Charge management system, control method for charge management system, and charge terminal

Abstract

The present invention provides a charge management system, a control method for the charge management system, and a charge terminal, which enable charging of the first payment method using the second payment method, even if the first payment method and the second payment method are not linked to each other in advance. [Solution] The charge management system of this disclosure comprises a charge terminal that charges electronic money to a first payment means, and a management device that manages the chargeable balance, which is the balance of electronic money that can be charged to the first payment means and for which payment has been completed by a second payment means different from the first payment means, and that provides a response based on the chargeable balance when an inquiry regarding the chargeable balance is made from the charge terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charge management system for managing the charging of the balance of prepaid payment means, a control method for the charge management system, and a charge terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Prepaid payment means for performing settlement using a pre-charged balance are widespread. Examples of prepaid payment means include prepaid cards, electronic money, or code settlement using QR codes (registered trademarks), barcodes, and the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a charge management system in which a service provider of a franchise store that conducts transactions using a first settlement service by a first settlement means provides a second settlement service by a second settlement means. According to Patent Document 1, by the service provider of the franchise store of the first settlement service providing the second settlement service, a user can charge the second settlement means using the balance of the first settlement means without going through complicated procedures.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a desire to use various other payment means for charging a certain prepaid payment means. In view of such a desire, the present disclosure aims to provide a charge management system, a control method for the charge management system, and a charge terminal that can charge the first payment means using the second payment means even if the first payment means and the second payment means are not pre-associated with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A charge management system according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a charge terminal for charging electronic money to a first payment means, and a management device that manages the chargeable balance, which is the balance of electronic money that can be charged to the first payment means but for which payment has been completed by a second payment means different from the first payment means, and that provides a response based on the chargeable balance when an inquiry regarding the chargeable balance is made from the charge terminal.

[0007] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a charge management system including a charge terminal for charging electronic money to a first payment means, wherein a computer manages a chargeable balance which is the balance after settlement has been completed by a second payment means different from the first payment means, and when an inquiry regarding the chargeable balance is made from the charge terminal, the computer performs a process to provide a response based on the chargeable balance.

[0008] A charge terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an input unit that receives input of a request to charge electronic money to a first payment means; a communication unit that, upon receiving the request, sends an inquiry regarding the chargeable balance to a management device that manages the chargeable balance, which is the balance of electronic money that can be charged to the first payment means and for which settlement has been completed by a second payment means different from the first payment means; and a charge processing unit that, upon receiving a response regarding the chargeable balance from the management device, charges the first payment means with electronic money in an amount less than or equal to the chargeable balance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, even if the first payment method and the second payment method are not linked to each other in advance, the first payment method can be charged using the second payment method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charge management system. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a charging terminal. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device. [Figure 4] First sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charge management system. [Figure 5] Second sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charge management system. [Figure 6] Third sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charge management system. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a charging terminal and management device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0012] <Overall Structure> Referring to Figure 1, the overall configuration of the charge management system 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charge management system 100. In Figure 1, the components connected by solid lines indicate that they are connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another. Communication between the components of the charge management system 100 may be conducted via a predetermined network (for example, a public network such as the Internet) or without a network.

[0013] The charge management system 100 includes a charge terminal 10 and a management device 20. The charge terminal 10 and the management device 20 are communicably connected to each other. Also, the charge terminal 10 and the second payment means server 400, and the management device 20 and the second payment means server 400 are communicably connected to each other.

[0014] The charge terminal 10 charges the first payment means 200 owned by the user of the charge management system 100 with electronic money. The charge terminal 10 is a type of computer having a processor and a memory. In this specification, for simplicity, charging the first payment means 200 with electronic money may be described as charging the first payment means 200 or performing a charge.

[0015] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first payment means 200 is a contactless payment means. In this example, the charge terminal 10 has a contactless communication function, and the user holds the first payment means 200 over the charge terminal 10, thereby performing contactless communication between the charge terminal 10 and the first payment means 200.

[0016] The user can use the first payment means 200 charged by the charge terminal 10 to settle various services.

[0017] The first payment means 200 is, for example, a contactless IC card. In this case, an IC chip that realizes the function of the first payment means 200 can be incorporated into various items carried by the user. To give a specific example, the first payment means 200 can be incorporated into an employee ID card, a card key, various commuter passes, etc. Alternatively, the first payment means 200 may be a payment application installed on a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal) carried by the user. In this case, the first payment means performs contactless communication with the charge terminal 10 using the contactless communication function of the mobile terminal.

