Information processing method, program, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

At least a portion of the communication capacity allocated to individuals at predetermined intervals can be easily bought and sold. [Solution] The information processing method involves an information processing device performing the following actions at predetermined intervals: granting a predetermined amount of communication capacity available for use in a communication service to a first user; obtaining a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity; listing at least a portion of the communication capacity on an e-commerce platform based on the listing request; obtaining a purchase request from a second user for at least a portion of the communication capacity listed on the e-commerce platform; and adding at least a portion of the communication capacity to the predetermined amount of communication capacity granted to the second user at predetermined intervals based on the purchase request.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) borrows a communication line from a major communication carrier (MNO) via a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) to provide mobile communication services such as voice communication and data communication. Here, it is difficult for users of communication services to appropriately use the monthly allocated communication capacity every month. Therefore, a technique for sharing packets associated with other terminals is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2二十二]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, it is possible to share the packets of other terminals, but there is a need for a mechanism that allows at least a part of the communication capacity allocated to an individual to be easily bought and sold.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method, a program, and an information processing apparatus that provide a mechanism that allows at least a part of the communication capacity allocated to an individual to be easily bought and sold at regular intervals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure involves an information processing device that, at predetermined intervals, grants a predetermined amount of communication capacity available for use in a communication service to a first user; obtains a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity; lists at least a portion of the communication capacity on an e-commerce platform based on the listing request; obtains a purchase request from a second user for at least a portion of the communication capacity listed on the e-commerce platform; and adds at least a portion of the communication capacity to the predetermined amount of communication capacity granted to the second user at predetermined intervals based on the purchase request. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment, an example of the hardware configuration of a server according to this disclosure, and an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the process according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of user information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of user information for a communication service according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of account information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of payment management information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of transaction management information for goods, etc., according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of transaction management information for communication capacity according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates examples A to C of the listing scheme according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating example D of the listing scheme according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of the processing of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the screen before and after using the communication service according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of screen transitions related to the listing of communication capacity according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of screen transitions related to the communication capacity during listing according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of screen transitions related to the purchase of communication capacity according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Legal compliance> The disclosures contained herein will be implemented in compliance with the laws and regulations of each country in which this disclosure is implemented. Furthermore, the disclosures contained herein will be implemented with all changes, substitutions, modifications, alterations, or modifications that a person skilled in the art could make to comply with the laws and regulations of each country.

[0009] The information processing method, program, and information processing device related to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of how a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) provides data capacity to users. In the example shown in Figure 1, an MVNO can acquire the communication network of a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) through a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) and sell communication lines to users under its own plans.

[0011] Virtual mobile network operators (VMs) determine the bandwidth capacity they will lease from mobile network operators. In the case of bandwidth wholesale, the VMs receive technology, network equipment, and network lines from the VM service providers and issue SIMs (Subscriber Identity Modules) for users who have contracted for communication services.

[0012] By using the SIM issued by a virtual mobile network operator in their own terminal, a user can utilize the communication services provided by the virtual mobile network operator. At this time, the user purchases the communication capacity granted at regular intervals and pays communication fees, for example, at regular intervals. Here, hereinafter, an information processing system that constructs a platform where at least a part of the communication capacity granted to the user at regular intervals can be easily traded will be described.

[0013] FIG. 2 discloses the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the information processing system 1, a server 110A, a server 110B, terminals 120A, 120B, 120C, and a server 150 that cooperates with the server 110A are connected via a network 130. For example, by cooperating with the server 150, the server 110A can acquire information related to the services (e.g., communication services) provided by the server 150.

[0014] When there is no need to distinguish between the server 110A and the server 110B, the server 110A and the server 110B may each be represented as a server 110. Note that the number of servers 110 connected to the network 130 is not limited.

[0015] When there is no need to distinguish between the terminal 120A, the terminal 120B, and the terminal 120C, the terminal 120A, the terminal 120B, and the terminal 120C may each be represented as a terminal 120. Note that the number of terminals 120 connected to the network 130 is not limited.

[0016] Server 110 provides predetermined services to terminals 120 used by users via network 130. These predetermined services may include, but are not limited to, payment services, financial services, e-commerce services, SNS (Social Networking Services) such as instant messaging services, and content provision services such as music, videos, and books. It may also include building a platform for trading currencies with fluctuating value and providing services such as cryptocurrency trading directly or indirectly via server 110 to terminals 120. Servers 110 and 150 may provide one or more of these services individually, or multiple servers may provide one or more of these services together. By providing their respective services to one or more terminals 120, users can utilize these services via terminals 120.

[0017] If necessary, the terminal used by user X will be referred to as terminal 120X, and the information associated with user X or terminal 120X in a given service will be referred to as user information X. User information may include, but is not limited to, information entered by the user or provided by a given service, such as the user's name, user icon image, user's age, user's gender, user's address, user's hobbies and preferences, user identifier, balance information of electronic value (electronic money) associated with the user, and credit card information (credit card number, etc.) associated with the user.

[0018] Network 130 connects two or more servers 110, 150, or two or more terminals 120. After the terminals 120 connect to servers 110, 150, Network 130 provides connection paths so that they can send and receive data.

[0019] One or more parts of network 130 may be wired or wireless networks. Network 130 may include, but is not limited to, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), part of the internet, part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a mobile phone network, ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), wireless LANs, LTE (Long Term Evolution), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communications, etc., and these may be in combination. Network 130 may include one or more networks 130.

[0020] Servers 110, 150, and terminal 120 may be any information processing device capable of implementing the processing, functions, or methods described in this disclosure.

[0021] Servers 110, 150, and terminals 120 may be, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (but are not limited to, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), server equipment, media computer platforms (but are not limited to,, examples such as cable, satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders, etc.), handheld computer devices (but are not limited to, examples such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (but are not limited to, examples such as glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.), other types of computers, or communication platforms, etc., and these may be combined.

[0022] <Hardware configuration of each information processing device> (1) Server hardware configuration The hardware configuration of server 110 included in information processing system 1 will be explained using Figure 2.

[0023] Server 110 includes a processor 111, memory 112, storage 113, input / output interface (input / output I / F) 114, input device 115, output device 116, and transceiver 117. The hardware components of server 110 are interconnected via bus B, not limited to, but as an example.

[0024] The server 110, in cooperation with the processor 111, memory 112, storage 113, input / output I / F 114, and transceiver 117, realizes the processing, functions, or methods described in this disclosure.

[0025] The processor 111 executes processes, functions, or methods implemented by code or instructions contained in a program stored in the storage 113. The processor 111 may, but is not limited to, one or more central processing units (CPUs), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), etc., and may implement each of the processes, functions, or methods disclosed in each embodiment by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on integrated circuits (ICs (Integrated Circuit) chips, LSIs (Large Scale Integrations)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be implemented by a single integrated circuit. In addition, LSIs may be referred to as VLSIs, Super LSIs, Ultra LSIs, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

[0026] Memory 112 temporarily stores the program 1121 loaded from storage 113 and provides a workspace for the processor 111. Various data generated while the processor 111 is executing the program are also temporarily stored in memory 112. Memory 112 may be, but is not limited to, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and these may be in combination. Storage 113 stores the program and various data. Storage 113 may be, but is not limited to, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc., and these may be in combination.

