Information processing system, information processing device, printed material issuing device, and information processing method

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing system, information processing device, printable material issuing device, and information processing method that can grant users temporary code payment methods. [Solution] The payment processing system 100 includes a payment server 12, which is an information processing device having a communication unit as a receiving unit that receives deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation to deposit a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis, and a control unit as a deposit unit that deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account and transmits specific information that enables code payments using the code payment account, and a deposit / withdrawal machine that functions as a printable document issuing device having a printable document issuing unit that receives specific information and issues a printed document on which a code indicating the specific information is printed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, a printed matter issuing apparatus, and an information processing method, and particularly relates to those for use in electronic payment. [Background Art]

[0002] Electronic payment systems that perform code payment using one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a payment system including a smartphone that can display a two-dimensional code on a screen, a store terminal that is a terminal installed in a store performing payment, and a payment server that performs payment processing, authentication processing, and the like. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-173534 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Regardless of the payment system disclosed in Patent Document 1, in recent years, an increasing number of commercial facilities have introduced so-called cashless payment, in which payment methods at the time of payment are limited only to code payment and payment by IC cards. For example, for a user who only has cash, that is, who does not have a means for performing cashless payment, there arises a problem that the user cannot use such a commercial facility even if the user wants to.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, a printed matter issuing apparatus, and an information processing method that can provide a user with a time-limited code payment means. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized by including an information processing device having a receiving unit that receives deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation for depositing a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis, a deposit unit that deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account, and a specific information transmission unit that transmits specific information that enables code payments using the code payment account, and a printed material issuing device having a printed material issuing unit that receives specific information and issues printed material on which a code indicating the specific information is printed.

[0007] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by having a receiving unit that receives deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation for depositing a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis; a deposit unit that deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account; and a specific information transmission unit that transmits specific information that enables code payments using the code payment account.

[0008] Furthermore, the printed material issuing device according to the present invention is characterized by having a deposit information transmission unit that transmits deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation for depositing a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis, and a printed material issuing unit that issues printed material on which a code indicating specific information that enables code payments using a code payment account is printed.

[0009] Furthermore, the information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method in an information processing system including a printed material issuing device and an information processing device that issues printed materials, characterized in that it includes: a deposit information transmission step in which the printed material issuing device transmits deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation for depositing a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payment for a limited time to the information processing device; a deposit step in which the information processing device receives the deposit information and deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account; a specific information transmission step in which the information processing device transmits specific information that enables code payment using the code payment account to the printed material issuing device; and a printed material issuing step in which the printed material issuing device receives the specific information and issues a printed material on which a code indicating the specific information is printed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the payment processing system according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a payment receipt issued by the deposit / withdrawal machine according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows the method of reading a code using a payment terminal according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a deposit / withdrawal machine according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display shown on a deposit / withdrawal machine according to Example 1. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a payment server according to Example 1. [Figure 7] This table shows an example of the information stored in the payment server according to Example 1. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a payment terminal according to Example 1. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of the control routine executed by the deposit / withdrawal machine according to Example 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of the control routine executed by the settlement server according to Example 1. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of a control routine executed by the payment terminal according to Example 1. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of the control routine executed by the settlement server according to Example 1. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of the control routine executed by the deposit / withdrawal machine according to Example 1. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a flowchart of the control routine executed by the settlement server according to Example 1. [Figure 15]It is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a control routine executed by the depositing and dispensing machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16] It is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a control routine executed by the settlement server according to Embodiment 1. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical components are denoted by the same reference signs, and repeated descriptions of the same components are omitted. Examples

[0012] Overview of Payment Processing System 100 An overview of the payment processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the payment processing system 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the payment processing system 100 is configured to include a depositing and dispensing machine 11, a settlement server 12, and a payment terminal 13.

[0013] In the payment processing system 100, the depositing and dispensing machine 11 and the settlement server 12, as well as the payment terminal 13 and the settlement server 12, can mutually transmit and receive data to / from each other via a network NW, respectively.

