Information Processing Apparatus, Payment Method, and Payment Program

Abstract

To provide a settlement system for improving usability of a user having a transactional relationship with a specific financial institution in using an electronic settlement service of a company which is different from the financial institution.SOLUTION: In a settlement system, a first information processing apparatus 100 includes: a provisional settlement unit 132 which executes, when first settlement means corresponding to a settlement service provided by a first company is used by a user of a digital wallet application, a provisional settlement for a charge, in accordance with the first settlement means; a selection unit 133 which selects settlement means to be used for a definitive settlement after the provisional settlement; and a settlement unit 134 which executes, when the selected settlement means is second settlement means corresponding to an electronic settlement service provided by a second company, the definitive settlement for the charge, between the first company and the second company, in accordance with the second settlement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to Information processing device a payment method and a payment program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for making payments via various networks such as the Internet have been proposed. As an example of such a technology, a technology for realizing various settlements by performing, for example, the transfer of electronic money between accounts in accordance with a payment request from a user has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is not always possible to improve the usability when a user having a trading relationship with a specific financial institution uses an electronic payment service of a business operator different from this financial institution.

[0005] For example, when the above-described conventional technology receives a bill information indicating the billing content for a user, it provides the bill information to the user, and at the timing when the user performs a payment operation, it executes a settlement process corresponding to the billing of the content indicated by the bill information.

[0006] Thus, since the above prior art enables payment (remittance) for a claim indicated by claim information at any timing by a user, for example, usability can be improved from the viewpoint that an account transfer may be made at a timing unintended by the user. On the other hand, in such the above prior art, it cannot be said that usability can be enhanced when a user having a transaction relationship with a specific financial institution uses an electronic payment service of an external business operator different from this financial institution.

[0007] Therefore, in the present disclosure, an object is to provide a settlement method and a settlement program capable of enhancing usability when a user having a transaction relationship with a specific financial institution uses an electronic payment service of a business operator different from this financial institution. Information processing device

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention Information processing device corresponds to a first business operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution ru qing information processing device zhi de and before the first information processing device includes a provisional settlement unit that executes a provisional settlement corresponding to the first settlement means for the amount used when the first settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to the settlement service provided by the first business operator among the settlement means introduced in the digital wallet application provided by the predetermined financial institution, is used by a user of the digital wallet application; a selection unit that selects a settlement means to be used for formal final settlement after the provisional settlement is performed; and when the settlement means selected by the selection unit is a second settlement means that is a settlement means corresponding to the electronic payment service provided by a second business operator among the settlement means introduced as a mini-app to the digital wallet application, a final settlement unit that executes a final settlement corresponding to the second settlement means for the amount used between the first business operator and the second business operator. not belonging to the predetermined financial institution It is characterized by having

[0009] A settlement method according to an aspect of the present invention corresponds to a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution. ru qing It is a settlement method executed by a settlement processing device, and among the settlement means introduced in a digital wallet application provided by the predetermined financial institution, a first settlement means corresponding to a settlement service provided by the first operator is used by a user of the digital wallet application. When used, a provisional settlement step of executing a provisional settlement corresponding to the first settlement means with respect to the usage amount, a selection step of selecting a settlement means to be used for formal final settlement after the provisional settlement is performed, and the settlement means selected by the selection step is a second settlement means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second external operator not belonging to the predetermined financial institution among the settlement means introduced as a mini-app to the digital wallet application. In this case, a final settlement step of executing a final settlement corresponding to the second settlement means with respect to the usage amount between the first operator and the second operator is included.

[0010] A settlement program according to an aspect of the present invention corresponds to a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution. ru qingA settlement program executed by a reporting processing device, among the settlement means introduced in a digital wallet application provided by the predetermined financial institution, when a first settlement means corresponding to the settlement service provided by the first operator is used by a user of the digital wallet application, a provisional settlement procedure for executing a provisional settlement corresponding to the first settlement means with respect to the usage amount; a selection procedure for selecting a settlement means to be used for formal final settlement after the provisional settlement is performed; when the settlement means selected by the selection procedure is a second settlement means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second external operator not belonging to the predetermined financial institution among the settlement means introduced as a mini-app to the digital wallet application, a final settlement procedure for executing a final settlement corresponding to the second settlement means with respect to the usage amount between the first operator and the second operator; qing It is characterized by causing the reporting processing device to execute.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability when a user having a transaction relationship with a specific financial institution uses an electronic payment service of an operator different from this financial institution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0013] Hereinafter, Information processing device an example of a mode (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") for implementing a payment method and a payment program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the payment system, the payment method, and the payment program are not limited by this embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment] [1. Outline of Payment System] First, the outline of the payment system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the payment system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a payment system 1 which is an example of the payment system according to the embodiment is shown. The payment processing according to the embodiment is realized by the payment system 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the payment system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a store device 30, a first information processing device 100, and a second information processing device. The terminal device 10, the store device 30, the first information processing device 100, and the second information processing device are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined network N. Note that the payment system 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10, a plurality of store devices 30, a plurality of first information processing devices 100, and a plurality of second information processing devices.

[0016] The terminal device 10 is an information processing terminal used by a user. The terminal device 10 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. For example, the terminal device 10 accesses the first information processing device 100 and the second information processing device 200 according to the user's operation related to settlement. Further, when the first information processing device 100 or the second information processing device 200 performs a settlement process in response to a request, the terminal device 10 acquires a settlement result corresponding to the settlement process from these devices and displays the acquired settlement result on the display screen.

[0017] It is also assumed that a digital wallet application (hereinafter abbreviated as "wallet app") provided by a predetermined financial institution is installed in the terminal device 10.

[0018] Here, various applications are introduced as a function within the wallet app installed in the terminal device 10. For this reason, the wallet app and various applications are in a so-called relationship of a super app and mini apps. A specific example of the relationship between the super app and the mini apps will be shown.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, the wallet app has introduced a first settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to a settlement service provided by a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution. The wallet app has also introduced a second settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second external operator not belonging to the predetermined financial institution.

[0020] Thus, since the first operator belongs to a predetermined financial institution, the first payment means provided by the first operator serves as the main wallet function in the wallet application. On the other hand, since the second operator is an external operator that does not belong to a predetermined financial institution, the second payment means can be understood as a mini application introduced as one of the functions of the wallet application.

[0021] That is, according to the above example, the wallet application has the first payment means as the main wallet function and the second payment means as a mini application which is a sub-wallet function. Therefore, while the wallet application functions as the first payment means, it is super-app-ified by the second payment means which is a mini application.

[0022] Also, it can be said that the predetermined financial institution and the second operator are in a relationship of a platform and an enabler. This is because the wallet application provided by the predetermined financial institution serves as a platform for providing mini applications to users, and the second payment means provided by the second operator plays a role in assisting the super-app-ification of the wallet application.

[0023] So far, a specific example of the relationship between the super app and the mini app has been shown. For a more detailed example, it will be shown in Figure 2, and now we return to the description of Figure 1.

[0024] The store device 30 is an information processing device belonging to a franchise store that can perform settlement by using the first payment means. The store device 30 may be either a settlement information processing terminal (for example, a POS terminal) installed at the storefront of the franchise store or a store-side server device connected to such an information processing terminal.

[0025] The first information processing device 100 is a processing device corresponding to the first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution. The first information processing device 100 operates as follows according to the settlement program according to the embodiment.

[0026] Specifically, when a first payment means corresponding to a payment service provided by a first operator among the payment means introduced in a digital wallet application provided by a predetermined financial institution is used by a user, the first information processing apparatus 100 executes a provisional payment corresponding to the first payment means with respect to the usage amount.

