Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

To reduce costs for customers purchasing and returning trial services through e-commerce, we will eliminate payment processing fees. [Solution] A program for execution on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the program causes the processor to perform the following steps: receiving a trial request for a product in electronic commerce; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was received after the first authorization process; and terminating the batch process of the second authorization process when confirmation of purchase of the product for which the trial request was received is received, or when information of completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was received is received.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When a credit card is used, an authorization process for securing a credit limit is performed before settlement.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an authorization process is performed when an application for extension of a rental period is made, and the settlement process is immediately completed when the extension application is approved.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, on EC (electronic commerce) sites, there is a known service that allows users to return a product after purchasing it and trying it on (trying it out). However, with the process as described in Patent Document 1, when a product is purchased, not only authorization but also settlement processing is completed. Therefore, when returning a product, a refund must be issued after the settlement process has been completed once, which results in a predetermined settlement fee being incurred.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to eliminate the generation of settlement fees and reduce cost burden in return procedures for purchase and trial services in EC.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed by the processor, Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, Make it run. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to eliminate payment processing fees and reduce costs in the return process for purchases and trial services in e-commerce. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows an example of the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the data structure of the user information table 2021. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the data structure of the product information table 2022. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the data structure of the trial information table 2023. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates an example of the operation of server 20 in the purchase and trial service of e-commerce products. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of the user terminal 10's display 141. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the user terminal 10's display 141. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the user terminal 10's display 141. [Figure 11] A block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of Computer 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings illustrating the embodiments, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. The following embodiments are not intended to unduly limit the content of this disclosure as described in the claims. Not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of this disclosure. Also, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strict illustration.

[0011] Furthermore, in the following description, "processor" refers to one or more processors. At least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). At least one processor may be single-core or multi-core.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one processor may be a broad-sense processor, such as a hardware circuit that performs some or all of the processing (e.g., an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)).

[0013] Also, in the following description, expressions such as "xxx table" may be used to describe information that yields an output in response to an input, but this information may be data of any structure, or may be a learning model such as a neural network that generates an output for an input. Therefore, "xxx table" may also be referred to as "xxx information".

[0014] Also, in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example; one table may be divided into two or more tables, and all or part of two or more tables may be combined into a single table.

[0015] Also, in the following description, processing is sometimes described with "program" as the subject. Since a program is executed by a processor to perform predetermined processing while appropriately using a storage unit and / or an interface unit or the like, the subject of the processing may be a processor (or a device such as a controller including the processor).

[0016] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be stored in, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be implemented as a single program, and a single program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0017] Also, in the following description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information other than identification numbers (for example, identifiers including letters and codes) may be employed.

[0018] Also, in the following description, when elements of the same type are described without distinction, reference numerals (or common reference numerals among reference numerals) are used; when elements of the same type are described with distinction, identification numbers (or reference numerals) of the elements are sometimes used.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following explanation, only control lines and information lines deemed necessary for the explanation are shown, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. All components may be interconnected.

[0020] Each information processing device consists of a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by that hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the server 20 and user terminal 10, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0021] <Overview> The system according to this embodiment is a system that provides the purchase and trial service of goods in e-commerce, and has a function to repeatedly perform credit card authorization processing until various procedures are completed. Authorization processing refers to the process of securing the credit card's usage limit before settlement. Settlement processing is performed after authorization processing, using the usage limit secured during authorization processing. In this embodiment, the purchase and trial service is described using a clothing try-on service as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may also be, for example, a purchase and trial service for furniture, home appliances, etc.

[0022] The system receives product trial requests from users on the e-commerce site. The system performs a first authorization process based on the price of the product for which a trial request has been received, and also starts a batch process for a second authorization process (re-authorization process) based on the price of the same product. The second authorization process is repeated by batch processing until the termination conditions are met. The system terminates the batch process for the second authorization process when it receives confirmation of product purchase from the user, when it receives information from the e-commerce business that the inspection of returned products has been completed, or when none of this information is received within the trial period. According to the system of this embodiment, in e-commerce purchase and trial services, for example, the credit card usage limit can be reserved until the product is returned. <1 System Configuration Diagram> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of System 1. System 1 shown in Figure 1 includes, for example, a user terminal 10, a server 20, an e-commerce business terminal 30, and a card company server 40. The user terminal 10, server 20, e-commerce business terminal 30, and card company server 40 communicate with each other via, for example, a network 80.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an example where System 1 includes one user terminal 10, but the number of user terminals 10 included in System 1 is not limited to one. System 1 may include two or more user terminals 10.