[0027] The input / output interface 114 is connected to an input device 115 for inputting various operations to the server 110, and an output device 116 for outputting processing results processed by the server 110.

[0028] The input device 115 is implemented by any of the following types of devices, or a combination thereof, that can receive input from a user and transmit information related to said input to the processor 111 via the input / output interface 114. The input device may be, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, hardware keys such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (for image-based operation input), a microphone (for voice-based operation input), or a combination thereof.

[0029] The output device 116 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by the processor 111 via the input / output interface 114. When outputting the processing results as video or moving images, the output device 116 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying the display data written to the frame buffer. The output device 116 may, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (for example, a liquid crystal display, an OLED (Organic Electroluminescence Display), etc.), a head-mounted display (HMD), projection mapping, a hologram, a device capable of displaying images or text information in air (or a vacuum), a speaker (audio output), a printer, etc., and these may be in combination. These output devices may also be capable of displaying the display data in 3D.

[0030] The input device 115 and the output device 116 may be integrated, or they may be separate.

[0031] The transmitting / receiving unit 117 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 130. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the units is possible. The transmitting / receiving unit 117 has the function of communicating with other information processing devices via the network 130. The transmitting / receiving unit 117 transmits various types of data to other information processing devices according to instructions from the processor 111. The transmitting / receiving unit 117 also receives various types of data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits them to the processor 111. Note that the server 150 has the same equipment as the server 110, so its description is omitted.

[0032] (2) Hardware configuration of terminal 120 Figure 2 will be used to explain the hardware configuration of terminal 120 included in information processing system 1.

[0033] Terminal 120 includes a processor 121, memory 122, storage 123, input / output interface 124, input device 125, output device 126, transceiver 127, and read unit 128. The hardware components of terminal 120 are interconnected via bus B, not limited to, but as an example.

[0034] Terminal 120 implements the processing, functions, or methods described in this disclosure through the cooperation of a processor 121, memory 122, storage 123, input / output I / F 124, input device 125, output device 126, transmitting / receiving unit 127, and reading unit 128.

[0035] The processor 121 executes processes, functions, or methods realized by code or instructions contained in a program stored in the storage 123. The processor 121 may, but is not limited to, include a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and may realize each process, function, or method disclosed in each embodiment by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be realized by a single integrated circuit. In addition, LSIs may be referred to as VLSI, Super LSI, Ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

[0036] Memory 122 temporarily stores the program 1221 loaded from storage 123 and provides a workspace for the processor 121. Various data generated while the processor 121 is executing the program 1221 are also temporarily stored in memory 122. Memory 122 may be, but is not limited to, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., or a combination of these.

[0037] Storage 123 stores programs and various data. Storage 123 may be, but is not limited to, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc., and may be a combination of these.

[0038] The input / output interface 124 is connected to an input device 125 for inputting various operations to terminal 120, and to an output device 126 for outputting processing results processed by terminal 120.

[0039] The input device 125 is implemented by any of all types of devices capable of receiving input from a user and transmitting information related to said input to the processor 121, or a combination thereof. The input device may be, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, hardware keys such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (for image-based operation input), a microphone (for voice-based operation input), or a combination of these.

[0040] The output device 126 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by the processor 121. When outputting the processing results as video or moving images, the output device is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying the display data written to the frame buffer. The output device may, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (for example, a liquid crystal display, an OLED (Organic Electroluminescence Display)), a head-mounted display (HMD), projection mapping, a hologram, a device capable of displaying images or text information in air (or a vacuum), a speaker (audio output), a printer, etc., and these may be in combination. These output devices may also be capable of displaying the display data in 3D.

[0041] The input device 125 and the output device 126 may be integrated, or they may be separate.

[0042] The transmitting / receiving unit 127 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 130. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the units is possible. The transmitting / receiving unit 127 has the function of communicating with other information processing devices via the network 130. The transmitting / receiving unit 127 transmits various types of data to other information processing devices according to instructions from the processor 121. The transmitting / receiving unit 127 also receives various types of data transmitted from other information processing devices and transmits them to the processor 121.

[0043] (3) Others Cloud computing, consisting of one or more information processing devices, may implement at least a portion of the processing, functions, or methods on servers 110, 150, or terminal 120.

[0044] Other information processing devices may implement at least a portion of the processing, functions, or methods in the server 110, 150, or terminal 120. In this case, the processor of the other information processing device may implement at least a portion of the processing implemented by processor 111 or processor 121.

[0045] A program for performing the processing of each embodiment of this disclosure may be provided stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a “non-temporary, tangible medium” capable of storing the program. The program may be, but is not limited to, a software program or a computer program, etc.

[0046] The storage medium may be one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (including, but not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, or any other suitable storage medium, and may be in combination. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile.

[0047] Furthermore, the program disclosed herein may be provided to the server 110, 150, or terminal 120 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves).

[0048] Furthermore, each embodiment of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0049] The programs disclosed herein may be implemented using, but are not limited to, scripting languages ​​such as JavaScript® and Python, C language, Go language, Swift®, Kotlin®, Java®, and others.

[0050] <Other> Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the configuration of the determination in the embodiments of this disclosure is not essential, and a predetermined process may be performed if the determination conditions are met, or if the determination conditions are not met.

[0051] This disclosure includes all modifications, substitutions, alterations, modifications, or changes that a person skilled in the art could make to this disclosure. The attached claims also include all modifications, substitutions, alterations, modifications, or changes that a person skilled in the art could make to the claims. Furthermore, this disclosure includes any combination of one or more features of the embodiments or examples in this disclosure and one or more features of other embodiments or examples in this disclosure, which a person skilled in the art could make.

[0052] In addition, any reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or component of an apparatus or system that is adapted, positioned, capable, configured, available, operable, or capable of performing a particular process, function, or method, includes that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it is activated, turned on, or unlocked, to the extent that it is adapted, positioned, capable, configured, available, operable, or capable in that manner.

[0053] Unless otherwise expressly stated, this disclosure may obtain user consent before or immediately before implementing any embodiment or example. The consent obtained may be comprehensive or obtained on a case-by-case basis.

[0054] <Embodiment> One embodiment is, for example, an embodiment that provides an e-commerce platform that enables users to buy and sell communication capacity granted at predetermined intervals.

[0055] This embodiment provides the effect of enabling users to purchase necessary communication capacity or list surplus communication capacity on an e-commerce platform at predetermined intervals.

[0056] <Configuration of the embodiment> Figure 2 will be used to explain the configurations of server 110 and terminal 120. (1) Server configuration The server 110 includes a processor 111, memory 112, storage 113, input / output interface 114, input device 115, output device 116, and transceiver 117. Since servers 110 and 150 have similar processing configurations, for the sake of explanation, the second transaction control module 1128, which trades communication capacity and can be configured in server 150, will be described as being configured in server 110. However, the second transaction control module 1128 may also be configured in server 150, which is separate from server 110.

[0057] Any processing, function, or method that can be executed and configured by the processor 111 may be implemented, to the extent feasible, by machine learning or AI (Artificial Intelligence), etc.

[0058] The input / output interface 114 receives various setting operations and other information from the operators of the various services provided by the server 110, via the input device 115 or the output device 116.