[0027] In addition, after executing the provisional payment, the first information processing apparatus 100 selects a payment means to be used for the formal final payment. When the first information processing apparatus 100 selects a second payment means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second operator among the payment means introduced as a mini - application, a final payment corresponding to the second payment means is executed between the first operator and the second operator with respect to the usage amount.

[0028] In this way, the first information processing apparatus 100 realizes post - payment in the payment system 1 according to the embodiment. Specifically, the first information processing apparatus 100 once performs a temporary provisional payment by the first payment means provided by a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution. Then, when the user selects payment by the electronic payment service provided by the second operator, following the provisional payment, a formal final payment corresponding to the second payment means is made as a formal post - payment.

[0029] According to such a payment system 1, since a provisional payment is once made by a bank account with abundant balance or credit extension, the user can, for example, shop without worrying about their balance in the electronic payment service provided by the second operator. Therefore, according to the payment system 1, the usability of a user having a trading relationship with a predetermined financial institution when using the electronic payment service of an external operator not belonging to this financial institution can be improved.

[0030] In addition, the first information processing apparatus 100 can be realized by a server device or a cloud system. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first information processing apparatus 100 is a server device.

[0031] The second information processing apparatus 200 is an information processing apparatus corresponding to an external second operator who does not belong to a predetermined financial institution. The second information processing apparatus 200 executes this settlement by cooperating with the first information processing apparatus 100. Further, the second information processing apparatus 200 can deposit a digital account that it should originally have with the first information processing apparatus 100. Details of the digital account will be described later.

[0032] Also, the second information processing apparatus 200 can be realized by a server apparatus or a cloud system. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second information processing apparatus 200 is a server apparatus.

[0033] 〔2. Regarding the Operator, Settlement Service, and Settlement Means〕 Subsequently, an example of a wallet application installed in the terminal device 10 used by the user U1 (an example of a user) will be used to explain in more detail an example of the operator, settlement service, and settlement means according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operator and settlement means according to the embodiment from the perspective of the wallet application.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 2, a super-applied wallet application SPAP11 is installed in the terminal device 10. Further, FIG. 2 shows an example in which, when the wallet application SPAP11 is activated, a TOP screen C1 corresponding to the wallet application SPAP11 is displayed on the display screen (display) of the terminal device 10.

[0035] Also, FIG. 2 shows an example in which an icon corresponding to an application AP12 that operates as a main wallet function is displayed on the TOP screen C1. Further, according to the example of FIG. 2, the main wallet function here indicates a settlement function corresponding to the settlement service CD12.

[0036] Also, FIG. 2 shows an example where the area AR1 where the icons of the mini-apps are displayed is included in the TOP screen C1. Further, FIG. 2 shows an example where the icons corresponding to the mini-app MIAP21, the icon corresponding to the mini-app MIAP22, the icon corresponding to the mini-app MIAP23, and the icon corresponding to the mini-app MIAP24 are displayed within the area AR1. According to such an example, it means that the wallet app SPAP11 is super-app-ified by four mini-apps, namely mini-apps MIAP21, MIAP22, MIAP23, and MIAP24. Of course, the number of mini-apps used for super-app-ification is not limited to four.

[0037] Here, using the example of FIG. 2, the operator, payment service, and payment means corresponding to the payment service according to the embodiment can be defined as follows.

[0038] The wallet app SPAP11 is a digital wallet application provided by the financial institution T11. According to such an example, the financial institution T11 corresponds to an example of a predetermined financial institution. Also, the financial institution T11 may be a bank, for example.

[0039] The payment service CD12 is a payment service provided by the operator T12 belonging to the financial institution T11. According to such an example, the operator T12 corresponds to an example of a first operator. For this reason, hereinafter, the operator T12 may be referred to as the "first operator T12".

[0040] The app AP12 is a payment means corresponding to the payment service CD12 (the first payment service). According to such an example, the app AP12 corresponds to an example of a first payment means. For this reason, hereinafter, the app AP12 may be referred to as the "first app AP12". Also, the first operator T12 can be rephrased as the first payment service operating company.

[0041] Here, the first operator T12 provides an immediate transfer service as the payment service CD12. It is assumed that the user U1 has subscribed to the payment service CD12 and has been issued a physical card (payment card) corresponding to the payment service CD12. Also, it is assumed that the user U1 has linked the information of the payment card to the wallet application SPAP11, enabling shopping using the wallet application SPAP11 instead of the payment card. In such a case, in the example of FIG. 2, the icon corresponding to the first application AP12 may, for example, show the surface of this payment card.

[0042] Note that the payment card mentioned here is generally called a debit card. Also, a debit card is issued by a bank. Therefore, in the example where the first operator T12 provides an immediate transfer service as the payment service CD12, the first operator T12 and the financial institution T11 may be the same, or the first operator T12 may be an affiliated company belonging to the financial institution T11.

[0043] As another example, the first operator T12 provides a payment service CD12 which is a post-payment service (credit service). It is assumed that the user U1 has subscribed to the payment service CD12 and has been issued a physical card (i.e., credit card) corresponding to the payment service CD12. Also, it is assumed that the user U1 has linked the information of the credit card to the wallet application SPAP11, enabling shopping using the wallet application SPAP11 instead of the credit card. In such a case, in the example of FIG. 2, the icon corresponding to the first application AP12 may, for example, show the surface of this credit card.

[0044] Note that in the example where the first operator T12 provides a post-payment service as the payment service CD12, the first operator T12 can be understood, for example, as an affiliated company belonging to the financial institution T11.

[0045] Furthermore, as another example, the first operator T12 provides a point settlement service as the settlement service CD12. Assume that the user U1 has subscribed to the settlement service CD12 and has been issued a physical card corresponding to the settlement service CD12 (i.e., a point card). Also assume that the user U1 has linked the information of the point card to the wallet application SPAP11, enabling shopping using the wallet application SPAP11 instead of the point card. In such a case, in the example of FIG. 2, the icon corresponding to the first application AP12 may, for example, show the surface of this point card.

[0046] Note that in the example where the first operator T12 provides a point settlement service as the settlement service CD12, the first operator T12 and the financial institution T11 may be the same, or the first operator T12 may be an affiliated company belonging to the financial institution T11. Also, the point settlement service mentioned here includes concepts such as prepaid services or virtual currency services such as ○○ Coin (an example of a virtual coin service) / ×× Points (an example of an electronic point service).

[0047] For example, when the point settlement service is a prepaid service, a prepaid card is issued to the user U1, so the icon corresponding to the first application AP12 may, for example, show the surface of the prepaid card. Also, when the point settlement service is ○○ Coin, a coin balance card is issued to the user U1, so the icon corresponding to the first application AP12 may, for example, show the surface of the coin balance card. Similarly, when the point settlement service is ×× Points, a point balance card is issued to the user U1, so the icon corresponding to the first application AP12 may, for example, show the surface of the point balance card.

[0048] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the mini app MIAP21 is a settlement means corresponding to an electronic payment service (second payment service) provided by a business operator T21 that does not belong to the financial institution T11. According to such an example, the business operator T2 corresponds to an example of a second business operator, and the mini app MIAP21 corresponds to an example of a second settlement means. Also, for this reason, hereinafter, the business operator T21 may be referred to as the "second business operator T21". Also, the mini app MIAP21 may be referred to as the "second app MIAP21". Also, the second business operator T21 can be rephrased as a second payment service operating company.

[0049] Note that the example of FIG. 2 in which the second app MIAP21 is introduced as a mini app into the wallet app SPAP11 indicates that the user U1 has subscribed to the electronic payment service of the second business operator T21. Also, the example of FIG. 2 indicates that the user U1 has associated the second app MIAP21 with the wallet app SPAP11 so that the second app MIAP21 can be used on the wallet app SPAP11.