[0024] Figure 1 shows an example where System 1 includes one e-commerce terminal 30, but the number of e-commerce terminals 30 included in System 1 is not limited to one. System 1 may include two or more e-commerce terminals 30.

[0025] In this embodiment, a collection of multiple devices may be treated as a single server. The method of allocating the multiple functions required to implement the server 20 according to this embodiment to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in view of the processing capacity of each hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0026] The user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device operated by a user who purchases or tries out a product in an e-commerce site. The user includes, for example, general consumers. The user terminal 10 can be implemented as, for example, a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, etc. The user terminal 10 may also be implemented as a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0027] The user terminal 10 includes a communication interface 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, memory 15, storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from the user (e.g., a touch panel, touchpad, mouse or other pointing device, keyboard, etc.). The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user (display, speaker, etc.).

[0028] Server 20 is an information processing device that, for example, provides product purchase and trial services in e-commerce and controls authorization processing in response to product trial requests from users. Server 20 receives product trial requests from users. Server 20 performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product and starts batch processing of a second authorization process according to the price of the product. Server 20 terminates batch processing of the second authorization process when it receives confirmation information from the user that the product has been purchased, or when it receives information from the e-commerce site operator that the inspection of returned products has been completed.

[0029] The server 20 is an information processing device implemented by, for example, a computer connected to the network 80. As shown in Figure 1, the server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an I / O IF 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29. The I / O IF 23 functions as an interface to an input device for receiving input operations from users, e-commerce businesses, and card companies, and to an output device for outputting information to users, e-commerce businesses, and card companies.

[0030] The e-commerce terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing device operated by an e-commerce business that inspects returned goods. The e-commerce terminal 30 receives information from the e-commerce business regarding the completion of the inspection of returned goods and transmits this information to the server 20. The e-commerce terminal 30 can be implemented as, for example, a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, etc. The user terminal 10 may be implemented as a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0031] The card company server 40 is an information processing device that provides services to users and e-commerce businesses and affiliated card companies. The card company server 40 reserves a credit card limit in response to authorization requests from server 20. The card company server 40 releases the credit card limit in response to authorization cancellation requests from server 20. The card company server 40 also releases the credit card limit when the authorization expiration date has passed. The card company server 40 is an information processing device implemented, for example, by a computer connected to network 80.

[0032] Each information processing device consists of a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by said hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the user terminal 10, server 20, e-commerce business terminal 30, and card company server 40, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0033] <1.1 Functional Configuration of Terminal Devices> Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. Each block included in the user terminal 10 is electrically connected, for example, by a bus.

[0034] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation processing for the user terminal 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and sends it to an external source (for example, the server 20). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on the signal received from the external source and outputs it to the control unit 190.

[0035] The input device 13 is a device for a user operating the user terminal 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 can be implemented, for example, by a touch-sensitive device 131 on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface. If the user terminal 10 is a PC, the input device 13 may be implemented by a reader, keyboard, mouse, etc. The input device 13 converts the instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may also include, for example, a receiving port that accepts electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0036] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user operating the user terminal 10. The output device 14 is implemented, for example, by a display 141. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0037] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of the audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts the signal received from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the user terminal 10.

[0038] The storage unit 180 is implemented by, for example, memory 15 and storage 16, and stores data and programs used by the user terminal 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, user information 181.

[0039] User information 181 includes, for example, information about the user using the user terminal 10. User information includes, for example, the user's name, age, gender, date of birth, and address.

[0040] The control unit 190 is realized when the processor 19 reads a program stored in the memory unit 180 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the user terminal 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, and a presentation control unit 193.

[0041] The operation reception unit 191 processes instructions or information input from the input device 13. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like.

[0042] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice signals input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital signals by the voice processing unit 17. The operation reception unit 191 obtains instructions from the user by, for example, analyzing the received voice signals and extracting predetermined nouns.

[0043] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the user terminal 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmitting / receiving unit 192 sends information input by the user or instructions from the user to the server 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 also receives information provided by the server 20.

