Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

Eliminate payment fees when returning e-commerce purchases and trial services, thereby reducing costs. [Solution] A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: accepting a trial request for a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted after the first authorization process; and terminating the batch process of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted is accepted, or when information indicating completion of inspection of the returned product for which the trial request was accepted is accepted.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When using a credit card, an authorization process is performed to reserve a credit limit before payment.

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

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6792099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, there are known services on EC (electronic commerce) sites that allow customers to purchase a product, try it on (try it on), and then return it. However, in a process like the one described in Patent Document 1, not only authorization is required when purchasing a product, but payment processing is also required to be completed. Therefore, when returning a product, a refund is only given after the payment processing has been completed, which incurs a certain payment fee.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to eliminate payment fees and reduce costs in the return procedures for purchases and trial services on e-commerce sites. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the program causing the processor to: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; Execute the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, payment fees can be eliminated in the return procedures for purchases and trial services in e-commerce, thereby reducing the cost burden. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server 20 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of a user information table 2021. [Figure 5] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the data structure of a product information table 2022. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of a trial information table 2023. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 20 in an EC product purchase and trial service. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display 141 of a user terminal 10. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the user terminal 10. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the display 141 of the user terminal 10. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

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

[0012] Furthermore, the at least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0013] In the following explanation, information that produces an output for an input may be described using expressions such as "xxx table," but this information may be data of any structure, or may be a learning model such as a neural network that produces an output for an input. Therefore, an "xxx table" may be referred to as "xxx information."

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

[0015] In addition, in the following explanation, processing may be described using the "program" as the subject, but since a program is executed by a processor to perform specified processing while appropriately using a memory unit and / or an interface unit, etc., the subject of the processing may also be the processor (or a device such as a controller that has that processor).

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

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including alphabetic characters or symbols) may also be used.

[0018] In addition, in the following description, when describing elements of the same type without distinguishing between them, reference symbols (or common symbols among the reference symbols) may be used, and when describing elements of the same type with distinction between them, the identification numbers (or reference symbols) of the elements may be used.

[0019] In the following description, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily represent all the control lines and information lines in the product. All components may be interconnected.

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

[0021] <Summary> The system according to this embodiment is a system that provides e-commerce product purchase and trial services, and has a function of repeatedly performing credit card authorization processing until various procedures are completed. The authorization processing refers to a process of reserving a credit card credit limit before payment. The payment processing is performed after the authorization processing, using the credit limit reserved in the authorization processing. In this embodiment, a clothing try-on service is used as an example of a purchase and trial service, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may also be a purchase and trial service for furniture, home appliances, etc., for example.

[0022] The system accepts a trial request for a product on an e-commerce site from a user. The system performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted, and initiates a batch process of a second authorization process (re-authorization process) according to the price of the product. The second authorization process is repeated in batches until a termination condition is met. The system terminates the batch process of the second authorization process when it receives confirmation of the purchase of the product from the user, when it receives information from the e-commerce business that inspection of the returned product has been completed, or when it does not receive this information within the trial period. The system according to this embodiment allows, for example, a credit card credit limit to be reserved in an e-commerce purchase and trial service until the product is returned. <1 Overall system configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 1. The system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes, for example, a user terminal 10, a server 20, an EC business operator terminal 30, and a card company server 40. The user terminal 10, the server 20, the EC business operator terminal 30, and the card company server 40 are communicatively connected, for example, via a network 80.

[0023] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one user terminal 10, the number of user terminals 10 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. The number of user terminals 10 included in the system 1 may be two or more.

[0024] 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one EC business operator terminal 30, but the number of EC business operator terminals 30 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. The number of EC business operator terminals 30 included in the system 1 may be two or more.

[0025] In this embodiment, a collection of multiple devices may be considered as one server. The allocation of multiple functions required to realize the server 20 according to this embodiment to one or more pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for the server 20.

