Information processing method, information processing device, information processing program, and recording medium

Abstract

To contribute to settlement processing without presenting ID information of a purchaser to a seller in a commercial transaction using communication network.SOLUTION: In the case in which an information processing method executes authentication processing on the basis of user ID information received from a terminal device 200, when receiving a token including ticket information capable of being extracted by decryption using first key information and releasing function restriction on a predetermined merchandise, information on the price of a merchandise, and information on a seller ID transmitted from a ticket selling server 302 for transmitting the token, from the terminal device 200, in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase of a predetermined merchandise has been requested, the information processing method executes settlement processing of the price of the merchandise using an account for settlement on the basis of the user ID information, and executes output processing of outputting the information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device 110 to the terminal device 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, an information processing program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods and devices for buying and selling products such as content using Internet communication have been developed. For example, there is a distribution system that includes a storage means for storing encrypted content data that can only be decrypted by a dedicated program in a user system, a distribution means for distributing the encrypted content data stored in the storage means to the user system via a communication network, a determination means for determining whether or not the user is a licensed user of the content, and an authorization means for authorizing the dedicated program to output the content decrypted from the encrypted content data in an output format conforming to the license when the determination means determines that the user is a licensed user (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-50921 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1 mentioned above (hereinafter referred to as the prior art), the payment processing is performed by the sales server selling the products such as content, making it difficult to protect the information of the user who is the purchaser in the payment processing of the product price.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, an information processing program, and a recording medium that contribute to enabling payment processing in commercial transactions using a communication network without the purchaser's ID information being presented to the seller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method in an information processing system including an information processing server connected to a terminal device via a communication network, the information processing server receiving an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information from the terminal device and executing authentication processing based on the user ID information, the information processing server outputting, in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a predetermined product has been made, ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and that can release function restrictions imposed on the predetermined product, and information on the price of the predetermined product. ,before Seller ID information for the specified product Information on the number of installments by which the price of the specified product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment When a token including the above is received from the terminal device, the above-mentioned user ID information is used to make a payment using a previously contracted settlement account. A payment process is executed for a first amount to be paid in a first installment among the amounts to be paid in the first installment. an output process of outputting, to the terminal device, information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device; and First amount The system now includes a step of executing a remittance process to remit an amount equivalent to the remittance amount.

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device via a communication network, and when the information processing device receives an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information from the terminal device and executes authentication processing based on the user ID information, the information processing device outputs, in response to a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a predetermined product has been made, ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and that can release function restrictions imposed on the predetermined product, and information on the price of the predetermined product. ,before Seller ID information for the specified product Information on the number of installments by which the price of the specified product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment When a token including the above is received from the terminal device, the above-mentioned user ID information is used to make a payment using a previously contracted settlement account. A payment process is executed for a first amount to be paid in a first installment among the amounts to be paid in the first installment.an output process of outputting, to the terminal device, information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device; and First amount and a control unit that executes a remittance process to remit an amount equivalent to the remittance amount.

[0008] An information processing program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication process for communicating with a terminal device via a communication network, receiving an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information from the terminal device, and executing an authentication process based on the user ID information. The information processing program includes: ticket information that can be extracted by decrypting using first key information and that can release function restrictions imposed on the predetermined product, and information on the price of the predetermined product, the ticket information being output by a ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for the predetermined product has been made; ,before Seller ID information for the specified product Information on the number of installments by which the price of the specified product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment When a token including the above is received from the terminal device, the above-mentioned user ID information is used to make a payment using a previously contracted settlement account. A payment process is executed for a first amount to be paid in a first installment among the amounts to be paid in the first installment. an output process of outputting, to the terminal device, information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device; and First amount and a control process for executing a remittance process for remitting an amount equivalent to the amount of the remittance.

[0009] A recording medium according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication process for communicating with a terminal device via a communication network, receiving an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information from the terminal device, and executing an authentication process based on the user ID information. The recording medium further includes: ticket information that can be extracted by decrypting using first key information and can release function restrictions imposed on the predetermined product, and information on the price of the predetermined product, the ticket information being output by a ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for the predetermined product has been made; ,before Seller ID information for the specified product Information on the number of installments by which the price of the specified product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment When a token including the above is received from the terminal device, the above-mentioned user ID information is used to make a payment using a previously contracted settlement account. A payment process is executed for a first amount to be paid in a first installment among the amounts to be paid in the first installment.an output process of outputting, to the terminal device, information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device; and First amount A control process for executing a remittance process for remitting an amount equivalent to the amount of the remittance is recorded on the information processing program. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present invention can contribute to enabling payment processing in commercial transactions using a communication network without the purchaser's ID information being presented to the seller. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system and an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the information processing system and the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for transmitting and receiving information between an information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a terminal device, and a sales server, and for processing information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a function for generating a token and a product with limited function and input / output of information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of functions and input / output of information in a payment process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on a display medium provided in a terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing an example of an operation flow of an information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a sales server in a first modified example. [Figure 10]A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of each unit by a program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (How one aspect of the present invention was invented)

[0013] In traditional face-to-face transactions, there was no need for explicit disclosure of personal information between the seller and the purchaser; it was enough to exchange goods for money. However, in electronic commerce using the Internet and other means, the purchaser has had to provide the seller with personal information when paying for goods.

[0014] Specifically, for example, in electronic commerce, when payment processing is completed before the provision of a product, when a purchaser selects and orders a product on a website or the like provided by a retailer, the retailer requests the purchaser's personal information. After providing the personal information in response to the request, the purchaser makes a payment in the product payment procedure, for example, through a settlement company including a credit company. The retailer inquires about its own account with the settlement company, and when the receipt of the payment is confirmed, the retailer provides the product to the purchaser, thereby completing the commercial transaction. Note that, if personal information has been registered with the seller in advance, for example, an account and password to identify the individual are requested as a substitute for the personal information. However, if the account and password are leaked, the personal information that can be extracted from these pieces of information will become known, so the account and the personal information have the same confidentiality.

[0015] The reason why personal information is required in electronic commerce is that the retailer uses the personal information to confirm the receipt of payment for the sale. This also applies when making a payment after the product is delivered in electronic commerce.

[0016] However, providing personal information, including account details, to a seller every time an electronic commerce transaction is made is not necessarily desirable for the buyer. In general, there is a non-zero risk of personal information being leaked when sending and receiving personal information over the Internet. Furthermore, security measures for product sales sites are often left to the administrators of the sales sites, so buyers cannot feel equally secure in all electronic commerce transactions.

[0017] In particular, in today's environment where electronic commerce is booming and buyers have increasing opportunities to purchase a variety of products from a variety of sellers, providing personal information to sellers in a uniform manner in electronic commerce transactions can be a psychological burden for buyers.

[0018] Furthermore, when electronic commerce is conducted, the seller must provide personal information of the purchaser and process the payment, which places a burden on the seller. This is because the seller must bear not only the burden of storing personal information, but also the burden of preparing a variety of payment methods to meet the diverse payment methods required by each purchaser.

[0019] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention conceived of an information processing device and information processing method that allows payment processing in commercial transactions using a communication network without the purchaser's ID information being presented to the seller, by performing payment processing centrally at a designated institution such as a financial institution based on token information provided by the seller, rather than performing payment processing for each seller in electronic commerce, and have come up with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In this disclosure, the terms are defined as follows.

[0021] (This Service) The information processing service provided by the information processing server in the present disclosure is referred to as the present service. In the following description, the information processing service provided by the information processing server in the present disclosure may be referred to as the present service. A basic service in the present service is, for example, providing ticket information for removing functional restrictions imposed on a purchased product, subject to payment processing.

[0022] (user) The user of this service is called a "user." Specifically, a user is a person who uses a terminal device to transmit a token to an information processing server, receives the ticket information on the condition of payment processing, and uses the ticket information to release the function restriction of a product with function restriction, thereby using the purchased product.