[0018] The charging terminal 10 is preferably installed near a place where it is assumed that the user will perform a settlement using the first settlement means 200. For example, when it is assumed that the user will settle the meal payment using the first settlement means 200, the charging terminal 10 is preferably installed near the cash register in the cafeteria or the like. For example, when it is assumed that the user will settle the railway fare using the first settlement means 200, the charging terminal 10 is preferably installed near the ticket gate at the station or the like. For example, when it is assumed that the user will settle the product price using the first settlement means 200, the charging terminal 10 is preferably installed near the cash register of the store that sells the product or the like.

[0019] The management device 20 is a device that manages the rechargeable balance, which is the balance of electronic money rechargeable to the first settlement means 200 and is the balance after the settlement by the second settlement means 300. The management device 20 is a type of computer having a processor and a memory respectively. Alternatively, the management device 20 may be composed of a so-called cloud server constructed by connecting one or more virtualized server devices to each other via the Internet.

[0020] When the user completes the settlement for the rechargeable balance using the second settlement means 300, the management device 20 manages the rechargeable balance by receiving information regarding the rechargeable balance from the second settlement means server 400 that executes various processes for the settlement using the second settlement means 300. The management device 20 manages the rechargeable balance in association with the user's identification information, enabling the management of the rechargeable balance for each user.

[0021] The second payment method 300 is a payment method different from the first payment method 200. In this disclosure, it is assumed that the user selects a desired payment method from among various payment methods and uses it as the second payment method 300. Examples of various payment methods include applications used in code payment services provided by different service providers (e.g., code payment service providers) (e.g., XX Pay). In the example shown in Figure 1, the second payment method 300 is assumed to be a payment application installed on a mobile terminal carried by the user, particularly a code payment application that uses QR codes (registered trademarks) or barcodes to make payments.

[0022] Furthermore, the second payment method 300 is not limited to code-based payments; other payment methods such as credit card payments or bank account withdrawals may also be used.

[0023] When the management device 20 receives an inquiry from the charging terminal 10 regarding the available balance, it provides a response based on the available balance. Specifically, when a user attempts to charge their first payment method 200 using the charging terminal 10, the management device 20 receives an inquiry from the charging terminal 10 regarding the user's available balance. Upon receiving this inquiry, the management device 20 refers to the user's available balance and responds to the charging terminal 10 regarding whether or not there is a available balance.

[0024] When the charging terminal 10 receives a response from the management device 20 indicating that there is no available balance for charging, it notifies the user that there is no available balance for charging and prompts the user to enter the desired charge amount into the first payment method 200.

[0025] When the charging terminal 10 receives input from the user regarding the desired charge amount, it requests the second payment method server 400 to generate code information for settling the desired charge amount. When the second payment method server 400 generates code information in response to the request from the charging terminal 10, the charging terminal 10 receives and displays the code information. This code information includes the information necessary for the user to settle the desired charge amount using the second payment method 300.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an example in which the charging terminal 10 displays code information, and the user reads the code information using the second payment method 300 to make a payment. This type of code payment method is generally called MPM (Merchant Presented Mode). The disclosure is not limited to this, and payment may also be made using the second payment method 300 by a method in which the user enters the desired charge amount into the second payment method 300, the second payment method 300 generates code information, and the charging terminal 10 reads the code information (a method generally called CPM (Customer Presented Mode)).

[0027] With a charge management system 100 having such a configuration, users who have a first payment method 200 and a second payment method 300, which are different payment methods, can charge the first payment method 200 using the chargeable balance settled using the second payment method 300.

[0028] In the charge management system 100, the second payment method 300 is not limited to a specific payment method. In the charge management system 100, users can use any payment method they select from various payment methods as the second payment method 300. Therefore, users can charge their first payment method 200 without having to do any prior preparation, such as linking the first payment method 200 and the second payment method 300 in advance. This allows users to charge their first payment method 200 with relatively little effort.

[0029] <Example configuration of charging terminal 10> Referring to Figure 2, the functional configuration of the charging terminal 10 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the charging terminal 10.

[0030] The charging terminal 10 includes a display unit 11, an input unit 12, a communication unit 13, a storage unit 14, a contactless communication unit 15, and a charging processing unit 16.

[0031] The display unit 11 displays information from a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0032] The input unit 12 accepts user input from input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, various keys, trackball, and touchpad.

[0033] The communication unit 13 communicates with the management device 20 and the second payment server 400.