[0014] The depositing and dispensing machine 11 is installed in a commercial facility that only accepts cashless payments such as code payment and IC card payment as payment means, and is a device configured to be capable of accepting cash deposit and withdrawal through an operation by a user who uses the depositing and dispensing machine 11 (hereinafter also referred to as a user).

[0015] As a result of accepting cash deposit from the user, the depositing and dispensing machine 11 issues a receipt, which is a paper medium printed with a two-dimensional code that temporarily enables code payment using a code payment account. That is, the depositing and dispensing machine 11 functions as a printed matter issuing device that issues a printed matter on which a two-dimensional code is printed.

[0016] Now, refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an example of a payment receipt PR issued by the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. The payment receipt PR has a user ID linked to the code payment account and a two-dimensional code SC printed on it that indicates a business identification code that can identify the code payment service provider providing the code payment service. The two-dimensional code SC is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0017] The payment receipt PR has a 2D code SC printed on it, as well as the date and time the payment receipt PR was issued by the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and the payment deadline, which is the deadline for code payment using the 2D code SC. The payment deadline is, for example, 24 hours after the date and time the payment receipt PR was issued.

[0018] Refer to Figure 1 again. The payment server 12, which acts as an information processing device, is a server device owned by a code payment service provider that offers code payment services. The payment server 12 is configured to open a code payment account for each user, enabling temporary code payments, in response to communication from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. The payment server 12 is also configured to charge the balance of the code payment account with the amount deposited into the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 by the user's deposit operation.

[0019] The payment terminal 13 is a device installed at the register in a commercial facility for processing payments when providing services or selling goods. In the payment processing system 100, the payment terminal 13 accepts payments only via cashless methods such as code payments or IC cards.

[0020] Refer to Figure 3 here. Figure 3 shows how a 2D code SC printed on a payment receipt PR is read using a payment terminal 13. The payment terminal 13 is equipped with a code reader RE, which is a reading device that can read codes such as 1D codes and 2D codes used for code payments and is installed, for example, on a cash register counter.

[0021] In the payment processing system 100, for example, when paying at a commercial facility, the user holds the two-dimensional code SC printed on the payment receipt PR over the reading surface RES of the code reader RE, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the payment terminal 13 obtains the user ID and business identification code contained in the two-dimensional code SC that has been held over the reader.

[0022] The payment terminal 13 transmits the user ID and the payment amount determined at the time of payment to the payment server 12 of the code payment service provider corresponding to the business identification code. The payment server 12 receives the user ID and payment amount transmitted from the payment terminal 13 and executes the payment process using the balance charged to the code payment account corresponding to the received user ID.

[0023] Because the payment processing system 100 has this configuration, users visiting a commercial facility that only accepts cashless payments can make a code payment at the time of checkout, even if they do not have a code payment device with them.

[0024] The configurations of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11, payment server 12, and payment terminal 13, which constitute the payment processing system 100, will be described below using Figures 4 to 8.

[0025] [Configuration of deposit / withdrawal machine 11] First, let's explain the configuration of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. The deposit / withdrawal machine 11 consists of a control unit 15, an operation display unit 17, a communication unit 19, a storage unit 21, a banknote handling unit 23, a coin handling unit 25, a receipt issuing unit 27, and a code reading unit 29.

[0026] The control unit 15 is a processing unit that functions as a computer in the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 15 realizes various functions by having the CPU read and execute various programs stored in the ROM and memory unit 21.

[0027] The operation display unit 17 is a touch panel display that combines a display that displays information on the screen based on the control of the control unit 15 with a touch panel that accepts user input operations.

[0028] Now, with reference to Figure 5, the screens displayed on the operation display unit 17 will be described. Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 17, which accepts user operations for the deposit / withdrawal machine 11.

[0029] The operation display unit 17 displays, for example, as shown in Figure 5, a "New Payment Receipt Issuance" button that accepts the issuance of a new payment receipt PR, a "Account Balance Refund" button that accepts the refund of the balance of an already opened code payment account, and a "Add to Account Balance" button that accepts the addition of funds to the balance of an already opened code payment account.