[0023] (merchandise) The term "product" in this disclosure may refer to, for example, a product including a function for providing use of software content. The term "product" including a function for providing use of software content may refer to, for example, software content such as electronic files, such as still images, videos, audio files, documents, and music, as well as electronic data. The term "product" including a function for providing use of software content may refer to hardware products having a function for providing use of these software contents.

[0024] (personal information) In the present disclosure, personal information may be information that can identify an individual, such as a name, address, age, email address, account ID, password, credit card number, etc.

[0025] The definitions of terms used in the present disclosure have been described above. When a special meaning is given to a defined term, it may be further defined in the description of the embodiments.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. The embodiment described below shows one specific example of the present disclosure. The configurations shown in the embodiments, the processes or the order of processes in the flow charts, etc. are merely examples, and do not limit the technology of the present disclosure.

[0027] (Embodiment 1) The configurations of an information processing system 1 and an information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configurations of the information processing system and the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configurations of the information processing system and the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 100, a storage device 110, a terminal device 200, and a sales server 300. In FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 is also referred to as an information processing server 10.

[0029] 1, the information processing device 100 and the information processing server 10 can be read as interchangeable. In FIG. 1, the information processing server 10 is described as including the information processing device 100 but not including the storage device 110, but as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing server 10 may be configured to include the information processing device 100 and the storage device 110.

[0030] In the following, the information processing server 10 includes the system configuration shown in Fig. 1 and the system configuration shown in Fig. 2. In other words, whether or not the information processing server 10 includes the storage device 110 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] As described below, the information processing server 10 is a computer or a recording medium having a function of providing the present service by receiving a token from the terminal device 200 via the communication network 400, and transmitting ticket information extracted from the token using the first key information to the terminal device 200 on condition that payment processing has been executed based on product price information extracted from the token and payment account information. The information processing server 10 may be realized, for example, by a combination of a general-purpose computer and software that performs each operation described in this embodiment.

[0032] Note that there may be a plurality of the information processing servers 10, the storage devices 110, and the sales servers 300 shown in Fig. 1, and a plurality of the information processing servers 10 and the sales servers 300 shown in Fig. 2. In such a case, a plurality of functions may be distributed to a plurality of servers and a plurality of devices.

[0033] In the following description, the storage device 110 may be referred to as a storage server 110. The communication unit 101 and the storage device 110 may be connected to each other via a communication network 400.

[0034] 1 and 2, an information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 101 and a control unit 102. The communication unit 101 and the control unit 102 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless connection.

[0035] 3, the terminal device 200 includes a display medium 201, an input unit 202, a communication unit 203, a memory 204, and a control unit 205. Each element included in the terminal device 200 is connected to some or all of the other elements via wired or wireless connection based on design specifications.

[0036] 1 and 2, the communication unit 101 is connected to the communication unit 203 in the terminal device 200 via a communication network 400, and has a function of transmitting and receiving information. The communication network 400 may be a network configured by an electric communication line. The communication network 400 may be a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. The communication network 400 may be, for example, the Internet, a dedicated line, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0037] The terminal device 200 may be, for example, an information device having a function of transmitting a signal indicating a purchase request for a specific product to the sales server 300 when the user selects a purchase request for a specific product using the input unit 202 on a purchase request screen for a specific product displayed on the display medium 201 by the sales server 300. The terminal device 200 may also be, for example, an information device having a function of receiving, from the sales server 300, information on a token containing encrypted ticket information for releasing the function restriction of a function-restricted product described later, transmitting the token to the information processing server 10, and receiving, using the communication unit 203, the ticket information extracted by the information processing server 10 in response to the execution of the payment process.

[0038] In the above description, the terminal device 200 that receives token information from the sales server 300 and the terminal device 200 that transmits token information to the information processing server are described as being the same information device, but this is not limited to the above. In other words, the terminal device 200a that receives token information from the sales server 300 and the terminal device 200b that transmits token information to the information processing server may be different information devices. In this case, the terminal device 200a and the terminal device 200b may be information devices used by the same user.

[0039] The terminal device 200 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a wearable terminal, or a dedicated terminal.

[0040] The display medium 201 may be, for example, a two-dimensional display, or a three-dimensional display in virtual reality, mixed reality, etc. The two-dimensional display may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The type of display does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The input unit 202 has a function of selecting the content to be displayed on the display medium 201, and a function of inputting or editing characters. The input unit 202 accepts input by the user.

[0042] The input unit 202 may be, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a hardware button, a touch operation using a touch panel, a stylus pen using a touch panel, an input based on detection of the user's line of sight, and a voice input. The keyboard may be an externally connected physical keyboard, or a software keyboard on a touch panel. In addition, when the display medium 201 is a three-dimensional display in virtual reality, mixed reality, or the like, information input or information selection may be based on a dedicated controller, a user's gesture, or the like.

[0043] The communication unit 203 is connected to the communication unit 101 and the sales server 300 via a communication network 400, and receives signals or information from the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300. The communication unit 203 may be, for example, a communication module including an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 203 may also be, for example, a communication module for wired communication.

[0044] The memory 204 may have a function of storing information received by the communication unit 203 from the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300. When the communication unit 203 receives various application software described below, the memory 204 may store various application software. In the following description, the terminal device 200 may store various information received from the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300 in, for example, the memory 204.

[0045] The control unit 205 performs various controls in the terminal device 200. For example, the control unit 205 causes the memory 204 to store information received by the communication unit 203 from the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300. The control unit 205 causes the input unit 202 to receive an input by a user.

[0046] The control unit 205 may also have a function of displaying, for example, various pieces of information received from the sales server 300 and the information processing server 10 on the display medium 201. The control unit 205 may also have a function of displaying predetermined information on the display medium 201 based on, for example, various applications or instructions from the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300. The function of the control unit 205 to display various pieces of information on the display medium 201 is a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The control unit 205 may be, for example, a control circuitry that controls each unit by an electric signal. Specifically, the control unit 205 may be configured by an integrated circuit such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 205 may also be realized by a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). The control unit 205 may be, for example, a web browser.

[0048] In the above description, each element of the terminal device 200, such as the display medium 201, is described as being built into the terminal device 200. However, each element may be attached externally to the terminal device 200.

[0049] 1 and 2, sales server 300 may include, for example, product sales server 301 and ticket sales server 302. Product sales server 301 and ticket sales server 302 may be connected to each other via a wired network or a wireless network. Also, product sales server 301 and ticket sales server 302 may be a single server device. The form, standards, and other specifications of the network connecting product sales server 301 and ticket sales server 302 do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] 1 and 2, the product sales server 301 may have a function of displaying a website selling a specific product on the display medium 201 in response to a request from the terminal device 200 via the communication network 400. The specific product is, for example, a product including a function of providing access to software content. For example, when a user selects to purchase the specific product using the input unit 202 on the website, the product sales server 301 receives a second signal indicating a purchase request for the specific product via the communication network 400.

[0051] In response to receiving the second signal, the product sales server 301 may execute a sales process for a product with limited functionality in which all or part of the functionality for providing use of software content included in the specified product is limited, as described below. In such a case, personal information of the user who is the purchaser of the specified product does not need to be provided to the product sales server 301. The product sales server 301 may execute a sales process for a product with limited functionality on the condition that the second signal is received.

[0052] In this way, the product sales server 301 processes the sale of a product with function restrictions despite receiving a purchase request for a specific product, in order to allow the payment process for the product purchase to be performed later, as described below. The user can acquire a product that becomes available for use by making a payment later, without providing personal information to the product sales server 301. Note that the function restrictions imposed on the product with function restrictions can be released by using the ticket information included in the token output from the ticket sales server 302, as described below.

[0053] This allows users who are product purchasers to access product sales server 301 without worrying about their personal information being leaked. This effect is particularly useful in countering fake sites. It also saves the administrator of product sales server 301 the trouble of having to install a system for executing payment processing.

[0054] Note that, in the case where the predetermined product is, for example, software content, the sales process may be a process of downloading the product with function restrictions to the terminal device 200. In addition, in the case where the predetermined product is, for example, a hardware product including a function of providing the use of software content, the sales process may be a process of mailing or delivering the product with function restrictions based on a receiving method designated by the user using the input unit 202. In such a case, the receiving method designated by the user may be, for example, a method of receiving the product at a convenience store, a method of using a private mailbox, or anonymous mailing to a designated location in order to protect personal information.