[0034] The memory unit 14 stores various information necessary for various processes performed in the charging terminal 10.

[0035] The contactless communication unit 15 performs contactless communication with the first payment means 200 which has contactless communication capabilities. Known technologies (for example, NFC (Near Field Communication)) can be used as appropriate for contactless communication.

[0036] When a user requests to charge the first payment method 200 and the management device 20 confirms that the user has a chargeable balance, the charge processing unit 16 charges the amount requested by the user to the first payment method 200.

[0037] When the charge processing unit 16 has charged the first payment means 200, it notifies the management device 20 of the amount that has been charged.

[0038] <Example configuration of the control device 20> Referring to Figure 3, the functional configuration of the control device 20 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 20.

[0039] The management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a chargeable balance management unit 23, and a response unit 24.

[0040] The communication unit 21 communicates with the charging terminal 10 and the second payment method server 400.

[0041] The storage unit 22 stores various information necessary for the various processes performed by the management device 20.

[0042] The rechargeable balance management unit 23 manages the rechargeable balance for each user. Specifically, the rechargeable balance management unit 23 stores the user's identification information and information indicating the user's rechargeable balance in the storage unit 22, associating them with each other, thereby managing the rechargeable balance for each user.

[0043] When the rechargeable balance management unit 23 receives a new rechargeable balance from the second payment method server 400 as a result of a user making a payment using the second payment method 300, it updates the user's rechargeable balance. As a result, the rechargeable balance managed by the management device 20 is updated to the latest version.

[0044] When the rechargeable balance management unit 23 receives notification of a charge amount from the charge terminal 10 to a user's first payment method 200, it updates the user's rechargeable balance. Specifically, the rechargeable balance management unit 23 updates the user's rechargeable balance by deducting the charge amount from the user's rechargeable balance.

[0045] When the charging terminal 10 inquires about the availability of a user's chargeable balance, the response unit 24 provides a response based on the chargeable balance managed by the chargeable balance management unit 23.

[0046] <Example of operation> An example of the operation of the charge management system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0047] Figure 4 is a first sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charge management system 100. Figure 4 shows the process from the start of the operation example of the charge management system 100 up to the process in which the management device 20 determines whether or not there is a chargeable balance.

[0048] At the start of the operation example of the charge management system 100, the charge terminal 10 is in a waiting state, awaiting input from the user for a request to charge the first payment method 200 (charge request). Also at the start of the operation example of the charge management system 100, the management device 20 is in a waiting state, awaiting inquiry from the charge terminal 10 regarding the available balance for charging.

[0049] In step S101, the charging terminal 10 receives input of a request from the user to charge the first payment method 200 (charge request). Specifically, the charging terminal 10 receives input of a charge request when, for example, the user holds (touches) the first payment method 200 over the charging terminal 10. In the following description of the operation example, the user who entered the charge request in step S101 will be referred to as "the user".

[0050] In step S102, the charging terminal 10 inquires with the management device 20 about whether the user has a rechargeable balance.

[0051] In step S201, the management device 20 determines whether the user has a rechargeable balance in response to the inquiry in step S102.

[0052] In step S202, if the management device 20 determines, as a result of the determination in step S201, that the user has no available balance to charge, it proceeds to step S203 in Figure 5. If it determines that there is a available balance to charge, it proceeds to step S206 in Figure 6.

[0053] In step S201, if it is determined that the user has no available balance, it means that the user's available balance is less than a predetermined threshold amount. In step S201, if it is determined that the user has a available balance, it means that the user's available balance is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold amount. The predetermined threshold amount is, for example, the minimum amount that can be charged to the first payment method 200, for example, 1,000 yen. The threshold amount should be set to the minimum amount set by the service provider of the first payment method 200.

[0054] Figure 5 is a second sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charge management system 100. Figure 5 shows an example of operation when the management device 20 determines that there is no chargeable balance (it is below the threshold amount) as a result of its judgment regarding the chargeable balance.

[0055] In step S203, the management device 20 responds to the charging terminal 10 that there is no balance available for charging.

[0056] In step S103, the charging terminal 10 notifies the user that there is no available balance to charge, based on the response from the management device 20. Specifically, the charging terminal 10 notifies the user by displaying a screen on a display device indicating that there is no available balance to charge.