[0026] 1 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a user who purchases or tries out a product in an EC site. The user includes, for example, a general consumer. The user terminal 10 is realized, for example, by a desktop personal computer (PC), a laptop PC, or the like. The user terminal 10 may also be realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0027] The user terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from a user (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.). The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a user (a display, a speaker, etc.).

[0028] The server 20 is, for example, an information processing device that provides an e-commerce product purchase and trial service and controls authorization processing in response to a product trial request from a user. The server 20 accepts a product trial request from a user. The server 20 performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product and starts batch processing of a second authorization process according to the price of the product. The server 20 ends the batch processing of the second authorization process when it receives information confirming the purchase of the product from the user or when it receives information indicating the completion of inspection of the returned product from the e-commerce site operator.

[0029] The server 20 is, for example, an information processing device realized by a computer connected to a network 80. As shown in Fig. 1, the server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29. The input / output IF 23 functions as an input device for receiving input operations from a user, an EC business operator, and a card company, and as an interface with an output device for outputting information to a user, an EC business operator, and a card company.

[0030] The EC business operator terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing device operated by an EC business operator who inspects returned products. The EC business operator terminal 30 receives information on the completion of inspection of returned products from the EC business operator and transmits the information to the server 20. The EC business operator terminal 30 is realized, for example, by a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, or the like. The user terminal 10 may be realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0031] The card company server 40 is an information processing device that provides services of a card company that is affiliated with a user and an EC business. The card company server 40 reserves a credit card's credit limit in response to an authorization processing request from the server 20. The card company server 40 releases the credit card's credit limit in response to a request from the server 20 to cancel the authorization processing. The card company server 40 also releases the credit card's credit limit when the expiration date of the authorization processing has passed. The card company server 40 is an information processing device realized by, for example, a computer connected to the network 80.

[0032] Each information processing device is configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the user terminal 10, the server 20, the EC business operator terminal 30, and the card company server 40, descriptions that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0033] <1.1 Functional configuration of terminal device> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the user terminal 10 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] The user information 181 includes, for example, information about the user who uses the user terminal 10. The information about the user includes, for example, the user's name, age, sex, date of birth, address, and the like.

[0040] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the user terminal 10. The control unit 190 functions as an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, and a presentation control unit 193 by operating in accordance with the program.

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

[0042] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives voice instructions input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives a voice signal that is input from the microphone 171 and converted into a digital signal by the voice processing unit 17. For example, the operation reception unit 191 analyzes the received voice signal and extracts a predetermined noun, thereby acquiring an instruction from the user.

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

[0044] The presentation control unit 193 controls the output device 14 to present information provided from the server 20 to the user. Specifically, for example, the presentation control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display request instructions transmitted from the server 20, acceptance of various requests, and the like. In addition, the presentation control unit 193 causes the speaker 172 to output the information transmitted from the server 20.

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

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

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

[0048] The user information table 2021 is a table that stores information about users, and will be described in detail later.

[0049] The product information table 2022 is a table that stores information about products, and will be described in detail later.

[0050] The trial information table 2023 is a table that stores information about product purchases by users, as will be described in detail later.

[0051] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. The program includes an application such as a web browser application. The program includes an interpreted programming language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) that is executed on a web browser application stored in the user terminal 10. The control unit 203 operates in accordance with the program to perform functions shown as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a service processing module 2033, and a presentation control module 2034.

[0052] The reception control module 2031 controls the process in which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol. The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol. The service processing module 2033 controls authorization processing in accordance with operations by the user and the EC business. The presentation control module 2034 controls the process in which information is presented to the user and the EC business.