[0055] As described above, the specified product is a product including a function of providing use of software content, for which a purchase request is accepted by the product sales server 301, which is communicatively connected to the ticket sales server 302, and the functional restriction is to restrict all or part of the function, in which case, in response to the product sales server 301 receiving a second signal indicating a purchase request for the specified product, a function-restricted product in which the functional restriction has been applied to the specified product may be sold by the product sales server 301.

[0056] In Figures 1 and 2, in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a request to purchase a specific product has been made, the ticket sales server 302 may output a token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and that can remove functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, information on the price of the specific product, and information on the seller ID of the specific product.

[0057] The first signal may be, for example, a signal indicating a purchase request for a specific product transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the sales server 300. In other words, the signal indicating a purchase request for a specific product transmitted from the terminal device 200 may be transmitted to both the product sales server 301 and the ticket sales server 302. In such a case, the first signal and the second signal may be the same signal.

[0058] On the other hand, the first signal may be a signal transmitted from the merchandise sales server 301 to the ticket sales server 302 in response to the merchandise sales server 301 receiving the second signal.

[0059] Specifically, the first signal may be, for example, a signal transmitted from merchandise sales server 301 to ticket sales server 302 when merchandise sales server 301 receives the above-mentioned second signal from terminal device 200, to inform that a purchase request for a specific merchandise has been made. In this case, the first signal may be a signal different from the above-mentioned second signal. Furthermore, the first signal may be, for example, a signal in which the second signal is transferred from merchandise sales server 301 to ticket sales server 302 when merchandise sales server 301 receives the above-mentioned second signal from terminal device 200.

[0060] In other words, the first signal may be a signal transmitted from the terminal device 200 indicating a desire to purchase a specific product and received directly by the ticket sales server 302, or it may be a signal transmitted from the terminal device 200 indicating a desire to purchase a specific product and received indirectly by the ticket sales server 302.

[0061] As described above, the ticket sales server 302 outputs the token in response to receiving the first signal. That is, the ticket sales server 302 outputs the token without receiving personal information of the purchaser, on the condition that the first signal is received.

[0062] The output of the token may mean that the ticket sales server 302 transmits the token directly to the terminal device 200 or causes the token to be downloaded. The output of the token may also mean that the ticket sales server 302 transmits the token indirectly to the terminal device via the product sales server 301 or causes the token to be downloaded.

[0063] Furthermore, the timing of outputting the token by the ticket sales server 302 may be the same as the timing of the sales process of the product with the restricted function by the product sales server 301. For example, if the predetermined product is software content, the sales server 300 may download the product with the restricted function and the token together to the terminal device 200. In this case, the product sales server 301 and the ticket sales server 302 may be linked by a predetermined control signal. The predetermined control signal may be transmitted from the product sales server 301 or from the ticket sales server 302, or may be transmitted by a function of the sales server 300 other than the product sales server 301 and the ticket sales server 302.

[0064] Furthermore, the timing of outputting the token by the ticket sales server 302 may be different from the timing of sales processing of the product with the restriction function by the product sales server 301. For example, when the predetermined product is software content, the sales server 300 may make the timing of downloading the product with the restriction function to the terminal device 200 different from the timing of downloading the token to the terminal device 200.

[0065] Also, for example, if a particular product is a hardware product that includes a function for providing access to software content, the timing of the mailing or delivery process of the hardware product and the timing of downloading the token to the terminal device 200 may be the same or different.

[0066] In the above description, the product with limited function and the token are described as being downloaded to the terminal device 200, but the sales server 300 may transmit them as electronic data to the terminal device 200. In such a case, it is necessary to provide the seller with the purchaser's email address, ID information such as a communication application, etc., but it is not necessary to provide highly confidential information such as the purchaser's name and address.

[0067] The token may include, for example, at least ticket information, information on the price of a specific product, and information on the seller ID of the specific product. The ticket information is rights information for enjoying the value of a function or service. For example, the ticket information may be information for releasing function restrictions imposed on a product with function restrictions. The ticket information may be, for example, key information or password information. The ticket information may be information for releasing function restrictions, and the specific content does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] The ticket information is information that can be extracted from the token by decryption using the first key information. As described later, the first key information is stored in the storage device 110, and is used when the information processing server 10 extracts the ticket information from the token to execute the payment process.

[0069] The first key information may be, for example, information shared by the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300. The first key information may be, for example, a key generated from the private key of the information processing server 10 or the private key of the sales server 300 using asymmetric encryption technology. In that case, it is possible to generate a different key for each seller, thereby improving security. In such a case, the ticket information may be encrypted by a key generated based on the public key of the information processing server 10 or the public key of the sales server 300. The first key information may be information for extracting the ticket information from the token, and the specific content of the first key information does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] The information on the price of a specific product may be information including a number indicating the price and a currency unit. The currency unit may be legal tender, such as yen or dollars. The currency unit is not limited to legal tender, and may be points issued, certified, and managed by a specific institution. The currency unit may be virtual currency.

[0071] The seller ID of a given product is ID information unique to an entity that is essentially a sales store, such as an administrator or operator of the product sales server 301. As will be described later, the seller ID information is used to transfer the payment amount, etc., after the product price has been settled. The seller ID may be used in the remittance process by the information processing server 10 by comparing it with a table that associates seller ID information and remittance destination account information, which is stored in advance in the storage device 110. The seller ID may also include remittance destination account information that the seller has contracted with a financial institution.

[0072] The timing of token generation does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the token may be generated in advance before a signal indicating a purchase request for a specific product is received by the sales server 300. Also, the token may be generated in response to a signal indicating a purchase request for a specific product being received by the sales server 300.

[0073] The manager or operator of merchandise sales server 310 may be the same as the manager or operator of ticket sales server 320. In other words, merchandise sales server 301 and ticket sales server 302 may be managed integrally as sales server 300.

[0074] Furthermore, the manager or operator of merchandise sales server 310 may be different from the manager or operator of ticket sales server 320. In other words, merchandise sales server 301 may be managed by an operator of a sales store, and ticket sales server 302 may be operated by a separate, independent organization.

[0075] The ticket sales server 302 may be capable of receiving information for determining which product the token containing the ticket corresponding to should be provided. For example, the ticket sales server 302 may receive information capable of uniquely identifying the specific product for which the purchase request has been made by communicating with the product sales server 301. Furthermore, the information capable of uniquely identifying the specific product for which the purchase request has been made may be included in the first signal.

[0076] An example of the functional configuration of the product sales server 301 and the ticket sales server 302 included in the sales server 300 has been described above.

[0077] 1 and 2, the storage device 110 stores, for example, information on the user ID of a specific user, information on a settlement account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, and first key information, as described below. The storage device 110 may store various application software. The various application software may be, for example, software that causes the terminal device 200 to execute a service provided by the information processing server 10 in a standalone manner in response to a user request. In addition, the various application software may be, for example, source code such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), etc., that is loaded and operated by a web browser installed in a client PC.

[0078] In the information processing device 100, the communication unit 101 communicates with the terminal device 200. Specifically, the communication unit 101 has a function of transmitting and receiving information to and from a communication unit 203 in the terminal device 200 via a communication network. The communication unit 101 also has a function of receiving information from the storage device 110.

[0079] The communication unit 101 and the storage device 110 may be connected to each other via a wired network or a wireless network. The communication unit 101 may be, for example, a communication module including an antenna for wireless communication, or a communication module for wired communication. The form, standard, and other specifications of the network connecting the communication unit 101 and the storage device 110 do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] When the control unit 102 receives an authentication request based on specific user ID information from the terminal device 200 and executes authentication processing based on the user ID information, when it receives a token from the terminal device 200, it executes payment processing for the price of the product using a payment account previously contracted based on the user ID information, and executes an output process to output ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in the memory device 110 to the terminal device 200, and a remittance process to remit an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the seller ID information.