[0030] Refer to Figure 4 again. The communication unit 19 is a communication device that sends and receives data with external devices according to the instructions of the control unit 15. The communication unit 19 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) for connecting to a network. The control unit 15, for example, sends deposit information indicating the amount to be deposited into the code payment account to the payment server 12 via the communication unit 19. In other words, the control unit 15 functions as a deposit information transmission unit that transmits deposit information.

[0031] The storage unit 21 is a storage device that stores various programs such as the operating system and software of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. The storage unit 21 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, an SSD (solid state drive), flash memory, etc.

[0032] The memory unit 21 stores data such as the history of cash deposits and withdrawals made to the cash deposit and withdrawal machine 11, the exchange history of the collection box that stores deposited cash, and the deposit and withdrawal history of the change storage box that stores change. The memory unit 21 also stores business identification codes that can identify each of the code payment service providers, for example, if there are multiple code payment service providers that provide code payment services.

[0033] The banknote handling section 23 is the part that processes the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes. The banknote handling section 23 includes an input slot into which banknotes can be inserted, an identification section that identifies the denomination of the inserted banknotes, a collection unit that collects and stores the identified banknotes by denomination, a storage unit that stores banknotes for change, a transport structure that transports banknotes between these units, and a control unit that controls the operation of the entire banknote handling section 23.

[0034] The coin handling section 25 is the part that processes the deposit and withdrawal of coins. Similar to the banknote handling section 23, the coin handling section 25 is composed of a coin slot into which coins can be inserted, a coin identification section that identifies the denomination of the inserted coins, a collection unit that collects and stores the identified coins by denomination, a storage unit that stores coins for change, a transport structure that transports coins between these units, and a control unit that controls the operation of the entire coin handling section 25.

[0035] The receipt issuing unit 27, as a printed material issuing unit, is a printing machine that, upon receiving a new payment receipt PR from a user as described above, issues a payment receipt PR with a 2D code SC printed on it, enabling temporary code payments using a code payment account.

[0036] The code reading unit 29 is, for example, integrated with the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and is a reading device capable of reading the 2D code SC on the payment receipt PR issued by the receipt issuing unit 27. The control unit 15 reads the 2D code SC when, for example, a user holds it up to the code reading unit 29 and obtains the user ID and business identification code described above.

[0037] [Configuration of Payment Server 12] Next, the configuration of the payment server 12 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment server 12. The payment server 12 consists of a control unit 31, a communication unit 33, and a storage unit 35.

[0038] The control unit 31 is a processing unit that functions as a computer in the payment server 12, and is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The control unit 31 realizes various functions by having the CPU read and execute various programs stored in the ROM and memory unit 35.

[0039] The communication unit 33 is a communication device that sends and receives data with external devices according to instructions from the control unit 31. The control unit 31 functions as a receiving unit that receives, for example, deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a user's deposit operation, transmitted from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11, via the communication unit 33.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 31, for example, receives communication from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 to open a code payment account, generates a user ID which is specific information that can identify the opened code payment account, and transmits the generated user ID to the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 via the communication unit 33. In other words, the control unit 31 functions as a specific information generation unit that generates specific information. The control unit 31 also functions as a specific information transmission unit that transmits specific information.

[0041] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores various programs such as the operating system and software of the payment server 12. The storage unit 35 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, an SSD, or flash memory.

[0042] Refer to Figure 7 here. The account information TB1 in Figure 7 is a table showing account information related to code payments stored in the storage unit 35 of the payment server 12. The account information TB1 records the user ID, the current balance of the code payment account, and the settlement deadline for code payments using the code payment account for each user.

[0043] When the control unit 31 receives communication from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and a new code payment account is opened, it records the balance of the code payment account along with the user ID and settlement deadline in the account information TB1. The control unit 31 updates the balance of the code payment account if, for example, the balance of the code payment account changes due to settlement processing.

[0044] In the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, the payment server 12, for example, erases the balance of the code payment account after a predetermined time has elapsed since the payment deadline. The payment receipt PR issued by the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 may also have a deletion deadline printed on it, separate from the payment deadline, indicating when the balance of the code payment account will be erased.