[0059] The transmitting / receiving unit 117 transmits and receives data with the terminal 120, etc., according to instructions from the processor 111. For example, when the user of the terminal 120, etc., is authenticated by the user ID and password included in the login request from the terminal 120, etc., the transmitting / receiving unit 117 establishes a communication session with the terminal 120, etc., using HTTPS or the like. The transmitting / receiving unit 117 then stores the communication address of the terminal 120, etc., and the user ID, etc., associated with the ID of the established communication session. Then, it sends data to the terminal 120, etc., using the established communication session.

[0060] In this embodiment, memory 112 stores program 1121, user information 1122, account information 1123, settlement management information 1124, transaction management information 1125, settlement control module 1126, first transaction control module 1127, second transaction control module 1128, and data structures, or subsets thereof. Note that the information stored in memory 112 may also be stored in other storage devices (e.g., storage 113).

[0061] As described above, program 1121 is a program loaded from storage 113 and includes instructions related to the processing in the embodiment. Program 1121 may also include instructions for executing processes to provide the user with electronic commerce services such as goods or communication capacity owned by the user, and / or payment services. Furthermore, program 1121 may also include instructions for executing processes to provide the user with trading services for currencies with fluctuating value (e.g., crypto assets).

[0062] User information 1122 includes information about users registered on the e-commerce platform provided by the business operator. Here, the e-commerce platform for trading goods, etc., is also referred to as the "first e-commerce platform," and the e-commerce platform for trading communication capacity is also referred to as the "second e-commerce platform." User information 1122 may also be linked with a payment service that performs electronic payments and include information about users who use the payment service. Furthermore, user information 1122 may also include user information of users who have contracted for communication services provided by the business operator as an MVNO. In this case, the user information of users who use the e-commerce service for trading goods, etc. (also referred to as the "first e-commerce service") and the user information of users who use the communication service for trading communication capacity may be linked using their respective user IDs.

[0063] Figure 3 shows an example of user information 1122 according to the embodiment. The user information manages information about each member user created by the business operator providing the first e-commerce platform. The business operator may also be a payment service provider that operates and manages payment services, or a business operator that operates a cryptocurrency exchange that conducts cryptocurrency trading.

[0064] The "User ID" field contains user identification information (User ID: Identifier) ​​that allows server 110 to uniquely identify the user. The "Email Address" field contains the email address registered by the user. The "Name" field contains the user's name. The "Occupation" field contains the occupation registered by the user. In addition to the above examples, user information may also include annual income, address, date of birth, whether or not the user has a driver's license, the driver's license number if the user has a driver's license, and the My Number Card number.

[0065] Furthermore, user information for communication services provided by the service provider as an MVNO may be managed as user information 1122. Figure 4 shows an example of user information for a communication service according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, the user information includes user ID, monthly communication capacity (gigabytes / month), current consumption, whether automatic listing is enabled, and criteria for automatic addition / automatic listing.

[0066] The "User ID" includes user identification information to uniquely identify users who use the communication capacity e-commerce service (also known as the "second e-commerce service"). For users identical to those shown in Figure 3, user IDs may be linked together, or the same user ID may be used. User identity can be determined using user-identifying information such as name, telephone number, and My Number.

[0067] "Gigabytes / month" includes the data allowance allocated to the user for each specified period as stipulated in their contract. The unit of data allowance (gigabytes) and the unit of the specified period (months) are examples; in the example shown in Figure 4, 5GB (gigabytes) is allocated each month. "Current consumption" includes the amount of data allowance consumed for the current month. As will be explained later, if data allowance is purchased, the current consumption may exceed the 5GB of "gigabytes / month". Note that data allowance allocated for each specified period may be consumed first, or purchased data allowance may be consumed first.

[0068] "Automatic listing" includes a setting to determine whether or not to automatically list data when the current consumption meets the listing conditions. For example, if "Automatic listing" is enabled, and there is 5GB or more remaining in a specified period (5 days remaining), 3GB of that will be automatically listed on the second e-commerce platform. "Automatic addition / automatic listing criteria" includes the condition that the remaining data capacity (data capacity allocated per specified period - current consumption) falls below a specified value, or the criteria for automatic listing described above. For example, in the case of user ID "Y01" shown in Figure 4, it indicates that when the remaining capacity falls below 1GB, an additional 1GB will be purchased, or that if the current consumption is less than a specified value or the remaining data capacity is greater than a specified value at a specified time, 2GB will be automatically listed. The specified values ​​for consumption, remaining capacity, capacity to be automatically added, and capacity to be automatically listed may be set in advance by the user. Note that "Automatic listing" and / or "Automatic addition / automatic listing criteria" are not necessarily required information in the user information shown in Figure 4.

[0069] Figure 5 shows an example of account information 1123 according to the embodiment. The account information manages information about each user's account created by, for example, an e-commerce business operator. The e-commerce business operator may be, for example, a person who operates and manages an electronic payment service, and / or a cryptocurrency exchange business operator.

[0070] The "User ID" field contains user identification information that allows server 110 to uniquely identify the user. The "Password" field contains the password used for user authentication. The "Balance" field contains the balance of electronic money (or electronic value) in the user's account. Electronic money is, for example, monetary value that can be used for payment by digitizing cash.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 5, the balance includes the charge amount, sales amount (revenue), points 1, points 2, etc. This is just an example and is not limited to these. The charge amount refers to, for example, the amount that a user deposits from their own bank account to an account created by a business. The sales amount refers to, for example, the revenue that a user earns by listing and selling products on a linked e-commerce platform. Points 1 are, for example, points that a user earns by converting their sales amount, and are points that can be used on the linked e-commerce platform. Points 2 are, for example, points that are awarded by a business or other third party, and are points that can be used at merchants that are members of the first e-commerce platform or payment service.

[0072] The amount that can be charged can be added to the account balance once the user enters their bank account information within the application provided by the service provider, links their user ID to their bank account, and completes identity verification. In addition to bank accounts, it is also possible to charge the account at convenience stores, etc. Below, if identity verification in accordance with the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds has been completed, it will be indicated as "After Identity Verification," and if identity verification has not been completed, it will be indicated as "Before Identity Verification."

[0073] Point 1 is a paid point converted from sales revenue for the user to use in transactions on the first e-commerce platform before bank connection. Point 1 may have an expiration date, for example, six months. Once bank connection is established, Point 1 can be withdrawn from sales revenue, so there is no need to convert it into Point 1 and hold it. Therefore, Point 1 held before bank connection will gradually decrease through use. Bank connection refers to the state in which the user's account is associated with the user's bank account.

[0074] Point 2 refers to points distributed or granted by businesses, etc., as a reward, and Point 2 may have an expiration date. The expiration date of Point 2 may be set to be shorter than the expiration date of Point 1. For example, in this embodiment, the monetary equivalent granted for holding crypto assets may also be Point 2.

[0075] The "crypto assets" shown in Figure 5 include crypto assets purchased or held by users. Crypto assets include, for example, Ethereum and Bitcoin (registered trademark), and are volatile and exchangeable property with monetary value.

[0076] Furthermore, crypto assets may be stored in a separate database. In this case, the user ID of the account in e-commerce, etc., and the user ID of the account in crypto asset trading may be associated, thereby linking the balance in e-commerce and the crypto assets in crypto asset trading for the same user. Even for the same user, the user ID in e-commerce and the user ID in crypto asset trading (e.g., wallet address) may be different IDs.