[0081] The control unit 102 may be a control circuitry that controls each unit by an electric signal. Specifically, the control unit 102 may be configured by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 102 may also be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Details of the functions of the control unit 102 will be described later.

[0082] Above, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, configuration examples of the information processing system 1, the information processing server 10, and the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment have been described.

[0083] 1 and 2, the number of terminal devices 200 has been described as one, but there may be multiple terminal devices 200. In other words, when multiple users use the service at the same time, the information processing system 1 may include, for example, multiple terminal devices 200.

[0084] The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment provides the service to the user, for example, by the above-mentioned configuration example. The service may be provided by the user accessing a website provided by the information providing server 10. The website may be, for example, a website managed by a financial institution such as a bank.

[0085] This service may, for example, provide a ticket to a user using the terminal device 200, on the condition that when a user inputs a token received from a sales server 300 that sells a specified product based on specifications that allow functional restrictions to be lifted by a ticket into the information processing server 10, a payment process is executed using the product price information contained in the token and the user's payment account.

[0086] This provides the information processing system 1 that contributes to enabling payment processing in commercial transactions using a communication network without the purchaser's ID information being presented to the seller.

[0087] The present service does not limit the scope of the present disclosure as long as it is a service in which payment processing is performed using the information processing server 10 in a commercial transaction using a communication network without the purchaser's ID information being presented to the seller. For example, the information processing server 10 may transmit application software that operates in a standalone manner without using a Web browser to the terminal device 200, and various services may be provided on the display medium 201 using the downloaded application software.

[0088] Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for transmitting and receiving information and processing information between an information processing server, a terminal device, and a sales server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a function for generating a token and a product with limited function and input / output of information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a function for processing a payment according to the first embodiment of the present invention and input / output of information. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on a display medium provided in the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Below, with reference to Figures 4 to 7, we will explain the transmission and reception of information between the information processing server 10, the terminal device 200, and the sales server 300, as well as the information processing performed in each part of the information processing server 10, the terminal device 200, and the sales server 300.

[0090] In the following explanation, the display of specific information on the display medium 201 by various programs transmitted from the information processing server 10 to the terminal device 200 and then stored in the memory 204 is the same as the information processing server 10 directly or indirectly controlling the display of the specific information.

[0091] That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, the control by various programs provided from the information processing server 10 to the terminal device 200 and the control by the information processing server 10 may be referred to as the control by the information processing server 10, etc. Even if it is simply referred to as the control by the information processing server 10, it may be interpreted to have the same meaning as the control by the information processing server 10, etc.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 4, as a prerequisite for receiving this service using the information providing server 10, a user accesses a sales site that sells a specific product based on specifications that allow functional restrictions to be lifted using ticket information, and submits a purchase request for the specific product to the product sales server 301 (step S401).

[0093] Specifically, when a user selects to purchase a specific product using input unit 202 on the sales site, product sales server 301 receives a second signal indicating a purchase request for the specific product via communication network 400. The sales site may be a website provided by product sales server 301. As described above, the specific product is a product that includes a function of providing use of software content.

[0094] As a premise for providing this service, the product sales server 301 is a server device that processes sales of a product with function restrictions in which all or part of the software functions of a specific product are restricted when a purchase request for the specific product is received, and the function restrictions may need to be releasable by a ticket included in a token provided by the ticket sales server 302. Furthermore, when a purchase request for a specific product is received, the product sales server 301 that provides a product with function restrictions, the ticket sales server 302 that provides a token from which a ticket that can release the function restrictions can be extracted, and the information processing server 10 that receives the token and executes a payment process to provide a ticket to a user may need to share information processing specifications or standards with each other.

[0095] Next, in FIG. 4, the sales server 300 outputs the function-limited product and the token (step S402).

[0096] Specifically, in response to receiving the second signal described above, the product sales server 301 may execute a sales process for a function-restricted product in which all or part of the function of providing use of software content included in the predetermined product is restricted. As described above, if the predetermined product is software content, the sales process may be a process of downloading the function-restricted product to the terminal device 200. If the predetermined product is a hardware product including a function of providing use of software content, the sales process may be a process of mailing or delivering the function-restricted product based on a receiving method designated by the user.

[0097] On the other hand, in response to receiving the above-mentioned first signal, the ticket sales server 302 outputs the token to the terminal device 200. As described above, outputting the token may be sending an electronic file addressed to the user's email address or the like, or may be causing the terminal device 200 to download the token.

[0098] The timing of the sales process for the function-limited product and the timing of the token output may be the same or different.

[0099] A system 5 for generating function-limited products and tokens output from a sales server 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, functional units are indicated by solid lines, and information or signals are indicated by dashed lines.

[0100] 5, the system 5 includes, for example, a token constructor 500 and a function restriction constructor 501. The token constructor 500 has a function of generating a token, and the function restriction constructor 501 has a function of generating a product with function restriction.

[0101] The system 5 may be a system included in the sales server 300. For example, the token constructor 500 may be included in the ticket sales server 302, and the function restriction constructor 501 may be included in the product sales server 301. The system 5 may be a system included in the information processing server 10. In this case, it may be necessary to share the information included in the token in advance by transmitting it from the sales server 300 to the information processing server 10. Furthermore, the system 5 may be a system independent of the information processing server 10 and the sales server 300. The type of server device including the system 5 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] The token constructor 500 has an encryption unit 502 and a storage unit 503. The storage unit 503 stores a token type that specifies the type of token. The token constructor 500 inputs seller ID information 51, product price information 52, transaction ID information 53, and ticket information 54, and generates a token 56 based on the token type set in the storage unit 503. In addition to the information on the set token type, the token 56 includes seller ID information 51, product price information 52, transaction ID information 53, and ticket information 54 that are set corresponding to the token type.

[0103] In generating the token 56, a part or all of the various information included in the token 56 may be encrypted using the encryption unit 502 and key information 50 of the token constructor 500. This is to prevent tampering, interception, and information change while the token 56 is being distributed via the communication network 400.

[0104] Of the information included in the token 56, for example, only the ticket information 54 may be encrypted using the key information 50, and the other information may not be encrypted or may be encrypted using another method or another key information. In such a case, the token type information, seller ID information, product price information, and transaction ID information are provided so that the user who is the purchaser and the settlement agent who is the administrator of the information processing server 10, etc., can easily confirm the contents of the information such as the token type.

[0105] The encryption technique using the key information 50 may be, for example, an encryption technique using symmetric encryption or asymmetric encryption. For example, the key information 50 may be, for example, a public key corresponding to a private key in the information processing server 10.

[0106] In a system that distributes tokens in a one-to-many relationship in electronic commerce, asymmetric encryption may be used from the viewpoint of managing key information. In such a case, by encrypting the token using asymmetric encryption technology, when the information processing server 10 decrypts the token, it is possible to identify that the received token was indeed generated by the sales server 300. However, the specific content of the encryption technology does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0107] On the other hand, the function restriction constructor 501 has a locking unit 505. The locking unit 505 generates a function-restricted product in which all or part of the functions that provide the use of software content included in a specific product are locked. The locking unit 505 can restrict the functions of the specific product by directly using the ticket information 54. In this case, the ticket information extracted from the token in the information processing device 10 serves as a restriction release code for the function-restricted product 57.

[0108] On the other hand, the function restriction constructor 501 may further generate a restriction release code using a hash section 504 as shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, when generating a hash, the restriction release code may be generated by adding, for example, a transaction ID to ticket information and generating a hash. This provides a more advanced function restriction function.

[0109] 5, it is possible to generate a pair of a token 56 and a function-restricted product 57. The token constructor 500 and the function-restricted constructor 501 may be operated at the same place and at different times.

[0110] In the above description, the restriction release code that plays the role of ticket information is generated by adding the transaction ID information 53 to the ticket information 54 and generating a hash, but for example, the serial number of a specific product may be used instead of the transaction ID information. In such a case, the transaction ID information 53 in FIG. 5 may be replaced with the serial number information.