[0045] [Configuration of Payment Terminal 13] Next, the configuration of the payment terminal 13 will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment terminal 13. The payment terminal 13 is configured by connecting an accounting processing device 41, which is a POS (Points of Sales) register capable of performing accounting processing and recording data such as product purchase information and inventory information, and a code reader RE, which is a reading device shown in Figure 3.

[0046] The accounting processing unit 41 is comprised of a control unit 43, an operation display unit 45, and a communication unit 47. The control unit 43 is comprised of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and functions as a computer within the accounting processing unit 41.

[0047] The operation display unit 45 is a touch panel display that combines a display that shows screen information based on the control of the control unit 43 with a touch panel that accepts user input. The operation display unit 45 displays, for example, the payment amount at checkout and a completion message after payment is completed via code payment.

[0048] The communication unit 47 is a communication device that sends and receives data with external devices according to instructions from the control unit 43. For example, the control unit 43 transmits a user ID obtained via the code reader RE to the payment server 12 via the communication unit 47.

[0049] [Issuance of new payment receipts] The specific operations of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and the payment server 12 when the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 issues a new payment receipt PR in the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0050] In the following explanation, we will assume that there are multiple code payment service providers, and that each code payment service provider is assigned a unique business identification code.

[0051] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the payment receipt issuance routine RT1 executed in the control unit 15 of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the payment receipt issuance routine RT2 executed in the control unit 31 of the payment server 12.

[0052] First, let's explain the operation of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. The control unit 15, for example, starts the payment receipt issuance routine RT1 when it detects that power has been turned on to the deposit / withdrawal machine 11, and repeats this as long as the power is on.

[0053] The control unit 15 first determines whether or not it has received a request to issue a new payment receipt PR (step S101). The control unit 15 determines that it has received a request to issue a new payment receipt PR if, for example, the user has selected the "Issue New Payment Receipt" button on the screen displayed on the operation display unit 17 shown in Figure 5. If the control unit 15 determines that it has not received a request to issue a new payment receipt PR (step S101: NO), it terminates the payment receipt issuance routine RT1.

[0054] When the control unit 15 determines that it has received a request to issue a new payment receipt PR (step S101: YES), it accepts input for the amount to be charged to the code payment account (step S102). For example, the control unit 15 displays several charge amount options on the operation display unit 17, such as 1,000 yen or 5,000 yen, and accepts the user's selection of one of these amounts.

[0055] Next, the control unit 15 accepts a cash deposit equal to the charge amount selected in step S102 (step S103). The control unit 15 calculates the amount deposited via the banknote handling unit 23 and coin handling unit 25 described above. For example, if the cash deposited is insufficient for the selected charge amount, it displays this on the operation display unit 17. If the cash deposited is more than the selected charge amount, it dispenses change.

[0056] Next, the control unit 15 selects one code payment service provider from among multiple code payment service providers (step S104). For example, the control unit 15 creates a list of multiple code payment service providers and, each time the user selects to issue a new payment receipt PR, selects a code payment service provider from the list in order from the top to the bottom to open a code payment account.

[0057] Next, the control unit 15 transmits a request to open a code payment account and deposit information indicating the amount to be charged to the code payment account to be opened to the code payment service provider's payment server 12 determined in step S104 (step S105).

[0058] Next, as a result of sending a request to open a code payment account and deposit information to the payment server 12, the control unit 15 receives the user ID and the settlement deadline for the code payment using the code payment account, which are sent from the payment server 12 (step S106).

[0059] Next, the control unit 15 generates a two-dimensional code SC that represents the user ID received from the payment server 12 in step S106 and the business identification code of the code payment service provider stored in the storage unit 21 (step S107).

[0060] Next, the control unit 15 issues a payment receipt PR with the 2D code SC generated in step S107 printed on it via the receipt issuing unit 27 (step S108). As shown in Figure 2, the issued payment receipt PR also has the date and time of issuance of the payment receipt PR and the payment deadline received from the payment server 12 in step S106 printed on it.