[0050] Note that in the example of FIG. 2, not only the second app MIAP21 but also the apps MIAP22, MIAP23, and MIAP24 are introduced as mini apps into the wallet app SPAP11. According to such an example, the mini app MIAP22 corresponds to a point management function corresponding to an electronic point service provided by an external business operator T22 that does not belong to the financial institution T11. Also, the mini app MIAP23 corresponds to a transportation IT card provided by an external business operator T23 that does not belong to the financial institution T11. Also, the mini app MIAP24 corresponds to a prepaid card for calls provided by an external business operator T24 that does not belong to the financial institution T11.

[0051] [3. Configuration of Each Device] Hereinafter, the configuration of each of the first information processing device 100 and the second information processing device 200 will be described.

[0052] [3-1. Regarding the First Information Processing Device 100] First, the first information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the first information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the first information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0053] (Regarding the communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and performs information transmission and reception, for example, between the terminal device 10, the store device 30, and the second information processing apparatus 200.

[0054] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 includes a digital account information database 121, a bank account information database 122, a credit information database 123, and a point information database 124.

[0055] (Regarding the digital account information database 121) The digital account information database 121 stores information on digital accounts that manage the balances of users in electronic payment services. Specifically, the digital account information database 121 stores information on digital accounts that manage the balances in electronic payment services provided by a second operator. For example, when the second information processing device 200 entrusts the operation of a digital account to the first operator, the second information processing device 200 can deposit the digital account with the first information processing device 100. In such a case, the first information processing device 100 can hold a digital account information database 121 corresponding to the second operator, as in the example of FIG. 3. Therefore, the digital account information database 121 may substantially be the digital account itself that manages the balance in the electronic payment service provided by the second operator. The internal configuration of the digital account information database 121 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0056] (Regarding the bank account information database 122) The bank account information database 122 stores information on an account that manages the cash balance of a user having a transaction relationship with a predetermined financial institution, that is, a bank account. Therefore, the bank account information database 122 may substantially be the bank account itself that manages the balance in a predetermined financial institution (for example, a bank having a transaction relationship with the user).

[0057] (Regarding the credit information database 123) The credit information database 123 stores information on the credit of a user in credit card use.

[0058] (Regarding the point information database 124) The point information database 124 stores information in a point account that manages the user's remaining points in the point settlement service. Specifically, the point information database 124 stores information in a point account that manages the remaining points in the point settlement service provided by the first operator. Therefore, the point information database 124 may essentially be the digital account itself that manages the remaining points in the point settlement service provided by the first operator.

[0059] (Regarding the control unit 130) The control unit 130 is realized by various programs (for example, the settlement program according to the embodiment) stored in the storage device inside the first information processing device 100 being executed with the RAM as the working area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. Also, the control unit 130 is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 130 includes a reception unit 131, a provisional settlement unit 132, a selection unit 133, a final settlement unit 134, a cooperation unit 135, a granting unit 136, a presentation unit 137, and an exchange unit 138, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and other configurations may be used as long as they perform the information processing described later. Also, the connection relationship between the respective processing units included in the control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in FIG. 3, and other connection relationships may be used.

[0061] (Regarding the reception unit 131) The reception unit 131 receives various types of information. For example, the reception unit 131 receives the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. Also, the reception unit 131 receives the information transmitted from the second information processing device 200.

[0062] (Regarding the provisional settlement unit 132) When the first settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to the settlement service provided by the first operator among the settlement means introduced in the digital wallet application provided by a predetermined financial institution, is used by a user of the digital wallet application, the provisional settlement unit 132 executes a provisional settlement corresponding to the first settlement means with respect to the usage amount.

[0063] (Regarding the selection unit 133) After the provisional settlement is performed, the selection unit 133 selects the settlement means to be used for the formal final settlement. For example, the selection unit 133 requests the user to specify the settlement means to be used for the final settlement, and when an arbitrary settlement means among the second settlement means is specified in response to the request, the specified settlement means is selected as the settlement means to be used for the final settlement. On the other hand, after the selection unit 133 requests the user to specify the settlement means to be used for the final settlement, if no settlement means is specified even after a predetermined period has elapsed, the selection unit 133 dynamically selects an arbitrary settlement means from among the first settlement means.

[0064] (Regarding the final settlement unit 134) When the settlement means selected by the selection unit 133 is the second settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to the electronic payment service provided by the second operator among the settlement means introduced as a mini - application, the final settlement unit 134 executes a final settlement corresponding to the second settlement means with respect to the usage amount between the first operator and the second operator.

[0065] For example, when the second settlement means is selected by the selection unit 133, the final settlement unit 134 executes balance control based on the balance of the virtual currency corresponding to the electronic payment service provided by the second operator and the usage amount as the final settlement.

[0066] Here, for example, while the second information processing apparatus 200 has a digital account in which balance information regarding the balance of virtual currency corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second business operator is stored, it is assumed that the first information processing apparatus 100 does not have a digital account. That is, it is assumed that the second information processing apparatus 200 has not deposited a digital account with the first information processing apparatus 100. In such a case, as balance control, this settlement unit 134 transmits purchase information indicating the usage amount to the second information processing apparatus 200 so as to subtract the usage amount from the balance in the digital account of the user whose digital account is the processing target among the digital accounts.

[0067] Also, for example, it is assumed that the second information processing apparatus 200 does not have a digital account. That is, it is assumed that the second information processing apparatus 200 has deposited a digital account with the first information processing apparatus 100. In other words, it is assumed that the second business operator has entrusted the first business operator with the operation of the digital account. In such a case, as balance control, within the first information processing apparatus 100, control is performed so that the usage amount is subtracted from the balance in the digital account of the user whose digital account is the processing target among the digital accounts.

[0068] (Regarding specific examples of the provisional settlement unit 132 and the settlement unit 134) It is assumed that the first settlement means is a settlement means corresponding to a settlement card (for example, a debit card) used when receiving an immediate transfer service provided by the first business operator. In such a state, when the settlement means corresponding to the settlement card is used, the provisional settlement unit 132 controls so that the usage amount is temporarily deducted from the bank account opened by the user with a predetermined financial institution as provisional settlement. Also, when the second settlement means is selected by the selection unit 133, the settlement unit 134 performs balance control as actual settlement and controls so that the usage amount deducted by the balance control is transferred to the bank account.

[0069] Also, assume that the first payment means is a payment means corresponding to a credit card used when receiving a deferred payment service provided by a first operator. In such a state, when the payment means corresponding to the credit card is used, the provisional payment unit 132 controls so that, as provisional payment, payment corresponding to the credit extended to the user is temporarily made. Further, when the second payment means is selected by the selection unit 133, the main payment unit 134 executes balance control as main payment, and replenishes the payment amount corresponding to the credit with the usage amount deducted by the balance control.

[0070] Also, assume that the first payment means is a payment means corresponding to an electronic point used when receiving a point payment service (for example, various electronic moneys such as prepaid, electronic coins, or electronic points) provided by a first operator. In such a state, when the payment means corresponding to the electronic point is used, the provisional payment unit 132 controls so that, as provisional payment, points corresponding to the usage amount are temporarily deducted from the user's point balance in the point payment service. Further, when the second payment means is selected by the selection unit 133, the main payment unit 134 executes balance control as main payment, and controls so that electronic points corresponding to the usage amount deducted by the balance control are added to the point balance.

[0071] (Regarding the cooperation unit 135) The cooperation unit 135 cooperates on information related to payment between the first information processing apparatus 100 and the second information processing apparatus 200. Further, the cooperation unit 135 cooperates on information related to payment between the first information processing apparatus 100 and the store apparatus 30.

[0072] (Regarding the granting unit 136) The granting unit 136 performs gain information granting control so that gain information (for example, cashback amount, cashback points, etc.) corresponding to the usage amount is granted to the user.