[0077] Figure 6 shows an example of payment management information 1124 according to the embodiment. The payment management information can be any information related to payment. For example, it is information generated by a payment terminal when a user purchases a product and transmitted to the server 110. "Payment ID" includes identification information (payment ID) for identifying the payment. "Date and time" includes the date and time when the electronic payment was completed. Electronic payments may include, for example, payments using a QR code, credit card payments, and cryptocurrency payments, which will be described later. "Store ID" includes store information (also called store ID) of the store where the electronic payment was made. If the store has multiple POS terminals, the store ID may be the ID of the POS terminal. "Payment amount" includes the payment amount when the electronic payment was made. "Payment method" includes information on the payment method used for the payment. The payment method is one of the following, for example, lump-sum payment, deferred payment where payment is made in a lump sum from the following month onwards, fixed-amount deferred payment where a fixed amount is settled from the following month onwards, convenience store payment, credit card payment, balance payment, bonus payment, etc. Furthermore, multiple payment methods may be selected for a single transaction. The "Status" field includes information indicating "Completed" if the payment (settlement) is complete, and information indicating "Not Completed" if the payment is not yet complete.

[0078] Figure 7 shows an example of the transaction management information 1125 for goods, etc. according to the embodiment. "Seller ID" includes the user ID of the seller of the goods. "Product name" includes the name of the goods. "Description" includes a description of the goods. "Price" includes the selling price of the goods. Note that "Product name," "Description," and "Price" are included in the listing information of the goods, and other information may be included in the listing information. "Listing time" includes the time when the goods were listed. "Buyer ID" includes the user ID of the user who purchased the goods. "Payment method" includes the payment method used by the buyer to purchase the goods.

[0079] In addition, "Status" may be included as another item in the transaction management information. "Status" includes the status of the transaction in e-commerce. Status may include "In Transaction" indicating that the transaction is currently ongoing, "Negotiating" indicating that negotiations are underway with the buyer user, and "Sold" indicating that the item has been sold.

[0080] Figure 8 shows an example of transaction management information for communication capacity according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 8, "Seller ID" includes the user ID of the user selling the communication capacity. "Capacity" includes the communication capacity being offered. "Price" includes the selling price of the communication capacity. "Listing Time" includes the time the communication capacity was listed. "Buyer ID" includes the user ID of the user who purchased the communication capacity. "Payment Method" includes the payment method used by the buyer to purchase the communication capacity.

[0081] Returning to Figure 2, the payment control module 1126 stored in memory 112 is executed by the processor 111 to perform payment processing when each user purchases goods on the first e-commerce platform, payment processing when purchasing goods at each merchant, and payment processing when purchasing communication capacity on the second e-commerce platform. For example, payment processing at stores is managed by the payment management information shown in Figure 6, payment processing for goods on the first e-commerce platform is managed by the transaction management information shown in Figure 7, and payment processing for communication capacity on the second e-commerce platform is managed by the transaction management information shown in Figure 8.

[0082] Furthermore, the first transaction control module 1127, stored in memory 112, is executed by processor 1111 to control the buying and selling of goods on the first e-commerce platform. For example, the first transaction control module 1127 controls user registration, listing processing, buying and selling transaction processing, evaluation processing, and electronic value management processing on the first e-commerce platform.

[0083] The second transaction control module 1128, stored in memory 112, controls the trading of communication capacity. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 creates an account for communication capacity and, according to the user's instructions, performs the buying and selling of a predetermined amount of communication capacity. Alternatively, the account for communication capacity may be the same account created when using the first e-commerce platform for the product, provided it is the same user.

[0084] Furthermore, when a user requests to list or purchase communication capacity, the second transaction control module 1128 executes processing corresponding to the requested listing or purchase on the second e-commerce platform for communication capacity. For example, if it is a listing request, the second transaction control module 1128 executes listing processing on the second e-commerce platform based on predetermined settings such as communication capacity, amount, and purchase deadline, and if it is a purchase request, it executes purchase processing on the second e-commerce platform based on predetermined communication capacity, sales amount, etc. Note that the second transaction control module 1128 may be installed on another business operator's server (for example, server 150).

[0085] Hereinafter, it is assumed that the user is able to use the first e-commerce platform for goods and, by subscribing to a communication service, is also able to use the second e-commerce platform for communication capacity.

[0086] The second transaction control module 1128 grants the first user a predetermined amount of communication capacity available for the communication service at predetermined intervals. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 grants the first user a predetermined amount of communication capacity each month based on the contract. The predetermined communication capacity includes a value specified by the first user, such as 2GB, 5GB, or 8GB. The predetermined period is given as an example of one month, but it may also be two months, one week, two weeks, etc.

[0087] The second transaction control module 1128 receives a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of a predetermined communication capacity. For example, if the first user operates the terminal 200 to determine the amount of communication capacity to list and requests listing, the second transaction control module 1128 receives the listing request from the terminal 200 based on the first user's operation. The listing request may include information about the first user and the amount of communication capacity to list.

[0088] The second transaction control module 1128 puts up for sale at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity on the second e-commerce platform based on the above-mentioned listing request. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 puts up for sale at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity as the listing capacity on the second e-commerce platform, with the first user as the seller, and makes it available for purchase by users. The second transaction control module 1128 also subtracts the portion of the listed communication capacity from the first user's remaining available communication capacity for each predetermined period.

[0089] The second transaction control module 1128 receives a purchase request from the second user for at least a portion of the aforementioned communication capacity listed on the second e-commerce platform. For example, if the second user operates the terminal 200 to select a specific listing from the listing list and requests a purchase, the second transaction control module 1128 receives a purchase request from the terminal 200 based on the second user's operation. The purchase request may include information about the second user and information about the identified listing.

[0090] The second transaction control module 1128 adds at least a portion of the communication capacity described above to the predetermined communication capacity granted to the second user for each predetermined period based on the purchase request described above. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 adds the purchased communication capacity to the remaining communication capacity available to the second user for each predetermined period.

[0091] Through the above process, it becomes possible to provide a mechanism that allows for the easy buying and selling of at least a portion of the communication capacity allocated to individuals at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, in the second e-commerce platform built using this mechanism, users will be able to purchase the necessary communication capacity or list surplus communication capacity for sale at predetermined intervals.

[0092] In addition to the processing described above, the second transaction control module 1128 may also include, when acquiring listing requests, acquiring listing requests for at least a portion of the unused communication capacity for a predetermined period in the present or past, as identified by the operation of the first user. For example, if it is currently May, the second transaction control module 1128 may acquire listing requests for at least a portion of the unused communication capacity for May or earlier, as specified by the first user. Unused capacity from earlier than April may be carried over, and the communication capacity to be listed may be selected from this carried-over unused capacity.

[0093] Through the above process, the first user can specify and list not only unused data capacity from the present time and a specified period, but also unused data capacity from the past, to be listed for sale.

[0094] In addition to any of the above-described processes, the second transaction control module 1128 may also perform the following actions: if the listed communication capacity is not purchased by a predetermined deadline, it may set the unpurchased communication capacity to the operator of the second e-commerce platform.