[0044] The presentation control unit 193 controls the output device 14 in order to present information provided by the server 20 to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 193 displays request instructions and acceptance of various requests transmitted from the server 20 on the display 141. The presentation control unit 193 also outputs the information transmitted from the server 20 through the speaker 172.

[0045] <1.2 Functional Configuration of the Server> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0046] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0047] The storage unit 202 includes, for example, a user information table 2021, a product information table 2022, and a trial information table 2023. The tables stored in the storage unit 202 are not limited to these.

[0048] User Information Table 2021 is a table that stores information about users. Further details will be provided later.

[0049] Product Information Table 2022 is a table that stores information about products. Further details will be provided later.

[0050] The trial information table 2023 is a table that stores information about product purchases made by users. Further details will be provided later.

[0051] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executes instructions contained in the program. The program includes applications such as web browser applications. The program includes interpreter-type programming languages ​​such as JavaScript® that are executed on the web browser application stored in the user terminal 10. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 performs the functions indicated as the receive control module 2031, the transmit control module 2032, the service processing module 2033, and the presentation control module 2034.

[0052] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol. The transmit control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol. The service processing module 2033 controls the authorization process according to the operations of the user and the e-commerce business operator. The presentation control module 2034 controls the process of presenting information to the user and the e-commerce business operator.

[0053] Specifically, for example, the service processing module 2033 receives a trial request for an EC product from a user via the receiving control module 2031. The product purchase and trial service is, for example, a service provided for 0 yen. The service processing module 2033 performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received. The first authorization process is the process of securing a credit limit on the user's credit card according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received. The service processing module 2033 sends a request for the first authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032. After the first authorization process (triggered by the first authorization process), the service processing module 2033 starts batch processing of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received. The second authorization process is the same as the first authorization process, and is the process of securing a credit limit on the user's credit card according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received. Batch processing refers to processing that is performed periodically and automatically. In other words, the second authorization process is performed periodically and automatically. The batch process of the second authorization process is performed multiple times until the termination condition is met. The batch process of the second authorization process is performed at least once within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is the expiration date of the second authorization process, for example, one week.

[0054] The service processing module 2033 receives a product purchase request from the user via the receiving control module 2031. When the service processing module 2033 receives a product purchase request from the user, it retrieves the relevant trial information from the trial information table 2023. The service processing module 2033 receives confirmation information for the product purchase from the user via the receiving control module 2031 to match the relevant trial information. When the service processing module 2033 receives confirmation information for the product purchase, it terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and performs settlement (capture) processing based on the second authorization process. That is, the service processing module 2033 sends the settlement request for the second authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032.

[0055] The service processing module 2033 receives product return requests from users via the receiving control module 2031. When the service processing module 2033 receives a product return request from a user, it retrieves the relevant trial information from the trial information table 2023. The service processing module 2033 receives confirmation information for the product return from the user via the receiving control module 2031 to correspond with the relevant trial information. Once the service processing module 2033 receives confirmation information for the product return, it receives information from the e-commerce business that the returned product has been inspected, via the receiving control module 2031. If the inspection completion information determines that the returned product is in good condition, the service processing module 2033 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and performs settlement (capture) processing based on the second authorization process. That is, the service processing module 2033 sends a settlement request for the second authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032. On the other hand, if the service processing module 2033 determines that the returned goods are defective based on the inspection completion information, it terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and cancels the second authorization process. In other words, the service processing module 2033 sends a request to the card company to cancel the second authorization process via the transmission control module 2032.

[0056] If the service processing module 2033 does not receive confirmation of the purchase of the goods and completion of inspection of the returned goods within the goods' expiration date, it terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and performs settlement (capture) processing based on the second authorization process. In other words, the service processing module 2033 sends the settlement request for the second authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032.

[0057] <2 Data Structure> Figures 4 to 6 show the data structure of the tables stored by server 20. Note that Figures 4 to 6 are examples and do not exclude data that is not shown. Also, even if data is listed in the same table, it may be stored in separate memory areas in storage unit 202.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the user information table 2021. The user information table 2021 shown in Figure 4 is a table that uses User ID as the key and has columns such as name, age, gender, date of birth, and address.

