medium associated with the first user is generated, An information processing method that enables the execution of [something].

11. On the computer, To obtain first usage information regarding the use of a first payment method involving the issuer and acquirer in the remittance process from the first user, Based on the first usage information, first execution information relating to executing a payment using the first electronic value medium associated with the first user is generated, A program that executes something.

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