[0073] (Regarding the presentation unit 137) The prompting unit 137 determines an exchange rate based on information regarding the popularity of the electronic payment service selected by the user, and presents the determined exchange rate to the user. For example, the prompting unit 137 can determine an exchange rate according to the popularity ranking of the virtual currency selected by the user. For example, the higher the popularity ranking of the virtual currency selected by the user, the prompting unit 137 can determine an exchange rate with a higher profit rate than the standard.

[0074] In addition, the prompting unit 137 may determine an exchange rate based on information regarding the regionality of the electronic payment service selected by the user, and present the determined exchange rate to the user. For example, among virtual currencies, there are local currencies that can only be used at stores in a specific region. Therefore, if the virtual currency corresponding to the service selected by the user is a local virtual currency and it can be determined from the user's location information that the user is located in the region where this virtual currency is valid, the prompting unit 137 can determine an exchange rate with a higher profit rate than the standard.

[0075] (Regarding the exchange unit 138) The exchange unit 138 performs currency exchange based on a predetermined exchange rate between the virtual currency corresponding to the service selected by the user and the cash currency which is the balance in the bank account opened by the user with a predetermined financial institution, or between virtual currencies corresponding to different services selected by the user. Here, the predetermined exchange rate mentioned here may be the exchange rate determined by the prompting unit 137 as described above.

[0076] A specific example of the exchange process performed between the prompting unit 137 and the exchange unit 138 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0077] [3-2. Regarding the second information processing apparatus 200] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the second information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the second information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the second information processing apparatus 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0078] (Regarding the communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 is realized by, for example, a NIC or the like. The communication unit 210 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and performs information transmission and reception, for example, between the terminal device 10, the store device 30, and the first information processing apparatus 100.

[0079] (Regarding the storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 has a digital account information database 121.

[0080] (Regarding the digital account information database 221) The digital account information database 221 stores information on a digital account that manages the balance of a user in an electronic payment service. Specifically, the digital account information database 221 stores information on a digital account that manages the balance in an electronic payment service provided by a second operator. For example, when the second operator has not entrusted the operation of the digital account to the first operator, the second information processing apparatus 200 can hold the digital account information database 221 as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the digital account information database 221 may substantially be the digital account itself that manages the balance in the electronic payment service provided by the second operator.

[0081] (Regarding the digital account information databases 121 and 221) The digital account information database 121 and the digital account information database 221 may have the same internal configuration. Therefore, the internal configuration will be described by taking the digital account information database 121 as an example. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the digital account information database 121 according to the embodiment.

[0082] In the example of FIG. 5, the digital account information database 121 has items such as "User ID (Identifier)", "Personal Information", "Account ID (Identifier)", "Deposit / Withdrawal Information", and "Balance Information". The "Deposit / Withdrawal Information" and the "Balance Information" correspond to the digital account of the user identified by the "User ID".

[0083] The "User ID (Identifier)" is identification information for identifying the user of the digital wallet application provided by a predetermined financial institution. Note that the "User ID" may be identification information for identifying the terminal device 10 of such a user.

[0084] The "Personal Information" indicates the personal information of the user identified by the "User ID". For example, the "Personal Information" may include various attribute information regarding the user, such as the user's age, gender, name, address, workplace, etc.

[0085] The "Account ID (Identifier)" indicates identification information for identifying the "digital account" of the user identified by the "User ID".

[0086] The "Deposit / Withdrawal Information" is information indicating a deposit history due to being charged (deposited) for the electronic payment service provided by the second merchant, and a withdrawal history due to the charged amount being used (withdrawn).

[0087] The "Balance Information" is information indicating the balance in the "digital account" of the user identified by the "User ID". The "Balance Information" is updated to the latest state according to the "Deposit / Withdrawal Information".

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that there is one second operator that provides the electronic payment service. However, there may be a plurality of second operators that provide the electronic payment service. In such a case, there may be as many electronic payment services as the number of second operators, and a user may subscribe to any plurality of the electronic payment services provided by the second operators. Further, in such a case, the "digital account" may exist for each electronic payment service to which the user subscribes. More specifically, the "digital account" may be the second payment means associated by the user with the wallet application, and may exist for each second payment means corresponding to each electronic payment service.

[0089] (Regarding control unit 230) Returning to FIG. 4, the control unit 230 is realized by various programs (for example, the payment program according to the embodiment) stored in the storage device inside the second information processing device 200 being executed with the RAM as a work area by a CPU, an MPU, or the like. Further, the control unit 230 is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA, for example.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 130 includes a reception unit 231, a settlement unit 232, a cooperation unit 235, and an assignment unit 236, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 230 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described later. Also, the connection relationship of each processing unit included in the control unit 230 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in FIG. 4, and may be any other connection relationship.

[0091] (Regarding reception unit 231) The reception unit 231 receives various types of information. For example, the reception unit 131 receives the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. Also, the reception unit 231 receives the information transmitted from the first information processing device 100.

[0092] (Regarding settlement unit 232) The settlement unit 232 executes the main settlement according to the second settlement means in response to an instruction from the main settlement unit 134 of the first information processing device 100. Here, in the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment, when a product is purchased using the first settlement means introduced in the digital wallet application, an interim settlement is once performed, and after the interim settlement is performed, a post-settlement process of proceeding to the main settlement is executed. On the other hand, in the settlement system 1, when a product is purchased using the second settlement means introduced as a mini-app in the digital wallet application, instead of the post-settlement process, a normal settlement process according to the second settlement means is performed. Therefore, the settlement unit 232 can also perform this normal settlement process.

[0093] (Regarding the cooperation unit 235) The cooperation unit 235 corresponds to the cooperation unit 135 of the first information processing device 100. The cooperation unit 235 cooperates on information related to settlement between the first information processing device 100 and the second information processing device 200. In addition, the cooperation unit 235 cooperates on information related to settlement between the second information processing device 200 and the store device 30.

[0094] (Regarding the granting unit 236) The granting unit 236 corresponds to the granting unit 236 of the second information processing device 200. The granting unit 236 performs gain information granting control so that gain information (for example, cashback amount, cashback points, etc.) corresponding to the usage amount is granted to the user.

[0095] [4. Processing procedure] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the procedure of the post - settlement process realized in the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. In FIG. 6, since the second merchant operates a digital account in - house, a procedure in a pattern where a digital account exists on the side of the second information processing device 200 (a pattern where the first information processing device 100 does not have a digital account) is shown. In FIG. 7, since the second merchant entrusts the operation of the digital account to the first merchant, a procedure in a pattern where a digital account exists on the side of the first information processing device 100 (a pattern where the second information processing device 200 does not have a digital account) is shown.

[0096] Also, in FIGS. 6 and 7, the processing procedures are described using the examples of the merchants, settlement services, and settlement means described in FIG. 2. Specifically, the settlement system 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a first information processing device 100 which is a server device corresponding to the first merchant T12, and a second information processing device 200 which is a server device corresponding to the second merchant T21. Also, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a scene where the user U1 shops using the wallet application SPAP11 which is made into a super - application as described in FIG. 2.

[0097] 〔4 - 1. Processing Procedure (1)〕 First, with reference to FIG. 6, the procedure of the post - settlement process realized in the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram (1) showing the post - settlement processing procedure realized in the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment. In the settlement system 1 shown in FIG. 6, the first information processing device 100 has a bank account information database 122, a credit information database 123, and a point information database 124 according to the first settlement service CD12 (for example, an immediate transfer service, a deferred payment service, a point settlement service) provided by the first merchant T12. Also, in the settlement system 1 shown in FIG. 6, a digital account (digital account information database 221) exists on the side of the second information processing device 200.