[0061] The control unit 15 terminates the payment receipt issuance routine RT1 after step S108. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may receive the current charge balance of the code payment account from the payment server 12 in step S106, issue a payment receipt PR in step S108, and display the current charge balance on the operation display unit 17.

[0062] Next, the operation of the control unit 31 of the payment server 12 will be described. For example, the control unit 31 starts the payment receipt issuance routine RT2 when it detects that the payment server 12 has been powered on, and repeats this as long as the power is on.

[0063] The control unit 31 first determines whether it has received a request to open a code payment account and deposit information indicating the amount to be charged to the code payment account from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 (step S201). If the control unit 31 determines that it has not received a request to open a code payment account and deposit information (step S201: NO), it terminates the payment receipt issuance routine RT2.

[0064] When the control unit 31 determines that it has received a request to open a code payment account and deposit information (step S201: YES), it creates a user ID and opens a code payment account (step S202).

[0065] At this time, the control unit 31 links the created user ID with the code payment account and stores it in the storage unit 35. Also at this time, the control unit 31 sets a settlement deadline that enables code payments using the opened code payment account.

[0066] After step S202, the control unit 31 charges the balance of the newly opened code payment account by the amount indicated by the deposit information received from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 (step S203). In other words, the control unit 31 functions as a deposit unit that deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account.

[0067] After step S203, the control unit 31 transmits the created user ID and payment deadline to the cash deposit / withdrawal machine 11 (step S204). After step S204, the control unit 31 terminates the payment receipt issuance routine RT2.

[0068] [Payment Processing] The following describes the specific operations of the payment terminal 13 and the payment server 12 when payment processing is performed using a payment receipt PR in the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, using Figures 11 and 12. In the following description, it is assumed that the commercial facility can accept multiple cashless payment methods, including QR code payments.

[0069] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the payment processing routine RT3 executed in the control unit 43 of the accounting processing device 41 of the payment terminal 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the payment processing routine RT4 executed in the control unit 31 of the payment server 12.

[0070] First, the operation of the accounting processing unit 41 of the payment terminal 13 will be explained. The control unit 43, for example, starts the payment processing routine RT3 when power is turned on to the payment terminal 13, and repeats this as long as the power is on.

[0071] The control unit 43 first determines whether the user or a commercial facility employee has selected code payment at the time of payment (step S301). For example, when the payment amount is determined, the control unit 43 displays on the operation display unit 45 that cashless payment methods, including code payment, can be selected as payment methods, and determines whether code payment has been selected.

[0072] If the control unit 43 determines that code payment has not been selected, i.e., that another cashless payment method has been selected (step S301: NO), it terminates the payment processing routine RT4.

[0073] When the control unit 43 determines that code payment has been selected (step S301: YES), as shown in Figure 3, the code reader RE connected to the accounting processing device 41 reads the 2D code SC printed on the payment receipt PR and obtains the user ID and business identification code (step S302).

[0074] After step S302, the control unit 43 transmits the payment amount and the user ID obtained from the 2D code SC to the payment server 12 of the business operator corresponding to the business operator identification code obtained from the 2D code SC (step S303).

[0075] After step S303, the control unit 43 determines whether or not it has received a payment completion notification from the payment server 12 (step S304). If the control unit 43 determines, for example, that it has not received a payment completion notification within a predetermined time after sending the user ID and payment amount (step S304: NO), it displays a payment error on the operation display unit 45, indicating that the payment could not be completed (step S305).

[0076] When the control unit 43 determines that it has received a payment completion notification from the payment server 12 (step S304: YES), it displays a message indicating that the payment has been completed on the operation display unit 45 (step S306). After step S306, the control unit 43 terminates the payment processing routine RT3.

[0077] Next, the operation of the control unit 31 of the payment server 12 will be described. For example, the control unit 31 starts the payment processing routine RT4 when it detects that the payment server 12 has been powered on, and repeats this process while the power is on.