[0053] Specifically, for example, the service processing module 2033 receives a product trial request from a user in an e-commerce site via the reception control module 2031. The product purchase and trial service is a service provided for, for example, 0 yen. The service processing module 2033 performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request is received. The first authorization process is a process of reserving a credit limit for the user's credit card according to the price of the product for which the trial request is received. The service processing module 2033 transmits a request for the first authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032. After the first authorization process (triggered by the first authorization process), the service processing module 2033 starts batch processing of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request is received. The second authorization process is a process similar to the first authorization process, and is a process of reserving a credit limit for the user's credit card according to the price of the product for which the trial request is received. Batch processing refers to a process that is performed periodically and automatically. That is, the second authorization process is performed periodically and automatically. The batch process of the second authorization process is performed multiple times until the termination condition is met. The batch process of the second authorization process is performed at least once within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is the expiration date of the second authorization process, and is, for example, one week.

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

[0055] The service processing module 2033 accepts a product return request from a user via the reception control module 2031. When the service processing module 2033 accepts a product return request from a user, it retrieves the relevant trial information from the trial information table 2023. The service processing module 2033 accepts product return confirmation information from the user via the reception control module 2031 so as to correspond to the relevant trial information. Upon accepting the product return confirmation information, the service processing module 2033 accepts inspection completion information for the returned product from the e-commerce business via the reception control module 2031. If the inspection completion information indicates that the returned product is non-defective, the service processing module 2033 terminates batch processing of the second authorization process and performs payment (capture) processing based on the second authorization process. That is, the service processing module 2033 sends a payment request for the second authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032. On the other hand, if the inspection completion information indicates that the returned product is defective, the service processing module 2033 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and cancels the second authorization process. That is, the service processing module 2033 sends a cancellation request for the second authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032.

[0056] If the service processing module 2033 does not receive confirmation of the purchase of the product and information on the completion of inspection of the returned product within the product deadline, it terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and performs a settlement (capture) process based on the second authorization process. That is, the service processing module 2033 sends a settlement request for the second authorization process to the card company via the transmission control module 2032.

[0057] <2 Data Structure> 4 to 6 are diagrams showing the data structures of tables stored in the server 20. Note that Figures 4 to 6 are merely examples and do not exclude data that is not listed. Furthermore, even data that is listed in the same table may be stored in separate storage areas in the storage unit 202.

[0058] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user information table 2021. The user information table 2021 shown in Fig. 4 is a table having columns such as name, age, sex, date of birth, and address, with a user ID as a key.

[0059] The user ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user. The name is an item that stores the user's name. The age is an item that stores the user's age. The gender is an item that stores the user's gender. The date of birth is an item that stores the user's date of birth. The address is an item that stores the user's address.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information table 2022. The product information table 2022 shown in Fig. 5 is a table having columns such as product name, image, category, type, and price, with a product ID as a key.

[0061] The product ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a product. The product name is an item that stores the name of the product. The image is an item that stores an image of the product. The category is an item that stores a product category based on function or properties. The type is an item that stores the type of product, such as new or used. The price is an item that stores the price of the product. The price may include a regular price or a sale price, etc.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of trial information table 2023. Trial information table 2023 shown in Fig. 6 is a table having columns such as user ID, product ID, trial application date, expiration date, and status, with trial ID (order number) as a key.

[0063] The trial ID is an item for storing an identifier for uniquely identifying the trial item.

[0064] The user ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a user who is using the trial service. The item "user ID" is uniquely determined according to the item "trial ID." The item "user ID" corresponds to the item "user ID" in the user information table 2021.

[0065] The product ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a product to be tried out. The item "product ID" is uniquely determined according to the item "trial ID." The item "product ID" corresponds to the item "product ID" in the product information table 2022.

[0066] The trial application date is an item for storing the date on which the trial application was made.

[0067] The expiration date is an item that stores the trial expiration date of the product to be tried. The expiration date may be set uniformly, for example. Alternatively, the expiration date may be set appropriately based on, for example, user information using a user ID or product information using a product ID. The period until the expiration date may be set, for example, based on the number of trials (not shown) in the user information, and may be set longer if the number of trials is large and shorter if the number of trials is small. Alternatively, the period until the expiration date may be set, for example, based on the type or price of the product information. For example, the period until the expiration date may be set shorter if the type is used, and longer if the type is new. Alternatively, the period until the expiration date may be set longer if the product is priced at a regular price and shorter if the product is priced at a sale price.