[0098] First, according to the example of FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the user U1 of the terminal device 10 visits the store SH1 (※1). Here, the store SH1 is a franchise store that can perform settlement using the first application AP12. That is, the store SH1 is a franchise store that has joined the first settlement service CD12 provided by the first operator T12.

[0099] And as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the user U1 made a purchase of "1,000 yen" (usage amount "1,000 yen") by using the first application AP12, which is an example of the first settlement means (※2). Note that the settlement by using the first application AP12 here is a settlement realized by short-range communication between the first application AP12 activated via the wallet application SPAP11 and the store device 30.

[0100] When the settlement action is performed in this way, the terminal device 10 transmits purchase information indicating the usage amount "1,000 yen" to the first information processing device 100 (step S101).

[0101] The reception unit 131 of the first information processing device 100 receives the purchase information transmitted from the terminal device 10 (step S102).

[0102] In response to the purchase information being received by the reception unit 131, the provisional settlement unit 132 of the first information processing device 100 executes provisional settlement processing among the post-settlement processes (step S103). For example, the provisional settlement unit 132 can perform the following balance control as provisional settlement processing according to which first settlement service CD12 the first application AP12 used via the wallet application SPAP11 corresponds to.

[0103] For example, when the first payment service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is an immediate payment service (i.e., when the first application AP12 is a payment means corresponding to the debit card CD12), the provisional payment unit 132 controls the financial institution T11 to temporarily debit the usage amount of "1,000 yen" from the bank account (bank account information database 122) opened by the user U1.

[0104] As another example, when the first payment service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is a deferred payment service (i.e., when the first application AP12 is a payment means corresponding to the credit card CD12), the provisional payment unit 132 controls to temporarily conduct a payment according to the credit based on the credit information of the user U1 extracted from the credit information database 123.

[0105] Also, as another example, when the first payment service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is a point payment service (i.e., when the first application AP12 is a payment means corresponding to the electronic point CD12), the provisional payment unit 132 controls to temporarily debit points corresponding to the usage amount of "1,000 yen" from the remaining point balance of the user U1 in the point payment service (point information database 124).

[0106] Subsequently, the selection unit 133 included in the first information processing device 100 requests the user U1 to specify the payment means to be used for this payment (step S104). Specifically, the selection unit 133 transmits request information to request the terminal device 10 to specify the payment means to be used for this payment.

[0107] The terminal device 10 receives the request information transmitted from the selection unit 133 (step S105).

[0108] The terminal device 10 determines whether the user U1 has input the designation information for designating the payment means in response to the request from the selection unit 133 (step S106). While the terminal device 10 determines that the designation information has not been input (step S106; No), it waits until it can determine that the designation information has been input.

[0109] On the other hand, when the terminal device 10 can determine that the designation information has been input (step S106; Yes), it transmits the input designation information to the first information processing device 100 (step S107). Note that if the designation information is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request information was received, the terminal device 10 can transmit the designation information indicating a time - over to the first information processing device 100.

[0110] The selection unit 133 receives the designation information transmitted from the terminal device 10 (step S108). Then, based on the designation information, the selection unit 133 selects the payment means to be used for the present payment (step S109). For example, when the designation information indicates that the second application MIAP21, which is the second payment means, is designated, the selection unit 133 selects the second application MIAP21 as the payment means to be used. On the other hand, when the designation information indicates that it is a time - over, the selection unit 133 selects the first application AP12, which is the first payment means, as the payment means to be used. Note that when a plurality of first applications AP12 are introduced in the wallet application SPAP11, the selection unit 133 arbitrarily selects one application from among the plurality of first applications AP12. More specifically, for example, when applications corresponding to the debit card CD12, the credit card CD12, and the electronic point card CD12 are introduced as the first application AP12, the selection unit 133 arbitrarily selects one application from among these three first applications AP12.

[0111] Next, the settlement unit 134 determines whether the settlement means selected for use in step S109 is the second settlement means (step S110). Specifically, the settlement unit 134 determines whether the settlement means selected for use in step S109 is the second application MIAP21.

[0112] When the settlement unit 134 determines that the selected settlement means for use is the second settlement means (step S110; Yes), it shifts to the settlement mode corresponding to the second application MIAP21, which is the second settlement means (step S111a).

[0113] Then, the settlement unit 134 transmits the purchase information received in step S102 to the second information processing device 200 (step S112). For example, the settlement unit 134 instructs the second information processing device 200 to subtract the usage amount of "1,000 yen" from the balance in the digital account of the user U1 by transmitting the purchase information.

[0114] The reception unit 231 of the second information processing device 200 receives the purchase information transmitted from the settlement unit 134 (step S113).

[0115] The settlement unit 232 of the second information processing device 200 subtracts the usage amount of "1,000 yen" from the balance in the digital account of the user U1 among the digital accounts held by the digital account information database 221 in response to the purchase information being received by the reception unit 231 (step S114). Also, the settlement unit 232 transmits the deduction information indicating the deducted amount of "1,000 yen" to the first information processing device 100 (step S115). That is, the settlement unit 232 transfers the deducted amount of "1,000 yen" to the first information processing device 100.

[0116] When the settlement unit 134 receives the deduction information by the reception unit 131, based on this deduction information, it performs a process of filling the minus in the provisional settlement in step S103 (step 116). For example, the settlement unit 134 can perform the following settlement process according to what kind of first settlement service CD12 the first application AP12 used via the wallet application SPAP11 corresponds to.

[0117] For example, when the first settlement service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is an immediate settlement service (that is, when the first application AP12 is a settlement means corresponding to the debit card CD12), the settlement unit 134 controls so that the deduction amount of "1,000 yen" is transferred to the bank account of the user U1. For example, the settlement unit 134 transfers the amount of "1,000 yen" of the deduction to the bank account of the user U1 among the bank accounts held by the bank account information database 122.

[0118] As another example, when the first settlement service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is a deferred payment service (that is, when the first application AP12 is a settlement means corresponding to the credit card CD12), the settlement unit 134 fills in the settlement amount corresponding to the credit of the user U1 with the deduction amount of "1,000 yen".

[0119] Also, as another example, when the first settlement service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is a point settlement service (that is, when the first application AP12 is a settlement means corresponding to the electronic point CD12), the settlement unit 134 controls so that the deduction amount of "1,000 yen" is added to the point balance of the user U1. For example, the settlement unit 134 transfers the amount of "1,000 yen" of the deduction to the point account of the user U1 among the point accounts held by the point information database 124.

[0120] In addition, when the cooperation unit 235 of the second information processing device 200 detects that the main settlement process with the first information processing device 100 has been completed, it cooperates the settlement information by transmitting the settlement information indicating that the main settlement has been completed to the store device 30 of the store SH1 (step S117). For example, the cooperation unit 235 instructs the store device 30 to finalize the main settlement by transmitting the settlement information.

[0121] When the store device 30 receives the settlement information transmitted from the cooperation unit 235 (step S118), it finalizes the main settlement based on the received settlement information (step S119). Also, the store device 30 may notify the user U1 that the main settlement has been completed. For example, the store device 30 can transmit a completion notice of the main settlement to the terminal device 10.

[0122] Subsequently, the store device 30 determines gain information (for example, cashback amount, cashback points, etc.) corresponding to the usage amount "1,000 yen" based on the settlement information, and transmits the determined gain information to the second information processing device 200 (step S120).

[0123] The reception unit 231 receives the gain information transmitted from the store device 30 (step S121).

[0124] The granting unit 236 of the second information processing device 200 performs gain information granting control so that the gain indicated by the gain information is granted to the user U1 in response to the gain information being received by the reception unit 231 (step S122). For example, the granting unit 236 transmits the gain information to the first information processing device 100 to instruct to grant the gain indicated by the gain information to the user U1.