[0095] For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may purchase any remaining communication capacity after a predetermined period (e.g., two months) from the operator of the second e-commerce platform for a predetermined amount or in predetermined units of communication capacity. In this case, the second transaction control module 1128 may associate the purchased communication capacity with the aforementioned operator and associate an amount corresponding to the purchase price with the seller. The purchase price may be set lower than the selling price or higher than the selling price.

[0096] In addition to any of the above-described processes, the second transaction control module 1128 may also add the unsold communication capacity to the next predetermined period's communication capacity as a carry-over if the listed communication capacity is not purchased by a predetermined deadline.

[0097] Through the above process, even if there is unsold data capacity by the specified deadline, it becomes possible to prevent this data capacity from continuing to be listed for sale, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the marketplace for the distribution of data capacity.

[0098] The second transaction control module 1128 may, with respect to the administrator's purchase as described above, grant a reward corresponding to the communication capacity set for the administrator to a predetermined user using the second e-commerce platform. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may grant the aforementioned reward to the seller, designated as a predetermined user, in the form of other monetary equivalents (e.g., points, etc.) corresponding to the purchase price. The predetermined user may also be a user who meets predetermined conditions in a campaign or similar event.

[0099] Through the above process, if the listed data allowance remains unsold by the specified deadline, the variety of methods for returning it to users, including the seller, can be increased.

[0100] The second transaction control module 1128, when adding communication capacity to a purchaser (second user), may include making the purchased communication capacity available until the expiration date of the current or next predetermined period. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may add the purchased communication capacity to the purchaser by selecting either the current predetermined period or the next predetermined period, depending on the second user's selection. Alternatively, by default, it may be set to either the current predetermined period or the next predetermined period, and the purchaser's settings may allow the purchased communication capacity to be set to the other predetermined period.

[0101] Through the above process, it becomes possible to set, according to the purchaser's request, which predetermined period the purchased data capacity will be added to.

[0102] The second transaction control module 1128 may include refusing to accept listing requests for purchased communication capacity when it receives a listing request. For example, when the second transaction control module 1128 receives a listing request from a seller (first user), it may check whether the seller has a history of purchasing communication capacity in a predetermined period including the present or in the most recent predetermined period, and if there is a purchase history, it may cancel the listing request. Normally, the purchase of communication capacity occurs when a shortage of communication capacity granted at predetermined intervals is anticipated, so by referring to the purchase history, it is possible to roughly determine whether the communication capacity to be listed was granted at predetermined intervals or purchased.

[0103] The above process prevents the purchase of more data capacity than necessary, and ensures the stability and reliability of the marketplace for data capacity distribution.

[0104] Furthermore, the second transaction control module 1128 may also accept listing requests for purchased communication capacity. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may allow users whose user rating is above a predetermined value to relist purchased communication capacity.

[0105] The second transaction control module 1128 may enable users who are allocated communication capacity in the communication service to purchase communication capacity listed on the second e-commerce platform. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may enable users of the communication service to view the communication capacity listings on the second e-commerce platform.

[0106] By performing the above process, the listings become viewable to the target users, eliminating the need to display listings that consume data to users who do not use the communication service. Therefore, server 110 is spared unnecessary processing.

[0107] The second transaction control module 1128 may cancel a listing of communication capacity if the first user cancels the communication service or if the first user's communication capacity within a predetermined period meets the insufficient condition. For example, if the first user who canceled the communication service had listed communication capacity with the second transaction control module, the second transaction control module 1128 may cancel this listing. Also, if the available communication capacity granted within a predetermined period falls below a predetermined value, the second transaction control module 1128 may cancel the listing and add the listed communication capacity to the first user's available communication capacity.

[0108] Through the above process, it becomes possible to cancel a listing when certain conditions are met from a user-friendliness perspective. The second transaction control module 1128 may be configured to automatically or manually cancel the listing when it is canceled due to insufficient communication capacity, or it may be configured to prevent this option from being selected.

[0109] Listing Scheme The above example described the processing of the second transaction control module 1128, but below, we will describe the listing scheme for communication capacity. The listing scheme may have the following variables. In this embodiment, the listing process is completed by any combination of the following variables, as long as they do not contradict each other. Availability period: The period during which the data allowance allocated to the user can be used. Listing period: The period during which users can list at least one portion of their allocated data allowance. Purchase period: The period during which users can purchase data capacity listed by other users. Availability Period: The period during which data capacity purchased from other users can be purchased. Buying back unused data capacity: The timing for e-commerce platform administrators to purchase users' unused data capacity. For each of the above variables, it is possible to set it to end of the current month or end of the current month + Nth month.

[0110] As described above, each variable can be set arbitrarily, and four examples of listing schemes will be explained using Figures 9 and 10, but the scheme is not limited to these examples. Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating examples A to D of listing schemes according to the embodiment. In Figures 9 and 10, the unit of communication capacity is gigabytes (also simply called "giga"), the predetermined period for which communication capacity is granted is one month, the amount of giga granted to the user is 20 gigabytes, and the current month is April.

[0111] The listing scheme (A) shown in Figure 9 is an example where the available period, listing period, and purchase period are all one month, including a predetermined period (one month). For example, in the listing scheme (A) shown in Figure 9, the gigabytes granted or purchased by either the seller (first user) or the buyer (second user) are valid until the end of the month. The seller can list the data capacity granted for that month only for that month, and the buyer can purchase the listed data capacity only for that month, and must use all of it, including the purchased gigabytes, by the end of the month.

[0112] The listing scheme (B) shown in Figure 9 is an example where the gigabytes allocated to the user can be carried over to the next month, and the listing and purchase periods are one month. In listing scheme (B), both sellers and buyers can use the gigabytes allocated to or purchased by themselves until the end of the following month. Sellers can list the data capacity allocated to them in a given month, but only for that month, and buyers can purchase the listed data capacity, but only for that month.

[0113] In the listing scheme (C) shown in Figure 9, the gigabytes granted each month are only usable for that month, but gigabytes that are listed and purchased can be used until the end of the following month. The listing and purchase periods are also until the end of the following month. In the case of listing scheme (C), there are two types of usable periods: one month for the granted gigabytes and until the end of the following month for the purchased gigabytes.

[0114] In the listing scheme (C), the seller benefits from being able to list any remaining data (GB) that is confirmed to be unused by the end of the current month in the following month. In addition, there are two types of data available for purchase: data with an expiration date set for the end of the current month and data with an expiration date set for the end of the following month, allowing buyers to choose according to their usage. Furthermore, any unused data from the current month can be listed, effectively extending its usage period until the end of the following month.

[0115] The listing scheme (D) shown in Figure 10 is a hybrid of listing schemes (B) and (C). Listing scheme (D) prompts the user to choose whether to list any remaining gigabytes at the end of the current month or carry them over to the next month. If the user chooses to carry them over, listing scheme (B) is processed; if the user chooses to list them, listing scheme (C) is processed. Note that the above listing schemes (A) through (D) can be executed by the second transaction control module 1128.