[0078] The control unit 31 first determines whether or not it has received the user ID and payment amount transmitted from the payment terminal 13 (step S401). If the control unit 31 determines that it has not received the user ID and payment amount (step S401: NO), it terminates the payment processing routine RT4.

[0079] When the control unit 31 determines that it has received the user ID and payment amount (step S401: YES), it refers to the account information TB1 shown in Figure 7 and identifies the code payment account corresponding to the user ID (step S402).

[0080] After step S402, the control unit 31 refers to the account information TB1 and determines whether the deadline for the code payment using the identified code payment account is within the settlement deadline (step S403).

[0081] If the control unit 31 determines that the code payment deadline is not within the payment deadline, i.e., that the code payment deadline has expired (step S403: NO), it sends a message to the payment terminal 13 indicating that the code payment deadline has expired (step S404), and terminates the payment processing routine RT4.

[0082] If the control unit 31 determines that the code payment is within the payment deadline (step S403: YES), it subtracts the payment amount from the balance of the code payment account (step S405). After step S405, the control unit 31 sends a message to the payment terminal 13 indicating that the payment has been completed (step S406), and terminates the payment processing routine RT4.

[0083] According to the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, the payment receipt issuance routines RT1 and RT2 and payment processing routines RT3 and RT4 described above can provide the user with a temporary code payment method using the payment receipt PR, even if the user only has cash and no code payment method.

[0084] [Refund of account balance] The specific operations of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and the payment server 12 when a refund of the balance of a code payment account is processed in the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. A refund of the balance of a code payment account is performed, for example, when the balance in the account is withdrawn in cash after the completion of a code payment using the code payment account.

[0085] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the refund processing routine RT5 executed in the control unit 15 of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the refund processing routine RT6 executed in the control unit 31 of the settlement server 12.

[0086] First, let's explain the operation of the control unit 15 of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. For example, the control unit 15 starts the refund processing routine RT5 when it detects that power has been turned on to the deposit / withdrawal machine 11, and repeats this as long as the power is on.

[0087] The control unit 15 first determines whether or not it has accepted the request for a refund of the balance of the code payment account (step S501). The control unit 15 determines that it has accepted the request for a refund of the account balance if, for example, the user has selected the "Refund Account Balance" button on the screen displayed on the operation display unit 17 shown in Figure 5. If the control unit 15 determines that it has not accepted the request for a refund of the account balance (step S501: NO), it terminates the refund processing routine RT5.

[0088] When the control unit 15 determines that it has received a refund of the account balance (step S501: YES), the code reading unit 29 provided in the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 receives the reading of the 2D code SC and obtains the user ID and business identification code (step S502).

[0089] After step S502, the control unit 15 sends refund request information to the business operator's payment server 12, which corresponds to the business operator identification code obtained from the 2D code SC, along with the user ID obtained from the 2D code SC, indicating that the balance will be refunded (step S503).

[0090] After step S503, the control unit 15 receives refund instruction information from the settlement server 12 indicating the amount to be refunded to the user in cash, and dispenses the received refund amount in cash via the banknote handling unit 23 and the coin handling unit 25 (step S504).

[0091] After step S504, the control unit 15 displays on the operation display unit 17 that the refund of the balance of the code payment account has been completed (step S505). After step S505, the control unit 15 terminates the refund processing routine RT5.

[0092] Next, the operation of the control unit 31 of the payment server 12 will be described. For example, the control unit 31 starts the refund processing routine RT6 when it detects that the payment server 12 has been powered on, and repeats this process while the power is on.

[0093] The control unit 31 first determines whether it has received refund request information from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 indicating the user ID and the intention to refund the balance (step S601). If the control unit 31 determines that it has not received the user ID and refund request information (step S601: NO), it terminates the refund processing routine RT6.

[0094] When the control unit 31 determines that it has received the user ID and refund request information (step S601: YES), it refers to the account information TB1 shown in Figure 7 and identifies the code payment account corresponding to the user ID (step S602).

[0095] After step S602, the control unit 31 subtracts from the balance of the code payment account to make it zero, and calculates the amount to be refunded to the user (step S603). After step S603, the control unit 31 transmits refund instruction information indicating the refund amount calculated in step S603 to the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 (step S604).