[0125] The awarding unit 136 of the first information processing apparatus 100 awards the user U1 the gain indicated by the gain information in response to an instruction from the awarding unit 236. For example, when the cashback amount is determined by the gain information, the awarding unit 136 adds this cashback amount to the balance of the user U1's bank account. Also, for example, when the cashback points are determined by the gain information, the awarding unit 136 adds this cashback points to the balance of the user U1's points account.

[0126] Returning to the description from step S110. When the present settlement unit 134 determines that the selected settlement means for use is not the second settlement means (step S110; No), that is, when it determines that the selected settlement means for use is the first settlement means, it shifts to the present settlement mode corresponding to the first application AP12 which is the first settlement means (step S111b). For example, the present settlement unit 134 can perform the following present settlement processing according to what kind of first settlement service CD12 the first application AP12 used via the wallet application SPAP11 corresponds to.

[0127] For example, when the first settlement service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is an immediate settlement service (that is, when the first application AP12 is a settlement means corresponding to the debit card CD12), the present settlement unit 134 controls so that the usage amount of "1,000 yen" is officially withdrawn from the bank account (bank account information database 122) opened by the user U1 at the financial institution T11.

[0128] As another example, when the first settlement service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is a deferred payment service (that is, when the first application AP12 is a settlement means corresponding to the credit card CD12), the present settlement unit 134 controls so that the settlement corresponding to the credit is officially performed based on the credit information of the user U1 extracted from the credit information database 123.

[0129] As another example, when the first settlement service CD12 corresponding to the first application AP12 is a point settlement service (i.e., when the first application AP12 is a settlement means corresponding to the electronic points CD12), the provisional settlement unit 132 controls so that points corresponding to the usage amount of "1,000 yen" are officially debited from the point balance of the user U1 in the point settlement service (point information database 124).

[0130] [4-2. Processing Procedure (2)] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 7, another example of the procedure of the post-settlement process realized by the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (2) showing the post-settlement process procedure realized by the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment. In the settlement system 1 shown in FIG. 7, similar to the example of FIG. 6, the first information processing apparatus 100 may have a bank account information database 122, a credit information database 123, and a point information database 124 according to the first settlement service CD12 (e.g., immediate transfer service, deferred payment service, point settlement service) provided by the first business operator T12. On the other hand, in the settlement system 1 shown in FIG. 7, since the digital account (digital account information database 121) exists on the side of the first information processing apparatus 100, it is different from the example of FIG. 6 in that the second information processing apparatus 200 does not have a digital account.

[0131] Also, because the digital account exists on the side of the first information processing apparatus 100, in the pattern where the second information processing apparatus 200 does not have a digital account, in the example of FIG. 6, part of the processing described as being performed by the second information processing apparatus 200 is performed by the first information processing apparatus 100.

[0132] Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, in accordance with the digital account existing on the first information processing apparatus 100 side, the description will focus on the processing performed by the first information processing apparatus 100 instead of the second information processing apparatus 200. Specifically, the new processing performed on the first information processing apparatus 100 side instead of the second information processing apparatus 200 is steps S214, S217, S221, S222, which respectively correspond to steps S114, S117, S121, S122 in FIG. 6. On the other hand, the description of the procedures with the same step numbers as in FIG. 6 will be omitted or simplified.

[0133] For example, assume that the processing has advanced to step S111a and has shifted to the present settlement mode corresponding to the second application MIAP21. Here, based on the purchase information received in step S102, the present settlement unit 134 subtracts the usage amount "1,000 yen" from the balance in the digital account of the user U1 among the digital accounts held by the digital account information database 121 (step S214).

[0134] Also, based on the deduction information indicating the deducted amount of "1,000 yen", the present settlement unit 134 performs a process of filling the minus in the provisional settlement in step S103 (step 216). For example, the present settlement unit 134 can perform the filling process according to what first settlement service CD12 the first application AP12 used via the wallet application SPAP11 corresponds to.

[0135] Next, when the cooperation unit 135 of the first information processing apparatus 100 detects that the present settlement process is completed, it cooperates the settlement information by transmitting the settlement information indicating that the present settlement is completed to the store apparatus 30 of the store SH1 (step S217). For example, by transmitting the settlement information, the cooperation unit 135 instructs the store apparatus 30 to finalize the present settlement.

[0136] Upon receiving the settlement information, the processing on the store apparatus 20 side proceeds to steps S118 - S120, and the reception unit 131 receives the profit information transmitted from the store apparatus 30 (step S221).

[0137] The awarding unit 136 of the first information processing apparatus 100 performs gain information awarding control so that the gain indicated by the gain information is awarded to the user U1 in response to the gain information being received by the reception unit 131 (step S222). For example, when the cashback amount is determined by the gain information, the awarding unit 136 adds this cashback amount to the balance of the user U1's bank account. Also, for example, when the cashback points are determined by the gain information, the awarding unit 136 adds this cashback points to the balance of the user U1's point account.

[0138] [5. Summary] Using FIGS. 6 and 7, a specific example of the post-settlement process realized by the settlement system 1 according to the embodiment has been described. According to such a settlement system 1, each person involved in the settlement system 1 will obtain the following merits. Using the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the merits obtained by each person involved will be described.

[0139] For example, the store SH1 (franchise store) will no longer receive business from the second operator T21. Also, for example, the store SH1 will no longer need to individually conclude a contract with the second operator T21. Also, for example, the store SH1 will not need the investment and effort to install a settlement device for the second operator T21 at the storefront.

[0140] Subsequently, the user U1 (user of the wallet application SPAP11) will no longer need to recharge the balance in the second payment service corresponding to the second application MIAP21 every time they shop, for example. Also, for example, the user U1 will not fall into a situation where there is a surplus in the balance in the second payment service corresponding to the second application MIAP21 or the balance becomes invalid due to expiration.

[0141] In addition, the first operator T12 (a financial institution or a group company belonging to a financial institution) will be able to effectively counter the threat that the upstream of the business, such as digital salary payment, will be controlled by the second operator T21. Also, for example, since the first operator T12 can collect purchase information associated with settlements using the wallet application SPAP11, it will be able to establish its position as an information bank that provides services based on the analysis of purchase information.

[0142] In addition, the second operator T21 (an electronic payment service operating company) does not need to develop its own franchisees and can use the franchise network of the first operator T12, so it can focus on its original business activities. Also, for example, the second operator T21 no longer needs to handle settlements on its own. Also, for example, the second operator T21 no longer needs to develop or invest in payment methods.

[0143] 〔6. Regarding Currency Exchange〕 From here, a specific example of the exchange process carried out between the presentation unit 137 and the exchange unit 138 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of currency exchange based on an exchange rate. For example, in the pattern where the digital account (digital account information database 121) exists on the side of the first information processing device 100, the exchange unit 138 can perform currency exchange based on the exchange rate between the currencies selected by the user.

[0144] For example, when the user selects cash currency, which is the balance in their own bank account, and virtual currency used in the electronic payment service provided by the second operator, the exchange unit 138 can exchange currencies between these based on a predetermined exchange example. Also, for example, when the user selects cash currency, which is the balance in their own bank account, and virtual currency used in the point payment service (such as virtual coins or electronic points, etc.) provided by the first operator, the exchange unit 138 can exchange currencies between these based on a predetermined exchange rate. Further, for example, when the user selects virtual currency used in the electronic payment service provided by the second operator and virtual currency used in the point payment service provided by the first operator, the exchange unit 138 can exchange currencies between these based on a predetermined exchange rate. Below, these specific examples will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0145] In the example of FIG. 8, a scene where currency exchange occurs between cash currency (yen), which is the account balance in the bank account information database 122 of the first information processing device 100, virtual currency (points), which is the account balance in the digital account information database 121, and virtual currency (coins), which is the account balance in the point information database 124, is conceptually shown.