[0059] User ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify the user. Name is an item that stores the user's name. Age is an item that stores the user's age. Gender is an item that stores the user's gender. Date of Birth is an item that stores the user's date of birth. Address is an item that stores the user's address.

[0060] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the product information table 2022. The product information table 2022 shown in Figure 5 is a table that uses product ID as the key and has columns such as product name, image, category, type, and price.

[0061] The Product ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify a product. The Product Name is an item that stores the name of the product. The Image is an item that stores an image of the product. The Category is an item that stores the category of the product based on its function or characteristics. The Type is an item that stores the type of product, such as new or used. The Price is an item that stores the price of the product. The Price may include the regular price or sale price, etc.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the trial information table 2023. The trial information table 2023 shown in Figure 6 is a table that has columns such as user ID, product ID, trial application date, expiration date, and status, with trial ID (order number) as the key.

[0063] The trial ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify the trial subject.

[0064] The User ID is an item that stores an identifier to uniquely identify the user using the trial. The "User ID" item is uniquely determined according to the "Trial ID" item. Furthermore, the "User ID" item corresponds to the "User ID" item in User Information Table 2021.

[0065] The Product ID is an identifier that stores a unique identifier for the product being tested. The "Product ID" field is uniquely determined based on the "Test ID" field. Furthermore, the "Product ID" field corresponds to the "Product ID" field in the Product Information Table 2022.

[0066] The "Trial Application Date" field is used to record the date the trial application was submitted.

[0067] The expiration date is an item that stores the expiration date of the trial period for the product being tried. The expiration date may be set uniformly, for example. Alternatively, the expiration date may be set appropriately based on user information such as the user ID or product information such as the product ID. The time until the expiration date may be set by the number of trials (not shown in the user information), and may be set longer if the number of trials is high and shorter if the number of trials is low. The time until the expiration date may also be set by the type or price of the product information, for example. The time until the expiration date may be set shorter if the type is used and longer if it is new, for example. The time until the expiration date may also be set longer if it is at the regular price and shorter if it is at a sale price, for example.

[0068] The "Status" field stores the current status of the product being used. The "Status" field stores statuses such as "Preparing for shipment," "Shipped," "Shipped," "Pending purchase or return request," "Purchase confirmed," "Return confirmed," and "Inspection complete." The "Status" field is updated when the service processing module 2033 retrieves the status information.

[0069] <3 operations> This document describes the operation of server 20 in the context of purchasing and trial services for e-commerce products.

[0070] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of server 20 in an e-commerce product purchase and trial service. In the explanation of Figure 7, server 20 provides the e-commerce product purchase and trial service as SaaS (Software as a Service). Here, we will explain an example where the e-commerce product is clothing.

[0071] First, users who wish to purchase or try out products from the e-commerce site access server 20. For example, by entering their user ID and password, the user logs into the purchase and trial service provided by server 20. The user then selects the desired product.

[0072] In step S11, the server 20 receives a trial request for an EC product from the user. Specifically, the display control module 2034 displays the target product along with a button to submit a trial request on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the button to submit a trial request. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 sends the trial request from the user to the server 20. The receiving control module 2031 receives the trial request sent from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 accepts the trial request for the target product from the user.

[0073] In step S12, the server 20 performs a first authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which a trial request has been received. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 sends a request for the first authorization process to the card company server 40 via the transmission control module 2032. The first authorization process is the process of securing a credit limit on the user's credit card corresponding to the price of the product for which a trial request has been received. Here, for example, a credit limit corresponding to the price of product name AAAA ¥●●●● is secured. The card company server 40 secures the credit limit on the user's credit card in response to the request for the first authorization process from the transmission control module 2032.

[0074] In step S13, after the first authorization process (triggered by the first authorization process), the server 20 starts batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which a trial request has been accepted. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 sends a request for the second authorization process to the card company server 40 via the transmission control module 2032 in batch processing. The second authorization process is the same authorization process as the first authorization process, and is the process of securing a credit limit on the user's credit card according to the price of the product for which a trial request has been accepted. Here, for example, a credit limit is secured according to the price of product name AAAA ¥●●●●. The card company server 40 secures the credit limit on the user's credit card in response to the request for the second authorization process from the transmission control module 2032. The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed periodically and automatically, and is performed multiple times until the termination condition is met. The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed at least once within a predetermined period. The specified deadline is the validity period of the second authorization process, which is, for example, one week. Also, the batch processing of the first second authorization process (the second authorization process immediately following the first authorization process) is performed within the validity period of the first authorization process. That is, the first second authorization process is performed after the first authorization process but within the validity period of the first authorization process (for example, within one week), and then the second second authorization process is performed after the first second authorization process but within the validity period of the first second authorization process. Subsequent second authorization processes are performed similarly. At this time, when the next authorization process (for example, the first second authorization process) is completed, the usage limit of the previous authorization process (for example, the first authorization process) is canceled. The e-commerce business ships the products for which trial requests have been received to the user in parallel with the first and second authorization processes.