[0116] 《Data capacity eligible for listing》 The second transaction control module 1128 may allow the user to set an arbitrary amount of communication capacity to be offered for sale, or it may be set in advance by the business / administrator. Furthermore, the communication capacity to be offered for sale may be communication capacity that is left over after a specified period (e.g., past its expiration date). For example, the communication capacity left over after a specified period may be rounded to a specified unit. Specifically, if 1.1 gigabytes remain, the second transaction control module 1128 may offer 1 gigabyte and round down the remaining 0.1 gigabytes, or carry it over to the next month. Alternatively, if 1.9 gigabytes remain, the second transaction control module 1128 may offer 2 gigabytes and deduct 0.1 gigabytes from the next month's allowance.

[0117] The data allowance to be offered may be any data allowance that is likely to remain unused at the end of the month. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 or each user may identify the amount of data that is likely to remain unused at the end of the month based on the user's past usage history. If the amount of data that is likely to remain unused is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (e.g., greater than or equal to the minimum amount of data that can be offered (e.g., 1GB)), the second transaction control module 1128 may notify the user that there is data that is likely to remain unused. The data allowance to be offered may be any data allowance that has been allocated to the user. For example, it may be a predetermined amount of data allocated to the user at predetermined intervals, data allowance that the user has purchased, or data allowance that has been allocated to the user as a benefit or transfer. In this disclosure, the data allowance to be offered may be arbitrarily selected, as long as there is no contradiction.

[0118] The second transaction control module 1128 may, for example, for a user who has used an average of 5 gigabytes in the past, subtract 5 gigabytes from the remaining data for the current month and identify the difference as the remaining data. Alternatively, the second transaction control module 1128 may identify the remaining data capacity based on the amount of gigabytes remaining at a predetermined point in the current month. For example, if the second transaction control module 1128 has 4.8 gigabytes remaining on the 25th of each month, it may notify the user on the 25th that "It looks like you will have 4 gigabytes remaining this month" and encourage them to list their data capacity. The second transaction control module 1128 may also notify the user at a predetermined point in a predetermined period if it looks like they will have a surplus of gigabytes or a shortage of gigabytes.

[0119] Setting the listing price Users or businesses may set their own listing prices for each unit of communication capacity. For example, the listing price may be 200 yen / gigabyte. Alternatively, users or businesses may set their own listing prices for each unit of communication capacity being listed. For example, 300 yen / 2 gigabytes. The second transaction control module 1128 may set the listing price to one of the following prices at which a sale has been completed within a predetermined period on the second e-commerce platform. Average, median, lowest price, highest price, most recent trading price Furthermore, the second transaction control module 1128 may set a minimum listing price and a maximum listing price on the second e-commerce platform.

[0120] 《For Sale》 As described above, the second transaction control module 1128 may suggest listing an item to the user if there is likely to be unused communication capacity before the deadline of a predetermined period. In this case, the user may ultimately decide whether or not to list the item.

[0121] The second transaction control module 1128 may automatically list any unused communication capacity within a predetermined period. The second transaction control module 1128 may also notify the business operator to list any remaining communication capacity if the number of listings on the second e-commerce platform falls below a predetermined value.

[0122] The second transaction control module 1128 may, when performing automatic listing, identify remaining communication capacity at a predetermined time (e.g., the end of the month or the end of the following month) and perform the listing. Alternatively, if a user has set a preferred timing, the second transaction control module 1128 may perform the listing process at that timing.

[0123] Additional sales revenue The second transaction control module 1128 associates sales revenue with the seller upon completion of a communication capacity transaction. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may associate the amount obtained by subtracting the commission from the sales proceeds (listing price at the time of transaction completion) with the seller when the transaction is completed or when the business operator purchases the product. Associating the amount with the seller means adding the amount to the balance of the seller's account. Alternatively, as described above, the second transaction control module 1128 may add the amount corresponding to the sales proceeds to the balance of the seller's account, or it may convert the amount corresponding to the sales proceeds into points and award them to the seller.

[0124] 《Automated Processing》 For example, a user can set a remaining data allowance (e.g., 5 GB) for a specified date (e.g., the 25th), and if the available data allowance is less than or equal to that set amount, the user can automatically purchase the specified amount of data from their listings; if it is greater than or equal to the set amount, the user can automatically list the specified amount of data for sale.

[0125] The second transaction control module 1128 may discard any communication capacity that does not meet the minimum listing unit during automatic listing. For example, if the minimum listing unit at the end of the month is 1 gigabyte, and the communication capacity for the listing is subtracted from the remaining communication capacity, then 0.6 gigabytes may be discarded.

[0126] Furthermore, the operator of the second e-commerce platform may automatically purchase items from sellers. In this case, the operator may list the purchased data capacity on the second e-commerce platform. The operator's purchase price may be set lower than the selling price. The gigabytes purchased by the operator may include only the gigabytes listed for sale, or may also include unused gigabytes from users.

[0127] Furthermore, operators of the second e-commerce platform may list data capacity on the second e-commerce platform. In addition to the data capacity listed by users, operators may list additional data capacity that can be added to users. It is also possible to set it up so that operators list data capacity when the listed data capacity on the second e-commerce platform runs out.

[0128] Purchase of data allowance For example, when the second transaction control module 1128 receives a selection of items and a purchase request from the buyer (second user), it executes the payment process. As part of the payment process, the second transaction control module 1128 subtracts the listing price from the buyer's account balance and adds the corresponding price to the seller's account balance. After the above payment process is completed, the second transaction control module 1128 adds the listed communication capacity to the buyer's available communication capacity.

[0129] Furthermore, escrow may be used for payment processing. The second transaction control module 1128 may set the period for which the transaction is completed to be longer than the period for which the seller can use it. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 may add one month to the usage period for the purchased communication capacity.

[0130] Cancellation Procedures The second transaction control module 1128 allows users to use the communication capacity granted at predetermined intervals when they cancel their communication service, and if there is communication capacity available for listings, it cancels the listings of the user who canceled their service.

[0131] "others" The second transaction control module 1128 may make the display of the communication capacity of listed items viewable by users whose available communication capacity is below a predetermined value, or by users who are using a communication service. As a list of communication capacity to view, for example, listed items may be displayed in descending order of communication capacity in predetermined units of communication capacity (for example, 1 gigabyte), and listed items with a communication capacity corresponding to the difference between past communication capacity usage and current communication capacity usage may be displayed at the top.

[0132] Alternatively, older listings could be displayed higher in the search results. In this case, listing items early would result in older listing dates and higher search results, encouraging users to list items early. As a result, the number of listings with sufficient data capacity would increase, preventing stockouts.

[0133] Additionally, the icons for listed items may display the seller's profile picture or any NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) they hold in the background.

[0134] If there are no more listings for data capacity on the second e-commerce platform (i.e., all listings have been purchased), it will be possible for prospective buyers of data capacity to submit listing requests specifying the number of gigabytes or the amount of data they wish to purchase. For example, if the second transaction control module 1128 receives a listing request from a designated user, it will send a notification to users who possess the specified number of gigabytes or gigabytes equivalent to the specified amount of data included in the listing request, prompting them to submit a listing.

[0135] Furthermore, when linking with the first e-commerce platform via an API or the like, the second transaction control module 1128 may enable the exchange of goods and communication capacity for the same price for goods listed on the first e-commerce platform and communication capacity listed on the second e-commerce platform, provided that the listing price for the goods listed on the first e-commerce platform is the same price for the communication capacity listed on the second e-commerce platform, provided that the user is both a user of the first e-commerce platform and a user of the second e-commerce platform.