[0146] More specifically, Exchange 1 shows the flow of currency exchange between cash currency managed as the bank account balance in the bank account information database 122 and virtual currency managed as the digital account balance in the digital account information database 121. Also, in FIG. 8, an example is shown where in Exchange 1, the reference exchange rate is 1 yen = 1 point (equivalent exchange).

[0147] Also, Exchange 2 shows the flow of currency exchange between cash currency managed as the bank account balance in the bank account information database 122 and virtual currency managed as the coin balance in the point information database 124. Also, in FIG. 8, an example is shown where in Exchange 2, the reference exchange rate is 1 yen = coins (equivalent exchange).

[0148] In addition, Exchange 3 shows the flow of currency exchange between virtual currency managed as digital account balance in the digital account information database 121 and virtual currency managed as coin balance in the point information database 124. Also, in FIG. 8, an example is shown where in Exchange 3, the reference exchange rate is 1 point = 1 coin (equivalent exchange).

[0149] Here, a specific example of Exchange 1 is shown. For example, the presentation unit 137 can assign a rank according to popularity (popularity ranking) among a plurality of different electronic payment services. For example, the presentation unit 137 compares the popularity calculated for each electronic payment service based on information about the users of each electronic payment service (for example, the number of users, etc.), and can assign a higher rank to the more popular electronic payment service.

[0150] This electronic payment service may also include a second payment service (second app MIAP21) provided by the second operator T21. In such a case, the presentation unit 137 determines the exchange rate based on the rank assigned to the second payment service. For example, when the rank assigned to the second payment service is higher than the reference rank, the presentation unit 137 may determine the exchange rate so as to increase the profit rate on the virtual currency side according to the difference rank from the reference rank. For example, the presentation unit 137 may determine the exchange rate so as to increase the value of the virtual currency used in the second payment service compared to the cash currency according to the difference rank from the reference rank. For example, the presentation unit 137 can determine an exchange rate such as 1 yen = 1.2 points with respect to the reference exchange rate.

[0151] In addition, when the presentation unit 137 determines an exchange rate that increases the value of the virtual currency used in the second payment service, it presents, for example, "Now, you can exchange at 1 yen = 1.2 points" to the user U1 as information beneficial for the exchange. According to such a presentation, the user U1 can grasp that it is the timing to exchange the cash currency for the virtual currency used in the second payment service.

[0152] Here, assume that user U1 selects the cash currency (the currency to be exchanged), which is the balance in the bank account, and the virtual currency (the currency to be exchanged to), which is the balance in the digital account, and also specifies the amount (yen) to be exchanged. In such a case, based on the exchange rate (for example, 1 yen = 1.2 points) determined by the presentation unit 137, the exchange unit 138 exchanges the amount to be exchanged into the virtual currency (points) used in the second payment service.

[0153] Next, a specific example of Exchange 2 is shown. In the example of FIG. 8, assume that the virtual currency used in the point payment service provided by the first operator is a local electronic coin that can only be used in stores in a specific region. In such a case, based on the location information of user U1, the presentation unit 137 determines whether user U1 is located in an area where the virtual currency used in the point payment service provided by the first operator is valid. And when the presentation unit 137 can determine that user U1 is located in the valid area, it may determine the exchange rate so as to increase the profit rate on the virtual currency side compared to the standard. For example, the presentation unit 137 can determine an exchange rate such as 1 yen = 1.2 coins with respect to the standard exchange rate.

[0154] Also, when the presentation unit 137 determines an exchange rate that increases the value of the virtual currency used in the point payment service, it presents, for example, "If now, you can exchange at 1 yen = 1.2 coins" to user U1 as information beneficial for the exchange. According to such a presentation, user U1 can grasp that it is the timing to exchange the cash currency into the virtual currency used in the point payment service.

[0155] Here, assume that user U1 selects the cash currency (the currency to be exchanged), which is the balance in the bank account, and the electronic coin (the currency to be exchanged to), which is the coin balance, and also specifies the amount (yen) to be exchanged. In such a case, based on the exchange rate (for example, 1 yen = 1.2 coins) determined by the presentation unit 137, the exchange unit 138 exchanges the amount to be exchanged into the virtual currency (coins) used in the point payment service.

[0156] Next, a specific example of Exchange 3 is shown. In Exchange 3, it is assumed that the presentation unit 137 determines an exchange rate that increases the value on the virtual currency side used in the second payment service between the physical currency and the virtual currency used in the second payment service. Also, it is assumed that the presentation unit 137 determines an exchange rate that increases the value on the virtual currency side used in the point payment service between the physical currency and the virtual currency used in the point payment service.

[0157] In such a state, the presentation unit 137 compares the value of the virtual currency used in the second payment service with the value of the virtual currency used in the point payment service, and presents the information based on the comparison result to the user U1 as the beneficial information for the exchange. For example, if the presentation unit 137 determines an exchange rate of 1 yen = 1.4 points and an exchange rate of 1 yen = 1.2 coins, for example, "If now, you can exchange at 1 coin = 1.2 points" is presented to the user U1 as the beneficial information for the exchange. According to such a presentation, the user U1 can grasp that it is the timing to exchange the virtual currency used in the point payment service for the virtual currency used in the second payment service.

[0158] Here, it is assumed that the user U1 selects the electronic coin (the currency to be exchanged), which is the coin balance, and the virtual currency (the currency to be exchanged to), which is the balance in the digital account, and also designates the amount (coins) to be exchanged. In such a case, the exchange unit 138 exchanges the amount to be exchanged into the virtual currency (points) used in the second payment service based on the exchange rate (for example, 1 coin = 1.2 points) determined by the presentation unit 137.

[0159] 〔7. Hardware Configuration〕 Next, regarding the hardware configuration examples of the first information processing apparatus 100 and the second information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment, the first information processing apparatus 100 will be described as an example. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the first information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the first information processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, a processor 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a host bus 804, a bridge 805, an external bus 806, an interface 807, an input device 808, an output device 809, a storage 810, a drive 811, a connection port 812, and a communication device 813. Note that the hardware configuration shown here is an example, and some of the components may be omitted. Also, other components not shown here may be further included.

[0160] (Processor 801) The processor 801 functions as, for example, an arithmetic processing unit or a control unit, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operations of each component based on various programs recorded in the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the storage 810, or the removable recording medium 901.

[0161] (ROM 802, RAM 803) The ROM 802 is a means for storing programs read by the processor 801, data used for calculations, and the like. In the RAM 803, for example, programs read by the processor 801 and various parameters that change as appropriate when executing the programs are stored temporarily or permanently.

[0162] (Host bus 804, bridge 805, external bus 806, interface 807) The processor 801, the ROM 802, and the RAM 803 are interconnected via, for example, a host bus 804 capable of high-speed data transmission. On the other hand, the host bus 804 is connected to an external bus 806 having a relatively low data transmission speed via, for example, a bridge 805. Also, the external bus 806 is connected to various components via an interface 807.

[0163] (Input device 808) As the input device 808, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, buttons, switches, levers, etc. are used. Furthermore, as the input device 808, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote control) capable of transmitting a control signal using infrared rays or other radio waves may also be used. In addition, the input device 808 includes a voice input device such as a microphone.

[0164] (Output device 809) The output device 809 is a device capable of visually or auditorily notifying the user of the acquired information, such as a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD, or organic EL, an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones, a printer, a mobile phone, or a facsimile. In addition, the output device 809 according to the present embodiment includes various vibration devices capable of outputting a tactile stimulus.

[0165] (Storage 810) The storage 810 is a device for storing various data. As the storage 810, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device is used.

[0166] (Drive 811) The drive 811 is a device for reading information recorded on a removable recording medium 901 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or for writing information to the removable recording medium 901.