[0057] In step S104, the charging terminal 10 accepts input from the user for the desired charge amount, which is the amount the user wishes to charge to the first payment method 200. Specifically, the charging terminal 10 prompts the user to enter the desired charge amount by displaying a message on the screen in step S103 indicating that there is no available balance for charging. When entering the desired charge amount, the user may enter any amount, or they may be prompted to select from pre-set options such as "¥1000", "¥3000", "¥5000", or "¥10000".

[0058] Here, the charging terminal 10 may allow the user to select a payment method from among several available payment methods as the second payment method 300. If the payment method to be used by the user as the second payment method 300 is already set, this selection does not need to be made.

[0059] In step S105, the charge terminal 10 requests the second payment method server 400 to generate payment information for the user to pay the desired charge amount using the second payment method 300, based on the desired charge amount entered in step S104. The payment information is, for example, code information if the second payment method 300 is a payment method using code payment. The code information includes at least the user's identification information and information indicating the desired charge amount.

[0060] In step S106, the charging terminal 10 receives the generated payment information from the second payment method server 400.

[0061] In step S107, the charging terminal 10 displays the payment information (code information) received in step S106. The charging terminal 10 may also display a message prompting the user to use the payment information to perform a payment using the second payment method 300.

[0062] The user can complete the payment using the second payment method 300 with the payment information displayed in step S107. Specifically, the user launches the payment application, which acts as the second payment method 300, installed on their mobile device, and reads the payment information displayed on the charge terminal 10 using the camera function of their mobile device. As a result, the payment application running on the user's mobile device communicates with the second payment method server 400 (see Figure 1) and completes the payment. Known code payment technologies can be used as appropriate for payments made using the second payment method 300 and the second payment method server 400.

[0063] Once the user completes the payment using the second payment method 300, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the management device 20 receives the available balance, including information about the requested charge amount for which payment has been completed, from the second payment method server 400.

[0064] In step S205, the management device 20 manages the rechargeable balance received in step S204 in association with the user's identification information. As a result, the management device 20 manages the rechargeable balance, which is the balance for which settlement has been completed, for each user.

[0065] In the operation example shown in Figure 5, after processing in step S107, the charge terminal 10 returns to a waiting state (initial state of the charge terminal 10 in Figure 4) to await input from the user for a request to charge the first payment means 200 (charge request). Also in the operation example shown in Figure 5, after processing in step S205, the management device 20 returns to a waiting state to await an inquiry from the charge terminal 10 regarding the available balance for charging.

[0066] Figure 6 is a third sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the charge management system 100. Figure 6 shows an example of operation when the management device 20 determines that there is a chargeable balance (above a threshold amount) as a result of its judgment regarding the chargeable balance.

[0067] In step S206, the management device 20 sends a response to the charging terminal 10 indicating that there is a balance available for charging.

[0068] In step S108, the charging terminal 10 notifies the user that there is a rechargeable balance based on the response from the management device 20. Specifically, the charging terminal 10 notifies the user by displaying a screen on a display device indicating that there is a rechargeable balance.

[0069] In step S109, the charging terminal 10 receives input from the user for the charge amount, which is the amount to be charged to the first payment method 200. Here, the charge amount must be less than or equal to the available balance. Specifically, on the screen indicating that there is a available balance in step S108, the charging terminal 10 displays the available balance and prompts the user to enter a charge amount less than or equal to the available balance, thereby prompting the user to enter a charge amount.

[0070] In step S110, the charging terminal 10 charges the amount received in step S109 to the first payment means 200 that received the charge request in step S101 in Figure 4.

[0071] In step S111, the charging terminal 10 notifies the management device 20 that charging is complete and the amount charged in step S110.

[0072] In step S207, the management device 20 updates the user's available balance using the charge amount notified in step S111. Specifically, the management device 20 updates the available balance by subtracting the charge amount from the user's available balance.

[0073] In the operation example shown in Figure 6, after processing in step S111, the charge terminal 10 returns to a waiting state (initial state of the charge terminal 10 in Figure 4) to await input from the user for a request to charge the first payment means 200 (charge request). Also in the operation example shown in Figure 6, after processing in step S207, the management device 20 returns to a waiting state to await an inquiry from the charge terminal 10 regarding the available balance for charging.

[0074] <Mechanism of action, effect> As explained above, in the charge management system 100, when a user requests the charge terminal 10 to charge the first payment means 200, the management device 20 determines whether the user has a chargeable balance for which payment has been completed.

[0075] If there is no available balance for charging, the charging terminal 10 causes the second payment method server 400 to generate payment information for the user to pay the desired charge amount using a second payment method 300 different from the first payment method 200, and presents this information to the user. Once the user completes the payment of the desired charge amount using the second payment method 300, the management device 20 manages the user's available balance for charging.