[0111] In this way, by generating a restriction release code using a serial number and generating a product with function restriction based on the generated restriction release code, it is possible to generate a plurality of products with function restriction in advance without generating a product with function restriction every time a sales order is received.

[0112] Returning to FIG. 4, the terminal device 200 may, for example, make an authentication request based on user ID information to the information processing server 10 (step S403). Specifically, first, the user may use the input unit 202 to access a website provided by the information processing server 10. The website may be provided by, for example, a financial institution such as a bank. For example, the user may make an authentication request on the website provided by the financial institution using account information and password information provided in advance by the financial institution.

[0113] 4, the information processing server 10 executes an authentication process (step S404). Specifically, the information processing server 10 determines whether the account information and password information received from the terminal device 200 are ID information uniquely assigned to the user, and if it is determined that the information is correct as user ID information, it may execute the authentication process and cause the display medium 201 of the terminal device 200 to display a personal page assigned to each user.

[0114] 4, the terminal device 200 transmits the token to the information processing server 10 (step S405). Specifically, the user may use the input unit 202 of the terminal device 200 to transmit information about the token output from the ticket sales server 302 to the information processing server 10.

[0115] 4, the information processing server 10 extracts various information from the token received from the terminal device 200 (step S406). Specifically, the information processing server 10 extracts token type information, seller ID information, transaction ID information, product price information, and ticket information, which are included in the token.

[0116] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, seller ID information 51, product price information 52, transaction ID information 53, and ticket information 54 may be extracted by inputting first key information 50 and a token 56 to a function of a token decoder 600 included in the information processing server 10. In this case, the first key information may be used in the process of extracting the ticket information 54. The first key information may be, for example, a private key corresponding to the public key used to encrypt the token. The first key information may be stored in the storage device 110.

[0117] Returning to Fig. 4, the information processing server 10 may execute a payment process for the price of the product using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information (step S407). Specifically, the information processing server 10 may execute a payment process using the extracted product price information 52 and the payment account contracted based on the user ID information. Various information related to the payment account may be stored in the storage device 110.

[0118] In addition, when the token is received from the terminal device 200, information on the projected post-payment balance, which is the balance of the payment account minus the price of the product and a specified fee, and information that allows the user to select whether or not to execute the payment process may be provided using the terminal device 200, and when it is detected that a selection has been made to execute the payment process, the payment process for the price of the product may be executed.

[0119] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the information processing server 10 may use a planned balance calculation unit 601 to calculate a planned balance 62 after the settlement process based on account balance information 61 included in a settlement account 602, product price information 52, and a predetermined settlement fee 60. The calculated planned balance 62 may be provided to a user using the terminal device 200. For example, the information processing server 10 may use a user interface unit 603 to cause the display medium 201 to display numerical information on the planned balance after the settlement and information that allows the user to select whether or not to execute the settlement process, as shown in FIG. 7. The information processing server 10 may also use the user interface unit 603 to provide information on the planned balance and selection information on whether or not to execute the settlement process as audio information, for example, using a speaker (not shown) provided in the terminal device 200.

[0120] Then, when it is detected that the user has selected to execute the payment process using the input unit 202 of the terminal device 200, a payment execution signal 63 may be output. Note that the payment execution signal 63 is output only when it is detected that the user has selected to execute the payment process, and further when the value of the planned post-payment balance of the payment account is equal to or greater than 0.

[0121] In this case, when the token further includes information of a digital certificate issued by the issuer, the information processing server 10 may determine, upon receiving the token from the terminal device 200, whether or not the content of the information included in the token is legitimate and valid based on the digital certificate, and may execute a payment process for the product price if the content of the information included in the token is legitimate and valid. Furthermore, when executing a payment process for the product price, the token may be invalidated.

[0122] 6, for example, the contents of the token information extracted by the token deconstructor 600 and the payment execution signal 63 are input to the token manager 606. Upon receiving the payment execution signal, the token manager 606 may have a function of verifying the legitimacy and validity of the contents of the information included in the token received from the token deconstructor 600.

[0123] For example, if the token further includes information on a digital certificate issued by the token issuer, the token management unit 606 can determine whether or not information such as the price of a product is correct based on the digital certificate. Note that the technology related to determining the validity of information using a digital certificate is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] The token management unit 606 may also have a function of determining the validity of a token, for example. The validity determination may be processed based on information related to validity, such as expiration date information included in the token in advance and information indicating whether the token is valid or invalid. For example, the token management unit 606 may perform the validity determination based on the timing of executing the payment process and expiration date information included in the token. For example, the token management unit 606 may perform the validity determination based on information included in the token indicating whether the token is valid or not. For example, the token management unit 606 may perform the validity determination of a token related to a transaction ID that is the target of the payment process, based on a table stored in the storage device 110 that associates transaction ID information included in the token with transaction IDs that have already been processed.

[0125] When it is determined that the information contained in the token is legitimate and valid, the token may be invalidated and the functions of remittance processing 605 and ticket output 604 may be executed using a settlement execution signal 63. The token invalidation process may, for example, edit information contained in the token indicating whether it is valid or invalid. Furthermore, the token invalidation process may, for example, update a table that associates transaction ID information contained in the token with transaction IDs that have been settled.

[0126] On the other hand, if the token management unit 606 cannot confirm at least one of the authenticity and validity of the information encrypted in the token, it may cancel the payment execution signal 63 and interrupt the execution of the payment process.

[0127] This makes it possible to prevent a payment process using a tampered token from being executed if the token information is tampered with during distribution. Also, if a token is duplicated during distribution, it makes it possible to prevent duplicate payment processes from being executed for the duplicated token. Also, a validity period may be set for a token, and by not allowing a payment process to be executed for a token outside the validity period, it is possible to deal with cases in which the value of a product fluctuates over time.

[0128] Returning to Figure 4, the information processing server 10 may execute an output process (step S408) to output ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in the storage device 110 to the terminal device 200, and a remittance process (step S409) to remit an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the seller ID information.

[0129] 6, when the payment execution signal 63 is input to the ticket sending unit 604, the ticket information 54 may also be input to the ticket sending unit 604. The ticket sending unit 604 outputs the ticket information 54 to the terminal device 200. Note that output may mean that the ticket information 54 is downloaded to the terminal device 200, or that the ticket information 54 is sent to the user's email address.

[0130] In this case, transaction ID information 53 may be input to the ticket transmission unit 604 together with ticket information 54. In other words, when the token further includes transaction ID information corresponding to a purchase request for a specific product, an output process may be executed to output the ticket information 54 extracted using the first key information and the transaction ID information 53 extracted from the token to the terminal device 200, and the transaction ID information 53 and information indicating that the remittance process has been executed may be transmitted to the ticket sales server 302 via the communication network 400.

[0131] This allows the user to check the transaction for which the payment process has been completed based on the transaction ID. Also, the administrator of the ticket sales server 302 can check the transaction for which the payment process has been completed and the remittance has been made based on the transaction ID.

[0132] In addition, the remittance processing unit 605 may execute the remittance processing in parallel with the processing in the ticket sending unit 604. Specifically, in FIG. 6, when the settlement execution signal 63 is input to the remittance processing unit 605, the product price information 52 and the customer ID information 53 may be input to the remittance processing unit 605 together.

[0133] The remittance processing unit 605 may remit an amount equivalent to the price of the product from the account balance to an account based on the customer ID information 53 based on the product price information 52. The remittance processing unit 605 may execute the remittance process using, for example, the account information included in the customer ID information 53. The remittance processing unit 605 may also execute the remittance process using, for example, a predetermined table that associates the customer ID with the customer's account information, and execute the remittance process using the referenced account information. The predetermined table may be stored in the storage device 110, or may be managed in a database managed by a third party different from the administrator of the information processing server 10 and the administrator of the sales server 300. The specific content of the remittance process using the customer ID does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] The remittance processing unit 605 may update the account balance of the settlement account in addition to executing the remittance process.

[0135] Returning to FIG. 4, the terminal device 200 receives the ticket and uses the ticket to release the function restriction of the function-restricted product, thereby allowing the user to use the specified product (step S410).