[0096] In other words, the control unit 31 functions as a refund processing unit that transmits refund instruction information instructing a refund. After step S604, the control unit 31 terminates the refund processing routine RT6.

[0097] [Adding funds to your account balance] The specific operations of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 and the payment server 12 when an additional charge is made to the balance of a code payment account in the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 15 and 16.

[0098] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the additional charge processing routine RT7 executed in the control unit 15 of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the additional charge processing routine RT8 executed in the control unit 31 of the settlement server 12.

[0099] First, let's explain the operation of the control unit 15 of the deposit / withdrawal machine 11. For example, the control unit 15 starts the additional charge processing routine RT7 when it detects that power has been turned on to the deposit / withdrawal machine 11, and repeats this as long as the power is on.

[0100] The control unit 15 first determines whether or not it has accepted an additional charge to the balance of the code payment account (step S701). The control unit 15 determines that an additional charge to the account balance has been accepted if, for example, the user has selected the "Add to account balance" button on the screen displayed on the operation display unit 17 shown in Figure 5. If the control unit 15 determines that it has not accepted an additional charge to the account balance (step S701: NO), it terminates the additional charge processing routine RT7.

[0101] When the control unit 15 determines that it has received an additional charge to the account balance (step S701: YES), the code reading unit 29 provided in the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 receives the reading of the 2D code SC and obtains the user ID and business identification code (step S702).

[0102] After step S702, the control unit 15 accepts input for the amount to be charged to the code payment account (step S703). For example, the control unit 15 displays several charge amount options on the operation display unit 17, similar to when a new payment receipt PR is issued, and accepts the user's selection of one of them.

[0103] Next, the control unit 15 accepts a cash deposit equal to the charge amount selected in step S703 (step S704). The control unit 15 calculates the amount deposited via the banknote handling unit 23 and coin handling unit 25 described above. For example, if the cash deposited is insufficient for the selected charge amount, it displays this on the operation display unit 17. If the cash deposited is more than the selected charge amount, it dispenses change.

[0104] After step S704, the control unit 15 transmits the charge amount and the user ID obtained from the 2D code SC to the business operator's payment server 12 corresponding to the identification code obtained from the 2D code SC (step S705).

[0105] After step S705, the control unit 15 receives confirmation from the payment server 12 that the charge has been completed and displays on the operation display unit 17 that the charge to the code payment account balance has been completed (step S706). After step S706, the control unit 15 terminates the additional charge processing routine RT7.

[0106] Next, the operation of the control unit 31 of the payment server 12 will be described. For example, the control unit 31 starts the additional charge processing routine RT8 when it detects that power has been turned on to the payment server 12, and repeats this as long as the power is on.

[0107] The control unit 31 first determines whether or not it has received the user ID and charge amount transmitted from the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 (step S801). If the control unit 31 determines that it has not received the user ID and payment amount (step S801: NO), it terminates the additional charge processing routine RT8.

[0108] When the control unit 31 determines that it has received the user ID and charge amount (step S801: YES), it refers to the account information TB1 shown in Figure 7 and identifies the code payment account corresponding to the user ID (step S802).

[0109] After step S802, the control unit 31 adds the charge amount to the balance of the code payment account (step S803). After step S803, the control unit 31 sends a charge completion notification to the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 (step S804). After step S804, the control unit 31 terminates the additional charge processing routine RT8.

[0110] According to the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, the refund processing routines RT5 and RT6 and the additional charge processing routines RT7 and RT8 described above can handle refunds of the balance in the code payment account and additional charges to the balance in the code payment account after issuing a payment receipt PR.

[0111] In this embodiment of the payment processing system 100, the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 issues a payment receipt PR with a 2D code SC printed on it. However, the 2D code SC does not have to be printed on paper. For example, the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 may issue a plastic card with the 2D code SC printed on it.

[0112] Furthermore, in the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 accepts cash deposits from users and issues a payment receipt PR that can be used for code payments; however, the money accepted from users does not necessarily have to be cash.