[0075] In step S14, the server 20 receives a purchase request or return request for a product from the user. Specifically, the display control module 2034 displays instructions for purchasing or returning the target product and a button to submit the purchase request or return request on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the button to submit the purchase request or return request. Alternatively, the user may operate the user terminal 10 and input trial information (order number and postal code, etc.). The transmitting / receiving unit 192 sends the purchase request or return request from the user to the server 20. The receiving control module 2031 receives the purchase request or return request sent from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 accepts the purchase request or return request from the user. At this time, the service processing module 2033 obtains information about the target trial ID from the trial information table 2023 based on the trial information (order number and postal code, etc.) entered along with the purchase request or return request.

[0076] If the server accepts a purchase request from the user in step S14 (in the case of a purchase request in step S14), in step S15, the server 20 receives confirmation information for the purchase of the product from the user. Specifically, the display control module 2034 displays a purchase confirmation button for the target product on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the purchase confirmation button. The user may also operate the user terminal 10 and enter a reason for purchase. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 sends the purchase confirmation information from the user to the server 20. The receiving control module 2031 receives the purchase confirmation information sent from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 receives confirmation information for the purchase of the target product from the user.

[0077] In step S16, the server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 stops the batch processing of the second authorization process, which was performed periodically and automatically. At this point, the credit card limit has been secured by the last batch processing of the second authorization process.

[0078] In step S17, the server 20 performs the payment processing. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 sends a payment processing request to the card company server 40 via the transmission control module 2032. This payment processing is performed using the credit limit of the credit card obtained from the last second authorization process. In response to the payment processing request from the transmission control module 2032, the card company server 40 performs the payment processing against the user's credit card limit.

[0079] If the server accepts a return request from the user in step S14 (in the case of a return request in step S14), in step S18, the server 20 receives confirmation information for the return of the product from the user. Specifically, the display control module 2034 displays a return confirmation button for the target product on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the return confirmation button. The user may also operate the user terminal 10 and enter the reason for the return. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 sends the return confirmation information from the user to the server 20. The receiving control module 2031 receives the return confirmation information sent from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 accepts the return confirmation information from the user for the target product. Subsequently, the user returns the product for which the return confirmation information has been received to the e-commerce business.

[0080] In step S19, the server 20 receives information that the inspection of returned goods has been completed by the e-commerce business. Specifically, the display control module 2034 displays an input screen for the inspection completion information of the target goods on the display 141 of the e-commerce business terminal 30. The e-commerce business operates the e-commerce business terminal 30 and inputs the inspection completion information. At this time, the e-commerce business inputs information that the inspection has been completed, as well as information on whether the returned goods are good or defective. The e-commerce business terminal 30 sends the inspection completion information from the e-commerce business to the server 20. The receiving control module 2031 receives the inspection completion information sent from the e-commerce business terminal 30. As a result, the server 20 receives the inspection completion information from the e-commerce business.

[0081] If the returned product is determined to be in good condition in step S20 (if the answer to step S20 is YES), then in step S21, the server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 stops the batch processing of the second authorization process, which was performed periodically and automatically. At this point, the credit card limit has been secured by the last batch processing of the second authorization process.

[0082] In step S22, the server 20 cancels the second authorization process. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 sends a request to cancel the second authorization process to the card company server 40 via the transmission control module 2032. This cancellation request cancels the credit limit allocated to the credit card through the last second authorization process. In response to the cancellation request from the transmission control module 2032, the card company server 40 cancels and releases the credit limit of the user's credit card.

[0083] If the returned product is determined to be defective in step S20 (resulting in NO in step S20), in step S16, server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process. Subsequently, in step S17, server 20 performs the payment process.