[0068] The status is an item that stores the current status of the product to be used. The item "status" stores statuses such as preparing for shipment, being shipped, shipped completed, purchase or return request being accepted, purchase confirmed, return confirmed, and inspection completed. The item "status" is updated when the service processing module 2033 acquires each status information.

[0069] <3 operations> The operation of the server 20 in the EC product purchase and trial service will be described.

[0070] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server 20 in a service for purchasing and trying out EC products. In the explanation of Fig. 7, the server 20 provides the service for purchasing and trying out EC products as SaaS (Software as a Service). Here, an example will be explained in which the EC products are clothing.

[0071] First, a user who wants to purchase and try out an EC product accesses the server 20. The user logs in to the purchase and try-out service provided by the server 20, for example, by entering their user ID and password. The user selects the target product.

[0072] In step S11, the server 20 accepts a trial request for an EC product from the user. Specifically, the presentation control module 2034 displays a button for submitting a trial request along with the target product on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the button for submitting a trial request. The transmitter / receiver 192 transmits the user's trial request to the server 20. The reception control module 2031 receives the trial request transmitted from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 accepts the user's trial request for the target product.

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

[0074] In step S13, after the first authorization process (triggered by the first authorization process), the server 20 starts batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 sends a request for the second authorization process to the card company server 40 via the transmission control module 2032 through batch processing. The second authorization process is an authorization process similar to the first authorization process, and is a process for reserving a credit limit for the user's credit card according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted. In this example, a credit limit according to the price of the product name AAAA (¥●●●●) is reserved. The card company server 40 reserves a credit limit for the user's credit card in response to the request for the second authorization process from the transmission control module 2032. The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed periodically and automatically, and is performed multiple times until the termination condition is met. The batch processing of the second authorization process is performed at least once within a predetermined period. The specified deadline is the expiration date of the second authorization process, for example, one week. Furthermore, the first batch processing of the second authorization process (the second authorization process immediately after the first authorization process) is performed within the expiration date of the first authorization process. That is, the first second authorization process is performed after the first authorization process but within the expiration date of the first authorization process (for example, within one week), and then the second second authorization process is performed after the first second authorization process but within the expiration date of the first second authorization process. The third and subsequent second authorization processes are performed in the same manner. At this time, when the next authorization process (for example, the first second authorization process) is completed, the credit limit of the immediately preceding authorization process (for example, the first authorization process) is canceled. The e-commerce business operator ships the product for which a trial request has been accepted to the user in parallel with the first and second authorization processes.

[0075] In step S14, the server 20 accepts a product purchase request or return request from the user. Specifically, the presentation control module 2034 displays instructions for purchasing or returning the target product and a button for submitting the purchase request or return request on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the button for submitting the purchase request or return request. The user may also operate the user terminal 10 to input trial information (such as an order number and a postal code). The transceiver 192 transmits the user's purchase request or return request to the server 20. The reception control module 2031 receives the purchase request or return request transmitted from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 accepts the user's purchase request or return request for the target product. At this time, the service processing module 2033 obtains information regarding the target trial ID from the trial information table 2023 based on the trial information (such as an order number and a postal code) input together with the purchase request or return request.

[0076] When a product purchase request is received from the user in step S14 (in the case of a purchase request in step S14), the server 20 receives confirmation information of the product purchase from the user in step S15. Specifically, the presentation control module 2034 displays a purchase confirmation button for the target product on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the purchase confirmation button. The user may also operate the user terminal 10 and input the reason for the purchase. The transmitter / receiver 192 transmits the confirmation information of the user's purchase to the server 20. The reception control module 2031 receives the confirmation information of the purchase transmitted from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 receives the confirmation information of the user's purchase of the target product.