[0136] Furthermore, any unsold communication capacity on the second e-commerce platform for a predetermined period may be distributed to a predetermined number of users who are also users of the first e-commerce platform through campaigns or other means.

[0137] The second transaction control module 1128 may add the transaction evaluation of communication capacity in the second e-commerce platform to the transaction evaluation in the first e-commerce platform. In this case, since digital transactions require different man-hours than physical transactions, it is advisable to multiply the evaluation value in the second e-commerce platform by a coefficient (less than 1). Alternatively, the second transaction control module 1128 may not add the transaction evaluation of communication capacity in the second e-commerce platform to the transaction evaluation in the first e-commerce platform. This is because the man-hours for physical transactions and digital item transactions are different.

[0138] The one or more processors 111 described above read and execute each module from the memory 112 as needed. For example, one or more processors 111 may constitute a settlement control unit, a first transaction control unit, and a second transaction control unit, respectively, by executing a settlement control module 1126, a first transaction control module 1127, and a second transaction control module 1128.

[0139] (2) Configuration of terminal 120 The terminal 120 includes a processor 121, memory 122, storage 123, input / output interface 124, input device 125, output device 126, transmitting / receiving unit 127, and reading unit 128.

[0140] The processing, functions, or methods performed by the processor 121 may be implemented, to the extent feasible, by machine learning or AI (Artificial Intelligence), etc.

[0141] The input device 125 receives various operations and other information from the user of the terminal 120.

[0142] The transmitting / receiving unit 127 transmits and receives data with the server 110, etc., according to instructions from the processor 121. For example, when logging into the server 110, the transmitting / receiving unit 127 establishes a communication session with the server 110 using HTTPS or the like. It then stores the communication address of the server 110, etc., associated with the ID of the established communication session. Finally, it sends data to the server 110 using the established communication session.

[0143] The processor 121 performs processing that utilizes predetermined services provided by the server 110.

[0144] In one embodiment, memory 122 stores the following: program 1221, settlement processing module 1222, first transaction processing module 1223, second transaction processing module 1224, display control module 1225, and data structure, or a subset thereof. Note that the information stored in memory 122 may also be stored in other storage devices (e.g., storage 123).

[0145] As described above, program 1221 is a program loaded from storage 123 and includes instructions and the like related to each embodiment.

[0146] The payment processing module 1222 performs processing related to electronic payments. For example, the payment processing module 1222 performs store-scan type payments, where user information is coded and that code is read by the store's terminal, or user-scan type payments, where a code containing store information is read. The payment processing module 1222 may also perform person-to-person money transfer processing.

[0147] The first transaction processing module 1223 executes processes for buying and selling goods on an e-commerce platform. For example, the first transaction processing module 1223 executes processes for listing goods and purchasing goods on an e-commerce platform.

[0148] The second transaction processing module 1224 may perform processing for buying and selling communication capacity. For example, the second transaction processing module 1224 may send a request to the server 110 to list or buy communication capacity.

[0149] The display control module 1225 controls the output device 126 to display screen data related to electronic payment services, e-commerce platforms, and communication capacity transactions. For example, the display control module 1225 controls the display to show a screen for listing products, a screen for purchasing products, or a screen for buying and selling communication capacity.

[0150] The one or more processors 121 described above read and execute each module from the memory 122 as needed. For example, one or more processors 121 may constitute a settlement processing unit, a first transaction processing unit, a second transaction processing unit, and a display control unit by executing the settlement processing module 1222, the first transaction processing module 1223, the second transaction processing module 1224, and the display control module 1225, respectively.

[0151] <Operation process of the embodiment> Referring to Figure 11, the processing of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 11 shows an example of a flowchart of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 11 is an example of the processing in which the server 110 controls the transaction of communication capacity in response to various requests from the terminal 120 made by the user.

[0152] (Step S102) The second transaction control module 1128 receives a request from the first user to use the communication service, and once the contract is completed, it grants the first user a predetermined communication capacity at predetermined intervals. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 grants the first user a predetermined communication capacity of 5 gigabytes, 10 gigabytes, or 20 gigabytes every month.

[0153] (Step S104) The second transaction control module 1128 receives a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of a predetermined communication capacity. For example, when the first user operates the terminal 200, the second transaction control module 1128 receives a listing request from the terminal 200 for the communication capacity remaining for a predetermined period. The listing request may include the first user's information and the communication capacity to be listed.

[0154] (Step S106) The second transaction control module 1128 puts at least a portion of the communication capacity up for sale on the e-commerce platform based on the listing request. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 designates the first user as the seller and lists at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity as the listing capacity on the second e-commerce platform, making it available for purchase by users.

[0155] (Step S108) The second transaction control module 1128 receives a purchase request from the second user for at least a portion of the communication capacity listed on the e-commerce platform. For example, if the second user operates terminal 200 to select a specific listing from the listing list and requests a purchase, the second transaction control module 1128 receives the purchase request from terminal 200 based on the second user's operation. The purchase request may include information about the second user and information about the specified listing.

[0156] (Step S110) The second transaction control module 1128 adds at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity allocated to the second user for each predetermined period based on the purchase request. For example, the second transaction control module 1128 adds the purchased communication capacity to the remaining communication capacity available to the second user for each predetermined period.

[0157] Through the above process, at least a portion of the communication capacity allocated to an individual at predetermined intervals can be easily bought and sold. According to this embodiment, for example, a user can list a portion of the communication capacity allocated each month for sale, or purchase additional communication capacity from other users.

[0158] <Screen example> Next, examples of screens displayed on the user's terminal 120 will be explained using Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the screen before and after using the communication service according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 12, screen D10 is an example of the screen before starting to use the communication service, and screen D12 is an example of the screen after starting to use the communication service.

[0159] Screen D10, shown in Figure 12, indicates that when you sign up for a SIM contract with M Mobile (when you start using the communication service), you will be granted, for example, 1.25 GB / month. Note that "1.25 GB" can be changed in the settings. When user "AAAA" operates the "Start using" button B10 and completes the prescribed start-up process, including acknowledging the terms of service for the communication service, screen D12 will be displayed.

[0160] On screen D12, once the user starts using M Mobile, a "Sell / Buy Gigabytes" button B12 will appear in a location related to M Mobile (for example, on the same line). When the user operates this button B12, the transaction screen on the second e-commerce platform (Figures 13-15) will be displayed.

[0161] Figure 13 shows an example of screen transitions related to the listing of communication capacity according to the embodiment. Screen D20 shown in Figure 13 is a screen on the second e-commerce platform, and displays buttons to allow the user to select whether to sell or buy communication capacity. Also, recently traded communication capacity (e.g., a predetermined number of gigabytes) is displayed at the bottom of screen D20. When the "Sell" button B20 is pressed on screen D20, the display screen transitions to the listing screen D22.

[0162] On screen D20, 8.2GB (gigabytes) is displayed as the remaining capacity for September, of which 2GB is indicated as additionally purchased gigabytes. To distinguish between additionally purchased gigabytes and the gigabytes granted at regular intervals, the display for each will be different.