[0084] If, in step S14, the user does not submit a purchase request or a return request for the product before the trial period expires (i.e., no request is submitted in step S14), then in step S16, the server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process. Subsequently, in step S17, the server 20 performs the payment processing.

[0085] <4 Screen Examples> Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display screen of the user terminal 10's display 141. Figure 8 shows, for example, the screen for receiving a trial request in step S11 shown in Figure 7. The screen shown in Figure 8 includes a first area 1411 and a second area 1412.

[0086] The first area 1411 is, for example, an area where an image of a product that the user is considering purchasing or trying is displayed. Near this image, information such as the product name AAAA and price ¥●●●● may be displayed. This displayed information is, for example, information read from the product information table 2022 by the presentation control module 2035.

[0087] The second area 1412 is the area where operation buttons are displayed. Operation buttons may include, for example, a purchase button and a trial button. In Figure 8, the purchase button is displayed as "Add to Cart". The trial button is displayed as "Try at Home ¥0". The purchase button is the button that initiates the purchase of the target product. The trial button is the button that initiates the trial of the target product.

[0088] The user checks the information displayed in the first area 1411 and presses the operation button in the second area 1412 that corresponds to the action they wish to perform. Upon pressing the operation button, the operation reception unit 191 receives the instruction corresponding to the operation button.

[0089] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen of the user terminal 10's display 141. Figure 9 shows, for example, the screen for receiving a purchase request or return request in step S14 shown in Figure 7. The screen shown in Figure 9 includes a first area 1421 and a second area 1422.

[0090] Area 1421 is an area where instructions are displayed, for example, for a user to submit a purchase request or a return request for a product they are trying out. Area 1421 displays instructions that allow the user to properly process the request before the trial period expires.

[0091] Area 2, 1422, is the area where the order number input area, postal code input area, and the "Start Procedure" button are displayed. The order number input area is where the order number of the target product is entered. The postal code input area is where the user's postal code is entered. The "Start Procedure" button is used to submit a purchase request or a return request and start the respective procedure.

[0092] The user confirms the instructions displayed in the first area 1421, enters the order number and postal code in the second area 1422, and presses the "Start Procedure" button. The operation reception unit 191 then accepts the purchase request or return request.

[0093] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen of the user terminal 10's display 141. Figure 10 shows, for example, the screen for receiving purchase confirmation information or return confirmation information in steps S15 and S18 shown in Figure 7. The screen shown in Figure 10 includes a first area 1431, a second area 1432, and a third area 1433.

[0094] The first area 1411 is, for example, an area where an image of the product the user is trying out is displayed. Near this image, for example, the product name AAAA and price ¥●●●● may be displayed. This displayed information is, for example, information read from the product information table 2022 and the trial information table 2023 by the presentation control module 2035.

[0095] Area 2, 1432, is the area where the reason input area and the purchase confirmation button are displayed. The reason input area is where the reason for purchasing the product is entered. The purchase confirmation button is the button to confirm the purchase of the product.

[0096] Area 3, 1433, is the area where the reason input area and the return confirmation button are displayed. The reason input area is where the reason for returning the item is entered. The return confirmation button is the button to confirm the return of the item.

[0097] The user confirms the information displayed in the first area 1431 and enters and presses the reason input area and purchase confirmation button in the second area 1432, or the reason input area and return confirmation button in the third area 1433. The operation reception unit 191 then receives the purchase confirmation information or the return confirmation information.

[0098] <5 Summary> As described above, the server 20 of this embodiment accepts trial requests for products in e-commerce. The server 20 performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which a trial request has been accepted. After the first authorization process, the server 20 starts batch processing of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which a trial request has been accepted. The server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process when it receives confirmation of the purchase of the product for which a trial request has been accepted, or when it receives information that the inspection of the returned product for which a trial request has been accepted has been completed. This makes it possible to continue to secure the credit card usage limit through authorization processing without performing settlement processing in the purchase and return procedures for trial services in e-commerce. In other words, it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of settlement fees in the purchase and return procedures for trial services in e-commerce and reduce the burden of costs. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the release of the usage limit and loss of payment method due to the expiration of the authorization processing period, and to prevent the loss of opportunities to collect payment for products.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the batch processing of the second authorization process is performed multiple times. This allows the credit card limit to be secured until all procedures are completed.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the batch processing of the second authorization process is performed at least once within the validity period of the second authorization process. This ensures that the credit limit is continuously secured without being invalidated by the second authorization process.