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

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

[0079] If a product return request is received from the user in step S14 (in the case of a return request in step S14), the server 20 receives confirmation information for the return of the product from the user in step S18. Specifically, the presentation control module 2034 displays a return confirmation button for the target product on the display 141 of the user terminal 10. The user operates the user terminal 10 and presses the return confirmation button. The user may also operate the user terminal 10 to input the reason for return. The transmitter / receiver 192 transmits the confirmation information for the user's return to the server 20. The reception control module 2031 receives the confirmation information for the return transmitted from the user terminal 10. As a result, the server 20 receives the confirmation information for the user's return of the target product. The user then returns the product for which the confirmation information for return has been received to the EC business operator.

[0080] In step S19, the server 20 receives inspection completion information for the returned product from the EC business operator. Specifically, the presentation control module 2034 displays an input screen for inspection completion information for the target product on the display 141 of the EC business operator terminal 30. The EC business operator operates the EC business operator terminal 30 to input the inspection completion information. At this time, the EC business operator inputs, as the inspection completion information, information that the inspection has been completed as well as information as to whether the returned product is a good product or a defective product. The EC business operator terminal 30 transmits the inspection completion information by the EC business operator to the server 20. The reception control module 2031 receives the inspection completion information transmitted from the EC business operator terminal 30. As a result, the server 20 receives the inspection completion information for the target product by the EC business operator.

[0081] If the returned product is determined to be a non-defective product in step S20 (YES in step S20), the server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process in step S21. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 stops the batch processing of the second authorization process that has been performed periodically and automatically. At this time, the credit card credit limit has been secured by the last batch processing of the second authorization process.

[0082] In step S22, the server 20 cancels the second authorization process. Specifically, the service processing module 2033 sends a cancellation request for the second authorization process to the card company server 40 via the transmission control module 2032. This cancellation request is a request to cancel the credit card credit limit secured by the most recent second authorization process. In response to the cancellation request from the transmission control module 2032, the card company server 40 cancels and releases the credit card credit limit of the user.

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

[0084] If the user does not submit a purchase request or return request for the product by the trial period in step S14 (if no request is submitted in step S14), the server 20 ends the batch processing of the second authorization process in step S16. Then, the server 20 performs the payment process in step S17.

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

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

[0087] The second area 1412 is an area where operation buttons are displayed. The operation buttons may include, for example, a purchase button and a try button. In FIG. 8, the purchase button is displayed as "Add to Cart." The try button is displayed as "Try on at home for 0 yen." The purchase button is a button for purchasing the target product. The try button is a button for trying on the target product.

[0088] The user checks the information displayed in the first area 1411 and presses the operation button in the second area 1412 that the user wants to execute. When the operation button is pressed, the operation receiving unit 191 receives an instruction corresponding to the operation button.

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

[0090] The first area 1421 is an area where, for example, instructions for requesting purchase or return of a product that the user is trying out are displayed. The first area 1421 displays instructions that allow the user to take appropriate action before the trial period expires.

[0091] The second area 1422 is an area where an order number input area, a postal code input area, and a procedure start button are displayed. The order number of the target product is input in the order number input area. The postal code input area is where the postal code of the user's address is input. The procedure start button is a button for making a purchase request or return request and starting each procedure.

[0092] The user checks the instruction text displayed in the first area 1421, enters the order number and postal code in the second area 1422, and presses the procedure start button. This causes the operation reception unit 191 to receive the purchase request or return request.

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

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

[0095] The second area 1432 is an area where a reason input area and a purchase confirmation button are displayed. The reason for purchasing the target product is input in the reason input area. The purchase confirmation button is a button for confirming the purchase of the target product.

[0096] The third area 1433 is an area where a reason input area and a return confirmation button are displayed. The reason for returning the target product is input in the reason input area. The return confirmation button is a button for confirming the return of the target product.