[0113] For example, suppose a commercial facility only offers code-based payment, and the deposit / withdrawal machine 11 can issue payment receipts (PRs) upon receiving cash or credit card deposits. In such a case, users can still make code-based payments using the payment receipts (PRs) by depositing money into the deposit / withdrawal machine 11, for example, using a credit card.

[0114] In the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, multiple cash deposit and withdrawal machines 11 may be installed in the commercial facility, and a separate management server may be provided to manage the deposits and withdrawals of cash from multiple cash deposit and withdrawal machines 11.

[0115] In the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, a two-dimensional code SC is printed on the payment receipt PR, but a one-dimensional code may be printed in addition to or instead of this.

[0116] In the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, the 2D code SC is assumed to include a user ID and a business identification code, but it may also include the settlement deadline for code payments.

[0117] In the payment processing system 100 of this embodiment, the payment terminal 13 is said to consist of an accounting processing device 41 and a code reader RE connected to the accounting processing device 41, but it is not limited to this. For example, the payment terminal 13 may be a tablet terminal having a camera capable of reading a two-dimensional code SC and an application for processing payment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 100 Payment Processing Systems 11. Deposit and withdrawal machines 12 Payment Server 13 Payment terminals 15, 31, 43 Control Unit 17, 45 Operation display section 19, 33, 47 Communications Department 21, 35 Storage section 23. Banknote Handling Department 25 Coin Handling Department 27 Receipt Issuance Department 29 Code reading unit PR Payment receipt SC 2D code Recorder

Claims

1. An information processing device having a receiving unit that receives deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation to deposit a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis, a deposit unit that deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account, and a specific information transmission unit that transmits specific information that enables code payments using the code payment account, A printing device having a printing unit that receives the specified information and issues a printed item on which a code indicating the specified information is printed, An information processing system characterized by including the following.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information processing device has a refund processing unit that receives refund request information requesting a refund of the balance of the code payment account and transmits refund instruction information instructing the refund.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed material issuing device receives the payment operation and transmits the payment information to the information processing device.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed material has a settlement deadline printed on it for which code payment using the code payment account is possible.

5. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the printed material issuing device receives the refund instruction information and performs a refund process for the balance of the code settlement account.

6. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the printing device accepts the deposit operation in cash or dispenses the refund in cash.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information processing device erases the balance of the code payment account after the settlement deadline for code payment using the code payment account has passed.

8. The information processing device is characterized in that it stores the specific information, the code payment account, and the settlement deadline for code payment using the code payment account in association with each other, and performs settlement processing using the code payment account based on whether or not the settlement deadline has passed.

9. The reception area for accepting monetary payments, The deposit unit deposits the money received at the aforementioned reception unit into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis. A specific information generation unit that generates specific information enabling code payment using the aforementioned code payment account, A printing unit that issues printed material on which a code indicating the aforementioned specific information is printed, An information processing system having

10. A reception desk that receives deposit information indicating the amount deposited through a deposit operation to deposit funds into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis, A deposit unit that deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account, A specific information transmission unit that transmits specific information enabling code payment using the aforementioned code payment account, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that it erases the balance of the code payment account after the settlement deadline for code payment using the code payment account has passed.

12. A deposit information transmission unit that transmits deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation to deposit a balance into a code payment account that can be used for code payments on a temporary basis, A printing unit that issues printed material on which a code indicating specific information enabling code payment using the aforementioned code payment account is printed, A printing device characterized by having the following features.

13. An information processing method in an information processing system including a printing device and an information processing device that issue printed materials, The printing device transmits deposit information to the information processing device, which transmits deposit information indicating the amount deposited by a deposit operation to deposit a balance into a code payment account that is temporarily available for code payment. The information processing device receives the deposit information and deposits the amount indicated in the deposit information into the code payment account in a deposit step, The information processing device performs a specific information transmission step in which it transmits specific information that enables code payment using the code payment account to the printed material issuing device, The printing device receives the specific information and issues the printing on which a code indicating the specific information is printed; An information processing method characterized by including

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