[0167] (Connection port 812) The connection port 812 is a port for connecting an external connection device 902 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE1394 port, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), an RS-232C port, or an optical audio terminal.

[0168] (Communication device 813) The communication device 813 is a communication device for connecting to a network, for example, a communication card for wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB), a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various types of communication, etc.

[0169] (Removable recording medium 901) The removable recording medium 901 is, for example, a DVD medium, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) medium, an HD DVD medium, various semiconductor memory media, etc. Of course, the removable recording medium 901 may be, for example, an IC card equipped with a non-contact IC chip, or an electronic device, etc.

[0170] (External connection device 902) The external connection device 902 is, for example, a printer, a portable music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or an IC recorder, etc.

[0171] Note that the storage unit 120 according to the embodiment is realized by the ROM 802, the RAM 803, and the storage 810. Also, the control unit 130 according to the embodiment realized by the processor 801 reads and executes each control program (for example, the settlement program according to the embodiment) for realizing the reception unit 131, the provisional settlement unit 132, the selection unit 133, the final settlement unit 134, the cooperation unit 135, the granting unit 136, the presentation unit 137, and the exchange unit 138 from the ROM 802, the RAM 803, etc.

[0172] In addition, the storage unit 220 according to the embodiment is realized by a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage 810. Further, a control unit 230 according to the embodiment realized by a processor 801 reads and executes each control program (for example, a settlement program according to the embodiment) that realizes a reception unit 231, a settlement unit 232, a cooperation unit 235, and a granting unit 236 from the ROM 802, the RAM 803, or the like.

[0173] [8. Others] Among the above-described processes, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed may be performed manually. Also, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, regarding the processing procedures, specific names, information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0174] Also, each component of each illustrated device is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure. Also, each component may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit in whole or in part according to various loads and usage situations. Also, the above-described processes may be executed in appropriate combination within a non-conflicting range.

[0175] As described above, the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail based on several drawings. However, these are examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting from the aspects described in the column of the disclosure of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0176] 1 Payment system 10 Terminal device 30 Store device 100 First information processing device 120 Storage unit 121 Digital account information database 122 Bank account information database 123 Credit information database 124 Point information database 130 Control unit 131 Reception unit 132 Provisional settlement unit 133 Selection unit 134 Final settlement unit 135 Cooperation unit 136 Granting unit 137 Presentation unit 138 Exchange unit 200 Second information processing device 220 Storage unit 221 Digital account information database 230 Control unit 231 Reception unit 232 Settlement unit 235 Cooperation unit 236 Granting unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus corresponding to a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution, Among the payment means introduced in the digital wallet application provided by the predetermined financial institution, when a first payment means corresponding to the payment service provided by the first operator is used by a user of the digital wallet application, a provisional payment unit that executes a provisional payment corresponding to the first payment means with respect to the usage amount; A selection unit that selects a payment means to be used for formal final payment after the provisional payment is made; When the payment means selected by the selection unit is a second payment means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second operator not belonging to the predetermined financial institution among the payment means introduced as a mini-application to the digital wallet application, a final payment unit that executes a final payment corresponding to the second payment means with respect to the usage amount between the first operator and the second operator; An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The final payment unit, When the second payment means is selected by the selection unit, as the final payment, balance control based on the balance of the virtual currency corresponding to the electronic payment service and the usage amount is executed The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:

3. The information processing apparatus is communicably connected to another information processing apparatus corresponding to the second operator, The another information processing apparatus has a digital account in which balance information regarding the balance of the virtual currency is stored, The final payment unit, As the balance control, purchase information indicating the usage amount is transmitted to the another information processing apparatus so as to subtract the usage amount from the balance in the user's digital account among the digital accounts The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that:

4. It has a digital account in which balance information regarding the balance of the virtual currency is stored, The final payment unit, As the balance control, control is performed so that the usage amount is subtracted from the balance in the user's digital account among the digital accounts The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that:

5. The first payment means is a payment means corresponding to a payment card used when receiving an immediate transfer service provided by the first operator, The provisional payment unit, When the payment means corresponding to the payment card is used, as the provisional payment, control is performed so that the usage amount is temporarily debited from the account opened by the user with the predetermined financial institution. The main payment unit When the second payment means is selected by the selection unit, as the main payment, while executing the balance control, control is performed so that the usage amount deducted by the balance control is transferred to the account. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The first payment means is a payment means corresponding to a credit card used when receiving a post-payment service provided by the first operator. The provisional payment unit When the payment means corresponding to the credit card is used, as the provisional payment, control is performed so that a payment corresponding to the credit extension to the user is temporarily made. The main payment unit When the second payment means is selected by the selection unit, as the main payment, while executing the balance control, the payment amount corresponding to the credit extension is replenished with the usage amount deducted by the balance control. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that.

7. The first payment means is a payment means corresponding to electronic points used when receiving a point payment service provided by the first operator. The provisional payment unit When the payment means corresponding to the electronic points is used, as the provisional payment, control is performed so that points corresponding to the usage amount are temporarily deducted from the point balance of the user in the point payment service. The main payment unit When the second payment means is selected by the selection unit, as the main payment, while executing the balance control, control is performed so that electronic points corresponding to the usage amount deducted by the balance control are added to the point balance. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that.

8. The selection unit Requests the user to specify the payment means to be used for the main payment. When any payment means among the second payment means is specified in response to the request, the specified payment means is selected as the payment means to be used for the main payment. If no payment means is specified even after a predetermined period has elapsed after the request, any payment means is selected from among the first payment means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that...

9. An exchange unit that executes currency exchange based on a predetermined exchange rate between a virtual currency corresponding to the electronic payment service selected by the user and a cash currency that is the balance in the account opened by the user with the predetermined financial institution, or between virtual currencies corresponding to different electronic payment services selected by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that...

10. Further comprising a presentation unit that determines an exchange rate based on information regarding the popularity of the electronic payment service or information regarding the regionality of the electronic payment service, and presents the determined exchange rate to the user. The exchange unit is... When the user selects an original currency and a destination currency according to the exchange rate presented by the presentation unit, the exchange unit executes the currency exchange based on the exchange rate between the selected currencies. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that...

11. A settlement method executed by an information processing apparatus corresponding to a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution, comprising: A preliminary settlement step of executing a preliminary settlement corresponding to the first settlement means for the usage amount when the first settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to the settlement service provided by the first operator among the settlement means introduced in the digital wallet application provided by the predetermined financial institution, is used by the user of the digital wallet application; A selection step of selecting a settlement means to be used for the formal final settlement after the preliminary settlement is performed; A final settlement step of executing a final settlement corresponding to the second settlement means for the usage amount between the first operator and the second operator when the settlement means selected in the selection step is the second settlement means, which is a settlement means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second external operator not belonging to the predetermined financial institution, among the settlement means introduced as a mini-application to the digital wallet application. A settlement method characterized by including the above steps.

12. A settlement program executed by an information processing apparatus corresponding to a first operator belonging to a predetermined financial institution, comprising: Among the payment means introduced in the digital wallet application provided by the said specified financial institution, when a first payment means corresponding to the payment service provided by the said first operator is used by a user of the digital wallet application, a provisional payment procedure for executing a provisional payment corresponding to the said first payment means with respect to the amount used; A selection procedure for selecting a payment means to be used for formal final payment after the said provisional payment has been made; When the payment means selected by the said selection procedure is a second payment means corresponding to an electronic payment service provided by a second external operator not belonging to the said specified financial institution among the payment means introduced as a mini - application to the said digital wallet application, a final payment procedure for executing a final payment corresponding to the said second payment means with respect to the amount used between the said first operator and the said second operator; A payment program characterized by causing an information processing apparatus to execute the above.

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