[0163] Screen D22 shows an example of a listing screen. In this example, the additional GB purchased cannot be listed, and 6.2GB (8.2GB minus the additional 2GB) is displayed as the available capacity for listing. Here, the user operates screen D22 to set the "selling price" (listing price) to 520 yen and uses the "-" and "+" buttons in the middle of the screen to set the listing capacity to 3GB. In this state, when the user presses the "List" button, the second transaction control module 1128 performs the listing process, and the display screen transitions to screen D24. Note that an upper or lower limit per gigabyte may be set, and the user may be able to set the selling price within the range between the lower and upper limits.

[0164] Screen D24 shows an example of the screen after listing an item. In Screen D24, since 3GB was listed out of 6.2GB, 3.2GB is displayed as "This month's best-selling capacity".

[0165] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions related to the communication capacity being offered for sale according to the embodiment. In screen D30 shown in Figure 14, the offered communication capacity (3GB) and price (520 yen) are displayed in the middle of the screen as "Gigas being offered for sale". An "Edit" button B30 is displayed in a position related to this "Gigas being offered for sale". When the user operates this "Edit" button B30, the displayed screen transitions to screen D32.

[0166] Screen D32 displays the following information regarding the data allowance currently listed: "Number of gigabytes listed" (3GB), "Selling price" (520 yen), "Selling fee" (52 yen), and "Selling profit" (468 yen). Screen D32 also displays a "Change" button B32 and a "Delete and return to usable gigabytes" button B34 for the data allowance currently listed. If the user operates the "Change" button B32, the display screen transitions to screen D34. If the user operates the "Delete and return to usable gigabytes" button B34, the display screen transitions to screen D36.

[0167] Screen D34 displays that the price of the listed data allowance has been changed from 520 yen to 400 yen, and also indicates that the change has been reflected. The user can change the price by operating the edit button B36.

[0168] Screen D36 shows that the listed data allowance (3GB) has been deleted (canceled), and the remaining data allowance for September (this month) has increased from 3.2GB to 6.2GB. Additionally, the listing information that was displayed on screens D30 and D34 has been removed from screen D36.

[0169] Figure 15 shows an example of screen transitions related to the purchase of communication capacity according to the embodiment. In screen D40 shown in Figure 15, it is displayed that the remaining capacity for September (this month) is 0.5GB. Also, if the user operates the "Buy" button B40 on this screen D40, the display screen transitions to screen D42.

[0170] Screen D42 displays a list of data allowances currently listed. While the listings are generally displayed in descending order of data allowance (from smallest to largest), this is not an isolated example. If the user selects a listing offering 3GB for 520 yen from the list, the display transitions to screen D44.

[0171] Screen D44 displays the available data allowance (3GB), expiration date (September 30th), payment method (bundled with monthly usage fee), payment amount (520 yen), and seller rating. When the user clicks the "Purchase and Increase Your Data Allowance" button B42 on screen D44, the display screen transitions to screen D46. Note that "bundled with monthly usage fee" means that the cost of purchasing the data allowance will be added to the monthly usage fee that is incurred at predetermined intervals.

[0172] Screen D46 displays that the 3GB of data listed for sale has been purchased, increasing the remaining data allowance for September from 0.5GB to 3.5GB. The purchased 3GB is also credited as one month's allowance and is displayed separately from the remaining 0.5GB. By interacting with area B44, the "Giga Buy / Sell" section displayed on screen D46, the display screen transitions to screen D48.

[0173] Screen D48 displays a list of data allowances that users have listed for sale and a list of data allowances they have purchased. In the example shown on screen D48, the list of purchased data allowances is displayed. The list of purchased data allowances is displayed in order of purchase date, from newest to oldest, but this is not the only example.

[0174] As described above, Figures 12 to 15 illustrate examples of display screens controlled by the second transaction control module 1128 and displayed on the terminal 200. However, the display format is merely an example. For instance, the display format for items currently listed (icon) or the display format for the remaining time in the month (circular UI component) are not limited to these examples, and other display formats may be used.

[0175] The disclosed technology described above is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the gist of the disclosed technology. For example, the order of each processing step described above can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as there is no inconsistency in the processing content.

[0176] <Variation> In the above embodiment, the operator of the first e-commerce platform and the operator of the second e-commerce platform may be the same operator. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] 1...Information processing system, 110...Server, 111...Processor, 112...Memory, 113...Storage, 114...Input / Output I / F, 115...Input device, 116...Output device, 117...Transmit / Receive unit, 120...Terminal, 121...Processor, 122...Memory, 123...Storage, 124...Input / Output I / F, 125...Input device, 126...Output device, 127...Transmit / Receive unit, 1126...Settlement control module, 1127...First transaction control module, 1128...Second transaction control module, 1222...Settlement processing module, 1223...First transaction processing module, 1224...Second transaction processing module, 1225...Display control module

Claims

1. Information processing device, A predetermined amount of communication capacity available for use in the communication service will be granted to the first user at predetermined intervals. To obtain a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity, Based on the aforementioned request for listing, to list at least a portion of the aforementioned communication capacity on an e-commerce platform, To obtain a purchase request from a second user for at least a portion of the communication capacity listed on the e-commerce platform, Based on the purchase request, add at least a portion of the communication capacity to the predetermined communication capacity granted to the second user for each predetermined period. An information processing method that performs the following.

2. Obtaining the aforementioned listing request means The information processing method according to claim 1, comprising obtaining listing requests for at least a portion of unused communication capacity during a predetermined period in the present or past, which has been identified by the operation of the first user.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein if the listed communication capacity is not purchased by a predetermined deadline, the unpurchased communication capacity is set as the operator of the e-commerce platform.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, which includes granting a benefit corresponding to the communication capacity set for the business operator to a predetermined user using the e-commerce platform.

5. The aforementioned addition is, The information processing method according to claim 1, comprising making the purchased communication capacity available for use until the expiration date of the current or next predetermined period.

6. Obtaining the aforementioned listing request means The information processing method according to claim 1, which includes not accepting requests for listing purchased communication capacity.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, which enables users who are granted communication capacity in the aforementioned communication service to purchase communication capacity offered on the electronic commerce platform.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first user cancels the communication service, or the first user's communication capacity within a predetermined period is insufficient, and the listing is canceled.

9. In an information processing device, A predetermined amount of communication capacity available for use in the communication service will be granted to the first user at predetermined intervals. To obtain a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity, Based on the aforementioned request for listing, to list at least a portion of the aforementioned communication capacity on an e-commerce platform, To obtain a purchase request from a second user for at least a portion of the communication capacity listed on the e-commerce platform, Based on the purchase request, add at least a portion of the communication capacity to the predetermined communication capacity granted to the second user for each predetermined period. A program that executes something.

10. An information processing device including one or more processors, The one or more processors described above A predetermined amount of communication capacity available for use in the communication service will be granted to the first user at predetermined intervals. To obtain a listing request from the first user for at least a portion of the predetermined communication capacity, Based on the aforementioned request for listing, to list at least a portion of the aforementioned communication capacity on an e-commerce platform, To obtain a purchase request from a second user for at least a portion of the communication capacity listed on the e-commerce platform, Based on the purchase request, add at least a portion of the communication capacity to the predetermined communication capacity granted to the second user for each predetermined period. An information processing device that performs the following actions.

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