[0136] Above, with reference to Figures 4 to 7, the transmission and reception of information between the information processing server 10, the terminal device 200, and the sales server 300, and the information processing performed in each part of the information processing server 10, the terminal device 200, and the sales server 300 have been explained.

[0137] 4, steps S408 and S409 may be processed at the same timing, or steps S408 and S409 may be processed at different timings, in which case either step may be processed first.

[0138] Furthermore, in the case where step S408 is processed with priority over step S409, step S409 and step S410 may be processed at the same timing, or step S409 and step S410 may be processed at different timings, in which case either step may be processed first.

[0139] 4, the terminal device 200 that has received at least a token from the sales server 300 via the communication network 400 and the terminal device 200 that makes an authentication request to the information processing server 10 based on the user ID information are described as being the same terminal, but this is not limited to the above. In other words, the terminal device 200 that has received at least a token from the sales server 300 and the terminal device 200 that makes an authentication request to the information processing server 10 may be different.

[0140] 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of operations of the information processing server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the basic operations of the information processing server 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0141] Note that each flow diagram described below merely illustrates steps necessary for explaining the processing procedure of the operation of the information processing server 10 according to the present disclosure. This does not prevent steps related to the processing of other operations from being appropriately inserted between the steps of each flow diagram within the scope of the functions of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] In addition, when a system for providing this service is constructed, the user interface is generally executed by a program in an event-driven manner, but for the sake of convenience, the flow diagrams in the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily described based on event-driven flow diagrams. Event processing may be performed by the terminal device 200, or may be performed by the information processing server 10. In other words, the subject of event occurrence or event processing does not limit the present invention.

[0143] The description of the flow diagrams above may be applied to the flow diagrams described below.

[0144] 8, the information processing server 10 receives an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information from the terminal device 200 (step S801). Next, the information processing server 10 determines whether or not authentication processing is possible based on the user ID information (step S802), and if authentication processing is not possible (step S802: NO), notifies the terminal device 200 of information indicating that authentication is not possible (step S806).

[0145] On the other hand, when the information processing server 10 executes the authentication process based on the user ID information (step S802: YES), it judges whether or not the token output from the ticket sales server 302 has been received from the terminal device 200 (step S803). The information processing server 10 may be in a standby state until the token information is received (step S803: NO).

[0146] On the other hand, when the information processing server 10 receives the token information from the terminal device 200 (step S803; YES), the information processing server 10 executes the payment process for the price of the product using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information (step S804).

[0147] Next, the information processing server 10 executes an output process to output the ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in the storage device 110 to the terminal device 200, and a remittance process to remit an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the seller ID information (step S805).

[0148] An example of the processing procedure of the information processing server 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above.

[0149] As described above, the information processing method using the information processing server 10 according to the present embodiment is an information processing method in an information processing system 1 including an information processing server 10 connected to a terminal device 200 via a communication network 400, and when an authentication request based on specific user ID information is received from the terminal device 200 and authentication processing based on the user ID information is executed, in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, the information processing system outputs a token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, information on the price of the specific product, and information on the seller ID of the specific product, and when a token output from the ticket sales server 302 is received from the terminal device 200, the information processing system executes a payment process for the price of the product using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, an output process for outputting the ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in the memory device 110 to the terminal device 200, and a remittance process for remitting an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the seller ID information.

[0150] This contributes to enabling payment processing in commercial transactions using a communication network without the purchaser's ID information being presented to the seller.

[0151] The token may be generated using the first key information by the information processing server 10, which has received the ticket information, information on the price of a specified product, and information on the seller ID, and the token generated by the information processing server 10 may be transmitted to the ticket sales server 302 via the communication network 400.

[0152] This allows the encryption process in token generation and the process of decrypting the token to be performed using a single key, which contributes to preventing tampering with the contents of the token. Also, since the entire process from token generation to payment can be managed on a single device, the information processing server 10, it is possible to efficiently and effectively manage or determine the legitimacy and validity of the token. Furthermore, when adding new functions or content provided by this service, it is possible to efficiently proceed with service operation, including the switching timing and method, and improve the functions and performance of this service.

[0153] In addition, in the case where the information processing server 10 is a first server device in a first financial institution, and a second server device in a second financial institution has the same functions as the first server device, and the token is generated using first key information by the second server device which has received ticket information, information on the price of a specified product, and seller ID information, and the token generated in the second server device is transmitted to the ticket sales server via a communication network 400, when the information processing server 10 receives the token from the terminal device 200, it may further receive the first key information from the second server via the communication network 400, and extract ticket information from the token using the first key information received from the second server.

[0154] This makes it easy for the administrator of the ticket sales server 302 to differentiate the financial institution of the account used for remittance processing from the financial institution of the account used by the purchaser for payment processing, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0155] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Each modification will be described below.

[0156] (Variation 1) In the description of embodiment 1, the sales server 300 includes a product sales server 301, and a user, who is a purchaser, is described as selecting a purchase request for a specific product using the input unit 202 on a sales site provided by the product sales server 301. However, for example, the specific product may be purchased by the user at a physical store, and the ticket sales server 302 may provide a ticket for removing functional restrictions imposed on the specific product purchased at the physical store.

[0157] In other words, in a case where the specified product is a product that includes a function of providing use of software content and is available for purchase at a physical sales store, and the functional restriction is to restrict all or part of the function, the first signal may be a signal indicating that a request to purchase the specified product has been made at the physical store, and may be a signal transmitted from terminal device 200.

[0158] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sales server 300 in Modification 1. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the sales server 300 in Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0159] In FIG. 9, the sales server 900 includes a ticket sales server 302. When a user who is a purchaser of a specific product purchases the specific product at a physical store, all or part of the function of providing use of software content included in the specific product may be restricted simply by purchasing the product. The specific product may be, for example, a device that cooperates with other devices through network communication. In such a case, the functional restriction may be, for example, software content that cooperates with other devices through network communication. The specific content of the specific product and the specific content of the functional restriction do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0160] In such a case, in order for a user to use the software content provided with a particular product, the user may, for example, use terminal device 200 to send a first signal to ticket sales server 302 included in sales server 900, indicating that a purchase request for the particular product has been made at a physical store.

[0161] The content of the first signal does not necessarily mean that the purchase process of the specified product has been completed, but rather that a purchase request for the specified product has been made. For example, in a case where the specified product desired by the user is not in stock and only a reservation for the purchase of the specified product has been made, a request for token provision can be made to the ticket sales server 302 before the delivery of the specified product. The fact that a purchase request for the specified product has been made is a higher-level concept than the fact that the purchase process of the specified product has been completed, and may include the meaning that the purchase process of the specified product has been completed.

[0162] In the present disclosure, the first signal may include information that can uniquely identify the contents of the product, including at least one of the product type, model number, and serial number, for example, in order for the ticket sales server 302 to determine which product the ticket should be provided for.

[0163] The ticket sales server 302 that receives the first signal from the terminal device 200 may output a token including ticket information for releasing the functional restriction imposed on the specific product, based on the information capable of identifying the specific product included in the first signal, to the terminal device 200. As described above, output may mean downloading or transmitting.

[0164] Note that the information processing in the terminal device 200 and the information processing server 10 after the token is provided to the terminal device 200 by the ticket sales server 302 overlaps with the description in the first embodiment, and therefore will be omitted.

[0165] As described above, according to this variant example 1, subsequent payment processing using a token containing ticket information is possible not only when a specified product is purchased on an online sales site, but also when the specified product is purchased in a physical store.

[0166] The contents of this modified example 1 may be applied not only to the contents of the embodiment but also to the contents of the other modified examples.

[0167] (Variation 2) In the explanation of embodiment 1, we have mainly described the case where the price of the product is paid in one lump sum using a payment account that has been contracted in advance based on user ID information, but for example, the price of the product may be paid in installments.

[0168] In other words, if the token received from the terminal device 200 further includes information on the number of installments by which the price of a specified product is to be paid in installments, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment, the information processing server 10 may use a payment account to perform payment processing for a first amount to be paid in the first installment of the amounts to be paid for each installment, and may perform output processing and a remittance processing to transfer an amount equivalent to the first amount using information on the seller ID.