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

[0098] <5 Summary> As described above, the server 20 of this embodiment accepts a product trial request in e-commerce transactions. The server 20 performs a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted. After the first authorization process, the server 20 starts a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted. The server 20 terminates the batch process of the second authorization process when it receives confirmation of the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted, or when it receives information indicating that the trial request and the returned product have been inspected. This allows the credit card credit limit to be maintained through the authorization process without performing a settlement process during the return procedure for purchases and trial services in e-commerce. In other words, this eliminates the need for settlement fees during the return procedure for purchases and trial services in e-commerce, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the release of credit limit and the loss of payment means due to the expiration of the authorization process, thereby preventing the loss of opportunities to collect product prices.

[0099] In this embodiment, the batch processing of the second authorization process is performed multiple times, thereby ensuring the credit card credit limit until various procedures are completed.

[0100] In this embodiment, the batch processing of the second authorization process is performed at least once within the validity period of the second authorization process, which allows the credit card credit limit to be continuously secured without being invalidated by the second authorization process.

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

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the server 20 accepts a trial request, and when it receives information indicating that the returned product has been inspected and that the product is found to be non-defective, it cancels the second authorization process. This allows the procedure to be completed without performing a settlement process if the returned product is found to be non-defective, thereby preventing the payment fee from being incurred.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the server 20 does not receive confirmation information for the purchase of the product for which the trial request was accepted and the trial request, and does not receive information on the completion of inspection of the returned product within the trial period of the product for which the trial request was accepted, the server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process and performs the settlement process. This allows the product price to be collected even if there is no request to purchase or return the product within the trial period of the product.

[0104] <6 Variations> In the above embodiment, the trial expiration date of the product is appropriately set based on the user information or the product information, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the trial expiration date of the product may not be set. In other words, the trial service may not be accepted based on the user information or the product information. In this case, the first authorization process and the second authorization process are not performed.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the server 20 cancels the second authorization process in step S22 of Fig. 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. The server 20 may leave the credit card credit limit due to the second authorization process as it is and let the expiration date of the second authorization process pass, thereby invalidating the credit limit.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a form in which each function is provided by the user terminal 10, the server 20, the EC business operator terminal 30, or the card company server 40 is described, but this is not limited to this form, and some or all of the functions may be provided by the user terminal 10, the server 20, the EC business operator terminal 30, or the card company server 40 in a form different from the above embodiment.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the server 20 terminates the batch processing of the second authorization process in step S16 or step S21 when it receives from the e-commerce business information indicating the completion of inspection of the returned product in step S19 of FIG. 7 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server 20 may also accept a product exchange request along with the return request in step S14. When the server 20 receives a product exchange request and the price of the replacement product is equal to or lower than the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, the server 20 may continue the batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, and may again accept a purchase request or return request for the replacement product in step S14. On the other hand, when the server 20 receives a product exchange request and the price of the replacement product is higher than the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, the server 20 may terminate the batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, and may again execute the first authorization process according to the price of the replacement product in step S12. Alternatively, the server 20 may continue the batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially received, without terminating it, and may again execute the first authorization process in parallel in step S12 according to the increased price of the replacement product.

[0108] Furthermore, the server 20 may, for example, accept a request to add a product. When the server 20 accepts a request to add a product, the server 20 may terminate the batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, and may execute the first authorization process again in step S12 according to the price of the additional product and the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted. Alternatively, the server 20 may continue the batch processing of the second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was initially accepted, without terminating it, and may execute the first authorization process again in step S12 according to the increased price of the additional product in parallel.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the server 20 can secure a credit limit in the repeated second authorization process, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the server 20 cannot secure a credit limit in the second authorization process, the server 20 may perform a settlement process using the credit limit secured in the immediately preceding authorization process, and may perform a refund process as necessary.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the function of repeatedly performing authorization processing is used in a trial service, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be used in trade-in purchases or advance purchases in e-commerce.