[0076] If there is a rechargeable balance, the charging terminal 10 prompts the user to input a recharge amount equal to or less than the rechargeable balance, based on the rechargeable balance obtained from the management device 20. The charging terminal 10 then charges the entered amount to the first payment method 200 and notifies the management device 20 that the charge has been completed. The management device 20 updates the user's rechargeable balance based on the charged amount.

[0077] Here, the first payment method 200 and the second payment method 300 do not need to be linked in advance, and the user can select and use an appropriate payment method as the second payment method 300 from a variety of payment methods different from the first payment method 200. As a result, the charge management system 100 allows the user to charge the first payment method 200 without having to do any prior preparation such as linking the first payment method 200 and the second payment method 300. This allows the user to charge the first payment method 200 with relatively little effort.

[0078] Furthermore, after a user completes the settlement of the rechargeable balance to charge the first payment method 200 using the second payment method 300, the management device 20 manages the user's rechargeable balance. In this state, when the user inputs a charge request to the first payment method 200 to the charge terminal 10, the charge terminal 10 charges the first payment method 200 with an amount equal to or less than the rechargeable balance. In this way, after the user completes the settlement of the rechargeable balance using the second payment method 300, the user can have the charge terminal 10 charge the first payment method 200 at a desired timing. This allows the user to freely set the timing for charging the settled rechargeable balance to the first payment method 200, thereby improving the flexibility of charging the first payment method 200 and making the first payment method 200 easier to use.

[0079] <Variation> The embodiments described above are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure can take various forms other than those described above. The following describes variations of the above embodiments included in the present disclosure.

[0080] (Variation 1) In the embodiments described above, it was assumed that the first payment means 200 was a contactless IC card. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the first payment means 200 may be a code payment application that performs payment using code information. In this example, the first payment means 200, like the second payment means 300, may be pre-installed and used on a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet, etc.) used by the user. In this case, the first payment means 200 may be a payment means that reads the code information presented by the charge terminal 10, and then communicates with a payment server for the first payment means 200 to perform payment. Alternatively, the charge terminal 10 may read the code information presented by the first payment means 200, and then communicates with a payment server for the first payment means 200 to perform payment.

[0081] (Modification 2) In the embodiments described above, the charging terminal 10 is installed near a location where a user is expected to make a payment using the first payment means 200, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the functions of the charging terminal 10 may be implemented by another computer.

[0082] For example, among the functions of the charging terminal 10, the display of payment information for allowing the user to pay the desired charge amount using the second payment method 300 when there is no available balance may be performed by the user's personal computer, such as a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, or tablet device. In this case, these computers have a program installed that performs the process of acquiring and displaying the payment information generated by the second payment method server 400, and this program can perform the process as appropriate on these computers. In this manner, the user can pay the desired charge amount when there is no available balance, at any time and place. Furthermore, if the user's personal computer has a short-range wireless communication function with the first payment method 200, the charging terminal 10 may also have a function for charging the first payment method 200.

[0083] <Examples of application> The following describes an example of the application of the charge management system 100. In this example, the charge management system 100 is assumed to be used by each employee to pay for meals in the employee cafeteria using the first payment method 200. The first payment method 200 is incorporated into the employee ID card held by each employee. This employee ID card may be, for example, an ID card used to enter the company building.

[0084] In this application example, the charging terminal 10 is installed near the entrance of the employee cafeteria or near the cash register. The charging terminal 10 has a touch sensor for short-range wireless communication, and when an employee holds (touches) their employee ID card over the touch sensor, short-range wireless communication is established between the charging terminal 10 and the first payment means 200. When an employee holds their employee ID card over the touch sensor, the charging terminal 10 queries the management device 20 for the employee's available balance and receives a response from the management device 20.

[0085] Furthermore, the charging terminal 10 has a display device, and when each employee holds their employee ID card over the touch sensor of the charging terminal 10, the display device shows whether or not there is a chargeable balance. Subsequently, if there is no chargeable balance, the charging terminal 10 displays a message prompting the employee to enter the desired charge amount, and if there is a chargeable balance, it displays a message prompting the employee to enter the charge amount.