[0169] The number of installments for which the price of a predetermined product is to be divided and paid may be requested by the operator of the terminal device 200, for example, in step S401 shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, for example, the number of installments may be one, or a multiple of 12 installments paid on an annual basis. Alternatively, the number of installments for which the price of a predetermined product is to be divided and paid may be determined in advance, for example, by the operator of the sales server 300. The person who determines the number of installments does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0170] The information on the amount to be paid for each installment may be, for example, a specific amount for each installment, or may be information indicating that the amount for all installments is equal. The information on the amount to be paid for each installment may be information indicating the amount for each installment, and the specific content does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0171] The information on the number of installments and the amount to be paid for each installment may be information included in one or more electronic files. For example, the information on the number of installments and the amount to be paid for each installment may be a single electronic file that specifically indicates the information on the amount to be paid for each installment.

[0172] In addition, information on the number of installments and information on the amount to be paid for each installment may be output from the sales server 300 to the terminal device 200, and may be included in a token transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the information processing server 10 after authentication processing based on user ID information using the terminal device 200.

[0173] In such a case, the information processing server 10 may, in response to executing a payment process for a first amount to be paid in the first installment using the above-mentioned payment account, execute an output process to output ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in the memory device 110 to the terminal device 200, and execute a remittance process to transfer an amount equivalent to the first amount using information on the seller ID.

[0174] In addition, if the token received by the information processing server 10 from the terminal device 200 further includes second key information that imposes functional restrictions on a specified product, and the information processing server 10 is unable to use the payment account to execute payment processing for the second amount to be paid at any one of the amounts to be paid per installment, the information processing server 10 may output the second key information to the terminal device 200.

[0175] The second key information is, for example, information for re-restricting the function of a specified product whose functional restriction has been lifted in response to the execution of a payment process for a first amount for the first of multiple installments.

[0176] The second key information may be used, for example, to temporarily restrict the functionality of a specified product when a payment process for an arbitrary amount among multiple installments is not executed under service specifications that require the terminal device 200 to be connected to a communications network at least at a specified timing when a user uses a specified product on the terminal device 200.

[0177] The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing of a payment process, a period consisting of a number of days including the timing of a payment process, a timing when the user enjoys the value of the function or service of the predetermined product, or a specific period consisting of a number of days. The predetermined timing may be generated periodically or non-periodically by the operator or user of the sales server 300. The specific content of the predetermined period does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0178] The second key information for imposing a functional restriction on a predetermined product may be included in the token output from the sales server 300 to the terminal device 200 when, for example, in step S401 shown in Fig. 4, the operator of the terminal device 200 requests multiple installments. Alternatively, for example, in the case where the number of installments is predetermined by the operator of the sales server 300, the second key information may be included in the token output from the sales server 300 to the terminal device 200.

[0179] The second key information, together with information on the number of installments and information on the amount to be paid for each installment, may be output from the sales server 300 to the terminal device 200, and may be included in a token transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the information processing server 10 after authentication processing based on user ID information using the terminal device 200.

[0180] In such a case, when the information processing server 10 is unable to execute the payment process for the second amount to be paid at any one of the installments using the payment account, the information processing server 10 may output the second key information to the terminal device 200.

[0181] According to this modification 2, it becomes possible to divide the price of a specific product and perform payment processing. Furthermore, when the second key information is used, if the payment processing of an amount for any one of multiple installments is delayed, the function of the specific product can be restricted.

[0182] The content of this modified example 2 may be applied not only to the content of the embodiment but also to the content of each of the other modified examples.

[0183] (Variation 3) In the explanation of embodiment 1, we have mainly described a case where functional restrictions on a specified product are lifted in response to a one-time payment process for the price of the product using a payment account that has been contracted in advance based on user ID information. However, for example, the lifting of functional restrictions on the specified product may be continued by periodically paying the price of the product.

[0184] In other words, in the case where the information on the price of a specified product received from the terminal device 200 is information on the amount to be paid by the user corresponding to a specified period in order to use the product whose functional restrictions have been lifted for one or more specified periods, when the information processing server 10 receives the token from the terminal device 200, the information processing server 10 may use a payment account to perform payment processing of the price of the product corresponding to the first specified period among the one or more specified periods, and may perform output processing and remittance processing.

[0185] The one or more predetermined periods during which the product whose functional restrictions have been lifted may be requested in advance by the operator of the terminal device 200 in step S401 shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the one or more predetermined periods during which the product whose functional restrictions have been lifted may be determined in advance by, for example, the operator of the sales server 300. Specifically, the one or more predetermined periods may be in months or years.

[0186] In such a case, the user may be able to continue to use the specified product with the functional restrictions released as long as the user pays the price of the specified product corresponding to the specified period. That is, the service in this modification 3 may be, for example, a subscription-type service. The payment of the amount corresponding to the specified period for using the product with the functional restrictions released may be made in advance or in arrears.

[0187] In such a case, when the information processing server 10 receives the token from the terminal device 200, it may use the payment account to perform payment processing for the price of the product corresponding to the first specified period among one or more specified periods, and may perform output processing and remittance processing.

[0188] In addition, if the token received by the information processing server 10 from the terminal device 200 further includes third key information that imposes functional restrictions on a specified product, and the information processing server 10 is unable to execute payment processing for the price of the product using a payment account corresponding to any of one or more specified periods, the information processing server 10 may output the third key information to the terminal device 200.

[0189] The third key information is, for example, information for re-restricting the function of a specified product whose functional restriction has been lifted in response to the payment process for the price of the product being executed in correspondence with a first specified period out of one or more specified periods.

[0190] The third key information may be used, for example, to restrict the functionality of a specified product when a user uses a specified product on the terminal device 200 and the payment process is not executed for a specified period for the next renewal under service specifications that require the terminal device 200 to be connected to a communications network at least at a specified timing.

[0191] The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing of a payment process, a period consisting of a number of days including the timing of a payment process, a timing when the user enjoys the value of the function or service of the predetermined product, or a specific period consisting of a number of days. The predetermined timing may be generated periodically or non-periodically by the operator or user of the sales server 300. The specific content of the predetermined period does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0192] The third key information for restricting the function of a predetermined product may be included in a token output from the sales server 300 to the terminal device 200 in step S402 shown in Fig. 4. The third key information may be included in a token transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the information processing server 10 after authentication processing based on user ID information.

[0193] In such a case, when the information processing server 10 is unable to execute the payment process for the product price using the payment account in correspondence with any one of one or more predetermined periods, the information processing server 10 may output the third key information to the terminal device 200.

[0194] According to the third modification, it is possible to provide a specified product with its function restrictions released under a subscription-based service. Furthermore, when the third key information is used, if the payment process for the next renewal amount is not completed, the function of the specified product can be restricted.

[0195] The content of this modified example 2 may be applied not only to the content of the embodiment but also to the content of each of the other modified examples.

[0196] In the above description, descriptions of known techniques related to each function are omitted.

[0197] (An example of a computer hardware configuration) The functions of each unit in the embodiment and each modification may be realized by a program.

[0198] That is, an information processing program according to one embodiment of the present invention may cause a computer to execute a communication process for communicating with the terminal device 200 via the communication network 400, a communication process for receiving an authentication request based on specific user ID information from the terminal device 200, and executing an authentication process based on the user ID information. In response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, the information processing program outputs a token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, information on the price of the specific product, and information on the seller ID of the specific product, and when the token output from the ticket sales server 302 is received from the terminal device 200, an output process for executing a payment process for the price of the product using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, and outputting the ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in the storage device 110 to the terminal device 200, and a control process for executing a remittance process for remitting an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the seller ID information.

[0199] FIG. 10 shows an example of a hardware configuration of a computer in such a case.

[0200] 10, a computer 9000 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 9002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9003, a storage device 9004, an input / output interface (I / F) 9005, a read interface (I / F) 9006, and a communication interface (I / F) 9007. The above-mentioned components are connected directly or indirectly via a bus 9008.