[0101] Furthermore, the server 20 of this embodiment receives a trial request and information that the inspection of the returned product has been completed, and if the product is determined to be defective, it performs payment processing. This makes it possible to collect the product price even if the returned product is defective due to damage caused by the user's actions.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server 20 receives a trial request and information that the inspection of the returned product has been completed, and if the product is determined to be in good condition, it cancels the second authorization process. This allows the procedure to be completed without processing a settlement when the returned product is in good condition, thus preventing the incurrence of settlement fees.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the server 20 does not receive confirmation of the purchase of the product for which a trial request has been received, or information confirming the completion of inspection of the returned product, within the trial period of the product for which a trial request has been received, the server terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and performs settlement processing. This makes it possible to collect payment for the product even if there is no purchase request or return request for the product within the trial period of the product.

[0104] <6 Variations> In the above embodiment, the trial period for the product was appropriately set based on user information or product information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, the trial period for the product does not need to be set. That is, the trial service does not need to be accepted based on user information or product information. In this case, the first authorization process and the second authorization process are not performed.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in step S22 of Figure 7, the server 20 canceled the second authorization process, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The server 20 may also invalidate the credit limit by leaving the credit limit from the second authorization process as is and allowing the expiration date of the second authorization process to pass.

[0106] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example of how each function is provided by the user terminal 10, server 20, e-commerce business terminal 30, or card company server 40, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the user terminal 10, server 20, e-commerce business terminal 30, or card company server 40 may be configured to provide some or all of the functions in a manner different from that of the above embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the server 20 receives information from the e-commerce business operator that the inspection of the returned goods has been completed in step S19 of Figure 7, it terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process in step S16 or step S21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the server 20 may also receive a request for product exchange along with the return request in step S14. If the server 20 receives a request for product exchange and the price of the replacement product is less than or equal to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially received, it may continue the batch processing of the second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially received, and may again receive a purchase request or return request for the replacement product in step S14. On the other hand, if the server 20 receives a request for product exchange and the price of the replacement product is higher than the price of the product for which the trial request was initially received, it may terminate the batch processing of the second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially received, and then again perform the first authorization process corresponding to the price of the replacement product in step S12. Alternatively, the server 20 may continue the batch processing of the second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially received, without terminating the process, and simultaneously execute the first authorization process corresponding to the increased price due to the replacement product again in step S12.

[0108] Furthermore, server 20 may, for example, accept requests for additional products. If server 20 accepts a request for additional products, it may terminate the batch processing of the second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, and then execute the first authorization process again in step S12, corresponding to the price of the additional product and the product for which the trial request was initially accepted. Alternatively, server 20 may continue the batch processing of the second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, and then execute the first authorization process again in step S12 in parallel, corresponding to the price increase due to the additional product.

[0109] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the server 20 can secure a usage limit in a second authorization process that is repeated, the present invention is not limited to this. If the server 20 cannot secure a usage limit in the second authorization process, it may perform a settlement process on the usage limit secured in the previous authorization process and perform a refund process if necessary.

[0110] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example where a function that repeatedly performs authorization processing is used in a trial service, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be used, for example, in trade-in purchases or pre-orders in e-commerce.

[0111] In the case of a trade-in purchase, Server 20 sets the product price to the actual price minus the expected trade-in price. Server 20 secures a credit limit corresponding to the expected trade-in price by repeatedly performing authorization processes. When the trade-in assessment is complete, Server 20 processes the payment for the amount obtained by subtracting the trade-in assessment amount from the expected trade-in price within that credit limit. On the other hand, if the expected trade-in price and the trade-in assessment amount are the same, Server 20 cancels the credit limit for authorization processing.

[0112] In the case of a pre-order, server 20 secures a credit limit corresponding to the price of the pre-ordered item by repeatedly performing authorization processing. Then, when the pre-ordered item is shipped, server 20 processes the payment. On the other hand, if the pre-order is canceled, server 20 cancels the authorization processing limit.

[0113] <7 Basic Computer Hardware Configuration> Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, main memory 92, auxiliary memory 93, and a communication interface 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0114] The processor 91 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program. The processor 91 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0115] Main memory 92 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0116] The auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for saving data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and semiconductor memory.