[0086] If there is no available balance, the employee enters the desired charge amount via the input device of the charge terminal 10. The charge terminal 10 then displays payment information (code information) generated by the second payment method server 400 and prompts the employee to pay the desired amount using the second payment method 300. The employee reads the payment information using their mobile device and makes the payment using the second payment method 300 application pre-installed on the mobile device. After the payment is completed, the management device 20 receives and manages the employee's available balance from the second payment method server 400. As a result, the employee now has a available balance, and thereafter, the employee can charge the first payment method 200 using the charge terminal 10 at any time.

[0087] If there is a rechargeable balance, when an employee enters a recharge amount less than or equal to the rechargeable balance via the input device of the recharge terminal 10, the recharge terminal 10 recharges the amount to the first payment method 200. The recharge terminal 10 notifies the management device 20 that a recharge has been made and the amount of the recharge. The management device 20 updates the employee's rechargeable balance based on the recharge amount.

[0088] According to this application example, an employee can use a preferred payment method from among various payment methods as the second payment method 300 to settle the rechargeable balance for charging the first payment method 200. After settling the rechargeable balance, the employee can then charge the first payment method 200 at any time they wish.

[0089] Furthermore, if payment information for payment using the second payment method 300 is displayed on a personal computer, such as an employee's desk PC, the employee can make a payment using the second payment method 300 at any time they wish.

[0090] The application examples described above are merely examples of the charge management system of this disclosure, and the charge management system of this disclosure can be applied in various other ways besides those described above.

[0091] <Example of computer hardware configuration> Figure 7 shows an example of a computer hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the charging terminal 10 or the management device 20.

[0092] Computer 1000 includes an input device 1001, an output device 1002, a CPU 1003, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1004, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1005, a storage device 1006, a reader 1007 for reading information from various storage media, and a transceiver 1008, with each part connected by a bus 1009.

[0093] The reading device 1007 reads a program from a recording medium that contains a program for realizing the functions of each component of the color conversion system, and stores it in the storage device 1006. Alternatively, the transmitting / receiving device 1008 communicates with a system device connected to the network and stores a program downloaded from the system device in the storage device 1006.

[0094] Then, the CPU 1003 copies the program stored in the memory device 1006 to the RAM 1005, and sequentially reads and executes the instructions contained in that program from the RAM 1005, thereby realizing the functions of the charge terminal 10 or the management device 20. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] This disclosure is useful in charge management systems that manage the available balance for each user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 100 Charge Management System 10 Charging terminals 11 Display section 12 Input section 13 Communications Department 14 Storage section 15 Contactless Communication Unit 16. Charging Processing Unit 20 Management device 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23. Rechargeable Balance Management Department 24 Answer section

Claims

1. The first payment method is a charging terminal for charging electronic money, A management device manages the rechargeable balance, which is the balance of electronic money that can be charged to the first payment method, but is the balance for which payment has been completed by a second payment method different from the first payment method, and when an inquiry regarding the rechargeable balance is made from the charging terminal, the management device provides a response based on the rechargeable balance. A charge management system equipped with the following features.

2. The management device, if the available balance is equal to or greater than a threshold amount, responds to the charging terminal with the available balance, and if the available balance is less than a threshold amount, responds to the charging terminal that there is no available balance. The charge management system according to claim 1.

3. If the charging terminal receives a response indicating that there is no available balance, it accepts input of an amount to be requested to be paid by the second payment means in order to replenish the available balance. The charge management system according to claim 2.

4. When the charging terminal receives input of the amount, it requests the payment server of the second payment means to generate payment information for settling the amount. The charge management system according to claim 3.

5. When the charging terminal receives a response indicating that there is a rechargeable balance, it charges the first payment method with electronic money equal to or less than the rechargeable balance. The charge management system according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned charging terminal is The system accepts input of an amount less than or equal to the available balance for charging the first payment method. The electronic money amount entered is charged to the first payment method. The charge management system according to claim 5.

7. A control method for a charge management system that includes a charge terminal for charging electronic money as a first payment method, Computers The system manages a rechargeable balance, which is the balance that has been settled by a second payment method different from the first payment method. When an inquiry regarding the available balance is received from the charging terminal, the terminal provides a response based on the available balance. A control method for executing a process.

8. An input unit that receives input for a request to charge electronic money to the first payment method, Upon receiving the aforementioned request, a communication unit transmits an inquiry regarding the chargeable balance to a management device that manages the chargeable balance, which is the balance of electronic money that can be charged to the first payment method and for which payment has been completed by a second payment method different from the first payment method. When the management device provides a response regarding the available balance, the charge processing unit charges the first payment means with electronic money equal to or less than the available balance. A charging terminal equipped with the following features.

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