[0111] In the case of a trade-in purchase, the server 20 sets the product price to the actual price minus the estimated trade-in price. The server 20 secures a credit card credit limit corresponding to the estimated trade-in price by repeating the authorization process. When the trade-in appraisal is completed, the server 20 performs a settlement process for the amount of the credit limit obtained by subtracting the estimated trade-in price from the estimated trade-in price. On the other hand, if the estimated trade-in price and the estimated trade-in price are the same, the server 20 cancels the credit limit for the authorization process.

[0112] In the case of a pre-order purchase, the server 20 secures a credit card credit limit corresponding to the price of the reserved item by repeating the authorization process. Then, the server 20 performs the payment process when the reserved item is shipped. On the other hand, the server 20 cancels the credit limit of the authorization process when the reservation is canceled.

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

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

[0115] The main storage device 92 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0116] The auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0117] The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0118] The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0119] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0120] <8 Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> A description will be given of the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90 shown in Fig. 11. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

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

[0122] The control unit is realized by the processor 91 reading various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, expanding them in the main storage device 92, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that processes information.

[0123] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 92 and an auxiliary storage device 93. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 91 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0124] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called tables, which are structured by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables can be set and associated.

[0125] Typically, each table has a column set as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0126] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99. The communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. In addition, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

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

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

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

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

[0131] In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

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

[0133] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0134] (Addendum) The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0135] (Appendix 1) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the program causing the processor to: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; A program that executes the following.

[0136] (Appendix 2) The batch processing of the second authorization processing is performed multiple times. (Appendix 1) describes the program.

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

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

[0139] (Appendix 5) causing the processor to execute a payment process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received; (Appendix 1) describes the program.

[0140] (Appendix 6) and causing the processor to execute a step of performing a payment process when the trial request is received and information on the completion of inspection of the returned product is received and the product is determined to be defective. (Appendix 1) The program described in.

[0141] (Appendix 7) and causing the processor to execute a step of canceling the second authorization process when the trial request is received and when information indicating completion of inspection of the returned product is received and the product is determined to be a non-defective product. (Appendix 1) The program described in.

[0142] (Appendix 8) Terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received and completion information of inspection of the returned product are not received within the trial period of the product for which the trial request has been received; performing a payment process; causing the processor to execute (Appendix 1) The program described in.

[0143] (Appendix 9) 1. A computer-implemented method comprising a processor and a memory, the processor: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; How to do it.

[0144] (Appendix 10) An information processing device including a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; An information processing device that executes the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1. System 10...User terminal 12...Communication IF 13...Input device 14...Output device 15...Memory 16…Storage 19...Processor 20...Server 22...Communication IF 23...Input / output interface 25…Memory 26…Storage 29...Processor 30...EC business terminal 40...Card company server

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer including a processor and a memory, the program causing the processor to: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; A program that executes the following.

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

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

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

5. causing the processor to execute a step of performing a payment process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received; The program according to claim 1.

6. and causing the processor to execute a step of performing a payment process when the trial request is received and information on the completion of inspection of the returned product is received and the product is determined to be defective. The program according to claim 1.

7. and causing the processor to execute a step of canceling the second authorization process when the trial request is received and when information indicating completion of inspection of the returned product is received and the product is determined to be a non-defective product. The program according to claim 1.

8. Terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product and completion information of inspection of the returned product are not received within the trial period of the product for which the trial request has been received; performing a payment process; causing the processor to execute The program according to claim 1.

9. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising a processor and a memory, the processor: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; How to do it.

10. An information processing device including a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the control unit: receiving a request for a trial of a product in an electronic commerce transaction; performing a first authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request has been received; After the first authorization process, starting a batch process of a second authorization process according to the price of the product for which the trial request was accepted; A step of terminating the batch processing of the second authorization process when confirmation information of the purchase of the product for which the trial request has been received is received, or when the trial request has been received and information on completion of inspection of the returned product is received; An information processing device that executes the above.

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