[0117] A communication IF99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0118] A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0119] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0120] <8. Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 shown in Figure 11 will be explained. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0121] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0122] The control unit is realized when the processor 91 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, loads them into the main memory device 92, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0123] The memory unit is implemented by a main memory 92 and an auxiliary memory 93. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 91 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 92 or the auxiliary memory 93 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 91 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0124] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link data sets called tables, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, the columns of a table are called columns, and the rows of a table are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables.

[0125] Typically, each table has a key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a key on a column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables stored in the memory unit according to various programs.

[0126] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF99. The communication unit implements the function of communicating with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0127] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc., may be implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. The present invention can also be implemented by software program code that realizes the functions of the embodiment. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and the processor of that computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiment described above, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media used to supply such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and the like.

[0128] Furthermore, the program code that implements the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of programming or scripting languages, such as assembler, C / C++, Perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0129] Furthermore, the program code for the software that implements the functions of the embodiment may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the computer's processor may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0130] The functions realized by the components described herein may be implemented in a circuit or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions described herein. A processor is considered to be a circuit or processing circuitry, including transistors and other circuits. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory.

[0131] In this specification, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein.

[0132] If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0133] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0134] (Note) The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0135] (Note 1) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed by the processor, Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, A program that executes the command.

[0136] (Note 2) The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed multiple times. The program described in (Note 1).

[0137] (Note 3) The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed at least once within a predetermined period. The program described in (Note 1).

[0138] (Note 4) The aforementioned predetermined period is the expiration date of the second authorization process. The program described in (Appendix 3).

[0139] (Note 5) When confirmation information for the purchase of the product for which the trial request was received is received, the processor is instructed to execute the step of processing the payment. The program described in (Note 1).

[0140] (Note 6) When the aforementioned trial request is received and information regarding the completion of inspection of the returned goods is received, and the goods are determined to be defective, the processor is instructed to perform the step of processing the payment. The program described in (Note 1).

[0141] (Note 7) When the aforementioned trial request is received and information indicating the completion of inspection of the returned goods is received, and the goods are determined to be in good condition, the processor is instructed to execute a step to cancel the second authorization process. The program described in (Note 1).

[0142] (Note 8) If, within the trial period of the product for which the trial request was received, confirmation of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was received and completion of inspection of the returned product are not received, the batch processing of the second authorization process is terminated. The steps for processing the payment, To cause the processor to execute the above, The program described in (Note 1).

[0143] (Note 9) A method to be performed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, How to do it.

[0144] (Note 10) An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit is Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, An information processing device that performs the following actions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 1... System 10…User terminal 12…Communication IF 13…Input device 14…Output device 15…Memory 16…Storage 19… Processor 20... Server 22...Communication IF 23…Input / Output Interface 25…Memory 2 hours… storage 29… Processor 30…EC business terminal 40...Card company server

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed by the processor, Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, A program that executes the command.

2. The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed multiple times. The program according to claim 1.

3. The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed at least once within a predetermined period. The program according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned predetermined period is the expiration date of the second authorization process. The program according to claim 3.

5. When confirmation information for the purchase of the product for which the trial request was received is received, the processor is instructed to execute the step of processing the payment. The program according to claim 1.

6. When the aforementioned trial request is received and information regarding the completion of inspection of the returned goods is received, and the goods are determined to be defective, the processor is instructed to perform the step of processing the payment. The program according to claim 1.

7. When the aforementioned trial request is received and information indicating the completion of inspection of the returned goods is received, and the goods are determined to be in good condition, the processor is instructed to execute a step to cancel the second authorization process. The program according to claim 1.

8. The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process if, within the trial period of the product for which the trial request was received, confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was received and information of completion of inspection of the product for which the trial request was received and which was returned is not received, The steps for processing the payment, To cause the processor to execute the above, The program according to claim 1.

9. A method to be performed on a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, How to do it.

10. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit is Steps for accepting product trial requests in e-commerce, The steps include: performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; The steps include: after the first authorization process, initiating a batch process of a second authorization process corresponding to the price of the product for which the trial request was received; The step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is received, or when information of the completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is received, An information processing device that performs the following actions.

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