[0201] The storage device 9004 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The computer 9000 is connected to an input / output (I / O) device 9009 via an input / output interface 9005. The input / output device 9009 includes devices having input and output functions, such as a magnetic disk device, as well as input devices whose main function is an input function and output devices whose main function is an output function. Examples of the input device are an input key, a mouse, a touch panel, and a scanner. Examples of the output device are a display, a speaker, and a printer.

[0202] The reading interface 9006 reads a program or data recorded on a recording medium 9010. The recording medium 9010 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or the like.

[0203] The communication interface 9007 receives data from other devices and transmits data to other devices via a network 9011. The network 9011 may be a wired network or a wireless network. The other devices may be client devices or server devices.

[0204] For example, a program stored in ROM 9003, a program stored in storage device 9004, a program recorded on recording medium 9010, or a program received by a communication interface from another device is loaded into RAM 9002. In the above embodiment and each of the modified examples, for example, the CPU 9001 executes a program loaded into RAM 9002, thereby realizing the functions of each unit in the above embodiment, etc.

[0205] In addition, the functions of each part in the computer 9000 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0206] The information processing program or the described functions executed by the computer in the information processing system 1 may be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium is any storage medium that can be accessed by a computer, a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The any storage medium is, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, a magnetic storage device, an optical disk, etc., and is not limited to the exemplified ones.

[0207] In the above description, including at least one of A, B, and C may mean that it may be a combination of one or two or more of A, B, and C. [Industrial Applicability]

[0208] The information processing method, information processing device, information processing program, and recording medium according to the present invention are effective in general technologies relating to payment processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 1. Information Processing Systems 10. Information Processing Server 100 Information processing device 101 Communications Department 102 Control section 110 Storage device 200 Terminal Equipment 201 Display media 202 Input section 203 Communications Department 204 Memory 205 Control Unit 300 Sales Server 301 Product sales server 302 Ticket Sales Server 9000 Computers 9001 CPU 9002 RAM 9003 ROM 9004 Storage device 9005 Input / Output Interface 9006 Reading Interface 9007 Communication Interface 9008 Bus 9009 I / O device 9010 Recording media 9011 Network

Claims

1. An information processing method in an information processing system including an information processing server connected to a terminal device via a communication network, comprising: The information processing server includes: When an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information is received from the terminal device and an authentication process based on the user ID information is executed, when the ticket sales server receives from the terminal device a token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and that can release the functional restrictions imposed on the specified product, which is output in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specified product has been made, information on the price of the specified product, information on a seller ID of the specified product, information on the number of installments by which the price of the specified product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment, execute a payment process for a first amount to be paid in a first installment among the amounts to be paid for the number of installments, using a payment account previously contracted based on the user ID information; an output process for outputting to the terminal device information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device, and a remittance process for remitting an amount equivalent to the first amount using information on the seller ID; Information processing methods.

2. When the token received from the terminal device further includes second key information for restricting a function of the specified product, When the information processing server is unable to execute a payment process for a second amount to be paid in an arbitrary installment among the amounts to be paid for the installments using the payment account, The information processing server includes: outputting the second key information to the terminal device; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. An information processing method in an information processing system having an information processing server connected to a terminal device via a communication network, comprising: The information processing server includes: When an authentication request based on predetermined user ID information is received from the terminal device and an authentication process based on the user ID information is executed, when a token is received from the terminal device, the token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and that can release the functional restriction imposed on the specified product, which is output by the ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specified product has been made, information on the amount to be paid by a user corresponding to the user ID information in order to use the specified product whose functional restriction has been released for one or more specified periods, and information on the seller ID of the specified product; execute a payment process for the price of the product in a first predetermined period of the one or more predetermined periods, using a payment account previously contracted based on the user ID information; an output process of outputting the ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device to the terminal device, and a remittance process of remitting an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the seller ID information; Information processing methods.

4. When the token received from the terminal device further includes third key information for restricting a function of the specified product, When the information processing server is unable to execute a payment process for the price of the product using the payment account in correspondence with any one of the one or more predetermined periods, The information processing server includes: outputting the third key information to the terminal device; The information processing method according to claim 3.

5. A communication unit that communicates with the terminal device via a communication network; a control unit that, when receiving from the terminal device an authentication request based on specific user ID information and executing authentication processing based on the user ID information, receives from the terminal device a token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, which is output by a ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, information on the price of the specific product, information on a seller ID of the specific product, information on the number of installments by which the price of the specific product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment, executes a payment processing of a first amount to be paid in the first installment of the amounts to be paid for each installment, using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, and executes an output processing of outputting to the terminal device information on the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device, and a remittance processing of remitting an amount equivalent to the first amount using information on the seller ID. An information processing device comprising:

6. A communication process for communicating with a terminal device via a communication network; when an authentication request based on specific user ID information is received from the terminal device and authentication processing based on the user ID information is executed, when a token is received from the terminal device, the token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, which is output by the ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, information on the price of the specific product, information on a seller ID of the specific product, information on the number of installments by which the price of the specific product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment, an output process is executed based on the user ID information, using a payment account contracted in advance, for a first amount to be paid in the first installment of the amounts to be paid for each installment, and information on the ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device, to the terminal device, and a control process is executed to remit an amount equivalent to the first amount using information on the seller ID. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

7. A communication process for communicating with a terminal device via a communication network; when an authentication request based on specific user ID information is received from the terminal device and authentication processing based on the user ID information is executed, when a token is received from the terminal device, the token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, which is output by the ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, information on the price of the specific product, information on a seller ID of the specific product, information on the number of installments by which the price of the specific product is to be paid, and information on the amount to be paid for each installment, an output process is executed based on the user ID information, using a payment account contracted in advance, for a first amount to be paid in the first installment of the amounts to be paid for each installment, and information on the ticket information extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device, to the terminal device, and a control process is executed to remit an amount equivalent to the first amount using information on the seller ID. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above.

8. A communication unit that communicates with a terminal device via a communication network; a control unit that, when receiving from the terminal device an authentication request based on specific user ID information and executing authentication processing based on the user ID information, executes a payment process for the price of the product corresponding to a first specific period among the one or more specific periods, using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, when receiving from the terminal device a token including ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release functional restrictions imposed on the specific product, which is output by a ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, information of an amount to be paid by a user corresponding to the user ID information in order to use the specific product whose functional restrictions have been released for each of the specific periods, and information of a seller ID of the specific product, and executes an output process of outputting to the terminal device the information of the ticket extracted using the first key information stored in a storage device, and a remittance process of remitting an amount equivalent to the price of the product using the information of the seller ID; An information processing device comprising:

9. A communication process for communicating with a terminal device via a communication network; an output process for performing a payment process for the price of the product corresponding to a first predetermined period among the one or more predetermined periods, using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, when a request for authentication based on specific user ID information is received from the terminal device and an authentication process based on the user ID information is performed, and when a token is received from the terminal device, the output process includes ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release the functional restriction imposed on the specific product, which is output by the ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, information on an amount to be paid by a user corresponding to the user ID information in order to use the specific product whose functional restriction has been released for each of the one or more predetermined periods, and information on a seller ID of the specific product, and information on a seller ID of the specific product; and An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

10. A communication process for communicating with a terminal device via a communication network; an output process for performing a payment process for the price of the product corresponding to a first predetermined period among the one or more predetermined periods, using a payment account contracted in advance based on the user ID information, when a request for authentication based on specific user ID information is received from the terminal device and an authentication process based on the user ID information is performed, and when a token is received from the terminal device, the output process includes ticket information that can be extracted by decryption using first key information and can release the functional restriction imposed on the specific product, which is output by the ticket sales server in response to receiving a first signal indicating that a purchase request for a specific product has been made, information on an amount to be paid by a user corresponding to the user ID information in order to use the specific product whose functional restriction has been released for each of the one or more predetermined periods, and information on a seller ID of the specific product, and information on a seller ID of the specific product; and A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above.

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